PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
To listen to a recording of the meeting please click here: https://bit.ly/3MFmKTN
DATE: September 5, 2024
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig, AJ Ruben; Joyce Stevens via Teams
PUBLIC PRESENT: Harry Falconer from TRORC
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS: NB#5 – A+ Electric independent contractor paperwork
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July 29, 2024 Regular Meeting
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Rep. Harrison – Public Safety Task Force
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Appointments – Lister and Green-Up Day
2. Town Hall – Wi-Fi Extender
3. Finances – July Treasurer’s Report
4. Insurance – PACIF inquiry update
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Grants – MERP Project Implementation Grants
2. Building Maintenance – Town Office and Town Hall
3. Budget – FY26 Hearing Schedule
4. Tax Changes – FY26 State Education
5. Contractors – Independent Paperwork A+ Electric
NEXT MEETING DATE: Thursday, September 19, 2024 6pm Town Hall
ADJOURNMENT:
Ann called the meeting to order at 5:32pm. AJ seconded. All in favor. Ann added an Agenda Modification (see above) as NB#5. AJ seconded. All in favor. AJ moved to approve the Minutes of the July 29th meeting. Ann seconded. All in favor.
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Rep. Harrison – Public Safety Task Force. Ann presented an email sent by Rep. Harrison to all of the communities in his district to extend an invitation from the Vermont Public Safety Communications Task Force. They are holding a series of regional meetings to hear from First Responders, fire departments, and police chiefs about the 911 System and the need to regionalize the 911 centers. Ann said she forwarded the invitation to Dave Colton, Caleb Hawley, and the fire department. The nearest meeting is in Pittsford on September 12th which participants can attend in person or remotely.
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 2
September 5, 2024
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Appointments – Lister and Green-Up Day. Ann said that Jen Howard met with the Listers and would like to be considered for the upcoming vacant position. Ann moved to appoint Jen Howard to fill out Betty Warner’s term until Town Meeting 2025. Joyce seconded. All in favor. Joyce was asked if she heard from Amelia Hurd about the Green-Up Coordinator position. She said that she didn’t. This will be addressed at the next regular meeting. The Energy Coordinator position is still vacant, and we are still advertising.
2. Town Hall – Wi-Fi Extender. AJ said that he went online and researched what he could. He also said he contacted Larry Gold from Computer EZ. He suggested about $400 or $500 in parts and about $400 or $500 in labor. The Wi-Fi system would require some extra wiring in the Town Office Building and then on the outside something aimed at this building. There would be a wire in the Town Hall that would go to a router which would provide Wi-Fi for the whole building. Larry could probably start next week. AJ made a motion to hire Computer EZ and their electrician to do wiring, and the installation for $1,400. AJ said he would contact Larry and ask him to send us a written estimate for less than $1,400 as well as an estimate for the wiring. The money would come from the Town Hall Maintenance line item.
3. Finances – July Treasurer’s Report. Ann said that this had been tabled from the last meeting and in reviewing it she had a couple of questions. These were discussed. The Board also discussed the paving and sealing for the basketball court. They will also speak with George about the gravel purchases and labor estimates for paving Village Green which the Board would like to come out of the paving reserve account. The Board would like some changes made to existing reports as well as creating a few new ones to assist them in reviewing the monthly reports. These will be discussed with Trish to see what’s possible.
4. Insurance – PACIF inquiry update. Ann said that the rescue squad is certified through WRVA. The person legally certified to administer emergency care prior to when the ambulance arrives is certified through WRVA and the fire department. She added that there is an effort to get certification for other members of the fire department.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Grants – MERP Project Implementation Grants. Ann stated Harry was here to inform us about the MERP Project Implementation Grants which just opened. He’ll also explain how Pittsfield qualifies and why he thinks it looks pretty good that we can get this grant. Vermont Efficiency put together a Vermont Energy Burden Report, and the goal was to assign a dollar figure to each community as to how much they spend on energy and transportation as a percentage of the median salary. Pittsfield came out at 12% which is the second highest. This report was used by the legislature as part of their climate report to help communities meet standards for energy resilience. Act 172 of 2022 created this energy resilience program where priority should be given to communities that have a really high energy burden. In the interest of getting this money obligated as quickly as possible before the end of the year, which the state has to do, they are coming up against a September 20 deadline to take applications. They have $36 million to give out for awards up to $500,000 each, which is designed to be a zero match to the award. He said that the energy audit on Town Office identified some things that the money could be used for: window replacement, weatherization concerns, changing lighting to LED, programable thermostats, heat pump water heater, EV charging, solar and battery storage for backup power. The projects would need to be completed by the end of 2026. There was more discussion. AJ moved that the Board authorize Harry and
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 3
September 5, 2024
TRORC to go forward with the grant application. Joyce seconded. All in favor. Harry was thanked for his work and for coming tonight to present the information.
2. Building Maintenance – Town Office and Town Hall. Ann said that the Board was charged with looking through the list that Joyce prepared and come up with some priorities. Items at the Town Office were discussed and what funds and grants could be used to pay for them. The same with the Town Hall. Some of the projects include power washing, painting, and work on the windows. There was discussion on the eventual replacement of the roof and consider standing seam as a possible replacement. Joyce was asked if she could send out copies of her list to everyone.
3. Budget – FY26 Hearing Schedule. Ann presented a list of proposed dates for the budget meetings. This list is similar to how it was done last year. Ann suggested that the Board start on September 19th and have a preliminary meeting during its regular meeting before meeting with Trish. Discussion. Ann added that she would like to go through last year’s budget line by line in the June Financial report, and review everything in light of our tax situation including contracts for services. AJ made a motion to approve the budget schedule and to send out notices that some meeting times will be changed. Seconded by Joyce. All in favor. Ann said that she also revised the budget letter to the departments and would like to include the quick books format for each department to use to make it easier for the Board to review. There was some discussion amongst the Board regarding the arrangement with TRORC on the ten-year capital improvement budget project and whether the report will be issued by October 31st.
4. Tax Changes – FY26 State Education. Ann wanted to make the Board aware that the Legislature has revised the education funding formula for calculating a community’s CLA by adding a statewide adjustment figure that will be used once the state completes its Equalization Study by January 1. This may help the Board anticipate the town’s education tax rate during budget deliberations.
5. Contractors – Independent Paperwork A+ Electric. Ann moved to approve the independent contactor paperwork for A+ Electric. Seconded by AJ. All in favor.
NEXT MEETING DATE:
1. Regular Meeting, Thursday, September 19, 2024 5:30pm Town Hall
ADJOURNMENT: As there was no further business to conduct, Ann moved to adjourn at 7:06pm. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha L. Beyersdorf, Secretary
Approved: September 26, 2024
/ /
Ann Kuendig Joyce Stevens A.J. Ruben
To listen to a recording of the meeting please click here: https://bit.ly/3MFmKTN
DATE: September 5, 2024
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig, AJ Ruben; Joyce Stevens via Teams
PUBLIC PRESENT: Harry Falconer from TRORC
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS: NB#5 – A+ Electric independent contractor paperwork
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July 29, 2024 Regular Meeting
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Rep. Harrison – Public Safety Task Force
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Appointments – Lister and Green-Up Day
2. Town Hall – Wi-Fi Extender
3. Finances – July Treasurer’s Report
4. Insurance – PACIF inquiry update
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Grants – MERP Project Implementation Grants
2. Building Maintenance – Town Office and Town Hall
3. Budget – FY26 Hearing Schedule
4. Tax Changes – FY26 State Education
5. Contractors – Independent Paperwork A+ Electric
NEXT MEETING DATE: Thursday, September 19, 2024 6pm Town Hall
ADJOURNMENT:
Ann called the meeting to order at 5:32pm. AJ seconded. All in favor. Ann added an Agenda Modification (see above) as NB#5. AJ seconded. All in favor. AJ moved to approve the Minutes of the July 29th meeting. Ann seconded. All in favor.
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Rep. Harrison – Public Safety Task Force. Ann presented an email sent by Rep. Harrison to all of the communities in his district to extend an invitation from the Vermont Public Safety Communications Task Force. They are holding a series of regional meetings to hear from First Responders, fire departments, and police chiefs about the 911 System and the need to regionalize the 911 centers. Ann said she forwarded the invitation to Dave Colton, Caleb Hawley, and the fire department. The nearest meeting is in Pittsford on September 12th which participants can attend in person or remotely.
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 2
September 5, 2024
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Appointments – Lister and Green-Up Day. Ann said that Jen Howard met with the Listers and would like to be considered for the upcoming vacant position. Ann moved to appoint Jen Howard to fill out Betty Warner’s term until Town Meeting 2025. Joyce seconded. All in favor. Joyce was asked if she heard from Amelia Hurd about the Green-Up Coordinator position. She said that she didn’t. This will be addressed at the next regular meeting. The Energy Coordinator position is still vacant, and we are still advertising.
2. Town Hall – Wi-Fi Extender. AJ said that he went online and researched what he could. He also said he contacted Larry Gold from Computer EZ. He suggested about $400 or $500 in parts and about $400 or $500 in labor. The Wi-Fi system would require some extra wiring in the Town Office Building and then on the outside something aimed at this building. There would be a wire in the Town Hall that would go to a router which would provide Wi-Fi for the whole building. Larry could probably start next week. AJ made a motion to hire Computer EZ and their electrician to do wiring, and the installation for $1,400. AJ said he would contact Larry and ask him to send us a written estimate for less than $1,400 as well as an estimate for the wiring. The money would come from the Town Hall Maintenance line item.
3. Finances – July Treasurer’s Report. Ann said that this had been tabled from the last meeting and in reviewing it she had a couple of questions. These were discussed. The Board also discussed the paving and sealing for the basketball court. They will also speak with George about the gravel purchases and labor estimates for paving Village Green which the Board would like to come out of the paving reserve account. The Board would like some changes made to existing reports as well as creating a few new ones to assist them in reviewing the monthly reports. These will be discussed with Trish to see what’s possible.
4. Insurance – PACIF inquiry update. Ann said that the rescue squad is certified through WRVA. The person legally certified to administer emergency care prior to when the ambulance arrives is certified through WRVA and the fire department. She added that there is an effort to get certification for other members of the fire department.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Grants – MERP Project Implementation Grants. Ann stated Harry was here to inform us about the MERP Project Implementation Grants which just opened. He’ll also explain how Pittsfield qualifies and why he thinks it looks pretty good that we can get this grant. Vermont Efficiency put together a Vermont Energy Burden Report, and the goal was to assign a dollar figure to each community as to how much they spend on energy and transportation as a percentage of the median salary. Pittsfield came out at 12% which is the second highest. This report was used by the legislature as part of their climate report to help communities meet standards for energy resilience. Act 172 of 2022 created this energy resilience program where priority should be given to communities that have a really high energy burden. In the interest of getting this money obligated as quickly as possible before the end of the year, which the state has to do, they are coming up against a September 20 deadline to take applications. They have $36 million to give out for awards up to $500,000 each, which is designed to be a zero match to the award. He said that the energy audit on Town Office identified some things that the money could be used for: window replacement, weatherization concerns, changing lighting to LED, programable thermostats, heat pump water heater, EV charging, solar and battery storage for backup power. The projects would need to be completed by the end of 2026. There was more discussion. AJ moved that the Board authorize Harry and
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 3
September 5, 2024
TRORC to go forward with the grant application. Joyce seconded. All in favor. Harry was thanked for his work and for coming tonight to present the information.
2. Building Maintenance – Town Office and Town Hall. Ann said that the Board was charged with looking through the list that Joyce prepared and come up with some priorities. Items at the Town Office were discussed and what funds and grants could be used to pay for them. The same with the Town Hall. Some of the projects include power washing, painting, and work on the windows. There was discussion on the eventual replacement of the roof and consider standing seam as a possible replacement. Joyce was asked if she could send out copies of her list to everyone.
3. Budget – FY26 Hearing Schedule. Ann presented a list of proposed dates for the budget meetings. This list is similar to how it was done last year. Ann suggested that the Board start on September 19th and have a preliminary meeting during its regular meeting before meeting with Trish. Discussion. Ann added that she would like to go through last year’s budget line by line in the June Financial report, and review everything in light of our tax situation including contracts for services. AJ made a motion to approve the budget schedule and to send out notices that some meeting times will be changed. Seconded by Joyce. All in favor. Ann said that she also revised the budget letter to the departments and would like to include the quick books format for each department to use to make it easier for the Board to review. There was some discussion amongst the Board regarding the arrangement with TRORC on the ten-year capital improvement budget project and whether the report will be issued by October 31st.
4. Tax Changes – FY26 State Education. Ann wanted to make the Board aware that the Legislature has revised the education funding formula for calculating a community’s CLA by adding a statewide adjustment figure that will be used once the state completes its Equalization Study by January 1. This may help the Board anticipate the town’s education tax rate during budget deliberations.
5. Contractors – Independent Paperwork A+ Electric. Ann moved to approve the independent contactor paperwork for A+ Electric. Seconded by AJ. All in favor.
NEXT MEETING DATE:
1. Regular Meeting, Thursday, September 19, 2024 5:30pm Town Hall
ADJOURNMENT: As there was no further business to conduct, Ann moved to adjourn at 7:06pm. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha L. Beyersdorf, Secretary
Approved: September 26, 2024
/ /
Ann Kuendig Joyce Stevens A.J. Ruben
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