PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD BUDGET & REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
To listen to a recording of the meeting click here: https://bit.ly/48sho7z
BUDGET AGENDA
Date: January 4, 2024
Present: Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
Public Present: Trish Abbondelo, Betty Warner
Approval of Minutes: December 21, 2023 Budget Meeting
Old Business:
New Business:
Next Meeting: Budget: January 11, 2024
Adjournment:
REGULAR AGENDA
Agenda Modification: NB#4: Liquor/Tobacco License renewals
Public Present: Scott Allen; Robert Fracchia (via Teams)
Approval of Minutes: December 21, 2024 Regular Meeting
Correspondence:
Old Business:
New Business:
Next Meeting: Regular: January 18, 2024
Adjournment:
Pittsfield Select Board Budget Meeting Minutes page 2
January 4, 2024
Ann called the budget portion of the meeting to order at 5:02pm. AJ seconded. All in favor. AJ moved to accept the Minutes of the December 21, 2023 Budget Meeting. Ann seconded. All in favor. Betty Warner is present to discuss the Lister’s Budget.
Old Business:
1. Budget – Lister. Betty presented a handout addressing the two issues that were in question. She stated that $13,150 was budgeted last year and she felt it would probably be the same this year despite changes in hourly rates, changes in the contract, etc. The NEMRC contract has not been updated for FY23-24. The contract calls for someone to do the administrative and computer work, but NEMRC has not had anyone available with the knowledge required, so Betty has been doing that. Should someone become available, or an independent contractor be hired, the funding would be managed by NEMRC’s contract money. Should an independent contractor be hired, their role would be the same as if NEMRC were to manage the administrative aspects. The anticipated hours for the Listers were discussed and calculated. It was agreed that the Listers would get a 3.2% hourly raise ($14.11 for 3yrs or less; $15.01 for 3+ yrs; $16.52 for Head Lister) and a salary budget figure of $4,900 was agreed to as well as keeping the $13,150 towards Assessor/Independent Contractor.
2. Budget – General Fund.
Visiting Nurse Alliance VT/NH – keep as $1,000
Park House – keep as $600
New Story Center – keep as $200. (Letter to go out with check reminder to request donations)
Central VT Council on Aging – keep as $600
VT Center for Independent Living – keep at $75
Green-Up Vermont – keep at $50
Rutland County Mental Health – increase to $600
NeighborWorks – decrease to $100
Tri Valley Transit (Stagecoach) – keep at $230* (*services to Pittsfield will be explored)
Child First Advocacy Center – keep at $400
VT Rural Fire Protection Task Force – keep at $100
Vermont Family Network – keep as $250
Rutland County Restorative Justice Center – keep at $500
The Preservation Trust of Vermont – keep at $50
American Red Cross – keep at $250
Pittsfield Community Connection – keep as $200
The Housing Trust of Rutland County – keep as $100
White River Natural Resources Conservation District – (New) $200
Bethel Food Shelf – (New) $500
Adjournment: Ann moved to adjourn this meeting to a time certain at 6:06pm. AJ seconded. All in favor.
Pittsfield Select Board Budget Meeting Minutes page 3
January 4, 2024
REGULAR AGENDA
Agenda Modification: NB#4: Liquor/Tobacco License renewals
Public Present: Scott Allen; Robert Fracchia (via Teams)
Approval of Minutes: December 21, 2024 Regular Meeting
Correspondence:
Old Business:
New Business:
Next Meeting: Regular: January 18, 2024
Adjournment:
Ann called the regular portion of the meeting to order at 6:07pm. Joyce seconded. AJ abstained. Ann said she had an Agenda Modification. The Original General Store and Vermont Farms Catering have license renewals. Ann moved to accept. AJ seconded. AJ moved to approve the Minutes of the December 21, 2023 Regular Meeting. Ann seconded. All in favor. Ann introduced Scott Allen to the meeting with Robert Fracchia joining remotely. She moved to take OB#3 out of order. AJ seconded. All in favor.
Correspondence:
1. Green Mountain National Forest – Schedule of Proposed Actions. This is a quarterly publication. There is nothing other than the Telephone Gap project. An update on that is expected this month.
Old Business:
1. Finance – Grader Funding. Ann felt that the Board needed to make a decision on the greater funding issue. Discussion. It was thought that the Undesignated Fund balance could be looked at and used if needed. Ann moved that the Board pay for the grader that’s expected to be delivered this month utilizing the funds in the Highway Reserve Account and whatever is left over would be from the Undesignated Surplus Funds. AJ seconded. All in favor.
Pittsfield Select Board Budget Meeting Minutes page 4
January 4, 2024
2. Town Roads – 113 Park Place deed restriction update. It was agreed that the deed needed to be retyped to include the corrected wording. Ann will send a copy to AJ for retyping. This will be added to the next regular meeting agenda for signing and recording.
3. Town Roads – Townsend Brook declassify update. AJ provided information regarding the decommissioning of the road citing the Statutes. The procedure the Board would need to follow was discussed. He said that he spoke with Peter Borden who was on the Board when the road was originally dealt with to get his thoughts. Ann said she was unclear as to where the portion of road in question is. Discussion. It was noted that this road was not made a Town Road until 2010. Previously it was considered Private. There is only a 367’ section of the ancient road extension being declassified. AJ said he would follow up with the Agency of Transportation. The site visit was discussed, and dates determined for the various requirements. AJ said he would rewrite the Warning with the Notice of hearing. The Warning would be posted, put in the newspaper, and certified letters sent to adjacent property owners. The Planning Commission would also be notified. It was decided to hold the site visit on February 21st at 11:00am with the Hearing immediately afterwards.
New Business:
1. Citizen Concern/Complaint – Robert Leitch Forsha Road. Robert Leitch’s correspondence concerned water being directed onto his property by water bars installed on Forsha Road to divert running water out of the roadway and to the side of the road. Discussion. The Road Commissioner was consulted who noted this has been an unusually high-water year. George noted that the loggers who were working there previously installed the water bar around three years ago to replace a broken culvert that had not worked for several years. They also replaced some culverts elsewhere on Forsha Road. The question of whether the Town has an obligation to fix this was addressed. Photos that Ann had taken of the area in question also showed a ditch on one side of the road and not the side the water bar is directed to. Perhaps the water bar in question should change direction and be redirected to the ditch. AJ moved that a letter be sent to the property owner acknowledging the receipt of his complaint and that the Board is investigating what Town may be able to do to mitigate his concerns. We could also ask if George would be willing to contact the logger and see if there is a way to change the water bar to make it go into the ditch on the other side of the road. Joyce seconded. All in favor. Ann reminded everyone that nothing could happen until the spring or summer.
2. Town Property – Skating Rink lighting. Ann said that Caleb Hawley informed her that it was time to turn on the lights at the skating rink. It was decided to repeat the temporary fix with Mike Juris. Joyce moved to do the temporary hook-up. AJ seconded. All in favor.
Finance – Treasurer Policies. The Accounting, Auditing and Financial Reporting Policy for the Town of Pittsfield was reviewed. Trish voiced her concern that this might not be in force since she hadn’t signed it as Treasurer. Discussion. It was felt that the policy goes along with the position, not the Treasurer in office. It was decided to make two amendments. The section headed Auditing was amended to read “The Select Board.......when appropriate or required by contract or law.” The statement “Reserve Fund balances less/ less CD deposits provided quarterly.” The subject of a Town Audit was discussed. Ann moved to retype the policy and approve it tonight and sign it at
Pittsfield Select Board Budget Meeting Minutes page 5
January 4, 2024
the next meeting. Joyce seconded. All in favor. Ann moved to approve the Policy for Payment Procedure. AJ seconded. All in favor.
3. Permits & Licenses - The Original Country Store and Vermont Farms Catering. First & Third-Class Liquor Licenses for Vermont Farms Catering and Second-Class Liquor & Tobacco Licenses for The Original General Store were presented. Ann moved to approve. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
Next Meeting: Regular: January 18, 2024
Adjournment: Joyce moved to adjourn the Budget meeting at 7:21pm. AJ seconded. All in favor.
REGULAR MEETING
Ann moved to reopen the Regular Meeting at 7:22pm. AJ seconded. All in favor.
2. Budget – General Fund, continued
Tech Support & Software – decrease to $6,000
User fees for Cloud Apps – decrease to $300
Fire Department truck Fund – (Article) $96,000
Fire Department Equipment Fund (Article) $6,000
Library – increase to $13,025. (proposed budget less undesignated funds)
Recreation Fund – keep at $1,000
Town Hall Reserve Fund – (Article) $10,000 (first floor painting, refinish floor, window and door repairs)
Town Office Maintenance Fund – keep at $4,000
Computer Equipment Fund – keep at $1,000
New Business:
Next Meeting: Budget: January 11, 2024
Ann moved to close the meeting at 8:20pm. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha L. Beyersdorf
Approved: January 18, 2024
/ /
Ann Kuendig Joyce Stevens A.J. Ruben
To listen to a recording of the meeting click here: https://bit.ly/48sho7z
BUDGET AGENDA
Date: January 4, 2024
Present: Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
Public Present: Trish Abbondelo, Betty Warner
Approval of Minutes: December 21, 2023 Budget Meeting
Old Business:
- Budget – Lister
- Budget – General Fund
New Business:
- Warrant – 2024 Warrant
Next Meeting: Budget: January 11, 2024
Adjournment:
REGULAR AGENDA
Agenda Modification: NB#4: Liquor/Tobacco License renewals
Public Present: Scott Allen; Robert Fracchia (via Teams)
Approval of Minutes: December 21, 2024 Regular Meeting
Correspondence:
- Green Mountain National Forest – Schedule of Proposed Actions
Old Business:
- Finance – Grader Funding
- Town Roads – 113 Park Place deed restriction update
- Town Roads – Townsend Brook declassify update
New Business:
- Citizen Concern/Complaint – Robert Leitch Forsha Road
- Town Property – Skating Rink lighting
- Finance – Treasurer Policies
- Permits & Licenses – The Original General Store and Vermont Farms Catering
Next Meeting: Regular: January 18, 2024
Adjournment:
Pittsfield Select Board Budget Meeting Minutes page 2
January 4, 2024
Ann called the budget portion of the meeting to order at 5:02pm. AJ seconded. All in favor. AJ moved to accept the Minutes of the December 21, 2023 Budget Meeting. Ann seconded. All in favor. Betty Warner is present to discuss the Lister’s Budget.
Old Business:
1. Budget – Lister. Betty presented a handout addressing the two issues that were in question. She stated that $13,150 was budgeted last year and she felt it would probably be the same this year despite changes in hourly rates, changes in the contract, etc. The NEMRC contract has not been updated for FY23-24. The contract calls for someone to do the administrative and computer work, but NEMRC has not had anyone available with the knowledge required, so Betty has been doing that. Should someone become available, or an independent contractor be hired, the funding would be managed by NEMRC’s contract money. Should an independent contractor be hired, their role would be the same as if NEMRC were to manage the administrative aspects. The anticipated hours for the Listers were discussed and calculated. It was agreed that the Listers would get a 3.2% hourly raise ($14.11 for 3yrs or less; $15.01 for 3+ yrs; $16.52 for Head Lister) and a salary budget figure of $4,900 was agreed to as well as keeping the $13,150 towards Assessor/Independent Contractor.
2. Budget – General Fund.
- Dues & Contributions:
Visiting Nurse Alliance VT/NH – keep as $1,000
Park House – keep as $600
New Story Center – keep as $200. (Letter to go out with check reminder to request donations)
Central VT Council on Aging – keep as $600
VT Center for Independent Living – keep at $75
Green-Up Vermont – keep at $50
Rutland County Mental Health – increase to $600
NeighborWorks – decrease to $100
Tri Valley Transit (Stagecoach) – keep at $230* (*services to Pittsfield will be explored)
Child First Advocacy Center – keep at $400
VT Rural Fire Protection Task Force – keep at $100
Vermont Family Network – keep as $250
Rutland County Restorative Justice Center – keep at $500
The Preservation Trust of Vermont – keep at $50
American Red Cross – keep at $250
Pittsfield Community Connection – keep as $200
The Housing Trust of Rutland County – keep as $100
White River Natural Resources Conservation District – (New) $200
Bethel Food Shelf – (New) $500
Adjournment: Ann moved to adjourn this meeting to a time certain at 6:06pm. AJ seconded. All in favor.
Pittsfield Select Board Budget Meeting Minutes page 3
January 4, 2024
REGULAR AGENDA
Agenda Modification: NB#4: Liquor/Tobacco License renewals
Public Present: Scott Allen; Robert Fracchia (via Teams)
Approval of Minutes: December 21, 2024 Regular Meeting
Correspondence:
- Green Mountain National Forest – Schedule of Proposed Actions
Old Business:
- Finance – Grader Funding
- Town Roads – 113 Park Place deed restriction update
- Town Roads – Townsend Brook declassify update
New Business:
- Citizen Concern/Complaint – Robert Leitch Forsha Road
- Town Property – Skating Rink lighting
- Finance – Treasurer Policies
- Permits & Licenses – The Original General Store and Vermont Farms Catering
Next Meeting: Regular: January 18, 2024
Adjournment:
Ann called the regular portion of the meeting to order at 6:07pm. Joyce seconded. AJ abstained. Ann said she had an Agenda Modification. The Original General Store and Vermont Farms Catering have license renewals. Ann moved to accept. AJ seconded. AJ moved to approve the Minutes of the December 21, 2023 Regular Meeting. Ann seconded. All in favor. Ann introduced Scott Allen to the meeting with Robert Fracchia joining remotely. She moved to take OB#3 out of order. AJ seconded. All in favor.
Correspondence:
1. Green Mountain National Forest – Schedule of Proposed Actions. This is a quarterly publication. There is nothing other than the Telephone Gap project. An update on that is expected this month.
Old Business:
1. Finance – Grader Funding. Ann felt that the Board needed to make a decision on the greater funding issue. Discussion. It was thought that the Undesignated Fund balance could be looked at and used if needed. Ann moved that the Board pay for the grader that’s expected to be delivered this month utilizing the funds in the Highway Reserve Account and whatever is left over would be from the Undesignated Surplus Funds. AJ seconded. All in favor.
Pittsfield Select Board Budget Meeting Minutes page 4
January 4, 2024
2. Town Roads – 113 Park Place deed restriction update. It was agreed that the deed needed to be retyped to include the corrected wording. Ann will send a copy to AJ for retyping. This will be added to the next regular meeting agenda for signing and recording.
3. Town Roads – Townsend Brook declassify update. AJ provided information regarding the decommissioning of the road citing the Statutes. The procedure the Board would need to follow was discussed. He said that he spoke with Peter Borden who was on the Board when the road was originally dealt with to get his thoughts. Ann said she was unclear as to where the portion of road in question is. Discussion. It was noted that this road was not made a Town Road until 2010. Previously it was considered Private. There is only a 367’ section of the ancient road extension being declassified. AJ said he would follow up with the Agency of Transportation. The site visit was discussed, and dates determined for the various requirements. AJ said he would rewrite the Warning with the Notice of hearing. The Warning would be posted, put in the newspaper, and certified letters sent to adjacent property owners. The Planning Commission would also be notified. It was decided to hold the site visit on February 21st at 11:00am with the Hearing immediately afterwards.
New Business:
1. Citizen Concern/Complaint – Robert Leitch Forsha Road. Robert Leitch’s correspondence concerned water being directed onto his property by water bars installed on Forsha Road to divert running water out of the roadway and to the side of the road. Discussion. The Road Commissioner was consulted who noted this has been an unusually high-water year. George noted that the loggers who were working there previously installed the water bar around three years ago to replace a broken culvert that had not worked for several years. They also replaced some culverts elsewhere on Forsha Road. The question of whether the Town has an obligation to fix this was addressed. Photos that Ann had taken of the area in question also showed a ditch on one side of the road and not the side the water bar is directed to. Perhaps the water bar in question should change direction and be redirected to the ditch. AJ moved that a letter be sent to the property owner acknowledging the receipt of his complaint and that the Board is investigating what Town may be able to do to mitigate his concerns. We could also ask if George would be willing to contact the logger and see if there is a way to change the water bar to make it go into the ditch on the other side of the road. Joyce seconded. All in favor. Ann reminded everyone that nothing could happen until the spring or summer.
2. Town Property – Skating Rink lighting. Ann said that Caleb Hawley informed her that it was time to turn on the lights at the skating rink. It was decided to repeat the temporary fix with Mike Juris. Joyce moved to do the temporary hook-up. AJ seconded. All in favor.
Finance – Treasurer Policies. The Accounting, Auditing and Financial Reporting Policy for the Town of Pittsfield was reviewed. Trish voiced her concern that this might not be in force since she hadn’t signed it as Treasurer. Discussion. It was felt that the policy goes along with the position, not the Treasurer in office. It was decided to make two amendments. The section headed Auditing was amended to read “The Select Board.......when appropriate or required by contract or law.” The statement “Reserve Fund balances less/ less CD deposits provided quarterly.” The subject of a Town Audit was discussed. Ann moved to retype the policy and approve it tonight and sign it at
Pittsfield Select Board Budget Meeting Minutes page 5
January 4, 2024
the next meeting. Joyce seconded. All in favor. Ann moved to approve the Policy for Payment Procedure. AJ seconded. All in favor.
3. Permits & Licenses - The Original Country Store and Vermont Farms Catering. First & Third-Class Liquor Licenses for Vermont Farms Catering and Second-Class Liquor & Tobacco Licenses for The Original General Store were presented. Ann moved to approve. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
Next Meeting: Regular: January 18, 2024
Adjournment: Joyce moved to adjourn the Budget meeting at 7:21pm. AJ seconded. All in favor.
REGULAR MEETING
Ann moved to reopen the Regular Meeting at 7:22pm. AJ seconded. All in favor.
2. Budget – General Fund, continued
- Maintenance & Repairs:
- Office Expense:
Tech Support & Software – decrease to $6,000
- Board of Listers:
User fees for Cloud Apps – decrease to $300
- Budget Disbursements:
Fire Department truck Fund – (Article) $96,000
Fire Department Equipment Fund (Article) $6,000
Library – increase to $13,025. (proposed budget less undesignated funds)
Recreation Fund – keep at $1,000
Town Hall Reserve Fund – (Article) $10,000 (first floor painting, refinish floor, window and door repairs)
Town Office Maintenance Fund – keep at $4,000
Computer Equipment Fund – keep at $1,000
New Business:
- Warrant – 2024 Warrant (not discussed)
Next Meeting: Budget: January 11, 2024
Ann moved to close the meeting at 8:20pm. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha L. Beyersdorf
Approved: January 18, 2024
/ /
Ann Kuendig Joyce Stevens A.J. Ruben
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