​PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
DRAFT
 
To listen to a recording of the meeting, click here:  https://bit.ly/3MzUl52
 
DATE:  February 5, 2026
 
PRESENT:  Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens;  AJ Ruben not in attendance
 
PUBLIC PRESENT:  Patty and Vern Haskins
 
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS:  NB#7: Listers’ NEMRC contract
 
MINUTES APPROVAL:  January 15, 2026 Regular Meeting
 
CORRESPONDENCE:
1.     Grants: VT Arts Council
2.     Grants: AARP Community Challenge
3.     VT Forest, Parks & Recreation: Survey
4.     VT Emergency Management: Local Emergency Management Plans
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.     LHMP: Renewal Date
2.     Finance: December Treasurer’s Report
3.     Building Maintenance
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1.     Utilities: Electric Useage & Light Pollution – Patty Haskins
2.     Listers: Equalization Study Appeal
3.     Town: Building Cleaner
4.     Finances: CD Renewals
5.     Recreation: VT Tennis Court Surfacing Documents
6.     Roads: FY27 Transportation Documents
7.     Listers: NEMRC contract
 
ADJOURNMENT:
 
NEXT MEETING DATE:  Thursday, February 19, 2026  5:30pm  Town Hall
 
Ann called the meeting of the Pittsfield Select Board to order at 5:29pm. Seconded by Joyce. All in favor. Ann said she had one Agenda Modification (see above). Joyce moved to accept the Minutes of the January 15, 2026 meeting. Seconded by Ann. All in favor. Ann said that Patty and Vern were here to discuss  NB#1, so she moved that the Board take that out of order.
 
CORRESPONDENCE:
1.     Grants: VT Arts Council.
·      Cultural Facilities Grant: Ann said this grant  could be used for lighting or curtains. It’s to help nonprofit organizations and municipalities enhance, create, or expand
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes                                                     page 2
February 5, 2026
 
the capacity of an existing building to provide cultural activities for the public. She said it was this grant that the Town used to pave the basketball court. Ann wanted this to be put on the record and then will send it over to the library. The application deadline is in May.
·      The second grant is a creation grant . It’s for any artist/s who want to come and do a project. The deadline is April 5th. She said she would forward it to the library, too.
2.     Grants: AARP Community Challenge. This one is definitely for the Rec Department. This could be used to construct a walkway such as the Rec Commission is planning. She said she downloaded the FAQs and there is one in Cornwall. It will create an ADA compliant walkway with direct access to beaches, exercise stations, pickleball/tennis courts, pavilion, etc. Ann suggested the Rec Dept reach out to Cornwall and get a copy of their grant application since their model is similar. Ann said the Board would send the AARP Community Challenge Grant information to the Recreation Committee.
3.     VT Forest, Parks & Recreation: Survey. This is a 4-question survey that wants to reach out to property owners that are also forest landowners. We will send this to Listers. They have the resources and would know who has that type of property.
4.     VT Emergency Management: Local Emergency Management Plans. The Town’s plan is being updated and is due by June 1st. Ann wanted this to be put on record so that the formation of a committee could be thought about after Town Meeting. The committee could look over the plan, make suggested changes, and update the people needing assistance. This is a good way to get Tim and Jonathan together and really go though the whole plan note changes/updates.
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.     LHMP: Renewal Date. The Planning Commission has invited the potential members of the update committee to look over the schedule and workplan and when they are planning to meet. Ann said she has volunteered to sit on this committee as well. She said that she had invited Tim, Dave Colton, George to meet with the Planning Commission members and review the process and start the next day. She added that Ari from TRORC who has been contracted to assist the project is going to join them. They will be meeting next Tuesday, the 10th.
2.     Finance: December Treasurer’s Report. Ann said she had requested them but not received them. Instead, she got the January report. Ann said she would put December’s and January’s reports on the next meeting’s agenda.
3.     Building Maintenance.
·      Joyce asked Ann if she had any news on the EV Charger. She had and it was being uploaded to the portal. Ann was also informed that the link to the Stebbin’s estimate was no longer working. Ann said she would send it as a pdf.  If everything is approved, the funds for the estimate would be provided.
·      Joyce said that by the next meeting she will have new estimates from everybody for the windows. She said she got all the actual dimensions of the windows and sent them to Denis and Eric. Three estimates are needed.
 
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes                                                     page 3
February 5, 2026
 
·      Ann said that Richard is coming to look at the Town Hall front door. He had said that he had a tough time installing it to make it work properly.
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1.     Utilities: Electric Useage & Light Pollution – Patty Haskins. Patty said that they wondered what was going on with the ice rink. They’ve been waiting for the ice skating to start because the lights are always on. Ann said that the Fire Department put in the water, then it snowed and there was no one to shovel. Patty noted that after it snowed there were lumps of tarp sticking up through the snow. Discussion. Joyce said that if nothing is being done right now, the lights could be turned off. Ann said that the Board has previously discussed whether skating should be promoted and the feeling was that if the lights were on, people would know and shovel the snow. It was felt that the rink never got to the point where you could skate. It was explained that the lights are programmed to go on when it gets dark and shut off at 9pm.  Patty commented that sitting in their backyard with a fire pit isn’t enjoyable with the light being on and since no one is enjoying it, the lights could be turned off. Discussion. Joyce said they could reach out to the fire department and see if they’re not going to get it skatable. Then maybe just open it on Friday and Saturday nights. Vern said that he checked it out a few times and the tarp was underneath and there wasn’t enough water on south end, but the other end was fine. Ann said that the fire department did the base and was going to come back but didn’t know if they did.. Ann said that this would be discussed further at the next meeting. Joyce thought they should turn the lights off until things were straightened out. Patty and Vern were thanked for coming and the Board would let them know the outcome.
2.     Listers: Equalization Study Appeal. Ann said she attended the Listers Tuesday meeting as they were reviewing property sales to present as evidence for an appeal of the Equalization study. The appeal petition must be signed by the Select Board Chair. Later that day, Jeremy sent her the letter indicating the 8 parcels they are disputing. They either want them excluded or included. Ann said she added her signature and emailed it to the State with a copy to Jen Myers, the district advisor. The Town may get a revised Grand List before Town Meeting or before we set the tax rate. She said that she thought the Listers would review future PTTRs with an eye to making sure they are correct or flag them for further review.
3.     Town: Building Cleaner. Ann said that Trish sent over two companies for cleaning. The 1st one would charge $35-$40/hour. The 2nd charges $250/cleaning (of the Town Office Building) and $250/month for the Town Hall. Ann said she spoke with a client of the first cleaner, a woman named Ashley, and got a good idea of the kind of things she does and how particular she is, her dependability and responsibility. Trish said  she charged $35 - $40/hr. but would accept $35. The second company charges a set fee instead of hourly. spot cleaning glass and a lot of amenities. She mostly works in the evenings when everyone is gone. Discussion. Ann suggested starting out at $35/hr. and later on up it to $40/hr. Joyce felt the Board should go with the lower rate, but if Trish wanted to see if the commercial cleaner would work for the lower rate that would be fine.
 
 
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes                                                     page 4
February 5, 2026
 
4.     Finances: CD Renewals.  Ann said that there are CDs for Record Preservation, Contingency, Reappraisal, Highway, PVFR Truck, and a new one for PVFR Building. She and Joyce looked over the list and renewals with 12/31/25 totals. The first 4 funds would be 13 weeks 3.4%. The Rec Fund would include an extra $500 and the Fire Truck an extra $300. The new CD for the Fire Dept Building Fund would start with $40,000 (made up from $35,000 truck sale and $5,000 FY26). Ann made a motion to approve the renewals of all the CD’s and create a new CD for the Fire Dept Building at 13 weeks @ 3.4%. Seconded by Joyce. All in favor.
5.     Recreation: VT Tennis Court Surfacing Documents. Ann made a motion to sign the independent paperwork for VT Tennis Court Surfacing. Seconded by Joyce. All in favor.,
6.     Roads: FY27 Transportation Documents. Ann said she was going to table this as AJ needs to sign it and the Board needs to meet with George to review the new updated Town Road and Bridge Standards that the Board must adopt before it can sign off on the Certificate of Compliance.
7.     Listers: NEMRC contract. Joyce reviewed it and said she felt it was the same one they signed the last time. She said the Listers, when they go to the hearing, need to ask how they got so far off when a reappraisal was done just three years ago. The contract goes until April, 2031. They questioned if the cost of $59,880 was for 2031. Discussion. Joyce said they should get some clarification as to if they are going to jump up the price at some point, let’s find out what they are really talking about because the Town already uses their software and funds are already allocated for that purpose.  Ann moved to defer action on the NEMRC contract until there are answers to questions about some of the specifics in the contract. Seconded by Joyce. All in favor. Ann said she would ask Jeremy to get the answers, and we will add this to the next meeting’s agenda.
 
OTHER:
Permits and Licenses: The Original General Store. This is for a Tobacco license to sell. Discussion. Table to next meeting.
 
Since there was no further business, Ann moved to close the meeting at 6:21pm. Seconded by Joyce. All in favor.
 
Approved: _________                                                Respectfully submitted,
 
                                                                                                Martha L. Beyersdorf
 
 
Ann Kuendig                                        Joyce Stevens                                      AJ Ruben

​PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

 
To listen to a recording of the meeting, click here:  https://bit.ly/49yyOTe
 
DATE:  January 15, 2026
 
PRESENT:  Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
 
PUBLIC PRESENT:  Richard Lunna, Patty Haskins, Mark Stugart, George Deblon
 
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS :  Khalsa Market – NB#3;  Richard Lunna presentation – NB#4 ; Budget Summary-NB#5 ; Move Executive Session to NB#6
 
MINUTES APPROVAL:  Regular Meeting Minutes January 6, 2026
 
CORRESPONDENCE:  None
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.     LHMP – LHMP Planning Commission & TRORC
2.     Building Maintenance
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1.     Finance – Treasurer’s Report for December
2.     Town Roads – Certificate of Highway Mileage
3.     Permits & Licenses – Khalsa Market
4.     Richard Lunna – presentation
5.     Budget – Summary and Education Tax
6.     Executive Session – 1 V.S.A. § 313 (a) (1) (E). possible civil litigation/prosecution
 
ADJOURNMENT:
 
NEXT MEETING DATE:  Thursday February 5, 2026  5:30pm  Town Hall
 
Ann called the meeting to order at 5:32pm. Seconded by Joyce. All in favor. She presented several Agenda Modifications (see above). AJ moved to approve the Minutes of the January 6, 2026 Regular Meeting. Seconded by Ann. All in favor. As there were guests present, she moved to take NB#4 out of order.
OLD BUSINESS:

1. LHMP – Planning Commission & TRORC. Ann said that TRORC’s representative sent a copy of the draft of a contract if we decide to move forward. Mark has indicated that the Planning Commission would like to move forward and engage TRORC to take the lead and

 
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes                                                     page 2
January 15, 2026
 
set up a schedule. She read that the Regional Commission staff will reach out to help local officials assemble a team to assist in the hazard mitigation assessment and mitigation planning process. Members would include members of the Planning Commission, Emergency Management co-directors, Fire Chief, George, and a representative of the Select Board. The Regional Committee staff will review the current plan, meet with the team, and develop a timeline and schedule. A series of 3 meetings will follow, at least one of which will be public hearing. The town will fund half of the cost - $3,500. Discussion  Ann moved to have the Chair sign the agreement with TRORC and that the Town  engage TRORC for the purpose of supervising and being the lead on updating the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. Seconded by Joyce. All in favor. Mark was named the primary contact for this committee and thanked for coming tonight.

1. Building Maintenance.
   • The outside door push-bar needs to be adjusted so it doesn't stick.
   • Nothing has been received regarding the EV Chargers. Ann said that MERP funds might be used towards this project.

NEW BUSINESS:
1.     Finance – Treasurer’s Report for December. Only Quarterly balances for reserve funds submitted. Ann said there is almost $90,000 in the Contingency Fund, which is a great amount to have in case we have any kind of flooding. It’s a very reasonable amount but not a reason to stop contributing to it. The Recreation Fund has $45,000 and that’s a good amount to keep, but more would be needed for a new playground. There is also $3,000 in the Erica Hurd Memorial Fund for use in the recreation area.
2.     Town Roads – Certificate of Highway Mileage. There are no changes recorded this year. Ann moved to sign the certificate. Seconded by Joyce. All in favor.
3.     Permits & Licenses – Khalsa Market. Ann moved to approve these applications for Khalsa Market which will be operating out of the Swiss Farm Market. Seconded by AJ. All in favor. Joyce said these won’t go into effect until they take over and she returns Swiss Farm Market’s license to the State.
·      Second Class Liquor License
·      Second Class Tobacco License and a Substitute Endorsement
4.     Richard Lunna – presentation.  Richard explained that this was a project he had been working on for around 8 years. He showed the Board two large binders containing his research into locating the corners of the Town of Stockbridge, two of which border Pittsfield.   He presented a map of the Town of Stockbridge with a mylar for recording. He went on to explain how he wanted to locate the current corners of Stockbridge and the ancient town corners. He spent years trying to locate the corners.  When he located the positions with an AGPS receiver, he placed granite markers. He said that he learned a lot of history about Stockbridge and the surrounding towns, how they were granted their
 
 
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes                                                     page 3
January 15, 1926
 
surveys, how the lines changed over the last couple of hundred years. Pittsfield’s town charter, which is almost twenty years after Stockbridge started.  In the 1700’s a lot of towns were lax in getting their charters to the Republic of Vermont. The Surveyor General came down and re-surveyed a lot of these town lines. He re-surveyed Bethel down into Stockbridge, but Bethel refused to accept that, so they kept their lines. The first change was when Pittsfield’s line was changed to a continuation of the Stockbridge Gore line to
the west. Then in 1806, Rochester annexed 9 lots in Pittsfield north of the river. Pittsfield lost land there. In 1852, there was a survey of Stockbridge/Pittsfield line. Richard added that he could tell by where they started on the north bank of the White River, that the river had changed about 133’ resulting in it being closer to Route 100 than it was in over 174 years. He was asked what made him do this for Stockbridge. He explained that it would help people in the future. The corners don’t get any easier to find. He said that he received help from Fred Doubleday. He went on to answer some questions and present an album of photos of the areas. There is much more information on the recording. The Board thanked him and said they were impressed with his efforts. Ann made a motion to accept Richard’s report and have the Town Clerk record it. Seconded by Joyce. All in favor.
5.     Budget – Summary or Education Tax. Discussion. Ann wondered if there were any items in the budget that could be reduced in light of the Pittsfield Education tax. Discussion. Joyce and AJ both felt that the Board worked hard to create this budget and it wouldn’t gain anything by cutting spending.
 
Ann moved to enter Executive Session for possible civil litigation/prosecution at 6:30pm. Seconded by Joyce. All in favor.
 
6.     Executive Session – 1 V.S.A. § 313 (a) (1) (E). possible civil litigation/prosecution
 
AJ moved to end Executive Session at 6:48pm and re-enter the Regular Meeting. Seconded by Joyce. All in favor. Ann moved to have the Board ratify the settlement agreement with Gunter. Seconded by Joyce. All in favor. Ann moved to adjourn the Regular Meeting at 6:49pm. Seconded by Joyce. All in favor.
 
                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,
Approved: February 5, 2026
                                                                                                Martha L. Beyersdorf
                                                                                                Select Board Secretary
 
 
_____________________________________________________________________________
Ann Kuendig                                        Joyce Stevens                                      AJ Ruben

​PITTSFIELD SELECT BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

 
To listen to a recording of the meeting, click here:  https://bit.ly/4qHRSE4
 
DATE: January 6, 2026
 
PRESENT:  Ann Kuendig, Joyce Stevens, AJ Ruben
 
PUBLIC PRESENT:  Katie Stiles, Mark Stugart, Kryssi Rowe, Craig Westling, Rosie O’Brien
 
AGENDA MODIFICATION:  none
 
MINUTES APPROVAL: December 16, 2025 Budget & Regular Meetings
 
CORRESPONDENCE:
1.     FEMA – Flood Insurance Maps
2.     Act 250 – Land Use Review Board Tier 3 Update
3.     Insurance – PACIF Rights of Reservation Letter
4.     White River Natural Resources Conservation District – Invitation
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.     Tax – Local Option Tax Discussion
2.     Warrant – Finalize for Town Meeting
3.     Town Report – Select Board Report approval
4.     Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) – Process
5.     Charge VT – finalize application
6.     Building Maintenance
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1.     Permits & Licenses – OGS VT Farms Catering Liquor License
2.     Town Meeting – Set-up
3.     Executive Session – 1 V.S.A. § 313 (a) (1) (E) possible civil litigation/prosecution
 
ADJOURN:
 
NEXT MEETING DATE: Regular Meeting Thursday, January 15, 2026  5:30pm  Town Hall
 
Ann called the meeting to order at 5:33pm. Joyce seconded. All in favor. There were no Agenda Modifications. AJ moved to approve the Minutes of the December 16, 2025 Budget and Regular Meetings. Joyce seconded. All in favor. Several local businesses were present to discuss OB#1, so Ann opted to take the item out of order. OB#4 was also taken out of order.
 
 
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes                                                     page 2
January 6, 2026
 
CORRESPONDENCE:
1.     FEMA – Flood Insurance Maps. These maps were last issued in 2008. Ann said that map improvements were made by updating the engineering analysis on several river reaches in Pittsfield. The USGS will be holding a Workmap Meeting on Tuesday, January 13th at 9:00am via Teams and invites Board members to attend. AJ and Joyce said that they may be able to attend.
2.     Act 250 – Land Use Review Board Tier 3 Update. This correspondence includes additional comments on Act 250 changes to Tier 3. The Review Board is keeping towns updated on their progress. In February there will be guidance on the new “road rules” and that may have an impact on the Town. Those rules go into effect on July 1st. New Road Construction Jurisdiction Provision, aka the “road rules,” will require an Act 250 Permit for construction of certain new roads and related developments. Ann said she’s just keeping track of this.
3.     Insurance – PACIF Rights of Reservation Letter. Ann explained that when a claim is opened, they send this letter every quarter. She summarized the contents of the letter. There was an error in naming another town in the address. Ann made a motion to sign when a corrected copy arrives. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
4.     White River Natural Resources Conservation District – Invitation. Ann said that this commission wants to set up a meeting with other conservation commissions. AJ said he would follow up on this. Ann noted that Pittsfield has used them before. She will also forward this information to the Planning Commission.
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1.     Tax – Local Option Tax Discussion. Ann said that this is the second public discussion regarding  1% Local Options Tax an Article on the Town Meeting Warning. This would affect rooms, meals, and alcohol. She asked if there was any opposition. Mark said that he had no real opposition since he has learned more since last year. Katie felt that there would be more of an impact on those who have less to give and less of an incentive to spend locally. She was not in favor. She said that she has added the possibility of the tax to their contracts. Joyce said she felt that the 1% would come back on the Town’s property taxes. They would save more than they spend. Ann stated that the money would go into the General Fund. She added that she looked at revenue streams, grants, etc. Since it goes to reduce spending, she didn’t feel that 1% was a lot to ask. Katie said that she understood where all this came from. Joyce stated that this could be reconsidered every year if it doesn’t yield enough to benefit the Town. Ann read a list of some of the Towns that have instituted this noting that some towns taxed all three (rooms, meals, alcohol) which other towns taxed only rooms or meals. Mark noted that the State may make some changes and Ann clarified what the Legislature will be discussing. Joyce said that by taxing all three, it would provide data as to which one/s benefit the Town, and which don’t. Further discussion. If passed, this would take effect July 1st. There was some discussion about whether or not Katie, who isn’t a Town resident, could speak from the floor. There is a procedure and Ann said she would consult with George, who is the Moderator.
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes                                               page 3
January 6, 2026
 
2.     Warrant – Finalize for Town Meeting. Ann handed out a draft copy of the proposed Warning. She suggested cutting the $50,000 proposed in Article 6 for the road remediation project on Upper Michigan Road in half as there is no hurry in doing this project. The Board agreed. Article 7 will call for depositing $25,000 in the Highway Equipment Fund. There was some discussion on proposed Article 8 regarding the 1% Local Option Tax. Article 8 would be an option for rooms, meals, and alcohol. It was suggested that Article 8 be added for meals and alcohol only and Article 9 for rooms. Approved.
3.     Town Report – Select Board Report approval. The Board approved the report and Ann said she would submit it to Beth (Auditors).
4.     Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) – Process. Mark asked if the Select Board needed a recommendation. Ann said that TRORC received federal funding and can help with laying out a timeline. The Planning Commission could also meet with a TRORC representative to assist them. Mark said he would let the Select Board know of their recommendation for the next SB meeting on the 15th.
5.     Charge VT – finalize application. Ann said she reviewed the invoice and aerial views. Joyce explained that another box would be added to the left of the current electrical box on the Town Office Building. The actual charging unit would be located in the lawn area on a concrete pad and wouldn’t take up any parking spaces. It would be one unit with two charging ports. She added that as soon as the contract is sent, the purchases would be made and the work performed in the spring.
6.     Building Maintenance.
·      Town Hall electric usage. Joyce noted that there was a huge increase in the Town Hall’s electric usage mainly due to the heat pumps. She said that Trish ran a report breaking down the yearly totals from 2018-2025. Discussion. Joyce suggested that heat pumps not be installed in the Town Office Building. The Office and Library already have heat and AC and heat would be needed for the hallways that wouldn’t be served by a heat pump. Ann suggested moving forward with estimates though.
·      Town Hall heat pumps. It was noted that the heat pumps in the Town Hall have never been cleaned (filters). A tall ladder is needed for this.
·      Skating Rink. Ann asked if there had been any discussion on the skating rink. It would need to be shoveled. It was decided not to hire anyone due to the added expense to the taxpayers. If there are people who want to skate, then they can shovel. AJ said that there might be some discussion at Town Meeting.
·      There is no one currently cleaning the Town Hall or Town Office Building. Joyce said that Trish is working on finding someone.
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1.     Permits & Licenses – Ann moved to approve each one. Joyce seconded. All in favor.
·      First Class Restaurant & Bar License – Original General Store
·      First Class Restaurant & Bar License – Vermont Farms Catering
Pittsfield Select Board Regular Meeting Minutes                                                     page 4
January 6, 2026
 
·      Second Class Liquor License –  Original General Store
 
·      Third Class Restaurant & Bar License – Vermont Farms Catering
2.     Town Meeting – Set-up. It was felt snacks and beverages could be set up in the vestibule as you enter Town Hall.
 
Ann moved to adjourn the Regular meeting at 7:01pm and enter into Executive Session. Joyce seconded.
3.     Executive Session – 1 V.S.A. § 313 (a) (1) (E) possible civil litigation/prosecution
 
Ann moved to adjourn from Executive Session and rejoin the Regular Meeting at 7:14pm. Joyce seconded. All in favor. She then moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:14pm. AJ seconded. All in favor.
 
NEXT MEETING DATE: Regular Meeting Thursday, January 15, 2026  5:30pm  Town Hall
 
                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,
 
Approved:      January 15, 2026                                                                          Martha L. Beyersdorf
                                                                                                Select Board Secretary
 
 
______________________________________________________________________
Ann Kuendig                            Joyce Stevens                          AJ Ruben