PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
To listen to a recording of the meeting, click here: https://bit.ly/3QxwYbd
DATE: May 2, 2024
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig, AJ Ruben; Joyce Stevens via TEAMS
PUBLIC PRESENT: Jen Howard, Mariah Katz
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS:
MINUTES APPROVAL: April 18, 2024
CORRESPONDENCE:
OLD BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS:
NEXT MEETING DATE: Thursday, May 16, 2024
ADJOURNMENT:
Ann called the meeting to order at 5:27pm. Joyce seconded. All in favor. Ann proposed accepting the two Agenda Modifications (see above). AJ seconded. All in favor. AJ moved to approve the Minutes of the April 18, 2024 Regular Meeting. Joyce seconded. All in favor. Ann moved to take NB2 out of order to hear Jen and Mariah speak. Seconded by AJ. All in favor.
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. National Opioid Settlement – Update. Ann said that this email came from the directing administrator of the National Opioid Settlement and it outlines the monies that are going to go to Vermont and its various subdivisions. They are notifying us that we could receive $146.99 for the
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 2
May 2, 2024
Town because we are considered a subdivision. The money would have to be spent on opioid remediation. For those who do not dispute the amounts, payouts would begin after May 17th.
2. Rep Harrison – Request. Rep Harrison has offered to come and present a wrap up of the legislative session. He will be extended an invitation to the June 6th meeting.
3. Grants – VTrans bike/pedestrian grant. VTrans is seeking grant application for infrastructure projects that improve access and safety for bicycles and pedestrian-like things. We’ve been talking about sidewalks for years. Application must be received by June 14th. Ann said she would look over the application if the Board thinks sidewalks/crosswalks would be possible projects.
4. Grants – Village Center grant opportunities. Ann distributed a list of grant programs. It was left that all member would look into what grants could be obtained for programs to help with recreation projects, etc.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Appointments/Resignations – TRORC and Forest Fire Warden.
Resignation: Ray Colton has resigned as Forest Fire Warden. Ann said that she spoke with Ray, and he has held this position for fifty years. It was suggested that the Board do something to recognize his contribution to the Town. This will be discussed at the next meeting. Ann moved to accept with a multitude of gratitude Ray’s resignation as Forest Fire Warden. AJ seconded. All in favor. Appointment: Ann also moved to accept the appointment to the position of Forest Fire Warden of Greg Martin. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
Appointment: TRORC – Ann said that there is still an opening for a representative. She added that Herb is willing to do it. Discussion. Mariah said she might be interested and would check out their website. AJ moved to accept Herb’s appointment as the Town’s TRORC representative and Mariah as an Alternate. Ann seconded. All in favor.
2. Town Office – maintenance. This is the 2nd annual maintenance agreement with Paquette Plumbing. There was some clarification as to what this would cover. Ann moved to approve the invoice of $246.99 for the completion of the maintenance of the AC for the Town Office. AJ seconded. All in favor.
3. Paving Projects update. Joyce said that she contacted Wilk Paving, and it will add $1725.00 to the cost for the additional ½” of pavement to the basketball court. He hasn’t finished his scheduling yet, so there is no current start date but he knows that it has to be completed before September. She said she would have a date in time for the next meeting. Ann moved to approve the contract with the additional $1725.00 for a total of $20,325.00 for the recreational court and $40,100 for the Village Green roadway. AJ seconded. All in favor. The roadway paving would be done at the same time. Joyce said she would get Wilks Paving the Independent Contractor paperwork.
4. Town Hall – Rental Process. Ann said that she added this to the agenda now that the first event has been applied for and she wanted to review the process to avoid any further confusion. She wanted to know if Tweed Valley’s application and cost had been straightened out. It still wasn’t clear what happened, but it did get straightened out. The fees for the upcoming two events were reviewed. The Board discussed if there was a better way to present both the policy and application as one document, so that it could be better understood. AJ moved to accept the proposed edit that Ann will make. Ann seconded. All in favor.
5. Dogs – Delinquent Dog list Second Notice. The list was reviewed. There were six 2nd Notices mailed out with a deadline of May 10th and then they could go to collections. Another update will be available for the next meeting.
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 3
May 2, 2024
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Town Hall Rental – Hawley and Hurd. Ann said that Chris Hurd is requesting a waiver from both the fee and the cleaning fee. He also may set up a tent on the Green. Discussion. It was agreed that someone still needed to clean in any event. AJ moved to approve the waiver for the $50 fee, but not the $50 cleaning fee. Ann seconded. All in favor. Ann said that no action needs to be taken for the Hawley’s application as they have not requested anything.
2. Recreation – Pump Track proposal. Mariah presented a proposal which Ann read, that through partnership and guidance with Ridgeline Outdoor Collective, they would like to propose the rehabilitation and enhanced development of the existing and abandoned land of the current pump track located on land behind the Town Offices. Overview: there is an existing pump track currently in place that they would like to enhance and bring back to functional status. This is what they propose: rehabilitation of the current track and see if there is room to add any skills and features. Also enhancement of the existing area with benches, signage and updating of the course track. Installation of a new sign on Route 100 by the Town Green. The sign could be pump track specific, or as the Town said, they are looking to enhance the athletic fields, playground, etc. The sign could also be indicative of all these enhancements and activities. It was felt that an understanding of the land area available, with possible connector trail to GMT trail network and possible addition of new features, skills park promotion through Ridgeline VV, MB, AGMT and other regional online and social networks, trail forks, etc needs to be done. They envision a very minimal budget that would be offset by 100% volunteer time, hours by professional trail builders and mountain bike enthusiasts across multiple local groups. Ann asked if the collective would guide the redevelopment and funding for the project that would go directly toward materials for signage and any additional things needed for construction, wood, fill, gravel, tools, etc. The site would not require any special access or equipment and most work would be accomplished by using hand tools and volunteer physical labor. This would be a great tool to introduce young riders and children to the sport and more seasoned riders to hone their skills. Pump tracks have a long history and records of proving to the integral parts of the community. The Board agreed with the overall proposal, but the initial question is to determine who owns the property in question. It was felt that the Town did not. Discussion. Someone raised the question as to who might be the owner and that perhaps there was a survey on file that could provide information. It was decided to put this subject on the agenda for the next meeting.
3. Recreation – area planning. Ann presented three possible grant writers: one in Killington and two in Randolph. She proposed reaching out to them for some estimates on or a direction on planning for the recreational area. Joyce said that instead of that, she said she would like to pull in Jake Hunt, Anna Rayner, Ally Martin, Mariah Katz, and Matt Kopecki and get them to reach out for information. Perhaps call them the Recreational Facility Committee and make it a 1-year appointment. Further discussion will be held.
ADJOURNMENT: As there was no further business to discuss, Ann adjourned the meeting at 6:34pm. AJ seconded. All in favor.
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 4
May 2, 2024
Respectfully submitted,
Martha L. Beyersdorf
Approved: May 16, 2024
/ /
Ann Kuendig Joyce Stevens A.J. Ruben
To listen to a recording of the meeting, click here: https://bit.ly/3QxwYbd
DATE: May 2, 2024
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig, AJ Ruben; Joyce Stevens via TEAMS
PUBLIC PRESENT: Jen Howard, Mariah Katz
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS:
- OB1 addn – Appointment of Fire Warden
- NB1 addn – Town Hall Rental - Hawley
MINUTES APPROVAL: April 18, 2024
CORRESPONDENCE:
- National Opioid Settlement Update
- Rep Harrison – Request
- Grants – VTrans bike/pedestrian grant
- Grants – Village Center grant opportunities
OLD BUSINESS:
- Appointments/Resignations – TRORC and Forest Fire Warden
- Town Office – maintenance
- Paving Projects update
- Town Hall – Rental Process
- Dogs – Delinquent Dog list Second Notice
NEW BUSINESS:
- Town Hall Rental – Hurley and Hurd
- Recreation – Pump Track proposal
- Recreation – area planning
NEXT MEETING DATE: Thursday, May 16, 2024
ADJOURNMENT:
Ann called the meeting to order at 5:27pm. Joyce seconded. All in favor. Ann proposed accepting the two Agenda Modifications (see above). AJ seconded. All in favor. AJ moved to approve the Minutes of the April 18, 2024 Regular Meeting. Joyce seconded. All in favor. Ann moved to take NB2 out of order to hear Jen and Mariah speak. Seconded by AJ. All in favor.
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. National Opioid Settlement – Update. Ann said that this email came from the directing administrator of the National Opioid Settlement and it outlines the monies that are going to go to Vermont and its various subdivisions. They are notifying us that we could receive $146.99 for the
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 2
May 2, 2024
Town because we are considered a subdivision. The money would have to be spent on opioid remediation. For those who do not dispute the amounts, payouts would begin after May 17th.
2. Rep Harrison – Request. Rep Harrison has offered to come and present a wrap up of the legislative session. He will be extended an invitation to the June 6th meeting.
3. Grants – VTrans bike/pedestrian grant. VTrans is seeking grant application for infrastructure projects that improve access and safety for bicycles and pedestrian-like things. We’ve been talking about sidewalks for years. Application must be received by June 14th. Ann said she would look over the application if the Board thinks sidewalks/crosswalks would be possible projects.
4. Grants – Village Center grant opportunities. Ann distributed a list of grant programs. It was left that all member would look into what grants could be obtained for programs to help with recreation projects, etc.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Appointments/Resignations – TRORC and Forest Fire Warden.
Resignation: Ray Colton has resigned as Forest Fire Warden. Ann said that she spoke with Ray, and he has held this position for fifty years. It was suggested that the Board do something to recognize his contribution to the Town. This will be discussed at the next meeting. Ann moved to accept with a multitude of gratitude Ray’s resignation as Forest Fire Warden. AJ seconded. All in favor. Appointment: Ann also moved to accept the appointment to the position of Forest Fire Warden of Greg Martin. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
Appointment: TRORC – Ann said that there is still an opening for a representative. She added that Herb is willing to do it. Discussion. Mariah said she might be interested and would check out their website. AJ moved to accept Herb’s appointment as the Town’s TRORC representative and Mariah as an Alternate. Ann seconded. All in favor.
2. Town Office – maintenance. This is the 2nd annual maintenance agreement with Paquette Plumbing. There was some clarification as to what this would cover. Ann moved to approve the invoice of $246.99 for the completion of the maintenance of the AC for the Town Office. AJ seconded. All in favor.
3. Paving Projects update. Joyce said that she contacted Wilk Paving, and it will add $1725.00 to the cost for the additional ½” of pavement to the basketball court. He hasn’t finished his scheduling yet, so there is no current start date but he knows that it has to be completed before September. She said she would have a date in time for the next meeting. Ann moved to approve the contract with the additional $1725.00 for a total of $20,325.00 for the recreational court and $40,100 for the Village Green roadway. AJ seconded. All in favor. The roadway paving would be done at the same time. Joyce said she would get Wilks Paving the Independent Contractor paperwork.
4. Town Hall – Rental Process. Ann said that she added this to the agenda now that the first event has been applied for and she wanted to review the process to avoid any further confusion. She wanted to know if Tweed Valley’s application and cost had been straightened out. It still wasn’t clear what happened, but it did get straightened out. The fees for the upcoming two events were reviewed. The Board discussed if there was a better way to present both the policy and application as one document, so that it could be better understood. AJ moved to accept the proposed edit that Ann will make. Ann seconded. All in favor.
5. Dogs – Delinquent Dog list Second Notice. The list was reviewed. There were six 2nd Notices mailed out with a deadline of May 10th and then they could go to collections. Another update will be available for the next meeting.
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 3
May 2, 2024
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Town Hall Rental – Hawley and Hurd. Ann said that Chris Hurd is requesting a waiver from both the fee and the cleaning fee. He also may set up a tent on the Green. Discussion. It was agreed that someone still needed to clean in any event. AJ moved to approve the waiver for the $50 fee, but not the $50 cleaning fee. Ann seconded. All in favor. Ann said that no action needs to be taken for the Hawley’s application as they have not requested anything.
2. Recreation – Pump Track proposal. Mariah presented a proposal which Ann read, that through partnership and guidance with Ridgeline Outdoor Collective, they would like to propose the rehabilitation and enhanced development of the existing and abandoned land of the current pump track located on land behind the Town Offices. Overview: there is an existing pump track currently in place that they would like to enhance and bring back to functional status. This is what they propose: rehabilitation of the current track and see if there is room to add any skills and features. Also enhancement of the existing area with benches, signage and updating of the course track. Installation of a new sign on Route 100 by the Town Green. The sign could be pump track specific, or as the Town said, they are looking to enhance the athletic fields, playground, etc. The sign could also be indicative of all these enhancements and activities. It was felt that an understanding of the land area available, with possible connector trail to GMT trail network and possible addition of new features, skills park promotion through Ridgeline VV, MB, AGMT and other regional online and social networks, trail forks, etc needs to be done. They envision a very minimal budget that would be offset by 100% volunteer time, hours by professional trail builders and mountain bike enthusiasts across multiple local groups. Ann asked if the collective would guide the redevelopment and funding for the project that would go directly toward materials for signage and any additional things needed for construction, wood, fill, gravel, tools, etc. The site would not require any special access or equipment and most work would be accomplished by using hand tools and volunteer physical labor. This would be a great tool to introduce young riders and children to the sport and more seasoned riders to hone their skills. Pump tracks have a long history and records of proving to the integral parts of the community. The Board agreed with the overall proposal, but the initial question is to determine who owns the property in question. It was felt that the Town did not. Discussion. Someone raised the question as to who might be the owner and that perhaps there was a survey on file that could provide information. It was decided to put this subject on the agenda for the next meeting.
3. Recreation – area planning. Ann presented three possible grant writers: one in Killington and two in Randolph. She proposed reaching out to them for some estimates on or a direction on planning for the recreational area. Joyce said that instead of that, she said she would like to pull in Jake Hunt, Anna Rayner, Ally Martin, Mariah Katz, and Matt Kopecki and get them to reach out for information. Perhaps call them the Recreational Facility Committee and make it a 1-year appointment. Further discussion will be held.
ADJOURNMENT: As there was no further business to discuss, Ann adjourned the meeting at 6:34pm. AJ seconded. All in favor.
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 4
May 2, 2024
Respectfully submitted,
Martha L. Beyersdorf
Approved: May 16, 2024
/ /
Ann Kuendig Joyce Stevens A.J. Ruben
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