The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM by Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chairman.
Select Board members present: Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Thomas Hooker, Vice Chair, Jane Cornell, W. Joseph Gagnon, and David Trombley. Also present: Rula Moradi, Randy Adams, Al Maxham (6:38 PM), Colleen Maxham (6:53 PM), John Haverstock, Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
J. Haverstock indicated that there no need for Executive Session.
J. Haverstock stated that there was no need to amend the agenda.
Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by T. Hooker to adopt the agenda, as presented. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
MINUTES
The Select Board minutes from the June 7, 2017 meeting were signed, with no corrections.
ORDERS
The orders in the amount $125,263.16 and $14,154.15 (Payroll) were approved with the following discussion:
J. Haverstock reminded the Select Board that the fiscal year is ending soon.
J. Gagnon inquired about the expense for the Fire Hill culvert project. J. Haverstock explained that the $4250 was only for engineering and the cost is higher due to the ledge and the electric lines above the project site. There needs to be adequate crane accessibility, which is causing an issue designing the culvert and installation plans. J. Haverstock stated that the grant is for $100,000, however, there is a possibility of requesting additional funds to assist in covering the additional costs.
D. Trombley inquired about the expense for a “rammer”. J. Haverstock explained that this was also known as a “Jumping Jack” compactor for compacting loose material.
J. Gagnon inquired about the expense for the backhoe totaling $4450 and questioned if the equipment was covered under warranty as the equipment is new. J. Haverstock will discuss this with Shawn Erickson and advise at the next meeting. J. Haverstock was able to locate the invoice and read the repair summary.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
J. Haverstock reported on the following:
- The Safety Committee has been awarded a $500 grant for Officer Antje Schermerhorn to attend an Ambush Tactics and Survival training Conference.
- Chad Hewitt from Sullivan & Powers was at the office on June 15th to work with Pat Johnson in preparation for the audit. Reports stated that everything looks good for the audit.
- There are still interdepartmental transfers to be done with regard to fiscal year-end; however, it appears that there is a modest surplus in the General Fund and a modest deficit in the Highway Fund.
- The deadline for information to be included in the Summer Town Newsletter is July 15.
- David Mills, representative to the Rutland Regional Planning Commission, reports that the draft Energy Policy is ready for review. Any Select Board member can review this document by contacting the Town Manager for a copy.
- There will be a Staff Meeting on June 22 at 9:00 AM. Members of the Select Board are invited to attend.
- The Municipal Office and related services will be closed on Tuesday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.
OLD BUSINESS
None presented at this time.
NEW BUSINESS
Remarks on Economic Development (R. Moradi):
Mr. Moradi gave a presentation from a conference he attended in Montpelier in March. Copies of the presentation were included in the Select Board packets for review.
The Select Board discussed the presentation and will be drafting a list of expectations for a committee that Mr. Moradi would like to form to encourage economic development in Pittsford.
Continued Discussion of Scheduling for Select Board Examination of Recently Upgraded Portion of Hubbardton Road and Ratify Change to Visit and Hearing Date:
J. Haverstock stated that the Select Board had originally scheduled a site visit and Public Hearing regarding the Hubbardton Road upgrade for August 2, 2017, however, Highway Foreman Shawn Erickson is unavailable on that date. Three members of the Select Board were contacted and agreed by June 12 to change the date for each event to July 19, 2017.
Consider Making Interim Appointment of Lister:
J. Haverstock reported that Dan Adams has expressed interest in serving as Town Lister from the resignation of Bob Harnish (effective July 1, 2017) through the next Town Meeting election.
Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by J. Gagnon to appoint Mr. Adams to the position of Interim Lister. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Review Village Sidewalk Options:
J. Haverstock reported that the village sidewalks are in poor condition and the plans to upgrade the Village segment of Route 7 and its sidewalks are currently slated for 2028. There is a State grant program that allows 50% to repair or replace sidewalks. A representative of Wilk Paving met recently with Shawn Erickson and the Town Manager and submitted pricing. The sidewalks from Mechanic Street to the guardrail on the western side of Route 7 constitute a safety hazard. Mr. Maxham stated that the Highway Department was at his property on March 21, 2016 removing topsoil “looking for the sidewalk”. Mr. Maxham discussed various factors in the area of his property that are unsafe with the removal of this topsoil – such as the Church driveway access, cars passing on the right, and speed in the area. Following discussion, the topsoil issue will be evaluated and rectified if necessary.
Mr. Maxham inquired if the Town could put signs discouraging engine brakes in the Village. T. Pelkey explained that Pittsford does not own Route 7 through the Village as Brandon does. J. Haverstock will request signs from VTrans and will recommend that the Pittsford Police Department increase patrols in the area discouraging the speed issue in the area.
The Select Board inquired whether the School could participate in funding the sidewalk project. J. Haverstock will apply for the grant funds without committing the Town.
Mr. and Mrs. Maxham exited at 7:39 PM.
Consider Signing Letter of Intent to Seek State Grant Funding for Culvert Replacement on West Creek Road:
Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by D. Trombley to sign the Letter of Intent to seek grant funding for culvert replacement on West Creek Road. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0 and the letter was signed by the Select Board members.
Discussion of Recreation Area Snack Bar Situation:
Recreation Director Randy Adams was present to discuss the current situation regarding the Recreation Area Snack Bar. The Recreation Committee has recommended that the Town take over the operation of the snack bar as Keith’s Country Store is no longer providing this service. T. Hooker inquired if there has been any advertising for this opportunity. Following discussion, the Select Board directed the Recreation Director to advertise this opportunity. Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by D. Trombley to table this topic until advertising has been placed. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
None necessary at this time.
The meeting adjourned at 7:49 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Select Board will be held on July 5, 2017.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
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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