PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
To listen to a recording of the meeting, click here: https://bit.ly/3xKfp1b
DATE: April 18, 2024
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
PUBLIC PRESENT: Geena Baber (TRORC); Betty Warner; Herb Kuendig, Jeremy Reiner (via TEAMS)
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS:
MINUTES APPROVAL: March 21, 2024
CORRESPONDENCE:
OLD BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS:
NEXT MEETING DATE: Thursday, May 2, 2024, Town Hall @ 5:30pm
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 2
April 18, 2024
ADJOURNMENT:
Ann called the meeting to order at 5:29pm. Seconded by AJ. All in favor. AJ moved to accept the Minutes of the March 21, 2024 Regular Meeting. Seconded by Ann. All in favor. Ann presented the Agenda Modification (see above) and moved to accept them. Joyce seconded. All in favor. The TRORC Representative was in attendance remotely regarding the Capital Budget Planning Project and Betty Warner was here to speak with the Board regarding actions of the Select Board regarding the proposed administrative position for the Listers. Ann moved to take these two items out of order. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Act 250 – CV Oil Jurisdictional Opinion. This Opinion is in regard to renovating, reroofing, or making a different roof structure to part of CV Oil’s physical plant located on Route 100. It’s the opinion that CV Oil does need to file for an amendment to their Act 250 permit.
2. Sand Shed – G&N Surety Bond Closeout. Ann said that she wanted this on the record. The bond that G&N had to take out for the construction was closed out and the surety company just needed to sign off. She said that Trish answered all the questions, so this is done.
3. VT Dept of Environmental Conservation – Storage Tank Revision Comment Period. This is a notification that they are proposing new rules for above ground storage tanks and that the comment period ends April 24th. Ann suggested posting.
4. TRORC – Town Planning Confirmation. TRORC informed the Town that at their March 27th meeting the Pittsfield Town planning efforts were reviewed, and they voted to confirm our municipalities planning effort. This allows Pittsfield to remain eligible for municipal planning grants.
5. GMNF – Schedule of Proposed Actions. This is a quarterly report with the only action of concern to Pittsfield is the Telephone Gap issue.
6. VT Dept of Forest, Parks & Recreation – Wildfire Season. This is a press release noting that wildfire season is underway, and people need to be aware of daily fire danger.
7. Citizen Concern/Complaint – Manley request. Ann said she received a text from Terry that after seeing the newly renovated basement following Town Meeting, he would like to see new tables and chairs. He noted that the area is outstanding but old rusty chairs and tables remind him of rusty hubcaps on a brand-new Cadillac. The Board agreed but added that they weren’t willing to spend the money at that time.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Listers – Administrative Position. Betty asked the Board if she could make a statement prior to discussing the Administrative Position with Herb and Jeremy. The Select Board agreed. Betty said she prepared a statement indicating that she was delighted to become aware of the proposal made in February to have much of the repetitive, routine jobs of the Listers be taken on with compensation and willingness by the Town Clerk. She went on to say that she was personally frustrated and disappointed in both the Board’s action and inaction on this matter. She felt that a decision should have been made by now. It was agreed that some training would be needed and that the busiest time for the Listers is this time of the year. The Select Board faces three issues: seeking someone willing to do the work, determining what is included in the job, and how to compensate/fund the positions. There was some talk about what NEMRC can and cannot do for
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 3
April 18, 2024
Pittsfield. Because NEMRC cannot provide a person knowledgeable about the tasks involved in this discussion, Betty has tended to them because of her interest, knowledge, and understanding
and because she has taken the time to deal with them. She said others either haven’t the time or the inclination to deal with them. The Select Board polled both Jeremy and Herb and the end result was that they felt they could manage the duties instead of someone outside of the Board of Listers until a 3rd Lister is found.
2. Appointments – Town Officials (Planning, Emergency Management, TRORC rep). Ann said she spoke with Glenn Reinauer about the Planning Commission position and provided him with some material to look over. Bob Giolito has declined to accept the position as an Emergency Management Co-Director. That leaves Ryan and the decision as to whether to leave it just to him or add another person to the position. The Board opted to have Ryan find a Co-Director who he would like to work with. Joyce said she would inform him. That position as well as a TRORC representative are still vacant.
3. Finances – February & March Treasurer’s Reports. Ann moved to accept both reports. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
4. 593 Route 100 – Voluntary Transaction Agreement. Ann moved to authorize the Chair to sign this agreement on behalf of the Select Board. AJ seconded. All in favor. Ann said that the closing has tentatively been set for May 22nd and a walk-thru needs to be done the day before. She noted that the State is currently reviewing the contracts.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Budget – Capital Budget Planning Project. Ann introduced Geena and asked her to introduce herself and what she would be doing for Pittsfield. Geena said that she is one of the planners at TRORC and has been there almost eight months. She went on to say that she will be examining the current and past town budgets for what they’ve used for any town capital improvement projects and propose a plan for the next ten years. A spreadsheet will be developed showing the inflow (where the funding comes from) and outflow (spending). She said she will be reaching out to each department in Town to see what they might have in mind for projects and how they plan to fund them. There was some more discussion with Geena regarding the project such as applying for grants, etc. Geena was thanked for attending and answering questions, etc.
2. Town Property – Paving Project Bids. Three bids have been received: Twin State Paving, Quality Paving, and Wilk Paving. The specifics and prices for each bid were discussed. Ann moved to accept the bid by Wilk Paving for both projects: the Recreational Court area for $18,600 and the Village Green roadway for $40,100, provided that they add an additional half inch of asphalt on the top course and guarantee that they can complete this by September. AJ seconded the motion. All in favor. The Board reviewed the financing for these projects and determined that the money was available.
3. Grants – FY25 Municipal Grants in Aid. This is available annually and Pittsfield is eligible for $6,000 which includes a local match of $1,500, which can be done in-kind. A Letter of Intent must be submitted by May 10th. This will be done.
4. Library – Lockbox. The Library would like to request a replacement for the current wooden lockbox outside the side entrance to the Town Office Building. A picture of the one they are requesting was shown and its cost of $649.99. Ann said she found one similar but a little smaller for $200 less. Discussion. The Board wanted clarification as to who would be paying for this. The Board
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 4
April 18, 2024
felt it should come from the Library’s funds. Ann said she would check with Cindy Bryant and mention the smaller unit.
5. Town Office Maintenance – elevator lights/extinguisher inspection, painting, exit. Joyce said she researched the light bulbs and found that the current ones are no longer available. She also couldn’t find a replacement that would fit. She said she contacted Mike Juris about obtaining four lightbulbs. Joyce said she would be contacting the extinguisher company regarding the annual inspection. Don Marshall felt the painting should wait until any maintenance work is completed. Richard Waterman was going to provide an estimate of the work. He will be contacted. It was pointed out that the porta potty is going to be delivered in June. Discussion as to where to put it. Trish will be consulted for her opinion on where to place it, considering the work that will be done in its usual area this summer.
6. LEMP – 2024 Approval. This is another annual task. Ann moved that the Select Board adopt the updated Local Emergency Management Plan for 2024 and the approval. AJ seconded. All in favor.
7. Dogs – Delinquent Dog list. There are currently 12 delinquent dogs and 10 owners.
8. ARPA – Annual Report. Ann noted that this report has been filed. There will be another one next year.
9. Finances – CD renewals. Handouts were provided with what is current. Discussion. Pittsfield Volunteer Fire & Rescue: It was decided to renew the principal and interest of $242,761.04 for a 3-month CD @ 4.5%. Reappraisal, Record Preservation, and Paving: Deduct all funds and interest associated with the Paving CD as these may be needed this summer. Trish will be asked to determine if any of the reappraisal funds need to be used over the next six months and if so, deduct them from the Reappraisal CD. Then add the $6,000 from the fund suggested and roll over the principal and interest to a 6-month CD @ 4.0%. She will also determine if anything needs to be used from the Record Preservation funds over the next six months and deduct that from the CD then roll over the principal and interest to the 6-month CD @ 4.0%. The Reappraisal and Record Preservation funds would be combined into one CD. The amount of $50,000 in the Contingency Fund will be placed in a 3-month CD at 4.5%.
10. VTrans – Financial Plan. This certifies that the Town is spending at least a minimum of $300/mile for each mile that we have. Discussion. Ann moved that the Board sign the financial plan to be submitted to the district transportation administrator. Seconded by AJ. All in favor.
11. Permits & Licenses – Clear River Tavern. The Clear is applying for a 1st Class Restaurant and Outside Consumption Permit and a 3rd Class Restaurant and Bar License. Ann moved to approve the three licenses. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
12. Town Hall – Rental – Tweed Valley Travelers. The Board reviewed the application including the check which wasn’t for the correct amount. There also wasn’t any indication they planned to have alcohol. It was felt that perhaps the applicant didn’t understand the application procedure. A check for $300 should have been enclosed (two checks: $100 that is deposited and $200 that is held. Joyce will speak with TVT and explain the issue with the checks and alcohol.
NEXT MEETING DATE: Thursday, May 2, 2024, Town Hall @ 5:30pm
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 5
April 18, 2024
ADJOURNMENT: As there was no further business to discuss, Ann adjourned the meeting at 8:20pm. AJ seconded. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha L. Beyersdorf
Approved: May 2, 2024
/ /
Ann Kuendig Joyce Stevens A.J. Ruben
To listen to a recording of the meeting, click here: https://bit.ly/3xKfp1b
DATE: April 18, 2024
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
PUBLIC PRESENT: Geena Baber (TRORC); Betty Warner; Herb Kuendig, Jeremy Reiner (via TEAMS)
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS:
- NB11 Clear River Tavern – Liquor Licenses (3)
- NB12 Town Hall Rental –Tweed Valley Travelers
MINUTES APPROVAL: March 21, 2024
CORRESPONDENCE:
- Act 250 – CV Oil Jurisdictional Opinion
- Sand Shed – G&N Surety Bond Closeout
- VT Dept of Environmental Conservation – Storage Tank Revision Comment Period
- TRORC – Town Planning Confirmation
- GMNF – Schedule of Proposed Actions
- VT Dept of Forest, Parks & Recreation – Wildfire Season
- Citizen Concern/Complaint – Manley request
OLD BUSINESS:
- Listers – Administrative Position
- Appointments – Town Officials (Planning, Emergency Management, TRORC rep)
- Finances – February & March Treasurer’s Reports
- 593 Route 100 – Voluntary Transaction Agreement
NEW BUSINESS:
- Budget – Capital Budget Planning Project
- Town Property – Paving Project Bids
- Grants – FY25 Municipal Grants in Aid
- Library – Lockbox
- Town Office Maintenance – elevator lights/extinguisher inspection, painting, exit
- LEMP – 2024 Approval
- Dogs – Delinquent Dog list
- ARPA – Annual Report
- Finances – CD renewals
- VTrans – Financial Plan
- Permits & Licenses – Clear River Tavern
- Town Hall – Rental – Tweed Valley Travelers
NEXT MEETING DATE: Thursday, May 2, 2024, Town Hall @ 5:30pm
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 2
April 18, 2024
ADJOURNMENT:
Ann called the meeting to order at 5:29pm. Seconded by AJ. All in favor. AJ moved to accept the Minutes of the March 21, 2024 Regular Meeting. Seconded by Ann. All in favor. Ann presented the Agenda Modification (see above) and moved to accept them. Joyce seconded. All in favor. The TRORC Representative was in attendance remotely regarding the Capital Budget Planning Project and Betty Warner was here to speak with the Board regarding actions of the Select Board regarding the proposed administrative position for the Listers. Ann moved to take these two items out of order. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Act 250 – CV Oil Jurisdictional Opinion. This Opinion is in regard to renovating, reroofing, or making a different roof structure to part of CV Oil’s physical plant located on Route 100. It’s the opinion that CV Oil does need to file for an amendment to their Act 250 permit.
2. Sand Shed – G&N Surety Bond Closeout. Ann said that she wanted this on the record. The bond that G&N had to take out for the construction was closed out and the surety company just needed to sign off. She said that Trish answered all the questions, so this is done.
3. VT Dept of Environmental Conservation – Storage Tank Revision Comment Period. This is a notification that they are proposing new rules for above ground storage tanks and that the comment period ends April 24th. Ann suggested posting.
4. TRORC – Town Planning Confirmation. TRORC informed the Town that at their March 27th meeting the Pittsfield Town planning efforts were reviewed, and they voted to confirm our municipalities planning effort. This allows Pittsfield to remain eligible for municipal planning grants.
5. GMNF – Schedule of Proposed Actions. This is a quarterly report with the only action of concern to Pittsfield is the Telephone Gap issue.
6. VT Dept of Forest, Parks & Recreation – Wildfire Season. This is a press release noting that wildfire season is underway, and people need to be aware of daily fire danger.
7. Citizen Concern/Complaint – Manley request. Ann said she received a text from Terry that after seeing the newly renovated basement following Town Meeting, he would like to see new tables and chairs. He noted that the area is outstanding but old rusty chairs and tables remind him of rusty hubcaps on a brand-new Cadillac. The Board agreed but added that they weren’t willing to spend the money at that time.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Listers – Administrative Position. Betty asked the Board if she could make a statement prior to discussing the Administrative Position with Herb and Jeremy. The Select Board agreed. Betty said she prepared a statement indicating that she was delighted to become aware of the proposal made in February to have much of the repetitive, routine jobs of the Listers be taken on with compensation and willingness by the Town Clerk. She went on to say that she was personally frustrated and disappointed in both the Board’s action and inaction on this matter. She felt that a decision should have been made by now. It was agreed that some training would be needed and that the busiest time for the Listers is this time of the year. The Select Board faces three issues: seeking someone willing to do the work, determining what is included in the job, and how to compensate/fund the positions. There was some talk about what NEMRC can and cannot do for
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 3
April 18, 2024
Pittsfield. Because NEMRC cannot provide a person knowledgeable about the tasks involved in this discussion, Betty has tended to them because of her interest, knowledge, and understanding
and because she has taken the time to deal with them. She said others either haven’t the time or the inclination to deal with them. The Select Board polled both Jeremy and Herb and the end result was that they felt they could manage the duties instead of someone outside of the Board of Listers until a 3rd Lister is found.
2. Appointments – Town Officials (Planning, Emergency Management, TRORC rep). Ann said she spoke with Glenn Reinauer about the Planning Commission position and provided him with some material to look over. Bob Giolito has declined to accept the position as an Emergency Management Co-Director. That leaves Ryan and the decision as to whether to leave it just to him or add another person to the position. The Board opted to have Ryan find a Co-Director who he would like to work with. Joyce said she would inform him. That position as well as a TRORC representative are still vacant.
3. Finances – February & March Treasurer’s Reports. Ann moved to accept both reports. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
4. 593 Route 100 – Voluntary Transaction Agreement. Ann moved to authorize the Chair to sign this agreement on behalf of the Select Board. AJ seconded. All in favor. Ann said that the closing has tentatively been set for May 22nd and a walk-thru needs to be done the day before. She noted that the State is currently reviewing the contracts.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Budget – Capital Budget Planning Project. Ann introduced Geena and asked her to introduce herself and what she would be doing for Pittsfield. Geena said that she is one of the planners at TRORC and has been there almost eight months. She went on to say that she will be examining the current and past town budgets for what they’ve used for any town capital improvement projects and propose a plan for the next ten years. A spreadsheet will be developed showing the inflow (where the funding comes from) and outflow (spending). She said she will be reaching out to each department in Town to see what they might have in mind for projects and how they plan to fund them. There was some more discussion with Geena regarding the project such as applying for grants, etc. Geena was thanked for attending and answering questions, etc.
2. Town Property – Paving Project Bids. Three bids have been received: Twin State Paving, Quality Paving, and Wilk Paving. The specifics and prices for each bid were discussed. Ann moved to accept the bid by Wilk Paving for both projects: the Recreational Court area for $18,600 and the Village Green roadway for $40,100, provided that they add an additional half inch of asphalt on the top course and guarantee that they can complete this by September. AJ seconded the motion. All in favor. The Board reviewed the financing for these projects and determined that the money was available.
3. Grants – FY25 Municipal Grants in Aid. This is available annually and Pittsfield is eligible for $6,000 which includes a local match of $1,500, which can be done in-kind. A Letter of Intent must be submitted by May 10th. This will be done.
4. Library – Lockbox. The Library would like to request a replacement for the current wooden lockbox outside the side entrance to the Town Office Building. A picture of the one they are requesting was shown and its cost of $649.99. Ann said she found one similar but a little smaller for $200 less. Discussion. The Board wanted clarification as to who would be paying for this. The Board
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 4
April 18, 2024
felt it should come from the Library’s funds. Ann said she would check with Cindy Bryant and mention the smaller unit.
5. Town Office Maintenance – elevator lights/extinguisher inspection, painting, exit. Joyce said she researched the light bulbs and found that the current ones are no longer available. She also couldn’t find a replacement that would fit. She said she contacted Mike Juris about obtaining four lightbulbs. Joyce said she would be contacting the extinguisher company regarding the annual inspection. Don Marshall felt the painting should wait until any maintenance work is completed. Richard Waterman was going to provide an estimate of the work. He will be contacted. It was pointed out that the porta potty is going to be delivered in June. Discussion as to where to put it. Trish will be consulted for her opinion on where to place it, considering the work that will be done in its usual area this summer.
6. LEMP – 2024 Approval. This is another annual task. Ann moved that the Select Board adopt the updated Local Emergency Management Plan for 2024 and the approval. AJ seconded. All in favor.
7. Dogs – Delinquent Dog list. There are currently 12 delinquent dogs and 10 owners.
8. ARPA – Annual Report. Ann noted that this report has been filed. There will be another one next year.
9. Finances – CD renewals. Handouts were provided with what is current. Discussion. Pittsfield Volunteer Fire & Rescue: It was decided to renew the principal and interest of $242,761.04 for a 3-month CD @ 4.5%. Reappraisal, Record Preservation, and Paving: Deduct all funds and interest associated with the Paving CD as these may be needed this summer. Trish will be asked to determine if any of the reappraisal funds need to be used over the next six months and if so, deduct them from the Reappraisal CD. Then add the $6,000 from the fund suggested and roll over the principal and interest to a 6-month CD @ 4.0%. She will also determine if anything needs to be used from the Record Preservation funds over the next six months and deduct that from the CD then roll over the principal and interest to the 6-month CD @ 4.0%. The Reappraisal and Record Preservation funds would be combined into one CD. The amount of $50,000 in the Contingency Fund will be placed in a 3-month CD at 4.5%.
10. VTrans – Financial Plan. This certifies that the Town is spending at least a minimum of $300/mile for each mile that we have. Discussion. Ann moved that the Board sign the financial plan to be submitted to the district transportation administrator. Seconded by AJ. All in favor.
11. Permits & Licenses – Clear River Tavern. The Clear is applying for a 1st Class Restaurant and Outside Consumption Permit and a 3rd Class Restaurant and Bar License. Ann moved to approve the three licenses. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
12. Town Hall – Rental – Tweed Valley Travelers. The Board reviewed the application including the check which wasn’t for the correct amount. There also wasn’t any indication they planned to have alcohol. It was felt that perhaps the applicant didn’t understand the application procedure. A check for $300 should have been enclosed (two checks: $100 that is deposited and $200 that is held. Joyce will speak with TVT and explain the issue with the checks and alcohol.
NEXT MEETING DATE: Thursday, May 2, 2024, Town Hall @ 5:30pm
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 5
April 18, 2024
ADJOURNMENT: As there was no further business to discuss, Ann adjourned the meeting at 8:20pm. AJ seconded. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha L. Beyersdorf
Approved: May 2, 2024
/ /
Ann Kuendig Joyce Stevens A.J. Ruben
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