Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Otis Town Hall
Conference Room
Tuesday, February 14, 2023, 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: Feb 14, 2023 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85900887617?pwd=dXVZcTNHOEFvSGtyQ3pERThKb256UT09
Attendance: Larry Southard-Chair, Gary Thomas, Terry Gould, Brandi Page, Tom Soules, Steve Schultz, Phil Magovern, Mark Johnson, George Mengel, Bud Bushey and Jim Higgins. On Zoom- Jim Crandall and Steve’s Ipad.
Call to Order: 6:30 PM
Approval of Minutes: Minutes from Jan 24, 2023 were approved as written.
Surplus Safe: The safe was listed on Municibid and the winning bid was $210.00. Larry made a motion to accept the bid. Terry seconded and motion passed unanimously. Brandi will contact the winning bidder and coordinate payment and pick-up.
Landscape Items: AmVet members were present to discuss possibly moving the WWII memorial that is now located on the green in front of the Library. The memorial is very close to Rte 8 and has no drainage. Brief discussion about possible locations. Steve Schultz also said the AmVets may wish to expand the memorial to include other conflicts. AmVets are to do some additonal vetting on what they would like to propose and will come back before the Board. Brandi mentioned some inquiries about moving the gazebo to the front of the Erbe lot where the grade starts to slope down. There has been discussion if it will be used more and can be lit for the holidays. Board to continue consideration during budgets discussions.
Parade: There have been comments about wanting a parade this year. Steve Schultz asked that a parade be on an alternate day besides Memorial Day. Selectboard is looking for anyone interested in organizing a parade to come forward and propose an alternate date.
Downtown Well: Progress is moving along on the downtown well project. Larry made a motion to accept the proposal from S. K. Design for the engineering, permitting and surveying for this project. Gary seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Reservoir Road Culvert Project: Brandi wanted to update the Board that the engineer is close to submitting to Ma DOT for final approval of design. The engineer has also indicated that due to the increased amount of analysis they intend to amend the cost in their agreement to cover the additional work.
Annette Lilly: Annette voiced her concern about the cost of a compactor sticker for Short Term Rental properties at $300.00. It was clarified that the intent of this separate sticker was for non-owner occupied properties. Some STR’s in town expect the renter to take trash and recycling to the transfer station or have cleaning companies that handle it. The sticker rolled out ahead of the applicable bylaw so there is still some detail to be sorted out. Annette felt it was unfair to assess this additional cost. Terry spoke to say that Short Term Rentals are not a residential use but a business that generates income. The Board maintained that the $300 is not excessive and can easily be spread over the years activity at the property.
Review & Approval of Warrants: Payroll and vendor warrants are on the table for signature.
Not Anticipated: Brandi brought up recent concerns about the Library still requiring masks. The Board decided that a letter to the commissioners would be a good idea asking them to reconsider their policy. Phil Magovern asked if FRRSD had sent out a letter asking the Selectboard to appoint three people to the RAAC. We have not received that letter yet.
Adjournment: Open session closed at 7:26 PM.