Members Present – Thomas Hooker, Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, David Mills (via phone conference), Alicia Malay and W. Joseph Gagnon. Others Present: Chief Mike Warfle, Charles “Butch” Shaw, Mary Shaw, Derek Kenison (VTrans), 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 two Personnel concerns (Police Department). Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by A. Malay to enter into Executive Session for Personnel. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
J. Haverstock stated that there was a need to amend the agenda to add the discussion of a coin drop for the Library and discussion of a Lifeguard Shelter at the Recreation Area. Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by A. Malay to accept the agenda, as amended. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Minutes:
The minutes of the August 7, 2019 Select Board Meeting and August 7, 2019 Liquor Board Meeting were signed, with no changes.
Orders:
The orders in the amount of $995.34 (FY ’19); $77,104.24 (FY ’20) and Payroll in the amount of $14,517.29 were signed, with the following discussion:
J. Gagnon inquired about the expense for an Encroachment Bond. J. Haverstock explained that there was a new resident on West Creek Road who wanted to bury his electrical service under the town road and this bond was collected in advance and will now be returned following the inspection of the road restoration work.
A. Malay inquired about the expense to Marble Valley Regional Transportation. J. Haverstock explained that this is an annual appropriation that is approved as part of the General Fund budget at Town Meeting. A. Malay also inquired about the sources for the sand. J. Haverstock explained that some is obtained from Markowski Excavating and the remaining portion is obtained from Florence Crushed Stone to make the mix that is used.
Town Manager’s Report:
J. Haverstock reported the following:
- Construction on West Creek Road from the Bovey Farm to the Hard Farm appear to be back on schedule. There was some ledge that needed to be removed. The paving of this section will occur when the Whipple Hollow project is completed and ready for paving.
- The Whipple Hollow Road project is expected to begin on September 3, 2019. This project lies between the Railroad Trestle and Dido’s “dip.”
- The widening of West Creek Road near the intersection with Kendall Hill Road has been delayed due to the Highway Department backhoe needing to have the hydraulics repaired.
- The Rutland Regional Planning Commission has completed the traffic count on the Furnace Road and the report is expected in time for a discussion at the next meeting.
- The Library Bench Dedication occurred on August 17. Students from the West Rutland Carving Studio completed this project.
- The Town Manager, Linda Drummond and Liz Willis met with representatives from Census 2020 on August 8, 2019. The Census representative was invited to attend a meeting in October.
- The Town Manager met with the new County Forester, Kyle Mason on August 13, 2019 at the Chittenden parcel that surrounds the Town’s water sources.
- The Town Manager, Pat Johnson and Chad Eugair met with FEMA representatives on August 19, 2019 regarding the documentation necessary to collect compensation for the April 15, 2019 storm damage.
- The Ford Police cruiser will soon be traded in. The new Dodge truck cruiser will be decaled and equipped prior to being put into service.
- The Municipal Offices and related Town services will be closed on Monday, September 2, 2019 in observance of Labor Day.
Select Board Comments:
Selectman Gagnon stated that he has had some residents contact him with regard to the restriping of Sangamon Road. There was discussion on this and Chad Eugair will be advised of these concerns.
Public Comment:
Rep. Shaw stated that the last Census that was conducted showed Pittsford lost approximately 600 residents and it is possible that there was an undercounting of 200 – 250, which may have changed the make up of the Board of Civil Authority and representation in the State legislature.
OLD BUSINESS
Discussion with VTrans Regarding Sidewalk & Curb Restoration Project:
Derek Kenison of VTrans was present to assist with any questions regarding the sidewalk project along Route 7. A. Malay inquired if the grant funding was specific regarding the start and end points of the project and whether this could be changed. Mr. Kenison stated that the project scope may be changed, however, the terminus locations must make safety sense. J. Haverstock inquired what the next steps would need to be taken to move forward with this project. Mr. Kenison stated that the project just needs to follow VTrans guidelines and that any plans and permits must be reviewed by VTrans. J. Gagnon stated that some towns paint their crosswalks a different color for safety. Mr. Kenison replied that white paint is the only approved color. D. Mills stated that there is currently 250’ of granite curbing at the Transfer Station that can be used for this project. Mr. Kenison stated that this was probably received from the VTrans local district from a project surplus. J. Gagnon stated that this is a State highway and inquired why the State is not doing the project. Mr. Kenison replied that, outside road reconstruction projects, the State typically does not construct sidewalks. J. Haverstock inquired if it was possible to install a sign to discourage passing on the right. Mr. Kenison stated that this could be included in the project. D. Mills inquired if there were any options for electronic monitoring of offenders. Mr. Kenison stated that this would be under the jurisdiction of the Vermont State Police and not VTrans. Chief Warfle stated that he would research this option. There was further discussion regarding the scope of the project and it was decided that this would begin at Pleasant Street and end at the guardrail.
Motion by A. Malay and seconded by D, Mills to eliminate from the project scope the area north of Pleasant Street intersection. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Mr. Kenison exited at 7:18 PM.
Recap of Pittsford Day Celebration:
T. Hooker stated that Satin & Steel was not able to perform due to thunderstorms and has offered to return to Pittsford to perform a concert. The details are still pending and will be discussed at a future meeting.
Continue Consideration of Request from Landowner Seeking Act 250 Permit:
J. Haverstock indicated that he has spoken with Theresa Gilman from VTrans and learned that this project would probably not require a fee to obtain a Stat 1111 permit, so it appears that it matters not who signs the permit application as Applicant. J. Haverstock stated that he has communicated this information to Mr. Von Turkovich.
NEW BUSINESS
Discussion of Lothrop School “Blue House”:
J. Haverstock reported that he has exchanged emails with the Superintendent of Schools, who indicated that rental of the Blue House was part of the School Custodian’s compensation package. There was discussion that this matter should be referred to the Zoning and Lister’s Office and the building possibly returned to the tax rolls. D. Mills stated that this may need to be reviewed by an attorney. J. Haverstock will forward this to Atty Gary Kupferer prior to making referrals to the Zoning and Lister’s offices. A. Malay stated that there are 5 adults living in the house and inquired if there was a back ground check on these residents. Chief Warfle also indicated that there is a pit bull on the property. T. Pelkey stated that this property was purchased with Burditt Funds for educational purposes only. D. Mills inquired if there was a billing done for the water and sewer usage at the property. J. Haverstock will research utility billing and whether a meter needs to be installed at the Blue House.
Review Proposals on Transfer Station Shed Roof Project:
J. Haverstock stated that thus far only one proposal has been received from VT Roofing. There is a proposal expected from Chuck Charbonneau, who was given a final opportunity to submit a proposal before the next meeting. This topic was tabled to a future meeting.
Consider Fire Warden’s Request to Amend Burning Ordinance:
Brad Keith, the Town Fire Warden, would like to amend the Burning Ordinance to broaden his discretion to permit burning within the Village. J. Haverstock will research and provide a draft ordinance amendment at a future meeting.
C. Shaw and M. Shaw exited at 8:00 PM.
Appoint Town Representative(s) to Rutland Regional Transportation Council:
J. Haverstock stated that he had served as an alternate in the past and agreed to step into the position that was recently vacated by Kitt Shaw. The members agreed to this appointment.
Appoint Town Representative(s) to Rutland Regional Planning Commission:
J. Haverstock recommended reappointing Dave Mills and Dave Soulia as the Town representative and alternate, respectively. Motion by J. Gagnon and seconded by A. Malay to make this reappointment. Motion passed 4 – 0 – 1 (Mills abstained).
Appoint Town Delegate to VLCT Annual Business Meeting:
A. Malay inquired about the details of the event. J. Haverstock explained the details and stated that he has served as the delegate in the years passed. Motion by A. Malay and seconded by D. Mills to appoint the Town Manager as the Delegate to the VLCT Annual Business Meeting. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Review and Act on Lister’s Office Error and Omission:
J. Haverstock explained that the gas pumps, tanks, and canopy was never removed from the Listers’ Card following their removal from the Keith’s Country Store property. Motion by J. Gagnon and seconded by D. Mills to approve the Error and Omission. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Discussion of Proposal to Replace Former Part-Time Police Officer on Roster:
J. Haverstock explained that Chief Warfle would like to replace Tim Cornell who is no longer a Pittsford Police Officer and that this was not add to overall coverage hours. Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by T. Pelkey to approve this request. Motionpassed unanimously 5-0.
Consider Releasing Bond for Resident Completing Work in Town Right of Way:
J. Haverstock stated that this was discussed in the review of Orders. Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by A. Malay to refund the bond for work that was done on West Creek Road. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Consider Request for Annual Compensation for Trail Run Organizer:
Recreation Director Randy Adams was present to request a $300 stipend to Kelly Connaughton stating that she has organized the Trail Run for 4 years and has requested the modest stipend for her future involvement. Trail Run funds have been used to install a water fountain at the Recreation Area and will be tapped for to the construction of the proposed Lifeguard Shelter. D. Mills indicated that this stipend should be included in the Recreation budget for the upcoming years. T. Hooker expressed concern over the precedent to be set by paying a “volunteer.” Following discussion, this topic was tabled until the Spring.
Consider Request for Library Coin Drop:
T. Pelkey stated that the Library would like to hold a Coin Drop on October 12, 2019 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Motion by A. Malay and seconded by J. Gagnon to approve the request. Motion passed 4 – 0 – 1 (Pelkey abstained).
Consider Construction of Lifeguard Shelter at the Recreation Area:
Recreation Director Randy Adams was present to discuss the plans for construction of a Lifeguard Shelter near the Recreation Area swimming area. T. Pelkey inquired the source of the funding. Mr. Adams indicated that there is approximately $7729 available from the Trail Run revenue and the proposal is just under $5,000.
Motion by A. Malay and seconded by J. Gagnon to approve the construction of the Lifeguard Shelter not to exceed $5,000. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Mr. Adams exited at 7:41 PM.
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 8:05 PM. Town Manager Haverstock and Police Chief Warfle were invited to remain for Executive Session.
The Select Board exited Executive Session at 8:30 PM.
Motion by T, Pelkey and seconded by D. Mills to increase the hourly pay rate of Police Lieutenant Pratico to $22.50. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:32 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Select Board will be held on September 4, 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