​PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD BUDGET MEETING MINUTES

 
To listen to a recording of this meeting, click here:  https://bit.ly/4qkKYoR
 
DATE: October 21, 2025
 
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
 
PUBLIC PRESENT: Tricia Abondello, George Deblon
 
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS: Ann noted a date change in the Minutes in the posted agenda. Should be the 7th, not the 2nd.
 
MINUTES APPROVAL: October 7, 2025 Budget Meeting
 
CORRESPONDENCE:
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.     GF – Income and Expenses
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1.     Budget – Highway and Capital Plan (5:30pm)
2.     Executive Session – 1 V.S.A. § 313 (a) (1) (E) possible civil litigation/prosecution (6:30pm)
 
ADJOURNMENT:
 
NEXT MEETING DATES:
1.     Regular Meeting  November 6, 2025  5:30pm  Town Hall
2.     Budget Meeting  November 11, 2025  5:00pm  Town Office
Library Budget and Capital Plan  November 11, 2025  5:45pm  Town Office
 
Ann called the budget meeting of the Pittsfield Select Board to order at 5:01PM. Seconded by AJ. All in favor. She also noted an agenda modification (see above) and moved to accept. Seconded by AJ. All in favor. AJ moved to accept the Minutes of the budget meeting of October 7, 2025. Seconded by Ann. All in favor.
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.     GF – Income and Expenses:
General Fund:
·      Rutland County Tax – increase to $9,200
Dues and Contributions:
·      VLCT – increase from $1856 to $1,911
 
Pittsfield Select Board Budget Meeting Minutes                                          page 2
October 21, 2025
 
 
Parks and Grounds:
·      Equipment Maintenance – increase from $300 to $500
·      Portable Toilet increase from $900 to $1,000
Cemetery:
·      Wages – increase from $5,000 to $7,000
·      Sand and Stone – increase to $500
·      Decision to remove “Tree Removal” from Cemetery and add it to Tree Reserve Fund $1,200
·      Capital Plan – add $1,000/yr for purchase of a new mower in approx. 10 yrs.
Wages: approve COLA increase of 2.7%
·      Town Clerk/Treasurer – increase salary from $46,244yr to $47,524
·      Asst. Town Clerk/Treasurer – increase from $20.06 to $20.59/hr
·      Road Forman – increase salary from $28.35 to $29.77/hr w/5% = $61,918/yr
·      Health Officer – increase to $15/hr ($300 total budget)
·      Listers – increase to $18/hr, $19/hr, and $20/hr based on years of experience (cut-did this last year)
·      Fire Chief – increase to $1,000/yr (cut did this last year)
·      Select Board Secretary - increase to $150/mtg (cut-did this last year)
·      Mileage – increase to $.70/mi
Employee Benefits:
·      Medical Insurance – decrease to $12,240 ($20.00 mth employee premium contribution)
·      Health Reimbursement Account – increase to $2,000
·      VT Municipal Employee Retirement Fund – 2.7% COLA increase  from $3,355 to $3,460
·      Administrative Fee for HRA - increased to $50 (may change)
Other:
·      Garage Maintenance (formerly in GF budget) – increase to $750
·      Tree Trimming - increase from $6,000 to $8,000
·      Highway Equipment Fund - decrease to $0 in line item
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1.     Budget – Highway and Capital Plan
·      “Wants to keep budget the same as last year”
·      Would like more lighting in the office garage area
·      Would like a new doorknob
·      Would like motion activated lighting outside
Ann suggested A1 Electric come and assess what is needed re: lighting
·      Capital Plan:
-       Would like to continue work on Upper Michigan Road between Hopkins’ driveway and Robinson’s garage. Engineering fee expected to be $3,000. Construction an estimated $50,000. This may be put on as an Article on Warning.
-       Forsha Road (Class 4) – needs culvert replacement. George obtained a price of $1,600 for a 20’ section
-       Would like more canopy trimming on several roads
-       $40,000 deposit in Highway Equipment Reserve Fund for new large Dump truck.
 
 
As there was no further business to discuss, Ann moved to adjourn the budget meeting and enter into Executive Session at 6:38pm. Seconded by AJ. All in favor
 
2.     Executive Session – 1 V.S.A. § 313 (a) (1) (E) possible civil litigation/prosecution (6:30pm)
 
Ann adjourned Executive Session and reentered the regular session at 7:48pm. Joyce seconded. All in favor. Ann moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:48pm AJ seconded. All in favor.
 
ADJOURNMENT
 
NEXT MEETING DATES:
3.     Regular Meeting  November 6, 2025  5:30pm  Town Hall
4.     Budget Meeting  November 11, 2025  5:00pm  Town Office:  Lister budget/ Capital plan 5:00pm. Library Budget and Capital Plan  5:45pm 
 
 
Approved: November 11, 2025______________                                      Respectfully submitted,
 
                                                                                    Martha L Beyersdorf
                                                                                    Select Board Secretary
 
 

Ann Kuendig                                        Joyce Stevens                                      AJ Ruben
 

​PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

 
To listen to the meeting, click here:  https://bit.ly/4nrFDK0
 
DATE: October 16, 2025
 
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
 
PUBLIC PRESENT: Greg Martin, Ray Harvey
 
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS:
 
MINUTES APPROVAL: October 2, 2025 Regular Meeting
 
CORRESPONDENCE:
1.     Library – new librarian
2.     Grants – MRGP newsletter
3.     Grants – VT Wildfire Gear
4.     LHMP – Funding
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.     Charge – update
2.     Mt Wilcox Water System – update
3.     Recreation – Playground proposal update
4.     Grants – MERP Reimbursement
5.     Town Report – additions
6.     Budget – department schedule presentations
7.     Building Maintenance
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1.     Grants – PACIF Grant
2.     Finance – September Treasurer’s Report
3.     Executive Session – 1 V.S.A. § 313 (a) (1) (E)
 
ADJOURNMENT:
 
NEXT MEETING DATES:
-       October 21, 2025 Budget Meeting w/Department Presentations  5:00pm  Town Office
-       November 6, 2025 Regular Meeting  5:30pm  Town Hall
 
Ann called the meeting to order at 5:35pm. Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor.  AJ moved to accept the Minutes of the October 2, 2025 Regular Meeting.  Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor.
Following Correspondence Ann moved to take OB2 out of order.  Seconded by AJ.  All in favor.
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes                                         page 2
October 16, 2025
 
CORRESPONDENCE:
1.     Library – new librarian.  Ann said that the new librarian is Lisa Brady.  She lives in Killington and plans to start work next week.  The library’s hours will be: Wednesday 11-5, Thursday 10-5, Saturday 9-1.  Everyone is encouraged to come to the library and meet her.
2.     Grants – MRGP Newsletter – Ann said that the newsletter talks about the Road Segment Viewer that allows road inventory segments to be viewed.
3.     Grants – VT Wildfire Gear – Ann said that there are webinars available on how to apply for this.  A copy was also sent to the fire department.
4.     LHMP – funding.  VT Emergency Management has funding available for communities to apply for their Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.  The funding expires in January 2026.  Ann noted that TRORC is adding it to their funding application.
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.     ChargeVT – Joyce said that she hasn’t heard from anyone regarding estimates.  It was decided she would also reach out to BrookField Services to see if they are interested.
2.     Mt Wilcox Water System – update.  Greg and Ray were invited to provide more detail on the estimate that Ray had submitted for capping off the water system.  Greg said that the late Mel Colton and Gene Martin knew everything about the system.   Everyone looked over a diagram of the pump house and adjacent area involved and made some observations and corrections.  They explained how it was going to be disconnected.  Currently the water is being diverted towards Greg’s property.  Ann explained that her main concern was possible overflow and wondered if an attorney should be consulted.  AJ felt this wasn’t necessary because Greg could sign a document relieving the Town of any responsibility.  Greg and Ray talked about backfilling the pump house and making it inaccessible.  Ray said that the project plans to be completed this fall.  Joyce moved to accept the project and Ray’s estimate of $3,585.  Seconded by AJ.  All in favor.
3.     Recreation – Playground proposal update. AJ said he had no updates from the Commission.  Jake will be encouraged to submit a proposal and attend one of the scheduled budget meetings.  This will be added to the next agenda.
4.     Grants – MERP Reimbursement.  Joyce stated that Denis Vellieux has not reviewed his invoice yet for the moisture mitigation project on the exterior of Town Office.  Ann stated that no MERP funds were expended during the first quarter and submitted the quarterly report to VT Buildings & General Services . She will submit a copy of the report to Trish.
5.     Town Report – additions. Ann said that George will be attending the October 21st meeting at 5:30pm with Executive Session following. She presented a brochure about CARE and would like it added to Town Report. It is an organization where citizens who need assistance can contact this organization for help. She said she would also like to add a form to encourage people to volunteer. The form would list all the positions, even those currently filled, that a person could express interest in. Ann said she would draft something.
 
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes                                   page 3
October 16, 2025
 
6.     Budget – department schedule presentations. The Board discussed sending out reminders to have departments make appointments to appear before the Board with their budget
proposals. It was decided not to do that this year, but next year, assign a date and time when the initial budget request letter is sent out. Joyce said she will ask Connie to attend re: Parks & Grounds, and Cemetery.
7.     Building Maintenance. Joyce said that she has ordered metal signs for posting for about $48. They will address no skateboard, rollerblading, etc. on the Court to avoid potential damage. The outside lighting was discussed. It appears it was operating all summer. The Board will try to make changes to the lighting schedule for the winter,.
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1.     Grants – PACIF Grant. Ann said that she downloaded an app and regulations regarding this. She will get an estimate for the repair of some boards on the bandstand. An estimate is needed by PACIF. The grant would cover 50% of the project. She will also include for possible reimbursement the cost of the two new desks for the Town Clerk and assistant. The deadline for applying is October 31st.
2.     Finance – September Treasurer’s Report. Ann asked if members had reviewed the report. She said that she had a question about the HW Equipment Fund. Also noted was a difference in HRA funding for George and Trish. Ann moved to accept the report. Seconded by Joyce. All in favor.
 
Ann moved to adjourn the Regular meeting at 6:44pm and enter into Executive Session. Seconded by AJ.
 
3.     Executive Session – 1 V.S.A. § 313 (a) (1) (E) – possible civil litigation/prosecutions.
 
The Board exited the session and took no action at 7:04pm.
 
ADJOURNMENT: Ann moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:04pm. Seconded by AJ.
 
NEXT MEETING DATES:
-       October 21, 2025 Budget Meeting w/Department Presentations  5:00pm  Town Office
-       November 6, 2025 Regular Meeting  5:30pm  Town Hall
 
Respectfully submitted,
Approved: October 21, 2025___________________
                                                                                                Martha L. Beyersdorf
                                                                                                Select Board Secretary
 
 

Ann Kuendig                                        Joyce Stevens                                               AJ Ruben

​ 
 
PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD BUDGET MEETING MINUTES

 
To listen to a recording of the meeting, click here:  https://bit.ly/48sFgLd
 
DATE: October 7, 2925
 
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
 
PUBLIC PRESENT: Trisha Abbondelo
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1.     Budget: General Fund Income and Expenses
 
ADJOURNMENT:
 
NEXT MEETING DATES:
1.     Regular Meeting: Thursday, October 16, 2025 @ 5:30pm  Town Hall
2.     Budget Meeting: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 @ 5:00pm  Town Office
 
Ann called the meeting of the Pittsfield Select Board to order at 5:04pm. Seconded by AJ.  All in favor.  Ann had a question regarding the Vermont Sales Tax.  Trish responded and said that she had it under the wrong coding.  She said it had to do with the childcare tax that was initiated in July.  There was also a question about $175 for a grave opening that was paid to the town.  It should have been paid to Connie Martin, so Trish said she deposited it and then paid Connie.  Ann explained the item under NB#3 of the October 2nd meeting and how the payments to the Town would work. On January 1, 2026 and for the following five years, the Town would receive $700.  Then on January 1, 2031, and the following five years, the Town would receive 50% of that.  That will be a new line item entitled Municipal Buyout Grant.  There is also the Katherine Bonin grant paid from the Vermont Community Foundation which will be approximately $1600,  to start the fund.  Distribution checks will be sent automatically each year around February.  Discussion as to where it should be kept, and what, if anything specific, it should be used for.
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1.     Budget: General Fund Income and Expenses
Interest: GF
·      Dog Licenses – remain at $250
·      Liquor Licenses – increase to $460
·      Town Clerk Fees – remain at $7,000
·      Interest: General Fund – increase to $10,000
·      Interest: Land Trust - increase to $4,000
·      Interest: Restricted Funds – address later
·      Current Use Payment – reduce to $8,000
 
 
 
Pittsfield Select Board Budget Meeting Minutes                                                      page 2
October 7, 2025
 
·      Federal Excise Tax – remain at $12.
·      Rutland County Tax – increase to $8,800.
·      Refuse Removal – remain at $420.
·      Services: Legal – remain at $5,000
·      Services: Advertising – reduce to $250
·      Maintenance & Repairs: Town Office Building – remain at $6,000
·      Maintenance & Repairs: Town Hall – remain at $3,000
·      Band Stand: $250 noted that it needs some repairs Ann will get estimate and submit application for PACIF Grant.
·      Maintenance & Repairs: Garage: transfer line item to Highway budget
·      Utilities: Town Hall – Electricity: reduce to $2,200
·      Utilities: Town Hall – Fuel: remain at $500
·      Utilities: Town Office Building – Electricity: increase to $3,500
·      Utilities: Town Office Building – Fuel: increase to $3,500
·      Utilities: Town Office Building – Phone/Internet: remain at $2,200
·      Utilities: Highway Garage: Electricity – increase to $1,200
·      Utilities: Highway Garage: Phone/Internet – increase to $1,400
·      Utilities: Highway Garage: LP Gas – increase to $1,400
·      Equipment Maintenance: Parks & Grounds portable toilet – increase to $1,000
·      Office Expense: Copier Lease & Copy fees – remain at $2,200
·      Office Expense: Office Supplies – reduce to $2,000
·      Office Expense: Postage – remain at $2,000
Discussion: mail the postcards in mid-November; post locally week after Thanksgiving
·      Planning Commission: Printing, Copies, etc – remain at $150
·      Recreation Commission: Printing, Copies, etc – remain at $150
 
ADJOURNMENT:  As there was no further business to discuss tonight, Ann adjourned the meeting at 6:34pm.  Seconded by AJ.  All in favor.
 
NEXT MEETING DATES:
1.     Regular Meeting: Thursday, October 16, 2025 @ 5:30pm  Town Hal l
2.     Budget Meeting: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 @ 5:00pm  Town Office
 
 
Approved: October 21, 2025                                    Respectfully submitted,
 
 
                                                                                                Martha L. Beyersdorf
 
                                     

Ann Kuendig                                        Joyce Stevns                            AJ Ruben
 

​PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

 
To listen to a recording of the meeting, click here:  https://bit.ly/3Wp2mel
 
DATE: October 2, 2025
 
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
 
PUBLIC PRESENT:
 
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS:
1.     NB#3 – Municipal Buyout
2.     NB#4 – Northman Gutter paperwork
3.     NB#5 – Executive Session
 
MINUTES APPROVAL: September 18, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes
 
CORRESPONDENCE:
1.     Grants – TRORC-FEMA grants
2.     GMNF – Fire Closure Order
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.     Fire Department – Fence Installation Update
2.     Charge VT – vehicle charger estimates update
3.     Mt Wilcox Water System – update
4.     Recreation – Playground Proposal Update
5.     Budget – Budget Letters Update
6.     Grants – MERP Grant Reimbursement
7.     Building Maintenance – Court Signage
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1.     Finances – FY25 Year-End Report Review
2.     Finance – Treasurer’s Report: July and August financial reports
3.     Finances – Municipal Buyout Money
4.     Independent Contractor - Northman Gutter paperwork
5.     Executive Session – 1 V.S.A. § 313 (a) (1) (E)
 
ADJOURNMENT:
 
NEXT MEETING DATES:
1.     Budget: Tuesday, October 7, 2025  5:00pm  Town Office (with Treasurer) 
2.     Regular: Thursday, October 16, 2025  5:30pm  Town Hall
 
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Mintes                                                       page 2
October 2, 2025
 
Ann called the meeting to order at 5:33pm.  Seconded by AJ.  All in favor.  She presented two Agenda Modifications (see above).  Seconded by AJ.  All in favor.  Joyce moved to accept the Minutes of September 18, 2925.  Seconded by Ann.  All in favor. 
 
CORRESPONDENCE:
1.     Grants – TRORC-FEMA grants.  Ann said that she received notice from TRORC that the Federal Government was stopping funds being sent to TRORC.  There will be no reimbursement should we have losses, buyouts, or need trucks in the event of flooding.  Right now, Pittsfield doesn’t need any of these funds, but if we needed help, TRORC won’t be able to provide that.  Our only action would be to contact VT Emergency Management.  No action at this time.
2.     GMNF – Fire Closure Order.  The GMNF is issuing fire restrictions on the national forest effective September 22, 2025, in response to ongoing moderate to severe drought conditions in Vermont.  There are signs posted at the top of Michigan Rd.  The order basically says that there is no building, maintaining, attending, using a fire, campfire, charcoal or wood grill outside of the Forest Service provided metal fire ring or pole mounted grill and no smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building.  Ann said that the order is accepted and will be publicized around town.
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.     Fire Department – Fence Installation Update.  Lowell Landscaping will be doing the fence installation.  In the meantime, Joyce said she would check the records as to where their property line is next to the Post Office/Store is.  The Fire Department has indicated that they will move the jersey barriers and clear a ditch as a preventative measure. 
2.     Charge VT – vehicle charger estimates update. It was noted that there is an application for the actual chargers pending.  Ann said that we applied to show our interest, but they came back with some questions.  The questions were answered.  We didn’t hear anything until four months later they said there was money available and were we interested?  What is needed now is an estimate from a certified electrician.  Two estimates were obtained but they need to be itemized, and photos taken.  The prep work falls to the Town to do the technical work.  Joyce was thanked for navigating all this.
3.     Mt Wilcox Water System – update.  Ray Harvey has sent an estimate regarding capping off the water system however, the Board would like more details.  Joyce said she would contact him and invite him to the next Regular meeting on October 16th either in person or virtually.  The Board discussed concerns about how it will be shut off or relocated so that it won’t affect any of the properties in the area.  AJ said that he has posted a No Trespassing sign at the property.  The Board agreed this should be done before the ground freezes.
4.     Recreation – Playground Proposal Update.  AJ said that he spoke with Jake Hunt and Jake told him that O’Brien and Sons are busy.  He is requesting estimates from two other companies.  He noted that the swing-set cannot be moved due to rust and cement. 
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes                                                     page 3
October 2, 2025
 
5.     Budget – Budget Letters Update.  The Secretary was asked if the emails had been sent to the various department re: budget proposals.  Some departments were also asked to make appointments to discuss their budgets and also their Capital Improvement Program (CIP).  Ann said that the Library plans to attend on November 11th at 5:45pm.  Ann read the list of Services that have received contributions from the Town in the past.  She also added/changed some contact  information to several businesses.  There was some discussion as to the status of the VNA.  The Secretary said she would be sending out those emails this weekend.  The Board was shown the letter that Ann drafted to these businesses. 
6.     Grants – MERP Grant Reimbursement.  An updated invoice has still not been received from Denis Veilleux.  Joyce will follow up.
7.     Building Maintenance – Court Signage.  Joyce said that she sent letters to Denis and Vision Builders for a re-estimate of the windows and doors for Town Offices building,  Tim at Wilks Paving has indicated they are unable to do the work at this time but have an outside contractor who will do the work.  The issue is to raise the BERM area that water collects so that it doesn’t.  Ann noted that there is an app with various subscription levels where we can post our pickleball court and people can sign up for time segments.  AJ presented a potential conflict with those who want to play basketball.  Discussion.  Ann asked about the burners being cleaned before winter.  Joyce said the Town Office building was just done but didn’t know about the Town Hall.  Joyce will check to see if there is a tag on the burner in Town Hall and if not, contact CV Oil.  There was also concern about the front door being left open after the Bazaar last Saturday. The Fire Department had requested access to the building prior to the Bazaar re: tables, etc.  Evidently it wasn’t checked after the Bazaar.  The Board decided that the building should be checked regularly and perhaps the Assistant Town Clerk can do a walk-around on Tuesdays and Thursdays when he closes.  It was also noted that the office usually walks to the Post Office during their days and could check as well.   
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1.     Finances – FY25 Year-End Report Review.  Ann asked if anyone knew how a VT sales tax can be a source of income for the Town.  Discussion.  Ann asked members to be sure to bring the year-end report they received at the last meeting to the Budget Meeting on Tuesday.
2.     Finance – Treasurer’s Report: July and August financial reports.  Ann moved to accept both reports.  Seconded by AJ.  All in favor.
3.     Finances – Ann announced that the State wants to send Pittsfield some money.  There is a program to help Towns that have lost tax revenue due to buyouts and such since April 1, 2023.  The house, formerly at 593 Route 100 is within that period.  They take the value
 
 
 
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes                                                     page 4
October 2, 2025
 
 
of the house prior to loss and multiply by the current tax rate.  Town can expect almost $800/year for five years on January 1st.  After that, the following five years are paid at 50%.
4.     Independent Contractors – paperwork.  The Board approved and signed the paperwork for Joshua Custer of Northman Gutter.
 
Ann moved to adjourn the regular meeting to enter Executive Session at 6:34pm. Seconded by Joyce.  All in favor.
5.     Executive Session – 1 V.S.A. § 313 (a) (1) (E) possible civil litigation/prosecution.
 
Ann moved to exit Executive Session and resume the regular session at 6:59pm. Joyce seconded.  All in favor.  Ann then  moved to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:00m.  Seconded by AJ.  All in favor.
 
NEXT MEETING DATES:
1.     Budget: Tuesday, October 7, 2025  5:00pm  Town Office (with Treasurer) 
2.     Regular: Thursday, October 16, 2025  5:30pm  Town Hall
 
 
Approved:       October 16, 2025                                                                         Respectfully submitted,
 
                                                                                                Martha L. Beyersdorf
                                                                                                Select Board Secretary
 
 
 

     Ann Kuendig                               Joyce Stevens                                  AJ Ruben