PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
DRAFT
To listen to a recording of the meeting, click here: https://bit.ly/43Rzi3w
DATE: November 20, 2025
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
PUBLIC PRESENT: Greg Martin, Dave Colton
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS:
1. NB#3 Road Name Change
2. NB#4 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
3. NB#5 Executive Session
MINUTES APPROVAL: November 6, 2025 Regular Meeting
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. The Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program (VT UCE).
2. VT Dept of Health – Town Health Officer appointment updates
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Grants – PACIF grant update
2. Charge VT – update of vehicle charger itemized estimates
3. Mt Wilcox Water – liability document
4. Recreation – playground proposal
5. Grants – MERP grant reimbursement of Town Office exterior invoice
6. Building Maintenance
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Events – Holiday
2. Budget – FY27 matters
3. Town Roads – 145 Johnson Brook Road
4. Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
5. Executive Session – 1 V.S.A. § 313 (a) (1) (E) possible civil litigation/prosecution
ADJOURNMENT:
NEXT MEETINGS:
1. Budget Meeting – Tuesday, November 25, 2025 5:00pm Town Office
2. Regular Meeting – Thursday, December 4, 2025 5:30pm Town Hall
Ann called the meeting to order at 5:32pm. Joyce seconded. All in favor. AJ made a motion to approve the Minutes of the November 6, 2025 meeting. Seconded by Ann. All in favor. Ann said
she had three agenda modifications. (see above). Greg Martin and Dave Colton from the Fire
Department attended to present their FY26/27 budget/CIP. Ann moved to take NB#2 out of
order. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting page 2
November 20, 2025
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. The Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program (VT UCE). Ann said that Communities Caring for Canopy grants are available with an application deadline of January 30, 2026. The Board felt that it should be applied for. Ann said she will review it. AJ asked about a grant writer. We currently do not have one. Joyce said that there is a woman in Killington who we could possibly use. We could potentially receive $1,000. Ann moved that we will pursue this later on. AJ seconded. All in favor.
2. VT Dept of Health – Town Health Officer appointment updates. Ann said that the department is making improvements to the recommendation and appointment process for Town Health Officer. Reminders to appoint the Health Officer toward the end of their current 3-year term will be sent to the Town Clerk and Select Board Chair. Ann outlined what the process is for appointments. Detailed information is available on the department’s website.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Grants – PACIF grant update. Ann said that $629.99 was submitted for reimbursement for the desks. She said she would reapply for the gazebo estimate to repair the planks and decking in February.
2. Charge VT – update of vehicle charger itemized estimates. An estimate was received from Killington Electric for $22,015. A+ Electric’s estimate was for $9,277. They questioned how many chargers were being estimated, one or two? Discussion. Joyce said she would like to contact Green Mountain Power again. Action on submitting an invoice as part of the application process will be delayed until the next Budget Meeting.
3. Mt Wilcox Water – liability document. AJ had drafted a document for Greg to sign. An additional comment was proposed regarding the existing overflow pipe. AJ said he would update the document and leave it with the Town Clerk for Greg and the town to sign and have notarized.
4. Recreation – playground proposal. AJ said that there has been no word from Jake. Further attempts will be made to contact him. AJ pointed out that they have an estimate for $180,000. The Board could consider asking to put $20,000 or $30,000 into the playground. The Town may consider not giving it to us. Ann reminded the Board that we need a detailed proposal. Ann said there needs to be more conversation on this.
5. Grants – MERP grant reimbursement of Town Office exterior invoice. Joyce said that she’s not received anything from Denis. Ann said she would send what she had with his original invoice.
6. Building Maintenance.
· Windows – The Board needs specific information regarding the bids to replace town Office building windows. Eric Schambach said he will provide the information. This information could be sent out to other contactors. Ann said the heat pumps should be pursued as well.
· Court timers - Ann said that the court lights have photosensitive sensors on them. They have been set to turn on at 2:30pm and off at 9:00pm, however the lights will only come on when it gets dark due to the photosensitivity. The Town Office
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting page 3
November 20, 2025
entrance light has been set to go on at 4pm and off at 9pm. There will be no need in the future to reset the timers.
· Custodial Cleaning – Ann pointed out that Trish said that the Town Hall has not been cleaned since July. The position is budgeted for once a month. Joyce will check with Johanna and report back.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Events – Holiday. Ann asked if the tree lighting event should be revived. It was suggested that it could be teamed up with the Library. Joyce said she will get a tree the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Ann said she could set up volunteers. No decision was made except for obtaining the tree. Joyce is making wooden Christmas trees and explained how they are constructed. She said she would like to place them around town. Ann suggested getting more volunteers to help build and place around town.
2. Budget – FY27 matters
Fire Department – Greg and Dave presented their budget and reviewed it with the Select Board.
· Engine 4 (1990 International) was sold for $5,000 and Rescue 1 (Ford F-350) for $35,000. Ann said that it was thought last year that money from the sales would go to purchase a new smaller rescue vehicle and outfit it. Dave said that they are at the point where they don’t feel they need that vehicle. He said that Jonathan and Rachel are working for WRVA and have a run bag in their cars and don’t take the truck but respond in their cars to the scene.
· Tanker 2 2019 Kenworth Tanker Vehicle Maintenance was increased from $900 to $1,900. It’s expected to be less the following year.
· Engine 1 (1994 International) Vehicle Maintenance was increased from $900 to $1,900 as it’s 30 years old and needs more work. It also would be expected to be less the following year.
· Rescue 3 (Ski Doo Snowmobile Vehicle Maintenance remained at $200.
· Mini Rescue (2024 F550) Vehicle Maintenance added $900 as it is new.
· Rescue 2 (Can Am UTV) Vehicle Maintenance remained at $200.
· The disposition of the money from the two sales was discussed. Dave said the department has some funds left over from the $5,000 to purchase equipment but they would like to put the $35,000 into a Fire House Building Reserve Plan for something in the future. Last year Town Meeting approved depositing $5,000 into the fund. The board also discussed making a $40,000 deposit into the Fire Truck Reserve Fund. Ann said that there is $7,200 in the Equipment Fund.
Utilities: The only change noted was the Telephone & Internet which increased from $1,750 to $2,200.
Ann said a request was received from Jennifer Burch requesting that the Select Board put on the Warrant, an Article that a person attempting to pay their property taxes in a timely manner should be given the consideration by the Town Office of having the postmark on the envelope containing payment be accepted as proof of intent and timely payment.
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting page 4
November 20, 2025
Discussion. Trish, Janice Stumpf, and the Board are all opposed to this. Ann said that it doesn’t impact a lot of people. Joyce said she could postdate a check, which Trish would keep in an envelope and record it when the 2nd payment is due. Jennifer could have a petition which would require 5% of the registered voters in Pittsfield sign and then it could be added to the Warrant as an Article. Ann said she would look up the date it would have to be in. AJ suggested adding this to the next Budget Meeting. AJ made a motion to
decline to put that as a Warning but that we provide information to Jennifer if she wants to pursue it. Ann seconded. All in favor.
3. Town Roads – 145 Johnson Brook Road. Randy Strong, the Town’s E911 Coordinator, is requesting that the Board approve a name change to Johnson Brook Lane. The Road Commissioner has confirmed that this is not a town road, but a private driveway that functions as a shared lane. Ann moved that the Board change the name of Johnson Brook
Road to Johnson Brook Lane. AJ seconded the motion. All in favor.
4. Local Hazard Mitigation Plan – TRORC sent a letter indicating that it’s time to update the plan before January, 2026. Ann suggested that this be sent to the Planning Commission and that we work on this together, chapter by chapter. She mentioned several other towns that are also on the same schedule. TRORC feels it would cost $7,000 to provide guidance for updating the plan which Pittsfield would have to pay half the fee. Ann thought that we could look at it to see if they could do it themselves. Ann said she will send copies of the plan to members of the Board and the Planning Commission and then plan on a Special Meeting in early January.
5. Executive Session – 1 V.S.A. § 313 (a) (1) (E) possible civil litigation/prosecution.
Ann adjourned the meeting to enter into Executive Session at 7:02pm. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
ADJOURNMENT:
Ann adjourned Executive Session and re-entered the Regular meeting at 7:10pm. Seconded by AJ. All in favor. Ann moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:11pm Joyce seconded. All in favor.
NEXT MEETINGS:
1. Budget Meeting – Tuesday, November 25, 2025 5:00pm Town Office
2. Regular Meeting – Thursday, December 4, 2025 5:30pm Town Hall
Approved: _______________ Respectfully submitted,
Martha L. Beyersdorf
_____________________________________________________________________________
Ann Kuendig Joyce Stevens AJ Ruben
DRAFT
To listen to a recording of the meeting, click here: https://bit.ly/43Rzi3w
DATE: November 20, 2025
PRESENT: Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
PUBLIC PRESENT: Greg Martin, Dave Colton
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS:
1. NB#3 Road Name Change
2. NB#4 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
3. NB#5 Executive Session
MINUTES APPROVAL: November 6, 2025 Regular Meeting
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. The Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program (VT UCE).
2. VT Dept of Health – Town Health Officer appointment updates
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Grants – PACIF grant update
2. Charge VT – update of vehicle charger itemized estimates
3. Mt Wilcox Water – liability document
4. Recreation – playground proposal
5. Grants – MERP grant reimbursement of Town Office exterior invoice
6. Building Maintenance
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Events – Holiday
2. Budget – FY27 matters
3. Town Roads – 145 Johnson Brook Road
4. Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
5. Executive Session – 1 V.S.A. § 313 (a) (1) (E) possible civil litigation/prosecution
ADJOURNMENT:
NEXT MEETINGS:
1. Budget Meeting – Tuesday, November 25, 2025 5:00pm Town Office
2. Regular Meeting – Thursday, December 4, 2025 5:30pm Town Hall
Ann called the meeting to order at 5:32pm. Joyce seconded. All in favor. AJ made a motion to approve the Minutes of the November 6, 2025 meeting. Seconded by Ann. All in favor. Ann said
she had three agenda modifications. (see above). Greg Martin and Dave Colton from the Fire
Department attended to present their FY26/27 budget/CIP. Ann moved to take NB#2 out of
order. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting page 2
November 20, 2025
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. The Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program (VT UCE). Ann said that Communities Caring for Canopy grants are available with an application deadline of January 30, 2026. The Board felt that it should be applied for. Ann said she will review it. AJ asked about a grant writer. We currently do not have one. Joyce said that there is a woman in Killington who we could possibly use. We could potentially receive $1,000. Ann moved that we will pursue this later on. AJ seconded. All in favor.
2. VT Dept of Health – Town Health Officer appointment updates. Ann said that the department is making improvements to the recommendation and appointment process for Town Health Officer. Reminders to appoint the Health Officer toward the end of their current 3-year term will be sent to the Town Clerk and Select Board Chair. Ann outlined what the process is for appointments. Detailed information is available on the department’s website.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Grants – PACIF grant update. Ann said that $629.99 was submitted for reimbursement for the desks. She said she would reapply for the gazebo estimate to repair the planks and decking in February.
2. Charge VT – update of vehicle charger itemized estimates. An estimate was received from Killington Electric for $22,015. A+ Electric’s estimate was for $9,277. They questioned how many chargers were being estimated, one or two? Discussion. Joyce said she would like to contact Green Mountain Power again. Action on submitting an invoice as part of the application process will be delayed until the next Budget Meeting.
3. Mt Wilcox Water – liability document. AJ had drafted a document for Greg to sign. An additional comment was proposed regarding the existing overflow pipe. AJ said he would update the document and leave it with the Town Clerk for Greg and the town to sign and have notarized.
4. Recreation – playground proposal. AJ said that there has been no word from Jake. Further attempts will be made to contact him. AJ pointed out that they have an estimate for $180,000. The Board could consider asking to put $20,000 or $30,000 into the playground. The Town may consider not giving it to us. Ann reminded the Board that we need a detailed proposal. Ann said there needs to be more conversation on this.
5. Grants – MERP grant reimbursement of Town Office exterior invoice. Joyce said that she’s not received anything from Denis. Ann said she would send what she had with his original invoice.
6. Building Maintenance.
· Windows – The Board needs specific information regarding the bids to replace town Office building windows. Eric Schambach said he will provide the information. This information could be sent out to other contactors. Ann said the heat pumps should be pursued as well.
· Court timers - Ann said that the court lights have photosensitive sensors on them. They have been set to turn on at 2:30pm and off at 9:00pm, however the lights will only come on when it gets dark due to the photosensitivity. The Town Office
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting page 3
November 20, 2025
entrance light has been set to go on at 4pm and off at 9pm. There will be no need in the future to reset the timers.
· Custodial Cleaning – Ann pointed out that Trish said that the Town Hall has not been cleaned since July. The position is budgeted for once a month. Joyce will check with Johanna and report back.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Events – Holiday. Ann asked if the tree lighting event should be revived. It was suggested that it could be teamed up with the Library. Joyce said she will get a tree the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Ann said she could set up volunteers. No decision was made except for obtaining the tree. Joyce is making wooden Christmas trees and explained how they are constructed. She said she would like to place them around town. Ann suggested getting more volunteers to help build and place around town.
2. Budget – FY27 matters
Fire Department – Greg and Dave presented their budget and reviewed it with the Select Board.
· Engine 4 (1990 International) was sold for $5,000 and Rescue 1 (Ford F-350) for $35,000. Ann said that it was thought last year that money from the sales would go to purchase a new smaller rescue vehicle and outfit it. Dave said that they are at the point where they don’t feel they need that vehicle. He said that Jonathan and Rachel are working for WRVA and have a run bag in their cars and don’t take the truck but respond in their cars to the scene.
· Tanker 2 2019 Kenworth Tanker Vehicle Maintenance was increased from $900 to $1,900. It’s expected to be less the following year.
· Engine 1 (1994 International) Vehicle Maintenance was increased from $900 to $1,900 as it’s 30 years old and needs more work. It also would be expected to be less the following year.
· Rescue 3 (Ski Doo Snowmobile Vehicle Maintenance remained at $200.
· Mini Rescue (2024 F550) Vehicle Maintenance added $900 as it is new.
· Rescue 2 (Can Am UTV) Vehicle Maintenance remained at $200.
· The disposition of the money from the two sales was discussed. Dave said the department has some funds left over from the $5,000 to purchase equipment but they would like to put the $35,000 into a Fire House Building Reserve Plan for something in the future. Last year Town Meeting approved depositing $5,000 into the fund. The board also discussed making a $40,000 deposit into the Fire Truck Reserve Fund. Ann said that there is $7,200 in the Equipment Fund.
Utilities: The only change noted was the Telephone & Internet which increased from $1,750 to $2,200.
Ann said a request was received from Jennifer Burch requesting that the Select Board put on the Warrant, an Article that a person attempting to pay their property taxes in a timely manner should be given the consideration by the Town Office of having the postmark on the envelope containing payment be accepted as proof of intent and timely payment.
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting page 4
November 20, 2025
Discussion. Trish, Janice Stumpf, and the Board are all opposed to this. Ann said that it doesn’t impact a lot of people. Joyce said she could postdate a check, which Trish would keep in an envelope and record it when the 2nd payment is due. Jennifer could have a petition which would require 5% of the registered voters in Pittsfield sign and then it could be added to the Warrant as an Article. Ann said she would look up the date it would have to be in. AJ suggested adding this to the next Budget Meeting. AJ made a motion to
decline to put that as a Warning but that we provide information to Jennifer if she wants to pursue it. Ann seconded. All in favor.
3. Town Roads – 145 Johnson Brook Road. Randy Strong, the Town’s E911 Coordinator, is requesting that the Board approve a name change to Johnson Brook Lane. The Road Commissioner has confirmed that this is not a town road, but a private driveway that functions as a shared lane. Ann moved that the Board change the name of Johnson Brook
Road to Johnson Brook Lane. AJ seconded the motion. All in favor.
4. Local Hazard Mitigation Plan – TRORC sent a letter indicating that it’s time to update the plan before January, 2026. Ann suggested that this be sent to the Planning Commission and that we work on this together, chapter by chapter. She mentioned several other towns that are also on the same schedule. TRORC feels it would cost $7,000 to provide guidance for updating the plan which Pittsfield would have to pay half the fee. Ann thought that we could look at it to see if they could do it themselves. Ann said she will send copies of the plan to members of the Board and the Planning Commission and then plan on a Special Meeting in early January.
5. Executive Session – 1 V.S.A. § 313 (a) (1) (E) possible civil litigation/prosecution.
Ann adjourned the meeting to enter into Executive Session at 7:02pm. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
ADJOURNMENT:
Ann adjourned Executive Session and re-entered the Regular meeting at 7:10pm. Seconded by AJ. All in favor. Ann moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:11pm Joyce seconded. All in favor.
NEXT MEETINGS:
1. Budget Meeting – Tuesday, November 25, 2025 5:00pm Town Office
2. Regular Meeting – Thursday, December 4, 2025 5:30pm Town Hall
Approved: _______________ Respectfully submitted,
Martha L. Beyersdorf
_____________________________________________________________________________
Ann Kuendig Joyce Stevens AJ Ruben
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