PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
To listen to a recording of the meeting, click here: https://bit.ly/3yBDdV3
DATE: May 16, 2024
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig; Joyce Stevens via Teams; AJ Ruben absent
PUBLIC PRESENT: State Rep Jim Harrison
MINUTES APPROVAL: May 2, 2024
CORRESPONDENCE:
OLD BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS:
NEXT MEETING DATE: Thursday, June 6, 2024 Regular Meeting
ADJOURNMENT:
Ann called the meeting to order at 5:30pm. Seconded by Joyce. All in favor. Joyce moved to accept the Minutes of the May 2, 2024 Regular Meeting. Seconded by Ann. All in favor. Ann introduced Rep. Jim Harrison who will present an update of the legislative session that recently ended.
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Bethel Area Food Shelf – Ann said she received an email from Cindy Metcalf, who runs the food shelf. Cindy has been talking with Betty Warner and Katie Stiles about identifying Pittsfield residents and letting them know that the Bethel Food Shelf is for them as well. She said she would like to attend a meeting to discuss ways of getting the word out. Ann said she will add her to the next meeting’s agenda.
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 2
May 16, 2024
2. BRIC/DTA – Assistance. Ann said she received an email from James Mannion. He’s taken over as administrator for Pittsfield and would like to meet with the Board to discuss what FEMA can do to help the Town within the scope of the DTA initiative which really is for flood control. Some communities however are expanding that into a climate resiliency plan. This could include the energy audits, securing funds for heat pumps or new windows, electric chargers, or solar panels. Ann said she would like permission to go back to him to see if there is something that this program could do for us.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Legislature – Rep Harrison update. The following were topics that Rep. Harrison presented to the Board: the property tax bill passed but its future is uncertain as the governor may veto. The Legislature may go back for a few days in June to deal with this. He said that the yield bill as it was passed has an average statewide increase in homestead rates of 13.8%. A couple of new taxes (3% surcharge on short term rentals and the rooms tax will increase to 12% plus any option tax that a town may have) may cause the property tax reduction. He said he didn’t know how it was going to end up – either veto the governor or come to a new plan that will cover the education expenses that have passed. S55 was passed that extends the Open Meeting guidelines going forward. A new Municipal Code of Ethics passed. If a Town were to decide to have a Local Option Tax, there are certain requirements that would need to be met and it would be limited to five communities per year. There will be some tax sales information coming from VLCT. A study committee has been set up to look at county government, which we don’t have. The legislature passed 110 bills. E911 Dispatcher services were discussed regarding how to pay for them, the current duplication, and its inefficiency. The Board thanked him for coming tonight.
2. Grants – VTrans Bike/Ped follow-up. Ann said she went over the application, which is due June 14th, and filled it out as far as she could until she got to the requirements. She said that this is for Planning, and we want sidewalks. She said she discovered that because they utilize Federal Highway funding, we would be subject to the same parameters that we had for the sand shed. She felt it was a bit more complicated than we thought. It would also become more expensive as well. No action taken.
3. Dogs – Delinquent Dog list collections. Ann said that there are three dog owners remaining following the mailing of the 2nd notice. She noted that two penalties were paid in May. It was felt that the Board needed to follow through with this next step. Ann said she will put together a list of collection agencies. Ann moved to send these three names to collections and secure an agency at the June meeting. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
4. Recreation – Pump Track Proposal Update. No one was in attendance, but Ann said they looked through the surveys at the Town Office and it appears that a survey done in 1978 and from walking the property makes it appear that the Town owns the property that the pump track is on, and that the Town purchased it in 1970. Joyce said she was unable to speak with Tim but explained to Tina what the Board was looking for. She said she would have a response at the next meeting. It was decided to give the group the go ahead to work as long as they remain within that area. They could expand towards the ball field if needed. It was decided that the group should come to the Board with a plan. Ann moved to engage the Ridgeline Outdoor Collective to draft a proposal for upgrading and extending the pump track that’s on Town property. Joyce seconded. All in favor
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 3
May 16, 2024
5. Recreation – Committee. The Board asked the Secretary to send appointment letters to Anna, Jacob, Mariah, Matt, and Allie. A name for the committee was discussed. It was decided that Pittsfield Recreation Commission was agreeable. They felt there should be a liaison between the Board and the Commission and that one of the Board members should attend each meeting. Ann said that they should make themselves available the first meeting to help them get set up and possibly have the meetings held remotely. Ann moved to appoint Anna Rayner, Jacob Hunt, Mariah Katz, Matt Kopecki, and Allie Matin as members of the newly created Pittsfield Recreation Commission.
6. Town Office – Vacancies. Ann said that TRORC has only two meetings left before the summer break. Herb is aware and Mariah Katz will be informed. The Board is still looking for people to serve on the Planning Commission. She pointed out that a person does not need to be a Pittsfield resident to serve. This would include second homeowners.
7. Buy-out – 593 Route 100 update. Ann said that as of May 15th, everything was set to move forward until FEMA wanted to make changes to the deed. The new closing date is now May 29th. She said the deed needs to be redrafted by the attorneys. Ann said she would inform Trish and contact the Town’s attorney. Information for checks could be available next Thursday for orders.
8. Volunteer – Appreciation. Ann said that she spoke with several people about how to honor Ray Colton and what he might like. Fifty years is a lot. Suggestions such as a commendation from the Governor or declaring a day in June as “Ray Colton Appreciation Day” or posting signs around town. A more permanent option is a Volunteer Wall of Honor that could be added to annually. Joyce suggested mounting flags/banners of appreciation on the phone poles in town. Permanent brackets would be needed. Ann asked Joyce to get some pricing.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Town Buildings – Maintenance Report. Ann said that she put this item in as a placeholder for Joyce for every meeting. So, if there was something to report, such as an invoice for doing the door or the start of a new project, etc., it could be brought up for discussion. Joyce said that Mike has fixed the elevator lights but she hasn’t gotten a date from the paving company for that project. She added that she left a message for the fire extinguisher company but hasn’t gotten a return call. She also said that she forgot to get the stuff to wrap around the air conditioners. Ann said that she received a text from Caleb that he noticed an electrical wire from the Town Hall going to the pole to the gazebo was sagging. The bracket for the wire has disintegrated and is hanging low so that a truck could take it down if driving under it. He said he would get it fixed and she noted tonight that it has been fixed. The subject of underground wiring was discussed. It was decided that it was something that could be considered.
2. Finance – April Treasurer’s Report. Ann asked Joyce if she had had a chance to look over the report. She had not. Ann said that she had a few questions that she posed to Trish and Trish will make sure there are some notes of explanation. Fuel consumption at the Town Garage was one of her concerns. She even spoke with George about it, and he was surprised. The furnace there hasn’t been cleaned for some time and that might cause some of the problem.
3. Finance – CD Renewal. Ann said that the Fire Truck CD was renewed for 3 months @ 4.5% depositing $243,261.04 at Mascoma. Trish said they notified her that they made an error and renewed it for 6 months at 4.5%. The choice of which one we want is up to us. Discussion. It was decided to leave it at as a 6-month CD. The fire department will be asked before the CD is up for renewal in November if there is a confirmed date for delivery of the new truck. The Reappraisal,
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 4
May 16, 2024
Record Preservation, and Paving CD funds were not renewed and so $28,146 went back into the Paving Reserve Fund. A total of $47,819.38 was re-invested from the Reappraisal and Record Preservation Funds for 3-months at 4.5%. The Highway CD was not reinvested and that gave us a total of $228,654.12. All of that will go towards repaying the General fund, which actually is about $1,845.88 short. There is at least $1,400 left in the Highway Equipment Reserve Fund. Trish would like to take that money and then take $445.88 from the Highway Grader line item to repay the GF. We can see in August if we want to extend the Reappraisal and Record Preservation CD for another 3 months. Ann moved that these adjustments on the CD renewals be made, and Trish informed. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
4. Select Board – Vacation schedule. Ann said that a Special Meeting can be called at the beginning of July to set the tax rate and there was some discussion about the dates for July and August. It was decided to meet on July 18th and August 22nd. Ann moved that they have their July meeting on the 18th 5:30pm in the Town Hall and August 22nd in the Town Hall at 5:30pm. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
NEXT MEETING DATE: Thursday, June 6, 2024 Regular Meeting
ADJOURNMENT: As there was no further business to discuss, Ann adjourned the meeting at 6:54pm. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha L. Beyersdorf
Approved: June 6, 2024
/ /
Ann Kuendig Joyce Stevens A.J. Ruben
To listen to a recording of the meeting, click here: https://bit.ly/3yBDdV3
DATE: May 16, 2024
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig; Joyce Stevens via Teams; AJ Ruben absent
PUBLIC PRESENT: State Rep Jim Harrison
MINUTES APPROVAL: May 2, 2024
CORRESPONDENCE:
- Bethel Area Food Shelf
- BRIC/DTA - Assistance
OLD BUSINESS:
- Legislature – Rep Harrison update
- Grants – VTrans Bike/Ped follow-up
- Dogs – Delinquent Dog list collections
- Recreation – Pump Track Proposal Update
- Recreation – Committee
- Town Office – Vacancies
- Buy-out – 593 Route 100 update
- Volunteer - Appreciation
NEW BUSINESS:
- Town Buildings – Maintenance Report
- Finance – April Treasurer’s Report
- Finance – CD Renewal
- Select Board – Vacation schedule
NEXT MEETING DATE: Thursday, June 6, 2024 Regular Meeting
ADJOURNMENT:
Ann called the meeting to order at 5:30pm. Seconded by Joyce. All in favor. Joyce moved to accept the Minutes of the May 2, 2024 Regular Meeting. Seconded by Ann. All in favor. Ann introduced Rep. Jim Harrison who will present an update of the legislative session that recently ended.
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Bethel Area Food Shelf – Ann said she received an email from Cindy Metcalf, who runs the food shelf. Cindy has been talking with Betty Warner and Katie Stiles about identifying Pittsfield residents and letting them know that the Bethel Food Shelf is for them as well. She said she would like to attend a meeting to discuss ways of getting the word out. Ann said she will add her to the next meeting’s agenda.
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 2
May 16, 2024
2. BRIC/DTA – Assistance. Ann said she received an email from James Mannion. He’s taken over as administrator for Pittsfield and would like to meet with the Board to discuss what FEMA can do to help the Town within the scope of the DTA initiative which really is for flood control. Some communities however are expanding that into a climate resiliency plan. This could include the energy audits, securing funds for heat pumps or new windows, electric chargers, or solar panels. Ann said she would like permission to go back to him to see if there is something that this program could do for us.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Legislature – Rep Harrison update. The following were topics that Rep. Harrison presented to the Board: the property tax bill passed but its future is uncertain as the governor may veto. The Legislature may go back for a few days in June to deal with this. He said that the yield bill as it was passed has an average statewide increase in homestead rates of 13.8%. A couple of new taxes (3% surcharge on short term rentals and the rooms tax will increase to 12% plus any option tax that a town may have) may cause the property tax reduction. He said he didn’t know how it was going to end up – either veto the governor or come to a new plan that will cover the education expenses that have passed. S55 was passed that extends the Open Meeting guidelines going forward. A new Municipal Code of Ethics passed. If a Town were to decide to have a Local Option Tax, there are certain requirements that would need to be met and it would be limited to five communities per year. There will be some tax sales information coming from VLCT. A study committee has been set up to look at county government, which we don’t have. The legislature passed 110 bills. E911 Dispatcher services were discussed regarding how to pay for them, the current duplication, and its inefficiency. The Board thanked him for coming tonight.
2. Grants – VTrans Bike/Ped follow-up. Ann said she went over the application, which is due June 14th, and filled it out as far as she could until she got to the requirements. She said that this is for Planning, and we want sidewalks. She said she discovered that because they utilize Federal Highway funding, we would be subject to the same parameters that we had for the sand shed. She felt it was a bit more complicated than we thought. It would also become more expensive as well. No action taken.
3. Dogs – Delinquent Dog list collections. Ann said that there are three dog owners remaining following the mailing of the 2nd notice. She noted that two penalties were paid in May. It was felt that the Board needed to follow through with this next step. Ann said she will put together a list of collection agencies. Ann moved to send these three names to collections and secure an agency at the June meeting. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
4. Recreation – Pump Track Proposal Update. No one was in attendance, but Ann said they looked through the surveys at the Town Office and it appears that a survey done in 1978 and from walking the property makes it appear that the Town owns the property that the pump track is on, and that the Town purchased it in 1970. Joyce said she was unable to speak with Tim but explained to Tina what the Board was looking for. She said she would have a response at the next meeting. It was decided to give the group the go ahead to work as long as they remain within that area. They could expand towards the ball field if needed. It was decided that the group should come to the Board with a plan. Ann moved to engage the Ridgeline Outdoor Collective to draft a proposal for upgrading and extending the pump track that’s on Town property. Joyce seconded. All in favor
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 3
May 16, 2024
5. Recreation – Committee. The Board asked the Secretary to send appointment letters to Anna, Jacob, Mariah, Matt, and Allie. A name for the committee was discussed. It was decided that Pittsfield Recreation Commission was agreeable. They felt there should be a liaison between the Board and the Commission and that one of the Board members should attend each meeting. Ann said that they should make themselves available the first meeting to help them get set up and possibly have the meetings held remotely. Ann moved to appoint Anna Rayner, Jacob Hunt, Mariah Katz, Matt Kopecki, and Allie Matin as members of the newly created Pittsfield Recreation Commission.
6. Town Office – Vacancies. Ann said that TRORC has only two meetings left before the summer break. Herb is aware and Mariah Katz will be informed. The Board is still looking for people to serve on the Planning Commission. She pointed out that a person does not need to be a Pittsfield resident to serve. This would include second homeowners.
7. Buy-out – 593 Route 100 update. Ann said that as of May 15th, everything was set to move forward until FEMA wanted to make changes to the deed. The new closing date is now May 29th. She said the deed needs to be redrafted by the attorneys. Ann said she would inform Trish and contact the Town’s attorney. Information for checks could be available next Thursday for orders.
8. Volunteer – Appreciation. Ann said that she spoke with several people about how to honor Ray Colton and what he might like. Fifty years is a lot. Suggestions such as a commendation from the Governor or declaring a day in June as “Ray Colton Appreciation Day” or posting signs around town. A more permanent option is a Volunteer Wall of Honor that could be added to annually. Joyce suggested mounting flags/banners of appreciation on the phone poles in town. Permanent brackets would be needed. Ann asked Joyce to get some pricing.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Town Buildings – Maintenance Report. Ann said that she put this item in as a placeholder for Joyce for every meeting. So, if there was something to report, such as an invoice for doing the door or the start of a new project, etc., it could be brought up for discussion. Joyce said that Mike has fixed the elevator lights but she hasn’t gotten a date from the paving company for that project. She added that she left a message for the fire extinguisher company but hasn’t gotten a return call. She also said that she forgot to get the stuff to wrap around the air conditioners. Ann said that she received a text from Caleb that he noticed an electrical wire from the Town Hall going to the pole to the gazebo was sagging. The bracket for the wire has disintegrated and is hanging low so that a truck could take it down if driving under it. He said he would get it fixed and she noted tonight that it has been fixed. The subject of underground wiring was discussed. It was decided that it was something that could be considered.
2. Finance – April Treasurer’s Report. Ann asked Joyce if she had had a chance to look over the report. She had not. Ann said that she had a few questions that she posed to Trish and Trish will make sure there are some notes of explanation. Fuel consumption at the Town Garage was one of her concerns. She even spoke with George about it, and he was surprised. The furnace there hasn’t been cleaned for some time and that might cause some of the problem.
3. Finance – CD Renewal. Ann said that the Fire Truck CD was renewed for 3 months @ 4.5% depositing $243,261.04 at Mascoma. Trish said they notified her that they made an error and renewed it for 6 months at 4.5%. The choice of which one we want is up to us. Discussion. It was decided to leave it at as a 6-month CD. The fire department will be asked before the CD is up for renewal in November if there is a confirmed date for delivery of the new truck. The Reappraisal,
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 4
May 16, 2024
Record Preservation, and Paving CD funds were not renewed and so $28,146 went back into the Paving Reserve Fund. A total of $47,819.38 was re-invested from the Reappraisal and Record Preservation Funds for 3-months at 4.5%. The Highway CD was not reinvested and that gave us a total of $228,654.12. All of that will go towards repaying the General fund, which actually is about $1,845.88 short. There is at least $1,400 left in the Highway Equipment Reserve Fund. Trish would like to take that money and then take $445.88 from the Highway Grader line item to repay the GF. We can see in August if we want to extend the Reappraisal and Record Preservation CD for another 3 months. Ann moved that these adjustments on the CD renewals be made, and Trish informed. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
4. Select Board – Vacation schedule. Ann said that a Special Meeting can be called at the beginning of July to set the tax rate and there was some discussion about the dates for July and August. It was decided to meet on July 18th and August 22nd. Ann moved that they have their July meeting on the 18th 5:30pm in the Town Hall and August 22nd in the Town Hall at 5:30pm. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
NEXT MEETING DATE: Thursday, June 6, 2024 Regular Meeting
ADJOURNMENT: As there was no further business to discuss, Ann adjourned the meeting at 6:54pm. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha L. Beyersdorf
Approved: June 6, 2024
/ /
Ann Kuendig Joyce Stevens A.J. Ruben
RSS Feed