​PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD REGULAR AND BUDGET MEETING MINUTES

 
 
 
BUDGET
Date:  December 21, 2023
 
Present:  Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
Agenda Modification: NB#1-Errors & Omissions Form 
Public Present:  Trish Abbondelo, Betty Warner, Listers;
 
Approval of Minutes:  December 14, 2023 Budget meeting
 
Old Business:
1.Budget – General Fund
2.Budget – PVF&R budget/CIP
New Business:
1.Errors & Omissions Form
 
Next Meeting Date:  Budget: Thursday, January 4, 2023 
 
Adjournment:
 
REGULAR
Agenda Modifications:  OB#2: Town Hall Rental
 
Approval of Minutes:  December 7, 2023 and December 14, 2023
 
Public Present:  NB#1: Betty Warner, Listers; OB#2: Town Hall Rental
 
Correspondence:
1.Grants – VT FPR Grant Notice
2.Grants – Grants in Aid Reimbursement
3.Grants – AFG Grant Notification
 
Old Business:
1.Grader – Funding
2.Town Hall - Rental
 
New Business:
1.Finance – November Treasurer’s Report
2.Deed – 113 Park Place Deed Restriction
 
Next Meeting Date:  Thursday, January 4, 2023
 
Adjournment:
 
 
 
Pittsfield Select Board Regular & Budget Meeting Minutes                                            page 2
December 21, 2023
 
Ann called the regular meeting to order at 4:59pm.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor. 
Ann moved to add Errors & Omissions to the Agenda and take NB#1 out of order. AJ seconded. All in favor.
 
BUDGET
Date:  December 21, 2023
 
Present:  Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
 
Public Present:  Trish Abbondelo, 
 
Approval of Minutes:  December 14, 2023.  Joyce moved to accept the Minutes of December 14, 2023.  AJ seconded. All in favor.  
 
Old Business:
1.Budget – General Fund.  
·       Trish presented information regarding a CD at Northfield Bank for the Land Trust.  Ann explained that the Land Trust was set up in the 1970’s with funds required from property owners who sold their land for municipal forest/GMNF to offset the loss of property taxes. The principal in the trust cannot be touched, but the interest is to be used as revenue. Ann is researching what the initial principal was to insure interest made over the years has been deposited as income in the GF.  It’s unknown when the Land Trust was initially set up.  Ann recommended adding a line item for Income  for this interest.

• Town Clerk Fees – reduced to $7,000
• Ambulance – increase to $41,616
• Printing – leave at $1,900
• TH Electricity – leave at $1,500
• TOB Electricity – leave at $2,500
• TOB Fuel – increase to $3,200
• TH Fuel-decrease to $500
• TOB phone/internet-increase to $1,963
• HW Electricity – leave at $1,100
• HW LP gas – leave at $1,200
• P&G Labor – leave at $3,500
• P&G Portable Toilet – reduce to $688 (June 1, 2024 start)
• NEMRC Support – reduce to $1,247 (call for verification)
• Salaries-Auditors-increase hourly rate to $15.00/annual$2,500
• Salaries – Election Officials – increase to $800
• Salaries – TC/TT – increase each 3.2%. Annual $22,035 each
• Salaries – Asst TC/TT – increase 3.2%  Annual $16,277
• Salaries – Librarian – increase 3.2%  Annual $17,692

 
Pittsfield Select Board Regular & Budget Meeting Minutes                                            page 3
December 21, 2023
 
 
1.     PVF&R budget/CIP – Joyce presented some information she got from Caleb regarding the fire department’s air compressor and what it’s used for.  She also spoke with Dave regarding some financing issues for the First Response vehicle. They indicated the department could use their donations and funds from selling the first responder’s vehicle to purchase the new $20,000 SUV.
 
New Business:
1.     Listers – Errors & Omissions Report.  Betty explained that this is an annual report to be presented to the Select Board for signing.  It shows any errors & omissions made to the Grand List.  She noted that there wasn’t any this year.  Ann moved to sign.  AJ seconded.  All in favor.
 
Next Meeting Date:  Budget: Thursday, January 4, 2023 
 
Adjournment: Ann adjourned the budget meeting at 6.33pm.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.
 
 
REGULAR
Public Present: 
 
Agenda Modifications: OB#2: Town Hall Rental Policy
 
Approval of Minutes:  December 7, 2023 and December 14, 2023
 
Ann called the regular meeting to order at 6:34pm.  AJ seconded.  All in favor.  AJ moved to accept the Minutes of December 7 and 14, 2023.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.  Joyce moved to approve the Agenda Modifications (see above).  AJ seconded.  All in favor.
 
Correspondence:
1.     Grants – VT FPR Grant Notice.  Applications open until December 30, 2024.
2.     Grants – Grants in Aid Reimbursement.  Follow up with George regarding reimbursement submission for $12,500 in Grants in Aid for this year. He submitted $7,620.95 which Trish confirmed has been received. Ann says Town has been awarded plus $10,000 for next year.  George will be encouraged to use all of the grant money for next year’s projects. Discussion.  Add the $10,000 to HW Grants in Aid budget line item as revenue.
3.     Grants – AFG Grant Notification.  Discussion.  Try to find out what was wrong with the application that caused the denial.  New grants open at the beginning of the year.  Possibly resubmit.
 
Old Business:
1.     Grader – Funding.  Discussion of where to get the funds if the grader is available at the beginning of the new year.  The CD isn’t available until May.  
2.     Town Hall – Rental.  Trish agreed to take care of the Town Hall rental bookings and keep calendar, submit applications to SB for special considerations and liquor license review, receiving rental and maintenance fees, separate security deposit, review of hall after use and return of security deposit.  
 
Pittsfield Select Board Regular & Budget Meeting Minutes                                            page 4
December 21, 2024
 
 
New Business:
1.     Finance – November Treasurer’s Report.  Joyce said she had a question. 
2.     Deed – 113 Park Place Deed Restriction.  FEMA says the deed doesn’t conform and their name should be added to the deed.  A sample deed was provided.  AJ was asked to look everything over and then send it to Trish.
 
Next Meeting Date:  Thursday, January 4, 2023  Regular & Budget Meeting 5pm Town Office
                                             Thursday, January 11, 2023 Budget Meeting 
Ann moved to accept these dates and times.  AJ seconded.  All in favor.
 
Adjournment:  Ann moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:12pm.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.
 
 
 
 
 
Respectfully submitted,
                                                                                    
Martha L. Beyersdorf
 
Approved: January 4, 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/3tlKMNC
 
Date: December 14, 2023
 
 
Regular Meeting Agenda
 
Agenda Modifications:  Toasted Pecan Liquor Licenses-NB#1
 
Minutes Approval:  Regular Meeting-November 30, 2023
 
Public Present:  Scott Allen for OB#2
 
Correspondence:
 
Old Business:

1. VOREC Grant
2. Townsend Brook Rd Ext.

 
New Business:

1. Toasted Pecan Liquor Licenses

 
Next Meeting Dates:  
                                    Regular-December 21, 2023
                                    
Adjournment
 
 
Adjournment
 
 
Ann called the meeting to order at 5:42pm.  Seconded by AJ.  All in favor.  Ann presented one Agenda Modification (see above) and moved to take it out of order.  Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor.  AJ moved to accept the Minutes of the November 30, 2023 Regular Meeting.  Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor.
 
Old Business:

1. VOREC Grant- AJ says Meghan Asbury TRORC has set up the online portal to submit the application she and AJ have drafted for the VOREC grant. Members reviewed the application and three letters of support from PCC, Original General Store and CV Oil. Pittsfield is seeking approximately $63,000  in grants based on the estimate from one recreation consulting firm. AJ has sent an RFP to two other firms and is awaiting a 

 
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes                                                           page 2
December 14, 2023
 
response. AJ moved to approve and sign the application which Meghan will submit December 15, 2023, the date the application is due.

1. Townsend Brook Road Ext.- AJ reviewed state statutes that outline legal steps for a Select Board to decommission a class 4 road and offered to set up a timeline for action, review 2009 SB minutes when the decision was made to extend the Town’s Right of Way to this section of Townsend Brook and come up with an estimate of costs to decommission road. AJ will submit documents at January 4, 2024 SB meeting. Scott Allen again offered to grant the town and snowmobile club an easement in order to avoid all this paperwork.

 
New Business:

1. Toasted Pecan Liquor Licenses- the new restaurant has submitted applications for a first and third class license to sell beer, wine and liquor. Ann moved to approve and sign applications. AJ seconded. All in favor. 

 
Ann moved to adjourn regular meeting at 6:11pm. AJ seconded. All in favor.
 
 
BUDGET AGENDA
 
Agenda Modifications:
 
Minutes Approval:  Budget Meeting-November 30, 2023
 
Public Present:  Trish Abbondelo, PVF&R Representatives, Cindy Bryant, Betty Warren-Library
 
Correspondence:
 
Old Business:

1. GF Budget

 
New Business:

1. PVF&R budget/CIP
2. Library Budget/CIP

 
Next Meeting Dates:  
                                    Budget-December 21, 2023
                                    
Ann called the Budget Meeting to order at 6:12pm. Joyce seconded. All in favor. AJ moved to accept the budget meeting minutes of November 30, 2023. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
 
 
 
Ann moved to take New Business #2 out of order as Cyndi and Betty  were present. AJ seconded. All in Favor.
 
Old Business: 

1. GF Budget-tabled to next regular meeting. Board agreed to add budget meeting to Regular Meeting and start at 5:00pm in Town Offices.

 
New Business:

1. PVF&R Budget/CIP-Board reviewed PVF&R proposed budget and subtracted $1,000 from the maintenance line item to $1,900 (same as FY24). Members had questions regarding PVF&R CIP requests for $105,000 for Truck Capital Fund to pay-off new truck expected to be delivered April 2025 and $6,000 for Equipment Capital Fund to purchase two sets of turnout gear. Joyce questioned whether PVF&R plans on using their fundraised donations on purchasing another rescue vehicle. Joyce will talk with Caleb to clarify.
2. Library Budget/CIP-Cynthia and Betty presented the Library’s proposed FY 25 budget. Board reduced Technical Services line item to $500 from $1,000. Board discussed Library CIP requests for more shelving, circulation desk addition, computer/printer replacement, librarian chair. Joyce noted that she has two tables to donate to cover Library’s request for multipurpose tables. Ann noted request to replace hardwood flooring in 2028 is a Town building issue and shouldn’t be part of the Library CIP.  Board agreed to keep it on the list as a reminder to Select Board building chair.

 
 
 
 
ADJOURNMENT:  As there was no further business to discuss, Ann moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:44pm.  Joyce seconded. All in favor.
 
Respectfully submitted,
                                                                                    
Ann Kuendig for Martha L. Beyersdorf
 
Approved: 
​December 21, 2023
 
 
                                                      /                                                                  /
           Ann Kuendig                                        Joyce Stevens                                    A.J. Ruben

 PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
DRAFT
 
To listen to a recording of the meeting, please click here: https://bit.ly/47VAYJ4
 
DATE:  December 7, 2023
 
PRESENT:  Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
 
PUBLIC PRESENT:  Scott Allen, Beth Stanton
 
MINUTES APPROVAL:  November 16, 2023 Regular Meeting
 
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS:  NB#4 – Scott Allen re: Townsend Brook Road Ext.
 
CORRESPONDENCE:
1.Appointment – TRORC Representative
2.Village Center – Designation
3.VT Attorney General – Contractor Registration
4.250th Anniversary Commission
5.VT Community Broadband – listening sessions
6.VT Climate Action – Public Forums
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.Grants – VOREC Grant update
2.WRV Energy Consortium – Coordinator Presentation
3.Town Hall – Rental Procedure
4.Financials – Treasurer’s Report October
5.Town Hall – Project Contract Closeout
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1.Town Report – timeline 
2.FEMA Buyout – appraisal
3.Insurance – Health Insurance renewal
4.Scott Allen – Townsend Brook Road Ext.
 
NEXT MEETING DATES:
     Budget – December 14, 2023
     Regular – December 21, 2023
 
ADJOURNMENT:
 
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes                                                           page 2
December 7, 2023
 
Ann called the meeting to order at 5:59pm.  Seconded by AJ.  All in favor.  Ann presented one Agenda Modification (see above) and moved to take it and Beth Stanton out of order.  Seconded by AJ.  All in favor.  Joyce moved to accept the Minutes of the November 16, 2023 Regular Meeting.  Seconded by Ann.  All in favor.
 
CORRESPONDENCE:
1.     Appointment – TRORC Representative.  No replacement has been found for Sarah Gallagher.  Ann asked that Joyce and AJ give some thought for a replacement.  A notice will be put on the website.
2.     Village Center – Designation.  The Village Center application has been accepted.  Ann expressed concern about the map as it is from 2015.  She has asked TRORC to have an updated map to include in the business packet.  The Board will revisit in the new year.
3.     VT Attorney General – Contractor Registration.  This is a notice that contractors with a project over $10,000 need to register with the Secretary of State.  Joyce will post on the Swiss Farm Boards
4.     250th Anniversary Commission -  This notice invites every community to participate in the statewide commemoration of the American Revolution.  Events will be held between 2025-27.  
The Commission would like every town to sign an anniversary resolution.  Ann moved that the Board sign the resolution and send the information to the Historical Society.  Seconded by AJ.  All in favor.  AJ asked to have the information posted on the website.
5.     VT Community Broadband – listening sessions.  This is an announcement that the next listening session will be held on December 14th at 6:30pm.  They will also be going to be holding focus groups.  Ann moved to post on the website.  Seconded by AJ.  All in favor.
6.     VT Climate Action – Public Forums.  You can register to attend and learn about federal climate funding.  It will be held December 11th and 12th via Zoom.  Ann moved to have this posted on the boards.  AJ seconded.  All in favor.
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.     Grants – VOREC Grant update.  AJ said this is moving along and everything is working out.  He said he has another meeting with Megan from TRORC and the application is basically written and they got some more letters of support.  AJ said that if we get the grant before we contract with the SC Group, bids might have to be requested again.  
2.     WRV Energy Consortium – Coordinator Presentation.  Ann passed out a handout outlining the presentation. The regional committee has produced a presentation to present to various Select Boards.  Ann said they are looking for questions before they take a final vote.  The Coordinator would be hired by TRORC.  Pittsfield’s participation could be an Article in the Warning and let the Town decide.  This is a professional position hosted by TRORC.  Funding was briefly discussed.  A formal vote will be scheduled for the next meeting.
3.     Town Hall – Rental Procedure.  Tabled.
4.     Financials – Treasurer’s Report October.  Ann moved to accept.  Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor.
5.     Town Hall – Project Contract Closeout.  Ann read the invoice and said she felt it should not be paid and explained why.  A few parts of the contract were not done.  It was decided to send a letter to Vermont Home Improvement Specialists noting that we are not paying.  Discussion.  AJ dictated a note for Ann to type up and mail.  Ann moved to send it.  AJ seconded.  All in favor.
 

Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes                                                           page 3
December 7, 2023
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1.     Town Report – timeline.  Beth, an Auditor, presented the timeline and it was reviewed.  Ann said that she changed a few of the dates that didn’t pertain directly to the Auditors (date of Warn, last day to accept voter backed petition to Town Clerk, and date to mail).  Beth asked when the final budget 
might be ready.  Joyce said she would like to see the end of December, but Ann felt the second meeting in January might be more realistic.  Beth presented possible covers and was asked if she had received many reports.  She was asked to send out reminder letters.  Beth reviewed the printing bids with the Board and Ann moved to hire Spaulding Press to do this year’s report.  Seconded by AJ.  All in favor.  Beth was thanked for coming.
2.     FEMA Buyout – appraisal.  Ann said that the appraisal came to $125,000 which is considerably less than the current FEMA program appraisal.  It has been sent to the owner.  Ann moved to pay $1,200 for the service and direct the Town Treasurer to submit it and any other previous expenses to state mitigation office for reimbursement.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.
3.     Insurance – Health Insurance renewal.  Discussion.  Ann moved to renew the health insurance for our employees at the new rate of $944.14, that we keep the HRA deposit the same at $2,000, and that the surplus money in the HRA account will go towards the premiums.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.
4.     Scott Allen – Townsend Brook Road Ext.  Ann held up a packet of correspondence from Facey Goss & McPhee, PC who Scott hired to do a land record search.  Ann said the Board read it but wasn’t really sure what the problem was.  Scott was invited to attend and clarify this.  The Select Board in 2009 approved extending the Townsend Brook right of way to an ancient road.  Scott explained that Richard Lunna did a survey in 2016 and determined that Scott owned the section of road in question. According to Scott, his land was made a Class 4 road, and it shouldn’t have been.  The Forest Service is involved due to the Telephone Gap project and their needing potential access.for logging.  It was determined that the Select Board will have to do research on how to decommission a town roadway. AJ offered to research statutes and Ann will look at regulations for class 4 policy and guidance. Further discussion to take place at the next budget meeting.  It was noted that the law firm is also the Town’s Attorney, but it was felt there was no conflict of interest between what was done and what might need to be done.  The common goal is to protect the road and possible solutions were noted.  Scott was thanked for attending and clarifying what he wanted done.  
 
NEXT MEETING DATES:
     Budget – December 14, 2023
     Regular – December 21, 2023
 

Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes                                                           page 4
December 7, 2023
 
ADJOURNMENT:  As there was no further business to discuss, Ann moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:49pm.  Joyce seconded. All in favor.
 
Respectfully submitted,
                                                                                    
Martha L. Beyersdorf
 
Approved: 
 
 
                                                      /                                                                  /
           Ann Kuendig                                        Joyce Stevens                                    A.J. Ruben

​PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD SPECIAL BUDGET MEETING

To listen to a recording of the meetings please click here:  https://bit.ly/3RuqA5x
 
REGULAR MEETING:
DATE:  November 30, 2023
 
PRESENT:  Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.Grant – VORIC grant
2.Town Hall/Town Office – Fire Alarm inspection
3.Grant – Grants in Aid Technical Assistance
 
ADJOURNMENT:
 
Ann moved to open the meeting at 5:52pm.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.     Grant: VORIC grant.  Ann said there have been no public comments so far.  AJ said he has reached out and spoken with some people.  AJ reviewed what he had done so far. He solicited bids from two more recreation planning consulting firms and will meet with Meghan from TRORC in filling out the application for the VOREC planning grant that is due December 15, 2023.
2.     Town Hall/Town Office: Fire Alarm inspection.  Ann moved to accept the bid for the fire alarm inspection at $6029.10 plus $5.00 for ten fire extinguishers.  $50.00 was added.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.
3.     Better Roads Grant – Grant and technical assistance.  Ann said that the grants and awards are due December 20, 2024 for FY25.  Part of the grant can be used for technical assistance from TRORC to help George identify and document road segments that need to be brought into state compliance.   The scope of work includes: a pre-construction site visit with town staff and a report, a sketch map of the proposed work and photograph. Discussion.  Ann moved to reach out to Rita at TRORC and sign the contract.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.
 
Ann moved to adjourn at 6:05pm.  AJ seconded.  All in favor.
 
BUDGET MEETING:
PUBLIC PRESENT:  George Deblon
 
Ann moved to open the Special Budget Meeting at 6:05pm.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.  Ann said there is no agenda modifications  AJ moved to approve the November 9, 2023 Budget Meeting Minutes.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.  Ann moved to take George out of order as New Business #1  Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor.
OLD BUSINESS
1.     GF Budget. (tabled to next budget meeting)
 
NEW BUSINESS:  Highway Budget (Budget PDF)
 
Pittsfield Select Board Regular & Special Budget Meeting Minutes                                page 2
November 30, 2023
 
 
George and the Board went through the various items in the proposed budget.  These included Fuels, Hired Equipment, Materials, Employee Benefits, Other, and Repairs.  Changes and/or additions to the FY 25 proposed Highway budget:
 
 
·       Temporary Help:-increase to $5,250
·       All Other:- increase to $7,000. (this includes $5,500 for canopy trimming on Lookout Road)
·       Salt:-decrease to $0
·       Guardrail/signs:  decrease to $1,500. (may revisit once George gets an estimate for installing guard rail on Liberty Hill road)
·       George also requested that the word International be dropped from all line items as we no longer have that truck.
 
There was discussion on several items such as the work exchange with Stockbridge regarding Tweed River Drive vs South Hill Road.  There was concern that it be equitable. George will talk with Stockbridge Road commissioner.   Also discussed was roadside mowing equipment and the grader. George will look into other places to rent a mower for next summer. George said he would like to add a line item to the budget for tree trimming. The board decided to include tree trimming under Other in Hired Equipment. He added that he didn’t see any emergency projects that need to be done but did recommend continuing the Upper Michigan Road project that was started a few years ago.  Harvey’s did the work on that job by the general store.  He said he would like to continue it up past Sandy Robinson’s in the future.  The Board asked George to get an estimate on the cost of the project.
 
ADJOURNMENT:
As there was no further business to discuss, Ann moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:39pm.  Joyce seconded.  All in favor.
 
Respectfully submitted,
                                                                                    
Martha L. Beyersdorf
 
Approved: 
​December 14, 2023
 
 
                                                      /                                                                  /
           Ann Kuendig                                        Joyce Stevens                                    A.J. Ruben