TOWN OF PITTSFORD SELECT BOARD MINUTES January 19, 2022
Members Present – W. Joseph Gagnon, David Mills, Alicia Malay, Tom Hooker, and Thomas
“Hank” Pelkey. Others Present: Doug Perkins, Jeff Schumann, Mark Winslow, Ariadne Will, Tony Ferraro, Steve Belcher, Helen McKinlay, Shawn Good, Mike Blaisdell, Town Manager John Haverstock, Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM by Chair Malay.
J. Haverstock stated that there was a need to enter into Executive Session for the Adams Road
Solar Project (Legal to include Mark Winslow); Personnel (Transfer Station employee; Town Manager search). Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by D. Mills to enter into Executive Session for Personnel and Legal. Motion passed 5 – 0.
J. Haverstock stated that there was no need to amend the agenda. Motion by D. Mills and seconded by T. Hooker to adopt the agenda as presented. Motion passed 5 – 0.
Minutes:
The minutes of the January 5, 2022 regular meeting and the minutes of the January 5, 2022 Liquor Board meeting were signed, with no corrections.
Orders:
The orders in the amount of $2,176,545.53 and Payroll in the amount of $12,176.28 were signed, with the following discussion:
J. Gagnon inquired about the expense for the generator at the Wastewater Treatment Facility. J. Haverstock explained that the generator and the jetter were purchased with remaining grant funds related to the Depot Hill Road sewer project.
Chair Malay inquired about the GIS expense. J. Haverstock stated that this came from the Reassessment Fund. There was discussion that this could also qualify for ARPA funding.
D. Mills pointed out that the School District received another $2,000,000 installment of their funding from the Town.
Town Manager’s Report:
J. Haverstock reported the following:
- The Sidewalk Scoping Study will be meeting on January 25, 2022 to discuss possible sidewalk routes and will be hosting a second public meeting in conjunction with a Select Board meeting.
- Green Mountain Power has been contacted with regard to lighting at the intersection of Route 7 and Plains Road. There is a possibility of increasing the lighting to 80 watts with a cost of $28 per month. The Select Board felt that this was a good option.
- The Act 250 deadline for informational submissions for the Route 7/3 bridge hearing is January 21, 2022. The Pittsford Planning Commission met on January 6, 2022 and have submitted their response to the Act 250 Commission.
- The Town Manager met with George Yan and his successor on January 6, 2022 regarding the Adams Road Solar Project. The status of the project was deferred to Executive Session.
- Dollar General has received a list of minor punch list items that were requested by the State. Matt Casey was contacted and stated that the list would be completed in the spring. VTrans accepted this proposal with the exception of a few items that need to be completed sooner.
- The Tax Sale is scheduled for January 25, 2022. Originally there were 6 parcels referred and all have been resolved with the exception of 2, which may be resolved prior to the sale.
- Fire Chief Hemple stated that he has spoken with Greg Eastman regarding the removal of trees at the proposed Florence Fire Substation in Florence. The Select Board agreed to have the Highway Department remove the trees.
- The rules for the municipal use of ARPA funding have been modified by the Treasury Department and towns will have more discretion in the use of the funding. A list of possible ARPA funding uses will be reviewed at the February 2, 2022 meeting.
Select Board Member Remarks:
D. Mills reported that the Rutland Regional Planning Commission met and discussed the Adams Road Solar Project. D. Mills also reported that Ed Bove will be leaving the RRPC at the end of the fiscal year.
T. Hooker stated that he would be meeting with Chief Warfle and Rutland Town Police Chief with regard to State Dispatching options.
Public Comment:
None presented at this time.
Old Business:
Update on VLCT Retention and Efforts on Recruitment/Hiring of Town Manager:
J. Haverstock reported that the Select Board and he met with the 3 Town Manager finalists candidates on January 11, 2022. Rick McGuire will be continuing his meetings with the Select Board.
New Business
Discuss Town Meeting Preparations:
J. Haverstock explained that the Governor has signed laws making Town Meeting modifications, which mirror those of last year. Pittsford’s Select Board will host a Zoom discussion of budgets on February 28, 2022 at 6:30 PM (Kelly Giard hosting). Ballots will be mailed to all registered voters. The Town Report dedication will take place on February 16, 2022 at 9:00am via Zoom and limited in-person attendance (Liz Soulia hosting). Town Moderator Kevin Carvey has been notified that there will not be an in-person Town Meeting. Chair Malay inquired about the expense to mail the ballots. Helen McKinlay stated that there are currently 2336 registered voters in town. The members of the Select Board approved a resolution to proceed with Town Meeting as last year.
Sign Town Meeting Warning:
The members of the Select Board reviewed the Town Warning approved at the January 5, 2022 meeting and signed the Warning.
Authorize Town Manager to Bid at Town’s Tax Sale:
Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by D. Mills to authorize the Town Manager to bid at the upcoming Tax Sale. Motion passed 5 – 0.
Discussion of Operations of Otter Creek Watershed Insect Control District:
Doug Perkins, Chairman of the Otter Creek Watershed Insect Control District, Jeff Schuman, Vice Chairman, and Steve Belcher, the Secretary and Town Representative to the district, were present to introduce themselves and to give an update on the District. Chair Malay inquired if the notification process of the spraying could be publicized better. Chair Malay stated that she shares this information on social media for a more broad audience. D. Mills stated that there is good coverage in Florence. J. Haverstock stated that residents can sign up on a website to allow them to receive spraying notification emails. There was discussion concerning the Pomainville Farm. Mr. Perkins explained the District’s funding.
Mr. Perkins, Mr. Schuman and Mr. Belcher exited at 6:58 PM.
Introduction and Remarks from Pittsford Representative to Otter Creek Consolidated Communications District:
Tony Ferraro, Pittsford’s Representative to the Otter Creek Consolidated Communications District was present to discuss the possibility of expanding broadband service throughout Pittsford. There was a Powerpoint presentation that was reviewed and discussed. The Select Board members received this information in their packets for further review. Shawn Good, a resident from Florence, was present to explain his situation with little to no internet service at his residence.
Mr. Good, Mr. Ferraro and Mr. Blaisdell exited at 7:33 PM.
Review Application for Highway Access/ROW Permit:
Kevin and Stephanie Neil have submitted an application for Highway Access and Right of Way Permit for their property on Goat Farm Road. Highway Foreman Chad Eugair has reviewed the request and visited the subject property and has approved the request, with the condition that a 15” culvert be installed and that the driveway is sloped away from the road. Motion by J. Gagnon and seconded by T. Hooker to approve the request with the conditions. Motion passed 5 – 0.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by D. Mills to go into Executive Session for Legal and 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 7:46PM. Town Manager Haverstock and Mark Winslow were invited to remain for Executive Session. M. Winslow exited Executive session at 8:14PM.
The Select Board exited Executive Session at 8:49PM, with no action taken.
The Select Board adjourned at 8:49PM.
The next regular meeting of the Select Board will be held on February 2, 2022.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Giard
Recording Secretary
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Alicia Malay, Chair
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David Mills, Vice Chair
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ThomasHooker,Selectman
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W. Joseph Gagnon, Selectman
_________________________________ Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Selectman