​PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
DRAFT
 
To listen to a recording of the meeting please click here:  https://bit.ly/3BLDaIe
 
DATE:  December 12, 2024
 
PRESENT:  Ann Kuendig, AJ Ruben      Joyce Stevens, absent
 
PUBLIC PRESENT:  Wade Masure via Teams, Vern and Patty Haskins
 
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS:  NB#2 – Basketball Light
 
MINUTES APPROVAL:  December 5, 2024 Regular Meeting
 
CORRESPONDENCE:
1.     Citizen Concern/Complaint – Tweed Valley Travelers
2.     Veterans, Inc. – Informational correspondence
3.     Green Mountain Power – Energy Innovation Team
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.     Audit – RFP update
2.     Fire Department – Fence update
3.     Insurance – EMS
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1.     Listers – Errors and Omissions Document
 
ADJOURNMENT:
 
NEXT MEETING DATES:
·       Regular & Budget: January 2, 2025 5:30pm Town Hall
·       Budget: January 9, 2025 5pm Town Office
 
Ann called the meeting to order at 6:34pm.  Seconded by AJ.  All in favor. There was one Agenda Modification (see above).  Ann moved to take NB#2 out of order and bring it to the top of the Agenda.  Seconded by AJ.  All in favor.  Ann moved to take Insurance – EMS out of order.  AJ seconded.  All in favor.
 
CORRESPONDENCE:
1.     Citizen Concern/Complaint – Tweed Valley Travelers.  The group sent an email to the Select Board asking the Town to speak with Bruce Shaw about the firewood that’s been blocking the Lower Michigan Road and access to snowmobile trails  They are concerned that the snowmobile trails open on December 16th and the sleds and groomers might be damaged unless it’s cleared.  Ann said she spoke with George, and he said he’s also had conversations with Bruce.  This section is Class 3 not a Class 4 road which makes it a town highway.  Bruce has said that they have been ill and unable to move the wood to the house.  AJ felt that if they cannot move the firewood, getting some volunteers to help would take care of the problem.  He said he would speak with Bruce.
 
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes                                                           page 2
December 12, 2024
 
2.     Veterans, Inc. – Informational correspondence.  Ann said that this correspondence is to inform Towns what can be done for homeless veterans.  This notice will be posted.
3.     Green Mountain Power – Energy Innovation Team.  GMP can help the Town move to clean electric energy.  Table until an action plan.
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.     Audit – RFP update.  Once company has decided not to take this on.  No word from the 2nd. RFP was posted on VLCT Classified webpage. Ann said she would reach out to a 3rd company so that there are two competing.
2.     Fire Department – Fence update.  This project is progressing.  Ann said the steel has been ordered and will be delivered to the school on Monday.  Ann said she has purchased primer and brushes.  Ann was going to touch base with the school regarding employment contract. 
3.     Insurance – EMS.  Ann explained what has been going on with this issue.  She explained to Wade what she had been told in conversations with Matt Parrish, the Executive Director of WRVA.  Currently only Rachel Hunt is covered by WRVA’s insurance as she works for them.  If she is responding with the Town’s rescue, WRVA is not covering her.  Wade said that PACIF covers Pittsfield’s Fire and Rescue  He said he will clarify and work with the underwriters.  Discussion.  Two separate things.  Group to establish a squad to get licensed by the State Health Department EMS Division.  The Board thanked Wade for attending.
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1.     Listers – Errors and Omissions Document.  Ann explained why this is addressed annually.  Ann made a motion for the Select Board to accept this.  AJ seconded.  All in favor.
2.     Citizen Concern/Complaint – Vern and Patty Haskins.  Ann reviewed what the issue was.  The Haskins had written to the Board and was discussed at the most recent meeting.  Patty explained that the lights are shining in neighboring homes.  AJ felt that a compromise could be made by turning the lights off when they aren’t in use.  He felt they might be able to be adjusted.  The Board thought they would have to hire someone to come in and adjust the light. The change in the hours would need to be publicized to make users aware.  Ann said they will contact A-1 and get them to disconnect the light that’s facing Route 100 lights as a temporary measure while investigating reducing the brightness and/or re positioning the light head..   Seconded by AJ.  All in favor.
 
ADJOURNMENT:
As there was no further business to discuss, Ann moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:18pm.  AJ seconded.  All in favor.
 
NEXT MEETING DATES:
·       Regular & Budget: January 2, 2025 5:00pm Town Office
·       Budget: January 9, 2025 5pm Town Office
Respectfully submitted,
 
Martha L. Beyersdorf
Approved:
 
 
Ann Kuendig                                          Joyce Stevens                                    AJ Ruben_____________________
 

​PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD BUDGET MEETING MINUTES
DRAFT
 
To listen to a recording of the meeting please click here: https://bit.ly/3BLDaIe
 
DATE:  December 12, 2024
 
PRESENT:  Ann Kuendig, AJ Ruben     Joyce Stevens, not present
 
PUBLIC PRESENT:  Cynthia Bryant, Micheline Bissell
 
CORRESPONDENCE:
1.     Town Report – VT Rural Fire Protection donation letter
2.     Town Report – Rutland County Parent Child Center donation letter
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.     Budget – General Fund line items
2.     Fuel – PVF&R pre-pay
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1.     Budget – Roger Clark Memorial Library + CIP
2.     Budget – Cemetery + CIP
3.     Warrant – Draft
 
ADJOURNMENT:
 
NEXT MEETING DATES:
·       Regular – Thursday, January 2, 2025  5:30pm   Town Hall
·       Budget – Thursday, January 9, 2025   5:00pm   Town Office
 
Ann called the budget meeting to order at 5:01pm.    Ann made a motion to take NB#1, the RCML, out of order and move it to the top of the agenda.  Seconded by AJ.  All in favor.  Ann said that Micheline and Cindy are here representing the Library.
 
CORRESPONDENCE:
1.     Town Report – VT Rural Fire Protection donation letter.  They request $200.  Discussion.  AJ moved to approve $100.  Seconded by Ann.  All in favor.
2.     Town Report – Rutland County Parent Child Center donation letter.  This is a new request.  They are requesting $200.  AJ moved to approve of this, and Ann seconded.  All in favor.
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.     Budget – General Fund line items.
·       Dues and Contributions: with changes
Commercial Care Network/Rutland Mental Health – reduced to $150
Rutland County Restorative Justice Center – reduced to $250
Pittsfield Community Connection – decision not to fund
White River Natural Resources Conservation District – decision to fund $200
 
Pittsfield Select Board Budget Meeting Minutes                                                            page 2
December 12, 2024
 
·       Other Services
Ambulance – increase to $45,000 (2025=$43,848   FY24 will be $40,950
·       Maintenance and Repairs
Fire Alarm Yearly Inspection – increased to $1,000
·       Parks and Grounds:
Labor – increased to $4,000
Trees and Bedding Plants – increased to $400
Supplies – reduced to $100
·       Board of Listers
NEMRC Support – increased to $1,400
2.     Fuel – PVF&R prepay. 
·       The proposed figure for Heating was thought to be too high.  Discussion.  It was decided to lower the amount to $2,000.
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1.     Budget – Roger Clark Memorial Library + CIP
Cynthia addressed each line item in their proposed budget and explained any changes. She said most of the changes were small but there were a couple of sizable ones.
·       Library Materials/Patron Services – reduced to $2,500
·       Periodicals – increased to $100
·       Supplies (Office/Cleaning) – increased to $1,200
·       Telephone/Internet – increased to $1,600
·       Technical Services – reduced to $700
·       Mileage - reduced to $50
She and Micheline explained a new program the Library is trying out.  It is called Hoopla and is a digital media service available by the library. The Library was going to determine how much of the $1,500 that was allocated for Hoopla this fiscal year has been utilized and determine non-resident subscriptions  Their CIP was reviewed, and some items were deleted as they were already budgeted for.  Some of the projects they would like to do are to remove the plumbing that’s in the closet, as well as the closet itself.  Also, a new computer and printer and renovation of the front hall.  Discussion.  They will contact a plumber and electrician for the potential work.  Ann encouraged the Library to look for grants to help fund projects.  Ann explained that the Town has a grant writer who can assist them.  The Board encouraged them to use some of the money they have available now to do some of the projects. They were reminded to submit their reports for Town Report.  They were both thanked for coming.
2.     Budget – Cemetery + CIP.
·       Tree Removal – increased to $1,200
·       Stone Cleaning - reduced to $300
3.     Warrant – Draft.  Tabled to the next meeting.
 
NEXT MEETING DATE:
·       Budget & regular– Thursday, January 2, 2025  5:00pm   Town Office
·       Budget – Thursday, January 9, 2025   5:00pm   Town Office
 
 
 
Pittsfield Select Board Budget Meeting Minutes                                                            page 3
December 12, 2024
 
ADJOURNMENT:
As there was no further business to discuss, Ann moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:33pm
 
                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,
 
                                                                                    Martha L. Beyersdorf
 
Ann Kuendig                                       Joyce Stevens                        AJ Ruben___________________
 
 
 
 

​PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD REGULAR MEETING

 
To listen to a recording of the meeting please click here:  https://bit.ly/4gaFKqw
 
DATE: December 5, 2024
 
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
 
PUBLIC PRESENT: Rep. Jim Harrison
 
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS:
·       NB#1 – reschedule to 12/12 or January
·       C#3 – Telephone Gap draft decision
 
MINUTES APPROVAL: 
1.     November 7, 2024 Regular Meeting
2.     November 21, 2024 Budget Meeting
3.     November 21, 2024 Regular Meeting
 
CORRESPONDENCE:
1.     Municipal Climate Action – follow up
2.     Project Happy Holidays
3.     Telephone Gap – draft decision
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.     Budget – 10yr Capital Budget Report
2.     Audit – RFP
3.     Fire Department – Fence
4.     Grants – MERP Projects Plan of Action
5.     Warrant – Local Meals & Room Tax Article
6.     Building Maintenance – Town Office Renovations
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1.     Insurance – EMS Insurance, Wade Masure
2.     Legislature – Rep Jim Harrison Legislative Session Outlook
3.     Recreation – Commission Requests
4.     Town Report – Dedication
5.     Town Property – Parking on Town Land
 
ADJOURNMENT:
 
NEXT MEETING DATES:
·       Budget – Thursday, December 12, 2024; 5:00pm; Town Office
·       Regular – Thursday, December 19, 2024; 5:30pm; Town Hall. ( cancelled)
 
 
 
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes                                                           page 2
December 5, 2024
 
Ann called the meeting of the Pittsfield Select Board to order at 5:32pm.  Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor.  Ann said she had a couple of Agenda Modifications (see above). Ann moved to accept. Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor.  She then moved to take NB#2 out of order.  Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor.
 
MINUTES APPROVAL:  Ann moved to approve the Minutes of the November 7th Regular meeting minutes.  Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor.  Ann also moved to approve the November 21st Budget and Regular Meeting Minutes.  Seconded by AJ.  All in favor.
 
CORRESPONDENCE:
1.     Municipal Climate Action – follow up.  This email from Sophi Veltrop thanked those that have become involved in input sessions.  She provided links to the Mid-day session and Evening Session with slides.  More information on upcoming meetings is available at climatechange.vermont.gov calendar.
2.     Project Happy Holidays -  Items are being collected at various sites in town to be given to families that might benefit from this program.  Ann said she put this on the agenda to publicize that Saturday, December 7th is the Project Happy Holidays.  It was noted that some Pittsfield families have already signed up.
3.     Telephone Gap – draft decision.  The project public comment period on the GMNF decision to go with plan C for the Telephone Gap project runs from December 3rd – January 17th.  Ann proposed that this document be posted on the website and Face Book page .  She said she would also send this to Joyce to post at the store.  Discussion.  The resident’s main concern is fire.  Ann also said that 12 ½  miles of snowmobile/biking trails are being eliminated. 
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.     Budget – 10yr Capital Budget Report.  Ann said that Gina sent a draft and new tables.  This can be used when doing capital budgeting.  She said she would like to finalize this and have a printed supplement to Town Report available at Town Meeting. 
·       More feedback is needed from the Fire Department regarding the Truck Fund.  The Board discussed and reviewed the report making a few edits.  There was some discussion regarding the department’s future purchases and the funding.  There was also concern that there isn’t enough space for a possible leach field.  Ann said that Herb has plans for additions to the existing structure and there is some concern that they don’t have enough space for it. Joyce said she would look to see if there is a survey on file and information on the septic system. 
·       Recreation.  AJ said that they would like to build a pavilion.  Some items in this report need to be removed as they are already budgeted for.  AJ said their next projects are playground equipment and the playground.  He said that Jake Hunt has contacted PACIF.  They also need to know what money is in the Recreation Fund.  Joyce suggested waiting until the Committee has their meeting next week.  Then they can figure out the money and timeline. 
·       Town Hall Reserve Fund -  There was discussion about re-shingling the outside stair roof. Ann suggested we  look at metal for the future replacement.  Joyce said she would speak with
 
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes                                                           page 3
December 5, 2024
 
Heather about an estimate of the new roofing.  Ann said they could take this up at the next budget meeting.  The Board then went to the items to complete and the cost.
2.     Audit – RFP.  Ann said this is more to finalize the RFP before it’s sent out  December 20th.   Ann said it will be sent to two auditing firms and post with VLCT. Joyce suggested sending it out as soon as possible. Discussion.  Ann made a motion to send the RFP out as soon as possible.  Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor.
3.     Fire Department – Fence.  Storage of the materials is a problem.  Capital will prime the fencing, and George has agreed to store it at the Town Garage over the winter.   Ann said she would like to move forward with the project and contact Capital.  When ready to install, George can remove the jersey barriers.  Ann said she would make a motion to move forward and secure the school. The money will come from the former ARPA Fund.  Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor.
4.     Grants – MERP Projects Plan of Action.  Ann said there have been some updated FAQ’s.  The Board needs to set priorities on the projects planned.  This is due to Act 172.  The grant information gives the specific projects to be done first, and any money left over would stay with the municipality.  Discussion.  Ann said there needs to be some clarification of the recommendations and associated funding.  Joyce felt this could be put off to January.  The Board agreed.
5.     Warrant – Local Meals & Room Tax Article.  AJ reached out to the Tax Department and is now waiting for information from the Tax Department.  Discussion.  The purpose of looking into this and applying for grants is to diversify the revenue stream for the Town and reduce property taxes.
6.     Building Maintenance – Town Office Renovations. Joyce said she had an estimate from Nate for $1,200 for the electric that would need to be moved by tearing down the interior wall.   Joyce said she would like to check in with Denis Veilleux.
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1.     Insurance – see Agenda Modifications
2.     Legislature – Rep. Jim Harrison Legislative Session Outlook.  Ann welcomed Rep. Harrison and said he is joining us to give us a legislative session outlook.  He said that this was a check-in to give the Board an idea of what he thinks will happen.  He congratulated the Board on the Energy Award.  He said Pittsfield was one of four towns in the district to receive one.  He said that he saw the Board was looking at a local option tax for rooms and meals.  He stated that the legislation changed last year so that any town can do it if they go through the process and get voter approval.  He said he contacted the Tax Department for any kind of estimate, but AJ had already done that.  One of the issues with small towns is the limitation as to what information they can provide due to potential confidential issues with tax information.  He said that there will be different dynamics in the coming session.  The legislature will determine who the LT Governor will be, as neither candidate received more than 50% of the vote.  Main interests in the upcoming session include education costs and property taxes.  This year the preliminary estimate is just under 6%.  Another issue is healthcare.  There have been recommendations to either re-purpose some hospitals or change services and increase costs.  There are no easy answers.  He noted that Vermont receives about 36% of revenue in Federal money.  If it is reduced, this could become an issue.  Ann asked what committees he is on.  Jim said he is currently sits on the House Appropriations Committee.  This coming session they will have to elect a Speaker of the House, and that person is responsible for assigning committees.  There were no further questions or comments.  He was thanked for coming tonight.
 
 
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes                                                           page 4
December 5, 2024
 
3.     Recreation – Commission Requests.  AJ and Joyce would both like to talk with Jake about some things.  The containment of water on the skating area and its removal was discussed.  AJ said that at Tuesday's meeting, they plan to
4.     Town Report – Dedication.  Two of our residents have passed away recently. They are Betty Warner and Fred Sperber.  Ann said she wants to recognize Betty and all the contributions she has made.  Having something for Ray Colton was also discussed.  Ann would like to have someone research their lives to include in the dedication.  Joyce suggested Micheline Bissell.  Earlier this year the Board discussed how to recognize Ray Colton for all he has done for the Town.  The Auditors will be contacted regarding this.
5.     Town Property – Parking on Town Land.  AJ said that the Listers are concerned about people parking their RVs on Town land.  Joyce said she felt there wasn’t a need for a policy unless it became a real problem.  Ann suggested that George not plow the rt 100 area where people might park to discourage campers. 
 
OTHER BUSINESS:
1.     It was tentatively decided to cancel the December 19th meeting and add an hour to the meeting on the 12th.  Budget would be discussed from 5pm-6pm followed by the Regular meeting.
2.     The Articles for the Warning need to be drafted.
3.     The Board agreed to focus on the 5-year capital plan as they don’t feel ready for a 10-year plan. 
 
ADJOURNMENT:  As there was no further business to discuss, Ann moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:19pm  Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor.
 
                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,
 
                                                                                    Martha L. Beyersdorf
Approved: December 12, 2024
 
 
___________________/_______________________________/_________________________________  
      Ann Kuendig                        Joyce Stevens                                        AJ Ruben