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
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
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