Annual Town and School Meeting-20230307_180008-Meeting Recording
Minutes of Annual Town Meeting
Town of Pittsfield
Tuesday March 7, 2023
Moderator George Deblon called the Annual Town Meeting to order at 6:00 on Tuesday March 7, 2023. There were approximately 52 people in attendance at the Town Hall. George led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Article 1. To elect a town moderator for the ensuing year. Motion made to accept the article by Erica Hurd, seconded by Jennifer Howard. George Deblon nominated by Erica Hurd, seconded by Herb Kuendig. Voice vote, all in favor, George elected Moderator for 1 year. Tricia Abbondelo administered George Deblon his Oath of office.
Legislative update was made by State Representative Jim Harrison
The Town Meeting was adjourned, and School Meeting was opened at 6:28pm.
The School Meeting was adjourned, and The Town Meeting was reopened at 6:49pm.
Article 2. To elect the following officers, as required by law, for the terms indicated and to fill any other office vacant: Motion made to accept the article by Herb Kuendig, seconded by Sue Wuerthele.
Article 4. Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize the Treasurer to collect taxes on real property in two installments, on or before the third Thursday of August and the third Thursday of November, by physical delivery to the tax collector by 5pm? A motion was made by Jennifer Howard, seconded by Sue Wuerthele, to accept this article. A point was made by Marsha Hopkins regarding the number of installment payments asking for change. Joyce replied that we are waiting to get through the full year of our first fiscal year budget schedule and that after that time discussion can be had. Sue Wuerthele asked if at that time can we consider stretching out the payments, so they are not as close together. Ann Kuendig replied that we can look at that based on when payments are due by the town. Erica Hurd made a motion to approve the article seconded by Sue Wuerthele. Voice vote, all in favor, article approved.
Article 5. Will the voters of Pittsfield deposit $70,000 in the PVFR Truck Fund? Herb Kuendig made a motion to accept this article, seconded by Mike Moran. Discussion, Jennifer Howard asked to hear what their thoughts are on that, George asked Fire Department to speak. Dave Colton explained that the Select Board helped them set up a capitol fund so when they get their next truck there is not a big loan. Sandy Begin would like to know when they are getting another truck. It was explained that they are on a five-year capital plan and are planning on getting a mini pumper rescue by Ann Kuendig. She went onto explain how much money was in the fund thus far. Mike Moran asked about the money going into a CD. It was explained that we were waiting on the rates to go up and that yes, we can do that. A motion to approve the article was made by Sue Wuerthele and seconded by Jennifer Howard. Voice vote, all in favor, article approved.
Article 6. Will the voters of Pittsfield deposit $25,000 for Highway Department Building Maintenance? Martha Beyersdorf made a motion to accept this article, seconded by Sue Wuerthele. George explained this money would be used for siding and windows on the original building with a bid received for just under $25,000. Erica Hurd made a motion to approve the article, seconded by Sue Wuerthele. Voice vote, all in favor, article approved.
Article 7. Will the voters of Pittsfield approve closing the Bridge Reserve Fund and transfer the remaining balance to the Parks and Grounds Reserve Fund? Erica Hurd motioned to accept the article and seconded by Sue Wuerthele. Discussion about what the bridge fund was set up for, Ray Colton explained it was opened as a fund similar to what we do for Highway that we just approved but used for bridges. There is just over $1,100.00 in the fund and Ann Kuendig explained we’d like to purchase picnic tables and benches. Erica Hurd motioned to approve, seconded by Jennifer Howard. Voice vote, all in favor, article approved.
Article 8. Will the voters of Pittsfield approve the proposed 12 -month budget beginning July 1, 2023, to meet the expenses and liabilities of the town? Sue Wuerthele motioned to accept this article, seconded by Randy Strong. Discussion, Ray Colton asked how taxes would compare to last year? Ann Kuendig answered $.02 less with operating budget, with warned items $0.4774. Patty Haskins commented on the Grand List being estimated, the Listers choose to do an estimated number as explained by Betty Warner. Jeremy Rayner motioned to approve, seconded by Herb Kuendig. Voice vote, all in favor, article approved.
Article 9. Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize the Select Board to buy and sell real estate? Jennifer Howard motioned to accept this article, seconded by Erica Hurd. No discussion. Sue Wuerthele motioned to approve this article, seconded by Marth Beyersdorf. Voice vote, all in favor, article approved.
Article 10. To discuss any non-binding business which may come before the meeting? Sandy Begin motioned to accept this article, seconded by Sue Wuerthele. Betty Warner wanted it clarified if the community cares about the Fall event, if it does continue it will need new leadership. She posed a question, Is the event important to you? Many answered yes. Coral Hawley asked can it go back to what it was, happen organically? Betty replied that is a question for the new leadership. Ann Kuendig asked if there was money made? Betty replied that the PVFR and RCML did well, PCC had donations to cover face painters and musicians.
Sue Wuerthele asked about where the money came from for the Sand Shed and it was explained it came from a Federal Grant.
George commented on how Trish Abbondelo has been running the office alone for over a year and has now hired an assistant, introducing Randy Strong.
Micheline Bissel inquired about speed signs, we are waiting on State of VT to install the poles, explained Joyce Stevens, they will be located by the 35mph sign by the bridge.
Ann Kuendig updated on the Town Hall project, Ray Colton commented on everything that has been done so far is paid for, no debt and thanked Sandy Begin for the Mark Begin Town Hall Fund which is made up of donations from after Mark had passed.
With no further business to discuss George moved to adjourn the 2023 Town meeting at 7:26pm.
Recorded by s/Tricia L Abbondelo, Town Clerk
Approved by s/Ann Kuendig, Select Board Chair
s/George Deblon, Moderator
Minutes of the Annual School Meeting
Town of Pittsfield
Tuesday May 7, 2023
Article 1. To elect a Moderator for the year ensuing. A motion was made by Sandy Begin to accept this article and seconded by Jen Howard. A motion was made by Dave Colton and seconded Mike Moran for George Deblon. Voice vote, all in favor. George Deblon School Moderator for one year.
Tricia Abbondelo administered George Deblon his Oath of office.
Article 2. To hear and act upon the auditor’s report. A motion was made by Sandy Begin, to accept this article, seconded by Jeremy Rayner. No discussion. A motion was made by Jennifer Howard and seconded by Sandy Begin to approve this article. Voice vote, article approved.
Article 3. To see if the Pittsfield School District will vote to pay taxes in the same manner as the Town. A motion was made by Sue Wuerthele to accept this article, seconded by Jen Howard. No Discussion. A motion was made to approve this article by Sandy Begin, seconded by Joyce Stevens. Voice vote, article approved.
Article 4. To hear reports of the school Directors. A motion was made by Erica Hurd to accept this article, seconded by Ann Kuendig. Kris Sperber asked to amend/make a correction to the report, second to last paragraph incorrect $1.0147 Homestead tax rate adjusted by our common level of appraisal (CLA) to $.9787, confirming this as our tax rate and stating this is correct everywhere else in the Town Report. A motion was made to vote on the amendment, seconded by Jeremy Rayner. Erica Hurd asked why we do not see a listing of where the children go to school, Kris replied that they just did not put it in, went onto explain we have kids in Killington, Woodstock, Stockbridge, Randolph Rutland City, Barlow, Christ the King, Mt Saint Joseph and a handful of other independent schools. There are 44 kids K-12 and 4 or so in pre-k. Ann Kuendig asked if we had any kids going out of state that we have to pay the tuition for, Kris replied yes we pay state average tuition to any independent school that has been approved by the State of Vermont no geographical limitations, also noted state average is lower than our in state schools. Kris went onto give some of next year’s tuition rates. Reminding that it is a very small amount of out of state and being thoughtful to privacy. Jennifer Howard motioned to approve this article, seconded by Randy Strong. Voice vote, article approved.
Article 5. Shall the voters of the Pittsfield School District approve a total budget in the amount of $994,945.00 for the 2023-24 school year. It is estimated that this proposed budget will result in education spending of $14,656.00 per equalized pupil. This projected spending is 5% higher than spending for the current year.
A motion was made to accept this article by Sandy Begin, seconded by Ann Kuendig. Kris reminded us that we can see the budget on page 41 along with previous years, explaining we are relatively level a bit up. They have overbudgeted a bit the past few years, with less special-ed expenses and children moving in and out, there is a surplus of $100,000 we are spending down. Marsha Hopkins is asking about the equalized pupil rate not transferring to next page. Kris explained about the scrambling at the end before going to press due to reappraisal and CLA and admitted that Marsha just found a mistake on the warning. Equalized pupil should be $15,706.24, Kris Sperber moved to make the amendment on the warning. Sue Wuerthele asked if the 5% budget changed and Kris Sperber said it does not. Caleb Hawley seconded the amendment, voice vote, amendment approved. Jeremy Rayner motioned to accept article as amended, seconded by Ann Kuendig, voice vote article passed.
Article 6. To elect a School Director for a three-year term. A motion was made to approve this article by Sandy Begin seconded by Sue Wuerthele. A motion was made by Kris Sperber for Ray Rice, seconded by Caleb Hawley. Voice vote, all in favor, Ray Rice School Director for three years.
Article 7. To do any other proper or necessary business. A motion was made to accept this article by Sue Wuerthele and seconded by Jennifer Howard. Kris let all know that the non-homestead rate would be $1.41.
Ray Rice wanted all to know that Chloe Massillo won the State Championship SL race for high school!
Don Marshall spoke about a club he would like to start, The Pittsfield Telemark Skiing Club!
With no other business, the 2023 School meeting was motioned to be adjourned by Sandy Begin, seconded by Joyce Stevens at 6:48pm.
Recorded by s/Tricia L Abbondelo Town Clerk
Approved by s/Kris Sperber, School Board
s/George Deblon, Moderator
Minutes of Annual Town Meeting
Town of Pittsfield
Tuesday March 7, 2023
Moderator George Deblon called the Annual Town Meeting to order at 6:00 on Tuesday March 7, 2023. There were approximately 52 people in attendance at the Town Hall. George led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Article 1. To elect a town moderator for the ensuing year. Motion made to accept the article by Erica Hurd, seconded by Jennifer Howard. George Deblon nominated by Erica Hurd, seconded by Herb Kuendig. Voice vote, all in favor, George elected Moderator for 1 year. Tricia Abbondelo administered George Deblon his Oath of office.
Legislative update was made by State Representative Jim Harrison
The Town Meeting was adjourned, and School Meeting was opened at 6:28pm.
The School Meeting was adjourned, and The Town Meeting was reopened at 6:49pm.
Article 2. To elect the following officers, as required by law, for the terms indicated and to fill any other office vacant: Motion made to accept the article by Herb Kuendig, seconded by Sue Wuerthele.
- Select Person for three years. A nomination was made by AJ Ruben, seconded by Caleb Hawley for Joyce Stevens. Patty Haskins moved nominations be closed, and the clerk cast 1 ballot for Joyce Stevens, seconded by Kris Sperber. Voice vote, all in favor. Joyce Stevens elected Select Person for three years.
- Lister for three years. A nomination was made by Herb Kuendig and seconded by Jeremy Rayner for Betty Warner. Patty Haskins moved nominations be closed and the clerk cast 1 ballot for Betty Warner, seconded by Joyce Stevens. Voice vote, all in favor, Betty Warner Lister for three years.
- Auditor for three years. A nomination was made by Patty Haskins and seconded by Erica Hurd for Anne (Muller) Powers. Caleb Hawley moved nominations be closed, and the clerk cast 1 ballot for Anne (Muller) Powers, seconded by Sue Wuerthele. Voice vote, all in favor, Anne (Muller) Powers Auditor for three years.
- Clerk for three years. A nomination was made by Joyce Stevens and seconded by Herb Kuendig for Trish Abbondelo. Voice vote, all in favor, Trish Abbondelo elected Town Clerk for three years.
- Treasurer for three years. A nomination was made by Patty Haskins, seconded by Jennifer Howard for Trish Abbondelo. Voice vote, all in favor, Trish Abbondelo elected Town Treasurer for three years.
- Collector of Delinquent Tax for one year. A nomination was made by Herb Kuendig, seconded by Jeremy Rayner for Janice Stumpf. Voice vote, all in favor, Janice Stumpf Collector of Delinquent Tax for one year.
- Trustee of Public Funds for three years. A nomination was made by Ray Rice and seconded by Joyce Stevens for Henry Hotchkiss. Voice vote, all in favor, Henry Hotchkiss Trustee of Public Funds for three years.
- Trustee of the Roger Clark Memorial Library for three years. A nomination was made by Erica Hurd and seconded by Joyce Stevens for Kim Barber. Voice vote, all in favor, Kim Barber Trustee of the Roger Clark Memorial Library for three years.
- Cemetery Commissioner for three years. A nomination was made by Herb Kuendig and seconded by Ray Colton for George Deblon. Voice vote, all in favor, George Deblon Cemetery Commissioner for three years.
- Cemetery Commissioner for three years. A nomination was made by Jennifer Howard, seconded by Ann Kuendig for Martha Beyersdorf. Voice vote, all in favor, Martha Beyersdorf elected Cemetery Commissioner for three years.
- First Constable for 2 years. A nomination was made by Jennifer Howard and seconded by Sue Wuerthele for Tim Hunt. Voice vote, all in favor, Tim Hunt First Constable for two years.
Article 4. Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize the Treasurer to collect taxes on real property in two installments, on or before the third Thursday of August and the third Thursday of November, by physical delivery to the tax collector by 5pm? A motion was made by Jennifer Howard, seconded by Sue Wuerthele, to accept this article. A point was made by Marsha Hopkins regarding the number of installment payments asking for change. Joyce replied that we are waiting to get through the full year of our first fiscal year budget schedule and that after that time discussion can be had. Sue Wuerthele asked if at that time can we consider stretching out the payments, so they are not as close together. Ann Kuendig replied that we can look at that based on when payments are due by the town. Erica Hurd made a motion to approve the article seconded by Sue Wuerthele. Voice vote, all in favor, article approved.
Article 5. Will the voters of Pittsfield deposit $70,000 in the PVFR Truck Fund? Herb Kuendig made a motion to accept this article, seconded by Mike Moran. Discussion, Jennifer Howard asked to hear what their thoughts are on that, George asked Fire Department to speak. Dave Colton explained that the Select Board helped them set up a capitol fund so when they get their next truck there is not a big loan. Sandy Begin would like to know when they are getting another truck. It was explained that they are on a five-year capital plan and are planning on getting a mini pumper rescue by Ann Kuendig. She went onto explain how much money was in the fund thus far. Mike Moran asked about the money going into a CD. It was explained that we were waiting on the rates to go up and that yes, we can do that. A motion to approve the article was made by Sue Wuerthele and seconded by Jennifer Howard. Voice vote, all in favor, article approved.
Article 6. Will the voters of Pittsfield deposit $25,000 for Highway Department Building Maintenance? Martha Beyersdorf made a motion to accept this article, seconded by Sue Wuerthele. George explained this money would be used for siding and windows on the original building with a bid received for just under $25,000. Erica Hurd made a motion to approve the article, seconded by Sue Wuerthele. Voice vote, all in favor, article approved.
Article 7. Will the voters of Pittsfield approve closing the Bridge Reserve Fund and transfer the remaining balance to the Parks and Grounds Reserve Fund? Erica Hurd motioned to accept the article and seconded by Sue Wuerthele. Discussion about what the bridge fund was set up for, Ray Colton explained it was opened as a fund similar to what we do for Highway that we just approved but used for bridges. There is just over $1,100.00 in the fund and Ann Kuendig explained we’d like to purchase picnic tables and benches. Erica Hurd motioned to approve, seconded by Jennifer Howard. Voice vote, all in favor, article approved.
Article 8. Will the voters of Pittsfield approve the proposed 12 -month budget beginning July 1, 2023, to meet the expenses and liabilities of the town? Sue Wuerthele motioned to accept this article, seconded by Randy Strong. Discussion, Ray Colton asked how taxes would compare to last year? Ann Kuendig answered $.02 less with operating budget, with warned items $0.4774. Patty Haskins commented on the Grand List being estimated, the Listers choose to do an estimated number as explained by Betty Warner. Jeremy Rayner motioned to approve, seconded by Herb Kuendig. Voice vote, all in favor, article approved.
Article 9. Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize the Select Board to buy and sell real estate? Jennifer Howard motioned to accept this article, seconded by Erica Hurd. No discussion. Sue Wuerthele motioned to approve this article, seconded by Marth Beyersdorf. Voice vote, all in favor, article approved.
Article 10. To discuss any non-binding business which may come before the meeting? Sandy Begin motioned to accept this article, seconded by Sue Wuerthele. Betty Warner wanted it clarified if the community cares about the Fall event, if it does continue it will need new leadership. She posed a question, Is the event important to you? Many answered yes. Coral Hawley asked can it go back to what it was, happen organically? Betty replied that is a question for the new leadership. Ann Kuendig asked if there was money made? Betty replied that the PVFR and RCML did well, PCC had donations to cover face painters and musicians.
Sue Wuerthele asked about where the money came from for the Sand Shed and it was explained it came from a Federal Grant.
George commented on how Trish Abbondelo has been running the office alone for over a year and has now hired an assistant, introducing Randy Strong.
Micheline Bissel inquired about speed signs, we are waiting on State of VT to install the poles, explained Joyce Stevens, they will be located by the 35mph sign by the bridge.
Ann Kuendig updated on the Town Hall project, Ray Colton commented on everything that has been done so far is paid for, no debt and thanked Sandy Begin for the Mark Begin Town Hall Fund which is made up of donations from after Mark had passed.
With no further business to discuss George moved to adjourn the 2023 Town meeting at 7:26pm.
Recorded by s/Tricia L Abbondelo, Town Clerk
Approved by s/Ann Kuendig, Select Board Chair
s/George Deblon, Moderator
Minutes of the Annual School Meeting
Town of Pittsfield
Tuesday May 7, 2023
Article 1. To elect a Moderator for the year ensuing. A motion was made by Sandy Begin to accept this article and seconded by Jen Howard. A motion was made by Dave Colton and seconded Mike Moran for George Deblon. Voice vote, all in favor. George Deblon School Moderator for one year.
Tricia Abbondelo administered George Deblon his Oath of office.
Article 2. To hear and act upon the auditor’s report. A motion was made by Sandy Begin, to accept this article, seconded by Jeremy Rayner. No discussion. A motion was made by Jennifer Howard and seconded by Sandy Begin to approve this article. Voice vote, article approved.
Article 3. To see if the Pittsfield School District will vote to pay taxes in the same manner as the Town. A motion was made by Sue Wuerthele to accept this article, seconded by Jen Howard. No Discussion. A motion was made to approve this article by Sandy Begin, seconded by Joyce Stevens. Voice vote, article approved.
Article 4. To hear reports of the school Directors. A motion was made by Erica Hurd to accept this article, seconded by Ann Kuendig. Kris Sperber asked to amend/make a correction to the report, second to last paragraph incorrect $1.0147 Homestead tax rate adjusted by our common level of appraisal (CLA) to $.9787, confirming this as our tax rate and stating this is correct everywhere else in the Town Report. A motion was made to vote on the amendment, seconded by Jeremy Rayner. Erica Hurd asked why we do not see a listing of where the children go to school, Kris replied that they just did not put it in, went onto explain we have kids in Killington, Woodstock, Stockbridge, Randolph Rutland City, Barlow, Christ the King, Mt Saint Joseph and a handful of other independent schools. There are 44 kids K-12 and 4 or so in pre-k. Ann Kuendig asked if we had any kids going out of state that we have to pay the tuition for, Kris replied yes we pay state average tuition to any independent school that has been approved by the State of Vermont no geographical limitations, also noted state average is lower than our in state schools. Kris went onto give some of next year’s tuition rates. Reminding that it is a very small amount of out of state and being thoughtful to privacy. Jennifer Howard motioned to approve this article, seconded by Randy Strong. Voice vote, article approved.
Article 5. Shall the voters of the Pittsfield School District approve a total budget in the amount of $994,945.00 for the 2023-24 school year. It is estimated that this proposed budget will result in education spending of $14,656.00 per equalized pupil. This projected spending is 5% higher than spending for the current year.
A motion was made to accept this article by Sandy Begin, seconded by Ann Kuendig. Kris reminded us that we can see the budget on page 41 along with previous years, explaining we are relatively level a bit up. They have overbudgeted a bit the past few years, with less special-ed expenses and children moving in and out, there is a surplus of $100,000 we are spending down. Marsha Hopkins is asking about the equalized pupil rate not transferring to next page. Kris explained about the scrambling at the end before going to press due to reappraisal and CLA and admitted that Marsha just found a mistake on the warning. Equalized pupil should be $15,706.24, Kris Sperber moved to make the amendment on the warning. Sue Wuerthele asked if the 5% budget changed and Kris Sperber said it does not. Caleb Hawley seconded the amendment, voice vote, amendment approved. Jeremy Rayner motioned to accept article as amended, seconded by Ann Kuendig, voice vote article passed.
Article 6. To elect a School Director for a three-year term. A motion was made to approve this article by Sandy Begin seconded by Sue Wuerthele. A motion was made by Kris Sperber for Ray Rice, seconded by Caleb Hawley. Voice vote, all in favor, Ray Rice School Director for three years.
Article 7. To do any other proper or necessary business. A motion was made to accept this article by Sue Wuerthele and seconded by Jennifer Howard. Kris let all know that the non-homestead rate would be $1.41.
Ray Rice wanted all to know that Chloe Massillo won the State Championship SL race for high school!
Don Marshall spoke about a club he would like to start, The Pittsfield Telemark Skiing Club!
With no other business, the 2023 School meeting was motioned to be adjourned by Sandy Begin, seconded by Joyce Stevens at 6:48pm.
Recorded by s/Tricia L Abbondelo Town Clerk
Approved by s/Kris Sperber, School Board
s/George Deblon, Moderator
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