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
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
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