TOWN OF RUTLAND

 

SELECT BOARD MEETING

 

JUNE 23, 2009

 

 

MINUTES:

 

The meeting opened at 7:00 P.M. with the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Board members present:  Richard DelBianco, Joseph Dicton, James Hall, Stanley Rhodes III and Joshua Terenzini.

 

Review of the 6/9/2009 Minutes

 

There were no corrections to the minutes as written. Mr. Hall motioned to accept the minutes and Mr. Dicton seconded the motion.  The motion passed with three votes. Mr. Rhodes and Mr. Terenzini abstained as they were not present at the last meeting.

 

There was a brief discussion on the price paid for doing the minutes.  Norma Biathrow charges $100 and Mr. Rhodes said that amount was not budgeted.  He asked that Donna Godette do the minutes for the next two weeks until the issue could be resolved.  It may be that Mr. Joseph Zingale Jr., Town Administrator, will resume doing the minutes.  Mr. Hall will speak to Ms. Biathrow about putting her minutes on hold.

 

Mr. DelBianco asked about shortening the minutes and Mr. Rhodes said this should be considered as anyone who wants more detail could look at the tape.

 

Tom Donahue’s Update from the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce

 

Tom Donahue from the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce was present to update the Select Board as to the Chamber’s activities. He passed out some handouts including a map and the Chamber’s magazine done in conjunction with the Mountain Times.

 

Mr. Donahue covered such activities as Tourism Marketing, Business Networking, Infrastructure and Legislative lobbying.  Mr. Donahue was proud to state that the Chamber raises its own funds for operating.

 

He then took some questions from the floor.

 

Jamie Stewart’s Update from the Rutland Economic Development Corporation

 

Mr. Jamie Stewart was present to update the Select Board on the activities of the Rutland Economic Development Corporation.

 

He said that REDC works with the Chamber of Commerce to help advance the Rutland region.   Mr. Stewart meets with local businesses to help them with financing in the form of loans and making use of State and Federal funds. They conduct classes for new businesses and do recruiting to bring businesses to the region.

 

Mr. Stewart said that REDC has been successful in convincing the Legislature to allow an R&D tax credit from the State.

 

Tom McCauley – Update on the Plan for the Rail Yard Relocation

 

Tom McCauley from the Rutland Redevelopment Authority was present to update the Select Board on the latest information regarding the relocation of the rail yard.  He said that the State agencies felt it was best to pick one of the alternative plans to do an environmental study and the plan for closing Park Street in Rutland City was the one chosen.  This plan has the least impact environmentally and is also the least expensive.

 

Mr. McCauley said that the plan may go public this summer and the Select Board would get a copy of what was published.  He added that if the rail yard was more efficient that more businesses may use it thus taking wear and tear off the roads.

 

Mr. Rhodes expressed a desire for more frequent updates from REDC, RRCC and the RRA.  They all said they would be happy to accommodate the Board and left if to the Board to invite them.

 

Questions from the Floor

 

There were none.

 

Recreation – Mr. Rick DelBianco

 

Mr. Rick DelBianco thanked the Rutland Herald for the publicity it gave to the National Guard party at the Northwood Pool.

 

He said that he had the contract for the adult league using the Town’s fields.  Mr. Rhodes said there were a few changes to be made to it.

 

Mr. Rick DelBianco talked about the need for updating the thirty-year old pool.  He had quotes of $50,000 for refurbishing it keeping the racing lanes and $85,000 if removing them.  These are last year’s estimates and may now be higher.  He said he would like to see the Depreciation Fund be increased to cover the cost of re-doing the pool.

 

He also wanted to inform the public that most towns have a full-time recreation director and that since Rutland Town does not, then there is money saved.  In light of this, he requested the Board approve the purchase of a new tractor that would be appropriate for keeping up the ball fields and dumping garbage. The cost would be about $6,000. The current tractor is expensive on upkeep and awkward to use. Upkeep was about $2,000 this last year.  Mr. Rick DelBianco said that he would like to use the remaining money in his budget for this purchase.

 

 

(2)

Mr. Rhodes explained that this type of purchase needs to be in the planned budget which this was not.  Mr. Dicton said he felt the current tractor was sufficient.

 

Mr. Rhodes asked that Mr. Rick DelBianco talk to Chad Wilson concerning working about ten hours for the Town and Mr. DelBianco said that Jeff Cassarino had already done so.  Mr. Cassarino told Chad that he could share the thirty hours available.  Mr. Rhodes asked that Mr. Rick DelBianco follow up on this.

 

Mr. Rhodes asked who would be attending the Select Board meetings when Mr. Rick DelBianco moved.  He said it would be Jeff Cassarino, his co-chair as Recreation Director.

 

Mr. Rhodes questioned the payment of $300 to Mike Rowe for working at pool parties.  Mr. Bill Mattson said he attended one of the parties and he saw Mr. Rowe working and felt he deserved the payment.

 

Quinn Company is done with the roof at Northwood except for the ridge cap.  Mr. Rick DelBianco asked if the Board wanted the same color on the rest of the building.  The Quinn Company has not yet been paid.  Mr. Dicton noticed a difference in the cost on the contract vs. the bill the Town received.

 

Mr. Rick DelBianco said that there were two people from General Electric that volunteered to put up shelves at Northwood for storage without getting paid.

 

Rutland Regional Transportation Council – Charlie Shields

 

Nothing to report.

 

Solid Waste Alternative Communities (SWAC) – Charlie Shields

 

Nothing to report.

 

Rutland Regional Planning Commission – Fred Nicholson

 

Mr. Nicholson reported that he has given up his chairmanship of the Regional Issues Committee and is now the Chairman of the full Rutland Regional Planning Commission.

 

Highway – Byron Hathaway

 

Mr. Hathaway reported that work is continuing to be done on the roads.  They have put in a culvert on Creek Road and hope to be done paving by July 2nd.

 

Mr. Rhodes asked what Meteorlogix was and Mr. Hathaway explained that this is the company that provides weather updates.  He said once the paving of the roads slows down then he will look into an internet based system that will probably cost less than the $1,200 currently being spent.

 

 

 

(3)

Mr. Terenzini asked that the speed bumps at Northwood be installed.

 

Mr. Hathaway said that some Class 2 roads are in need of painting the white edge line (fog line).  He said it would cost about $4,800 a year to have the L&G company do the work.  This is six cents a foot.  Another alternative is to team together with West Rutland and the Town could buy a sulky for painting which would cost $4,000 plus $2,500/yr. for paint.

 

Mr. Rhodes asked for a proposal from L&G.

 

Mr. Hathaway also mentioned the need to paint lines in the municipal parking lot for the Park and Ride program.

 

The Highway budget was discussed as far as a $4,900 deficit and Mr. Hathaway said that this amount was actually planned for after July 1 and this cost will be offset by the new budget.

 

Fuel Bids

 

There were two fuel bids placed from Johnson Energy and Irving Oil.  Johnson’s proposed $2.19/gallon and Irving proposed $2.49/gallon.  Mr. Hall motioned to accept the bid for $2.19 from Johnson’s Energy and Mr. DelBianco seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

Ms. Marie Hyjek said she has notified both Proctor and West Rutland on the bids. Their Select Boards need to approve this offer but it does not affect Rutland Town from getting the $2.19/gallon.

 

Fire Department – Joe Denardo

 

Mr. Denardo said that Northstar Fireworks is getting together with Asst. Chief Eagan on where to set up the fireworks for July 4th at Northwood Park.

 

The roof at the Center Rutland Fire Station is leaking by the overhang and work needs to be done at the McKinley Fire Station on the tower and the door.  He said that Camden Construction has given a quote of $2,200 to fix the soffet across the back of the Center Rutland Station and $600 for the door at the McKinley Station.  He would like to do the rest of the tower work for $9,000 and siding for $4,500 on the next budget.

 

Mr. Hall motioned to approve the work on the soffet for $2,200 at the Center Rutland Station and the door for $600 at the McKinley Station.  Mr. DelBianco seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

Mr. Denardo is to get with the Town Treasurer, Ms. Hyjek, to cut a check off the current budget for this work.

 

 

 

(4)

Mr. Denardo brought up two intersections that he thought were confusing to drivers.  One is at Route 7 and Strongs Avenue and the other is Route 7 at Park Street in the City.  Captain John Sly said that some intersections have an extra light as a back-up and mentioned the new State law that you can’t turn right on a red arrow.

 

Planning Commission – Bill Matteson

 

Mr. Matteson asked where the Zoning draft currently stood.  It was passed on to the Select Board in August of 2008. Mr. Rhodes said that the Select Board is finished with the changes. Mr. Matteson requested a list of the changes for the Planning Commission.

 

Mr. Matteson said that there will be a hearing on 6/25/2009 for the Rutland Town Plan at 7:00 P.M.  The Plan will then be passed on to the Select Board.

 

Town Police – Captain John Sly

 

Capt, Sly reminded the public of frauds being perpetrated on the public concerning making money working from home.  He advised anyone filling out an application with personal information on it to make sure they know the company who is getting the document.

 

 He also advised people check their credit report regularly.

 

Capt. Sly cautioned the public not to speed on Town roads.  He added that the construction on Route 7N has a speed limit of 40 mph 24/7.

 

The stun guns have arrived and will not be issued until proper training takes place.

 

Town Clerk/Treasurer – Marie Hyjek

 

Ms. Hyjek said there would be a special school election on upgrades to the school’s roof on July 21st.  The School is asking to move their $290.000 surplus to the Capital Improvement account and then take another $209,000 from the Capital Improvement fund to repair the leaking roof.  Capt. Sly said he has seen water dripping in many of the rooms at the School.

 

The ballots have been ordered and the election warned.  There will be a BCA meeting on 7/7/2009 to plan for poll workers.  The Rutland Central Supervisory Union will post an ad in the Rutland Herald ten days prior to the election.  Ms. Hyjek said she did not know if the School will do a mailing prior to the election.  There will be an informational meeting at the School on 7/20/2009 at 7:00 P.M.

 

Ms. Hyjek asked if the Select Board would still have its regular meeting the night of the election and Mr. Rhodes said yes.

 

Ms. Hyjek said the Municipal Offices would be closed on Friday, July 3rd.

 

 

 

(5)

Ms. Hyjek requested that the Select Board sign a letter for the insurance company to approve upping the coverage for the municipal contents from $50,000 to $60,000.  Mr. Hall made a motion for Stan Rhodes to sign the letter for the Select Board changing the coverage from $50,000 to $60,000.  Mr. Dicton seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

Ms. Hyjek said that the mailing for the report to property owners on the new re-appraisal will be a first class mailing costing approximately $2,200.  She provided an update on the money paid to the Listers for working on the re-appraisal as $13,576.49.  Wright Company has asked for extra money for appraising extra parcels.  Ms. Hyjek said that there is money under tax appeals that could be used for this purpose or a deficit could be shown under the reappraisal account.

 

Ms. Hyjek reviewed revenues and budgets with the Board.

 

Town Administrator – Joseph Zingale Jr.

 

Mr. Joseph Zingale, Jr. brought up a 911 issue with a new house that is located in Pittsford but accessed in Rutland Town.  He said it is important how this is handled as there may be more in the future.  One issue is emergency assistance and which town is to provide service.  He has talked to Pittsford and since the house is in Pittsford then Pittsford will respond to calls.

 

The other issue is that the road which is currently considered an extension of Oak Ridge Drive is actually a private road, not Oak Ridge Drive.  However, people that live on the private road off of Oak Ridge Drive use Oak Ridge Drive as their address.

 

Mr. Zingale asked if the Board wanted to rename the private road and the Board felt that leaving things as they are is fine for now as long as Pittsford does not have an Oak Ridge Drive in their town.  Mr. Rhodes said that homeowners should be notified of this information.

 

Mr. Zingale said that Rutland Town owes $438 to the State for a storm water permit for Curtis Brook Road.  He said that he was reminded of permits needed for Wynnridge Drive and Pennock Lane but received no notice for Curtis Brook.

 

Mr. Zingale said that the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan could be reviewed at a later date.

 

New Town maps are available to the public for $3.00 each.  Many businesses have requested one in light of the new one percent tax.

 

Mr. Zingale said that West Rutland denied Rutland Town’s tax appeal.

 

Mr. Zingale said that he had received two applications for an Animal Control officer.  Mr. Hall said that he felt that the Town Police should handle animal control.  Mr. Terenzini asked Capt. Sly if this would be acceptable to him and he said he would do what was necessary.  Mr. Hall made a motion to have the Rutland Town Police Department handle animal control.  Mr. Terenzini seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

 

(6)

Mr. Zingale said that he had checked out the Gerdon property and that there were not more than three unregistered vehicles on site.

 

Old Business

 

Mr. Rhodes read a letter from Kevin Brown on the procedures to follow for the Zoning document. (See attached)  Mr. Rhodes said that they need to find out how long the warning period is for the required Select Board hearing on the changes made to the document.  It was decided to plan for thirty days.  Mr. Terenzini made a motion to warn the Select Board zoning hearing for August 4, 2009 at 6:30 P.M.  Mr. Dicton seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

Mr. Rhodes said that the Select Board needed something in writing from subcontractors aiding with the winter road maintenance.  He said that plow routes need to be discussed in a meeting with all the subcontractors, perhaps in executive session.

 

The Select Board had a report from Bob Burt on the West Rutland Timber sale.

 

The old town pump station has been taken care of where the new office complex is being built in front of the Holiday Inn.

 

The Board had a tax sale request from the Delinquent Tax Collector, Richard Lloyd.  It was agreed that Mr. Lloyd did not need to have the Board’s approval.

 

The new owners of the Metro Group building on Seward Road will be entering into the  same hydrant maintenance agreement with the City as the previous owners. 

 

 Mr. Zingale provided a flood plain survey for the Board.

 

Mr. Rhodes said that Mr. Zingale had some changes for the Emergency Management and Response document and this will be discussed at the next meeting.

 

New Business

 

Mr. Rhodes said that Rutland Town had received a $12,700 storm water grant for a study of the Mussey Brook project which is no longer going to take place.  He suggested that the grant money be given to the City for the study of Combination Pond. Mr. Hall made the motion to give the Rutland City the grant money for the Combination Pond project and Mr. Terenzini seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

Mr. Hall brought up possible financial problems for the Town over the next two years that may come from the State.  He suggested that some hard decisions may have to be made and suggested some jobs be looked at for elimination.  He sited the full time person under Byron in the Highway Department and the Special Officer in the Police Department.  Mr. Rhodes added that the Lister’s Office needed to be looked at as well.

 

 

(7)

Mr. Dicton asked what kind of shortfall was expected.  Mr. Hall said around $60,000 to $70,000.

 

Mr. Denardo said that the municipal side of the budget is always sacrificing and that the School budget needs to be looked at for cuts.  He suggested that both Boards get together to discuss the issue.

 

Mr. DelBianco motioned to end the meeting.  Mr. Hall seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.  The meeting ended at 10:45 P.M.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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