PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
 Click Link to hear recording of March 24, 2020 meeting ​
​
DATE:    March 24, 2020
 
PRESENT:  Matt Corron, Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens via freeconferencecall.com
 
PUBLIC PRESENT:  none
 
AGENDA
 
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS: Correspondence #11, Drop Box recommendation from Sandy Begin; Old Business #7, Sand Shed approval of reimbursement; New Business #2, Adjustment to SB Secretary pay $25; #3, Town Office COVID-19 Procedures/Responses
 
MINUTES APPROVAL:  March 10, 2020 meeting – Tabled to next meeting
 
Correspondence:

1. VT Rural Fire Protective Task Force Grant Program
2. Vermont Local Road Training
3. Emergency and Hazardous Chemical Inventory - Consolidated Communications
4. Pittsfield Board of Listers COVID-19 Update
5. RCML COVID-19 Update
6. PACIF Increased Cyber Limits
7. VTRANS COVID-19 Update
8. Rutland County Mutual Aid
9. Vermont Critical Infrastructure Project
10. Charles Piso FYI on Minutes Deletion
11. Drop Box recommendation from Sandy Begin

 
 Old Business:

1. EWP Grant
2. Iron Horse Roofing
3. Appointed Official
4. Rules of Procedure and Conflict of Interest Policy
5. Update 236 lower Michigan Road
6. Procurement Policy
7. Sand Shed approval of reimbursement

 
New Business:

1. Municipal Roads General Permit Planning Report
2. Adjustment to SB Secretary pay $25

3.Town Office COVID-19 Procedures/Responses
 
Adjournment:
 
Matt called the meeting to order at 6:08pm.  Agenda Modifications were reviewed and approved by all.  It was decided to table the approval of the Minutes from the March 10th meeting to the next meeting.
 
Correspondence:  Matt made a motion that Correspondence be tabled to the next meeting.  Seconded by Ann.  All in favor.

1. VT Rural Fire Protective Task Force Grant Program
2. Vermont Local Road Training
3. Emergency and Hazardous Chemical Inventory - Consolidated Communications
4. Pittsfield Board of Listers COVID-19 Update
5. RCML COVID-19 Update
6. PACIF Increased Cyber Limits
7. VTRANS COVID-19 Update
8. Rutland County Mutual Aid
9. Vermont Critical Infrastructure Project
10. Charles Piso FYI on Minutes Deletion
11. Drop Box recommendation from Sandy Begin

 
 Old Business:

1. EWP Grant.  The application is due by April 24th and the projects much be completed by July 3rd.  Ann said she didn’t feel comfortable signing it at this time.  Matt made a motion to table this to the next meeting and he would speak with Charles Piso and invite him to the next meeting to provide more information.  Seconded by Ann.  All in favor.
2. Iron Horse Roofing.  This company has submitted the requested letter stating that the project was considered an emergency and that no one was injured during the repair.  Motion made by Matt and seconded by Ann to pay them.  All in favor.  All members need to sign and will make arrangements with Trish for each to sign separately.
3. Appointed Official.  Joyce said that Doug Mianulli accepted the second position as Emergency Management Coordinator.  Discussion.  Ann said all state agencies and Statute use the title of Director instead of Coordinator.  From now on the position will be referred to as Emergency Management Director/s.   Ann said that she has prepared a job description and will forward copies to the Board members for review.  The Secretary was asked to send a Letter of Appointment to Doug.  There was also some discussion regarding a state-wide conference call involving other towns’ officials including Pittsfield’s, which Matt will speak with Charles Piso about.  Ann motioned that the job description be tabled until others have a chance to review and comment on.  Seconded by Matt.  All in favor.
4. Rules of Procedure and Conflict of Interest Policy.  Matt motioned to table this to the next meeting.  Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor.
5. Update 236 lower Michigan Road.  Harper Environmental sent an asbestos report, which Board members have a copy of.  It cites five areas in the house containing asbestos.  Three companies have provided bids for removal and demolition of the house: Harper Environmental, Catamount Environmental, Inc., and Environmental Hazards Management, Inc.  Ann made a motion to accept the Harper Environmental bid.  Seconded by Matt.  All in favor.  Ann stated that she and Herb using spray foam, filled the cracks and holes in the chimney thereby prohibiting bat entry.  As a result, removal of the chimney does not to be done before April 1st.  Ann said she would forward paperwork to the office.  The Board will make arrangements to sign the required paperwork. 
6. Procurement Policy.  Motion made by Matt to table this for now.  Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor.
7. Sand Shed approval of reimbursement.  TRORC/Dubois & King are the project managers.  Matt needs to sign the documentation to have funds disbursed for the project and its reimbursement.  Motion made by Matt. Seconded by Ann.  All in favor.

New Business:

1. Municipal Roads General Permit Planning Report.  This report requires the Town to be up the MRGP standards.  Matt signed as Chair.
2. Adjustment to SB Secretary pay $25.  Motion by Matt to approve this extra pay for the Appointment Letters prepared and mailed by the Secretary.  Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor.
3. Town Office COVID-19 Procedures/Responses.  Ann said that she has reviewed FAQ provided by VLCT and other departments regarding this crisis.  She felt there were two that were pertinent to Pittsfield.  One was annual dog licensing and the other the closure of the Town Office.  After discussion and considering the current COVID-19 crisis, the Town decided to waive the Late Fees for licensing dogs after April 1st until May 1st with a possible extension if needed.  The April 1st date cannot be changed as it is mandated by State Statute.  Ann made a motion to approve the waiving of the Late Fee until May 1st or later if needed.  Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor.  The closure of the Town Office was discussed.  It was decided to have an ad placed in The Mountain Times for one week stating that considering the COVID-19 crisis, the Town Office building will remain closed to the public.  However, the office staff can be reached by telephone/email and appointments can be made, if needed.  This includes the Town Clerk, Town Garage, and Town Listers.  Trish will be asked to compose and place the ad.

 
Other Business:

1. Need for Special Meeting.  Ann felt that the Board should consider having a Special Meeting to discuss the Town’s financial situation.  This would include reviewing revenue loss, possible postponement of property tax payments, etc.  The Board was asked to think about this, and it will be addressed at the next meeting. 

Next Meeting:  Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at 6:00pm
 
Adjournment:   The meeting adjourned at 7:46pm.
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
Martha L. Beyersdorf, Secretary
 
Approved:
 
Matt Corron, Chair                                          Ann Kuendig                                      Joyce Stevens

PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
 
DATE:    10 March 2020
 
PRESENT:  Matt Corron, Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens
 
PUBLIC PRESENT:  Herb Kuendig, Sarah Gallagher, George Deblon, Charles Piso
 
AGENDA
 
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS: Correspondence 4, Resignation of Tyna Gallagher; 5, LEMP; 6, LEPC Attendance; 7, COVID-19 Measures; 8, Act 250 Request for Abandonment;  New Business 4, Iron Horse Roofing; 5, Battery Backup; 6, Appointments of Town Officials; 7, Town Truck
 
MINUTES APPROVAL:  2 March 2020 meeting
 
Correspondence:
1.Select Board Training
2.VLCT News March-April 2020
3.FEMA Risk MAP
4.Resignation of Tyna Gallagher
5.LEMP 2020 Update
6.LEPC #12 Attendance
7.COVID-19 Measures
8.Act 250 Request for Abandonment
 
Old Business:
1.Update – 234 Lower Michigan Road
2.Closing out of complaints involving Ann D. Kuendig, Select Board, Town of Pittsfield
3.Closing out of complaints involving Herbert Kuendig, Lister, Town of Pittsfield
 
New Business:
1.Board Reorganization
2.Select Board Rules of Procedure and Conflict of Interest Policy
3.February Town Financials
4.Iron Horse Roofing
5.Battery Backup
6.Appointments of Town Officials
7.Town Truck
 
Adjournment:
 
Matt called the meeting to order at 6:04pm.  Agenda Modifications were reviewed and approved by all.  Motion made by Matt to approve the Minutes of the 2 March meeting.  Ann asked that the comment made by Marylou regarding Tyna be stricken.  Discussion of how to handle a deletion.  Ann made a motion to approve the Minutes with the deletion.  Seconded by Matt.  All In favor.
 
Correspondence:
1.       Select Board Training.  Meetings are being held in both Montpelier and Woodstock.  All members plan to register and attend.
2.       VLCT News March-April 2020.  Available for review.
3.       FEMA Risk MAP.  An informational meeting about the Risk Mapping, Assessment, and Planning Discovery Meeting for the White Watershed in Vermont will be held on March 31st at 1:30pm at the Bethel Town Hall. 
4.       Resignation of Tyna Gallagher.  Accepted.
5.       LEMP 2020 Update.  Table for review.
6.       LEPC #12 Attendance. This correspondence from Bruce Martin, Chair, states that records show that neither Cathy Capetta nor Trish Fryer have attended any meetings.  Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursdays of March, June, September, and December from 6-8pm in various locations.   No action taken.
7.       COVID-19 Measures.  Myra Newroot, the RCML Librarian, would like to know what measures are being considered/taken regarding the virus.  Discussion.  The Board agreed that it sounded more like a topic of discussion for the RCML Board.  Ann asked if someone should check with the Fire Department as to what they are doing.  The Select Board decided not to take a position on this.  If the Library Board would like to take any action/s they feel necessary, the Select Board will respect their decisions.
8.       Act 250 Request for Abandonment. This pertains to Colton Enterprises #3W0405-6. The deadline for a hearing request is March 30th.  No further action taken.
 
Old Business:
1.       Update – 234 Lower Michigan Road.  Ann said that Kevin Geiger of TRORC has prepared a bid.  Since the chimney has to be removed by April 1st, Ann asked if she could speak with Kevin as to whether this could be accomplished with a separate RFP just for the chimney removal and if someone local could remove it instead of three contractors or a public posting to save time.  In the meantime, she had contacted Harper Environmental.  They are the least expensive and most responsive and could come later this week if contacted now.  She outlined some other firms and their pricing.  It was decided to have Ann speak with Kevin.
2.       Closing out of complaints involving Ann D. Kuendig, Select Board, Town of Pittsfield.  Ann said that she would like to make a statement regarding this complaint.  Sarah felt that Ann should recuse herself as she is part of the complaint.  Matt said that he would like to hear what Ann has to say.  Discussion as to whether to meet with Dana Decker or have the 2-hour meeting with VLCT.  Ann agreed to sit with Dana and Trish.  Matt will check with Dana regarding available dates.
3.       Closing out of complaints involving Herbert Kuendig, Lister, Town of Pittsfield.  Herb said he spoke with Trish today, offered her congratulations on her re-election and felt that they could work together.  He agreed not to make any inappropriate remarks or social postings. No further action by the Board.
 
New Business:
1.       Board Reorganization.  Motion made by Matt to appoint himself as Chair, Ann as Vice Chair (buildings) and Joyce (orders).  Joyce seconded.  Approved
2.       Select Board Rules of Procedure and Conflict of Interest Policy.  Ann proposed that these be updated to include definitions and include specific examples.  It was decided to distribute copies of these to all Board members for review/editing.  Signing by all members will be tabled until all have had a chance to review and make recommendations.
3.       February Town Financials.  Copies were handed out and reviewed.  Joyce suggested to change the format to include the Month amount, Budgeted Amount, and Year to Date amount.  This will be passed on to the Town Treasurer.
4.       Iron Horse Roofing.  The performed an emergency repair on the roof but it was found that the Town had none of the paperwork required for contractors.   Ann said she would like to see the policy for what is required for paperwork.  The company does have the proper insurance, and would be glad to complete the paperwork, but without adding the Town to its Certificate of Insurance.  The Board felt that since this was an emergency repair and they went ahead and completed the repair before the Town realized they didn’t have the paperwork on file, it would be alright to pay them.  Future work would require the proper paperwork, however. 
5.       Battery Backup.  Becky Donnet has recommended this purchase for the Assistant Town Clerk/Treasurer’s computer as it is showing signs of failing.  The purchase would cost $165.00.  Motion by Matt to approve the purchase.  Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor.
6.       Appointments of Town Officials.   Discussion of 2 vacant positions on the Zoning Board of Adjustment and one on the Local Emergency Planning Commission.  Trish has been on the LEPC but does not wish to continue.  Matt asked Charles if he was interested.  Charles said he would do it.  Charles discussed how the Commission worked.  Ann requested that the LEPC position be reviewed as to what they do and whether the position is necessary.  Matt said he would let Charles know.  Motion made by Matt to reinstate all appointments for another term except for the positions discussed.  Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor.
7.       Town Truck.  George said that he has been looking for the past 2-3 years.  The current truck is 23 years old.  The Town of Braintree has a 2013 truck for sale that is reasonably priced ($75,000), in good condition, and with low mileage.  Delivery would probably be in August.  The sale is being handled by Sheldon Trucks (formerly Sheldon Mack) in Williston.  They are requesting a deposit.  George suggested the deposit be $5,000.  Ann asked if there were contingencies in place.  George responded that there were. Joyce asked if the Town would be keeping or selling the current truck.  George responded that it probably would be sold.  It has a lot of rust in the double frame.  Matt made a motion to approve the $5,000 deposit.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.  The balance would be due at delivery.
 
Next Meeting:  Tuesday, 24 March 2020 at 6:30pm at the Town Office Building. Note: the time change was requested by Joyce and is for this meeting only.
 
Adjournment:  Motion to adjourn passed at 8:31pm.  (Matt/Joyce-all in favor)
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
Martha L. Beyersdorf, Secretary
 
Approved:
 
Matt Corron, Chair                                          Ann Kuendig                                      Joyce Stevens

Minutes of the Pittsfield Select Board Meeting, 2 March, 2020
5:00 pm in the Town Office building.
 
DATE:             2 March, 2020
 
PRESENT:       Charles Piso, Matt Corron, Ann Keundig, Marylou Scofield, Sarah Gallagher
 
PUBLIC PRESENT:  Joyce Stevens, Herb Keundig
 
AGENDA
 
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS: Correspondence 5, Sue Wuerthele resignation; 6, Colton Act 250 Permit Amendment; 7, FEMA-USGS Risk mapping; 8, VLCT News; Old Business 4, OT pay for Town  Clerk/Treasurer for FEMA work; New Business 2, chimney at 234 Lower Michigan; 3, Audit following possible change of personnel
 
MINUTES APPROVAL: February 18, 2020
 
Correspondence

1. Exchange Student Program International Fellowship Group
2. Kiosk acknowledgement
3. Tax Warrant Rutland County
4. Resignation – Amanda Barrett, Auditor
5. Resignation – Sue Wuerthele, Auditor
6. Colton Act 250 Permit Amendment
7. FEMA-USGS Risk Mapping
8. VLCT News

 
Old Business

1. Church Prep Town Meeting
2. Update: 234 Lower Michigan Rd
3. Recommendations for closing out of complaints:  

Ann D Keundig, Select Board, Town of Pittsfield
Herbert Keundig, Lister, Town of Pittsfield
       4.  Overtime pay Town Clerk/Treasurer
 
New Business

1. 2020 Liquor License Renewals, Clear River Tavern
2. 234 Lower Michigan Road chimney
3. Audit

 
Adjournment
 
Charles called the meeting to order at 5:10 p.m.  Agenda modifications were reviewed and approved by all.  Motion to approve the February 18, 2020, Minutes was passed (Charles/Matt).
 
Correspondence
1 – Exchange Student Program information to Town Clerk for posting. 2 – Acknowledgement of Kiosk information for the Tweed River Open Space. 3 – Tax Warrant from Rutland County of $7972.68 to be paid in two installments. 4 – Amanda Barrett resigned as auditor.  Her term expires in 2021 and this vacancy will be addressed at Town Meeting 2020. 5 – Sue Wuerthele resigned as auditor. Her term expires in 2022 and this vacancy will be addressed at Town Meeting 2020. Sue has offered to help train a new person. 6 – Colton Act 250 Permit Amendment issued. 7 – Due to April flooding causing large FEMA payouts, USGS will conduct risk mapping along portions of the Tweed River.  There is an informational meeting in Bethel on March 31. 8 – Latest issue of VLCT News available for review.
 
Old Business
 1 - Church preparation for Town Meeting.  This was accomplished on Friday by Charles with the help of Trish and Matt.  Ann will check the oil gauge prior to and after the meeting.
2 – 234 Lower Michigan Road.  Charles met with Kevin Geiger at TRORC to review bid documents.  This will all need a quick turn around as demolition should be accomplished by April 1.  If the entire demolition cannot be done by that time, at least the chimney must come down due to bat migration.  Asbestos assessment must be done by March 23 if keeping with the 17-day bid time.  Kevin provided names of firms that do assessment, saying it should cost around $1000 and will be reimbursed by TRORC.  Ann will follow up.  There is a GMP pole and transformer on the property which will need to be removed.  There are no keys to the property; access to be gained by a back door.  3 – Recommendations for closing of complaints:  Ann Keundig, Herb Keundig.  Charles suggested that in light of possible personnel changes as a result of Town Meeting elections, it would be in everyone’s interest to close these complaints so that a new board does not need to take them on.    He asked what board members would recommend, stating again that it is not fair to an incoming board to leave this unfinished. While Trish readily agreed to participate in the restorative justice offered by Dana Decker, there were no other responses.  Charles viewed the lack of response as a willful stalling of the process until after Town Meeting, when personnel changes may occur and the whole issue would be ignored  Matt responded that he takes the complaints very seriously and since he is not up for re-election he will be sure they will be addressed.  Town Counsel Marylou Scofield stated that not acknowledging the behavior is a problem will lead to continued issues going forward.  Trish has not attended recent Select Board meetings and Marylou noted the problem behavior continues without Trish present.  Charles motioned that the board recommend to the incoming board investigate the censure of Ann Keundig and Herb Keundig.  There was no second. 4 – Overtime pay for Clerk/Treasurer.  The policy for OT pay during emergencies is that employees are paid time and a half and Trish was paid only her regular rate, resulting in a shortage of $196.19.  Charles motioned to approve payment of this amount, seconded by Matt.  Matt and Charles voted in favor, Ann voted note to approve.  
 
New Business
1 – 2020 Liquor license renewals, Clear River Tavern.  Motion to approve by Charles, second by Matt, all in favor.  The board signed the renewals. 2 – Chimney removal at 234 Lower Michigan.  Ann wlll contact contractors to get quotes for chimney removal. 3 – Audit.  Charles reminded the board that if a new treasurer is elected an audit should be done, and all agreed.
 
Adjournment. Motion to adjourn passed at 6:02  p.m. (Matt/Charles)
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
Sarah Gallagher
Secretary pro tem
 
Approved:
Charles Piso, chair
 
s/Matt Corron
 
s/Ann Kuendig