Town of Otis
Selectboard/ Board of Health
Meeting Minutes
Town Hall Conference Room
1 North Main Road, Otis, MA 01253
Tuesday, Sep 10, 2024, 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: Select Board
Time: Sep 10, 2024 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85414194023?pwd=31VorTDDbQA0SHbNpxK7pFGOZaQEJQ.1
Meeting ID: 854 1419 4023
Passcode: 624777
Attendance: Gary Thomas-Chair, Larry Southard, Terry Gould, Brandi Page, Lyn O’Brien, B.J. O’Brien, Diane Dyer, Sue Brofman, Heather Gray, Scott Bergeron, Candy Chaffee, and Chris Bouchard. On Zoom: Galaxy A145G.
Call to Order: 6:30 PM
Approval of Minutes: The minutes from Aug27th were approved as written.
Nov State Election: The Board was good with the schedule Lyn presented for early in person voting for the upcoming election. Gary read aloud the hours that we will be open.
TOWN OF OTIS IN-PERSON EARLY VOTING HOURS
For THE PRESIDENTIAL / STATE ELECTION
Saturday, October 19, 2024, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM & 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Tuesday, October 22, 2024, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Thursday, October 24, 2024, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Saturday, October 26, 2024, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM & 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Tuesday, October 29, 2024, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Thursday, October 31, 2024, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Otis Town Hall, Gymnasium
Highway Projects: Two projects were currently out to bid and the openings were earlier in the day. Brandi stated that for the 5 culverts to be replaced on Algerie Rd the lowest responsive bid was from Cain’s Mechanical for $39,000.00. They are a company out of Southwick. For the paving which includes the last section of Algerie Rd. (Becket end) and a section of Lee Westfield Rd. the lowest responsive bid was from Williams Paving for $610,791.07. The Board was good with both. Larry made a motion to award the work to Cain’s for $39,000 and to award the work to Williams for $610,791.01 contingent upon the approval of the 3 lowest bidders from Mass DOT prequalification. Motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
General Bylaw: Jeremia had drafted a general bylaw and definitions for obstructions in a public way. The Board reviewed. Chris Bouchard felt that this was already covered in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The Board discussed having the bylaw to ensure a mechanism for enforcement. They agreed to set the fine structure at $100 for the first offence and $300 for any additional offenses. They unanimously voted to move the bylaw forward but also wanted to review the material in the manual Chris referenced.
COA Director Search: We have two applications that have come in. Brandi discussed the Board’s availability for interviews. She will send an email tomorrow so they can set a date and time.
Space Needs/ Annex: Brandi gave a quick update. The black files are downstairs and fit better than expected. A few will need to be replaced. Other files have been cleaned out and are with the appropriate Board/Committee. Eric is seeking quotes for the floor refinishing. Lyn expressed not wanting to move her office before the election. She also expressed concern that the new mail room doesn’t lock like the other room did. Brandi said she had thought about that but with the camera right outside the door felt the room was secure. The Board can determine if they also want a lock installed. Heather spoke about keeping a break room in the upper hall and possibly having the mailboxes in there instead. Diane Dyer suggested mailboxes like apartment buildings have. Gary clarified that nothing is set in stone yet and they are still considering things during the transition. This is still a planning phase. Brandi stated she had gone around to departments to see with the new layout if they would prefer to close for lunch so that if that was decided we could post it sooner than later. There were mixed feelings about closing for lunch so the discussion was left open. BJ asked how the renovations are being paid for. Brandi stated that we are using a small amount of ARPA funds which the Board had previously designated for public safety.
Recent and Upcoming Events: Terry said the School Committee will be meeting again on Sep 23rd at 6:30.
Review & Approval of Warrants: Payroll and vendor warrants are on the table for signature.
Not Anticipated by the Board: Gary brought the issue of the longer hours on Thursdays at the Transfer Station as the days grow shorter. He still has a concern with the limited light for the site when it gets darker earlier. He asked the Board to think about possibly changing the hours to not be open so late. Discussion to be continued as a future agenda item.
Adjournment: 7:13 PM