PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
 
DATE:                    December 19, 2017
PRESENT:             Peter Borden, Charles Piso, Matt Corron, Patty Haskins, Betty Warner, Caleb Hawley, Dave Colton, Earl from V-Tec
 
AGENDA
Agenda Modifications: New Business #2 – John Deere signature permission
 
Minutes Approval:  Regular Meeting December 5, 2017; and Special Meeting December 11, 2017
 
Public Present:  Pittsfield Fire Dept. personnel, Library personnel
 
Correspondence:

1. TRORC sub recipient monitoring visit
2. Carroll Boe and Pell Rate change
3. M Cohen Rutland VT .com
4. District 3 Environmental Commission
5. VLCT Sarah Jarvis

Old Business:

1. Update Joe Harrington
2. Fire department Apparatus report
3. VLCT updates Charles
4. Update efficiency Vermont Matt
5. RCML internet installation proposal

New Business:

1. Budget preparation
2. John Deere signature permission

 
Next Meeting Date:  January 2, 2018
 
Charlie motioned to open the meeting at 6:15 p.m., Matt seconded, meeting opened. Agenda modification – New Business #2 John Deere signature permission added to the agenda. Charlie motioned to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting held December 5, 2017; Matt seconded; minutes approved. Charlie motioned to approve the minute of the Special Meeting held December 11, 2017; Peter seconded; minutes approved.
 
Public Present:  
1. Pittsfield Fire Dept. personnel – Dave Colton and Caleb present on behalf of the Pittsfield Fire and Rescue (PFR). Earl from V-Tec was present to answer questions about options, financing, etc. Summary:  PFR has a tanker with a 1990 chassis and 1968 milk tank; showing its age, challenging to drive as it does not have baffles in the tank, 6 speed manual, difficult to start (manual choke), limited number of volunteers capable of driving the vehicle. PFR would like to replace it with a pumper/tanker combination vehicle – new cost is approximately $250,000; pricing on used vehicles varies greatly and savings are not significant for comparable units. The department has $50,000 to put towards the purchase and would like the town to finance the remaining $200,000 plus. PFR currently has (2) pumper trucks and (1) tanker; purchase a pumper/tanker would eliminate 1 or 2 of the existing vehicles. When purchasing a new vehicle need to be aware of space limitations of the firehouse (height, length); and the transmission needs to be able to handle the local terrain. Earl presented lease/purchase figures with interest rates between 3.63% and 3.82%; Mascoma gave Patty a rate between 2.7% and 2.9%. The board would like Earl to ask for a better rate. There are unanswered questions on financing – PFR needs to pin down more detailed information and provide options to the board. A new truck will take 6 months to build. The information may not be ready in time for the Town Meeting Warning.

2. Library personnel – Betty Warner present on behalf of RCML: The installation of the separate internet connection will increase funds needed for the Library budget. $70 per month for access plus $150 for the installation. Betty also reported the Library should be able to turn the Wi-Fi on and off to match the operations of the Library. Charlie motioned to accept the Library’s plan to turn the Wi-Fi on and off as needed and to approve the Library’s request for additional funds to cover the increase monthly cost and the installation of the separate internet connection; Peter seconded; all in favor; motion carried. Betty would like to pursue a separate service for free Wi-Fi service in town through a grant. Several towns offer this as a service for out of town visitors and general public use. The board approved Betty to investigate this service further and report back.
 
Correspondence:

1. TRORC sub recipient monitoring visit – audit of 113 Park Place and 2335 Route 100 (formerly Halligan property) files was conducted. No action.
2. Carroll Boe and Pell Rate change – Law firm that was used for some of the buyout properties has increased their rates. No action.
3. M Cohen Rutland VT .com – Mary is aware the Board has decided not to request an appropriation of funds for this initiative. No action.
4. District 3 Environmental Commission – Amendment to Riverside Farm’s application for a traffic study. No action.
5. VLCT Sarah Jarvis – Sarah is the contact for information on how to properly warn the purchase/lease of equipment for  municipality.

 
Old Business:

1. Update Joe Harrington – Joe is the VTrans engineer assigned to the paving project through Pittsfield that Charlie was trying to arrange a visit. A different engineer is being assigned to the project. Charlie will invite the new engineer to a meeting when he gets their contact information.
2. Fire Department Apparatus report – see Public Present #1 Pittsfield Fire Dept. personnel
3. VLCT Updates, Charles – He is waiting for a return call regarding the number of required Constables.
4. Update Efficiency Vermont, Matt – Matt has sent a reminder to EV on information needed, including a list of qualified EV contractors. He will contact Lubek Electric on current pricing for new lights and any rebates.
5. RCML internet installation proposal – see Public Present #2 Library Personnel

 
New Business:

1. Budget preparation – reviewed undesignated fund balances; additional donation requests; audit estimate from Jeff Bradley; Peter to get a breakout on the list of projects he was pricing; Matt will get an estimate for painting projects; Peter will contact George to purchase the fireproof cabinet before the end of the year; Patty will do more research on how the town can use undesignated funds and proper warning procedures; Patty will run additional anticipated tax rate estimates for next meeting; Charlie will have Caleb get loan information for $100,000 and $200,000. Changing the Constable position to an appointed position has been tickled for a June meeting discussion as it has to be voted on in August.
2. John Deere signature permission – The loader is scheduled for delivery on 12/20/17. Charlie motioned to have Matt sign the paperwork on behalf of the board; Peter seconded; motion carried.

 
Next Meeting Date:  January 2, 2018
 
Adjournment:  Peter motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:06 p.m.; Matt seconded; meeting adjourned.
 
Approved:  January 2, 2018                                 Recorded by:  Tyna Gallagher    
 
Charles Piso
  
Matt Corron (not present to sign at 1/2/18 meeting)
 
Peter Borden
 

PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD HEARING MINUTES
 
DATE:                    December 19, 2017
 
PRESENT:             Peter Borden, Charles Piso, Matt Corron, Betty Warner, Patty Haskins
 
AGENDA
Discontinuance .08 Mile Portion of Town Highway #15
 
Charlie motioned to open the hearing at 6:00 p.m. Peter seconded; hearing open.

A site visit was conducted at 4:00 p.m. at the corner of Tweed River Drive and Madison Brook Road in Pittsfield Vermont. There was no opposition to the discontinuance. Charlie motioned to discontinue the .08 mile portion of Town Highway #15 as described in the new property description. Peter seconded; all in favor; motion carried.
 
Adjournment:  Charlie motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:05 p.m.; Matt seconded; all in favor, meeting adjourned.
 
Approved:  January 2, 2018                  Recorded by:  Tyna Gallagher    
 
Charles Piso
  
Matt Corron (not present at meeting 1/2/18 to sign)
 
Peter Borden
 

​PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
 
DATE:                    December 11, 2017
 
PRESENT:             Peter Borden, Charles Piso, Matt Corron, Patty Haskins
 
AGENDA
Agenda Modifications:
Old Business:
2018 Budget Preparations
Next Meeting Date:  December 19, 2017
 
Charlie motioned to open the meeting at 5:03 p.m., Peter seconded, meeting opened. No agenda modifications.
 
Old Business:
2018 Budget Preparations:

1. Additional donation requests from Vermont Adult Learning, Killington Valley Initiative and Preservation Trust of Vermont were denied.
2. Patty recommends a municipal audit as it has been 4 years since the last one. Patty will request quotes from auditors to get a better idea of the current cost for an audit. Charlie motioned to budget $10,000; Matt seconded; motion carried.
3. Board discussed the need for additional information about purchasing a new fire truck/tanker and will invite representatives from the department to attend the next meeting to answer questions.
4. Matt contacted Efficiency Vermont about current programs specifically for the Town Hall. There is a rebate of 50% or more on lighting; other energy efficiency work needs to be performed by a certified contractor to be eligible for rebates.
5. Town Office Maintenance & Repair line - $1,172 was spent on repairs; the balance of $2,200+ was spent on supplies, mandatory inspections, and other basics for maintaining the building.
6. Town Hall Maintenance & Repair line - $1,044 was spent on mandatory inspections and new de-humidifier; no repairs were performed.
7. Charlie motioned to add the loader lease payment as a line item to the Highway budget; Peter seconded; motion carried.
8. Reviewed proposed budget submitted by Fire and Rescue.
9. Reviewed proposed budget submitted by the library.
10. Reviewed salaries keeping the increase to 1.5% for all except for the following: No change for Select Board or Fire Chief; increase Auditors to $11 per hour; increase Election Officials to new minimum wage effective January 1, 2018 of $10.50 per hour; change custodial to an hourly rate of $20 versus a per cleaning charge.
11. The Board needs to work on a capital budget for the Highway Department
12. Reviewed Town Meeting Warning: A. Tricia Jarecki submitted a request to change the time of Town Meeting to the evening. Patty shared data from VLCT that changing from a daytime meeting to an evening town meeting doesn’t increase turn-out. This can be petitioned if any townspeople feel strongly on adding this as an article to the warning. B. Peter is not running for the Select Board position; members will start seeking possible candidates. C. Charlie and Matt are pursuing additional information in order to formulate an article for Town Hall repairs, specifically for siding, insulation and other repairs. D. Patty will contact VLCT on the articles pertaining to the proposed budget, setting the tax rate and order of articles.

 
Next Meeting Date:  December 19, 2017
 
Adjournment:  Charlie motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:15 p.m.; Peter seconded; meeting adjourned.
 
Approved:  December 19, 2017                                                  Recorded by:  Tyna Gallagher    
 
Charles Piso
 
Matt Corron
 
Peter Borden
 
_

PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
 
DATE:                    December 5, 2017
PRESENT:             Peter Borden, Charles Piso, Matt Corron, Patty Haskins, Caleb Hawley
 
AGENDA
Agenda Modifications:
 
Minutes Approval:  Regular Meeting November 21, 2017
 
Public Present:  Pittsfield Fire Dept. Representative Caleb Hawley
 
Correspondence:

1. Tanker Lease options-Fire Dept
2. TRORC Bylaws Draft
3. VT AOT Mapping Section Mileage adjustment
4. CT River Conservancy
5. VLCT Newsletter Dec. 2017
6. Efficiency Vermont  
7. VLCT Board Nominations

1. Census workshops LUCA

 
Old Business:

1. EC Fiber update Library and town office security issues
2. Sign Purchase update
3. PACIF update
4. Update Buildings TO and TH
5. Update Leigh Kelly Drive

 
New Business:

1. Insurance VLCT payment options
2. Update Dog Complaint
3. Definition Scope clarification Town Constables
4. Clerk Treasurer Report
5. Budget preparations

 
Next Meeting Date:  December 19, 2017
 
Charlie motioned to open the meeting at 6:02 p.m., Peter seconded, meeting opened. Matt motioned to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting held November 21, 2017; Peter seconded; minutes approved.
 
Public Present: Pittsfield Fire Dept. Representative Caleb Hawley - see Correspondence #1
 
Correspondence:

1. Tanker Lease options-Fire Dept – A tentative meeting is set for December 8th with Earl from V-Tec to discuss all the financing options and pricing. Peter would like a detailed discussion on all the options for replacing the existing tanker, thorough research, pricing and financing. The board developed a list of questions to discuss with Fire Dept. personnel. Charlie clarified with VLCT that he can participate in the discussions however he cannot vote. Patty clarified with VLCT on the wording for the purchase to be warned. Caleb wanted to know the deadline for warning the purchase for Town Meeting. All materials would be needed no later than January 18, 2018. The board will invite representatives from the Fire Dept. to discuss further at the December 19 meeting.
2. TRORC Bylaws Draft – Notice for two meetings to discuss the bylaws. Randolph on January 16, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. and Woodstock on January 24, 2018 at 6:30 pm. No action
3. VT AOT Mapping Section Mileage adjustment – The south entrance of the Green has been changed from .17 to .15 due to the re-design for the Park and Ride. No action.
4. CT River Conservancy – Request for donations. No action.
5. VLCT Newsletter December 2017 received. No action.
6. Efficiency Vermont – Updated information on programs and grants. Matt will review materials.  
7. VLCT Board Nominations – Seeking nominations for board member. No action.
8. Census workshops LUCA – Requesting assistance to update and correct addresses for the census. Time consuming and involves a fair amount of paperwork. It is not mandatory. The town will pass on participating.

Old Business:

1. EC Fiber update Library and town office security issues – Charlie, Patty and Becky Donnet met with the EC Fiber techs. EC Fiber will hardwire a separate connection for the Library. Becky will set up the town and the library on two separate routers. This arrangement will provide better security.
2. Sign Purchase update – Charlie received and approved the artwork. He is waiting for cost estimate.
3. PACIF update – They are sending the town a code of regulations book so the playground issues can be addressed.
4. Update Buildings TO and TH – Peter met with Bill Leimgruber to review numerous items that need to be addressed at the Town Hall plus a couple of items at the Town Office building. Bill provided a cost estimate for all the work to be completed by the end of the 2018 summer. Details to be discussed at next meeting. Matt will contact Efficiency Vermont to find out what items should be addressed at the Town Hall next. Charlie will contact VLCT about reallocating funds warned and approved at a previous Town Meeting. Patty reminded the board of additional items: lighting in the Town Hall, parking lot re-striping, playground equipment, and the town has not had a municipal audit in 4 years.
5. Update Leigh Kelly Drive – The Fire Marshal will be inspecting the house December 8 regarding heat. If he approves then Sue Wuerthele will lift the emergency health order.

 
New Business:

1. Insurance VLCT payment options – The board reviewed the discount options. Charlie motioned to keep the standard deductible of $1,000; Peter seconded; all in favor; motion carried.
2. Update Dog Complaint – Sue has finalized the report and closed the case.
3. Definition Scope clarification Town Constables – Patty researched the statute and shared with the board. Charlie reviewed and will contact with VLCT for more information. Patty proposes to add an article for voters to choose the constable does not have enforcement responsibilities. This was never done and by statute it is required. The statute also includes the constable be bonded and take an oath for the position. Charlie will research further.
4. Clerk Treasurer Report – Current financials provided as the board worked on the proposed budget.
5. Budget preparations – Patty provided a timeline for the Town Report and Town Meeting. The deadline for petitions and items to be added to the warning is January 18, 2018. Started the review of General Fund line items and salaries. Town Office and Town Hall maintenance and repair lines will need estimates for each project. Patty handed out a ‘sample’ warning and reminded the board they will need to provide a budget narrative for the Town Report.

 
Next Meeting Date:  December 19, 2017
 
Adjournment:  Peter motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 p.m.; Matt seconded; meeting adjourned.
 
Approved:  December 19, 2017                                                                              Recorded by:  Tyna Gallagher    
 
Charles Piso
 
Matt Corron
 
Peter Borden