PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
To listen to a recording of the meeting, please click here: https://tinyurl.com/ysbbm29w
DATE: June 1, 2023
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
PUBLIC PRESENT: Harry Falconer (TRORC Planner), State Rep. Jim Harrison
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 18, 2023 Regular Meeting
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Grants in Aid
2. VT Trans Resilience Planning Tool
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Financials – Treasurer’s Report April
2. Village Green – Use Policy
3. Village Center Designation –
NEW BUSINESS:
1. TRORC – MERP Program
2. Legislature – Round-up
3. Financials – Questionnaire
4. Town Office – Renovation
5. Gazebo (Band Stand) – Steps
6. Financials – Dumas Account
7. Speed Signs – Permit
8. Insurance – Loss Control Inspection
9. Appointment – Fire Warden
NEXT MEETING DATE: June 15, 2023
ADJOURNMENT:
Ann called the meeting to order at 6:00pm. AJ seconded. All in favor. Joyce proposed a change to the Minutes regarding the Rubin correspondence. It should be noted that the pumps at the pump house were turned on and not off. AJ moved to accept the edit and approve the Minutes. Ann seconded. All in favor.
Ann moved to take NB#2 out of order as he is in person now and make it NB#1. NB#1 would then become NB#2. Joyce seconded this. Ann introduced Harry Falconer who is a planner with TRORC. He presented a power point presentation on the Municipal Energy Resilience Program.
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 2
June 1, 2023
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Grants in Aid – This is a notification for the Agency of Transportation regarding the Letter of Intent for $10,000 in funding to pay for municipal roads grant. It’s not known if there are any immediate plans for the grant. It was noted that George wasn’t interested at this time. Ann suggested going through the hydrological report as to what needs to be brought into compliance as there are different deadlines for certain numbers of projects. TRORC used to manage this and set the priorities and classifications. This was changed two years ago so that now TRORC can be hired to do this. AJ moved to schedule an appointment in September with George to review the inventory list. Joyce seconded. All in favor. Ann provided the link to the inventory listing.
2. TRORC – VT Trans Resilience Planning Tool. This is a reminder from Rita about the workshop on June 13th. This is a statewide web-based application that identifies bridges, culverts, and road embankments that are vulnerable from flood damage. Ann suggested forwarding this to George and that he attends this program and become familiar with utilizing this tool.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Financials – Treasurer’s Report April. This was tabled from the last meeting. Ann moved to accept. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
2. Village Green – Use Policy. This was discussed at the last meeting, and it was felt more information was needed. Both Ann and AJ said he had difficulty obtaining information from VLCT. AJ will try calling them. Ann emailed them and received information from VLCT’s underwriter as to who is covered under the Town’s insurance and who isn’t. Waivers help to prove that the Town is absolved from any injury, etc. Discussion. Ann said the Town has the ability to waive the insurance requirement based on the level of risk. It was felt by the Board that more information is needed, and this will be worked on.
3. Village Center Designation – Ann said that the Town Plan process is almost complete. The next step is to renew the Village Center Designation with Housing & Community Development. The deadline is November 6, 2023. Joyce thought this should be passed to the Planning Commission. Ann suggested reaching out to Peter @ TRORC. Joyce will reach out to the Planning Commission and put on the July agenda. The Board discussed extending the boundaries to include the post-Irene “parks” currently not included and that grants are available. TRORC and the Planning Commission will be contacted about the expansion of the Village Center to include Swiss Farm and The Clear. This opens up land to economic development. It might also impact potential limit changes to the speed limits in those areas.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. TRORC – MERP Program. Harry provided handouts on the program. It was first established in 2022 as Act 172 and was created from $45 million in State ARPA funds. Its goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while helping towns save money on heating/cooling municipal buildings. He went on to explain the opportunities available to Towns, their eligibility and requirements, and what buildings are eligible. He noted that 12% of Pittsfield’s income is used for energy, as compiled by the Census. He explained the Municipal Energy Loan Program and the Estimated Timeline and what the next steps for the Town would be. Ann inquired about any of Pittsfield’s neighboring towns and if Harry can help with the application process, etc. He said he wasn’t sure about other towns. Ann also noted that the Board is having trouble getting a volunteer for the position of Energy Coordinator. The Board felt it was a great presentation and feels motivated to move on this. AJ suggested adding this to the next meeting’s agenda. Joyce asked to be informed about when the application process starts. The Board thanked him for coming.
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 3
June 1, 2023
2. Legislature – Round-up. Rep Jim Harrison said that his main purpose in attending the meeting was to become aware of local issues. He said that this year’s session differed in many aspects from previous ones. He said that several vetoes were expected to be overridden when they reconvene on June 20th. He noted that the budget touches everything the State does. He explained that two bills were vetoed today including one on interrogation techniques and the other on H305 having to do with license fees. Joyce asked Rep Harrison how much the State is saving on postage since they do most correspondence via email now. This might be difficult to obtain as there are many departments involved. The Child Care bill was discussed as well as the Housing issue. AJ presented his view on how to correct the “system” versus the way things have been done in the past. Rep Harrison said that regarding the Appraisal Bill, with property values rising, a CLA mechanism is needed as long as there is an Education Funding element. As for a statewide appraisal system, the final implementation date is in 2026. The Board thanked Rep. Harrison for attending tonight's meeting and providing an update on the Legislature.
3. Financials – Questionnaire. This is completed annually and certified. Ann moved to accept the financial management questionnaire as filled out by the Town Treasurer, sign and submit it. Joyce Seconded. All in favor.
4. Town Office – Renovation. Trish sent the Board an email asking to expand the counter to the window wall. Discussion. There was some confusion by the Board as to which window wall Trish wants the counter extended to. It was decided to request specifics from Trish and see what monies are available that could be used for this project.
5. Gazebo (Band Stand) – Steps. The structure has been repainted and it was noted that two of the steps are rotted through. Joyce said she has some steps that could be used. Ann said she would have Mike Moran look at them and see if they might be able to be repurposed for use.
6. Financials – Dumas Account. Ann said that here is currently about $600+ in the Fund and thought Connie should be made aware of this so the money can be used, and the account closed. Trish will speak with Connie.
7. Speed Signs – Permit. Ann said that both signs were installed, and George had programmed them. The permit, however, calls for the pole to be separate. The State installed them on the speed limit sign and not a separate pole. The permit needs to be rewritten since having it on the speed limit sign signifies the Town’s responsibility for them and their maintenance. It was suggested that Trish check to see if they are covered by the Town’s insurance. Ann noted the many types of reports that are available from the app associated with the signs. This subject will be tabled for now.
8. Insurance – Loss Control Inspection. There is a loss control inspection for the Town Office and Band Stand scheduled for June 9th at 9:30am. The Town Hall is not included as it is incomplete. An inspection of the sand shed was questioned. Ann will respond and cc Joyce.
9. Appointment – Fire Warden. There was no action taken on this as it was determined that this position has a five-year term.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Joyce expressed concern about invoices being placed directly in the Orders folder and not passing by Trish. It was agreed that in the future all invoices would be given to Trish directly or placed on her desk.
NEXT MEETING DATE: Thursday, June 15, 2023 @6pm in the Town Hall.
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 4
June 1, 2023
ADJOURNMENT:
As there was no further business to conduct, Ann closed the meeting at 7:57pm. AJ seconded. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha L. Beyersdorf, Secretary
Approved: June 14. 2023
/ /
Ann Kuendig Joyce Stevens A.J. Ruben
To listen to a recording of the meeting, please click here: https://tinyurl.com/ysbbm29w
DATE: June 1, 2023
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
PUBLIC PRESENT: Harry Falconer (TRORC Planner), State Rep. Jim Harrison
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 18, 2023 Regular Meeting
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Grants in Aid
2. VT Trans Resilience Planning Tool
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Financials – Treasurer’s Report April
2. Village Green – Use Policy
3. Village Center Designation –
NEW BUSINESS:
1. TRORC – MERP Program
2. Legislature – Round-up
3. Financials – Questionnaire
4. Town Office – Renovation
5. Gazebo (Band Stand) – Steps
6. Financials – Dumas Account
7. Speed Signs – Permit
8. Insurance – Loss Control Inspection
9. Appointment – Fire Warden
NEXT MEETING DATE: June 15, 2023
ADJOURNMENT:
Ann called the meeting to order at 6:00pm. AJ seconded. All in favor. Joyce proposed a change to the Minutes regarding the Rubin correspondence. It should be noted that the pumps at the pump house were turned on and not off. AJ moved to accept the edit and approve the Minutes. Ann seconded. All in favor.
Ann moved to take NB#2 out of order as he is in person now and make it NB#1. NB#1 would then become NB#2. Joyce seconded this. Ann introduced Harry Falconer who is a planner with TRORC. He presented a power point presentation on the Municipal Energy Resilience Program.
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 2
June 1, 2023
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Grants in Aid – This is a notification for the Agency of Transportation regarding the Letter of Intent for $10,000 in funding to pay for municipal roads grant. It’s not known if there are any immediate plans for the grant. It was noted that George wasn’t interested at this time. Ann suggested going through the hydrological report as to what needs to be brought into compliance as there are different deadlines for certain numbers of projects. TRORC used to manage this and set the priorities and classifications. This was changed two years ago so that now TRORC can be hired to do this. AJ moved to schedule an appointment in September with George to review the inventory list. Joyce seconded. All in favor. Ann provided the link to the inventory listing.
2. TRORC – VT Trans Resilience Planning Tool. This is a reminder from Rita about the workshop on June 13th. This is a statewide web-based application that identifies bridges, culverts, and road embankments that are vulnerable from flood damage. Ann suggested forwarding this to George and that he attends this program and become familiar with utilizing this tool.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Financials – Treasurer’s Report April. This was tabled from the last meeting. Ann moved to accept. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
2. Village Green – Use Policy. This was discussed at the last meeting, and it was felt more information was needed. Both Ann and AJ said he had difficulty obtaining information from VLCT. AJ will try calling them. Ann emailed them and received information from VLCT’s underwriter as to who is covered under the Town’s insurance and who isn’t. Waivers help to prove that the Town is absolved from any injury, etc. Discussion. Ann said the Town has the ability to waive the insurance requirement based on the level of risk. It was felt by the Board that more information is needed, and this will be worked on.
3. Village Center Designation – Ann said that the Town Plan process is almost complete. The next step is to renew the Village Center Designation with Housing & Community Development. The deadline is November 6, 2023. Joyce thought this should be passed to the Planning Commission. Ann suggested reaching out to Peter @ TRORC. Joyce will reach out to the Planning Commission and put on the July agenda. The Board discussed extending the boundaries to include the post-Irene “parks” currently not included and that grants are available. TRORC and the Planning Commission will be contacted about the expansion of the Village Center to include Swiss Farm and The Clear. This opens up land to economic development. It might also impact potential limit changes to the speed limits in those areas.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. TRORC – MERP Program. Harry provided handouts on the program. It was first established in 2022 as Act 172 and was created from $45 million in State ARPA funds. Its goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while helping towns save money on heating/cooling municipal buildings. He went on to explain the opportunities available to Towns, their eligibility and requirements, and what buildings are eligible. He noted that 12% of Pittsfield’s income is used for energy, as compiled by the Census. He explained the Municipal Energy Loan Program and the Estimated Timeline and what the next steps for the Town would be. Ann inquired about any of Pittsfield’s neighboring towns and if Harry can help with the application process, etc. He said he wasn’t sure about other towns. Ann also noted that the Board is having trouble getting a volunteer for the position of Energy Coordinator. The Board felt it was a great presentation and feels motivated to move on this. AJ suggested adding this to the next meeting’s agenda. Joyce asked to be informed about when the application process starts. The Board thanked him for coming.
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 3
June 1, 2023
2. Legislature – Round-up. Rep Jim Harrison said that his main purpose in attending the meeting was to become aware of local issues. He said that this year’s session differed in many aspects from previous ones. He said that several vetoes were expected to be overridden when they reconvene on June 20th. He noted that the budget touches everything the State does. He explained that two bills were vetoed today including one on interrogation techniques and the other on H305 having to do with license fees. Joyce asked Rep Harrison how much the State is saving on postage since they do most correspondence via email now. This might be difficult to obtain as there are many departments involved. The Child Care bill was discussed as well as the Housing issue. AJ presented his view on how to correct the “system” versus the way things have been done in the past. Rep Harrison said that regarding the Appraisal Bill, with property values rising, a CLA mechanism is needed as long as there is an Education Funding element. As for a statewide appraisal system, the final implementation date is in 2026. The Board thanked Rep. Harrison for attending tonight's meeting and providing an update on the Legislature.
3. Financials – Questionnaire. This is completed annually and certified. Ann moved to accept the financial management questionnaire as filled out by the Town Treasurer, sign and submit it. Joyce Seconded. All in favor.
4. Town Office – Renovation. Trish sent the Board an email asking to expand the counter to the window wall. Discussion. There was some confusion by the Board as to which window wall Trish wants the counter extended to. It was decided to request specifics from Trish and see what monies are available that could be used for this project.
5. Gazebo (Band Stand) – Steps. The structure has been repainted and it was noted that two of the steps are rotted through. Joyce said she has some steps that could be used. Ann said she would have Mike Moran look at them and see if they might be able to be repurposed for use.
6. Financials – Dumas Account. Ann said that here is currently about $600+ in the Fund and thought Connie should be made aware of this so the money can be used, and the account closed. Trish will speak with Connie.
7. Speed Signs – Permit. Ann said that both signs were installed, and George had programmed them. The permit, however, calls for the pole to be separate. The State installed them on the speed limit sign and not a separate pole. The permit needs to be rewritten since having it on the speed limit sign signifies the Town’s responsibility for them and their maintenance. It was suggested that Trish check to see if they are covered by the Town’s insurance. Ann noted the many types of reports that are available from the app associated with the signs. This subject will be tabled for now.
8. Insurance – Loss Control Inspection. There is a loss control inspection for the Town Office and Band Stand scheduled for June 9th at 9:30am. The Town Hall is not included as it is incomplete. An inspection of the sand shed was questioned. Ann will respond and cc Joyce.
9. Appointment – Fire Warden. There was no action taken on this as it was determined that this position has a five-year term.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Joyce expressed concern about invoices being placed directly in the Orders folder and not passing by Trish. It was agreed that in the future all invoices would be given to Trish directly or placed on her desk.
NEXT MEETING DATE: Thursday, June 15, 2023 @6pm in the Town Hall.
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 4
June 1, 2023
ADJOURNMENT:
As there was no further business to conduct, Ann closed the meeting at 7:57pm. AJ seconded. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha L. Beyersdorf, Secretary
Approved: June 14. 2023
/ /
Ann Kuendig Joyce Stevens A.J. Ruben
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