Town of Pittsford SELECT BOARD – June 1, 2022
MEMBERS PRESENT: Alicia Malay, W. Joseph Gagnon, David Mills, Thomas Hooker and Mark Winslow. OTHERS PRESENT: Lisa Wright, Gail Gantick, Mathew Clouser, John Van-Heusen, Brenda Fox-Howard– Town Manager, Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
The Select Board was called to order at 6:30 PM by Chair Malay.
Chair Malay stated that there was a need for an Executive Session regarding Personnel (Management). Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by D. Mills to Executive Session. Motion passed (5-0).
B. Fox-Howard stated that there was a need to amend the agenda to add the discussion of Mosquito District Representation. Motion by D. Mills and seconded by T. Hooker to approve the agenda as amended. Motion passed (5-0).
MINUTES:
The minutes of the May 18, 2022 regular meeting were signed with no corrections.
ORDERS:
The orders in the amount of $50,720.59 and payroll in the amount of $13,605.50 were signed with the following discussion:
J. Gagnon inquired the expense for a water hydraulic study. B. Fox-Howard will research this and update at a future meeting.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT:
B. Fox-Howard reported on the following highlights:
- Gathering information on the West Creek Road culvert project continues. The engineering firm has submitted drawings with site elevation; however, timeline remains a concern and the permits need to be obtained. A Request for the Bid has been drafted; however, we cannot move forward without permitting and a signed drawing. There are daily contacts with the firm and the State is involved.
- There was a TAC Meeting regarding Route 7, which was attended by Chair Malay, TM, Fox-Howard and member Winslow. The TAC Committee has agreed to draft a letter of support for the citizens of Pittsford regarding their complaints on the new plans for the bridge repairs and roadway.
- Residents are coming forward and notifying of concerns of blight in town. Chief Warfle has checked some of the areas of concern.
SELECT BOARD COMMENTS:
Chair Malay congratulated and welcomed new Select Board member Mark Winslow who replaces Thomas “Hank” Pelkey; Chair Malay attended a VLCT Zoom meeting regarding cannabis and provided updates to the Select Board; Chair Malay stated that the Pittsford Community Facebook page has had some comments regarding speeding issues in town. The Town Manager has also received some speeding complaints and/or other violations for the past month. The Town Manager stated she receives a monthly police report summary for all infractions issued for each prior month and this will be included in the packet going forward for the end of each period. The current information was included in the packets for review.
Selectman Mills liked the idea that was recommended for the front of the municipal building to have raised beds instead of the shrubs that have been planted twice and not survived the winter salt. The recommendation was to build these raised with the scrap granite stones that are stored at the Transfer Station. The members all agreed that this would blend in well with the other monuments in the front area of the building.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
John Van-Heusen from the Addison Regional Planning Commission was present to discuss water quality improvements, as Pittsford is located within the Addison Basin Water Quality Council. Mr. Van-Heusen explained that municipalities can propose projects for funding consideration and that through this effort a great “bank stabilization” project had been recommended.
Mr. Van-Heusen exited at 6:49 PM.
OLD BUSINESS:
Update on Efforts to Recruit and Appoint a Resident for Select Board:
The Select Board welcomed Mark Winslow as the new member replacing Selectman Pelkey.
Survey Monkey “Link” has been set in place on Facebook, Instagram & Town websites in order to Solicit Public Input on Potential Uses for ARPA Funds. Review Purpose of the survey:
The survey is receiving some input, mainly for the dock at the Recreation Area. There may be some confusion amongst residents regarding the ARPA funds. There will be some communication to residents for the purpose of the survey in the near future to aid in a better understanding of the questions.
Cannabis and the state Cannabis Control Board; a possible Pittsford Cannabis Commission for local oversight:
The Select Board discussed the possibility of forming a board, similar to the Liquor Board, for the oversight of cannabis sales. Motion by D. Mills and seconded by T. Hooker to form a Cannabis Control Board. Motion passed (5-0).
TAC Meeting updates on the Route 7 Bridge corridor:
The state has not yet obtained the required Act 250 permit; therefore, the project has been suspended until 2024. M. Winslow expressed that the bridge needs replacing now and the intersection can be evaluated later.
NEW BUSINESS:
Request for a 30-Day Extension under Title 32, section 4342 for Assessment Filing of the Grand List for 2022:
Lisa Wright was present to request a (1) week extension for filing the Grand List. However, the State requires a request for (30) days. Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by D. Mills to approve the request for the extension under Title 32, section 4342. Motion passed (5-0).
Pittsford Day Committee voted in favor of the Town Park as the venue for 2022:
The Pittsford Day Committee recently voted all in favor to host the 2022 Pittsford Day at the Recreation Area.
VTRANS Pre-Construction Meeting results for Pittsford-Brandon Route 7 Corridor; Start-up June 6, 2022 tentative completion October 14, 2022; expect delays daily except holidays:
The Route 7 paving project will begin on June 6, 2022. Motorists should take note of this project as there will be ongoing lane closures and restrictions throughout this period.
A new annual police contract with the Town of Chittenden for the 2023 year:
The Town Manager has met with representatives from Chittenden with regard to the upcoming Policing contract. The proposed contract adds 2% inflation and a $20 gas surcharge for each shift that is covered in Chittenden. The Select Board in Chittenden will be reviewing this proposal and information will be distributed at a future meeting once approved in Chittenden.
Discussion regarding Nature Conservancy and a (412) acre parcel from the Smith/Wheeler property & High Pond Natural Area:
A letter has been received from the Nature Conservancy with regard to the purchase of 412 acres formerly from the Smith/Wheeler property. There was some discussion regarding this purchase and that the funding by the Conservancy may have been derived from housing tax dollars.
Legislative Results Flyer from the TM meeting last week:
A copy of the information that was received at a recent Town Managers meeting was included in the packets for review. One highlight was the Act 250 being relaxed a bit for towns with a population of less than 3000 with regards to permitting for rural housing developments.
Right-of-Way Permit for approval & Board of Selectman Signing:
Outback Acres has requested a right of way at their property on Randall Park. Highway Foreman Chad Eugair has visited the site and has approved with the condition of 15” culvert be installed and the driveway be sloped away from the road to eliminate water runoff. Motion by D Mills and seconded by T. Hooker to approve the request as presented with the Highway Foreman’s conditions. Motion passed (5-0).
Discussion of Pittsford’s Presence on the Mosquito District:
There is an open position on the Mosquito District for Pittsford. Following discussion, B. Fox-Howard will inquire if she is eligible to represent Pittsford and will also advertise the position with the newspaper, website and Facebook.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
D. Mills made the motion and seconded by T. Hooker to go into Executive Session for Personnel where premature knowledge could 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 7:30 PM.
The Select Board exited Executive Session at 7:56 PM with no action taken.
The Select Board adjourned at 7:56 PM.
The next Select Board meeting will be held on June 15, 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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Thomas Hooker, Selectman
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- Joseph Gagnon, Selectman
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Mark Winslow, Selectman