Selectboard Minutes 4-22-2025

Publish date: April 24, 2025

Selectboard Minutes 4-22-2025

TOWN OF RUTLAND SELECTBOARD OPEN MEETING

RUTLAND TOWN MUNICIPAL TOWN HALL

181 BUSINESS ROUTE 4, CENTER RUTLAND, VT  05736

APRIL 22nd, 2025

 

  • The meeting opened at 6:00 P.M. with the pledge of allegiance.
  • Board members present Mary Ashcroft, Joe Denardo, Sharon Russell, Kurt Hathaway, and Matt Getty
  • Members of the public present Robyn Sweet, Shelly Dumas

Approval of Selectboard Minutes for April 8th

Selectman Denardo moved to approve the minutes. Selectwoman Russell seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 – 0.

Approval of Orders

Selectman Getty moved to approve the orders. Selectman Hathaway seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 – 0.

Update from the Selectboard Chair

Articles for the next edition of The Circle are due by May 15th. This is the last one before summer. If any department has summer activities, make sure they are included.

Question from the Floor / Public Comment

Jim Marsh asked if unused marble in the right of way could be taken. Commissioner Sears said he will look into it and be in touch with Mr. Marsh.

Board to meet with Andres Torizzo from Watershed Consulting to discuss town MS4 projects.

  1. Discussed the priorities for this year. Meetings with the City of Rutland and the Regional Planning Commission have resulted in a draft MOU for a collaborative effort on public education. It would also involve the Natural Resource Conservation District.
  2. Selectwoman Russell moved to approve the concept of joint work with the city on public education and outreach. Selectman Hathaway seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 – 0.
  3. Discussed the work being done under the community block grant, including the Wynnmere stormwater pond expansion project. This project is a priority under our Moonbrook flow restoration plan. An Act 250 amendment is being written up by Watershed Consulting. Additionally, a letter has been drafted which can be sent to the residents in the Wynnmere development to allow them to attend a meeting so they can be informed of the plan. Selectman Denardo moved to allow Watershed Consulting to continue drafting the Act 250 amendment. Selectman Hathaway seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 – 0.
  4. There are 3 other projects under this grant, which are all in the VELCO right of way. They are near North End Drive, Nancy Lane and Carmel Place. The North End Drive project is the lowest priority of the 3.
  5. Reviewed the scope of services provided to the Board which was used to create our Town budget. Discussed the Board signing it in order to ratify it as approval from the Board as authorization for the work to be done. Selectman Denardo moved to ratify the agreement. Selectman Hathaway seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 – 0.

Board to discuss needed appointments

  1. Discussed the Otter Creek Communication District appointment. This will be moved to the next meeting.
  2. Discussed the appointment to the open Cemetery Commissioner position. Selectman Hathaway said the current Cemetery Commissioners are going to meet soon and discuss it. They have received other letters of interest. Selectman Hathaway said the Commission is responsible for filling the vacancy, not the Selectboard. The letter sent to the Board from Donah Smith has been given to the Cheney Hill Cemetery Commissioner for their consideration.
  3. Jim Marsh sent a letter to the Board expressing an interest in an appointment. Mr. Marsh discussed his background and experience. He would like to be appointed to the Regional Board of Commissioners. Selectwoman Russell moved to appoint Mr. Marsh to the Regional Board of Commissioners. Selectman Denardo seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 – 0. Board Chair Ashcroft asked Mr. Marsh to report back to the Board with updates.

Diamond Run Mall project discussion with David Gracyk

  1. The owners are well aware of the issue of vandalism, trash and vagrancy around the old mall site. They plan to file a permit request within 30 days to demolish the old building.
  2. This application is separate from Walmart construction. Craig Jewett from MSK Engineering was present to give details of the project as well.
  3. Demolition should be considered a minor amendment.
  4. The project is being split into 2 applications because the responsibility for demolition lies solely with the mall owner, and because they need to bring the property into compliance with the State 3-acre storm water rule.
  5. The plan is to demolish the entire mall structure, up to but not including the former Kmart.
  6. The Act 250 permit for the construction of Walmart is planned for the fall of this year.

Ed Dumas Rutland Town Police Chief:

  1. Deputy Chief Washburn was also present. He had emailed contracts to the Police Committee members earlier today. One is for a new copier, the other is for their tasers. These will be reviewed at a Police Committee meeting.
  2. Reviewed the information received for the purchase of new firearms. 3 quotes have been received. Indemnification language for the sale of our existing weapons needs to be included. Draft language was sent to Police Committee members.
    1. Black Dog Shooting Supplies in Rutland proposed to buy back our existing equipment for $2730. The cost of the 7 new weapons and accessories would be $7980. The final cost would be $5250.
    2. Parros Gun Shop in Waterbury quoted $5900 for the final cost after buying back our existing weapons.
    3. A third dealer quoted $9219, and did not offer a buyback option.
    4. Deputy Chief Washburn is recommending Black Dog Shooting Supplies.
    5. Selectman Getty moved to approve the proposal from Black Dog, contingent to them agreeing to the bill of sale from the Town as it will be drafted. The funds come from the depreciation fund. Selectwoman Russell seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 – 0.
  3. Discussed the missing card reader in the Police Lobby. The plans show there being one, and it is also on the itemized list sent by Royals. Selectman Denardo has also looked at it and discussed it with VMS and Selectman Denardo agrees it should have been there, and we are owed one. An intercom was also to be installed outside the lobby door so if someone came looking for assistance, they could speak with a dispatcher at the State Police. This is also on the plans and itemized list.
  4. Discussed the process to get the AFIS finger printing machine online.
    1. A new service is needed from Consolidated, and reconfiguration of some of the hardware already in the building.
    2. Once the new hardware is onsite there will be some significant time needed to ensure all the systems are online and working correctly.
    3. Paperwork, if ready, will be made available to the Board at their special meeting.
  5. Some work is being done to document the history of the creation of the department, and the history of the constables.
  6. Vinyl lettering will be produced for their front door with information on what to do if someone needs assistance and the Police are not there.
  7. Door plates to further secure the exterior doors are on order.
  8. Reviewed liquor license requests for The Maple Angus and Johnny Boys Pancake House. The Police have no issue with either. Selectman Getty moved to approve the requests. Selectwoman Russell seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 – 0.

Mike Rowe Rutland Town Recreation Director:

  1. Work is beginning to open up the pool for the season.
  2. The next Senior Luncheon will be at the new Public Safety Building on April 29th.
  3. Mowing has started.
  4. Provided a quote from LaFaso electric to take down the lights and poles at Dewey Field. The total cost is $8780. Selectman Getty moved to approve the quote from Lafaso Electric. Selectwoman Russell seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 – 0.

David Sears Rutland Town Road Commissioner:

  1. The plow frames have been removed from all the vehicles, and they have been treated with a salt neutralizer.
  2. Catch basins are being opened up so they can be inspected ahead of rebuild work.
  3. Quarterline Road and Boardman Hill have been graded.
  4. Provided a grant agreement with the Regional Planning Commission to do a road erosion inventory. It is for a maximum of $5584. Our $1396 match will be in kind work. Selectwoman Russell moved to approve the agreement and to authorize the Chair to sign on behalf of the Board. Selectman Hathaway seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 – 0.
  5. Discussed the purchase of an excavator. The total is $145,119.46 which includes a trailer. The funds would come from a portion of the existing carryover balance in the Highway budget. The Highway committee discussed this at one of their recent meetings and is recommending this purchase. The dealer is G. Stone in Middlebury. This topic will be added to the April 29th meeting agenda.

Kari Clark Rutland Town Clerk and Treasurer:

  1. The last installment of taxes for this fiscal year are due by May 10th.
  2. Discussed the comp time policy. Selectman Getty reviewed it and said it accumulated at time and a half and is paid out at a regular rate.

Joe Denardo Public Safety Building Clerk

  1. The under-sink panel was installed last week.
  2. Grading of the back lot is being done now, and the enclosure should be done soon. It is not being paved as part of the original building project.
  3. Discussed the transfer switch for the sprinkler pump, so it is powered by the generator in the event of a power failure. It was not included in the plans. The wiring was provided but not the transfer switch. A quote was given to Board members from Southern VT Sprinkler Service, but the costs need to be clarified. Discussed the funds coming from the Capital Improvement Fund, but a decision was not made. A not to exceed price is needed.

Barbara Pulling Rutland Town Planning Commission Chair:

  1. Discussed the progress on updating the subdivision ordinance. After a discussion with the Town Attorney at a recent Planning Commission meeting, it was clear trying to update our current regulations is not a good option.

Marcia Chioffi Rutland Town Head Lister

  1. Site visits are being made to capture the needed updates.
  2. Bid packages for reappraisal have gone out.
  3. Business personal property returns have been coming in and Cathy is doing a great job handling them.

Chris Clark Rutland Town Fire Chief:

  1. The department will be participating in upcoming parades around the area.
  2. There have been mutual aid fires in Chittenden and Proctor recently.
  3. Training for new members is going well.

Bill Sweet Town Administrator:

  1. Reviewed the remaining list of appointments open for the Town.
  2. Provided the scope of work for the ground penetrating radar survey of the cemetery next to Town hall. This is to do a survey of the next 3rd of the cemetery. This amount was included in the cemetery maintenance budget for the next fiscal year. The total is $4900. Selectman Hathaway moved to approve the agreement, and to authorize Bill Sweet to sign on behalf of the Town. Selectman Getty seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 – 0.
  3. The Post Road Solar project will begin construction soon.
  4. Provided the grant application for the 2025 VLCT PACIF Grant. The total is just over $12,000. There is a maximum award amount of $6000. Selectman Hathaway moved to approve the application and to authorize the Chair to sign on behalf of the Board. Selectwoman Russell seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 – 0.
  5. Reviewed the agreement we have had with KnowBe4. They have provided us with access to a variety of training related to online security awareness, a way to report phishing attempts, and random compliance checks. The current agreement ends soon. Discussed renewing it for $4058.75, which is a 3 year agreement. Selectman Getty moved to approve the agreement, and to authorize the Chair to sign on behalf of the Board. Selectwoman Russell seconded the The motion passed 5 – 0.

A Police Committee meeting is needed. After discussion, it will be warned for Tuesday April 29th at 5PM, prior to the special meeting.

Selectman Getty moved to adjourn. Selectwoman Russell seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:58 PM.

Respectfully submitted, Bill Sweet, Town Administrator.

 

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Mary Ashcroft, Chair

 

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Joseph Denardo, Clerk

 

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Sharon Russell

 

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Kurt Hathaway

 

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Matt Getty

 

Center Rutland, VT.

 

Rutland Town News

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