PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
DATE: February 20, 2025
To listen to a recording of the meeting click: https://bit.ly/3EQUuwW
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig, AJ Ruben, Joyce Stevens via TEAMS
MINUTES APPROVAL: February 6, 2025 Regular Meeting
PUBLIC PRESENT: Bryan Kovalick via Teams; Brett Yates (Mountain Times) via Teams
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Resignations – Emergency Management Co-Dire
2. Visiting Nurses & Hospice of VT and NH – resumption of service
3. VT Department of Housing and Community Development – public hearing notice
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Town Highway – Mileage Certificate additional info request
2. Finance – Contingency Fund CD’s
3. Building Maintenance – lighting, survey PVFD septic and property lines
4. Town Office – recruitment
5. Policy – Municipal Code of Ethics
NEW BUSINESS:
1. TRORC – Shared services
2. Events – Rootstock Racing event
3. Grants – Cultural Facilities Grant for Town Hall
4. Finance – Treasurer’s Report for January
ADJOURN
NEXT MEETING DATES:
· Tuesday, March 4, 2025 – Town Meeting @ 6:00pm Town Hall
· Thursday, March 6, 2025 – Select Board Regular Meeting @ 5:30pm Town Hall
Ann called the meeting to order at 5:32pm. AJ seconded. All in favor. Ann said that both she and Joyce had a few edits to the Minutes and the posted Draft of the Minutes was corrected. One pertained to a 12’ ladder being ordered, not lighting. The estimate for the future replacement of the Town Hall roof was accepted at $34,300. Ann moved to accept with the edits. AJ seconded. All in favor. Ann said that Bryan is here to address the shared service position we’ve been considering with other towns. Ann moved to take NB#1 out of order and moved to the top of the agenda. AJ seconded. All in favor.
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Resignations – Emergency Management Co-Director. Ann said that Ryan Thompson has submitted his
resignation as Emergency Management Co-Director. He said that his job responsibilities are taking more
of his time. Ann suggested asking Candy Kadamik if she would like to stay on or step down. She added that
she sent a note of appreciation for the time Ryan has devoted over the years. Ann moved to accept Ryan’s
resignation and leave our decision regarding Candace to our meeting following Town Meeting when we
consider our appointments. AJ seconded. All in favor.
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 2
February 20, 2025
.
2. Visiting Nurses & Hospice of VT and NH – resumption of service. The correspondence stated that this
organization will resume business as of April 15, 2025. It went on to explain that they had to curtail
services as of March 20243due to staff shortages. The Board noted that they were not aware that this had
happened when they were considering budget contributions.
3. VT Department of Housing and Community Development – public hearing notice. The State will be
holding a Statewide Public Hearing on February 24, 2025. This will be an in-person hearing and also
available electronically. Every five years the State updates its plan on how it’s going to distribute federal funding it receives in state housing-type programs.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Town Highway – Mileage Certificate additional info request. Ann said that the Certificate was submitted
however, there were some additional questions that needed more information.
2. Finance – Contingency Fund CD’s. Ann said that Trish signed the two CD renewals: one for $41,006.38
for 6 months @ 3.69% and the other for $41,000 for 3 months @ 3.93%.
3. Building Maintenance – lighting, survey PVFD septic and property lines. Joyce said that electrician A-Plus has ordered the new lighting for Town Office. Surveyor and Septic design engineer Rob Townsend responded to request of estimate on Fire Department survey but Joyce will get back to him for additional information. She added that the PVFD would like a survey of the septic and property lines. The cost would be $3,000 - $3,500. Just for the septic design. Joyce suggested that this project wait until spring.
4. Town Office – recruitment. Ann said that Assistant Town Clerk & Treasurer Randy Strong has expressed
an interest in the recently vacated position of E911 Coordinator. Martha was asked where the Town
stands with the State. Ann also asked how the E-911 Board operates. Ann moved to appoint Randy
Strong to the position of E911 Coordinator. Joyce seconded. All favor. Discussion on developing posters and social media submissions for open vacancies of town offices.
5. Policy – Municipal Code of Ethics. New requirements have been added. Ann said that she had downloaded the template from VLTC and compared it to Pittsfield’s current ordinance. She felt a new Code needs to be passed. She passed out the template and current code for the Board members to look over and begin editing
NEW BUSINESS:
1. TRORC – Shared services. Ann said that she has been talking to other towns about sharing an admin-
administrative assistant position with other towns. Bryan said he has reached out to Stockbridge,
Rochester, Hancock, and Granville. Stockbridge is not interested at this time, Rochester has expressed
an interest, and there has been no response yet from Hancock or Granville. TRORC is curious to see what
your amount of interest is in having a staff resource who can help the Select Board with taking meeting
Minutes, follow-up items from meetings, other admin tasks, and how many hours per week would be
needed. Joyce said she felt this was part of the Board’s Secretary position and this would take away the
Secretary’s position. Bryan said that could be part of it. Other towns seem to be interested in more
specified roles. He asked what the needs of Pittsfield were. Joyce asked about the cost and
Bryan said they were figuring about $100/hour. Joyce said that $100 is way over budget for being a secretary. Bryan said that they use that as a measuring tool, such as the cost for a planner at TRORC. Ann asked about splitting the cost between the towns. AJ said that the Board couldn’t budget for that. AJ added that it’s hard to find volunteers to fill the statutory positions.
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 3
February 20, 2025
More discussion. AJ asked Bryan to take back to TRORC to see if they can help with these positions.
The Board thanked Bryan for speaking tonight.
2. Events – Rootstock Racing event. Ann said that the Board received a request from Brett Friedland, the
race director, asking for permission to direct his racers through Pittsfield. This is just a head’s up as we
have no policy regarding races. The event is scheduled for June 21-28, 2025. Joyce explained how the
race works. Discussion. Ann moved to let them know that we welcome the racers in June. Joyce
seconded. All in favor.
3. Grants – Cultural Facilities Grant for Town Hall. Ann said she was interested in applying. The Board has
applied in past years. The deadline is May 15, 2025. The grant could be used to improve lighting and
wiring in the Town Hall, as well as making improvements to the stage area. There is a 50% funding
requirement. She said she thought she could do this on her own but would look over the application.
4. Finance – Treasurer’s Report for January. Joyce said she hadn’t looked at the report. Ann commented
that the Listers were overbudget with license fees (VALA, NEMRC tables,) It was decided
to table this to the next meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Town Meeting prep:
· Board members should arrive at 5:30pm
· Ann offered to make the coffee
· Joyce offered to make cocoa and a cheese/cracker platter
· AJ offered to help set up and clean up
· Water will also be made available.
NEXT MEETING DATES:
· Tuesday, March 4, 2025 – Town Meeting @ 6:00pm Town Hall
· Thursday, March 6, 2025 – Select Board Regular Meeting @ 5:30pm Town Hall
As there was no further business to discuss, Ann moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:29pm. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha L. Beyersdorf
Approved: March 6, 2025
Ann Kuendig Joyce Stevens AJ Ruben
DATE: February 20, 2025
To listen to a recording of the meeting click: https://bit.ly/3EQUuwW
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig, AJ Ruben, Joyce Stevens via TEAMS
MINUTES APPROVAL: February 6, 2025 Regular Meeting
PUBLIC PRESENT: Bryan Kovalick via Teams; Brett Yates (Mountain Times) via Teams
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Resignations – Emergency Management Co-Dire
2. Visiting Nurses & Hospice of VT and NH – resumption of service
3. VT Department of Housing and Community Development – public hearing notice
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Town Highway – Mileage Certificate additional info request
2. Finance – Contingency Fund CD’s
3. Building Maintenance – lighting, survey PVFD septic and property lines
4. Town Office – recruitment
5. Policy – Municipal Code of Ethics
NEW BUSINESS:
1. TRORC – Shared services
2. Events – Rootstock Racing event
3. Grants – Cultural Facilities Grant for Town Hall
4. Finance – Treasurer’s Report for January
ADJOURN
NEXT MEETING DATES:
· Tuesday, March 4, 2025 – Town Meeting @ 6:00pm Town Hall
· Thursday, March 6, 2025 – Select Board Regular Meeting @ 5:30pm Town Hall
Ann called the meeting to order at 5:32pm. AJ seconded. All in favor. Ann said that both she and Joyce had a few edits to the Minutes and the posted Draft of the Minutes was corrected. One pertained to a 12’ ladder being ordered, not lighting. The estimate for the future replacement of the Town Hall roof was accepted at $34,300. Ann moved to accept with the edits. AJ seconded. All in favor. Ann said that Bryan is here to address the shared service position we’ve been considering with other towns. Ann moved to take NB#1 out of order and moved to the top of the agenda. AJ seconded. All in favor.
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Resignations – Emergency Management Co-Director. Ann said that Ryan Thompson has submitted his
resignation as Emergency Management Co-Director. He said that his job responsibilities are taking more
of his time. Ann suggested asking Candy Kadamik if she would like to stay on or step down. She added that
she sent a note of appreciation for the time Ryan has devoted over the years. Ann moved to accept Ryan’s
resignation and leave our decision regarding Candace to our meeting following Town Meeting when we
consider our appointments. AJ seconded. All in favor.
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 2
February 20, 2025
.
2. Visiting Nurses & Hospice of VT and NH – resumption of service. The correspondence stated that this
organization will resume business as of April 15, 2025. It went on to explain that they had to curtail
services as of March 20243due to staff shortages. The Board noted that they were not aware that this had
happened when they were considering budget contributions.
3. VT Department of Housing and Community Development – public hearing notice. The State will be
holding a Statewide Public Hearing on February 24, 2025. This will be an in-person hearing and also
available electronically. Every five years the State updates its plan on how it’s going to distribute federal funding it receives in state housing-type programs.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Town Highway – Mileage Certificate additional info request. Ann said that the Certificate was submitted
however, there were some additional questions that needed more information.
2. Finance – Contingency Fund CD’s. Ann said that Trish signed the two CD renewals: one for $41,006.38
for 6 months @ 3.69% and the other for $41,000 for 3 months @ 3.93%.
3. Building Maintenance – lighting, survey PVFD septic and property lines. Joyce said that electrician A-Plus has ordered the new lighting for Town Office. Surveyor and Septic design engineer Rob Townsend responded to request of estimate on Fire Department survey but Joyce will get back to him for additional information. She added that the PVFD would like a survey of the septic and property lines. The cost would be $3,000 - $3,500. Just for the septic design. Joyce suggested that this project wait until spring.
4. Town Office – recruitment. Ann said that Assistant Town Clerk & Treasurer Randy Strong has expressed
an interest in the recently vacated position of E911 Coordinator. Martha was asked where the Town
stands with the State. Ann also asked how the E-911 Board operates. Ann moved to appoint Randy
Strong to the position of E911 Coordinator. Joyce seconded. All favor. Discussion on developing posters and social media submissions for open vacancies of town offices.
5. Policy – Municipal Code of Ethics. New requirements have been added. Ann said that she had downloaded the template from VLTC and compared it to Pittsfield’s current ordinance. She felt a new Code needs to be passed. She passed out the template and current code for the Board members to look over and begin editing
NEW BUSINESS:
1. TRORC – Shared services. Ann said that she has been talking to other towns about sharing an admin-
administrative assistant position with other towns. Bryan said he has reached out to Stockbridge,
Rochester, Hancock, and Granville. Stockbridge is not interested at this time, Rochester has expressed
an interest, and there has been no response yet from Hancock or Granville. TRORC is curious to see what
your amount of interest is in having a staff resource who can help the Select Board with taking meeting
Minutes, follow-up items from meetings, other admin tasks, and how many hours per week would be
needed. Joyce said she felt this was part of the Board’s Secretary position and this would take away the
Secretary’s position. Bryan said that could be part of it. Other towns seem to be interested in more
specified roles. He asked what the needs of Pittsfield were. Joyce asked about the cost and
Bryan said they were figuring about $100/hour. Joyce said that $100 is way over budget for being a secretary. Bryan said that they use that as a measuring tool, such as the cost for a planner at TRORC. Ann asked about splitting the cost between the towns. AJ said that the Board couldn’t budget for that. AJ added that it’s hard to find volunteers to fill the statutory positions.
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes page 3
February 20, 2025
More discussion. AJ asked Bryan to take back to TRORC to see if they can help with these positions.
The Board thanked Bryan for speaking tonight.
2. Events – Rootstock Racing event. Ann said that the Board received a request from Brett Friedland, the
race director, asking for permission to direct his racers through Pittsfield. This is just a head’s up as we
have no policy regarding races. The event is scheduled for June 21-28, 2025. Joyce explained how the
race works. Discussion. Ann moved to let them know that we welcome the racers in June. Joyce
seconded. All in favor.
3. Grants – Cultural Facilities Grant for Town Hall. Ann said she was interested in applying. The Board has
applied in past years. The deadline is May 15, 2025. The grant could be used to improve lighting and
wiring in the Town Hall, as well as making improvements to the stage area. There is a 50% funding
requirement. She said she thought she could do this on her own but would look over the application.
4. Finance – Treasurer’s Report for January. Joyce said she hadn’t looked at the report. Ann commented
that the Listers were overbudget with license fees (VALA, NEMRC tables,) It was decided
to table this to the next meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Town Meeting prep:
· Board members should arrive at 5:30pm
· Ann offered to make the coffee
· Joyce offered to make cocoa and a cheese/cracker platter
· AJ offered to help set up and clean up
· Water will also be made available.
NEXT MEETING DATES:
· Tuesday, March 4, 2025 – Town Meeting @ 6:00pm Town Hall
· Thursday, March 6, 2025 – Select Board Regular Meeting @ 5:30pm Town Hall
As there was no further business to discuss, Ann moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:29pm. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha L. Beyersdorf
Approved: March 6, 2025
Ann Kuendig Joyce Stevens AJ Ruben
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