Town of Otis
Select Board Meeting Minutes
May 8, 2019
Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 6:00 pm in the Town Hall conference room. A quorum is present and the meeting is being recorded.
Don welcomed Nancy Crandall as Lisa D’Orazio’s replacement as Selectmen’s Secretary
because Lisa is retiring.
Present: Select Board Chair Don Hawley, Selectman Gary Thomas, Selectman Bill Hiller, Town Administrator Becky Stone, Terry Gould, Michael Ernst, Sonia Morrison, Tom Ragusa, Diane Provenz, Lisa D’Orazio and Nancy Crandall.
Review and Sign Final Annual Town Meeting Warrant:
There was a discussion of Article 2 and the FY19 and FY20 accounts and their budgets. Bill asked the Finance Committee members present, Michael and Terry, if they would like to present these figures. Michael suggested having more detailed breakdowns for each department for the annual meeting in case there are any questions and Terry agreed.
There was a discussion on Article 14 regarding the Revolving Fund, MGL and whether or not the Police Department budget should be included in the Revolving Fund. Terry inquired whether we could add the Police Department budget in the future, if necessary.
Becky explained Town Counsel’s suggested wording for the bylaw language of Article 22. She also explained that the Town Clerk would discuss with Town Counsel what extra steps will be necessary regarding the bylaw if it is passed. Article 23 is a recall petition.
Other:
Historical Commission Update:
Sonia discussed the East Otis One Room Schoolhouse and asked about setting up a capital account for Historical Commission if there are any donations to purchase the building. Becky discussed how income, expenditures and a balance should be documented. They would like to create a subcommittee for fundraising. They also reported that they would be donating to a Farmington River historical school trip to Ticonderoga. Michael and Becky gave direction on how to accomplish that.
Town Accountant Reports:
Accounting reports were discussed. There are departments that would like more up to date reports regarding revenue and expenses. Bill reported that Nancy would be willing to act as a liaison for Finance to obtain and print those financial reports. Gary noted that the Accountant would know when postings are up to date and that monthly reports have been promptly available from the Accountant in previous years and it would be helpful to resume this practice. Becky added that the Accountant is responsible for updated department reports and required to provide reports per MGL.
Highway’s Surplus Inventory: Becky discussed the Highway Department’s 2002 International Truck. Derek requested that the minimum bid be set at $16,000 for the truck. The Select Board unanimously approved that minimum.
Camp Bonnie Brae: Becky reported that Camp Bonnie Brae will be celebrating their 100th anniversary and suggested that the town make a formal proclamation to congratulate them.
Gary noted he will not be here for the May 14, 2019 Select Board meeting. The May 27, 2019
All Boards meeting scheduled on Memorial Day will be cancelled for this year.
Adjournment: At 6:45 pm the Select Board unanimously adjourned the Select Board meeting.
Respectfully Submitted,
Nancy Crandall
Selectmen’s Secretary, Town of Otis
List of Documents
- A copy of Draft #5 of the Annual Town Meeting Warrant dated May 8, 2019 with the Marijuana bylaw and a copy of FY20 Article 2 spreadsheet attached.
- A copy of a letter to the Town Accountant from Carol Blakeslee of the COA dated May 8, 2019.
- A copy of the COA FY19 Fund General Ledger page for the Town of Otis from 07/01/2018 to 06/20/2019.
- A copy of a letter from Ralph Gleason of the COA and Jeanne Randorf of the Cultural Council to the Selectmen dated May 8, 2019.