Town of Pittsford SELECT BOARD – December 7, 2022
MEMBERS PRESENT: Alicia Malay, W. Joseph Gagnon, David Mills, Mark Winslow and Thomas Hooker. OTHERS PRESENT: Donna Wilson, Melanie Parker, Samantha Stone, Tom Hogan, Michael Ramsey, Dan Kiphaut, Terry White, Lorrie Byrum, Chad Eugair, Police Chief Mike Warfle, Bill Pratico, Ethan Pippin, 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 Executive Session for 2 Personnel concerns and Town Report dedication discussion. Motion by T. Hooker and seconded by D. Mills to enter into Executive Session for Personnel and Town Report dedication. Motion passed 5 – 0.
B. Fox-Howard stated that there is 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 October 26, 2022 regular meeting; November 2, 2022 regular meeting; November 2, 2022 Dog Hearing and the November 2, 2022 Executive Sessions were signed with no corrections.
ORDERS:
The orders in the amount of $208,836.79 payroll in the amount of $12,544.34 were signed with the following discussion:
M. Winslow inquired the expense to Innovative Surface Solutions. Chad Eugair explained that this is for the salt mixture that is used for winter road treatment.
M. Winslow inquired the expense to Wex Bank. B. Fox-Howard explained that this is the bank card company for Mobil gas purchases.
J. Gagnon inquired the expense for the Durango exhaust and set-up. T. Hooker explained that this was for 2 vehicles for the Police Department.
D. Mills explained that the Green-Up Vermont appropriations is being over allocated by $50 per the letter that was sent explaining the formula being based on population.
M. Winslow inquired the special appropriations – Marble Valley Transit ($5,000) – T. Hooker explained that this is an annual amount; Rutland Area Community Service ($3,020) – an annual request; Court Diversion – based on a formula. J. Gagnon recommended that in the future, for discussion purposes, to include the amount that was allocated in the previous year.
Chair Malay inquired the expense for the hydraulic study. B. Fox-Howard stated that this is nearing the end of the expense, however, there is another hydraulic study upcoming, which will be 100% grant funded.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT:
B. Fox-Howard reported on the following highlights:
- The most critical ordinances have been submitted for review, however, work continues on the updating process.
- Budget work continues.
- Funding is being sought for the Fire Hill culvert project.
- The Mosquito District is working on changing the formulas for the calculations of the costs to towns. This will be in effect with their next budget year.
- The Veteran’s Day Celebration was held on November 11, 2022 and was largely attended.
- The first meeting for the Union contract negotiations was held and the proposed draft will be circulated to members prior to their next meeting.
- There is a new grant for the speed feed back signs. An application will be filed.
- Information on the hydraulic study was included in the packets for review.
- The employees would like to have a Holiday Luncheon on December 14, 2022. The recommendation is to close the office and services at 1:00 PM. The Select Board was in agreement and this change will be posted.
- The Transfer Station hours for Christmas Eve and New Years Eve were discussed and the hours will remain unchanged.
SELECT BOARD COMMENTS:
M. Winslow stated that the Veteran’s Day Celebration was an excellent affair and very well done by all involved.
Chair Malay stated that Sen. Bernie Sanders’ staff was in town to discuss grant information.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Mr. Kiphaut, a resident of Long Trail Road was present to discuss the junk ordinance and violations within his neighborhood. Mr. Kiphaut presented the Board with pictures of the area and expressed concern over rodents, water run-off contamination, and the overall mess of vehicles being loaded with garbage and used appliances. Mr. Kiphaut stated that he has spoken with Health Officer Bowman and Zoning Administrator Biasuzzi with no resolution. D. Mills suggested that the Select Board meet with Mr. Biasuzzi, however, Chief Warfle recommended that Mr. Bowman be included in the discussion. This discussion will be scheduled in the near future.
OLD BUSINESS
Highway Truck Discussion and Update:
Chad Eugair was present to discuss the truck that was ordered and totaled enroute to be delivered. Fairfield Company has trucks in stock to be built with a stainless steel body and a stainless steel sander for an additional $19,631 over the original quoted price. This truck could be built in January 2023 if the Select Board approves the purchase. The truck that is being replaced will be transferred to the Water & Sewer Department and not traded. Following discussion, a motion was made by D. Mills and seconded by T. Hooker to move forward with the purchase of the truck from Fairfield with the increased amount of $19,631 over original truck approval. Motion passed 5 – 0. C. Eugair will contact Fairfield with the go ahead to produce the truck.
Village Farm Grant Agreement Resolution Document:
VLCT has reviewed the documents and stated that they are standard forms. The document was signed.
Otter Creek Engineering Route 7 Segment 3 Estimate:
Otter Creek Engineering has presented an estimate of $18,500 for the segment of Route 7 from Plains Road to Windy Hill. The agreement was signed by Chair Malay.
Police Taser Quote:
Information was included in the packets for review. D. Mills inquired if these were new tasers. Chief Warfle explained that this proposal was for a 5-year contract, which includes liability insurance. Bill Pratico continued explaining that the taser cartridge, batteries, and training cartridges were also included in the price. There was, however, a price increase on December 1, 2022 and the amount is unknown at this time. The company has been asked to hold the price that was initially submitted, however, this request was not approved. D. Mills inquired how many times the taser has been deployed. Mr. Pratico stated that he does not recall any deployment, however, it is a deterrent. Motion by D. Mills and seconded by T. Hooker to approve the purchase with no more than a 10% increase over the length of the contract. Motion passed 5 – 0.
Coin Drop Ordinance:
The Coin Drop Ordinance was reviewed. Motion by D. Mills and seconded by T. Hooker to adopt the ordinance as presented. Motion passed 4 – 1.
Weights & Measures Ordinance:
The Weights & Measures Ordinance was reviewed. Motion by D. Mills and seconded by M. Winslow to adopt the ordinance as presented. Motion passed 5 – 0.
Budget Discussions (Includes Inserts from Highway & Assessor):
B. Fox-Howard stated that there was a summary update included in the packets for review. The Select Board agreed that they will need to convene as a Special Meeting to discuss the budget at length. This meeting will be scheduled.
NEW BUSINESS
Delinquent Taxes:
Motion by D. Mills and seconded by T. Hooker to authorize Brenda Fox-Howard to collect delinquent taxes. Motion passed 5 – 0.
Village Farm ARPA Discussion:
Lorrie Byram, Melanie Parker, Samantha Stone, Donna Wilson and Terry White were present to discuss the Village Farm. There have been grants received totaling nearly $1 million, which are match grants. These grants will aid in construction of a Child Care Center, a Community Room, a Café, and expanded programming in conjunction with the Paramount Theater.
Proctor-West Rutland-Potentially “Pittsford” Tri-Town Bike Loop:
The Proctor Town Manager Michael Ramsey was present to discuss the proposed scoping study for a bike loop to include West Rutland and possibly Pittsford. There is a grant application that is due on December 14, 2022 and Proctor is essentially looking to see if West Rutland and Pittsford are interested in participating in the scoping study to assess the feasibility. There was much discussion concerning this loop. Motion by D Mills and seconded by T. Hooker to participate in the scoping study dependent on West Rutland decision at their Select Board meeting. Motion passed 5 – 0.
Encroachment Permit (Sun Common/Raymond-Hathaway):
Chad Eugair stated that this was for a private property to bore under the roadway on Creed Hill. The request was signed by Chair Malay.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
T. Hooker made the motion and seconded by D. Mills to go into Executive Session for Contracts and 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 and Town Report Dedication at 8:26 PM. Chief Warfle and Bill Pratico were invited to attend Executive Session.
The Select Board exited Executive Session at 8:55 PM.
Motion by D. Mills and seconded by M. Winslow to move forward with the Town Report dedication. Motion passed 5 – 0.
The Select Board adjourned at 8:56 PM.
The next Select Board meeting will be held on December 21, 2022.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Giard
Recording Secretary
________________________________________
Alicia Malay, Chair
________________________________________
David Mills, Vice Chair
________________________________________
Thomas Hooker, Selectman
________________________________________
W. Joseph Gagnon, Selectman
________________________________________
Mark Winslow, Selectman