Minutes of Annual Town Meeting
Town of Pittsfield
Tuesday March 3, 2026
Meeting Link https://bit.ly/4cnDtcn
Moderator George Deblon called the Annual Town/School Meeting to order at 6pm on Tuesday March 3, 2026. There were 74 people in attendance at the Town Hall. George led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Representative Valerie Taylor was invited to speak.
Article 1. To elect a Town Moderator for the ensuing year
Sandy Begin moved to accept the article, 2nd by Terry Manley.
George Deblon was nominated by Terry Manley, 2nd by Jen Howard.
George respectfully declined, and George nominated Ian Sullivan, 2nd, by Joyce Stevens.
Voice vote, all in favor, Ian Sullivan elected Town Moderator for one year.
George Deblon, as Justice of Peace, administered the oath of office to Ian Sullivan.
Ann recognized George for all his years of service as moderator and presented a gift of a gavel inscribed “master of motions, amendments and friendly debates” along with a gift certificate for dinner. George received a round of applause and many thanks!
Article 2. To elect the following officers, as required by law, for the terms indicated and to fill any other office vacant:
Sue Wuerthele moved to accept the article, 2nd by Herb Kuendig.
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 to accept this article by George Deblon, 2nd by Sandy Begin. No discussion, Sue Wuerthele moved to approve the article 2nd by Sandy Begin. Voice vote, all in favor.
Article 5. Will the voters of Pittsfield deposit $25,000 into the Recreation Fund towards the development of the playground and recreation area? A motion was made by Jake Hunt to accept the article 2nd by George Deblon. Discussion: Kris Sperber asked about a plan, Jake said playground upgrade possibly walking trail and pavilion. The Rec Fund and Erica Hurd fund have approximately $47,400. Ann Kuendig spoke about a proposal for the playground to be replaced that was $134,264.00.
Candy Kadimik said PCC will be dissolving and passing the funds to the Recreation Fund, approximately $3,000. There needs to be 3 bids solicited, the one we have is old and will probably increase. Vaughn Micciche asked how much we spent to do the courts, total cost to taxpayers was about $12,500. Vaughn suggested that we give each family $2,00 rather than spend $100,000 on a playground. Joyce talked about this, being a way to bring community together not to give people money to be alone. Jake mentioned researching for grants. Kim Harris spoke about being involved in Killington’s playground redo and the costs and safety that goes with, felt the amount sounded on track. Patty Haskins spoke about seeing the weekly group that is out back with children with parents playing. Dana Decker mentioned how we have been trying to do this for so many years, she thinks the cost is reasonable. Anna Rayner asked about looking for volunteers to do installations, Joyce explained its always the same people volunteer. Katrina Hotchkiss looked for clarity on what we would be using the money for. AJ Ruben asked for volunteers for the committee. Doreen Morin asked how old the current playground is, Patty Haskins said about 35 years. Doreen suggested we all think long term. Peter Dubois moved to approve the article, 2nd by Patty Haskins. Voice Vote, all in favor.
Article 6. Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize the creation of a Highway project Reserve Fund and deposit $25,000 for a road remediation project on Upper Michigan Road? A motion was made by Sandy Begin to accept the article, 2nd by Ann Kuendig. Discussion: Sandy asked for explanation on the project. George Deblon explained that in 2019 we mitigated the road adding drainage, up to the General Store. We would like to continue up past Sandy Robinson’s house. It was asked if we were putting money into the Highway Equipment Fund, yes, it is in the budget. Amy Alton asked where the money would come from, it would come from tax dollars. Trish explained the impact of the articles on the tax rate. George Deblon moved to approve the article, 2nd by Patty Haskins. Voice vote, all in favor.
Article 7. Shall the town assess a one percent (1%) tax on meals and alcoholic beverages pursuant to 24 V.S.A § 1389(b)? A motion was made by Herb Kuendig, 2nd by Sandy Begin to accept this article. Discussion: Jennifer Howard, what are we designating the money for? It will go into the general fund. Discussion about why we are discussing this again, history given. The estimate would be $20-30,000 raised on all three meals and alcoholic beverages. The state takes 30%, our share being 70% with the legislature debating towns getting up to 80%. Amy Alton requested a paper ballot, all in favor. Katie Stiles was given permission to speak to the group. (see video link). Continued discussion about the clarity between the two articles. Continued discussion (see video link). George Deblon moved to close discussion, 2nd by Ann Kuendig. Paper ballot vote, 38 yes votes and 32 no votes, article approved.
Article 8. Shall the town assess a one percent (1%) tax on rooms pursuant to 24 V.S.A § 138(b)? A motion was made to accept the article by Herb Kuendig, 2nd by Sandy Begin. Discussion: A written ballot was requested, all in favor. AJ Ruben made a motion to close discussion, 2nd by Herb Kuendig. Paper ballot vote, 56 yes votes, 12 no votes, article approved.
Article 9. Will the voters of Pittsfield approve the proposed 12-month budget beginning July 1, 2026, to meet the expenses and liabilities of the town? A motion was made by Kris Sperber to accept the article, 2nd by Sue Wuerthele. The clerk corrected a few small errors, excel formula errors on page 21 and 22 and a transposed number on page 26 under the PVFR budget disbursements which also affected the sub total and the grand total. Ryan Thompson motioned to approve the article, 2nd by Herb Kuendig, voice vote, all in favor, article passed.
Article 10: Will the votes of Pittsfield authorize the Select Board to buy and sell real estate? A motion was made to accept the article by Jennifer Wall Howard, 2nd by George Deblon. George Deblon motioned to approve the article, 2nd by Jennifer Wall Howard, voice vote, all in favor, article passed.
Article 11: To discuss any non-binding business which may properly come before the meeting?
A motion to accept this article made by Sandy Begin, 2nd by Ann Kuendig.
Dave Colton requested participation in an online survey for The Bethel Food Shelf, also that the PVFR is looking for volunteers.
Ryan Thompson thanked Joyce and Roger for their service to the town from the Swiss Farm Inn and Swiss Farm Market, congratulations on their retirement everyone agreed and gave a standing ovation of thanks. He would like the town to issue a formal proclamation celebrating the many years of service and contributions to the town of Pittsfield. Ann acknowledged that we would take care of that at the next Select Board Meeting.
Mark Stugart requested participation in a survey for Pittsfield Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.
With no further business to discuss, Ian has moved to adjourn the 2026 Town meeting at 7:58pm and opened the School District Meeting.
Recorded by (s) Tricia L Abbondelo, Town Clerk on this 5th day of March 2026.
Approved (s) Ann Kuendig, Select Board Chair
Approved Ian Sullivan, Moderator
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Minutes of the Annual School Meeting
Town of Pittsfield
Tuesday March 3, 2026
Meeting Link https://bit.ly/4cnDtcn
Article 1. To elect a Moderator for the year ensuing. A motion was made by? for Ian Sullivan, 2nd by?, Voice vote, all in favor. Ian Sullivan moderator for 1 year.
George Deblon administered Oath of Office to Ian Sullivan, a family photo was taken.
Article 2. To hear and act upon the auditor’s report. A motion was made to accept this article by Patty Haskins, 2nd by?. Discussion: None
A motion was made to approve this article by Patty Haskins, 2nd by Sandy Begin. Voice vote, all in favor.
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 to accept this article by Jennifer Wall Howard, 2nd by Patty Haskins. Discussion: none. Ann Kuendig motioned to approve this article, 2nd by Patty Haskins. Voice vote, all in favor.
Article 4. To hear reports of the School Directors. A motion was made to accept this article by Patty Haskins, 2nd by Joyce Stevens. Discussion: none. Kris Sperber spoke about how Olivia Grasso won the Jean Clover scholarship. Also, about how the towns children are doing well, most attending KES, later most to Woodstock as well as variety of other schools. We project 42 students prek-12th, a large decline over the years. Jennifer Howard spoke about prefixed per pupil spending, Dana Decker about transportation to rural areas, further discussion (see video link).
A motion was made to approve this article by Patty Haskins, 2nd by George Deblon. Voice vote, all I favor.
Article 5. Shall the voters of the Pittsfield School District approve a total budget in the amount of $1,027,880,00, which is the amount the school board has determined to be necessary for the ensuing fiscal year? The Pittsfield School District estimates that this proposed budget, if approved, will result in a Long Term Weighted (LTW) per pupil education spending of $13,044.00 which is 26% higher that the per pupil education spending for the current year. A motion was made by Sandy Begin to accept this article, 2nd by Patty Haskins. Discussion: Don Bass needs clarity on the $13,044.00. Kris explains, also further discussion (see video link) A motion was made by Herb Kuendig, 2nd by Patty Haskins to approve the article, voice vote, all in favor.
Article 6. To elect a School Director for a three-year term. A motion was made by Ann Kuendig, 2nd by Patty Haskins to accept the article. A nomination was made by Joyce Stevens for Jordan Stevens, 2nd by Kris Sperber. Hearing no other nominations, a motion was made by Jeremy Rayner, 2nd by Herb Kuendig to close nominations. Voice vote, all in favor.
Article 7. To do any other proper or necessary business. A motion was made by Joyce Stevens, 2nd by Jennifer Howard to accept this article. Kris Sperber spoke about Ray Rice being on the board for 18 years and about his history on the board. Pete asked Ray if he had any words to say in absentia. Ray wanted to thank whoever decorates the gazebo, and how nice it is to see as he comes home!
With no other business, the 2026 School meeting was concluded at approximately 8:45pm
Recorded by (s) Tricia L Abbondelo Town Clerk on this 5th day of March 2026.
Approved by , School Board
Approved by Ian Sullivan, Moderator
Town of Pittsfield
Tuesday March 3, 2026
Meeting Link https://bit.ly/4cnDtcn
Moderator George Deblon called the Annual Town/School Meeting to order at 6pm on Tuesday March 3, 2026. There were 74 people in attendance at the Town Hall. George led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Representative Valerie Taylor was invited to speak.
Article 1. To elect a Town Moderator for the ensuing year
Sandy Begin moved to accept the article, 2nd by Terry Manley.
George Deblon was nominated by Terry Manley, 2nd by Jen Howard.
George respectfully declined, and George nominated Ian Sullivan, 2nd, by Joyce Stevens.
Voice vote, all in favor, Ian Sullivan elected Town Moderator for one year.
George Deblon, as Justice of Peace, administered the oath of office to Ian Sullivan.
Ann recognized George for all his years of service as moderator and presented a gift of a gavel inscribed “master of motions, amendments and friendly debates” along with a gift certificate for dinner. George received a round of applause and many thanks!
Article 2. To elect the following officers, as required by law, for the terms indicated and to fill any other office vacant:
Sue Wuerthele moved to accept the article, 2nd by Herb Kuendig.
- Select Person for three years. The nomination was made by Patty Haskins, 2nd by Sandy Begin for Joyce Stevens for Select Person for three years. The motion was made by Patty Haskins and 2nd by George Deblon to close nominations and for the clerk to cast one ballot for Joyce Stevens. Voice vote, all in favor.
- Lister for three years. The nomination was made by Kris Sperber, 2nd by Jeremy Rayner for Jennifer Wall Howard for Lister for three years. The motion was made by Patty Haskins 2nd by Sue Wuerthele to close nominations and for the clerk to cast one ballot. Voice vote, all in favor.
- Lister for one year. A nomination was made by Joyce Stevens, 2nd by Jennifer Wall Howard for Jonathan Colton for Lister for 1 year. The motion was made by Patty Haskins and 2nd by Ryan Thompson to close nominations and for the clerk to cast one ballot. Voice vote, all in favor.
- Auditor for three years. A nomination was made by Tricia Abbondelo 2nd Joyce Stevens for Anne Muller for Auditor for 3 years. The motion was made by Patty Haskins, 2nd by Sandy Begin to close nominations and for the clerk to cast one ballot. Voice vote, all in favor.
- Town Clerk for three years. A nomination was made by Joyce Stevens 2nd by Jennifer Wall Howard for Tricia Abbondelo for Town Clerk for 3 years. Hearing no other nominations Patty Haskins moved close nominations, 2nd by Sue Wuerthele. Voice vote, all in favor.
- Town Treasurer for three years. A nomination was made by Jennifer Wall Howard, 2nd by Joyce Stevens for Tricia Abbondelo for Town Treasurer for three years. Hearing no other nominations Sue Wuerthele moved close nominations, 2nd by Ryan Thompson. Voice vote, all in favor.
- Collector of Delinquent Tax for one year. A nomination was made by Anna Rayner, 2nd by Jennifer Wall Howard for Janice Stumpf for Delinquent Tax Collector for one year. Hearing no other nominations, Sue Wuerthele moved to close nominations 2nd by Sandy Begin. Voice vote, all in favor.
- Trustee of Public Funds for three years. A nomination was made by Joyce Stevens, 2nd by Sandy Begin for Henry Hotchkiss for Trustee of Public Funds for three years. Hearing no other nominations, Ann Kuendig moved to close nominations 2nd by Sandy Begin. Voice vote, all in favor.
- Trustee of the Roger Clark Memorial Library for three years. A nomination was made by Cynthia Bryant, 2nd by Micheline Bissel for Katrina Hotchkiss for Trustee of the Roger Clark Memorial Library for three years. Hearing no other nominations, Sue Wuerthele moved to close nominations 2nd by Sandy Begin. Voice vote, all in favor.
- Cemetery Commissioner for three years. A nomination was made by Dave Colton, 2nd by Sue Wuerthele for Marth Beyersdorf for Cemetery Commissioner for three years. Hearing no other nominations, AJ Ruben moved to close nominations 2nd by Herb Kuendig. Voice vote, all in favor.
- Cemetery Commissioner for three years. A nomination was made by Joyce Stevens, 2nd by Sue Wuerthele for George Deblon for Cemetery Commissioner for three years. Hearing no other nominations, Ann Kuendig moved to close nominations 2nd by Sue Wuerthele. Voice vote, all in favor.
- Fire Chief for two years. A nomination was made by Herb Kuendig 2nd by Joyce Stevens for Dave Colton for Fire Chief for two years. Hearing no other nominations, Ryan Thompson moved to close nominations, 2nd by Sue Wuerthele. Voice vote, all in favor.
- Second Constable for 2 years. A nomination was made by Jen Wall Howard, 2nd by Sue Wuerthele for Doug Mianulli for Second Constable for two years. Hearing no other nominations, Sue Wuerthele moved to close nominations 2nd by Ryan Thompson. Voice vote, all in favor.
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 to accept this article by George Deblon, 2nd by Sandy Begin. No discussion, Sue Wuerthele moved to approve the article 2nd by Sandy Begin. Voice vote, all in favor.
Article 5. Will the voters of Pittsfield deposit $25,000 into the Recreation Fund towards the development of the playground and recreation area? A motion was made by Jake Hunt to accept the article 2nd by George Deblon. Discussion: Kris Sperber asked about a plan, Jake said playground upgrade possibly walking trail and pavilion. The Rec Fund and Erica Hurd fund have approximately $47,400. Ann Kuendig spoke about a proposal for the playground to be replaced that was $134,264.00.
Candy Kadimik said PCC will be dissolving and passing the funds to the Recreation Fund, approximately $3,000. There needs to be 3 bids solicited, the one we have is old and will probably increase. Vaughn Micciche asked how much we spent to do the courts, total cost to taxpayers was about $12,500. Vaughn suggested that we give each family $2,00 rather than spend $100,000 on a playground. Joyce talked about this, being a way to bring community together not to give people money to be alone. Jake mentioned researching for grants. Kim Harris spoke about being involved in Killington’s playground redo and the costs and safety that goes with, felt the amount sounded on track. Patty Haskins spoke about seeing the weekly group that is out back with children with parents playing. Dana Decker mentioned how we have been trying to do this for so many years, she thinks the cost is reasonable. Anna Rayner asked about looking for volunteers to do installations, Joyce explained its always the same people volunteer. Katrina Hotchkiss looked for clarity on what we would be using the money for. AJ Ruben asked for volunteers for the committee. Doreen Morin asked how old the current playground is, Patty Haskins said about 35 years. Doreen suggested we all think long term. Peter Dubois moved to approve the article, 2nd by Patty Haskins. Voice Vote, all in favor.
Article 6. Will the voters of Pittsfield authorize the creation of a Highway project Reserve Fund and deposit $25,000 for a road remediation project on Upper Michigan Road? A motion was made by Sandy Begin to accept the article, 2nd by Ann Kuendig. Discussion: Sandy asked for explanation on the project. George Deblon explained that in 2019 we mitigated the road adding drainage, up to the General Store. We would like to continue up past Sandy Robinson’s house. It was asked if we were putting money into the Highway Equipment Fund, yes, it is in the budget. Amy Alton asked where the money would come from, it would come from tax dollars. Trish explained the impact of the articles on the tax rate. George Deblon moved to approve the article, 2nd by Patty Haskins. Voice vote, all in favor.
Article 7. Shall the town assess a one percent (1%) tax on meals and alcoholic beverages pursuant to 24 V.S.A § 1389(b)? A motion was made by Herb Kuendig, 2nd by Sandy Begin to accept this article. Discussion: Jennifer Howard, what are we designating the money for? It will go into the general fund. Discussion about why we are discussing this again, history given. The estimate would be $20-30,000 raised on all three meals and alcoholic beverages. The state takes 30%, our share being 70% with the legislature debating towns getting up to 80%. Amy Alton requested a paper ballot, all in favor. Katie Stiles was given permission to speak to the group. (see video link). Continued discussion about the clarity between the two articles. Continued discussion (see video link). George Deblon moved to close discussion, 2nd by Ann Kuendig. Paper ballot vote, 38 yes votes and 32 no votes, article approved.
Article 8. Shall the town assess a one percent (1%) tax on rooms pursuant to 24 V.S.A § 138(b)? A motion was made to accept the article by Herb Kuendig, 2nd by Sandy Begin. Discussion: A written ballot was requested, all in favor. AJ Ruben made a motion to close discussion, 2nd by Herb Kuendig. Paper ballot vote, 56 yes votes, 12 no votes, article approved.
Article 9. Will the voters of Pittsfield approve the proposed 12-month budget beginning July 1, 2026, to meet the expenses and liabilities of the town? A motion was made by Kris Sperber to accept the article, 2nd by Sue Wuerthele. The clerk corrected a few small errors, excel formula errors on page 21 and 22 and a transposed number on page 26 under the PVFR budget disbursements which also affected the sub total and the grand total. Ryan Thompson motioned to approve the article, 2nd by Herb Kuendig, voice vote, all in favor, article passed.
Article 10: Will the votes of Pittsfield authorize the Select Board to buy and sell real estate? A motion was made to accept the article by Jennifer Wall Howard, 2nd by George Deblon. George Deblon motioned to approve the article, 2nd by Jennifer Wall Howard, voice vote, all in favor, article passed.
Article 11: To discuss any non-binding business which may properly come before the meeting?
A motion to accept this article made by Sandy Begin, 2nd by Ann Kuendig.
Dave Colton requested participation in an online survey for The Bethel Food Shelf, also that the PVFR is looking for volunteers.
Ryan Thompson thanked Joyce and Roger for their service to the town from the Swiss Farm Inn and Swiss Farm Market, congratulations on their retirement everyone agreed and gave a standing ovation of thanks. He would like the town to issue a formal proclamation celebrating the many years of service and contributions to the town of Pittsfield. Ann acknowledged that we would take care of that at the next Select Board Meeting.
Mark Stugart requested participation in a survey for Pittsfield Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.
With no further business to discuss, Ian has moved to adjourn the 2026 Town meeting at 7:58pm and opened the School District Meeting.
Recorded by (s) Tricia L Abbondelo, Town Clerk on this 5th day of March 2026.
Approved (s) Ann Kuendig, Select Board Chair
Approved Ian Sullivan, Moderator
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Minutes of the Annual School Meeting
Town of Pittsfield
Tuesday March 3, 2026
Meeting Link https://bit.ly/4cnDtcn
Article 1. To elect a Moderator for the year ensuing. A motion was made by? for Ian Sullivan, 2nd by?, Voice vote, all in favor. Ian Sullivan moderator for 1 year.
George Deblon administered Oath of Office to Ian Sullivan, a family photo was taken.
Article 2. To hear and act upon the auditor’s report. A motion was made to accept this article by Patty Haskins, 2nd by?. Discussion: None
A motion was made to approve this article by Patty Haskins, 2nd by Sandy Begin. Voice vote, all in favor.
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 to accept this article by Jennifer Wall Howard, 2nd by Patty Haskins. Discussion: none. Ann Kuendig motioned to approve this article, 2nd by Patty Haskins. Voice vote, all in favor.
Article 4. To hear reports of the School Directors. A motion was made to accept this article by Patty Haskins, 2nd by Joyce Stevens. Discussion: none. Kris Sperber spoke about how Olivia Grasso won the Jean Clover scholarship. Also, about how the towns children are doing well, most attending KES, later most to Woodstock as well as variety of other schools. We project 42 students prek-12th, a large decline over the years. Jennifer Howard spoke about prefixed per pupil spending, Dana Decker about transportation to rural areas, further discussion (see video link).
A motion was made to approve this article by Patty Haskins, 2nd by George Deblon. Voice vote, all I favor.
Article 5. Shall the voters of the Pittsfield School District approve a total budget in the amount of $1,027,880,00, which is the amount the school board has determined to be necessary for the ensuing fiscal year? The Pittsfield School District estimates that this proposed budget, if approved, will result in a Long Term Weighted (LTW) per pupil education spending of $13,044.00 which is 26% higher that the per pupil education spending for the current year. A motion was made by Sandy Begin to accept this article, 2nd by Patty Haskins. Discussion: Don Bass needs clarity on the $13,044.00. Kris explains, also further discussion (see video link) A motion was made by Herb Kuendig, 2nd by Patty Haskins to approve the article, voice vote, all in favor.
Article 6. To elect a School Director for a three-year term. A motion was made by Ann Kuendig, 2nd by Patty Haskins to accept the article. A nomination was made by Joyce Stevens for Jordan Stevens, 2nd by Kris Sperber. Hearing no other nominations, a motion was made by Jeremy Rayner, 2nd by Herb Kuendig to close nominations. Voice vote, all in favor.
Article 7. To do any other proper or necessary business. A motion was made by Joyce Stevens, 2nd by Jennifer Howard to accept this article. Kris Sperber spoke about Ray Rice being on the board for 18 years and about his history on the board. Pete asked Ray if he had any words to say in absentia. Ray wanted to thank whoever decorates the gazebo, and how nice it is to see as he comes home!
With no other business, the 2026 School meeting was concluded at approximately 8:45pm
Recorded by (s) Tricia L Abbondelo Town Clerk on this 5th day of March 2026.
Approved by , School Board
Approved by Ian Sullivan, Moderator
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