Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Otis Town Hall
Conference Room
Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at 7:00 PM
This meeting is being conducted remotely through Zoom. You must check back within 24 hours of the start time for a link to join.
Pursuant to the Governor’s March 12, 2020 order suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, Sec 18, this meeting is being held via remote participation to the greatest extent possible. Every effort is being made to ensure that any member of the public may access the meeting in real time, via technological means. Agendas will be amended to show the link and participation code to access the meeting no sooner than 48 hours before. Recordings and/or draft proceedings of the meeting will be available on our website as soon as possible.
Topic: Selectmen’s meeting 5/26/2021
Time: May 26, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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Attendance: Larry Southard-Chair, Gary Thomas, Terry Gould, Brandi Page, Lyn O’Brien, Deb Fogel, Jim’s Ipad, Ann O’Donnell, Chris, Jen Daily, Mary Kay Pinkham, Bob Rosen, Alexa, Lori Laporte, Stephanie McNair, Gail Gelburd and Diane Provenz.
Call to Order:
7:04 PM
Approval of Minutes:
All Boards 4/26/21, Joint 4/27/2021, Selectboard 4/27/21, 5/04/2021 and 5/11/2021.
Reconstitute the Board: Welcome Terry Gould as newly elected member. Gary made a motion to appoint Larry as Chairman, Terry seconded, motion passed.
Larry took a minute and thanked the Town, its board and committee members, and day to day staff for all their hard work this last year. There has been significant challenges with heightened stress and he feels everyone has done a great job navigating it. He also noted wanting to move forward in a respectful way with improved communication. He is committed as chair to promote these positive changes.
Forest Cutting: We received a price quote from the Forester who completed our Forest Management Plan. He is also looking for approval to access timber from Klondike’s property through our parcel. Tabled to June 8th when Jim Crandall can comment.
Re-opening: With Governor Baker’s anticipated removal of COVID restrictions on May 29th there was discussion about being back open full time. Terry made a motion that the Town Hall will go back to being open full time (8am-4pm Mon- Thu), Gary seconded, motion passed. Masks are recommended for anyone entering not yet vaccinated. In regard to meeting remotely and the Open Meeting Law Terry made a motion to put off in person meeting until the meeting on the 22nd. This allows a few weeks to see what guidance comes out and what we can accommodate for a hybrid platform. Gary seconded, motion passed.
45 North Ride Ave: Lori Laporte was in attendance and spoke about this property which sits across the street from them. They want to know what the Town’s intention is with the property. Brandi stated we can communicate with the Treasurer as to what is recommended to be auctioned off at this time. Stephanie McNair suggested we research the deed to see if this small parcel has lake and/or dock rights. This could increase the possible value. Gary suggested the Board individually make a time to drive out and take a look as well.
Unanticipated: Larry asked about the barrels being put up on Tolland Road. Brandi updated the Board that DCR is installing the gates at the discontinued portion of Tolland Road very soon. Currently there is a “no exit” sign. We are working on what final appropriate signage should be.
Review and Approval of Warrants:
On the Selectboard table for review and signing.
Adjournment:
7:29 PM