Town of Otis
Planning Board Meeting Minutes
October 16, 2017
Town Hall Inspectors’ Office
Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm in the Otis Town Hall Inspectors’ Room. The meeting is recorded and a quorum is present.
Present: Michael Ernst, Rona Knight, Terry Cook, Jim Kaufmann, Al Koivisto
Others: Bill Hiller, Terry Gould, Larry Gould, Geoff Geane
Approval of Minutes: The September 11, 2017 Planning Board meeting minutes were approved as written. Terry made the motion to accept, Michael seconded, and Jim abstained from the vote.
Zoning Bylaw Changes: Lisa explained that there was a problem with the date we posted the bylaw changes in Town Hall per Form 7 so November 13 will be the official Public Hearing for the bylaw changes on the recommendation of Town Counsel and the AG’s office. In the meantime, there were several suggested changes interested parties had requested be made to the new Political Signs section. Those were discussed and were found to be valid suggestions so the November Public Hearing will reflect those changes. Rona made the motion to accept the recommended changes as given, Al seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. November 13 will be the Public Hearing.
Building Use Subcommittee: Attendees discussed what Harmony Hall is currently being used for and everyone determined we are paying a lot of money in upkeep for very little use. The Rec Center office can be moved up to Town Hall and Movie Night could be held in the gymnasium. The only question was where to put the exercise equipment. The Town Hall Conference Room was suggested for that until the Main Fire House becomes available. This was only a discussion of possibilities and nothing was decided upon.
BRPC Annual Meeting: Michael was planning on bringing a guest who cannot make the dinner so there is one spot still available for anyone on the Board.
Collapsing House on Route 23: Someone asked what could be done by the town regarding this blight. It was mentioned that the estate’s trustee is now a judge and this is the only address we have, the taxes have not been paid on the property, and it is moving into tax title status. Once Tax Title is complete, Larry can condemn the building, contact the inheritors for back taxes, and if they don’t pay the town officially owns the property, at which time we can demolish the building.
Rona moved the meeting be adjourned, Jim seconded, and the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 7:20 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa D’Orazio
Planning Board Clerk
Town of Otis
List of Documents
- A copy of the original Notice of Public Hearing with the suggested Zoning Bylaw changes handwritten in will be filed with these meeting minutes.