Members Present – Thomas Hooker, Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Alicia Malay, and W. Joseph Gagnon. ABSENT: David Trombley. Others Present: Charles “Butch” Shaw, Bill Bowman, Patty Bowman, Baird Morgan, Betsey Morgan, Ted Gillen, Rishi Connelly, Lars Lund, Rich Bowman, Tharon Malay, John Haverstock – Town Manager, Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
The meeting was called to order at 6:34 PM by Chairman Hooker.
Haverstock reported that there was a need for Executive Session to discuss the Union Contract (Contracts) and the Burditt Fund (Legal). Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by A. Malay to enter into Executive Session. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
Haverstock reported that there was a need to amend the agenda to remove the Continued Discussion of Burditt Fund and Funding for Village Sidewalk Project (Old Business); Continued Discussion of Proposed Highway Winter Maintenance Policy Regarding Extended Winter Storm Events (Old Business); Continued Discussion of Local Impacts of Legalized Recreational Marijuana and the Possibility of Future Retail Sales (Old Business). Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by A. Malay to adopt the agenda as amended. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
Minutes:
The minutes of the August 1, 2018 regular Select Board meeting were signed, with no changes.
Orders:
The orders in the amount of $361,334.49 and Payroll in the amount of $14,406.49 were signed, with the no discussion.
Town Manger’s Report:
- Haverstock reported the following:
- The box culvert project on Fire Hill Road began on August 16 and is expected to be complete on August 24. The road will remain closed until the project is complete. The manufacturer of the culvert, representatives from VELCO and the crane operator were present on August 22 to view the site and monitor the low wires. The contractor fell a little behind in the project and the Highway Department staff was able to assist them to get caught up and this labor and equipment will be charged to the contractor.
- Members of the Rutland Regional Planning Commission met with the Highway Department regarding the culverts on West Creek Road to discuss the requirements to remain eligible for State grant funding.
- Al Roberge has removed the hedges and planted trees and plants at the Municipal Office. Roberge has donated his labor to this project.
- There will be a Staff Meeting on August 23 at 9:00 AM. The members of the Select Board are invited to attend.
- The Planning Commission has cancelled its August meeting.
- The Municipal Office and related Town services will be closed on Monday, September 3 in observance of Labor Day.
- Sullivan & Powers, the Town’s external auditors, will be conducting their annual audit of the Town’s finances during the week of September 4.
- There has been contact made with a company from Glens Falls with regard to log and stump grinding at the Transfer Station. This company has quoted a price much lower than the initial quote and will be on site in the next month.
- The price of the line striping of Class 3 roads in Town has come in much lower, allowing the mileage to be doubled to 12 miles, while remaining under budget.
Public Comment:
None presented at this time.
OLD BUSINESS
Pittsford Day Recap:
Haverstock reported that very positive comments have been received about this year’s event and he thanked all of the volunteers that helped with every aspect of the event. Anyone with any input was asked to contact the Town Manager. T. Hooker felt that the square dancers were a big hit and felt that there may be a larger place needed in the future so more folks can participate.
Presentation of Plaque Recognizing Service of Fire Warden (W. Bowman):
Haverstock presented a plaque to former Fire Warden, William Bowman, in honor of his many years of service to the community. Lars Lund from the State also presented Mr. Bowman with a plaque.
Continued Discussion of Status of “Village Center” Designation Map and Its Potential Amendment:
Haverstock stated that, at the August 1 Select Board meeting, the vote was a 2 – 2 tie and the proposed amendment to the “Village Center” map was not approved. There was discussion regarding this proposal to add the businesses Bar Harbor Bank & Trust and Winning Image Graphics to the Village Center map that was approved by the State on June 25. Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by A. Malay to request that these businesses be added to the map. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
Continued Discussion of the Burditt Fund and Funding for Village Sidewalk Project:
This topic was deferred to Executive Session
Continued Discussion of Proposed Highway Winter Maintenance Policy Regarding Extended Storm Events:
This topic was tabled until a full board is present.
Continued Discussion of Local Impacts of Legalized Recreational Marijuana and the Possibility of Future Retail Sales:
This topic was tabled until a full board is present.
Vote on Union Contract Proposal:
Haverstock stated that a tentative agreement has been reached and will be discussed further in Executive Session.
NEW BUSINESS
Remarks from State House Candidate Charles “Butch” Shaw:
Mr. Shaw was present to discuss his candidacy as a Representative to the State House representing the towns of Brandon, Pittsford and Sudbury.
Request for Abatement of Homestead Late-Filing Penalty:
Haverstock reported that 3 requests have been received (Bob Harnish; Michael and Kheira Leehy; and Edna Martell). Helen McKinlay stated that this was the second request from Mr. Harnish and the first from the Leehy’s and the Martell’s. Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by T. Pelkey to deny the Harnish request and approve the Leehy and Martell requests. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
Appoint Town Delegate to VLCT Annual Meeting:
Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by T. Hooker to appoint J. Haverstock to this delegation. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
Consider Application for Encroachment/Right of Way Permit:
Haverstock stated that Shawn Erickson has reviewed and approved this application, with conditions. The owner would like to bury his electric lines below the road. The Town is requiring a $1,000 bond for this project. Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by A. Malay to approve the request as presented and with the conditions outlined. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
Vote on Union Contract Proposal:
This topic was tabled to Executive Session
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Pelkey made the motion and seconded by A. Malay to go into Executive Session for contracts and legal 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 contracts and legal at 7:00 PM. Town Manager Haverstock was invited to remain for Executive Session.
The Select Board exited Executive Session at 7:16 PM.
Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by A. Malay to approve the proposed Union Contract. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:17 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Select Board will be held on September 5, 2018.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Giard
Recording Secretary
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Thomas Hooker, Chairman
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Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Vice Chairman
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Alicia Malay, Selectman
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Joseph Gagnon, Selectman
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David Trombley, Selectman