PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD SPECIAL BUDGET MEETING MINUTES
To listen to a recording of the meeting please click here: https://bit.ly/3TaLRP3 (budget & Regular Meeting)
DATE: November 3, 2922
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
PUBLIC PRESENT: Trish Abbondelo, Town Treasurer; George Deblon, Road Commissioner
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: October 27, 2022 Special Budget Meeting
BUDGET HEARING:
1. Highway Budget and Capital Improvement Projects (CIP)
2. Town Report – Auditors’ Timeline
3. Insurance – Health Insurance Premium Increase
ADJOURN
Ann called the meeting to order at 4:59pm. Seconded by Joyce. All in favor. Joyce moved to approve the Minutes of the October 27 Special Budget Meeting. AJ seconded. All in favor. George was asked to make his presentation.
BUDGET HEARING:
1. Highway Budget and Capital Improvement Projects (CIP). George told the Board he is having trouble with the loader which was purchased in 2018. He said he has changed the oil and filter, but it is still acting up. He stated that the dealer is researching this and is hoping it is under warranty. George went on to present his CIPs.
Capital Improvement Projects:
a. He’d like to put some siding on the Town garage. Currently it’s marked with dents and other damage. The building is 30’ x 50’. He’s waiting for Morton Bldg. to come and give him an estimate.
b. He’s looking for a grader. He said he recently looked at one in Ludlow that was a 2008 but said that they have a wait time of one year for a new one. He felt it was best to buy new to take advantage of municipal discounts and warranties.
c. Brush cutting on Liberty Hill Road by Trees, Inc has been done but more is needed. The Board felt this should be a budgeted item and not a CIP. Suggested budgeting $5,000.
d. George said he would like to purchase a storage container to be located behind the shed. He’s located a used one through a friend in NY State. It’s 40 sq’ and $5,100 delivered. When asked when he would like it, he replied sooner than later. The Board proceeded to go through his current budget and find the money to purchase the storage unit now. Some budgeted items weren’t going to be used or needed so in the end, the money was there. Joyce moved to purchase the used storage container for $5,100 delivered and take the money from the discussed. Ann seconded. All in favor.
Pittsfield Select Board Special Budget Meeting Minutes page 2
November 3, 2022
Budget:
a. Add brush cutting. Costs are likely to increase.
b. Temporary Help – increase to $3,000. George felt it should be more.
c. George’s wages – Ann felt there should be a line item for Overtime to help in future budgeting.
d. Fuel – increase Gasoline to $250 for use with chain saw, leaf blower, etc.; increase Diesel to $20,000 as all the trucks use it and account for inflation; increase Lubricants to $500
e. Hired Equipment – Backhoe: more ditching is needed; increase Roadside Mowing to $4,000
f. Materials – Gravel increase to $40,000, will find money if needed; Chloride tank is empty now, will need $7,500
g. Medical Insurance – George agreed to a change in the MVP medical plan to standard gold plan with higher deductibles. HRA deposit will increase from $1750 to $2,000 to offset increased employee costs.
2. Town Report – Auditors’ Timeline
3. Insurance – Health Insurance Premium Increase
NEXT BUDGET MEETING: Thursday, November 10, 2022, 5-7pm, Town Office
Ann moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:15pm. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha L. Beyersdorf, Secretary
Approved: November 17, 2022
/ /
Ann Kuendig Joyce Stevens A.J. Ruben
To listen to a recording of the meeting please click here: https://bit.ly/3TaLRP3 (budget & Regular Meeting)
DATE: November 3, 2922
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
PUBLIC PRESENT: Trish Abbondelo, Town Treasurer; George Deblon, Road Commissioner
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: October 27, 2022 Special Budget Meeting
BUDGET HEARING:
1. Highway Budget and Capital Improvement Projects (CIP)
2. Town Report – Auditors’ Timeline
3. Insurance – Health Insurance Premium Increase
ADJOURN
Ann called the meeting to order at 4:59pm. Seconded by Joyce. All in favor. Joyce moved to approve the Minutes of the October 27 Special Budget Meeting. AJ seconded. All in favor. George was asked to make his presentation.
BUDGET HEARING:
1. Highway Budget and Capital Improvement Projects (CIP). George told the Board he is having trouble with the loader which was purchased in 2018. He said he has changed the oil and filter, but it is still acting up. He stated that the dealer is researching this and is hoping it is under warranty. George went on to present his CIPs.
Capital Improvement Projects:
a. He’d like to put some siding on the Town garage. Currently it’s marked with dents and other damage. The building is 30’ x 50’. He’s waiting for Morton Bldg. to come and give him an estimate.
b. He’s looking for a grader. He said he recently looked at one in Ludlow that was a 2008 but said that they have a wait time of one year for a new one. He felt it was best to buy new to take advantage of municipal discounts and warranties.
c. Brush cutting on Liberty Hill Road by Trees, Inc has been done but more is needed. The Board felt this should be a budgeted item and not a CIP. Suggested budgeting $5,000.
d. George said he would like to purchase a storage container to be located behind the shed. He’s located a used one through a friend in NY State. It’s 40 sq’ and $5,100 delivered. When asked when he would like it, he replied sooner than later. The Board proceeded to go through his current budget and find the money to purchase the storage unit now. Some budgeted items weren’t going to be used or needed so in the end, the money was there. Joyce moved to purchase the used storage container for $5,100 delivered and take the money from the discussed. Ann seconded. All in favor.
Pittsfield Select Board Special Budget Meeting Minutes page 2
November 3, 2022
Budget:
a. Add brush cutting. Costs are likely to increase.
b. Temporary Help – increase to $3,000. George felt it should be more.
c. George’s wages – Ann felt there should be a line item for Overtime to help in future budgeting.
d. Fuel – increase Gasoline to $250 for use with chain saw, leaf blower, etc.; increase Diesel to $20,000 as all the trucks use it and account for inflation; increase Lubricants to $500
e. Hired Equipment – Backhoe: more ditching is needed; increase Roadside Mowing to $4,000
f. Materials – Gravel increase to $40,000, will find money if needed; Chloride tank is empty now, will need $7,500
g. Medical Insurance – George agreed to a change in the MVP medical plan to standard gold plan with higher deductibles. HRA deposit will increase from $1750 to $2,000 to offset increased employee costs.
2. Town Report – Auditors’ Timeline
3. Insurance – Health Insurance Premium Increase
NEXT BUDGET MEETING: Thursday, November 10, 2022, 5-7pm, Town Office
Ann moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:15pm. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha L. Beyersdorf, Secretary
Approved: November 17, 2022
/ /
Ann Kuendig Joyce Stevens A.J. Ruben
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