Town of Pittsford Select Board Meeting
February 15, 2017
The meeting was called to order at 6:30PM by Thomas Hooker, Vice Chairman.
Select Board members present: Jane Cornell, Thomas Hooker, David Trombley and W. Joseph Gagnon. ABSENT: Thomas “Hank” Pelkey. Also present: Charles “Butch” Shaw, John Haverstock, and Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
J. Haverstock indicated that there was a need for Executive Session for one contractual issue concerning the proposed land transfers between the Town and the School District. Motion by D. Trombley and seconded by J. Cornell to enter into Executive Session for contractual. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
Motion by J. Cornell and seconded by D. Trombley to adopt the agenda as amended. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
MINUTES
The Select Board minutes from the February 1, 2017 meeting were signed, with no corrections.
ORDERS
The orders in the amount $103,776.34 and $15,951.79 (Payroll) were approved, with no discussion.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
J. Haverstock reported on the following:
· The Select Board will be meeting on March 8 and March 22, due to Town Meeting timing.
· The Town Manager, Recreation Director and Chief Warfle met with John Gonyea’s replacement at the Vermont Police Academy, Drew Bloom. This meeting was to introduce one another and discuss the Town’s friendly, cooperative relationship with the Academy.
· The Town Manager will be attending the OMYA Community Issues Team meeting on February 16. Directly following that meeting, he will be attending a Mosquito District meeting.
· There will be a Staff Meeting on February 23 at 9:00 AM. Members of the Select Board are invited to attend.
· The Municipal Office and related operations will be closed on Monday, February 20 in observance of Presidents Day.
· Negotiations between the Town’s attorney and OVUU’s attorney have been occurring with regard to a potential swap land agreement. This topic will be discussed further in Executive Session.
· Chief Warfle has indicated that the new police cruiser will be available on February 16 at Fair Haven Dodge, at which time the trade-in cruiser will be delivered. Equipment has been removed from the old cruiser to be used in the new vehicle.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None presented at this time.
OLD BUSINESS
Review Town Report Dedication Ceremony Plans:
J. Haverstock reported that the Town Report dedication ceremony will occur on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at 9:00 AM at the Lothrop School Gym. The honorees and their families have been contacted, the staff has been invited and the local press has been contacted. The Town Reports will be mailed by the printer on February 17.
Review Town Meeting Preparations:
Town Meeting will occur on Monday, March 6, 2017 at 6:30 PM. Jim Carvey will serve as Moderator and has attended a refresher course. The Select Board will meet at 6:10 PM, prior to the Town Meeting.
The School District will host its meeting on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at OVUHS.
Review Bids to Purchase Nauman Parcel:
J. Haverstock reported that 8 bids were opened on February 10 with regard to the Emma Nauman property, which the Town took via tax sale. The highest bidder was John Reynolds from Brandon with a bid of $1,132.74. Motion by J. Gagnon and seconded by J. Cornell to accept the bid from John Reynolds in the amount of $1,132.74 for the Emma Nauman property. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
Discuss Options to Dispose of Wood Pile at Transfer Station:
J. Haverstock reported that this large wood pile has been an issue for several years and there has been at least one fire. J. Haverstock reported that a bid has come forth in the amount of approximately $21,000 to mulch this pile, which is estimated to be 125’ X 70’ X 12’. Shawn Erickson has stated that the Highway Department staff will be able to assist the contractor with this project to save some money.
J. Gagnon inquired if this has been advertised. J. Haverstock stated that there are not many companies in the vicinity that perform this type of work, as learned in the past by S. Erickson.
Motion by J. Cornell and seconded by D. Trombley to hire Hammond Grinding and Recycling at the quoted price. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
NEW BUSINESS
State Legislative Session Update (C. Shaw):
Rep. Shaw was present to discuss the current Legislative session:
· Water quality is a big priority, due to EPA threats regarding phosphorus in the State waterways. There is also a push to update road maps and infrastructure maps. There is a possibility of expanding the Better Roads and Structures Grant budgets.
· VT Healthcare/VT Health Connect proposals are on hold due to the uncertainty in Washington, DC over the future of the Affordable Care Act (i.e. “obomacare”).
· The Police Academy request in the Capital Budget has been placed on hold, however, there are some safety improvements in the works.
· The Governor has level funded aid to municipalities for Class 2 and Class 3 roads.
· Legislation is currently focusing on the General Fund and Transportation funding.
· The Governor has proposed an Executive Order preventing the Vermont State Police and Town police departments enforce immigration laws.
Rep. Shaw has met with J. Haverstock concerning a letter that the Town of Brandon has written with regards to the proposed installation of rumble strips along the centerline of Route 7. The Select Board agreed to write a letter to the Secretary of Transportation in support of the proposal.
Rep. Shaw will be present at Town Meeting for remarks.
The Select Board members expressed concern over the fireworks laws. Rep. Shaw stated that there is nothing in the proposed bills for this year. Rep. Shaw will discuss this with the Rutland County Senators.
T. Hooker inquired about the proposed of 9-1-1 dispatch centers and municipalities being charged for their dispatching services. Rep. Shaw stated that there is no discussion and that the Commissioner of Public Safety has stated that they can not stop dispatching services or charge for services.
Rep. Shaw anticipates that Route 7 Segment 1, 3 or 4 will be under construction in 2017 or 2018.
Rep. Shaw exited at 7:04 PM.
Presentation of FY 2015 – 2016 Audit Report:
The auditors were not present due to weather conditions. The Select Board discussed possibly rescheduling a presentation by Sullivan & Powers in the future.
Certification of Compliance with State’s Road and Bridge Standards:
J. Haverstock stated that this is an annual exercise to confirm compliance with standards, in order for the Town to remain eligible for grants. The Select Board signed this documentation.
Authorize Seasonal Posting of Roads:
J. Haverstock stated that this is also an annual exercise. S. Erickson will use his discretion as to timing. The roads include: Sugar Hollow, Creed Hill, Hitchcock, Furnace, Ager, Sangamon, Parker, Oxbow, Whipple Hollow, West Creek and Markowski Roads.
The document was signed by the members of the Select Board.
Authorize Town Manager to Respond to Municipal Impact Questionnaire for Dan Adams’ Act 250 Subdivision Permit Process:
J. Haverstock stated that the property is a 4+ acre parcel that includes a house and vehicle repair garage on Route 3. The Select Board agreed to authorize the Town Manager to respond to the Municipal Impact Questionnaire.
The Select Board recessed to convene as the Liquor Board at 7:22 PM.
The Select Board reconvened at 7:24 PM.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
J. Cornell made a motion and seconded by D. Trombley to go into Executive Session for contractual to discuss the proposed land transfers between the Town and the School District, where premature knowledge would be damaging to the Town, and may be jeopardized by public disclosure.
In accordance with 1 VSA 312 (b), where premature general public knowledge would clearly place the Municipality or person involved at a substantial disadvantage, the Board unanimously agreed to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of contractual at 7:25 PM. The Town Manager Haverstock was invited to remain for Executive Session.
The Select Board exited Executive Session at 7:36 PM.
Motion by D. Trombley and seconded by J. Cornell to authorize the Town Manager to sign an agreement describing the proposed transfers of land parcels between the Town and Otter Valley Unified Union School District. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
The meeting adjourned at 7:37 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Select Board will be held on March 8, 2017.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
______________ABSENT___________
Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chairman
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Thomas Hooker, Vice Chairman
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Jane Cornell, Selectman
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W. Joseph Gagnon, Selectman
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David Trombley, Selectman