Members Present – Thomas Hooker (7:30 PM), Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Alicia Malay (7:30 PM), David Mills and W. Joseph Gagnon. Others Present: Bill Gladski, Mary Gladski, Barb Lalancette, Mark Winslow, Kevin Blow, Rick Conway, Baird Morgan, Betsy Morgan, Linda Weeden, Chuck Charbonneau (6:40 PM), Town Manager John Haverstock, Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM by Vice Chairman Pelkey.
J. Haverstock reported that there was a need to enter into Executive Session for Personnel concerns (Police Department; Transfer Station; Sewer Department; Assistant to the Town Manager) and Contractual concerns regarding the old Police Department cruiser. Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by J. Gagnon to enter into Executive Session for Personnel and Contractual. Motion passed unanimously 3 – 0.
J. Haverstock stated that there was a need to amend the agenda to remove the Liquor Board. Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by D. Mills to accept the agenda as amended. Motion passed unanimously 3 – 0.
Minutes:
The minutes of the June 5, 2019 Select Board Meeting were signed with a minor change.
Orders:
The orders in the amount of $54,569.06 and Payroll in the amount of $15,872.02 were signed, with the following discussion:
J. Gagnon inquired about the expense for guardrails. J. Haverstock explained that these are budgeted routine replacements and new installations at dangerous areas. J. Gagnon inquired about the expense to reestablish the Pinney Fund. J. Haverstock explained that this was a re-deposit of trust funds that had ended up in the State’s possession.
D. Mills inquired about the expense to Pittsford Power Tooth and Blade. J. Haverstock explained that this was the new name of Pittsford Small Engine Repair. D. Mills inquired about the expense to Noble Ace Hardware for a generator. J. Haverstock explained that Shawn Hendee explained that this was for the Waste Water Treatment Facility. D. Mills inquired aboutthe expense for Fire Truck Vanity Plates. J. Haverstock explained that this was re-registering 6 vehicles for the Fire Department for 5 years.
J. Haverstock stated that there may be a need for members to sign fiscal year–end orders prior to the next meeting.
Town Manager’s Report:
J. Haverstock reported the following:
- The Village Farm Touch-A-Truck event is scheduled for July 20, 2019 from 9 AM – 1 PM.
- There will be 2 required Public Hearings held on June 19 and July 17 regarding the proposed Public Assembly Ordinance.
- Proposals are being sought for the repair and extension of the Transfer Station Roof. There will be a Pre-Proposal Meeting on June 26, 2019 at the Transfer Station.
- Lister Dan Adams has been replaced by resident Nicholas Michael. Listers Donna Wilson and John Eugair have resigned from their posts. Ms. Wilson gave a 2 week notice and Mr. Eugair resigned effective immediately. There is a representative from the State that will be working with Mr. Michael.
- Two Select Board members are attending the Otter Valley Unified Union meeting to discuss the use of Burditt Funds for the Route 7 sidewalk/curb restoration project in the area of Lothrop School.
- The fuel and mowing bids are due on June 20. These bids will be reviewed at the July 3, 2019 meeting.
- The Rutland Regional Transportation Council will be hosting a tour of the Southern Vermont Regional Airport on June 27, 2019. The information on this was included in the packets and any Select Board member who wished to attend should RSVP to the Town Manager as dinner will be served.
- The Municipal Office and related Town services will be closed on Thursday, July 4, 2019 in observance of Independence Day.
Select Board Comments:
Selectman Mills reported that the Rutland Regional Planning Commission discussed the idea of creating a Highway Intermunicipal Service Agreement.
Upon return from the OVUU meeting, Chairman Hooker reported that despite the presentations by resident Ted Gillen, Chairman Hooker and Selectwoman Malay, the OVUU board denied the Select Board’s request to use Burditt Fund money for the sidewalk/curb restoration project.
Public Comment:
None presented at this time.
The Select Board recessed at 6:47 PM and convened as the Public Hearing for the Public Assembly Ordinance.
Public Hearing on Public Assembly Ordinance:
J. Haverstock explained that this has come to the Select Board at the request of Police Chief Warfle because the Police Department has, on occasion, found out about events through the local newspapers and have not been able to plan for the events that may need assistance. J. Haverstock explained that Randolph has a similar ordinance and their ordinance was used as a guide to draft an ordinance for Pittsford.
The comments that were raised by residents are as follows:
- What was VLCT’s input?
- What is a big event? J. Haverstock stated that the Select Board felt that 150 was the appropriate number and this only applies if there is a paid admission and that private parties (e.g. birthday, wedding anniversary, family reunions) are not included in this ordinance.
- This is not necessary as this is a small town.
- Is there a real need? J. Haverstock explained that this was presented by Chief Warfle following the Pow Wow that was held on Elm Street and was discovered in the papers.
- Will this affect religious services and dinners? D. Mills stated that this was not the intention.
- How will people be made aware of such an ordinance? J. Haverstock stated that this would be well advertised.
- Will this effect the camps on Sangamon Road?
- Randolph is a much larger community.
- Does the Police Department charge for their services? J. Haverstock stated that they do charge, if scheduled in advance.
- Will this affect non-profits, such as the Haunted House?
The Public Hearing was adjourned at 7:04 PM.
B. Lalancette, B. Morgan, B. Morgan, B. Gladski and M. Gladski exited at 7:04 PM.
OLD BUSINESS
Continued Discussion Regarding Request for Funding for Chittenden Dam Breach Alert Sirens:
J. Haverstock explained that Jan Sotirakis was present at the last Select Board meeting to request assistance from Pittsford for the alert sirens. Resident Linda Weeden, who lives in the area that would be in jeopardy in the event of a breach, stated that she was notified of the siren test and could not hear the sirens at her residence.
Following discussion, this topic was tabled until there is a full Select Board present.
Continued Discussion of Plans for Old Police Cruiser:
J. Haverstock stated that Chittenden was offered the cruiser for their use on patrols. However, they were only interested in a possible lease and not a purchase. This topic was deferred to Executive Session.
NEW BUSINESS
Remarks from Planning Commission Regarding Development of a Town Energy Plan:
Planning Commission Chairman Mark Winslow stated that the Planning Commission is looking for guidance, as the Select Board had instructed the Planning Commission to compose a Solar Plan, which has now turned into an Energy Plan per the Rutland Regional Planning Commission. There are 14 specific criteria. The Town Planning Commission was originally advised that this would be a “stand alone document” and not included in the current Town Plan. However, the Town’s Planning Commission has now been informed that the Town Plan would need to be “re-opened” and amended to incorporate on Energy Plan. This is not feasible at this time as the Town Plan was just approved last year for 8 years.
T. Pelkey recommended that this topic be tabled.
M. Winslow, R. Conway, K. Blow and C. Charbonneau exited at 7:16 PM.
Review External Auditor’s Fee Proposal and Confirm Firm’s Retention for FY 19 Audit:
J. Haverstock explained that the fees were reviewed and approved in 2018. The Select Board signed the Retention letter confirming audit services for FY 2019.
The Select Board adjourned at 7:36 PM.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
T. Pelkey made the motion and seconded by J. Gagnon to go into Executive Session for personnel and contracts 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 contractual at 7:36 PM. Town Manager Haverstock was invited to remain for Executive Session.
The Select Board exited Executive Session at 8:08 PM, with the following action taken:
Motion by D. Mills and seconded by T. Pelkey to trade in or sell the old police cruiser, rather than attempt to negotiate a lease with the Town of Chittenden. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:09 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Select Board will be held on July 3, 2019.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Giard
Recording Secretary
_________________________________________
Thomas Hooker, Chairman
_________________________________________
Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Vice Chairman
_________________________________________
Alicia Malay, Selectman
_________________________________________
W. Joseph Gagnon, Selectman
_________________________________________
David Mills, Selectman