Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Otis Town Hall
Conference Room
Tuesday, January 11, 2022, 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: Selectboard
Time: Jan 11, 2022 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89590375628?pwd=R3c5dEpwMERQMlB6NndwODdTdU9aUT09
Attendance: Chair Larry Southard, Gary Thomas, Terry Gould, Brandi Page and Barbara Gallagher. Via Zoom: Shaw Israel Izikson (Country Journal), Jim Crandall, Lyn Obrien, TKB Jr, Sherry’s Ipad, Celeste, Robin Peterson, Phil McGovern, Roberta Sarnacki, Lynne Geane, 4135633258, Ann O’Donnell, Geoff Geane, & Jacob.
Call to Order:
6:30 PM
Approval of Minutes: The minutes from Dec 14th were approved as written.
Award St. Paul’s Urgent Work: We had two quotes submitted. Valley Restoration for $36,790.00 & Glenco Construction for $22,300.00. There were no questions or concerns. Larry made a motion to award the work to Glenco Construction Company Inc. Motion seconded and passed unanimously.
Award East Otis School House Bid: We received one bid from Larochelle Construction Company Inc. for $167,000. That is within budget. Lynne Geane spoke to say OPT was good with the amount and would be transferring the money over. Larry made a motion to award the work to Larochelle Construction Company Inc. Motion seconded and passed unanimously.
Police: Robin Peterson had some questions on just how this scenario would play out and concerns on response time and loyalty to Otis. Terry stated she understood that people had questions and that the Board should explain the draft agreement. Her thought is that this will ultimately increase coverage as the shared Chief would be primarily administrative and we would work towards a balanced schedule of officers on patrol. Larry felt this is a great opportunity. The Chief in Becket is well respected, professional and doing a great job there. We have received several recommendations from officers that have worked with him. Larry feels this is going to be a good fit for Otis. It was asked what kind of savings we will see in our Police Budget. Brandi explained that the monetary impact hasn’t been discussed or decided yet. Robin asked if there is a residency requirement for the Chief position. It was clarified that there is not. Next steps are to meet Kris on Thursday morning and then review the final agreement draft with monetary figures plugged in.
6:48pm the zoom meeting was hacked and compromised. Zoom was ended.
Larry made a motion to move forward with the shared Chief scenario. Motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
Review & Approval of Warrants: Payroll and vendor warrants are on the table for signature.
Not Anticipated: Terry mentioned the CERT team that used to be made up of volunteers and assist with Town emergencies. The team is no longer active. She would like to see us update our list of residents that need wellness checks, especially considering the upcoming cold conditions.
Adjournment: 6:55 PM