Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Otis Town Hall
Conference Room
Tuesday, April 11, 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: Select Board
Time: Apr 11, 2023 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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Attendance: Larry Southard-Chair, Gary Thomas, Terry Gould, Brandi Page, Mary Kay Pinkham, Tammy Weidhass, Arlene & Frank Tolopko, Kris McDonough, Carol Lombardo, Rob Putnam, Rhonda Labombard, Derek, Sue Brofman, Sue & Jim Ebitz, Rick Phair, Richie O’Brien, Bryan Arnold, Elaine Arnold, Kelly Kennedy, Barbara Gallagher, Matthew & Annette Lilly. On Zoom: Vinay Prabhu
Call to Order: 6:30 PM
Approval of Minutes: Minutes from March 1st and 23rd were approved as written and minutes from March 28th and 31st were approved as amended.
Appointments: There was discussion following the feedback from the School Committee meeting on the 3rd. Terry Gould indicated she would be willing to serve on the RAAC committee at the request that a Select Board member serve. Rob Putnam gave some background on what the committee is charged with. Being that the agreement is 31 years old an update is needed. It was clarified that this is a legal agreement and would require more legal and financial expertise to amend than educational. Mary Kay Pinkham then withdrew her interest. Larry made a motion to appoint Terry, Sue Brofman, and Frank Tolopko to the RAAC. Gary seconded, motion passed. The Board reviewed the application from Steve Schultze for the veteran representative opening. Larry made a motion to appoint Steve, Terry seconded and the motion passed.
The Board took a ten minute break from 7:00PM -7:10PM so that members could attend the Caucus.
FY24 Budget Items: The Board unanimously approved the school budget at $2,505,060.00. The capital item for records management was updated from $20,000 to $24,000 now that we had the final quote. The article for the East Otis Schoolhouse was accepted to realize additional work in this next year. The Board asked Rick Phair if they had any additional information on the compressor request. Rick said they have tried to get quotes but it has proved difficult. The compressor is old and is a priority to replace. The Board decided to include the compressor capital request at $35,000.
Timber Cutting Extension: Brandi stated that due to the limited frozen ground during the winter the forester has requested an extension. Larry made a motion to approve the request. Terry seconded and motion passed unanimously.
Shared Chief Contract Renewal: This item was continued, as Becket has not executed the agreement and sent it along yet.
Rescue Squad Discussion: Richie O’Brien asked if we had level funded the rescue budget. It was confirmed that yes, in the absence of any budget submission the Select Board had level funded at 262,000. He also asked with the talk of shared services what the implications were for future operations at the Rescue Squad. Larry clarified that discussions have been in open meetings and nothing was behind the scenes. Rescue had been invited to these discussions. The last meeting with the Becket Selectboard was a posted meeting. Rick Phair and Max Koivisto attended. Next step is a meeting in which Ray is going to invite South County EMS to explore how their operation with three towns works. Elaine feels things have been underhanded and wants to know if the Town expects to save money. The Board clarified the expectation is increased coverage not reducing costs. Rick Phair asked if there is still money for a director now that Ray has stepped down. Yes the money is still in their budget for a part time director. Richie O’Brien said that if we went to a shared service the rescue squad would have to consider some type of right to operate agreement with the equipment. Richie stated Rescue Squad response numbers were better in 2022 that 2021. They continue to try to hire and increase staffing. The Select Board said the goal with exploring a shared operation is to enhance operations. They thanked all the rescue squad members for coming and everyone expressed that it was a good discussion.
Short Term Rental Bylaw: Larry Southard had a discussion with Larry Gould on some edits he would like to see. This is still being sorted out. This item is to be continued. Annette Lilly spoke to strongly disagree with the $300 compacter sticker for short term rental properties. The Board approved the pricing in line with what businesses pay. Annette disagrees that they are a business and feels they do not generate more trash than a normal household. Larry thanked her for comments.
Recent & Upcoming Events: Thank you to the Highway, Police and Maintenance departments for all their
hard work and extra hours during the storm. Also thank you to those that assisted the elderly in staying safe and getting them to town hall during the power outages. The Rec Commission had their annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 2nd. It was well attended. Town Hall will be closed in the morning this Wednesday Apr 12th so employees can meet for a benefit brunch. Sunday was town wide trash pick up. Derek stated paving starts on Reservoir Road May 1st.
Review & Approval of Warrants: Payroll and vendor warrants are on the table for signature.
Not Anticipated: Brandi wanted to welcome Tim Lee who was chosen as the next Superintendent for Farmington River.
Adjournment:.8:14PM