Pittsford Select Board Meeting Minutes
December 05, 2018
Members Present – Thomas Hooker, Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, David Trombley, Alicia Malay and W. Joseph Gagnon. Others Present: Mary Cohen, Tyler Richardson, Donna Wilson (6:55 PM), John Haverstock – Town Manager, Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM by Chairman Hooker.
J. Haverstock reported that there was a need for Executive Session to discuss 3 Contract issues (Employee Pension Plans, potential Wood Chipper Rental and Town Report Dedication discussion). Motion by D. Trombley and seconded by A. Malay to enter into Executive Session. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
T. Hooker stated at there was a need to amend the agenda to add the Fire Warden request for Burn Permit in the Village. Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by D. Trombley to adopt the agenda as amended. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Minutes:
The minutes of the November 21, 2018 regular Select Board meeting were signed, with no changes.
Orders:
The orders in the amount of $129,092.03 and Payroll in the amount of $42,884.16 were signed with the following discussion:
J. Gagnon inquired if the tires that were purchased were put out to bid. J. Haverstock stated that 3 prices were received prior to the purchase.
J. Gagnon inquired about the expense for “Route 7 Relocate”. J. Haverstock explained that this was engineering design for the water main on the bridge on Route 7 which is attached to the bridge.
D. Trombley inquired about the expense to Markowski Excavating for gravel. D. Trombley inquired about the mix ratio for the sand and marble mixture. J. Haverstock will discuss this with Chad Eugair and report at a future meeting.
D. Trombley has been asked by a taxpayer what the annual appropriation was for the Library. T. Pelkey stated that the annual amount is $93,500.
Town Manager’s Report:
J. Haverstock reported the following:
• The Emergency Management Team met on November 26, 2018 to introduce new team members.
• The Municipal Offices and related services will be closed on December 25, 2018 and January 1, 2019 in observance of Christmas Day and New Years’ Day.
• There was a Staff pot luck Luncheon held on December 5.
• There will be a Staff Meeting on December 20, 2018 at 9:00 AM.
• There are now two parcels that are subjet to Tax Sale on January 4, 2019 at 1:00 PM.
• An RFP has been published in the local newspapers and mailed to local contractors for Snow Removal.
• The OVUU Board has appointed Bonnie Chmielewski to replace Sue Markowski, who has resigned.
• There will be another mediation session on January 8, 2019 at 9:30 AM regarding the Burditt Funds litigation.
• There was a Status Conference on the appeal regarding issuance by the Town of a permit to Dollar General. A tentative settlement has been reached and a draft agreement will be forwarded to Atty Kupferer so that he can advise the Town on possible further Zoning Board of Adjustment involvement.
• The Town Manager will be out of the office on vacation from December 6, 2018 through December 13, 2018 and again on December 17, 2018 for surgery. The December 19, 2018 Select Board meeting will be cancelled. The Select Board members will be asked to sign orders on December 19, 2018 as the next meeting will not be held until January 2, 2019.
Public Comment:
None was presented at this time.
OLD BUSINESS
Discussion of Previous Vote on Request for Burditt Fund Contribution to Sidewalk and Curbing Safety Improvement Project:
J. Haverstock stated that he has been in contact with VLCT on the logistics a Board may rescind a vote. VLCT stated that two-thirds or in this case, 4 of the 5 members must agree to rescind the vote. D. Trombley stated that it is unfair that the vote is binding and a member cannot change his mind. T. Pelkey stated that the Boards are governed by rules and not everyone likes the rules.
T. Hooker inquired why this is a concern at this point. D. Trombley stated that he has been contacted by Townspeople who are against the project and do not want to see Burditt fund money used for the sidewalk project. T. Hooker stated that he has heard the opposite reaction from residents.
J. Gagnon stated that he has had many conversations with people who have felt that the State should be responsible for the sidewalk construction as this will be improved once Route 7 is upgraded. T. Hooker stated that the Town of Pittsford maintains the sidewalks and the State maintains the highway.
T. Pelkey moved the discussion.
Motion by D. Trombley and seconded by J. Gagnon to rescind the vote. Motion failed 2 – 3(Hooker, Pelkey and Malay opposed)..
NEW BUSINESS
Remarks from RRCC and REDC on Rutland Regional Marketing Initiative:
Mary Cohen and Tyler Richardson were present to discuss the Rutland Regional Marketing Initiative. There was a video viewed that showed various benefits of living, working and recreating in Rutland County. The Rutland Regional Marketing Initiative wishes to continue asking for Town support equal to $1 per person that resides in each town. This appropriation is already included in the draft budget.
Ms. Cohen and Mr. Richardson exited at 7:25 PM.
Presentation of Third Draft of FY 19 – 20 Budgets:
J. Haverstock stated that the current proposal is showing a 5.4% increase in the General Fund; 3.5% increase in the Highway Fund. The Water & Sewer Funds are balanced. The General Fund will be showing an increase of $4,000 from Chittenden patrols; the Highway Fund will scale the requested $78,000 paving increase back to $25,000 and the income and expenses in the Highway budget were adjusted to accommodate the grant funds received and those expected, including the Salt/Sand Shed; the Fire Hill Bridge and the Whipple Hollow approach to OMYA.
The amount that will be required by the Mosquito District is still unknown. BLSG leadership will address the Select Board at its January 2 meeting.
Discuss Proposals Regarding FY 19 – 20 Budgets:
This was discussed in the presentation of the budget draft, with the exception of the Pension Plan, which will be discussed in Executive Session.
Consider Whether to Seek Grant Funding for Update of Hazard Mitigation Update:
J. Haverstock explained that the Hazard Mitigation Plan is a 5 year plan that allows the Town eligibility for FEMA funds, in the event they are necessary. The current plan expires in 2021. The consensus was to seek any available grant funds.
Discuss Fire Warden Request for Burn Permit in Village:
Fire Warden Brad Keith was asked by Craig Pelkey for a burn permit for tree debris at Randall Park. Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by D. Trombley to approve the request. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
T. Pelkey made the motion and seconded by A. Malay to go into Executive Session for personnel, 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 at 7:58 PM. Town Manager Haverstock was invited to remain for Executive Session.
The Select Board exited Executive Session at 8:20 PM, with no action taken.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Select Board will be held on January 2, 2019.
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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W. Joseph Gagnon, Selectman
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David Trombley, Selectman