Otis Technology Committee
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday April 20, 2021
5:00 pm
Members attending: Larry Gould, Bill Hiller, Frank Tolopko, Steve Schultze
Public attendee: Ann O’Donnell, Jim Rabbit, Eric McLeod
1. Call to order: At 5:00pm Larry Gould called the meeting to order and Bill Hiller read the
Governor’s guidance on public meeting (text is below). A moment was taken to honor the
passing of George Mabee a member of the Technology Committee for almost a decade. Geroge
had experience in the telecom industry for many years before starting his own business
providing satellite service to many in the area. George will be sorely missed both for his
contributions to the technical side of many discussions and for the human side which is often
forgotten as we attempt to do the town’s business. Thank you, George.
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 and/or draft proceedings of the meeting will be
available on our website as soon as possible.
2. Continue VOIP phone discussion.
Jim Rabbit and Eric McLeod from Partners Technology reviewed an updated VOIP proposal
that outlined three options; hosted, non-hosted, and hybrid. The Tech Committee discussed the
three options with the vendor at length and requested additional information regarding other
towns which may have operated under these constructs and a more direct cost comparison of the
three options including any known add-ons such as the server (including costs for support to the
server).
3. Broadband Updates.
Installation process has commenced in the Otis Woodlands community. Estimate completion by
1st week in May. Discussion regarding state drop grant and the need to review submission at the
end of May. Discussion regarding CAF II (Connect America Fund, Phase II) grant and when
Otis may see those funds arrive. Discussion regarding status of the current ISP (internet service
provider) agreement and the fact that it expires in the near future.
4. Old and New business.
Continued discussion regarding surveillance cameras for Town Hall and grounds and where to
find possible sources of funding.
5. Adjourn: 6:24pm