PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD BUDGET MEETING MINUTES
To listen to a recording of the meeting, please click here: https://bit.ly/3DIaa4V
DATE: January 2, 2025
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
PUBLIC PRESENT: Tricia Abbondelo, Town Treasurer
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS: C#3 – Community Care/Rutland Mental Health donation request
MINUTES APPROVAL: December 12, 2024 Budget Meeting
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Town Report – New Story donation request
2. Town Report – VT Center for Independent Living donation request
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Budget – CIP/Budget Disbursements
2. Insurance – PACIF Insurance Renewal
3. Warrant -
4. Audit – RFP Audit Update
5. GMNF – Telephone Gap meeting
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Town Meeting – Preparations
ADJOURNMENT:
NEXT MEETING DATES:
· Budget – Thursday, January 9, 2025 5:00pm Town Office
· Regular – Thursday, January 16, 2025 5:30pm Town Hall
Ann called the budget meeting to order at 5:07pm. Seconded by Joyce. All in favor. AJ moved to approve the December 12th Budget Meeting Minutes. Seconded by Ann. All in favor.
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Town Report – New Story donation request. They are requesting $200.00. This was approved at a previous meeting. This is just putting it on record.
2. Town Report – VT Center for Independent Living donation request. They are requesting $75.00. That was also approved at the last budget meeting.
3. Community Care/Rutland Mental Health – donation request. Community Care is requesting $588.00. Ann said that they had not heard from them, but Rutland Mental Health requested $150.00. Ann asked if the Board wanted to approve the two amounts or make one amount $600.00. This amount has been approved in previous years.
Pittsfield Select Board Budget Meeting Minutes page 2
January 2, 2025
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Budget – CIP/Budget Disbursements.
· Ann asked Trish about the Undesignated Fund balance and there was some discussion regarding the fence for the Fire Department. The Fire Department Reserve Fund was discussed. No new turnout gear is needed at present. Maybe start budgeting for turnout gear and SCUBA in five years. It was suggested that that $1,500 be added as they will be needing more equipment. The next Truck slated to be replaced is the 1990 International. It was suggested $40,000 be deposited towards the purchase for the new truck in 2035.
· HW Equipment Fund – George thinks the Mack truck can last at least ten years. It was suggested that $40,000 be deposited towards a new Mack truck to be purchased in 2035.
· Parks & Grounds Equipment Fund – There are no pressing needs, but it would be good to start building a reserve fund. It was decided to move $1,000 into the fund.
· The Recreation Fund. The fund currently has a balance of $21,504. An article to approve moving the balance of the Paving Fund to this fund is needed. AJ said he would like to have some money to go into the fund to support the playground, even if it’s just $5,000 or $10,000. The Board agreed to deposit an additional $20,000 into the fund.
· Town Hall Reserve Fund – The new roof is expected to be $100,000. Standing seam may be a bit less than that. The Board is looking at ten years for the roof replacement. The Board agreed to deposit $10,000 in the Town Hall Reserve.
· Contingency Fund – There was some discussion as to what to put in. Ann suggested a minimum of $1,000.
· Town Office Maintenance Fund –Increase office supplies from $2,000 to $4,000 to pay for new desks for the Clerk and Assistant Clerk. Deposit $1,000 into Town Office Building Reserve for future projects. Reduce office maintenance from $500 to $100.
· Computer Equipment Fund - $1,000.
· Tech Support & Software – Every time something is added, it creates another line item. The new email software was discussed. A new laptop for George and new desktop are recommended for the Town Clerk. Saquaro quoted $2,32 for both. There was discussion regarding a new laptop for the various committees.
· Reappraisal Fund – Money needs to be added because reappraisals are recommended less than 10 years. The State is talking about making it 6 years. There are expected changes in the reappraisal procedure. The Board approved $3,000 and will wait and see what happens with the Legislature.
· Village Green Maintenance – Change name to Village Tree Maintenance. An Article would be needed. Funding was discussed and $2,000 deposit agreed upon.
· HW Building Maintenance – This was a line item. Decision not to add any funding this year.
· Fire Department Building Fund – Create a new reserve fund for the department to replace or expand the Fire House. Herb Kuendig has created a preliminary sketch showing additions and renovations. Ann suggested that $5,000 be deposited for survey and permitting work as a first phase.
· Audit: $5,000 was added to the line item for the possibility of another audit the following year.
Pittsfield Select Board Budget Meeting Minutes page
January 2, 2025
2. Insurance – PACIF Insurance Renewal. Discussion.
3. Warrant – Ann presented the Warning as it is. The Constable position was added to the Warrant. The Board added three new Articles: to transfer funds in Paving Reserve to Recreation Reserve Fund, to create Town Tree Maintenance reserve fund with a $2,000 deposit and create a PVFR Building Fund with a $5,000 deposit.
4. Audit – RFP Audit Update. Ann said she had not heard from Peisch Auditors. The other firm that was contacted isn’t interested in bidding. There have been no other responses. She said she also reached out to a new firm in Montpelier that works a lot with municipalities. They have asked for an RFP.
5. GMNF – Telephone Gap meeting. Chris Mattrick is available next week for a public information meeting. Decision to hold on Saturday, January 11th at 9:00am. This meeting will be advertised/texted.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Town Meeting – Preparations. Ann asked if the Board wanted to have a Regular Select Board meeting two days after Town Meeting? Yes, it will be held. There could be discussion about upcoming items the Board will be dealing with. Possible refreshments were also discussed. Swiss Farm will provide cheese and cracker platters. Ann will prepare coffee pots for decaf coffee and tea.
NEXT MEETING DATES:
· Budget – Thursday, January 9, 2025 5:00pm Town Office
· Regular – Thursday, January 16, 2025 5:30pm Town Hall
ADJOURNMENT:
As there was no further business to discuss, Ann moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:33pm. Seconded by Joyce. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha L. Beyersdorf
Approved: January 16, 2025
Ann Kuendig Joyce Stevens AJ Ruben___________________
To listen to a recording of the meeting, please click here: https://bit.ly/3DIaa4V
DATE: January 2, 2025
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
PUBLIC PRESENT: Tricia Abbondelo, Town Treasurer
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS: C#3 – Community Care/Rutland Mental Health donation request
MINUTES APPROVAL: December 12, 2024 Budget Meeting
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Town Report – New Story donation request
2. Town Report – VT Center for Independent Living donation request
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Budget – CIP/Budget Disbursements
2. Insurance – PACIF Insurance Renewal
3. Warrant -
4. Audit – RFP Audit Update
5. GMNF – Telephone Gap meeting
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Town Meeting – Preparations
ADJOURNMENT:
NEXT MEETING DATES:
· Budget – Thursday, January 9, 2025 5:00pm Town Office
· Regular – Thursday, January 16, 2025 5:30pm Town Hall
Ann called the budget meeting to order at 5:07pm. Seconded by Joyce. All in favor. AJ moved to approve the December 12th Budget Meeting Minutes. Seconded by Ann. All in favor.
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Town Report – New Story donation request. They are requesting $200.00. This was approved at a previous meeting. This is just putting it on record.
2. Town Report – VT Center for Independent Living donation request. They are requesting $75.00. That was also approved at the last budget meeting.
3. Community Care/Rutland Mental Health – donation request. Community Care is requesting $588.00. Ann said that they had not heard from them, but Rutland Mental Health requested $150.00. Ann asked if the Board wanted to approve the two amounts or make one amount $600.00. This amount has been approved in previous years.
Pittsfield Select Board Budget Meeting Minutes page 2
January 2, 2025
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Budget – CIP/Budget Disbursements.
· Ann asked Trish about the Undesignated Fund balance and there was some discussion regarding the fence for the Fire Department. The Fire Department Reserve Fund was discussed. No new turnout gear is needed at present. Maybe start budgeting for turnout gear and SCUBA in five years. It was suggested that that $1,500 be added as they will be needing more equipment. The next Truck slated to be replaced is the 1990 International. It was suggested $40,000 be deposited towards the purchase for the new truck in 2035.
· HW Equipment Fund – George thinks the Mack truck can last at least ten years. It was suggested that $40,000 be deposited towards a new Mack truck to be purchased in 2035.
· Parks & Grounds Equipment Fund – There are no pressing needs, but it would be good to start building a reserve fund. It was decided to move $1,000 into the fund.
· The Recreation Fund. The fund currently has a balance of $21,504. An article to approve moving the balance of the Paving Fund to this fund is needed. AJ said he would like to have some money to go into the fund to support the playground, even if it’s just $5,000 or $10,000. The Board agreed to deposit an additional $20,000 into the fund.
· Town Hall Reserve Fund – The new roof is expected to be $100,000. Standing seam may be a bit less than that. The Board is looking at ten years for the roof replacement. The Board agreed to deposit $10,000 in the Town Hall Reserve.
· Contingency Fund – There was some discussion as to what to put in. Ann suggested a minimum of $1,000.
· Town Office Maintenance Fund –Increase office supplies from $2,000 to $4,000 to pay for new desks for the Clerk and Assistant Clerk. Deposit $1,000 into Town Office Building Reserve for future projects. Reduce office maintenance from $500 to $100.
· Computer Equipment Fund - $1,000.
· Tech Support & Software – Every time something is added, it creates another line item. The new email software was discussed. A new laptop for George and new desktop are recommended for the Town Clerk. Saquaro quoted $2,32 for both. There was discussion regarding a new laptop for the various committees.
· Reappraisal Fund – Money needs to be added because reappraisals are recommended less than 10 years. The State is talking about making it 6 years. There are expected changes in the reappraisal procedure. The Board approved $3,000 and will wait and see what happens with the Legislature.
· Village Green Maintenance – Change name to Village Tree Maintenance. An Article would be needed. Funding was discussed and $2,000 deposit agreed upon.
· HW Building Maintenance – This was a line item. Decision not to add any funding this year.
· Fire Department Building Fund – Create a new reserve fund for the department to replace or expand the Fire House. Herb Kuendig has created a preliminary sketch showing additions and renovations. Ann suggested that $5,000 be deposited for survey and permitting work as a first phase.
· Audit: $5,000 was added to the line item for the possibility of another audit the following year.
Pittsfield Select Board Budget Meeting Minutes page
January 2, 2025
2. Insurance – PACIF Insurance Renewal. Discussion.
3. Warrant – Ann presented the Warning as it is. The Constable position was added to the Warrant. The Board added three new Articles: to transfer funds in Paving Reserve to Recreation Reserve Fund, to create Town Tree Maintenance reserve fund with a $2,000 deposit and create a PVFR Building Fund with a $5,000 deposit.
4. Audit – RFP Audit Update. Ann said she had not heard from Peisch Auditors. The other firm that was contacted isn’t interested in bidding. There have been no other responses. She said she also reached out to a new firm in Montpelier that works a lot with municipalities. They have asked for an RFP.
5. GMNF – Telephone Gap meeting. Chris Mattrick is available next week for a public information meeting. Decision to hold on Saturday, January 11th at 9:00am. This meeting will be advertised/texted.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Town Meeting – Preparations. Ann asked if the Board wanted to have a Regular Select Board meeting two days after Town Meeting? Yes, it will be held. There could be discussion about upcoming items the Board will be dealing with. Possible refreshments were also discussed. Swiss Farm will provide cheese and cracker platters. Ann will prepare coffee pots for decaf coffee and tea.
NEXT MEETING DATES:
· Budget – Thursday, January 9, 2025 5:00pm Town Office
· Regular – Thursday, January 16, 2025 5:30pm Town Hall
ADJOURNMENT:
As there was no further business to discuss, Ann moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:33pm. Seconded by Joyce. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha L. Beyersdorf
Approved: January 16, 2025
Ann Kuendig Joyce Stevens AJ Ruben___________________
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