Members Present – Thomas Hooker, Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, David Mills, Alicia Malay and W. Joseph Gagnon (6:35 PM). Others Present: Charles “Chip” Greeno, Chad Eugair, Town Manager John Haverstock, Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM by Town Manager Haverstock, who stated that Vice Chair Malay would be conducting this teleconference meeting.
J. Haverstock stated that there was a need to enter into Executive Session for one Personnel matter (Highway Department). Motion by T. Pelkey and seconded by D. Mills to enter into Executive Session. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
J. Haverstock stated that there was a need to amend the agenda to add a Liquor Board item for Keith’s Country Store’s request for a Second Class Liquor License renewal. Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by D. Mills to accept the agenda as amended. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
Minutes:
The minutes of the April 1, 2020 Regular Select Board meeting were signed, with no corrections. The Select Board authorized Chairman Pelkey to sign the minutes on their behalf.
Orders:
The orders in the amount of $15,361.89 and Payroll in the amount of $11,815.03 were signed by Chairman Pelkey, with no discussion.
Town Manager’s Report:
J. Haverstock reported the following:
- A “virtual” staff meeting was successfully held on April 9, 2020.
- The Planning Commission is planning to conduct a virtual meeting on April 23, 2020.
- The Rutland County Humane Society is reconsidering their Coin Drop date of May 16, 2020. There will be more information coming on the new proposed date.
Select Board Comments:
D. Mills stated that the Rutland Regional Planning Commission has a virtual meeting system available for the Town to use if necessary. Ed Bove has the information regarding this system. D. Mills also stated that the Select Board should be having discussions on cost cutting measures due to the pandemic. A. Malay inquired if the system that is available from the Rutland Regional Planning Commission is similar to Zoom. D. Mills will research and advise.
Public Comment:
None presented at this time.
OLD BUSINESS
Discussion of COVID 19 Coronavirus Response:
J. Haverstock reported that the guidance remains unchanged with the use of masks, hand washing, social distancing and the Stay Home Order. The Municipal Office is closed with most staff working from home and those that are in the office are scheduled with a maximum of 2 in the office at any time. The Custodian has been asked to increase cleaning at the Office to twice per week and has been asked to clean the areas that will be touched more extensively. The Police Officer that had had contact with a COVID 19 positive individual has returned to full duty, following a quarantine period. Recreation Department events have been cancelled as necessary. There is signage at the Recreation Area advising social distancing and pointing out areas, such as basketball, tennis, playground and swimming areas have been closed. Per State guidance, the Highway crew has returned to work. The Webpage is updated regularly noting any changes and the Newsletter deadline has been extended.
NEW BUSINESS
Consider Request to Renew Fireworks Permit:
J. Haverstock stated that C & C Fireworks has received a permit to sell fireworks in Pittsford. Chip Greeno stated that he would like to have a permit term longer than a year. He was hoping to upgrade the surroundings with plantings and a better driveway/parking area. The discussion resulted that there were no issues in the past year. T. Pelkey inquired the time that Mr. Greeno was looking for the permit to be extended. Mr. Greeno stated that Rutland Town has issued a 2 year permit and it was hoped that Pittsford would do the same length of time. D. Mills proposed a 3 year permit with the provision that this could be modified in the event of any issues. T. Hooker explained that the initial permit was due to the complaints that were initially received after the opening of the store. D. Mills inquired about the structure and inquired if a more permanent structure would help the tax base. Mr. Greeno explained that the State likes the current structure as there is no wood or electrical that would encourage fire. Mr. Greeno stated that his staff does not sell fireworks to Pittsford area residents without a permit from the proper authorities. Motion by J. Gagnon and seconded by D. Mills to issue a 3 year permit with the provisions discussed. Motion passed 5 – 0.
Consider Purchasing Additional Feature(s) for New Truck’s Body:
Highway Foreman Chad Eugair stated that the specs were kept similar to other trucks and are very basic. D. Mills inquired the variations of the materials for the truck body, paint that would last longer, the bed chain being steel or stainless steel. C. Eugair stated that the bed chain in truck 5 was just replaced and has about a 7 year life span. J. Gagnon spoke in favor of having a second bed chain and that it may be a good investment. C. Eugair stated that the changing of the body may have implications and there may be a different set up. J. Haverstock inquired what affect the implications would have by selling the cab & chassis without the body. C. Eugair stated that the value would be lower. Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by D. Mills to go to bid for the truck body based on the proposed spec’s. Motion passed 5 – 0. D. Mills recommended speaking with the manufacturer to see if the fabrication/installation process can be expedited when the cab/chassis is completed.
Consider Accepting Sidewalk Scoping Grant Award:
J. Haverstock reported that the Town has received notice of award for a $30,000 grant for engineering of a scoping study for the installation of sidewalks around Town. Construction cost estimates will be included in the study. A. Malay inquired about the timeframe for acceptance. J. Haverstock stated that once the grant is accepted, the RFP can go out and an engineer can be chosen. J. Haverstock explained that this is separate from the current Route 7 Village sidewalk project. J. Gagnon inquired if this grant funding will still be available due to the pandemic. D. Mills stated that he believes people walk in roads and that there is a safety concern. Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by T. Pelkey to accept the grant. Motion passed 4 – 1 (Gagnon opposed).
The Select Board recessed at 7:16 PM.
The Select Board reconvened at 7:17 PM.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
T. Pelkey made the motion and seconded by D. Mills 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 7:32 PM. Town Manager Haverstock was invited to remain for Executive Session.
The Select Board exited Executive Session at 7:50 PM, with no action taken.
The Select Board meeting was adjourned at 7:50 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Select Board will be held on May 6, 2020.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Giard
Recording Secretary
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Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Chairman
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Alicia Malay, Vice Chairman
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Thomas Hooker, Selectman
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W. Joseph Gagnon, Selectman
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David Mills, Selectman