Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Otis Town Hall
Conference Room
Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at 6:30 PM
This meeting will be held in person at the location provided on this notice. Members of the public are welcome to attend. A remote option is offered via zoom with the link provided below.
Please note that while an option for remote participation is being provided as a courtesy, the meeting will not be suspended or terminated if technological problems interrupt the virtual broadcast, unless otherwise required by law. Anyone with interest in any specific item should plan in person attendance.
Topic: Selectboard
Time: Jan 24, 2023 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87571699406?pwd=aC9raWE0RGhmSDB0WENNMVVLbzFHZz09
Attendance: Larry Southard-Chair, Gary Thomas, Terry Gould, Brandi Page, Tammy Weidhaas, Heather Gray, Margaret McClellan, Karen Fink, Denise Hardie, and Tom Scanlon. On Zoom- Nicole Miller and Phil MaGovern.
Call to Order: 6:30 PM
Approval of Minutes: Minutes from Jan 10, 2023 were approved as written.
Appointments: The vacancy had not gathered any additional applicants so Larry made a motion to appoint Hal Kobrin to the Historic Commission. Gary seconded and motion passed unanimously. Nicole Miller was present for the Animal Control position. Nicole is currently Animal Control in Becket and Washington and has been taking the necessary trainings. Changes for Animal Control are due to the State by Feb 01 so with our Current ACO not looking to continue Nicole had submitted an application. Larry made a motion to appoint Nicole to Animal Control and Animal Inspector with term ending Jan 31, 2024. Terry seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Town Report Cover: The Board had all had a chance to review the artwork submitted from students at Farmington River. It was deiced that “Entering Otis” was the choice for this year’s Town Report Cover. The submissions will be on display through February at Town Hall.
Joint Meeting with Board of Assessors: Brandi updated the Board that the Town had received a proposal from Mayflower Valuation. The Town had been considering a change in vendors for a while. Jill M. wasn’t able to attend but had reviewed the proposal and was in favor of changing vendors. Heather was present and also voiced being in favor of accepting Mayflower’s proposal. Brandi stated the cost is comparable so our current budget can support the change. Larry made a motion to accept the proposal from Mayflower and to give notice to our current vendor that services can cease for Feb 28th. Terry seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Review & Approval of Warrants: Payroll and vendor warrants are on the table for signature.
Not Anticipated: Denise Hardie spoke to voice her concerns that the School Committee had not convened the RAAC at their recent meeting. Terry spoke to say that it had been brought up but it was her understanding they waited as Sandisfield had a recent vacancy. Denise told the Board she felt they need to pay closer attention to the school committee meetings. Gary Thomas brought up the number of turbo issues and replacements we’ve had on the Western Star. He thinks we should contact the manufacturer. Larry and Terry agreed. Gary also asked if there was any update on 8 South Main Road. There isn’t any new information as of this evening.
Executive Session: Larry Southard made a motion to go into executive session under MGL CH. 30A Sec 21 (a) (2) for the purpose of discussing the reputation, character, physical condition or mental health of an individual.
and stated the Board did not intend to reconvene in open session. Gary seconded the motion and the vote was as follows; Larry-yes, Terry- yes and Gary-yes. The Board moved into executive session and zoom was closed.
Adjournment: Open session closed at 6:55 PM.