Town of Otis
Selectboard/ Board of Health
Joint with Board of Assessors
Meeting Minutes
Town Hall Conference Room
1 North Main Road, Otis, MA 01253
Tuesday, Nov 26, 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: Nov 26, 2024 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82352871625?pwd=w2bE0MKCrc9UHVwghc0iFbPhXFT8kv.1
Meeting ID: 823 5287 1625
Passcode: 401103
Attendance: Gary Thomas-Chair, Larry Southard, Terry Gould, Brandi Page, Scott Bergeron, Diane Dyer, Sue Ebitz, Stacey Schultze, Sue Brofman, Heather Gray, Jill Moretz, Candy Chaffee and B.J. O’Brien. On Zoom: Adam Bjelf (Eversource)
Call to Order: 6:30 PM
Approval of Minutes: The minutes from Nov 12th were approved as written.
Classification Hearing: The Board reviewed the packet for the Classification hearing. The tax rate is estimated to be $6.47. Gary made a motion to votes in accordance with M.G.L., Ch. 40, Sec. 56, as amended, the percentage of local tax levy which will be borne by each class of real and personal property, relative to setting the Fiscal Year 2025 tax rates and set the Residential Factor at 1.0, with a corresponding CIP shift of 1.0, pending approval of the town’s annual tax recap by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Terry seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Terry thanked the Board of Assessors and Candy for all their hard work this year.
Pole Petitions: Adam Bjelf was present on behalf of the pole petition (15729028) for Werden Road. This petition was a separate one from the one we had for Werden Road in September. This current one is for 8 additional poles as outlined on their plan. Abutters were all notified. Terry made a motion to approve the petition. Motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Subcommittee Request: Sue Brofman, Stacey Schultze and Sue Ebitz were present to discuss a committee they would like the Board to consider forming. Sue Brofman spoke and said they would like to work on exploring ways to improve the downtown and address some of the blighted properties. Terry felt maybe it would be better to wait until after budget season to form the committee. Larry liked the idea of beginning to think about the downtown. Sue Ebitz reinforced that they are envisioning it being a group that brings forward information and alternative ideas. Terry worries that people are spreading themselves too thin. Stacey Schultze agreed that they would like to get started and that even though people are active we are blessed to live in a Town where things are happening. She also felt this group would be too support efforts. Brandi felt like the committee should be allowed to get started if they want and that they themselves will dictate how active the group is. After brief discussion it was decided that Brandi will put together a draft charge statement for the committee for the Board to review for the next meeting. Item to be continued until Dec 10th.
Reservoir Road Easement Proposal: The Board was good with a proposal from S.K. Designs surveying department to draft the needed easements for the Reservoir Road culvert replacement.
Recent and Upcoming Events: Diane Dyer thanks everyone for the nice luncheon on Nov 20th. Upcoming we have the Tree Lighting Dec 7th and the Gingerbread Houses on Dec 15th.
Review & Approval of Warrants: Payroll and vendor warrants are on the table for signature.
Not Anticipated by the Board: None.
Adjournment: 7:06 PM