Pittsfield to consider uses for former VFW building

PITTSFIELD – The Town Council has a varied agenda for its 7:30 meeting tonight, including a snowplowing contract, cleanup plans for a brownfields property, and acceptance of a building on town property that was formerly the home of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

The agreement with the Lee Doncett VFW Post 9955, originally signed in 1996, states that the post rented the land for $1 per year and that should the post abandon the single-story structure, it would become the property of the town.

“We had previously offered to assist the group by bringing in other groups that could share the property, as well as the expenses, to keep the building going,” Town Manager Kathryn Ruth said Monday. The VFW was not interested, she said. Their membership was at an all-time low of about 17 members, she said, but only two or three were active in the organization.

The town may use the building as a meeting location for nonprofit town groups or as a reuse center to augment the town’s Recycling Center.

The council will also:

. Set two public hearings, one to take $200,000 from savings to offset the coming county tax bill, and another to authorize a funding package for replacement of sewer mains and manholes on Main and West streets.

. Establish that uncollected personal taxes will be referred to small claims court for collection.

. Vote on a hot dog wagon license, putting surplus property out to bid, and spending up to $50,000 as part of the swimming pool project.

. Set the rate of interest on delinquent taxes and take action on prepayment arrangements.

. Get an update on water and sewer projects as well as seven ongoing grants, two pending grants, four grants waiting to be closed and three grant opportunities.

The council meets in the council chambers of the municipal building.

bdnpittsfield@verizon.net

487-3187