Town of Otis
Selectboard/ Board of Health
Meeting Minutes
Town Hall Conference Room
1 North Main Road, Otis, MA 01253
Tuesday, Nov 12, 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: Selectboard
Time: Nov 12, 2024 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87511198741?pwd=TEHACJIH1el8k4S4Fc3GxAnFZRWEpb.1
Meeting ID: 875 1119 8741
Passcode: 028245
Attendance: Gary Thomas-Chair, Larry Southard, Terry Gould, Brandi Page, Scott Bergeron, Dr. Wighton, Celeste Watman, Diane Dyer, Sue Ebitz, Stephanie Schultze, Denise Hardie, Stephanie Skinner, Sue Brofman and B.J. O’Brien. On Zoom: None
Call to Order: 6:30 PM
Approval of Minutes: The minutes from Oct 22nd were approved as amended.
Piano Donation: Arlene Tolopko had requested the Town consider the donation of a baby grand piano. The Board discussed the space constraints at Town Hall specifically the gymnasium in regard to Annual Town Meeting capacity and elections. After a brief discussion they unanimously agreed they were not interested in taking the piano and politely declined.
Appointments: Brandi updated the Board that we need to post the Safety Coordinator position and Zoning has asked that we post a zoning alternate position as well. We had an application for Finance Committee from Jim Crandall. The Board feels Jim will be a great fit. They unanimously appointed him to serve until the annual election in May at which time he would run. The Board also reviewed an application for Council on Aging from Dede Loring. The Board was good with that and unanimously appointed her as an alternate. Lastly the Board reviewed applications for the remaining seats on the Library Building Committee. Terry spoke and said she would like to appoint Don Chaffee, Kaitlyn Chaffee, Stacey Schultze and Steve Barry. Stephanie Skinner asked the Board to consider Lois Hall as an alternate. Larry was in agreement with Terry as to the members he favored for the committee. Dr. Wighton asked about the location for the proposed new library. It was clarified that the architect, as the project moves into design, will recommend to the Town which site is ideal. The Town will decide at that time the final site. Terry made a motion to appoint Don Chaffee, Kaitlyn Chaffee, Stacey Schultze and Steve Barry, with Lois Hall as an alternate. Motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Terms will run through completion of the project.
Town Center: Dr. Wighton had asked for this item to be on the agenda. Gary clarified we might put a limit on the discussion depending on time. Dr. Wighton spoke of Egremont’s recently completed downtown improvements and asked if we are considering projects like that here. Also he says developers ask about properties in the down town and he’s wondering if we shouldn’t have a larger scheme for the revitalization of the center. He feels Rte. 8 through town has basically become a separate arm of the turnpike and suggests that we should research banning 18 wheelers from that stretch through the Town center. Stephanie Skinner commented that the Master Plan doesn’t address a vision for the Town center. Should we have a smaller plan specific for the downtown? Sue Brofman said a group has started meeting and discussing these same topics. They would like to move forward as an actual Town committee. Item to be placed on the next Selectboard meeting agenda. Dr. Wighton was also looking for a update on the speed limit discussion. The Town still needs to reach out to Pat Tierney at DOT to see where the reduced zone would start and stop as well as what speed it is recommended to drop down to.
Special Town Meeting: Brandi updated the Board that all of the items except the RDA are better suited to be on the annual meeting in May. There is still work needed and they wouldn’t be ready before that. Denise said Tim Lee had met with DESE and they expect the RDA back possibly in January.
Recent and Upcoming Events: Sue Brofman said they will be caroling at the Tree Lighting. Larry Southard will be joining them. Denise said the recent Veteran’s breakfast at the School went very well.
Review & Approval of Warrants: Payroll and vendor warrants are on the table for signature.
Not Anticipated by the Board: Sue Ebitz asked if we could also have a light up dreidel as part of the holiday lights.
Adjournment: 7:12 PM