Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Otis Town Hall
Conference Room
Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at 7:00 PM
This meeting is being conducted remotely through Zoom. You must check back within 24 hours of the start time for a link to join.
Pursuant to the Governor’s March 12, 2020 order suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, Sec 18, this meeting is being held via remote participation to the greatest extent possible. Every effort is being made to ensure that any member of the public may access the meeting in real time, via technological means. Agendas will be amended to show the link and participation code to access the meeting no sooner than 48 hours before. Recordings and/or draft proceedings of the meeting will be available on our website as soon as possible.
Topic: Selectboard Jun 22, 2021
Time: Jun 22, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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Attendance: Larry Southard-Chair, Terry Gould, Brandi Page, Celeste, Diane Provenz, Dustin buck, Edeward, Gail Gelburd, Hal Kobrin, iPhone Larry, iPhonechris, James R. Adams, Jim Crandall, John, Kathleen Bort- Otis Library, Kathy Couch, Kelly Taylor, Larry Gould, Lois Hall, Lyn Obrien, Lyn’s iPhone, Lynne Geane, OnePlus 7T, Paul Gage, Phil Magovern, Roberta Sarnacki, Robin Peterson, Ryder, shari (OnePlus 7T), sonia, Steve Duga, Susan Brofman, Troy Fluckiger, Zac Kelley
Call to Order:
7:03 PM
Approval of Minutes:
Minutes from June 08, 2021 were amended to reflect the Board granted permission for TA to sign the payroll. Approved as amended.
Forest Cutting:
Ed Denham was on the meeting to answer remaining questions by the Board. Ed stated were are anticipating roughly 200,000 board feet of hemlock which should sell for $75 per 1,000, netting us roughly $10,000.00.
Ed clarified that the landing permission request for Klondike’s job would be completely separate of the Town’s job. The Town would be done first. Klondike, depending, could be a year or two later. Sharing the access/landing avoids crossing wetlands that exist. Otis would be named on the insurance certificate and there would be a performance bond in place. Hal Kobrin expressed concern over what is being harvested. He is going to review the forest management plan. The Board unanimously voted to approve the price agreement and wait on the shared landing approval.
Special Municipal Employee:
The Board voted unanimously to approve special municipal status to Ed Sepanski for electrical work done on behalf of the Town.
Sewer Commitment:
The Board approved the FY22 sewer commitment to be issued to the Town Collector.
Appointments:
Lynn Pyenson and Donna Thomas had both submitted applications for Celebration Committee. The Board unanimously appointed both to one year terms.
Library Letter of Intent:
Sue Brofman read the press release for the pilot program being offered for new construction by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. This is earmarked for 63 towns below 2,000 in population. The commissioners wish to move forward and are asking the Board to support their letter of intent. The full application has a December deadline. There was brief discussion about location for new construction if Otis was selected. The Board unanimously approved supporting the letter.
East Otis Schoolhouse:
The Board unanimously approved signing the contract with Mass Historic in acceptance of the grant we have been awarded totaling $101,500.00.
St. Paul’s:
Discussion of next steps. Larry Gould had drafted a plan to address concerns to stabilize the structure and prevent further damage as we move toward restoration. Sonia addressed concern if any of the work would jeopardize future historic work and or status. She was going to check with Steve M. from Clark and Green to inquire about this. Historic is ready to move forward and contract with an Clark and Green for continued work on the project and to be in a position to apply for grant funds in January. There was discussion about next steps and what is appropriate. Historic wants to have working meetings to prevent long discussions at Selectboard meetings. There was discussion about a timeline and access to the building. Hal disagreed with the access restrictions and tasks outlined. Larry Southard stated for the record the Town controls the building and we need to all be on the same page to hopefully move forward. Tabled until next meeting to give Historic time to get input on the tasks.
Review and Approval of Warrants:
On the Selectboard table for review and signing.
Adjournment:
8:25 PM