Members Present – Thomas Hooker, Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, David Mills (via phone conference), Alicia Malay and W. Joseph Gagnon. Others Present: Bill Gladski, Mary Gladski, David Rosato, Charles “Butch” Shaw, Baird Morgan, Town Manager John Haverstock, 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 to enter into Executive Session for Personnel concerns (Zoning Board of Adjustment, Listers, Police Department). Motion by A. Malay and seconded by J. Gagnon to enter into Executive Session for Personnel. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
J. Haverstock stated that there was no need to amend the agenda. Motion by D. Mills and seconded by A. Malay to accept the agenda as posted. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Minutes:
The minutes of the July 3, 2019 Select Board Meeting and July 10, 2019 Special Meeting were signed, with no changes.
Orders:
The orders in the amount of $13,612.24 (FY ’19); $47,041.30 (FY ’20) and Payroll in the amount of $15,273.64 were signed with the following discussion:
J. Haverstock reported on a previous question regarding Truck 5. Greg Eastman reported that this repair was for a new radiator and hose installation.
D. Mills inquired about the expense to G. Stone Motors for the F-350. J. Haverstock explained the work that was done and that this truck will remain in the fleet when a replacement truck is purchased.
J. Gagnon inquired about the expense for the Transfer Station Roof advertisement. J. Haverstock reported that this was the advertisement looking for outside contractors.
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.
- The property tax rates were set on July 10, 2019 and the tax bills have been sent to property owners. The payment due dates are August 15, September 16 and November 15.
- Cummings Electric has been contacted regarding the installation of Electrical Vehicle Charging Stations. There are occasionally grant funds available for the project that cover approximately 90% of the costs.
- Randy Adams and the Recreation Committee agree that there should be a Lifeguard Hut at the Recreation Area and there may be a Proposal for consideration in the near future. A. Malay inquired about the status of funds that have already been raised to help defray the cost. J. Haverstock stated that these funds were in a separate fund and remain available for the project.
- The “older” Police cruiser is currently listed in the on-line auction site–Govdeals.com.
- The Town Manager will be out of town on July 22 and July 23, 2019.
- The next regular Select Board meeting is scheduled on August 7, 2019. Therefore, members may be contacted to sign orders between meetings.
Select Board Comments:
None presented at this time.
Public Comment:
None presented at this time.
OLD BUSINESS
Continued Discussion Regarding Request for Funding for Installation of Chittenden Dam Breach Alert Sirens:
J. Haverstock reported that he has been in contact with Jan Sotorakis regarding the Chittenden Dam and has included the information received in the packets for review. There are approximately 19 homes that will be affected, and an additional 6 – 10 with the inclusion of Shadow Lane. There are still communications with Green Mountain Power about possible cost-sharing.
D. Mills inquired if the Chittenden Select Board has approved any funding. J. Haverstock read an email which stated that there was nothing in the budget for this project.
J. Gagnon stated that he feels that Green Mountain Power is responsible and would like to see the applicable Rules and Regulations. J. Haverstock stated that he would contact Green Mountain Power for its input.
Rep. Shaw stated that the Department of Environmental Conservation – Dam Division makes inspections and recommendations to the owners of the individual dams and will obtain this information from the Dam Safety Committee. This information will be made available for the Select Board members to review.
Consider Options Regarding Sidewalk & Curb Restoration Project:
J. Haverstock reported that he has been in contact with the contractor for this project, Wilk Paving. The additional charge to update last year’s quote on the project is 5%. Rep Shaw stated that if Pittsford does not move quickly, it is in danger of losing the grant funds.
J. Haverstock reported that the Highway budget posted nearly a $60,000 to $70,000 deficit in FY20. There is also a $130,000 match obligation in the upcoming Salt/Sand Shed project. T. Hooker inquired if it was possible to “borrow from ourselves”. D. Mills feels that this is too much money and that the State should be contacted for further funding and that at least a curb is needed in the area. T. Hooker inquired if there was a liability of installing only a curb. A. Malay recommended obtaining more than one bid. Rep. Shaw confirmed that State specifications need to be followed and there may be additional funding available since this is a safety issue. Baird Morgan stated that it is against the law to pass on the right. David Rosato inquired if it was possible to install guardrails in the area. T. Hooker stated that it is a State decision as to what can be installed.
J. Gagnon stated that this is a State issue and not a Town issue and that the State should be “pressured” to work on the Village segment of the Route 7 upgrade sooner than planned. Rep. Shaw also advised that Pittsford commit to accepting the grant funding before the funds “disappear”. D. Mills agreed that a letter should be sent and more bids received.
Motion by D. Mills and seconded by J. Gagnon to instruct the Town Manager to write a letter to the State, to be reviewed by the Select Board prior to sending. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
The Select Board recessed at 7:11 PM
The Select Board opened a Public Hearing at 7:11 PM.
Continued Public Hearing on Public Assembly Ordinance:
David Rosato spoke against the proposed ordinance, stating that there is nothing stating that this ordinance could not be amended to include smaller groups, etc. Mr. Rosato inquired if this was a solution to a problem that does not exist. What are the response times were for Emergency Services? Who is going to count the people attending? Count the ticket sales? Refund the permit fee if the minimum number do not attend? Mr. Rosato also feels that the administrative fees are too high, especially with technology allowing for things to be done very quickly.
Bill Gladski inquired if Church services would be included. Mr. Gladski also stated that the Rutland Herald indicated that there was an amendment to the ordinance that was initially presented. J. Haverstock stated that there were no amendments. Mr. Gladski continued asking if there were any exemptions for churches, golf club, or the Haunted House and if there was a per day fee or an all-inclusive event fee. Mr. Gladski inquired if there was a need for this ordinance. T. Pelkey stated that the Select Board was asked by Police Chief Warfle to consider such an ordinance. The Chief was unable to attend as he is on medical leave.
D. Mills recommends that a notice be put in the Newsletter stating that anyone hosting a big event to contact Chief Warfle.
The Select Board tabled any action/vote on this ordinance until J. Haverstock contacts VLCT.
The Public Hearing adjourned at 7:25 PM.
NEW BUSINESS
Update on Preparations for Pittsford Day Celebration:
J. Haverstock reported that event planning is coming along well and read a list of secured events and items. The Village Farm participants have offered their services on Sunday to assist with clean-up. Pittsford residents are asked to bring some easily-served desserts.
Discussion of Town’s On-Line Presence:
A. Malay stated that the current website needs updating and is very difficult to navigate. J. Haverstock has been in contact with the current Webmaster, who sent an email, which indicated that the cost would be more than $2,500 to do an overhaul of the site. A. Malay indicated that the site needs to be user–friendly. A. Malay indicated that she has been in contact with other area municipalities and they use Facebook to communicate with their residents. J. Haverstock stated that VLCT had some recommendations as to what to look for when using Facebook. There was discussion that the contact information for the Select Board is necessary. Rep Shaw advised that if Facebook is utilized, that First Amendment rights need to be respected.
The Select Board tabled this topic until further information is obtained.
Village Farm Request for Recreation Area Fee Waiver:
J. Haverstock reported that the Village Farm is hosting a concert series on Tuesday evenings and is searching an alternate venue in the event of inclement weather. T. Hooker inquired if there were any conflicts on the requested dates. J. Haverstock stated that there were none for this year and if any bookings come through, that they would take precedence. D. Mills stated that if the Village Farm were going to book the area to hold the event that they should pay, however, if they request at the “spur of the moment” and it is not booked that they should not be charged.
Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by A. Malay to waive the fee if the area is not booked and their event would otherwise be rained out. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Mr. Morgan exited at 7:55 PM.
Review Proposal for Shrub Removal and Replacement in Front of Town Offices:
J. Haverstock stated that Al Roberge did some work last year at no cost, however, is proposing a charge of $300 for labor for this year to install plantings in front of the Town Offices. A. Malay stated that there are some plants that are healthy and only dead at the sidewalk border. A. Malay felt that this was a lot of money, based on the proposal that was in the packet for review. D. Mills agreed. T. Hooker stated that there are building funds available and that Mr. Roberge also beautifies the area of the Welcome to Pittsford signs. J. Haverstock will discuss this with Mr. Roberge and report back at a future meeting.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A. Malay made the motion and seconded by J. Gagnon 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 8:00 PM. Town Manager Haverstock was invited to remain for Executive Session.
The Select Board exited Executive Session at 8:17 PM, with no action taken.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:17 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Select Board will be held on August 7, 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 Mills, Selectman