​DRAFT
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Town of Pittsfield
Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Moderator, George Deblon, called the Pittsfield Annual Town Meeting to order at 10:00 am.  Approximately 75 people were in attendance at the Pittsfield Town Hall.  George led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. 
Article 1.  To elect a moderator for the ensuing year.  George Deblon nominated by Sandy Begin.  Seconded by Wendy Reese.  Betty Warner moved to close nominations and have the clerk cast one ballot for George Deblon.  Seconded by Matt Corron.  Voice vote.  George Deblon elected moderator for the ensuing year.  Town Clerk, Patricia Haskins, administered the oath of office.
Article 2.  Pittsfield School District warning will be acted upon at this time.  The Town Meeting recessed at 10:05 am and the School District warning was acted upon.  (See separate minutes).  The Town Meeting reconvened at 10:30 am and the articles warned by the Select Board were acted upon at this time.
Article 3.  To receive the report of the Town Officers for the year 2016.  Ray Colton made a motion to receive the report of the Town Officers.  Seconded by Jerry Drugonis.  Voice vote.  Carried
Article 4.  To elect the following officers for terms indicated and to fill any other office vacant:
a1. Select Person for three years.  Charles Piso nominated by Dave Colton.  Seconded by Ray Colton.  With no further nominations Jerry Drugonis moved nominations cease and the clerk cast one ballot for Charles Piso.  Seconded by Sandy Begin.  Voice vote.  Charles Piso elected Select Person for three years.
a2. Select Person for one year.  Peter Borden nominated by Dave Colton.  Seconded by Ray Colton.  David Larkin nominated by Matt Corron and seconded by Wendy Reese.  Cathy Cappetta nominated by Mike Wuerthele.  Seconded by Marion Abrams.  Paper Ballot: 61 ballots cast.  Peter Borden 23 votes.  David Larkin 23 votes.  Cathy Cappetta 12 votes.  Spoiled 3 votes. No one won by a majority of votes cast.  Cathy Cappetta withdrew her name.  Paper Ballot 63 voters checked off the voter checklist.  65 ballots cast.  Peter Borden 34 votes.  David Larkin 28 votes.  Spoiled 1 vote.  Blank 2 votes.  Peter Borden elected Select Person for one year.
b. Lister for three years.  Dennis O’Brien nominated by Arline Drugonis.  Seconded by Sandy Begin.   Dennis O’Brien declined the nomination.  Elizabeth Warner nominated by Martha Beyersdorf.  Seconded by Marion Abrams.  Arline Drugonis moved that nominations cease and the Clerk cast one ballot for Elizabeth Warner.  Seconded by Sandy Begin.  Voice vote.  Elizabeth Warner elected Lister for three years.
c. Auditor for three years.  Martha Beyersdorf nominated by Arline Drugonis.  Seconded by Sandy Begin.  Sandy Begin motioned nominations cease and the Clerk cast one ballot for Martha Beyersdorf.  Seconded by Jerry Drugonis.  Voice vote.  Martha Beyersdorf elected Auditor for three years.
d.  Town Clerk for three years.  Patty Haskins nominated by Jerry Drugonis.  Seconded by Matt Corron.  With no further nominations, Ray Rice moved nominations cease.  Seconded by Wendy Reese.  Voice vote.  Patty Haskins elected Town Clerk for three years. 
e. Town Treasurer for three years.  Patty Haskins nominated by Jerry Drugonis.  Seconded by Matt Corron.  With no further nominations, Jerry Drugonis moved nominations cease.  Seconded by Matt Corron.  Voice vote.  Patty Haskins elected Town Treasurer for three years.
f1. Trustee of Public Funds for three years.  Henry Hotchkiss nominated by Arline Drugonis.  Seconded by Mark Begin.  Jerry Drugonis moved nominations cease.  Seconded by Sandy Begin.  Voice vote.  Henry Hotchkiss elected Trustee of Public Funds for three years.
f2. Trustee of Public Funds for one year.  Sandy Begin nominated by Arline Drugonis.  Seconded by Mark Begin.  Jerry Drugonis moved nominations cease.  Seconded by Mark Begin.  Voice vote.  Sandy Begin elected Trustee of Public Funds for one year.
g.  Trustee, Roger Clark Memorial Library for one year.  Elizabeth Warner nominated by Erica Hurd.  Seconded by Marion Abrams.  Sandy Begin motioned nominations closed.  Seconded by Mike Wuerthele.  Voice vote.  Elizabeth Warner elected Trustee, Roger Clark Memorial Library for one year.
h. Trustee, Roger Clark Memorial Library for five years.  Marion Abrams nominated by Arline Drugonis.  Seconded by Sandy Begin.  Nomination declined.  Coral Hawley nominated by Erica Hurd.  Seconded by Karen Waterworth.  Voice vote.  Coral Hawley elected Trustee, Roger Clark Memorial Library for five years.
i. First Constable for two years.  Tim Hunt nominated by Joe Fuster.  Seconded by Erica Hurd.  Voice vote.  Tim Hunt elected First Constable for two years.
j. Grand Juror for one year.  Sandy Begin nominated by Arline Drugonis.  Seconded by Jerry Drugonis.  Voice vote taken.  Sandy Begin elected Grand Juror for one year.
k. Town Agent for one year.  Sarah Gray nominated by Sandy Begin.  Seconded by Arline Drugonis.  Voice vote.  Sarah Gray elected Town Agent for one year.
l. Cemetery Commissioner for three years.  George Deblon nominated by Jerry Drugonis.  Seconded by Sandy Begin.  Voice vote.  George Deblon elected Cemetery Commissioner for three years.
m. Cemetery Commissioner for three years.  Mary Lee Stevens nominated by Arline Drugonis.  Seconded by Jerry Drugonis.  Voice vote.  Mary Lee Stevens elected Cemetery Commissioner for three years.
n. Collector of Delinquent Taxes for one year.  Janice Stumpf nominated by Don Bass.  Seconded by Erica Hurd.  Voice vote.  Janice Stumpf elected Collector of Delinquent Taxes for one year.

The meeting was recessed at 11:28 am for Representative Sandy Haas to speak regarding topics in the state legislature.  Meeting reconvened at 11:33 am.
Article 5.  Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize all current taxes be paid to the Treasurer unless otherwise noted?  Jerry Drugonis moved the voters of Pittsfield authorize all current taxes be paid to the Treasurer.  Seconded by Sandy Begin.  Voice vote.  Motion carried.
Article 6.  Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize the Treasurer to collect taxes on real property in two installments, due before 5 pm, on or before the third Thursday of August and the third Thursday of November?  Arline Drugonis made a motion to authorize the Treasurer to collect taxes on real property in two installments, due before 5 pm, on or before the third Thursday of August and the third Thursday of November.  Seconded by Jerry Drugonis.  Voice vote.  Motion carried.
Article 7.  Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize $20,000 to be placed in the reserve fund for Highway Equipment?  Dave Colton made a motion to authorize $20,000 to be placed in the reserve fund for Highway Equipment.  Seconded by Clairetta Corron.  Voice vote.  Motion carried.
Article 8.  Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize $30,000 to be placed in a reserve fund for replacement, repair or renovation of the town sand shed?  Jerry Drugonis made a motion to authorize $30,000 to be placed in a reserve fund for replacement, repair or renovation of the town sand shed.   Seconded by Keith Hopkins.  Discussion.  George Deblon stated that the sand shed had been inspected by Chuck Adams and an engineer in 2007 and was deemed unsafe at that time.  It was noted that $30,000 had been put away last year as well to build up enough funds to undertake this project.  Voice vote.  Motion carried.
Article 10.  Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize $10,000 to be placed in a reserve fund to continue exterior renovation of the Town Hall to include insulation and residing?  Erica Hurd moved to authorize $10,000 to be placed in a reserve fund to continue exterior renovation of the Town Hall to include insulation and residing.  Seconded by Clairetta Corron.  Matt Corron noted that the wording was intentionally specific so that it can only be used for that purpose.  Voice vote.  Motion carried.
Article 10.  Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize $30,000 to be placed in a reserve fund for the future repaving of the north end of the Village Green?    Jeremy Rayner moved to authorize $30,000 to be placed in a reserve fund for the future repaving of the north end of the Village Green.  Seconded by Jerry Drugonis.  Discussion.  Matt Corron announced that the Select Board was planning to make this project coordinate with the repaving of Route 100 and that the Board had recently received information that the state is delaying the Route 100 project until 2019 or possibly 2020.  The cost is estimated at $30,000 just for the paving.  That does not include the shoulder restoration, loam, seed, striping, permits, etc.  With the project being delayed the town has more time to raise the funds and this year’s request could be cut to $10,000.  The width of the pavement would not be changed but the intersection coming off of Route 100 would be changed.  It would be reconstructed similar to the new entrance on the south end.  Dennis O’Brien made a motion to amend Article 10 to $10,000.  Seconded by Matt Corron.  George called for a vote on changing the amount to $10,000.  Voice vote.  Motion carried.  Dennis O’Brien made a motion to authorize $10,000 to be placed in a reserve fund for the future repaving of the north end of the Village Green.  Seconded by Karen Waterworth. Voice vote.  Motion carried.
Article 11.  Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize the monies collected from perpetual care donations be invested by the Trustees of Public Funds, of which only the interest and/or dividends can be used, for the care and improvement of the cemetery?  Jerry Drugonis moved to authorize the monies collected from perpetual care donations be invested by the Trustees of Public Funds, of which only the interest and/or dividends can be used, for the care and improvement of the cemetery.  Seconded by Mike Wuerthele.  Voice vote.  Motion carried.
Article 12.  Will the voters of Pittsfield approve joining the Regional Ambulance Service.  Karen Waterworth made a motion to approve joining the Regional Ambulance Service.  Seconded by Clairetta Corron.  Discussion.  Jim Finger and Mike were present from Regional Ambulance Service (RAS) and Nick Tar was present from White River Valley Ambulance (WRVA) to answer any questions the voters may have.  Charlie Piso made a presentation put together by the Pittsfield Fire and Rescue (PF&R).  There is choice of hospital when transported by WRVA, RAS has about 9000 calls per year and WRVA about 1300.  Pittsfield is presently served by WRVA and PF&R has a good working relationship with them.  All WRVA ambulances have four wheel drive, a paramedic scheduled for every WRVA crew, WRVA does mutual aid for back country rescue with Bethel, RAS back country aid is dispatched through the state, back up crews for WRVA come from South Royalton, backup crews for RAS come from Fair Haven. There are changes being made to PSAP from local dispatch in Rutland to Rockingham dispatch.  PF&R has concerns with people not being familiar with the local area that might make response times longer.  The biggest plus for PF&R is the fact that residents have hospital choice with WRVA.  On paper the cost savings look good but it might not be best for the town.  The Pittsfield Fire and Rescue recommends that Pittsfield stay with WRVA.  Ray Colton commented that $22,000 savings is a lot of money.  Has the town tried negotiating with WRVA?  Jon Prendergast, Pittsfield Representative to the WRVA Board, stated that the cost is per capita.  The cost is significantly higher because WRVA doesn’t serve as large a population.  Response time is about the same from center of town to either service.  Jim Finger stated that RAS has a large number of paramedics on staff but hesitates to say that they guarantee a paramedic on every call.  Jim stated RAS would be happy to serve Pittsfield and wanted to make it clear that this is not a competition.  It was Pittsfield that approached RAS regarding service and it is important that the town of Pittsfield decide which service is best for Pittsfield.  Moderator called the question.  Will the voters of Pittsfield approve joining the Regional Ambulance Service?  Unanimous vote not to join Regional Ambulance Service.  Town of Pittsfield will remain with White River Valley Ambulance.
Article 13.  Will the voters of Pittsfield approve the proposed budget to meet the expenses and liabilities of the town?  Jerry Drugonis made a motion to approve the proposed budget to meet the expenses and liabilities of the town.  Seconded by Clairetta Corron.  Ray Colton commented that a lot of people are not happy with the raises and insurance coverage for town employees.  Elizabeth Warner asked what the estimated tax rate would be with the proposed changes.  Patty Haskins stated that it would bring the estimated municipal rate down to 45 cents.  The moderator called the article.  Will the voters of Pittsfield approve the proposed budget to meet the expenses and liabilities of the town?  Voice vote.  Motion carried.     
Article 14.  Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize the Select Board to set a tax rate sufficient to meet the expenses and liabilities of the town?  Arline Drugonis moved to authorize the Select Board to set a tax rate sufficient to meet the expenses and liabilities of the town.  Seconded by Jerry Drugonis.  Voice vote.  Motion carried.
Article 15.  Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize the Select Board to buy and sell real estate?  Jerry Drugonis moved to authorize the Select Board to buy and sell real estate.  Seconded by Sandy Begin.  Voice vote.  Motion carried.
Article 16.  To discuss any other business which may properly come before the meeting.  George Simpson made a motion to get Article 16 on the floor.  Seconded by Mark Corron.  Marion Abrams brought everyone up to date on the build-out of ECFiber.  George Simpson would like the Pittsfield Parking Ordinance to be enforced equally. Erica Hurd spoke about the library.  Matt Corron brought everyone’s attention to a pamphlet about serving in local government.  Karen Waterworth took an informal survey regarding changing town meeting to evening meeting. 

With no further business to be discussed, Jerry Drugonis made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Seconded by Clairetta Corron.  Voice vote.  Motion carried.  The 2017 Annual Town Meeting was adjourned at 12:25pm.

Recorded by:                         Approved by:      

Patricia S. Haskins                Matt Corron
Town Clerk                            Pittsfield Select Board

                                               George Deblon
                                               Town Moderator

TOWN OF PITTSFIELD WARNING
Town and School District Meeting
We hereby notify the legal voters of the Town of Pittsfield to meet at the Pittsfield Town Hall on Tuesday,
March 7, 2017 at 10 am to transact the following business in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order:
Article 1. To elect a town moderator for the ensuing year.
Article 2. Pittsfield School District Warning will be acted upon at this time.
Article 3. To receive the reports of the town officers for the year 2016.
Article 4. To elect the following officers for terms indicated and to fill any other office vacant:
 Terms Vote by Ballot
 (years) Mandatory
 VSA T.17§2646
a. Select Person 3 Yes
b. Lister 3 Yes
c. Auditor 3 Yes
d. Town Clerk 3 No
e. Town Treasurer 3 No
f. Trustee of Public Funds 3 No
g. Trustee Roger Clark Memorial Library 1 No
h. Trustee Roger Clark Memorial Library 5 No
i. First Constable 2 No
j. Grand Juror 1 No
k. Town Agent 1 No
l. Cemetery Commissioner 3 No
m. Cemetery Commissioner 3 No
n. Collector of Delinquent Taxes 1 No
Article 5. Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize all current taxes be paid to the Treasurer unless
otherwise noted?
Article 6. Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize the Treasurer to collect taxes on real property in two
installments, due before 5pm, on or before the third Thursday of August and the third
Thursday of November?
Article 7. Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize $20,000 to be placed in the reserve fund for Highway
 Equipment?
Article 8. Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize $30,000 to be placed in a reserve fund for replacement,
 repair or renovation of the town sand shed?
Article 9. Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize $10,000 to be placed in a reserve fund to continue exterior
 renovation of the Town Hall to include insulation and re-siding?
Article 10. Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize $30,000 to be placed in a reserve fund for the future
 repaving of the north end of the Village Green.
Article 11. Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize the monies collected from perpetual care donations be
 invested by the Trustees of Public Funds, of which only the interest and/or dividends can be
 used, for the care and improvement of the cemetery.
Article 12. Will the voters of Pittsfield approve joining the Regional Ambulance Service, Inc?
Article 13. Will the voters of Pittsfield approve the proposed budget to meet the expenses and liabilities
 of the town?
Article 14. Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize the Select Board to set a tax rate sufficient to meet the
 expenses and liabilities of the town?
Article 15. Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize the Select Board to buy and sell real estate?
Article 16. To discuss any other non-binding business which may properly come before the meeting.
Dated at Pittsfield, Vermont this 20th day of January 2017.
Pittsfield Select Board,
s/Matt Corron, Chair s/Mona Colton s/David Larkin
Received for record this 24th day of January 2017 at 9:00 am.
Attest: s/Patricia S. Haskins, Town Clerk
Notice to Voters
Any individuals needing special accommodations can contact the Town Clerks’s Office at least two weeks
prior to the Town Meeting. If you are not already a registered voter in the Town of Pittsfield, please register to vote if
you are eighteen or over, are a U.S. citizen, and a resident of this town. Eligible residents can register to vote at the
Town Office on any day prior ro the election during regular business hours. Registration will also be available at the
Town Hall on Town Meeting Day

​MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
Town of Pittsfield
Tuesday, May 10, 2016

The Special Town Meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by Moderator George Deblon with approximately 92 people in attendance at the Pittsfield Town Hall.  George led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance and then gave instructions on procedure for participating in the meeting. 

Article 1.  Will the voters of Pittsfield approve the proposed budget to meet the expenses and liabilities of the town?  Sandy Begin made a motion to approve the proposed budget to meet the expenses and liabilities of the town.  Seconded by Mike Wuerthele.  Discussion. Joyce Stevens, Jen Howard, Angela Jackson, Lynda Colton, Meg Charlebois, Amanda Barrett, Don Ziegler, Joe Fuster, Pam Mutrie, Ray Colton, Don Bass, Clairetta Corron, Wendy Reese, Mike Wuerthele and Ellen Martin joined in a discussion regarding the salary of the Town Clerk and Treasurer position. Select Board members Matt Corron, Dave Larkin and Mona Colton answered voters’ questions.  

Erica Hurd had concerns about the reduction in the Town Hall maintenance line.  Jen Howard asked about the resident and non-resident education rate.  Angela Jackson moved to vote on the budget.  Seconded by Clairetta Corron.  After some discussion on the proper procedure Angela Jackson withdrew her motion.  Clairetta did not withdraw her second.  Ray Colton asked if an amendment could be made.  Joyce asked if we have to start over again if the budget was voted down.  The Moderator ruled to continue discussion. Discussion continued with input from Mary Lee Stevens, Erica Hurd, Ray Colton, Don Bass, Dave Larkin, Clairetta Corron, Judy Manley and Barbara Wood.  Moderator George Deblon explained reconsideration of an article in the event that the budget was voted down.  Ellen Martin moved to decrease the Town Clerk line item and the Town Treasurer line item to $17,366 for each position.  This would be an 8% pay increase from the 2015 budget amount.  Seconded by Susie Martin.  Vote by paper ballot.  87 votes cast:  Yes 45.  No 42.  Amendment to decrease the Town Clerk and Town Treasurer line item to $17,366 for each position was carried.

Dennis O’Brien made a motion to vote on the proposed budget to meet the expenses and liabilities of the town with the approved amendment.  Seconded by Meg Charlebois.  The municipal total to be raised by taxes will be $481,869.00.  The estimated tax rate will be $0.48.  Vote by paper ballot.  85 votes cast.  Yes 63.  No 21.  The proposed budget to meet the expenses and liabilities of the town with the approved amendment was carried.

Article 2. To discuss any other non-binding business which may properly come before the meeting.  Vermont Public Service Awards were presented to 14 Pittsfield officials who have served the Town of Pittsfield for 20 or more years.  Pins and certificates were presented to the following officers for their service.  Martha Beyersdorf 20 years, Tim Hunt 21 years, Kris Sperber 21 years, Suana Rubin 23 years, Pat Fuster 24 years, Patty Haskins 24 years, George Deblon 25 years, Sarah Gray 28 years, Mark Begin 29 years, Sandy Begin 35 years, Joe Fuster 37 years, Ray Colton 39 years and Mel Colton 56 years.  Chuck and Dave Colton accepted the award for their late father, Mel Colton.  Mel’s years of service were honored with a standing ovation.  The service awards are sponsored by the Secretary of State’s Office.  Everyone was invited to stay for refreshments.

With no further business to be discussed, Dennis O’Brien made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Seconded by Terry Manley. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.  

Recorded by:
        
        Patricia S. Haskins, Town Clerk

Approved by:
    
        George Deblon, Moderator


        Matt Corron, Select Board Chair


        Michael Wuerthele, Justice of the Peace

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Town of Pittsfield
Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Moderator, George Deblon, called the Pittsfield Annual Town Meeting to order at 10:00 am.  Approximately 85 people were in attendance at the Pittsfield Town Hall.  George led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance and then read the names of residents that had passed away, asking for a moment of silence.  With no objections George Deblon skipped to Article 2. 
Article 2.  Pittsfield School District warning will be acted upon at this time.  The Town Meeting recessed at 10:05 am and the School District warning was acted upon.  (See separate minutes).  The Town Meeting reconvened at 10:50 am and the articles warned by the Select Board were acted upon at this time.
Article 1.  To elect a moderator for the ensuing year.  George Deblon nominated by Jerry Drugonis.  Seconded by Arline Drugonis.  Jerry Drugonis moved to close nominations.  Seconded by Angela Jackson.  Voice vote.  George Deblon elected moderator for the ensuing year.  Town Clerk, Patricia Haskins, administered the oath of office.
Article 3.  To receive the report of the Town Officers for the year 2015.  Jerry Drugonis made a motion to receive the report of the Town Officers.  Seconded by Angela Jackson.  Meg Charlebois asked if there were any plans for a reappraisal.  Lister Martha Beyersdorf is hoping to get one started in the next couple of years.  Voice vote. Carried
Article 4.  To elect the following officers for terms indicated and to fill any other office vacant:
a. Select Person for two years.  Matt Corron nominated by Wendy Reese.  Seconded by Erica Hurd.  Mona Colton nominated by Ray Colton.  Seconded by Greg Martin.  With no further nominations Jerry Drugonis moved nominations cease.  Seconded by Arline Drugonis.  Paper Ballot: 77 Ballots cast. Matt Corron 32 and Mona Colton 44.  Mona Colton elected Select Person for two years.
b. Select Person for three years.  Matt Corron nominated by Jen Wall Howard. Seconded by Doug Johnstone.  Cathy Cappetta nominated by Dave Hartman.  Seconded by Angela Jackson.  Greg Martin nominated by Ray Colton.  Greg declined the nomination. Jen Wall Howard moved nominations close.  Seconded by Angela Jackson.  Paper Ballot: 77 ballots cast.  Matt Corron 38 and Cathy Cappetta 32.   Matt Corron elected Select Person for three years.
c. Lister for one year.  Dennis O’Brien nominated by Martha Beyersdorf.  Seconded by A.J. Ruben.  Jerry Drugonis moved that nominations cease and the Clerk cast one ballot for Dennis O’Brien.  Seconded by Erica Hurd.  Voice vote.  Dennis O’Brien elected Lister for one year.
d. Lister for two years.  Colleen Stevens nominated by Martha Beyersdorf.  Seconded by Jerry Drugonis.  Jerry Drugonis motioned nominations cease and the Clerk cast one ballot for Colleen Stevens.  Seconded by Angela Jackson.  Voice vote.  Colleen Stevens elected Lister for two years.
e. Lister for three years.  Martha Beyersdorf nominated by Dennis O’Brien.  Seconded by Jerry Drugonis.  With no further nominations, Jerry Drugonis moved nominations cease and the Clerk cast one ballot for Martha Beyersdorf.  Seconded by Angela Jackson.  Voice vote.  Martha Beyersdorf elected Lister for three years.
f. Auditor for two years.  Erica Hurd nominated by Martha Beyersdorf.  Seconded by Jerry Drugonis.  Jerry Drugonis made a motion nominations cease and the clerk cast one ballot for Erica Hurd.  Seconded by Wendy Reese.  Voice vote.  Erica Hurd elected Auditor for two years.
g. Auditor for three years.  Sue Wuerthele nominated by Martha Beyersdorf.  Seconded by Mike Wuerthele.  Jerry Drugonis moved nominations cease and the Clerk cast one ballot for Sue Wuerthele.  Seconded by Wendy Reese.  Voice vote.  Sue Wuerthele elected Auditor for three years.
h. Trustee of Public Funds for three years.  Kelly Ziegler nominated by Marion Abrams.  Seconded by Ray Rice.  Jerry Drugonis moved nominations cease.  Seconded by Angela Jackson.  Voice vote.  Kelly Ziegler elected Trustee of Public Funds for three years.
i. Trustee, Roger Clark Memorial Library for five years.  Martha Beyersdorf nominated by Erica Hurd.  Seconded by Karen Waterworth.  Wendy Reese motioned to close nominations.  Seconded by Jen Wall Howard.  Voice vote.  Martha Beyersdorf elected Trustee, Roger Clark Memorial Library for five years.
j. Second Constable for two years.  Doug Mianulli nominated by Karen Butterhof Waterworth.  Seconded by Jen Wall Howard.  Jerry Drugonis moved to close nominations.  Seconded by Jen Wall Howard.  Voice vote.  Doug Mianulli elected Second Constable for two years.
k. Grand Juror for one year.  Sandy Begin nominated by Erica Hurd.  Seconded by Jerry Drugonis.  With no further nominations voice vote taken.  Sandy Begin elected Grand Juror for one year.
l. Town Agent for one year.  Sarah Gray nominated by Jen Wall Howard.  Seconded by Sandy Begin.  Voice vote.  Sarah Gray elected Town Agent for one year.
m. Cemetery Commissioner for three years.  Connie Martin nominated by Arline Drugonis.  Seconded by Jerry Drugonis.  Voice vote.  Connie Martin elected Cemetery Commissioner for three years.
n. Cemetery Commissioner for one year.  Mary Lee Stevens nominated by Chuck Colton.  Seconded by Karen Waterworth.  Voice vote.  Mary Lee Stevens elected Cemetery Commissioner for one year.
o. Collector of Delinquent Taxes for one year.  Janice Stumpf nominated by Gary Stumpf.  Seconded by Wendy Reese.  Voice vote.  Janice Stumpf elected Collector of Delinquent Taxes for one year.
p. Fire Chief for two years.  David Colton nominated by Chuck Colton.  Seconded by Doug Johnstone.  Voice vote.  David Colton elected Fire Chief for two years.
Article 5.  Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize all current taxes be paid to the Treasurer unless otherwise noted?  Jerry Drugonis moved the voters of Pittsfield authorize all current taxes be paid to the Treasurer.  Seconded by Sandy Begin.  Voice vote.  Motion carried.
Article 6.  Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize the Treasurer to collect taxes on real property in two installments, due before 3 pm, on or before the third Thursday of August and the third Thursday of November?  Arline Drugonis made a motion to authorize the Treasurer to collect taxes on real property in two installments, due before 3 pm, on or before the third Thursday of August and the third Thursday of November.  Seconded by Sandy Begin.  Voice vote.  Motion carried.
Article 7.  Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize $20,000 to be placed in the reserve fund for Highway Equipment?  Sandy Begin made a motion to authorize $20,000 to be placed in the reserve fund for Highway Equipment.  Seconded by Arline Drugonis.  Discussion.  George Deblon noted the two most likely things to need replacement next will be the loader or the 20+ year old truck.  He noted that they were doing fine right now and that there is nothing in the works.  Voice vote.  Motion carried.
Article 8.  Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize $10,000 to be placed in the Contingency Reserve Fund?  Sandy Begin made a motion to authorize $10,000 to be placed in the contingency Reserve Fund.  Seconded by Arline Drugonis.  Wendy Reese noted that there is currently $40,000 in the Contingency Fund and that the goal of the previous board was to bring that total up to $50,000.  Voice vote.  Motion carried.
Article 9.  Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize $30,000 to be placed in a reserve fund for replacement, repair or renovation of the town sand shed?  Sandy Begin made a motion to authorize $30,000 to be placed in a reserve fund for replacement, repair or renovation of the town sand shed.   Seconded by Wendy Reese.  George Deblon had an estimate from about 10 years ago regarding the cost of repair of the sand shed.  It had been inspected by an engineer at that time and they were told something needed to be done.  A quote obtained from Chuck Adams of Bethel at that time estimated about $50,000 for a band aid and close to $100,000 for a complete fix.  Voice vote.  Motion carried.
Article 10.  Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize an increase in the veteran’s exemption from $10,000 to $40,000 of appraised value pursuant to 32 V.S.A. § 3802(11) first effective for the April 1, 2016 tax year?  Charlie Howard made a motion to authorize an increase in the veteran’s exemption from $10,000 to $40,000 of appraised value pursuant to 32 V.S.A. § 3802(11) first effective for the April 1, 2016 tax year?  Seconded by Clairetta Corron.  Cathy Cappetta stood up as a disabled veteran and was recognized with a round of applause for her service to our country.  Voice vote.  Motion carried.
Article 11.  Will the voters of Pittsfield approve the proposed budget to meet the expenses and liabilities of the town?  Jerry Drugonis made a motion to approve the proposed budget to meet the expenses and liabilities of the town.  Seconded by Sandy Begin.  Discussion ensued, focusing mainly on pay increases for town employees and medical benefits for the town clerk and treasurer’s position.  The board will clarify with VLCT the eligibility for medical benefits for town employees.  Other budget items discussed included the change in the Town Hall insulation project in 2015 and the $10,000 line item for maintenance of the Town Hall in 2016, Town Office Building maintenance line item for 2016, paying someone for shoveling snow and custodial duties, and the Rutland county sheriff line item.  Jen Howard motioned to vote the article.  Seconded by Ray Rice.  Paper Ballot:  63 ballots cast.  47 no and 16 yes.  The proposed budget was defeated.
Article 12.  Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize the Select Board to set a tax rate sufficient to meet the expenses and liabilities of the town?  Angela Jackson moved to authorize the Select Board to set a tax rate sufficient to meet the expenses and liabilities of the town.  Seconded by Karen Butterhof Waterworth.  Voice vote.  Motion carried.
Article 13.  Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize the Select Board to buy and sell real estate?  Jerry Drugonis moved to authorize the Select Board to buy and sell real estate.  Seconded by Mark Begin.  Voice vote.  Motion carried.
Article 14.  To discuss any other business which may properly come before the meeting.  Jerry Drugonis made a motion to get Article 14 on the floor.  Seconded by Mark Begin.  Marion Abrams discussed the importance of fiber optics for the future of Pittsfield and encouraged residents to sign up on-line at www.ecfiber.net/levelup to help ensure Pittsfield is included in the next build out of ECFiber.  Wendy Reese presented Patty Haskins with a bouquet of flowers and thanked her for her service to Pittsfield.  Karen Butterhof Waterworth reminded everyone of the upcoming movie and blood drive. 
With no further business to be discussed, Jerry Drugonis made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Seconded by Angela Jackson.  Voice vote.  Motion carried.  The 2016 Annual Town Meeting was adjourned at 1:17 pm.
Recorded by:              Approved by:

Patricia S. Haskins    Matt Corron
Town Clerk                  Pittsfield Select Board

                                    George Deblon
                                    Moderator
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