Town of Pittsford Select Board Meeting
March 22, 2017
The meeting was called to order at 6:30PM by Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chairman.
Select Board members present: Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Thomas Hooker, Jane Cornell, David Trombley and W. Joseph Gagnon. Also present: Melissa Disorda, Elisabeth Kulas, Ed Keith, Jr., Brad Keith, John Haverstock, and Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
J. Haverstock indicated that there was a need for Executive Session for two personnel issues – departmental operations and union discussions and two contractual issues concerning Fire House upgrade negotiations and the Select Board’s relationship with the Housing Trust of Rutland County. Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by T. Hooker enter into Executive Session for personnel and contracts. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
J. Haverstock stated that there was a need to amend the agenda by adding Westco, Inc. dba Champlain Farms 2nd class liquor license renewal application to the Liquor Board agenda.
Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by T. Hooker to adopt the agenda, as amended. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
MINUTES
The Select Board minutes from the March 8, 2017 meeting were signed, with no corrections.
ORDERS
The orders in the amount $41,327.63 and $11,886.96 (Payroll) were approved, with the following discussion:
J. Gagnon inquired about the expense for salt shed repairs. J. Haverstock explained that this was a result of one of the Highway Department trucks sliding into the side of the salt shed during an ice storm. There was an additional expense to pin the tops of the walls together.
J. Gagnon inquired about the expense for the police radio. J. Haverstock explained that the radio from the original cruiser was not compatible with the new cruiser and that the old radio was given to the Fire Department for use.
D. Trombley inquired about the status of the Otter Creek Engineering project. J. Haverstock explained that this project was nearly done and that John Kiernan presented the final product to the Water & Sewer Commission at its March 21 meeting. The information is being forwarded to the State for approval and grant funding.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
J. Haverstock reported on the following:
- John Carrara, Shawn Erickson and the Town Manager will be meeting with VTrans with regard to the proposed flashing crosswalk sign at the Catholic Church.
- Paving Request for Bids have been sent out for Stevens Road and Plains Road.
- Grant applications have been submitted to Better Roads.
- There will be a 2-hour staff AED and CPR training on March 30 at 10:00 AM.
- There will be a staff meeting on March 30 at 9:00 AM and the Select Board members are invited to attend.
- The Select Board meetings will return to the first and third Wednesdays beginning in April.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None presented at this time.
OLD BUSINESS
None presented at this time.
NEW BUSINESS
Hear Proposal from Rutland County Housing Trust Regarding the Forrest Farm Property:
Melissa Disorda and Elisabeth Kulas from the Housing Trust of Rutland County were present to discuss the possible development of the Forrest Farm property.
Ms. Kulas gave a history and background of the Housing Trust and described projects that have occurred in Brandon, Rutland, West Rutland, Fair Haven, Poultney and Benson.
Ms. Kulas explained that the Housing Trust is currently working with Rutland Regional Planning Commission, Rutland Economic Development Corporation and has spoken to the Pittsford Planning Commission about possible development of the site.
Ms. Kulas explained that the federal government has a Community Development Block Grant that is administered through the Vermont Community Development Fund and which is only available to municipalities. Ms. Kulas is asking that the Select Board apply for the grant on behalf of the Housing Trust, with the grant administered by the Housing Trust.
T. Pelkey inquired what would happen in the event the grant was denied. Ms. Kulas stated that she is looking into other funding options. T. Pelkey inquired what would happen if the grant was awarded. Ms. Kulas explained that the grant is reimbursement based and controlled by the State. However the Housing Trust must submit a budget, which will be presented to the Select Board at a Public Hearing on April 5.
D. Trombley inquired if the current house was considered historical. Ms. Kulas explained that part of the grant funds would determine this following an archeological study.
J. Gagnon stated that he has confidence in the Planning Commission and does not believe the Select Board should be involved.
Motion by D. Trombley and seconded by J. Cornell to approve the Housing Trust request that the Select Board host a Public Hearing on April 5, 2017 with regard to the proposal to authorize an application for grant funds. Motion passed 4 – 1 (Gagnon).
The Select Board recessed at 7:25 PM to convene as the Liquor Board.
The Select Board reconvened at 7:30 PM.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
T. Pelkey made a motion and seconded by T. Hooker to go into Executive Session for personnel to discuss departmental operations and union relations; contractual to discuss entering into an agreement with the Housing Trust of Rutland County and Fire House upgrade negotiations 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 personnel and contracts at 7:30 PM. The Town Manager Haverstock was invited to remain for Executive Session.
The Select Board exited Executive Session at 7:54 PM, with no action taken.
The meeting adjourned at 7:54 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Select Board will be held on April 5, 2017.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
_________________________________
Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chairman
_________________________________
Thomas Hooker, Vice Chairman
_________________________________
Jane Cornell, Selectman
_________________________________
W. Joseph Gagnon, Selectman
_________________________________
David Trombley, Selectman