PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
 
DATE:                    October 24, 2017
 
PRESENT:             Peter Borden, Charles Piso, Matt Corron, George Deblon, Becky Donnet, Alan Barrows, Tim Hunt, Elizabeth Warner, Dot Williamson, Roger Stevens, Sarah Gallagher, Lynda Colton, Ray Colton, Erica Hurd, Amelia Hurd, Ed Herson, Rebecca Stewart, Gregg Russ, Sue Wuerthele
 
AGENDA
Agenda Modifications: New Business #8 – South Hill Rd TRORC Pilot Aid Grant
Minutes Approval:  Regular Meeting October 10, 2017
Public Present:  #1 - Becky Donnet 6 pm; #2 - Alan Barrows 6:15 pm; #3 - Erica Hurd 6:30 pm; #4 - Tim Hunt and Tweed Valley Snow Travellers 6:45 pm; #5 - Gregg Russ 7 pm; #6 - Sue Wuerthele 7:15 pm
Correspondence:

1. VT Better Roads Grant Program
2. REDC annual meeting
3. Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
4. RA Contracting Roadside mowing option
5. AOT Bridge pole permits
6. Motion to Alter (Act 250) Riverside Farm
7. TRORC Certificate of Compliance/Determination of Energy Compliance
8. CCV Annual Report

Old Business:

1. EC Fiber update for Library and Town Office network security
2. Signage update
3. Green-up Coordinator appointment
4. VTrans Right of way
5. FEMA Easement
6. Sign language approval and purchase
7. Pavement follow-up
8. Rock placement on Park Place
9. VHCB Easement

New Business:

1. Elevator inspection contract
2. Culverts Guernsey Brook
3. Pine Needle Hill – request private to town road
4. Current Violations Health department
5. Basketball court
6. Tweed Valley Snow Travelers trail update
7. Permit Vermont Farms Catering
8. South Hill Rd TRORC Pilot Aid Grant

Next Meeting Date:  November 14, 2017
 
Charlie motioned to open the meeting at 6:03 p.m., Peter seconded, meeting opened. New Business #8 South Hill Rd TRORC Pilot Aid Grant added to the agenda. Peter motioned to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting held October 10, 2017; Charlie seconded; minutes approved.
 
Public Present #1: Becky Donnet of Lubek Computer – Reviewed option to segregate the Library from the Town Office network using a new more secure router with two separate IP addresses off the EC Fiber connection. In the interest of protecting the town’s records the Board would like two separate EC Fiber connections. Becky agrees this would be the most secure option. Betty Warner will get pricing from EC Fiber for the library; Becky will get pricing on a smaller secure router for the town; the library can use the town’s wireless router and offer visitors internet access. This change will increase costs for the library and they will need to determine an internet usage policy. 
 
Public Present #2: Alan Barrows requests the town consider taking over Pine Needle Hill Road which is currently a private road. The board reviewed the town road specifications and the state road standards. The town cannot pursue as there are fewer than 3 houses on the road and the road is less than 500 feet long. A copy of the town standards were given to Mr. Barrows. Trash pick-up is another concern as the local provider will not go up this road. Charlie has not heard back from Stockbridge about joining efforts for establishing a central trash pick-up for town residents.
 
Public Present #3: Erica Hurd updated the board on the basketball court project. Charlie Bowen installed the new posts and backboards. Due to all the estimates being so different she is focusing on the estimate from Charlie for the re-surfacing which requires 2-3 inches of asphalt with an approximate cost of $20,000. Erica is not comfortable pursuing grant monies on behalf of the town and feels a town employee should handle this task. She is willing to do more fundraising for the project and suggests the town set aside additional funds for the recreation area as it will need more work in the future.
 
Public Present #4:  Tim Hunt representing the Tweed Valley Snow Travelers reports the club no longer needs to pursue an alternative route into town as they are working out details of an agreement to utilize the old trail through Riverside Farm. The club will be posting more speed limits signs. The certified letter from the board was received after the October 10 meeting therefore he was not aware of the invitation before the meeting. Tim asked the board what is the policy on open comments. The board believes topics need to be warned so interested parties are informed ahead of time. Charlie will contact VLCT for clarification. Ed Herson thanked Tim and the club for their efforts to work out an agreement to use the old trail and offered to help in any way that he can. Rebecca Stewart asked if anyone would be contacting her neighbors about the old trail being re-instituted. Tim said no as the club will not need access through Parmenter Place.
 
Public Present #5:  Gregg Russ of White River Partnership (WRP) updated the board on the data collection they conducted in 2016 through a culverts grant. They studied fish passage, condition of structures, will the structure fail and how critical to the road network should it wash out. WRP has now received a grant from VT Fish & Wildlife to do engineering for replacing structures that qualify. The goal is to complete the project without any funding from the town. The culvert is located at the junction of Forsha Road and Liberty Hill Road. Gregg will contact George about the project, do the engineering and report back to the board on progress. The design would be ready at the end of the summer in 2018.
 
Public Present #6:  Sue Wuerthele, Town Health Office, reported on a current health violation being investigated. Charlie accompanied Clairetta on the property site visit as the tenants requested an inspection. The inspection found numerous deficiencies. The property owner is deceased and no one knows who is representing the estate. The tenant mails rent payment to someone named Frank Sparrow. The Board has asked Sue to send the letter to Mr. Sparrow and to report the situation to VT Department of Health. The VT Department of Lead, The Homeless Prevention Center, VT DCF and the VT Fire Marshal are aware the situation. VT DCF told Clairetta they cannot do anything about the situation as the parents are not endangering the child.

Correspondence:

1. VT Better Roads Grant Program – information being forwarded to George.
2. REDC annual meeting is being held November 2 at Castleton University, no action.
3. Hazard Mitigation Grant Program – Lauren Oates update on eligible uses for the grant program, no action.
4. RA Contracting Roadside mowing option – solicitation for mowing services, forward to George.
5. AOT Bridge pole permits – all the permits have not been obtained and the town wants to see the actual permits. No action.
6. Motion to Alter (Act 250) Riverside Farm – Facey Goss & McPhee P.C. on behalf of Riverside Farm has made a motion to amend their application and request to continue operations. No action.
7. TRORC Certificate of Compliance/Determination of Energy Compliance – Charlie will review information and put on next agenda.
8. CCV Annual Report was received, no action.

 
Old Business:

1.  EC Fiber Update for Library and Town Office Network Security – Public Present #1
2. Signage update – combine with #6: Charlie has requested a new catalog from the Department of Corrections and will bring to the next meeting for board to review options.
3. Green-up Coordinator appointment – Charlie spoke to Johanna and she was to get back to Patty with an answer. Will need update at next meeting.
4. VTrans Right of Way – Letter states they have all the permits except one however no copies of actual permits were included. The board will not sign any agreement with VTrans until all permits meet their satisfaction.
5. FEMA Easement – Quit Claim and Right-of-Way proposal dated 10/10/17 received from Eric Furs of VTrans. Peter will draft a response and circulate to other board members for review and input.
6. Sign language approval and purchase – see #2
7. Pavement follow-up – Charlie will give the VTrans contact updated Board meeting dates.
8. Rock placement on Park Place – Casella’s is suppose to let Charlie know when they are coming up to place rocks in the proper location.
9. VHCB Easement – Ray asked about the easement public notice. Charlie gave a brief overview and stated the maintenance plan will be minimal.

 
New Business:

1. Elevator inspection contract – Charlie motioned to allocate funds for the inspection contract; Matt seconded; motion carried.
2. Culverts Guernsey Brook – see Public Present #5
3. Pine Needle Hill – request private to town road – see Public Present #2
4. Current Violations Health department – see Public Present #6
5. Basketball court – see Public Present #3
6. Tweed Valley Snow Travelers trail update – see Public Present #4
7. Permit Vermont Farms Catering – Request to Cater Malt, Vinous, and/or Spirituous Liquors – Vermont Farms Catering, LLC on October 21, 2017 was approved by Charlie and Matt via e-mail October 14, 2017
8. South Hill Rd TRORC Pilot Aid Grant – George asked the board to sign. It was for ditching on South Hill Road and the Grant funded $5,300 with the town paying $2,326.60 of the $7,626.60 invoice.

 
Next Meeting Date:  November 14, 2017
 
Adjournment:  Charlie motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 p.m.; Peter seconded; meeting adjourned.
 
Approved:  November 14, 2017                                                         Recorded by:  Tyna Gallagher    
 
Charles Piso
 
Peter Borden
 
Matt Corron
 

PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
 
DATE:                    October 10, 2017
 
PRESENT:             Peter Borden, Charles Piso, Matt Corron, Patty Haskins, Alan Barrows, Rod Moore, Tim Hunt
 
AGENDA
Agenda Modifications: Public Present #1-Rod Moore and Alan Barrows; #2-Tim Hunt; Old Business #6-Building update; #7-Trees on Former Andrews Property on Route 100; New Business #4-Green-Up Coordinator; #5-Winter Snow Removal at Town Hall and Office
 
Minutes Approval:  Regular Meeting September 27, 2017
 
Public Present:  #1 – Rod Moore and Alan Barrows; #2 – Tim Hunt
 
Correspondence:

1. VLCT Zoning Forum
2. VLCT News letter
3. Health Equity Client Services
4. District 3 Environmental Commission Report
5. Rural Fire Protection Program

 
Old Business:

1. EC fiber Fire department update
2. Update on securing Towns internet
3. Review VHCB sample management plan
4. Paving plan update
5. Signage update
6. Building update
7. Trees on Former Andrews Property on Route 100

 
New Business:

1. Update VLCT town Fair conference
2. Proposed VHCB easement
3. Clerk Treasurer Report
4. Green-Up Coordinator
5. Winter Snow Removal at Town Hall and Office

 
Next Meeting Date:  October 24, 2017
 
Charlie motioned to open the meeting at 6:03 p.m., Peter seconded, meeting opened. Agenda modifications approved: Public Present #1-Rod Moore and Alan Barrows; #2-Tim Hunt; Old Business #6-Building update; #7-Trees on Former Andrews Property on Route 100; New Business #4-Green-Up Coordinator; #5-Winter Snow Removal at Town Hall and Office. Peter motioned to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting held September 27, 2017; Charlie seconded; minutes approved.
 
Public Present #1: Rod Moore and Alan Barrows requesting to be on the next board meeting agenda to discuss making Pine Needle Road a town road. Currently it is a private road. Request granted.

Public Present #2: Tim Hunt requesting to be on the next board meeting agenda to discuss snowmobile trails. Request granted.
 
Correspondence:

1. VLCT Zoning Forum – Patty will forward information to Sarah Gray.
2. VLCT News letter – October issue received. No action.
3. Health Equity Client Services – Renewal notice for Health Reimbursement Account for town employees. Charlie motioned to renew the plan with an increase of $500 per employee for an account maximum of $1,750 per employee for the upcoming plan period; Peter seconded; all in favor, motion carried.
4. District 3 Environmental Commission Report – Memorandum of Decision for change to Riverside Farm Act 250 permit has been received. No action.
5. Rural Fire Protection Program – Thank you received for donation to support dry hydrant program.

 
Old Business:

1. EC fiber Fire department update – Charlie is waiting for a date from EC Fiber to make a site visit.
2. Update on securing Towns internet – Becky Donnet is willing to attend a Select Board meeting to give the board some ideas on how-to setup internet service in the Library without compromising the security of the town office’s network. Patty will invite Becky to a future meeting.
3. Review VHCB sample management plan – Peter will review the sample document and present recommendations to the rest of the board at the next meeting.
4. Paving plan update – Charlie met the VTrans engineer responsible for paving at Town Fair. Charlie will invite the engineer to a future meeting.
5. Signage update – The sign maker in Hancock is not working out. Charlie will get the Department of Corrections catalog for Peter to pursue the necessary signs.
6. Building update – Matt reported he has not found anyone to clean the windows yet; he will reach out to Don Marshall again on painting project; he will also reach out to Mona for projects she volunteered to do; and he has a couple of other carpenters to contact for building repairs.
7. Trees on Former Andrews Property on Route 100 – George will follow-up with Trees, Inc. on removal of red maple. The roots are damaged so it is unlikely it will survive.

 
New Business:

1. Update VLCT town Fair conference – Charlie and Patty attended the annual conference which was held in Killington. They both felt it was worthwhile especially seminars on Open Meetings and Insurance Coverage. Charlie met the VTrans engineer responsible for the Route 100 paving project and he is willing to come to a board meeting to address the town’s concerns. Charlie will invite him. Patty shared the insurance audit prepared by PACIF; currently the town’s assets are covered at guaranteed replacement costs.
2. Proposed VHCB easement – The Notice of Conveyance for Open Space and the proposed easement have been received from VHCB. Patty will ask Kris Hammer to forward a final copy of the proposed easement to Marylou Scofield to review. Charlie motioned to accept the Notice of Conveyance for public posting; Matt seconded; all in favor, motion carried. Patty will post the public notice for the Conveyance as required. Patty will forward VTrans letter from Eric Furs to the board.
3. Clerk Treasurer Report – Patty reviewed the monthly and year-to-date reports with the board.
4. Green-Up Coordinator – Charlie will ask Johanna Buker if her daughter Lilly would be interested.
5. Winter Snow Removal at Town Hall and Office – Charlie will ask Johanna Buker if she is interested. It is $15 per shovel.

 
Next Meeting Dates:  October 24, 2017
 
Adjournment:  Charlie motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m.; Peter seconded; meeting adjourned.
 
Approved:  October 24, 2017                                  Recorded by:  Tyna Gallagher    
 
Charles Piso
 
Peter Borden
 
Matt Corron
 

PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
 
DATE:                    September 26, 2017
 
PRESENT:             Peter Borden, Charles Piso, Patty Haskins, Jon Benson, Art Lynds
 
AGENDA
Agenda Modifications: Old Business #11 Route 100 Bridge Replacement and FEMA;
New Business #6 Snowmobile Trail Issue
 
Minutes Approval:  Regular Meeting September 12, 2017
 
Public Present:  #1 - Able Waste; #2 - Erica Hurd; #3 - Snowmobile club members
 
Correspondence:

1. TRORC Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation Watershed Management
2. VLCT Health Officer Training
3. VCIL Thank you for donation
4. MRGP Public notice PDF
5. MSK Notice of amendment application. Ref Naser
6. BCBS Breakfast

 
Old Business:

1. Follow-up Paving project
2. Loader info
3. Playground inspection
4. Discussion Basketball court grant and plans
5. Signage Park and Ride, Playground, Village Green purchase of signs
6. Custodian for town buildings
7. EC Fiber Fire department update
8. Update on securing Town’s internet
9. Review VHCB sample management plan
10. Parmenter Place, Tweed River Drive, snowmobile trail updates
11. Route 100 Bridge Replacement and FEMA

 
New Business:

1. Able Waste
2. Update budget conference
3. Tree removal and up righting of maple tree Rt 100
4. Clerk Treasurer Report 

          a. Bond debt service – federal sequestration
          b. PACIF Insurance Renewal
     5. Artist exhibit town office building
     6. Snowmobile Trail Issue
 
Next Meeting Date:  October 10, 2017
 
Charlie motioned to open the meeting at 6:00 p.m., Peter seconded, meeting opened. Agenda modifications approved: Old Business #11 Route 100 Bridge Replacement and FEMA; New Business #6 Snowmobile Trail Issue. Charlie motioned to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting held September 12, 2017; Peter seconded; minutes approved.
 
Public Present #1: Art Lynds of Able Waste and Jon Benson have merged businesses. They shared the new pricing structure as well as the Fast Trash program. Currently Granville, Hancock and Rochester has Fast Trash program. Pricing is based on number of hours the truck and manpower are on site plus a per capita fee monthly. Saturdays are booked unless Pittsfield and Stockbridge join forces. Stockbridge is booking a 2-hour window and it would be possible to increase this to a 4-hour window if Pittsfield joins. The truck is manned and self-contained; and they take bagged trash and recycling. Peter motioned to approve the every other week pick-up at a cost of $20 service fee per month and $3.00 per bag for the Town Office and Garage trash; Charlie seconded; motion carried. The Board will discuss the Fast Trash option further when Matt is present.
 
Public Present #2: Erica Hurd – Did not attend.
 
Public Present #3: Snowmobile club members – Did not attend.
 
Correspondence:

1. TRORC Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation Watershed Management – Draft MRGP Public Notice for General Permit 3-9040 for storm water discharges from municipal roads with dates and times. Written comments due October 27, 2017. No action.
2. VLCT Health Officer Training – October 17 or 24 training on the duties of Town Health Officer. Information has been forwarded to Sue Wuerthele and Clairetta Corron.
3. VCIL Thank you for donation – No action.
4. MRGP Public notice PDF – Duplication of Correspondence #1
5. MSK Notice of amendment application. Ref: Naser – Murphy, Sullivan and Kronk, the law firm retained by the Nasers, has submitted their response to Riverside Horse Farm Act 250 Amendment Application #3W-0948. No action.
6. BCBS Breakfast – Invitation to Informational Meeting at the Holiday Inn in Rutland October 18, 2017. No action.

 
Old Business:

1. Follow-up Paving project – Charlie has not heard back from the State yet regarding paving of Route 100, run-off issue across Route 100 from Upper Michigan and the Fire Department pond.
2. Loader info – Peter signed the credit application for Nortrax lease to purchase new Loader.
3. Playground inspection – Charlie, Peter and Patty went through items listed on PACIF loss control report for the playground. Charlie has contacted manufacturer of equipment for items that need replacement and/or repair. Charlie & Peter will take care of rototilling the play areas. Charlie will contact PACIF for specifics on the replacement sand.
4. Discussion Basketball court grant and plans – Public Present #2. No action was taken as Erica was not present to discuss future plans for Basketball Court and grant opportunities.
5. Signage Park and Ride, Playground, Village Green purchase of signs – Peter has this on his to do list.
6. Custodian for town buildings – An interested person has picked up an application. Patty is waiting to hear back from him.
7. EC Fiber Fire department update – Fire department is waiting for EC Fiber to make a site visit.
8. Update on securing Town’s internet – The town IT contractor has eliminated the “guest password” option thus closing the internet service off from the public. Board Secretary will inform the Library Trustees so they can develop alternate plans for guest users if this is something they want to offer to the public. The Library would need to present options to the Select Board for approval. Guests will no longer be able to access WiFi internet at the town office location.
9. Review VHCB sample management plan – Copies were distributed to board and they will discuss when Matt is present.
10. Parmenter Place, Tweed River Drive, snowmobile trail updates – Public Present #3: No one from the snowmobile club showed up for the meeting.
11. Route 100 Bridge Replacement and FEMA – Lauren Oates has given okay for VTrans to pursue easements with the town. It is VTrans responsibility to provide the town with proof of permits and to obtain permission from the town.

 
New Business:

1. Able Waste – See Public Present #1
2. Update budget conference – Patty and Charlie attended the conference today and felt it was a worthwhile training.
3. Tree removal and up righting of maple tree Rt 100 – George submitted an estimate from Trees, Inc. for $770+/- to remove the uprooted pine tree from the former Andrews property and stake up the maple tree in an effort to salvage it. Charlie motioned to accept the estimate; Peter seconded; motion carried. Sal Salmeri has concerns about trees behind his property that have fallen partially into the river due to the last storm. The board would like George to contact VTrans District 3 office for recommendations on how to handle this situation. The trees could pose a risk to the Tweed River Drive bridge should they dis-lodge and jam at the bridge.
4. Clerk Treasurer Report

          a. Bond debt service – federal sequestration – Patty shared updated bond payment information with the board.
         b. PACIF Insurance Renewal – Patty reviewed new questions with the board to complete survey. Charlie motioned to continue insurance with PACIF at guaranteed replacement value; Peter seconded; motion carried.
    5. Artist exhibit town office building – Betty Warner is seeking board approval to display art produced by Pittsfield artisans in the hallway to the library from late September to December. Peter motioned to allow tasteful art displays in the building during this time period; Charlie seconded; motion carried.
    6. Snowmobile Trail Issue – The board is concerned that the snowmobile club did not attend tonight’s meeting to discuss the trail situation. The board will send an updated letter to the club re-iterating the expectations that were outlined in the April 2017 certified letter.  

Next Meeting Dates:  September 26, 2017; October 10 and 24, 2017
 
Adjournment:  Charlie motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:52 p.m.; Peter seconded; meeting adjourned.
 
Approved:  October 10, 2017                                                Recorded by:  Tyna Gallagher    
 
Charles Piso
 
Peter Borden