Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Otis Town Hall
Conference Room
Tuesday, April 25, 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.
Town of Otis is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Select Board
Time: Apr 25, 2023 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85367087331?pwd=dmc4U2JkN3hWMTJLOGd1cDVVMG5Gdz09
Attendance: Gary Thomas-Acting Chair, Terry Gould, Brandi Page, Larry Gould, Tammy Weidhass, Kris McDonough, Leo Robilard and Rick Phair.
Call to Order: 6:30 PM
Approval of Minutes: Minutes from April 11th were approved as amended.
Shared Chief Contract Renewal: Gary made a motion to sign the renewal, Terry seconded and the motion passed. Two copies will be signed and forwarded to Becket for signatures by their Select Board.
Police Space: With the growth of the department Kris had penned a letter to the Board identifying safety concerns and ways the current space is inadequate. Kris expressed that the police department likes being located at Town Hall and that their garage is also located here. We now have officers on duty from 7am to 11pm. Gary asked Larry Gould what the current cost is for construction. Larry replied municipal is $800-$1,000 per square foot. Private is $400-$600. After brief discussion Gary made a motion to use up to $100,000 from our ARPA funds for design of an annex to Town Hall to be located across the parking lot on the former Erbe House site. Terry seconded the motion and the motion passed. Next step will be for Brandi, Larry Gould and Kris will meet to talk about space.
Annual Town Meeting Warrant: Gary read the Annual Town Meeting Warrant Introduction, ballot items and article headings. Brandi explained the opioid funds article and the exemption articles. Terry spoke to say she did not support the citizen petition. Gary felt they could indicate their position at the time of the article on the floor of town meeting. Town Counsel had reviewed the warrant and no changes were made to the warrant draft. Gary made a motion to set the warrant, Terry seconded and the motion passed.
Recent & Upcoming Events: The Erbe house is set to be burned May 6th by the Fire Department for a training. Lyn has voter registration hours that day and will be down at the Library as an alternate site.
Review & Approval of Warrants: Payroll and vendor warrants are on the table for signature.
Not Anticipated: Rick Phair let the Board know that there is an opening on the Board at the Otis Rescue Squad. He is currently co-chairs on the advisory board with Dan Kimberley.
Adjournment: 7:14PM