​PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
DRAFT 
 
“To listen to a recording of the meeting please click here”:     https://fccdl.in/NT1usApeiJ 
https://fccdl.in/HW7ZTWfPQ2 
 
DATE: June 17, 2021
 
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, A.J. Ruben
 
PUBLIC PRESENT:  Janice Stumpf, Victoria Hone
 
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS:   

1. VLCT – Local Fiscal Recovery Funding – C#6
2. Fuel Prebuy – NB#7

 
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: June 3, 2021, Regular Meeting
 
CORRESPONDENCE:

1. VTrans Road Grants Program
2. Park-n-Ride Grant Program
3. VT Community Foundation Spark Grants
4. Citizen Concern/Complaint - Jones dog complaint
5. Citizen concern/Complaint – Lothrop dog complaint
6. VLCT – Local Fiscal Recovery Funding

 
OLD BUSINESS: 

1. Public Meeting Recording Purchases
2. Delinquent dog list
3. Recreation Purchases
4. Police Response
5. Town Hall project - update

 
NEW BUSINESS:

1. Delinquent Tax properties
2. Municipal Roads Grants Participation
3. Treasurer’s Financial Report - May
4. Dog Complaints
5. Town Office Painting Project - Update
6. MacKenzie Contractor Paperwork
7. Fuel Prebuy 

 
NEXT MEETINTG DATE:  Thursday, July 15, 2021
 
ADJOURNMENT
 
 
 
Ann called the meeting to order at 6:07pm.  Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor.  Ann presented Agenda Modifications (see above).  A.J. made a motion to accept the Minutes of the Jun 3, 2021 Regular Meeting, accept the Agenda Modifications and take NB#1 out of order.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.
 
CORRESPONDENCE:

1. VTrans Road Grants Program. This press release invites participants. See NB#2.
2. Park-n-Ride Grant Program. As the Town already has one, no action was taken.
3. VT Community Foundation Spark Grants. This email announces a funding opportunity for creative placemaking efforts.  The Vermont Community Foundation is currently accepting applications to its Spark Connecting Community grant program.  The program aims to support grassroots work that builds social capital and can be used for a variety of project types.  The deadline to apply is August 9, 2021.  It was decided by the Board to pass this on to Betty Warner and the PCC group.
4. Citizen Concern/Complaint - Jones dog complaint.  This has been an ongoing concern of Mr. Jones and neighbors who walk their dog off-leash and allow the dog to access the Jones’ property.  See NB#4.
5. Citizen concern/Complaint – Lothrop dog complaint.  This complaint concerns a neighbor’s dog being off-leash and killing chickens and causing other disturbing acts.  She also has a complaint against another neighbor who walk their dog off-leash. See NB#4.
6. VLCT – Local Fiscal Recovery Funding.  This information explains that there is a portal for the Town’s to access to apply for their portion of these recovery funds.  The Board said that the Town’s portion is $28,946 but that time will have to be spent looking at the COVID’s impact has been to residents and businesses. There will also be a similar share of the money in 2022.  Ann said that there are questions such as who is going to be the person to access the portal, write up reports, etc. while the Select Board research infrastructure projects.  This was tabled until the next meeting.

 
OLD BUSINESS:

1. Public Meeting Recording Purchases.  Brian from Saguaro Technology provided Ann with the specs for a small tablet and speaker/microphone.  The cost would be $405.26 for the laptop and $300 for the microphone/speaker.  She also provided some comparable devices and their costs.  Discussion. A.J. made a motion to accept Brian’s offer.  Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor.
2. Delinquent dog list. Ann announced that certified letters were sent to eleven of the twelve delinquent dog owners.  The twelfth has been a mail return in the past, so was not attempted again.  A letter to the Board was sent by Dana Decker explaining that her dog was sick and not expected to live, so she was asking for an exemption from licensing her dog.  Discussion.  The Board felt that the dog ordinance needed to be uniformly applied to everyone.  Ann said she has not heard from anyone else. They are given twenty-one days to request a hearing if they would like.  
3. Recreation Purchases.  A.J. said he felt Trish can proceed and buy the clips needed to the equipment but said he would wait to hear from Ann and Joyce as to what they are able to find out about having these clips sourced locally. There was concern expressed over what the shipping time might be. Ann motioned to have the clips ordered unless there is extended shipping time.  Joyce seconded.  All favor. The teeter-totter was discussed. Ann said she is looking into different models for different age groups.  Joyce made a motion to buy both teeter-totters (for 2–5-year-old and older children) for $1,235 plus installation.  Ann seconded.  All in favor. The basketball 

court was discussed.  Ann said she spoke with several companies about resurfacing.  This issue was tabled to the next meeting in hopes of receiving more quotes.

1. Police Response.  Joyce said that she spoke with a trooper who lives in Hawk, and it was agreed that it takes a while for anyone to respond if called. He said that they are short staffed and currently only have six troopers assigned to Rutland County.  At present the State Police are being asked to check within their districts to see what the community needs are, etc.  It was decided to send an invitation to the Rutland Barracks to have a trooper attend a meeting in person or virtually.  The Secretary was asked to send a letter to the Rutland troopers inviting them to attend a meeting either in person or virtually. The dates of the summer meetings will be included.
2. Town Hall project – update. Ann said that some necessary emergency repairs need to be done and asked the Board to approve the expenditure of $5,376. There was also a $450 charge for Carl Oertel who was hired by the committee to shore up the walls so the mason could remove the deteriorated front blocks.  She made a motion to approve the Town Hall Building Committee unexpected expenditures total $5,826.00.  A.J. seconded.  All in favor.

 
NEW BUSINESS:

1. Delinquent Tax properties.  Delinquent Tax Collector Janice Stumpf and Town Attorney Victoria Hone presented the Board with a summary of the three delinquent tax properties that have been on the list for many years, a few with several unsuccessful tax sales.  The properties discussed included:
   • Watkins property on Cahill Road. This property has been delinquent since 2006, is landlocked and not suitable for building.  There was much discussion as to whether the property could be sold for less than the taxes owed.  Also, what would be involved if the Town purchased it vs a private bidder?  The latter would be the preferred choice as the Town would have to pay the full taxes, interest, penalty, attorney fee, and other costs.  The Town would also need to have a resolution and other acts should they wish to try and buy it.  There was also much discussion about how the funds received would be disbursed should the property sell.  Joyce made a motion to start the bidding at one quarter of what is owed plus fees at the time the ad is placed.  Ann seconded.  All in favor. Janice will move forward with the sale and add it to a date she already has set for three other properties on August 11th.
   • Tiffany property on Hawk Mountain Road is a corner lot and very steep.  None of the abutting landowners have shown an interest in the past.  It has been delinquent since 2009.  Discussion.  Janice said that she would contact the Hawk Mountain Homeowners Association and abutting landowners to see if there is interest if the price is reduced.  It had previously been put up for tax sale twice with no interest.  Janice said she was not willing to pursue a tax sale if there is no interest shown.
   • BHH Property on The Commons was a piece of property that was subdivided and sold as lots.  The abutting parties have a right of way to access their properties. Discussion.  If the Town were to purchase the property it could be subdivided so that each of the abutters has an equal share of what is basically their road. If the Town were to purchase the land, it would be expensive and time consuming and probably cost more that the taxes that are owed.  The legal firm has recommended that the Town write off the property.  Joyce moved to add this property to the list of properties going up for tax sale with a minimum bid of 25%. Ann seconded. All in Favor. The Board inquired about HOA’s/covenants.  Victoria said that a title search would need to be done and this has not been performed on any of these properties.
2. Municipal Roads Grants Participation.  Ann said that a Letter of Intent had been signed by Trish.  She said that she spoke with George and Rita.  The Town has participated in this grant in the past, and it is an easy one to maintain.  She noted that 20% match for the grant can be “in kind.”
3. Treasurer’s Financial Report – May.  This was tabled to the next meeting to allow the members to review it.
4. Dog Complaints.  After discussion concerning Todd Jones’ complaint it was decided to proceed with the process and send the DBois’ a first fine notice of violation of the leash law.  Ann motioned to have the Town Clerk issue this Notice.  A.J. seconded.  All in favor. Ann also made a motion to have the Constable investigate Wendy Lothrop’s complaint and speak with all the parties involved.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.
5. Town Office Painting Project – Update.  A bid was received from Don Marshall to prep and paint all windowsills, prep and paint the two front doors and door trim, and prep and paint the cupola.  His bid totaled $3,350.  A lift would need to be rented to get to the cupola and that cost would be additional. Eric Schambach at Vision Builders has offered to prep and paint the cupola at no charge to the Town.  Ann moved to accept his offer and hire Don Marshall to complete the other paint work, windowsills, doors and trim at $1,600. Joyce seconded. All in Favor.
6. MacKenzie Contractor Paperwork.  Ann moved to approve the Independent Contractor paperwork. Joyce seconded.  All in favor.
7. Fuel Prebuy.  The Board reviewed the previous year’s purchase and usage. Discussion.  It was decided to prebuy the following: 
   • Town Hall – 450 gallons of #1 heating fuel at $2.90/gallon
   • Town Garage – 550 gallons of LP at $1.99/gallon
   • Town Office Building – 1200 gallons of LP at $1.99/gallon
   • PVF&R – 800 gallons of LP at $1.99/gallon

A.J. motioned to accept this purchase.  Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor.
 
NEXT MEETING DATE:  Thursday, July 15, 2021, at 6:00pm in the basement of the Town Office Building, both in person and virtually.
 
As there was no further business to discuss, Ann moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:20pm.  Seconded by A.J.  All in favor.
 
Respectfully submitted,
                                                                                    
Martha L. Beyersdorf, Secretary
 
Approved: 
 
 
                                                     /                                                                 /
           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://fccdl.in/8M8Q4AKzva  first half
 
                                                                                                          https://fccdl.in/f0xpMvkRo3  second half
                                                                                   
                                                                                                           dog_ordinance_adopted_06_03_2021_.docx Dog Ordinance 2021 
 
DATE: June 3, 2021
 
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, A.J. Ruben
 
PUBLIC PRESENT: (all virtually) Rep. Kirk White, Caleb Hawley, Ian Sullivan
 
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS:  TRORC confirmation of TAD Representative- C#2; VT RAD – C#3; VT State Police Response Time – NB#3; Cemetery Bid – NB#4
 
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 20, 2021 Regular Meeting
 
CORRESPONDENCE:

1. Citizen Concern/Complaint – Noise Ordinance Inquiry
2. TRORC – confirmation of TAC representative
3. VT Rights & Democracy (RADD) – community engagement

 
OLD BUSINESS: 

1. Rep. White Legislative Report
2. Public Meeting – Recording Procedures
3. Dog Ordinance – Delinquent Dog List
4. Transition to .gov domain name 
5. Recreation Area – Plan of Action
6. Summer Meeting Schedule

 
NEW BUSINESS:

1. Mask Requirement - update
2. Insurance - new PVF&R vehicle
3. VT State Police – response time.
4. Cemetery Bid - award

 
NEXT MEETINTG DATE:  Thursday, June 17, 2021
 
ADJOURNMENT
 
Ann called the meeting to order at 6:01pm.  A.J. seconded.   Ann presented Agenda Modifications (see above).  Joyce made a motion to accept the Minutes of the May 20, 2021 Regular Meeting.  Ann seconded. Minutes approved. A.J. made a motion to approve the Agenda Modifications (see above) and take NB#2 and OB#1 out of order.  Joyce seconded.  Motion approved.
 
Correspondence:

1. Citizen Concern/Complaint – Noise Ordinance Inquiry.  This correspondence was withdrawn.
2. TRORC – confirmation of TAC representative.  George Deblon is the Town’s current representative and is continuing in that position.  TRORC will be notified.
3. VT Rights & Democracy (RADD) – community engagement.  This pamphlet was reviewed, and Joyce will post a copy at the Swiss Farm bulletin board. Trish will also be asked to make copies and post on the Town Office bulletin boards.

 
Old Business:
1.   Rep. White Legislative Report.  Rep. White opened by saying that this year’s legislative session has          concluded for this year.  He reminded everyone that Vermont only has a part-time legislature.  He said that they would be reconvening in a few weeks to deal with a few items and again in October to address some of the recovery funding.  He noted that they have not spent all the money that was allocated.  They have three years to do so.  He reassured the Board that there will be money available to the Towns for specific projects or to use at their discretion.  He noted that VTrans did receive extra money for some of their projects. He closed by encouraging the Board to contact him with any questions or concerns they may have in the future.
2.    Public Meeting – Recording Procedures.  Ann said she has been putting more research into how      to promote more transparency and open communication between Board/Committees and the public.  She reviewed the requirements that would be needed to have a laptop and speakers that would be used at any meeting that comes under the Open Meeting Law.  These included a device (table or laptop) and Bluetooth speakers.  Brian with Saguaro Technology will program them with specific software and capabilities and host instruction sessions for device operators. Trish will act as the central organizer, keep a calendar of meetings, and turn the device over to one person who will be responsible for its operation and recording.  There will be a common library created for recordings. The Select Board will draft a procedure and protocol that will be used.  Discussion.  It was decided to have Trish shop for a small tablet or laptop what has Windows 10 PRO, blue tooth capabilities and a camera with 128G of RAM for storage.  Estimates put the cost around $300 to $350.  It is hoped that this will be available next month with the hope that the July meeting will be able to be held in the newly renovated Town Hall.
3.   Dog Ordinance – Delinquent Dog List.  A brief review of the last meeting’s discussion was presented, and it was agreed that there were two conflicting Statutes on how to deal with this issue. Previously, in 2001, the Town imposed a fine of $250 per dog.  There was also the question of whether it was considered a “late fee” or “civil fine.”  AJ moved to adopt the amended dog ordinance and rescind its current one. Ann seconded. All in favor. An edit was made to a draft provided by the Town’s attorney and it will be forward back to the attorney for final review.  It will then be sent to the Town Clerk for printing and signature by Board members.  It will also need to be advertised in the paper and posted in five different locations to allow sixty days for public comment.  Delinquent dog list:  There are 12 owners of 18 dogs that remain delinquent in getting their dogs licensed. Ann moved to institute the new policy of enforcing the licensing violation by having the Town Clerk send out a notice of violation and civil fine of $50 which will also stipulate that respondents will have 21 days to request a hearing before the Select Board or pay a $25 waiver fee. AJ seconded. All in Favor.
4.   Transition to .gov domain name.  Discussion.  It was decided by the Board to remain with the current domain name pittsfieldvt.com. 
       5.    Recreation Area – Plan of Action.  The Board set up a workday where  they could meet and inspect, make a list of items to order, or install what is needed to make the playground useable and safe.  The date will be Saturday, June 5that 8:30AM.  The Board was also asked to approve the ordering of a portable toilet for the summer and fall months.  Ann motioned to have the Town Clerk contact the company that has provided this service in the past and have it in place until the end of 
October.  Seconded by A.J.  Ann also said that Patty Haskins had contacted her about the benches and tables being returned to the Green for use this summer.  
       6.    Summer Meeting Schedule.  The members were asked for their input and the dates of Thursday, July 15thand Thursday, August 19thwere selected.  The Board will also hold a special meeting to set the tax rate when figures from the State are sent, typically the end of June.
 
New Business:

1. Mask Requirement -update.  The Board moved to update the Town’s mask requirements for all Town buildings and property.  Fully vaccinated individuals will no longer need to wear a mask.  Un-vaccinated individuals will be strongly encouraged to continue wearing a mask in these venues.  Trish will be asked to post signs outside the Town Office to that effect.
2. Insurance – new PVF&R vehicle.  Caleb, representing the Fire Department, requested the Board to pay for the insurance and registration on a new ATV vehicle that they had purchased through fundraising money and donations.  Caleb described it as a CanAM UTV 6z6 unit that can be used to pull a rescue sled from areas not accessible by ambulance. They would also like to purchase a wildlands unit for fighting forest fires.  They are also looking at a trailer to haul the vehicle. They purchased the vehicle for $20,000 based on what they felt was the need of getting to more places that the trucks could not. Wilderness areas are being used more by bikers, hikers, snowmobilers, and ATVers.  He felt that this would be beneficial to the Town.  This would broaden the range of the fire department outside of the village. Discussion.  The Board initially felt that they should not put any more Town money into the fire department outside of budgeted items.  They felt it was not fair to the taxpayers to present this in the middle of the year.  The Board requested that moving forward, the fire department should take into consideration the public component when considering a purchase outside of their budgeted items. Caleb was asked if they had exhausted their donations and he said that they had not.  Ann noted that most of the fire department’s budget is made up of taxpayer money. A.J. made a motion to have the Town pay for the registration and insurance and moving forward try to have clearer communication during budgetary sessions regarding purchases in the future.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor. There was also discussion about money earmarked for paying off the truck loan.  It was suggested that money be either earmarked or a percentage of donations be specific for repayment of the truck loan.  Caleb said he would put this before the fire department members for their consideration.  Ann noted that this past year a full accounting of the department’s bank accounts was not included in Town Report.  This will be requested during the next budget session later in the year.
3. VT State Police – response time.  There was an incident recently in the Hawk Mountain development with a man destroying property.  The Rutland barracks were contacted, and it took them over forty-five minutes to respond.  The Board discussed how this could be dealt with in a timelier manner. Unfortunately, it’s just a fact that it is at least a half hour for either South Royalton or Rutland to respond to Pittsfield.  It appears that the two barracks do not communicate with each other either. Joyce explained that the Town used to contract with the Rutland County Sheriff, but that it was not to the Town’s benefit financially and so this was discontinued. There was some discussion about having someone local who has training to deal with situations like this, but this was discarded as a possible liability issue.  It was then suggested that the Board contact the main headquarters in Waterbury and discuss these concerns.  Ann said she would get in touch with them to see if a meeting could be set up between Waterbury, Rutland, and South Royalton.  

 

1. Cemetery Bid – award.  The project has been awarded to Harveys of Rochester for their bid of $12,130.  The total project was projected to cost $15,547.88 with 75% of it covered by the Feds. The Town already has  received the money for the 75%.  The State still has to cover their portion but won’t until both this and the culvert project are completed.  Ann made a motion to accept Harvey’s bid.  Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor.

 
Next Meeting Date:  Thursday, June 17, 2021 at 6:00pm in the basement of the Town Office Building, both in person and virtually.
 
As there was no further business to discuss, Ann moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:10pm.  Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor.
 
Respectfully submitted,
                                                                                    
Martha L. Beyersdorf, Secretary
 
Approved: June 17, 2021
 
 
                                                     /                                                                 /
           Ann Kuendig                                        Joyce Stevens                                      A.J. Ruben