Town of Otis
Selectboard/ Board of Health
Meeting Minutes
Town Hall Conference Room
1 North Main Road, Otis, MA 01253
Wednesday, May 29, 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: May 29, 2024 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87215042428?pwd=czVmQzVnQUNoZ2JXSlVxTWdUUW5Ydz09
Meeting ID: 872 1504 2428
Passcode: 719601
Attendance: Larry Southard-Chair, Terry Gould, Gary Thomas, Brandi Page, Derek Poirier, B.J. O’Brien, Lyn O’Brien, Chief McDonough, and Adam Rinko. On Zoom: Troy Fluckiger.
Call to Order: 6:30 PM
Reconstitute: Congratulations on Terry being re-elected. Larry asked who would like to be Chair. Gary said he would consider doing it. Larry made a motion to appoint Gary as Chair. Motion was seconded and passed.
Approval of Minutes: The minutes from May 14th were approved as amended.
One Day Alcohol Permits: Paige’s Place has a one day event scheduled for June 1st. Berkshire Soccer Academy for Girls has an event scheduled for Aug 16th & 17th. The Board unanimously approved both permits.
Police Department: Kris was recommending a new part time officer for appointment. Adam Rinko is certified and brings extensive experience. The Board stated that Adam had an impressive resume and that they trust Kris with who he recommends. Motion was made to appoint Adam, seconded and passed unanimously. The Board welcomed Adam to the department. The Board reviewed Kris’s letter requesting to increase the detail rate to $60.00 to stay in line with what other Towns are currently charging. Kris stated that the Town has received $8,900 in cruiser fees and $16,435 in admin fees for the details that have been billed this year. After brief discussion Lyn and Kris will come up with specifics for internal events such as elections and town meeting. There was discussion about a previous policy, predating most of the current employees, not to use cruisers on details. Gary felt that was back when we had a limited number of cruisers. Motion was made to change the previous policy and allow cruisers to be used when details are worked. Motion seconded and passed. Motion was made to increase the detail rate to $60.00 per hour and the cruiser rate to $30.00per hour. Motion seconded and passed.
Highway Department: Derek had concerns about sending one of his crew for CDL training and not having an agreement in place if the employee were to leave. Brandi stated that Town Counsel had advised these agreements aren’t enforceable. Towns often try to have these in place for more expensive trainings such as the full time police academy. There have been cases where the employees left the town shortly after and the Town was not able to recoup money. Brandi stated that the Town sends employees form all departments to trainings and conferences and why would we single out one employee for an agreement. Derek had brought an example from a neighboring town. Terry stated she wanted time to review. She said for the current employee in question she felt we wouldn’t require it as that was not how it was explained during their interview. Larry wanted some time to review as well. Brandi was asked to reach out to Town Counsel and get a current opinion. Williams Paving will be starting next week on Algerie Road.
Town Meeting: The Board discussed the vote to pass over article 9 for the annex borrowing. They were disappointed that this motion passed and prevented any discussion of the project. We were not able to hear comments and concerns and be able to answer questions. Some residents voiced their frustration after the meeting at not having the opportunity to discuss. Brandi stated we need to keep reviewing space needs among the town departments. The Police space is inadequate and opens the Town up to liability. We cannot simply continue to run the department in the current space. The Board will need to examine how we move forward with space for the Police as well as space for Highway and the Waste Water operator. The Board was glad the bylaw moved forward as work had been ongoing for two years. Brief discussion about better audio equipment for our next town meeting and overflow space options.
Recent and Upcoming Events: None.
Review & Approval of Warrants: Payroll and vendor warrants are on the table for signature.
Not Anticipated by the Board: Derek asked if he can move forward with the truck purchase. Brandi said he needs to finalize his decision and present a final quote. Jessica will need the quote to begin securing the short term borrowing.
Adjournment: 7:18 PM