PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
DATE: April 21, 2020
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, Mona Colton
via freeconferencecall.com
PUBLIC PRESENT:(via call-in) Charles Piso, Doug Mianulli, Sarah Gallagher
If you would like to view/hear the April 21, 2020 Select Board Meeting please click https://fccdl.in/5wtbFhlqWR
AGENDA
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS: Correspondence #3: Letter from Sal Salmeri; NB #7: Request from Board of Listers
MINUTES APPROVAL: Regular Meeting April 7, 2020
Correspondence:
1.Colton Act 250 Abandonment Order
2.Local Emergency Management Co-Directors’ update April 12
3.Letter from Sal Salmeri re: river flooding
Old Business:
1.EWP Grant Application update
2.236 Lower Michigan Road update – demo bid
3.LEMP 2019 Review
4.Local Emergency Management Co-Directors’ job description
New Business:
1.Covid-19 update from LEMC Co-Directors
2.Town Website
3.Projects List and Timeline
4.Independent Contractor Paperwork – Dave Colton
5.Treasurer’s cash flow analysis report
6.Treasurer’s March financials
7.Request from Board of Listers re: key to Town Office
Next Meeting:May 5, 2020
Adjournment
Ann called the meeting to order at 6:01pm. Agenda Modifications were added. It was decided to have the Minutes read aloud. Upon completion, Joyce made a motion to accept the Minutes as read. Seconded by Mona. All were in favor.
Correspondence:
1. Colton Act 250 Abandonment Order. This pertains to Land Use Permits 3-W0405-6 and 3W0405-06 (Altered). The permits were voluntarily abandoned by the permitees. No action was needed by the Board.
2. Local Emergency Management Co-Directors’ update April 12. Charles and Doug were asked to present an overview as to what has been going on as of April 12 regarding the State and Governor Scott’s latest Addendum #9. The shelter in place order has been extended until May 15thby the Governor. The curve in Vermont is currently not flattening. As of the 12th, there have been 12,981 tests performed and 38 people have died. There is talk of restoring some basic services to First Responders and at present road crews are limited in size and can only work on emergency road repairs. Currently there are no plans to provide PPE’s to municipalities. As of the 12th, no mask recommendation has been added to the Addendum. A portal has opened for FEMA grants as a result of the statewide disaster declaration. Pittsfield is well situated for a possible FEMA grant for reimbursement recovery of any unanticipated expenses such as overtime, new hires, housing for First Responders, etc. The State’s Emergency Management Director has strongly suggested that municipalities stand up their EOC’s virtually to ensure eligibility for FEMA funding. As of 12 hours, April 12, 2020 this has been done.
3. Letter from Sal Salmeri re: river flooding. Ann said that she spoke with Sal and recommended that he put his concerns in writing, which he did. Ann also provided some history of what has happened with the river in that area. There are limitations as to what can be done in the river. Mona said that currently there are a lot of trees in the river as well as beaver activity. Charles noted that a window for doing work in the river is between June 1 and October 1, but it must be permitted through the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR). Mona said that she and Dave would be happy to walk the river and make a report to the Board. She added that she would have Dave speak with Sal and update him regarding the Board’s actions. After hearing Mona’s report at the next meeting, it would be decided whether to contact Jaron Borg at ANR for his input.
Old Business:
1. EWP Grant Application update. Ann said that she and Joyce filled out the application and Joyce said she met with the abutting property owners. Trish completed the questionnaire and Michael LaPointe reviewed the application and noted four things to correct. Joyce made a motion to approve the Signature Authority page for the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Project. Seconded by Mona. All were in favor.
2. 236 Lower Michigan Road update – demo bid. Ann stated that the asbestos abatement has been completed. There is insurance on the property, but the Board hasn’t been made aware as to how much it will cost. Also, Paul Grindel no longer wants the scrap metal. The Board decided to send an Invitation to Bid to Moshers, Harveys, X-Cavate, Dave Colton, and Casella. Ann said the invitation could be sent out this week, the prebid conference at the property could be held on May 1st, making the application deadline May 12th, and the Board could vote to award the bid at the May 19thmeeting. Hopefully, the work could be completed withing 45 days of the award. Ann made a motion to approve the bid document. Seconded by Joyce. All were in favor.
3. LEMP 2019 Review. Several changes and updates were made to this document including adding Matt Parrish, Executive Director at WRVA as a contact, updating the High-Risk residents’ and Living Alone/Elderly lists. Mal and Evelyn Folsom and Otho Needham were removed from the High-Risk list and Nancy Wisner was added. Martha Beyersdorf and Robin French were removed and added to the Live Alone list and Ron Thompson was added.Charles said that the Planning Commission is working on obtaining a grant for a generator for the Town Office Building. Ann moved to accept the revised LEMP with the latest edits and have the Town Clerk send the adoption sheet to TRORC and post the new 2020 LEMP on the Town’s website. Seconded by Joyce. All were in favor.
4. Local Emergency Management Co-Directors’ job description. This is a hold-over from the last two meetings and includes the updated edits and duties to align with the LEMP. Sarah asked if there was a document that people could see. Ann sent it to her and to Charles as well. She then read it aloud so all could hear. Ann moved to adopt the Emergency Management Co-Directors’ job description. Seconded by Mona. All were in favor.
New Business:
1. Covid-19 update from LEMC Co-Directors. Charles and Doug have been taking an informal census of properties to see if second homes are occupied. There is no enforcement action currently other than reporting violations to the State Police. If the Board is interested in posting a video to the website, WRVA has a video dealing with what happens when someone calls 911. Doug said that he has noticed some second homeowners coming up for two or three days and then returning to their primary residence. He wanted to know what the Board thought of this. Ann told of her observations on Tweed River Drive. She suggested Doug continue putting out the notices. Doug said that he is not carrying a gun on his drive-arounds but is taking his wife along for support. Should he notice any issues, the Board asked him to get in touch with one of them first. He asked if his notice could be put on the Town’s letterhead. Ann said that would be no problem. They were asked how the Health Officer Rebecca Steward has been involved during this crisis. Charles said that he has reached out to her several times. She is more involved in resource management such as food, but there has not been a need for that currently. Ann asked if anyone was tracking the number of calls regarding Covid-19 and what type of questions are being asked. It was recommended that people call 211 for any Covid related issues or questions. As citizens, we should be watching out for each other and ourselves.
2. Town Website. Ann said that the Board has been granted limited access to the website. She suggested a few changes to the Select Board’s page. She would like to have a dedicated email address for the Select Board so that all Board members and the Secretary could have access instead of using our personal email addresses. She will have Becky Donnet set one up. She also suggested posting the Rules of Procedureto the Select Board’s page and post the Conflict ofInterestand the Procedure Upon Receipt of a Complaintto the Ordinance page on the website. She will request that these changes/additions be made by Trish or Sarah.
3. Projects List and Timeline. Mona wondered what could be done on this list considering the current health crisis. It was felt that a language change could be made to the Parking Ordinance and will add this to the next meeting’s agenda. Ann noted what needed to be done with the playground to comply with a grant from several years ago. These included a fence, more sand, and equipment repair. This will be revisited at the next meeting.
4. Independent Contractor Paperwork – Dave Colton. A motion was made by Ann to accept this paperwork and file it in the Town Office. Seconded by Joyce. All were in favor.
5. Treasurer’s cash flow analysis report. Ann noted that there are some items before the State Legislature which would allow Select Board’s to lower the tax rate or not charge interest/penalties for late payments. Also possibly delay the mailing of the tax bills and subsequent due dates. Discussion. It was decided to wait and see what the Legislature decides but for now keep everything as it is to provide some sense of normalcy.
6. Treasurer’s March financials. There was no discussion. Ann made a motion to accept this report. Seconded by Mona. All were in favor.
7. Request from Board of Listers re: key to Town Office. The Listers are requesting that they be given a key to the office so that they can come in and work during the Town’s nonbusiness hours. This would keep them in compliance with the Governor’s Order during this time. Sarah said that the Town Clerk has the responsibility of keeping the office and its contents safe and felt the Listers should not be given a key. Ann pointed out that the office is also the Listers’ office as well. Ann added that the previous Select Board Chair had a key and she would like to have a key also. Joyce recommended that the Board have a discussion with Trish regarding this matter.
Other Business: The Secretary apprised the Board that Matt Corron has indicated that he would like to remain Energy Coordinator but not the Interim Zoning Administrator. He explained that he had tried to find a replacement but was unsuccessful. Sarah Gray had suggested the Zoning Administrator should perhaps be an attorney. Sarah Gallagher was asked if the Planning Commission had any recommendations for the two Planning & Zoning open positions and the Administrator position but did not have anyone in mind. This will be discussed at the next Select Board Meeting.
Next Meeting:May 5, 2020
Adjournment: Ann motioned that the meeting be adjourned at 8:02pm. Seconded by Joyce. All were in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha L. Beyersdorf
Select Board Secretary
Approved: May 5, 2020
Ann Kuendig Joyce Stevens Mona Colton
DATE: April 21, 2020
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, Mona Colton
via freeconferencecall.com
PUBLIC PRESENT:(via call-in) Charles Piso, Doug Mianulli, Sarah Gallagher
If you would like to view/hear the April 21, 2020 Select Board Meeting please click https://fccdl.in/5wtbFhlqWR
AGENDA
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS: Correspondence #3: Letter from Sal Salmeri; NB #7: Request from Board of Listers
MINUTES APPROVAL: Regular Meeting April 7, 2020
Correspondence:
1.Colton Act 250 Abandonment Order
2.Local Emergency Management Co-Directors’ update April 12
3.Letter from Sal Salmeri re: river flooding
Old Business:
1.EWP Grant Application update
2.236 Lower Michigan Road update – demo bid
3.LEMP 2019 Review
4.Local Emergency Management Co-Directors’ job description
New Business:
1.Covid-19 update from LEMC Co-Directors
2.Town Website
3.Projects List and Timeline
4.Independent Contractor Paperwork – Dave Colton
5.Treasurer’s cash flow analysis report
6.Treasurer’s March financials
7.Request from Board of Listers re: key to Town Office
Next Meeting:May 5, 2020
Adjournment
Ann called the meeting to order at 6:01pm. Agenda Modifications were added. It was decided to have the Minutes read aloud. Upon completion, Joyce made a motion to accept the Minutes as read. Seconded by Mona. All were in favor.
Correspondence:
1. Colton Act 250 Abandonment Order. This pertains to Land Use Permits 3-W0405-6 and 3W0405-06 (Altered). The permits were voluntarily abandoned by the permitees. No action was needed by the Board.
2. Local Emergency Management Co-Directors’ update April 12. Charles and Doug were asked to present an overview as to what has been going on as of April 12 regarding the State and Governor Scott’s latest Addendum #9. The shelter in place order has been extended until May 15thby the Governor. The curve in Vermont is currently not flattening. As of the 12th, there have been 12,981 tests performed and 38 people have died. There is talk of restoring some basic services to First Responders and at present road crews are limited in size and can only work on emergency road repairs. Currently there are no plans to provide PPE’s to municipalities. As of the 12th, no mask recommendation has been added to the Addendum. A portal has opened for FEMA grants as a result of the statewide disaster declaration. Pittsfield is well situated for a possible FEMA grant for reimbursement recovery of any unanticipated expenses such as overtime, new hires, housing for First Responders, etc. The State’s Emergency Management Director has strongly suggested that municipalities stand up their EOC’s virtually to ensure eligibility for FEMA funding. As of 12 hours, April 12, 2020 this has been done.
3. Letter from Sal Salmeri re: river flooding. Ann said that she spoke with Sal and recommended that he put his concerns in writing, which he did. Ann also provided some history of what has happened with the river in that area. There are limitations as to what can be done in the river. Mona said that currently there are a lot of trees in the river as well as beaver activity. Charles noted that a window for doing work in the river is between June 1 and October 1, but it must be permitted through the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR). Mona said that she and Dave would be happy to walk the river and make a report to the Board. She added that she would have Dave speak with Sal and update him regarding the Board’s actions. After hearing Mona’s report at the next meeting, it would be decided whether to contact Jaron Borg at ANR for his input.
Old Business:
1. EWP Grant Application update. Ann said that she and Joyce filled out the application and Joyce said she met with the abutting property owners. Trish completed the questionnaire and Michael LaPointe reviewed the application and noted four things to correct. Joyce made a motion to approve the Signature Authority page for the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Project. Seconded by Mona. All were in favor.
2. 236 Lower Michigan Road update – demo bid. Ann stated that the asbestos abatement has been completed. There is insurance on the property, but the Board hasn’t been made aware as to how much it will cost. Also, Paul Grindel no longer wants the scrap metal. The Board decided to send an Invitation to Bid to Moshers, Harveys, X-Cavate, Dave Colton, and Casella. Ann said the invitation could be sent out this week, the prebid conference at the property could be held on May 1st, making the application deadline May 12th, and the Board could vote to award the bid at the May 19thmeeting. Hopefully, the work could be completed withing 45 days of the award. Ann made a motion to approve the bid document. Seconded by Joyce. All were in favor.
3. LEMP 2019 Review. Several changes and updates were made to this document including adding Matt Parrish, Executive Director at WRVA as a contact, updating the High-Risk residents’ and Living Alone/Elderly lists. Mal and Evelyn Folsom and Otho Needham were removed from the High-Risk list and Nancy Wisner was added. Martha Beyersdorf and Robin French were removed and added to the Live Alone list and Ron Thompson was added.Charles said that the Planning Commission is working on obtaining a grant for a generator for the Town Office Building. Ann moved to accept the revised LEMP with the latest edits and have the Town Clerk send the adoption sheet to TRORC and post the new 2020 LEMP on the Town’s website. Seconded by Joyce. All were in favor.
4. Local Emergency Management Co-Directors’ job description. This is a hold-over from the last two meetings and includes the updated edits and duties to align with the LEMP. Sarah asked if there was a document that people could see. Ann sent it to her and to Charles as well. She then read it aloud so all could hear. Ann moved to adopt the Emergency Management Co-Directors’ job description. Seconded by Mona. All were in favor.
New Business:
1. Covid-19 update from LEMC Co-Directors. Charles and Doug have been taking an informal census of properties to see if second homes are occupied. There is no enforcement action currently other than reporting violations to the State Police. If the Board is interested in posting a video to the website, WRVA has a video dealing with what happens when someone calls 911. Doug said that he has noticed some second homeowners coming up for two or three days and then returning to their primary residence. He wanted to know what the Board thought of this. Ann told of her observations on Tweed River Drive. She suggested Doug continue putting out the notices. Doug said that he is not carrying a gun on his drive-arounds but is taking his wife along for support. Should he notice any issues, the Board asked him to get in touch with one of them first. He asked if his notice could be put on the Town’s letterhead. Ann said that would be no problem. They were asked how the Health Officer Rebecca Steward has been involved during this crisis. Charles said that he has reached out to her several times. She is more involved in resource management such as food, but there has not been a need for that currently. Ann asked if anyone was tracking the number of calls regarding Covid-19 and what type of questions are being asked. It was recommended that people call 211 for any Covid related issues or questions. As citizens, we should be watching out for each other and ourselves.
2. Town Website. Ann said that the Board has been granted limited access to the website. She suggested a few changes to the Select Board’s page. She would like to have a dedicated email address for the Select Board so that all Board members and the Secretary could have access instead of using our personal email addresses. She will have Becky Donnet set one up. She also suggested posting the Rules of Procedureto the Select Board’s page and post the Conflict ofInterestand the Procedure Upon Receipt of a Complaintto the Ordinance page on the website. She will request that these changes/additions be made by Trish or Sarah.
3. Projects List and Timeline. Mona wondered what could be done on this list considering the current health crisis. It was felt that a language change could be made to the Parking Ordinance and will add this to the next meeting’s agenda. Ann noted what needed to be done with the playground to comply with a grant from several years ago. These included a fence, more sand, and equipment repair. This will be revisited at the next meeting.
4. Independent Contractor Paperwork – Dave Colton. A motion was made by Ann to accept this paperwork and file it in the Town Office. Seconded by Joyce. All were in favor.
5. Treasurer’s cash flow analysis report. Ann noted that there are some items before the State Legislature which would allow Select Board’s to lower the tax rate or not charge interest/penalties for late payments. Also possibly delay the mailing of the tax bills and subsequent due dates. Discussion. It was decided to wait and see what the Legislature decides but for now keep everything as it is to provide some sense of normalcy.
6. Treasurer’s March financials. There was no discussion. Ann made a motion to accept this report. Seconded by Mona. All were in favor.
7. Request from Board of Listers re: key to Town Office. The Listers are requesting that they be given a key to the office so that they can come in and work during the Town’s nonbusiness hours. This would keep them in compliance with the Governor’s Order during this time. Sarah said that the Town Clerk has the responsibility of keeping the office and its contents safe and felt the Listers should not be given a key. Ann pointed out that the office is also the Listers’ office as well. Ann added that the previous Select Board Chair had a key and she would like to have a key also. Joyce recommended that the Board have a discussion with Trish regarding this matter.
Other Business: The Secretary apprised the Board that Matt Corron has indicated that he would like to remain Energy Coordinator but not the Interim Zoning Administrator. He explained that he had tried to find a replacement but was unsuccessful. Sarah Gray had suggested the Zoning Administrator should perhaps be an attorney. Sarah Gallagher was asked if the Planning Commission had any recommendations for the two Planning & Zoning open positions and the Administrator position but did not have anyone in mind. This will be discussed at the next Select Board Meeting.
Next Meeting:May 5, 2020
Adjournment: Ann motioned that the meeting be adjourned at 8:02pm. Seconded by Joyce. All were in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha L. Beyersdorf
Select Board Secretary
Approved: May 5, 2020
Ann Kuendig Joyce Stevens Mona Colton
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