Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Otis Town Hall
Conference Room
Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at 6:30 PM
This meeting is being conducted remotely through Zoom.
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 are kept for the sole purpose of drafting minutes and are available by request.
Topic: Selectboard
Time: Mar 22, 2022 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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Attendance: Chair Larry Southard, Gary Thomas, Terry Gould, Brandi Page, Kate Buttolph, Ron Thomas, Alicia Dunaj & Wilder Dunaj. On Zoom- Shaw Izikson, Particia Richard, Lyn O’Brien, 413-454-8559, Ilona and Ken Packie, Phil Mcgovern, Jen Catolane, Jen Howard, Bob Wilbur & Mary Kay.
Call to Order: 6:30 PM
Approval of Minutes: The minutes from Mar 8, 2022 were approved as written.
Pole Petition, 1184 Stebbins Road: Austin from Eversource was on the meeting. The petition is for 8 poles along Stebbins to service 1184. Gary asked for clarification. He understood it to be nine poles. One pole is existing and the other 8 are requested on the petition. Everyone was good with the request and the Highway department had been widening and taking down the necessary trees. Larry made a motion to approve the pole petition, Gary seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Two originals were on the table for signature.
S.B.P.H.C.: Larry made a motion to approve the inter-municipal agreement for the Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative. Terry seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. The original was on the table for signature.
Animal Inspector: Larry made a motion to appoint Tonia Jukubiec to Animal Inspector for the term of one year. Gary seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Mass Audubon: Kate Buttolph was present for the discussion. DCR is looking to acquire the Minery Estate, 40 acres of which sits in Otis. Once the surface metal is removed and a layer of top soil is put down DEP will release the lien then Mass Audubon intends to take over the parcel. This piece is attractive as it connects other large parcels already within their care. It was clarified the land is still owned by the Estate of Mr. Minery. Ron Thomas, an abutter, wanted to know why he hadn’t been notified by ConCom. This project falls under the jurisdiction of the Sandisfield ConCom not Otis. It was recommended he reach out to Sandisfield and find out about his notice and when they are meeting. Jen Howard from DCR stated that mostly they wanted the Town to be aware DCR was looking to acquire the parcel and that a notice would be arriving for the Board to announce the intent at a regular meeting. The Board was fine with the information presented and will watch for the required notice.
Recreation Surplus: Brandi stated we need to surplus 5 kayaks from the Rec department. It was thought we would set the price at $100 per kayak and hold a drawing. Anyone interested can submit their name and will have the drawing on April 26th. Maintenance will put one of the kayaks at the Transfer Station if people want to take a look. The Board was in favor of this. Second up for discussion was the weight room equipment. The weight room closed in 2016 due to damage to the floor joists. Discussion weighed if the Town would ever undertake reopening the weight room and what would be involved in that. Concerns from the insurance company stressed that it should only be open during staffed hours. The Rec Commission would like to see the weight room be reopened and wouldn’t want to surplus the equipment in case that happens. Brandi needs to follow up with the insurance company and get a current opinion. Larry made a motion to table this until we have more information. Motion seconded and passed. Lastly there was discussion about selling for surplus the old safe in the police garage. More info is needed.
Short Term Rental Bylaw: The Board had reviewed a draft of the bylaw. They felt more work is needed and failed to recommend the bylaw to move forward as it is. Lyn also had concerns and would like to see a few things clarified before it is finalized.
Review & Approval of Warrants: Payroll and vendor warrants are on the table for signature.
Not Anticipated: None.
Adjournment: 7:43 PM