​PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

 
To listen to a recording of the meeting, please click here:  https://bit.ly/3WJzzkl
 
DATE:   May 18, 2023
 
PRESENT:  Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
 
PUBLIC PRESENT: Brett Yates (via Teams)
 
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS: NB#6: Fuchs Independent Contractor paperwork; NB#7: Vermont Farms Catering - request to use the Park ‘N’ Ride;  Minutes of the May 2, 2023 Special Meeting
 
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  May 4, 2023 Regular Meeting
 
CORRESPONDENCE:
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.  Citizen Concern/Complaint – Green follow-up
2.  Citizen Concern/Complaint – Rubin follow-up
3.  Financials – CD investment update
4.  Construction Projects – Updates: Basketball Court; Fire House Paving
5.  Town Plan – 2023 Draft
6.  Village Center Designation –
7.  Appointments – Town Officials
8.  Town Garage – lights
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1.  Financials – Treasurer’s Report April
2.  Village Green – Use Policy
3.  Dogs – Delinquent Dog List
4.  Town Hall – Blood Drive July 29
5.  Select Board – Summer Schedule
6.  Contractors – Fuchs Independent Contractor paperwork
7.  Vermont Farms Catering – request to use the Park ‘N’ Ride for events
 
NEXT MEETING DATE:  June 1, 2023
 
ADJOURNMENT:
 
Ann called the meeting to order at 5:58pm.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.  Ann presented the Agenda Modifications (see above).  AJ moved to approve the Minutes of the May 2, 2023 Special Meeting.  Seconded by Ann.  All in favor.  AJ also moved to approve the Minutes of the May 4, 2023 Regular Meeting.  Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor. 
 
 
 
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes                                                           page 1
May 18, 2023
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.  Citizen Concern/Complaint – Green follow-up.  Joyce reported that George checked out the ditches and cleaned them out.  Ann will send a response to Isabelle.
2.  Citizen Concern/Complaint – Rubin follow-up.  Joyce reported that the pump house was turned off, but is now on.  She said there is a slight overflow but is not a problem and not causing any visible damage to the Rubin driveway.  Ann said she would send a response to Suana. 
3.  Financials – CD investment update.  Three 6-month CDs have been opened at Mascoma Bank.  Monthly reports will be sent to Trish.
4.  Construction Projects – Updates: Basketball Court; Fire House Paving.  A tentative date to pave the basketball court is mid to late June.   George has removed the fencing in preparation.  The fence guy and painter is on stand-by.  Joyce said the Fire House paving estimate has increased by $3,000.00 for a total of $18,562 and may include line painting and will be done in early June.  Independent Contractor paperwork needs to be completed.
5.  Town Plan – 2023 Draft.  The draft has been submitted to TRORC and a vote has been scheduled for May 24th.  Ann read to the Board the Energy Compliance Resolution which needs to be included in the Plan.  Ann moved to pass and sign the Energy Compliance Resolution.  Seconded by AJ.  All in favor.
6.  Village Center Designation – Ann said that the Board needs to wait for the official vote.  She also noted that the state’s Emergency Management has approved the LEMP.  This will be put on the next meeting’s agenda.
7.  Appointments – Town Officials.  AJ made a motion to reduce the number of Zoning Board of Adjustment members from five to three.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.  Joyce said she spoke with Don Bass and he has agreed to step down.
8.  Town Garage – lights.  Ann noted that the purchase of lights was approved last summer at a cost of $1,080.00 for the replacement of six lights.  Mike Juris has said he could replace all nine for $1,632.00.  Ann said she checked with Efficiency Vermont regarding any rebate, but unfortunately it expired on April 30, 2023.  The Highway budget will be reviewed to see where the money was put last year and come up with the difference.  Ann moved to accept the amount of $1632.00.  AJ seconded.  All in favor.
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1.  Financials – Treasurer’s Report April.  This was tabled to the next meeting.
2.  Village Green – Use Policy.  Ann felt that a broader discussion was needed.  There doesn’t appear to be anything regarding the Green’s useage.  The Fire Department has indicated they would like to bring back the Bazaar but doesn’t want to deal with the waivers.  Discussion.  Ann said she checked with VLCT and they suggested that it would depend on what the event was.  The other issue is the Fire Department is a Town department.  This will be discussed further at the next meeting.
3.  Dogs – Delinquent Dog List.  Ann reported that there is only one unlicensed dog.  There was a question on how the late fees appear on the monthly financial report.  Discussion.  The Board authorized the Town Clerk to send a letter with the fine to the owner.
4.  Town Hall – Blood Drive July 29.  The Red Cross needs another blood drive.  DelRay Merrill was asked to oversee the event.  The Town Hall could be used as it has a lift and air conditioning.  AJ moved to approve the use of the Town Hall.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.
5.  Select Board – Summer Schedule. Dates were discussed.  The next meeting will be June 1st with the second meeting on the 15th if needed.  July’s meeting will be on the 13th and August’s on the 17th.  The regular schedule will resume in September.  AJ moved to approve the summer schedule.  Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor.
 
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes                                                           page 2
May 18, 2023
 
6.  Contractors – Fuchs Independent Contractor paperwork.  Ann moved to approve and sign.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.
7.  Vermont Farms Catering – request to use the Park ‘N’ Ride for events.  AJ moved to approve their request.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.
 
NEXT MEETING DATE:  Thursday, June 1, 2023 @ 6pm in the Town Hall
 
ADJOURNMENT:
As there was no further business to conduct, Ann moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:55pm.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.
 
Respectfully submitted,
                                                                                   
Martha L. Beyersdorf, Secretary
 
Approved:  june 1, 2024
 
 
                                                      /                                                                  /
           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/3AUO9vb 
DATE:   May 4, 2023
 
PRESENT:  Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
 
PUBLIC PRESENT:  Nicole Cyr (via Teams), Marsha Hopkins
 
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS:  C-4: Village Center Designation renewal reminder; C-5: FEMA public notice
 
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  April 20, 2023 Regular Meeting
 
CORRESPONDENCE:
1.  White River Valley Consortium – Home Creators Expo 2023 information
2.  Citizen Concern/Complaint –  Isabelle Green correspondence
3.  MRGP – Road Erosion Inventory update
4.  Village Center Designation – renewal reminder
5.  FEMA  – public notice re: 593 Route 100 buy-out
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.  Financials – CD Investments
2.  Financials – Treasurer’s Report March
3.  Construction Projects – Update
·       Basketball Court
·       Fire House paving
4.  PVR&R New Pumper/Rescue Truck – purchase contract
 
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1.  Bethel Energy Committee – Discussion
2.  Town Plan – 2023 Draft
3.  Town Hall – Invoice for front door
4.  Executive Session – 1 V.S.A. § 313-(1) (A) Contracts
 
NEXT MEETING DATE:  Thursday, May 18, 2023 @ 6pm in the Town Hall
 
ADJOURNMENT:
 
Ann called the meeting to order at 6:03pm.  AJ seconded.  All in favor.  Ann presented two Agenda Modifications (see above).  AJ moved to accept the Minutes of the April 20, 2023 Regular Meeting.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.  Ann welcomed Nicole Cyr, co-chair of the Bethel Energy Committee to the meeting.
 
 
 
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes                                                           page 2
May 4, 2023
 
CORRESPONDENCE:
1.  White River Valley Consortium – Home Creators Expo 2023 information – This was sent by Sarah Damle.  This expo will be held at the Hartford Area Career and Technology Center on Saturday, May 6th.  The topic will be Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and how these units can become affordable housing by adding on to existing homes or newly constructed on existing home properties.  How these units can benefit our communities will also be discussed.  This presentation is in partnership with the Town of Hartford, TRORC, and Vital Communities.  This correspondence will be sent to Joyce to forward to Jordan as a White River Valley Consortium representative.
2.  Citizen Concern/Complaint – Isabelle Green correspondence.  Ann wanted this to be put onto the record.  Isabelle expressed concern regarding silt from Hawk Mountain Road and Upper Michigan Road collecting close to her property.  Ann said that this was forwarded to George and Joyce said she would follow up with him as to what he might be planning to do.  The Board will respond to Isabelle.
Joyce also said she would follow up with Greg Martin and Dave Colton about the Mt Wilcox Water issue. 
3. MRGP – Road Erosion Inventory update.  There is a deadline to update the implementation table database.  Ann said she couldn’t determine this information.  Discussion.  Ann said she would send it to Joyce and George for possible action.
4.  Village Center Designation – renewal reminder.  Ann said this expires on November 6th.  Ann reviewed an enclosed checklist of what needs to be done with the Board.  She added that Peter Gregory at TRORC is happy to work with the town.  Martha was asked to place this item on the Tickler File for June and July.
5.  FEMA – public notice re: 593 Route 100 buy-out.  Ann said we have received this from Brian McWalters.  Attached is a public notice for the project which needs to be distributed to the local newspaper.  This published notice then needs to be sent to FEMA, so they have it for their records.  The public notice as a 15-day comment period after which FEMA will address any comments.  Ann said she forwarded this to Trish.
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.  Financials – CD Investments.  Ann reviewed what had previously been decided.  There was a question as to how much is covered by insurance and protected.  Discussion.  Trish received information from Mascoma Bank and forwarded it to the Board.  Ann said that $219,000 would be placed in the Highway Equipment Fund, $163,000 for the PVR Truck Fund,  and $63,000 for the Paving, Reappraisal and Record Preservation Funds.  Interest would go back into the appropriate accounts.  Ann moved to accept this proposed investment plan.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.
2.  Financials – Treasurer’s Report March.  Joyce said she had some questions on this report regarding overbudgeting on Highway: Administrative HRF fees and guard rails and Town Office Maintenance.  Discussion.  Joyce said she would follow up with Trish. 
3.  Construction Projects – Update
·       Basketball Court.  Joyce said she was able to contact Shayd Pecor with FreshCoat Paving and they have several projects ahead of us.    Ann said the fencing is on stand-by.  Someone has been found to paint the lines for the basketball/pickleball court.  His estimate is between $500 and $800.  As an aside Ann said the dumpster will be arriving next week and the parking blocked off for the town hall front exterior work.
·       Fire House paving.  Charlie Bowen was asked for an estimate. She also spoke with Charlie Bowen, and he can begin paving the Fire House driveway entrance in June.  Dave Colton will be doing a lot of the work thus keeping the cost down.
4
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes                                                           page 3
May 4, 2023
 
 
4.  PVR&R New Pumper/Rescue Truck – purchase contract.  The Board reviewed the contract.  It was noted that the results of the grant should be available sometime this month.  Ann looked over what needed to be signed.  Ann moved to approve the investment plan. Joyce seconded. All in Favor.
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1.  Bethel Energy Committee – Discussion.  Nicole Cyr has been meeting with the Vermont Council on Rural Development to work on the 2022 Energy Plan and made her presentation explaining what has been done over the years and who has been involved.  Ann explained what Pittsfield has done on the subject, however she also stated that they haven’t been able to look further into various energy topics such as charging stations, etc. because of a lack of volunteers and resources.  At present, the Town does not have an Energy Coordinator.  A question was raised about possibly contacting TRORC to see if a municipal planning grant could be used to help with this.  Discussion.  Nicole was asked to send a schedule for the Bethel Energy Committee so that Pittsfield could decide how to move forward.  Marsha also presented some information on things that have been done in the past.  There was also some discussion on how Pittsfield energy rating is determined. 
2.  Town Plan – 2023 Draft.  There was some discussion about adding a line under Natural Resources and what was the best way to add the statement about the maps not reflecting accurate private property boundaries.  The land uses have not been changed in the Plan and the language used has been from TRORC with a few exceptions.  Ann briefly mentioned the changes.  AJ moved to approve and adopt the draft of 2023 Pittsfield Town Plan with one final revision.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.  It was also noted that the Title Page would be changed to reflect the year 2023.
3.  Town Hall – Invoice for front door.  The invoice for the door is $3,500.00.  $1,000.00 has already been paid.  Ann said she would put this in the folder for payment.  Discussion about the lock and inside panic hardware.  She added that the electrical and fire inspections have been completed.  Ann moved to approve the final payment for the door.  AJ seconded.  All in favor.
4.  Executive Session – 1 V.S.A. § 313-(1) (A) Contracts.  Ann adjourned the Regular Meeting at 7:23pm and moved to enter into Executive Session.  Ann moved to come out of Executive Session at 7:29pm.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.
 
NEXT MEETING DATE:  Thursday, May 18, 2023 @ 6pm in the Town Hall
 
ADJOURNMENT:
As there was no further business to conduct, Ann moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:29pm.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.
 
Respectfully submitted,
                                                                                   
Martha L. Beyersdorf, Secretary
 
Approved:  May 18, 2023
 
 
                                                      /                                                                  /
           Ann Kuendig                                        Joyce Stevens                                    A.J. Ruben

​PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES

 
To listen to a recording of the meeting, please click here:  https://bit.ly/3nH309g
 
DATE:   May 2, 2023
 
PRESENT:  Ann Kuendig, AJ Ruben  (absent: Joyce Stevens)
 
PUBLIC PRESENT:  Vaughn Micciche, Marsha Hopkins, Katie Stiles, Amy Alton
 
OLD BUSINESS:  Review Select Board revisions of Town Plan
 
NEW BUSINESS:  Accept/Review public comments on Town Plan Revisions
 
ADJOURNMENT:
 
Ann called the meeting to order at 6:07pm.  Seconded by AJ.  All in favor.  This public hearing is for the purpose of hearing additional proposed revisions to the Pittsfield Town Plan.
 
OLD BUSINESS:
Ann reviewed the changes made by the Select Board and TRORC with those present.    She explained that major changes were made to the following categories: Utilities and Facilities, Energy Scarcities and Cost, Economic Development, Maps, Table of Contents, and Energy Appendix. The disability language was updated as well.  When asked, there were no additional comments.       
 
NEW BUSINESS:
Ann asked if anyone had any comments.  Vaughn asked about property borders and expressed concern about wildlife areas.  He said that there were disparities in the maps.  It was explained to him that no changes to the maps could be made as they come from the State.  The only thing that can be added is a statement.  Discussion.  It was decided to add a statement to the maps indicating that they may not reflect accurate private property boundaries.  Vaughn also expressed his concern about land use.  Discussion.  It was felt that changes should be considered in the next review of the Town Plan.  A change could be in the definition of land uses. 
 
Ann asked if there were any more public comments.  She said that the next step going forward is for the Select Board to review the public comments, decide whether to add them or not, and to approve the revisions.  Ann asked Marsha (from the Planning Commission) if she had anything to add.  Marsha cited her concern over deadlines and that people should be aware of them. 
 
NEXT MEETING DATE:  Thursday, May 4, 2023 @ 6pm in the Town Hall – Regular Meeting
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pittsfield Select Board Special Meeting Minutes                                                            page 2
May 2, 2023
 
ADJOURNMENT:
As there was no further business to conduct, Ann moved to adjourn this Special Meeting at 7:04pm.  AJ seconded.  All in favor.
 
Respectfully submitted,
                                                                                   
Martha L. Beyersdorf, Secretary
 
Approved: May 18, 2023
 
 
                                                      /                                                                  /
           Ann Kuendig                                        Joyce Stevens                                    A.J. Ruben