​ 

 
To listen to a recording of the meeting please click here:  https://bit.ly/3WbmvTG
 
DATE:  December 15, 2022
 
PRESENT:  Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
 
PUBLIC PRESENT:  Betty Warner
 
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS:  NB#3 – NEMRC Contract; NB#4 Grand List Errors and Omissions; NB#5 – Executive Session
 
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  December 1, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes
 
CORRESPONDENCE:
1.  Planning Commission – Draft of 2023 Town Plan
2.  White River Valley Consortium – events
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.  Grant Writer – Invoice for Grader Grant
2.  Town Hall – Useage/Rental Policy update
3.  Job Description – Assistant Town Clerk/Treasurer for approval
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1.  Treasurer’s Report – November Financials.
2.  Town Hall – Invoice for electrical installation – Lubek Electric; Juris Hire
3.  Listers – NEMRC contract. 
4.  Listers – Grand List Errors and Omissions. 
5.  Executive Session – 1 V.S.A. § 313 (1) (E) – probable civil litigation
 
NEXT MEETING DATE:  Thursday, January 5, 2023
 
Ann called the meeting to order at 6:10pm.  AJ seconded.  All in favor.  Ann introduced the Agenda Modifications (see above).  AJ seconded.  All in favor.  A motion to approve the Minutes of the December 1, 2022 Regular Meeting was made by AJ.  Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor.  Ann moved to take Betty out of order.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.
 
CORRESPONDENCE:
1.  Planning Commission – Draft of 2023 Town Plan.  The Board formally accepted the plan.  There will be a public hearing on the draft on January 12, 2023 at 7pm.  It can be attended in person and accessed online.  The matrix will be available on the Town’s website.  People are encouraged to review it.
2.  White River Valley Consortium – events.  Ann said this correspondence was a reminder of upcoming events.  There are also webinars on the calendar.
 
 
 
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes                                                          page 2
December 15, 2022
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.  Grant Writer – Invoice for Grader Grant.  Ann said she received an invoice for the services in determining if a grant could be applied for to help purchase a new grader.  Unfortunately the Town does not qualify for the grant, however the invoice does need to be paid.  It was pointed out that no money was included in the budget for the grant writer.  The Board felt that in the future, some research prior to contacting the grant writer needs to be done so that money is not expended if it’s not likely to have a positive result.  AJ moved to approve the paying of the invoice and to include money in the budget for future grant writing.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.  After discussion $2,000 was approved for this and will be added to the budget.
2.  Town Hall – Useage/Rental Policy update.  Ann said she wasn’t able to update the policy.  Joyce mentioned her discussion with Ray Harvey and felt we were undercharging based on Pierce Hall’s fees.  AJ felt the fee should be more attractive so that it would be more likely to be used.  AJ suggested asking for a volunteer at Town Meeting to oversee this or should it become part of the recreation department?    Ann said she would put together a job description for this and make a flyer to present at Town Meeting.
3.  Listers – NEMRC contract.  Betty and the Board reviewed the contract for the services from NEMRC.  Changes previously discussed had been made to the contract.  Ann moved to sign the contract.  Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor.  NEMRC’s services will begin January 1, 2023  The contract is for 6 months with the option to continue.
4.  Listers – Grand List Errors and Omissions.  Betty explained what this document was, what the error was, and why the change was made.  The change results in a decrease of $3,400 to the Grand List.  AJ moved to approve and sign this.  Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor.
5.  Job Description – Assistant Town Clerk/Treasurer for approval.  Formal changes were made to the job description, and it was reviewed by the Board.  Ann moved to approve the job description.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1.  Treasurer’s Report – November Financials.  Ann moved to accept.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.
2.  Town Hall – Invoice for electrical installation – Lubek Electric; Juris Hire.  This invoice has already been approved and paid.  Mike Juris needs to get into the building and complete the work.  The Committee would also like to see his fee reduced to be inline with the existing electrical contract.  There was discussion about permits and the work being done with the appropriate inspections.
3.  Executive Session – 1 V.S.A. § 313 (1) (E) – probable civil litigation.  Ann moved to enter into Executive Session at 6:58pm.  The Board exited Executive Session at 7:11pm.
 
Ann moved to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:12pm.  Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor.
 
NEXT MEETING DATE:  Thursday, January 5, 2023 @6pm Town Office Building.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes                                                          page 3
December 15, 2022
 
 
Respectfully submitted,
                                                                                   
Martha L. Beyersdorf, Secretary
 
Approved: January 5, 2023
 
 
                                                      /                                                                  /
           Ann Kuendig                                        Joyce Stevens                                    A.J. Ruben

 
 
 
 

​PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD SPECIAL BUDGET MEETING

 
To listen to a recording of the meeting please click here:  https://bit.ly/3WbmvTG
 
DATE:   December 15, 2022
 
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
 
PUBLIC PRESENT:  Trish Abbondelo, Town Treasurer
 
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 
1.  November 29, 2022 Special Budget Meeting
2.  December 1, 2022 Special Budget Meeting
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.  Budget
     a. General Fund – Review
     b. Capital Improvement
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1.  Warrant – Draft & Articles (post February 2, 2023)
2.  Town Report – Cover Photo Shoot
 
ADJOURNMENT
 
Ann called the meeting to order at 5:07pm.  Seconded by AJ.  All in favor.  AJ moved to accept the Minutes of the November 29, 2022 and December 1, 2022 Special Budget Meetings.  Seconded by Ann.  All in favor.
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.  Budget
a.  General Fund – Review.  Trish and the Board reviewed the printout line by line.  
Income:
General Fund – Current Use Payment.  Ann questioned this and it was reduced to $11,500.
Highway Fund – add $12,500 to the MRPG Grant
Insurance and Bonds – the VLCT Insurance Package was increased by $2,300 in anticipation of the increase of the Sand Shed.  There are no specific numbers available yet.  Trish said that an endorsement should arrive soon.
Dues – the VT Clerk’s & Treasurer’s Association was increased to $70
Contributions - Trish said she had received a few more contribution requests and these were reviewed. 
   Quin Town Seniors - $3500
   Central VT Council on Aging - $600*
   Green Up Vermont - $50
   Rutland County Mental Health - $600
   NeighborWorks - $200*
   Child First Advocacy Center - $400*
   VT Rural Fire Protection Task Force - $100
Pittsfield Select Board Special Budget Meeting Minutes                                                page 2
December 15, 2022
 
   The Preservation Trust of Vermont - $50
   The Housing Trust of Rutland County - $100**
The Board decided this year to contribute $200 to both the Pittsfield Community Connection (PCC) and the Pittsfield Historical Society.
*Joyce suggested a letter be included with the check explaining that they make a     monetary request in the future.  Trish asked the Board to draft the letter. 
**Ann wanted to include a message to the Housing Trust to look at Pittsfield for affordable housing.  Transportation is an issue for that though.
Parks and Grounds – use Reserve Fund for New Equipment to purchase picnic table and power washer.  Connie will be asked to submit a bill or estimate for these.
Budget Disbursements –
Parks & Grounds Equipment Fund – The Board decided not to fund this as nothing additional is needed.
   Recreation – add $1,000
   Town Hall – The Committee will be requesting $10,000 to continue renovations.
   Village Green Paving Reserve – create an Article requesting $5,000
      Town Office Maintenance Reserve Fund – $4,000
      Computer Equipment Fund - $1,000
      Contingency Fund – VLCT suggests 5% operating budget.  The Board felt they were fine.
 
Trish said she will update this spreadsheet for the Board next week.  Ann moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:09pm.  Seconded by AJ.  All in favor.
 
Respectfully submitted,
                                                                                   
Martha L. Beyersdorf, Secretary
 
Approved:  January 5, 2023
 
 
                                                      /                                                                  /
           Ann Kuendig                                        Joyce Stevens                                    A.J. Ruben

 
 
 
 

​PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

 
To listen to a recording of the meeting please click here:  https://bit.ly/3gVL3Ri
 
DATE:  December 1, 2022
 
PRESENT:  Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
 
PUBLIC PRESENT:  Robert Leitch re: Forsha Road
 
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS:   Assistant Town Clerk/Treasurer Job Description – NB#2; Town Plan – NB#3; Green Up Day Appointments – NB#4
 
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  November 17, 2022 Regular Meeting
 
CORRESPONDENCE:
1.  Buildings and General Services – Energy Resilience Program
2.  Legislative Report – Solid Waste
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.  Grants – Grader update
2.  Town Hall – Useage/Rental Policy
3.  Forsha Road – update
4.  Speed Signs – installation
5.  Treasurer’s Report – October Financials
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1.  Events – Holiday Tree Lighting
2.  Assistant Town Clerk/Treasurer – job description
3.  Town Plan – review
4.  Appointments – Green Up Day
5.  Executive Session – 1 V.S.A. § 313 (1) (E) probable civil litigation
 
NEXT BUDGET & REGULAR MEETING DATE:  December 15, 2022
 
ADJOURNMENT:
 
Ann called the meeting to order at 6:04pm.  Seconded by Joyce. All in favor.  Ann presented the Agenda Modifications (see above).  AJ moved to accept.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.  AJ moved to accept the Minutes of the November 17, 2022 Regular Meeting.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.  Ann moved to take NB#2 out of order.  Seconded by AJ.  All in favor. 
 
CORRESPONDENCE:
1.  Buildings and General Services – Energy Resilience Program.  This is a new program that offers municipalities free energy resilience assessments.  Grants would also be available.  There will be a seminar on December 5th from 2-4pm in Rutland.
 
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes                                                          page 2
December 1, 2022
 
2.  Legislative Report – Solid Waste.  This correspondence reports on what is being done with the Universal Recycling Law and the varied aspects of it.  It will help legislators focus on what should be addressed in their sessions. 
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.  Grants – Grader update.  It was determined that the grader didn’t qualify for the grant.  It has only been used 240 hrs/year.  Ann checked with the State about other options that might be available.  George will be looking into leasing options also.  There is the possibility that a down payment with a lease/payment option or an Article at Town Meeting for a contribution to the HW Equipment Fund.  Joyce proposed putting $135,000 down and $49,000/year for 3 years.  The Board felt that George could get a better trade-in on the current grader.
2.  Town Hall – Useage/Rental Policy.  Ann said she rewrote the front page and did some research on the alcohol issue.  The rental policy item #7 was revised.  Item #2 had the biggest number of changes.  An item under the Rules was removed.
3.  Forsha Road – update.  Ann said that she spoke with George who had inspected the road.  He saw that the culvert had been removed and spoke with the contractor.  The culvert will be replaced soon.  George felt the road met with the Town’s road standards.  Bob would like to have a permit process so that property owners can see who is doing the work, what’s being done and when and where it’s being done.  He expressed concern about work done outside of the Town’s right-of-way causing erosion and other issues and letters being sent to property owners.  Ann explained what George has been doing and allowing.  Joyce explained why a permit would not work or help.  There wouldn’t be any way of knowing when the work would be done or what would being done.  Bob said he felt no one knew what was going on.  Ann said the Board would discuss its concern with George regarding the implementation of a permit and what it would entail.  Bob said that letters were sent to property owners about the work being done, but that he did not have a copy himself.  The Board asked for some names of neighbors who received the letter.  Joyce will speak with one of them and get a copy of the letter. 
4.  Speed Signs – installation.  George spoke with the District 4 manager.  They will be the ones to install the posts.
5.  Treasurer’s Report – October Financials.  Ann moved to accept the report.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1.  Events – Holiday Tree Lighting.  This event will be held on Sunday, December 11 at 5pm and will feature Santa and his helper arriving on a fire truck, a fire pit, cookies, hot chocolate, and a sing-along.
2.  Assistant Town Clerk/Treasurer – job description.  The Board reviewed the job description that Trish had prepared and handed out.  Items reviewed included: hours, wage, raises, holidays (if applicable), vacation time (this was removed), sick/personal time (this could be increased, but not accrued).  Some changes were made.  Ann moved to approve the changes.  AJ seconded.  All in favor.  Trish said she would update the job description and provide copies to the Board members.
3.  Town Plan – review.  Tabled
4.  Appointments – Green Up Day.  Ann made a motion to re-appoint Rebecca Seward and Olivia Grasso.  Joyce seconded the motion.  All in favor.  The Secretary will send out appointment letters.
5.  Executive Session – 1 V.S.A. § 313 (1) (E) probable civil litigation.  Ann moved to enter into Executive Session at 7:11pm to discuss probable civil litigation.  The Board came out of Executive Session at 7:23pm. 
Ann moved to authorize the Town Attorney to begin settlement talks in the Sand Shed dispute.  AJ seconded.  All in favor. 
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes                                                          page 3
December 1, 2022
 
NEXT BUDGET & REGULAR MEETING DATE: 
            Special Budget Meeting – Thursday, December 15, 2022 @5pm, Town Office
            Regular Meeting – Thursday, December 15, 2022 @6pm, Town Office
 
As there was no further business to discuss, Ann moved to adjourn at 7:24pm.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.
 
Respectfully submitted,
                                                                                   
Martha L. Beyersdorf, Secretary
 
Approved: December 15, 2022
 
 
                                                      /                                                                  /
           Ann Kuendig                                        Joyce Stevens                                    A.J. Ruben

 
 
 
 
 
 

​PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD SPECIAL BUDGET MEETING MINUTES

 
 
DATE: December 1, 2922
 
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
 
PUBLIC PRESENT: Trish Abbondelo, Town Treasurer
 
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: November 17, 2022 Special Budget Meeting
 
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS:  No Minutes; already approved
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.  Budget – General Fund
2.  Budgets – Capital Improvements
 
ADJOURNMENT
 
Ann opened the meeting at 5:07pm.  AJ seconded.  All in favor.  Ann moved to accept the Agenda Modification (see above).  AJ seconded.  All in favor.  Ann said that she appreciates Trish’s presence and that she reviewed the meeting recording that addressed how the Temporary Help hourly rate was decided to be $25.00. 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.  Budget – General Fund.  The Board proceeded to review the budget item by item.
      Rutland County Tax – Trish said she didn’t expect that until the end of December.
      Insurance and Bonds:
         VLCT Insurance Package – The Board questioned whether the Sand Shed needed inspection as it
              could affect the insurance rate.  Trish will check on this.
      Dues:
         VT Clerk’s & Treasurer’s Association – keep the same in anticipation of hiring an Assistant
      Contributions:
         Park House – increase to $600
         Ann suggested contributing to our own non-profits – PCC and Historical Society.  AJ voiced his
            concern about donating to groups who don’t request funding.  Trish indicated she was still waiting
            for about half of the list.  Ann wanted to reach out to Quin-Town as they have not responded.
            Joyce suggested tabling this until the next meeting.
      Employee Benefits:
         Town Officer Education – decrease to $500
         Town Officer Mileage – decrease to $300
      Other:
         Miscellaneous – decrease to $150
      Budget Disbursements:
         Fire Department – increase to $22,825
         Library – reduce to $11,445
 
Pittsfield Select Board Special Budget Meeting Minutes                                                page 2
December 1, 2022
 
Trish will try and figure out the surplus before the next meeting.  Ann asked about the Account Balances.  A handout was given to the Board with the current balances in the Miscellaneous Funds the Town holds.
 
2.  Budgets – Capital Improvements.  Not addressed.
 
Ann moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:00pm.  AJ seconded.  All in favor.
 
Respectfully submitted,
                                                                                   
Martha L. Beyersdorf, Secretary
 
Approved: December 15, 2022
 
 
                                                      /                                                                  /
           Ann Kuendig                                        Joyce Stevens                                    A.J. Ruben

 
 
 
 
 
 

​PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD SPECIAL BUDGET MEETING MINUTES

 
To listen to a recording of the meeting please click here:  https://bit.ly/3VUnqHy
 
DATE: November 29, 2922
 
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
 
PUBLIC PRESENT: Trish Abbondelo, Town Treasurer
 
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  November 17, 2022 Special Budget Meeting
 
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS:  OB#3 Executive Session – table
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.  FY23-24 GF Budget Line Items
2.  Review Department Budgets
3.  Executive Session – 1 V.S.A. § 313 (1) (E) probably civil litigation
 
ADJOURN
 
Ann called the meeting to order at 6:06pm.  AJ seconded.  All in favor.  Ann moved to table the Agenda Modification until the next meeting.  AJ seconded.  All in favor. AJ moved to approve the Minutes of the November 17, 2022 Special Budget Meeting.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor. 
 
Trish said the VLCT Insurance Package was reduced to $22,309.  A breakdown of coverage costs was handed out to the Board members.
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.  FY23-24 Budget Line Items
      General Fund:
      Maintenance and Repairs:
         Town Office Building – increased to $4,800.
Trish was asked what was included in Maintenance.  She cited electrical upgrades, contracts, cleaning products, furnace, elevator, items not covered by insurance.
         Band Stand - $1,800 for painting and repairs.
         Fire Alarm Yearly Inspection – increase to $800.
      Office Expense:
   Computer IT Support – increase to $2,100.  Trish was asked to check with Saguaro if there was any
       discount if paid annually.
Salaries:
   Auditors – minimum wage increase
   Election Officials – minimum wage increase; reduce to $500
   Listers-Training – remove line item
   Town Clerk & Treasurer – increase each by 7% COLA  
   Asst. Town Clerk & Treasurer – 16 hrs/wk; $18.96/hr; goal to hire in January
  
Pittsfield Select Board Special Budget Meeting Minutes                                                page 2
November 29, 2022
 
Parks and Grounds:
   Labor – increase to $3,520. Cemetery & Parks Supervisor-$19.50 hr; temp help-$17.00 hr
Cemetery:
   Wages – increase to $6,600
Highway:
   Temporary Help – increase by 35% ($25hr) (should be consistent with Cemetery and Parks & Grounds)
   Create a separate line for George’s overtime to assist in future calculations.
 
Ann moved that the Town give a $1,500 bonus to the Town Clerk & Treasurer for extra work she has done because she doesn’t have an assistant.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.
 
2.  Review Department Budgets – This was tabled until the next meeting.
3.  Executive Session – 1 V.S.A. § 313 (1) (E) probably civil litigation.  Not addressed.
 
Ann moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:58pm.  AJ seconded.  All in favor.
 
Respectfully submitted,
                                                                                   
Martha L. Beyersdorf, Secretary
 
Approved: December 15, 2022
 
 
                                                      /                                                                  /
           Ann Kuendig                                        Joyce Stevens                                    A.J. Ruben