PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
DRAFT
To listen to a recording of the meeting, click here: https://bit.ly/3ztQ5Nt https://bit.ly/3VI3DMN
DATE: June 20, 2024
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
PUBLIC PRESENT:
MINUTES APPROVAL: June 6, 2024 Regular Meeting
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS:
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Grants – Building Committee
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Community – Bethel Area Food Shelf
2. Dogs – Delinquent List
3. Town Officers – Vacancies
4. 593 Route 100 – Update
5. Community – Volunteer Appreciation
6. Energy – MERP Energy Assessment
7. Garden Proposal
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Financials – Erica Hurd Recreation Fund Resolution
2. Town Buildings – Maintenance Report
3. Financials – Treasurer’s Report for May
4. Independent Contractor – Cliff Harper paperwork
5. Town Truck – Mack truck repair
6. Town Hall – rental request
7. Co EMD Appointment
NEXT MEETING DATES:
· Tuesday, July 2, 2024 Special Meeting
· Thursday, July 18, 2024 Regular Meeting
ADJOURNMENT:
Ann called the meeting to order at 5:35. Ann called for several Agenda Modifications: Brown Park Request as NB #6. Co-EMD Appointment as NB#7. Garden Proposal as OB#7. Joyce seconded. All in Favor.
PUBLIC PRESENT: Cindy Metcalf from Bethel Area Food Shelf, Dave Fenity-Community Garden proposal and Betty Warner in support of both Cindy and Dave. Ann moved to take OB #1 and OB#7 out of order at the top of the agenda. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Grants – Building Committee. Ann said there is another application deadline coming up for a 50/50 recreational facilities grant. Ann suggested we see if Ridgeline Collective which the Select Board is engaging to rehabilitate the pump track behind town buildings has a budget and will need town funds. Joyce said she spoke to someone regarding the pump track. She was told that most of the work would be done by volunteers. The maximum amount of the grant is $25,000 and it needs to be for a shovel ready project. The board suggested that the new Recreation Commission review the grant application when they meet July 2.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Community – Bethel Area Food Shelf. Cindy Metcalf outlined the food shelf’s campaign to let Pittsfield residents know they are served by the Food Shelf. They have produced brochures and posters alerting residents that they can order food online and that orders can be delivered to a drop-off at the Old General Store for pick-up. PCC is soliciting volunteers to distribute the brochures and deliver orders.
2. Dogs – Delinquent List. AJ reviewed with the Board what he found out about the Judicial Bureau. Many towns use the Judicial Bureau to collect fines. We need to designate an official to implement the enforcement program. Ann produced a dated manual on how the Judicial Bureau works which suggested we need a custodial officer, an issuing officer and appeals officer. Ann suggested Trish as the custodial officer. It was suggested that perhaps Doug Mianulli or Cathy Capetta serve as the issuing officer and AJ as the Appeals officer.
3. Town Officers – Vacancies. Ann said she spoke with Suzanne Ellis, and she is interested but unable to assume the position as she is very busy now. That leaves us with the opportunity to reduce the number of positions from five to three. Joyce wondered if Kevin from the Old General Store was asked. The person does not need to be a resident of Pittsfield to serve on the Planning Commission. Joyce said she would reach out to Mark and Kevin. It was decided to resume this conversation at the July 18th meeting.
4. 593 Route 100 – Update. Ann said that they held the pre-demolition meeting with two potential bidders/contractors who are going to bid on the demolishing of the property, and it went well. The inspection report from Cliff Harper was received and the residential structure was completely clean of all the samples taken, but the glue dobs on the garage bump out roof tested positive for asbestos. She asked Cliff for a written proposal and that came in at $1,225.00. Ann moved that the Board accept the inspection report. Joyce seconded. All in favor. Ann also moved that they award the mediation project to Choice Environmental (Cliff Harper). Seconded by Joyce. All in favor. The timeline was reviewed with the Board receiving the demolition bids by June 27th by 5:00pm. They can be mailed, emailed, or delivered to the town office. Ann said she also had a call into Act 250 District Representative to see whether we need an Act 250 permit or at the very least an email saying we don’t need an Act 250 permit. She said she’s waiting for a callback.
5. Community – Volunteer Appreciation. The Board is still investigating ways to honor Ray Colton.
6. Energy – MERP Energy Report. Ann asked the Board what they think they should tackle first. It was suggested that estimates be obtained for new windows so that they can be budgeted for. Joyce said the LED lights really need to be replaced and new doors in the front.
7. Garden Proposal: Dave Fenity and his wife Heather are proposing to organize a community garden on appropriate town land. AJ suggested that one of the lots at Parmenter Park would have the
best growing conditions with plenty of sunshine and access to the river water. The Board agreed to review if there are any deed restrictions on the property and gave Dave and Heather the go ahead to begin formulating plans to recruit volunteers and come up with an estimated budget.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Financials – Erica Hurd Recreation Fund Resolution. Ann said that she spoke with Chris, and he approved of the name: Erica Hurd Memorial Fund. AJ wondered if there needs to be more detail about what the funds can be used for. The resolution calls for spending donations only on development of the recreation area and programs. Ann moved that the Board adopt this resolution and put it into effect. AJ seconded. All in favor.
2. Town Buildings – Maintenance Report. It was pointed out that the concrete is crumbling on the north side of town hall building below the sill. The north stairwell roof needs replacing. Joyce is going to contact the Building Advisory Committee to inspect both Town Office and Town Hall for needed maintenance repairs and projects.
3. Financials – Treasurer’s Report for May. Joyce made a motion to approve this report. Seconded by Ann. All in favor
4. Independent Contractor – Cliff Harper paperwork. Ann said that everything has been submitted for asbestos and remediation. Ann moved that the Board sign the independent contractor paperwork for Cliff Harper. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
5. Town Truck – Mack truck repair. The truck isn’t new. It was purchased in ’22. $26,445 has been spent on it since then. It was suggested that George look into leasing a new tuck and putting money into the capital budget. Ann said she would speak with George.
6. Town Hall – Rental request. Beth Brown would like to have an outside service for her grandmother at what was formerly 11 Parmenter Place. She wants to use the parking lot area and set up a tent, bring in tables and chairs and cook burgers, hot dogs, etc., including some music. This would be either August 3rd or 4th. She can’t have any alcohol unless she hires a bartending service or caterer who applies for an outdoor liquor license and there has to be a designated spot. There also has to be set hours. Quiet hours begin at 10pm. Perhaps the fire department can put out cones or they can borrow some from the fire department as safety is a concern.
7. Co-EMD Appointment-Ann said that Ryan Thompson emailed her the other day to say that he has spoken with Candace Kadamik, and she is willing to assume the position of Emergency Management Co-director. Ann moved that they appoint Candace Kadamik as an Emergency Management Co-director. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
NEXT MEETING DATES:
· Tuesday, July 2, 2024 Special Meeting
· Thursday, July 18, 2024 Regular Meeting
ADJOURNMENT: As there was no further business to discuss, Ann adjourned the meeting at 7:23pm. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha L. Beyersdorf
Approved:
/ /
Ann Kuendig Joyce Stevens A.J. Ruben
DRAFT
To listen to a recording of the meeting, click here: https://bit.ly/3ztQ5Nt https://bit.ly/3VI3DMN
DATE: June 20, 2024
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
PUBLIC PRESENT:
MINUTES APPROVAL: June 6, 2024 Regular Meeting
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS:
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Grants – Building Committee
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Community – Bethel Area Food Shelf
2. Dogs – Delinquent List
3. Town Officers – Vacancies
4. 593 Route 100 – Update
5. Community – Volunteer Appreciation
6. Energy – MERP Energy Assessment
7. Garden Proposal
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Financials – Erica Hurd Recreation Fund Resolution
2. Town Buildings – Maintenance Report
3. Financials – Treasurer’s Report for May
4. Independent Contractor – Cliff Harper paperwork
5. Town Truck – Mack truck repair
6. Town Hall – rental request
7. Co EMD Appointment
NEXT MEETING DATES:
· Tuesday, July 2, 2024 Special Meeting
· Thursday, July 18, 2024 Regular Meeting
ADJOURNMENT:
Ann called the meeting to order at 5:35. Ann called for several Agenda Modifications: Brown Park Request as NB #6. Co-EMD Appointment as NB#7. Garden Proposal as OB#7. Joyce seconded. All in Favor.
PUBLIC PRESENT: Cindy Metcalf from Bethel Area Food Shelf, Dave Fenity-Community Garden proposal and Betty Warner in support of both Cindy and Dave. Ann moved to take OB #1 and OB#7 out of order at the top of the agenda. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Grants – Building Committee. Ann said there is another application deadline coming up for a 50/50 recreational facilities grant. Ann suggested we see if Ridgeline Collective which the Select Board is engaging to rehabilitate the pump track behind town buildings has a budget and will need town funds. Joyce said she spoke to someone regarding the pump track. She was told that most of the work would be done by volunteers. The maximum amount of the grant is $25,000 and it needs to be for a shovel ready project. The board suggested that the new Recreation Commission review the grant application when they meet July 2.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Community – Bethel Area Food Shelf. Cindy Metcalf outlined the food shelf’s campaign to let Pittsfield residents know they are served by the Food Shelf. They have produced brochures and posters alerting residents that they can order food online and that orders can be delivered to a drop-off at the Old General Store for pick-up. PCC is soliciting volunteers to distribute the brochures and deliver orders.
2. Dogs – Delinquent List. AJ reviewed with the Board what he found out about the Judicial Bureau. Many towns use the Judicial Bureau to collect fines. We need to designate an official to implement the enforcement program. Ann produced a dated manual on how the Judicial Bureau works which suggested we need a custodial officer, an issuing officer and appeals officer. Ann suggested Trish as the custodial officer. It was suggested that perhaps Doug Mianulli or Cathy Capetta serve as the issuing officer and AJ as the Appeals officer.
3. Town Officers – Vacancies. Ann said she spoke with Suzanne Ellis, and she is interested but unable to assume the position as she is very busy now. That leaves us with the opportunity to reduce the number of positions from five to three. Joyce wondered if Kevin from the Old General Store was asked. The person does not need to be a resident of Pittsfield to serve on the Planning Commission. Joyce said she would reach out to Mark and Kevin. It was decided to resume this conversation at the July 18th meeting.
4. 593 Route 100 – Update. Ann said that they held the pre-demolition meeting with two potential bidders/contractors who are going to bid on the demolishing of the property, and it went well. The inspection report from Cliff Harper was received and the residential structure was completely clean of all the samples taken, but the glue dobs on the garage bump out roof tested positive for asbestos. She asked Cliff for a written proposal and that came in at $1,225.00. Ann moved that the Board accept the inspection report. Joyce seconded. All in favor. Ann also moved that they award the mediation project to Choice Environmental (Cliff Harper). Seconded by Joyce. All in favor. The timeline was reviewed with the Board receiving the demolition bids by June 27th by 5:00pm. They can be mailed, emailed, or delivered to the town office. Ann said she also had a call into Act 250 District Representative to see whether we need an Act 250 permit or at the very least an email saying we don’t need an Act 250 permit. She said she’s waiting for a callback.
5. Community – Volunteer Appreciation. The Board is still investigating ways to honor Ray Colton.
6. Energy – MERP Energy Report. Ann asked the Board what they think they should tackle first. It was suggested that estimates be obtained for new windows so that they can be budgeted for. Joyce said the LED lights really need to be replaced and new doors in the front.
7. Garden Proposal: Dave Fenity and his wife Heather are proposing to organize a community garden on appropriate town land. AJ suggested that one of the lots at Parmenter Park would have the
best growing conditions with plenty of sunshine and access to the river water. The Board agreed to review if there are any deed restrictions on the property and gave Dave and Heather the go ahead to begin formulating plans to recruit volunteers and come up with an estimated budget.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Financials – Erica Hurd Recreation Fund Resolution. Ann said that she spoke with Chris, and he approved of the name: Erica Hurd Memorial Fund. AJ wondered if there needs to be more detail about what the funds can be used for. The resolution calls for spending donations only on development of the recreation area and programs. Ann moved that the Board adopt this resolution and put it into effect. AJ seconded. All in favor.
2. Town Buildings – Maintenance Report. It was pointed out that the concrete is crumbling on the north side of town hall building below the sill. The north stairwell roof needs replacing. Joyce is going to contact the Building Advisory Committee to inspect both Town Office and Town Hall for needed maintenance repairs and projects.
3. Financials – Treasurer’s Report for May. Joyce made a motion to approve this report. Seconded by Ann. All in favor
4. Independent Contractor – Cliff Harper paperwork. Ann said that everything has been submitted for asbestos and remediation. Ann moved that the Board sign the independent contractor paperwork for Cliff Harper. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
5. Town Truck – Mack truck repair. The truck isn’t new. It was purchased in ’22. $26,445 has been spent on it since then. It was suggested that George look into leasing a new tuck and putting money into the capital budget. Ann said she would speak with George.
6. Town Hall – Rental request. Beth Brown would like to have an outside service for her grandmother at what was formerly 11 Parmenter Place. She wants to use the parking lot area and set up a tent, bring in tables and chairs and cook burgers, hot dogs, etc., including some music. This would be either August 3rd or 4th. She can’t have any alcohol unless she hires a bartending service or caterer who applies for an outdoor liquor license and there has to be a designated spot. There also has to be set hours. Quiet hours begin at 10pm. Perhaps the fire department can put out cones or they can borrow some from the fire department as safety is a concern.
7. Co-EMD Appointment-Ann said that Ryan Thompson emailed her the other day to say that he has spoken with Candace Kadamik, and she is willing to assume the position of Emergency Management Co-director. Ann moved that they appoint Candace Kadamik as an Emergency Management Co-director. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
NEXT MEETING DATES:
· Tuesday, July 2, 2024 Special Meeting
· Thursday, July 18, 2024 Regular Meeting
ADJOURNMENT: As there was no further business to discuss, Ann adjourned the meeting at 7:23pm. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha L. Beyersdorf
Approved:
/ /
Ann Kuendig Joyce Stevens A.J. Ruben
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