Select Board Meeting Minutes
January 2, 2019
Members Present – Thomas Hooker, Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, David Trombley, Alicia Malay and W. Joseph Gagnon. Others Present: Justin Manell, Alexandra Manell, Laurie Hart, Matt Hart, Michael Blaisdell, Stephanie Jerome, Mike Warfle, Ed Eugair, Jeff Whiting, Ben Lawton, Wayne Rausenberger, Mary Shaw, Charles “Butch” Shaw, Steve Belcher, 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 one Personnel issue (Town Report Dedication discussion). Motion by D. Trombley seconded by T. Pelkey to enter into Executive Session. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
T. Hooker stated at there was a need to amend the agenda to appoint a Tree Warden. Motion by D. Trombley and seconded by A. Malay to adopt the agenda as amended. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Minutes:
The minutes of the December 5, 2018 regular Select Board meeting were signed, with no changes.
Orders:
The orders in the amount of $79,174.50 and Payroll in the amount of $30,954.95 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 the expense for tax overpayment. J. Haverstock stated that this was a result of the State reconciliation of payments. J. Gagnon also inquired about the expense for insurance. J. Haverstock explained that this was a half payment for the annual VLCT insurance package.
J. Haverstock reported on a past inquiry regarding the salt and sand mixture and read from June 2015 and August 2015 meeting minutes. Following discussion, the Select Board will be inviting the Highway Foreman to a future meeting to discuss the mixture ratio.
Town Manger’s Report
J. Haverstock reported the following:
- There will be one property presented at the Tax Sale, which is scheduled for January 4, 2019 at 1:00 PM.
- The mediation session regarding the Burditt Fund litigation is scheduled for January 8, 2019 at 9:30 AM.
Public Comment:
Ed Eugair expressed interest in mowing at the Florence Pump Station as he has assisted recently-deceased David Champine with this in the past. The Select Board agrees to allow Mr. Eugair to continue with the mowing at this location.
OLD BUSINESS
Discussion of Highway Winter Road Maintenance Policy:
J. Haverstock reported that the RFP went out for snowplowing during Highway Crew rest breaks and one contractor responded. Brad Keith has also offered coverage for longer storm events and would use the Highway Department equipment. D. Trombley recommends that the Highway Department present its input on this option . J. Haverstock stated that Chad Eugair is working on Relief Routes and will present at a future meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Remarks from Leadership of BLSG Mosquito District Board Regarding Operations and Annual Assessment:
Ben Lawton was present to discuss the Annual Report from the BLSG Mosquito District, which was included in the packets for review. One point that was discussed at length was increased costs for the application of larvicide and legal fees.
Rep. Shaw was present and stated that he has met with Agency of Natural Resources and the Agency of Agriculture regarding funding. Mike Blaisdell, one of the Pittsford representatives to the BLSG Mosquito District Board, stated that the other mosquito district in the state, the Lemon Fair District, receives the same amount of State money ($70,000) annually for a smaller district.
J. Haverstock reported that there is a 38% increase in the assessments to all member towns.
J. Gagnon stated that he still believes that the State should be assisting with the issue, especially at the Pomainville property.
Ben Lawton, Jeff Whiting, Wayne Rausenberger, Mike Blaisdell and Steve Belcher exited at 7:13 PM.
Presentation of Fourth Draft of FY 19 – 20 Budgets:
J. Haverstock explained that the current presentation includes the increased assessment from the BLSG Mosquito District, as well as the VLCT insurance package costs. The General Fund is showing a 5.9% tax increase; Highway a 3.2% increase and the Water and Sewer Budgets are balanced. The overall increase in taxes for both the General Fund and Highway Fund is approximately 4.7%.
Review of Proposed Town Meeting WARNING:
The Town Meeting Warning was included in the packets for review. The Sewer Bond Vote as well as the projected tax revenue and expense portions of the draft budgets will be included prior to adoption of the Warning.
Approval of New Slate of Fire Department Officers:
J. Haverstock reported the election of the following Fire Department Officers for the new year:
Chief: Bill Hemple; Assistant Chief: Tom Shannon; First Captain: Todd Hemple; Second Captain: Shawn Hendee; First Lieutenant: Darren Laughlin; Second Lieutenant: Brady Cook.
Motion by D. Trombley and seconded by J. Gagnon to adopt the Fire Department Officers for 2019. Motion passed unanimously.
Authorization of Town Manager to Bid at Tax Sale:
J. Haverstock reported that there is one parcel that will be presented at the Tax Sale as the others have been resolved. Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by A. Malay to authorize The Town Manager to bid in the amount of the delinquent balance, plus other attorney’s fees and costs at the Tax Sale. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Discussion of Requested Involvement in VT Route 3 Speed Limit, Signage:
Justin and Alexandra Manell purchased the property at 422 Route 3 in July and are concerned with the speed limit through the blind corner at the intersection with Corn Hill. The Manell’s stated that they have spoken with Chief Warfle and requested more signage and policing in the area. Matt Hart, who resides at 200 Route 3 stated that he has also spoken with Chief Warfle regarding this area. T. Hooker stated that the Town approached the State about 3 years ago and were denied any resolution, however, they can send another letter of concern. Rep. Shaw stated that he has also had communication with Pittsford resident Al Vitagliano regarding this same concern.
There was discussion concerning options such as enforcing safety in the area, moving the speed limit increase sign to the south; cutting back brush along the bank on the Manell property to open the visibility and increasing police patrols in the area. D. Trombley also noted that this is a “salt reduction area” and that this should also be noted in the letter.
State Legislative Preview:
Rep. Stephanie Jerome and Rep. Charles “Butch” Shaw were present to discuss the upcoming session at the State House.
Rep. Jerome thanked everyone for their support and stated that she would be hosting “office hours” at the Maclure Library in the future.
Rep. Shaw stated that there is an expected increase in bills to be introduced. Currently, there are 300 being written and that number is expected to increase to 1100, due to the increase in new members.
Budgets are expected to be “hot topics” this session, as well as the returning bills concerning GPS in Trucks; Red/Blue Light Bill; voting dates; Minimum Wage Law; Paid Family Leave; Affordable and Available Childcare; Marijuana Retail Sales; Act 250 Reform; Mental Health Treatment Expansion; Constitutional Changes including changing term for the Governor from 2 to 4 years and Women’s Reproductive Rights and the Abolition of Slavery.
Rep. Jerome, Rep. Shaw and Mary Shaw exited at 8:03 PM.
Appointment of Tree Warden:
J. Haverstock reported that Shawn Erickson was the Tree Warden and is no longer a Town resident. The Assistant Tree Warden, Randy Adams, recommended Rob Ketcham as a replacement. Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by A Malay to appoint Rob Ketcham as the Tree Warden. 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 8:22 PM. Town Manager Haverstock was invited to remain for Executive Session.
The Select Board exited Executive Session at 8:35 PM, with no action taken.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Select Board will be held on January 16, 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