Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Otis Town Hall
Conference Room
Tuesday, June 27, 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: Jun 27, 2023 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86081338450?pwd=ZTZhU1NUdU83RHhLQXh1cVR1NnZoUT09
Attendance: Larry Southard- Chair, Terry Gould, Brandi Page, Larry Gould, Tammy Weidhass, Kris McDonough, Nick Weidhaas, Ryan Nelson & Rick Phair. On Zoom- Jim Wilusz, Lyn O’Brien, Scott Bergeron, Michele Zalot & Bill Hiller.
Call to Order: 6:30 PM
Approval of Minutes: Minutes from May 7th were tabled until Gary returns. The minutes from May 13th were approved as amended.
Revised Septic Plan: Presented was a revised plan for Michele Zalot at 752 Tolland Road. Due to site restrictions and hitting ledge they are requesting the initial 2,000 gallon tank be replaced with 2- 1,000 gallon tanks. This required an updated survey and abutter notifications. The abutter had submitted a letter in support of the change and had no concerns. Terry asked if this type of system requires the property to be seasonal. Jim Wilusz confirmed this property will carry a deed restriction stipulating seasonal use. Gary O’Brien will be installing the tanks and they will be staked out. It was asked if this change requires a resubmission to ConCom. It was stated that the limit of work has not changed and these tanks are subsurface so that does not necessitate resubmitting to ConCom. Jim Wilusz stated that the process leading up to this point was flawed but that this is a challenging lot and he approves of the revised plan. He asked the Board to require 2 years of well testing. Larry made a motion to approve the revised plan with the requirement that the tanks are staked out and the well is to be tested for two years. Terry seconded and the motion passed.
Appointments: Brandi asked if the Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief should have been considered for three year appointments. Terry clarified that these positions are voted by the Fire Department themselves and then recommended to the Selectboard. It doesn’t seem necessary to change the term. Kris McDonough had submitted a letter requesting the appointment of Scot Bergeron to the full time officer opening and Nick Weidhaas as a part time reserve officer. Kris made introductions. Between the two officers they bring over 53 years of experience in law enforcement with them. The Board was impressed with the applications and pleased to have them joining the team. Terry made a motion to appoint both officers and Larry seconded. Motion passed.
MLP Budget: Larry Gould presented the FY24 MLP draft budget. There has been continued growth on the Broadband side. Larry explained each revenue source and expenditure to the Board as they reviewed. Terry made a motion to approve the budget while reserving out the MLP Manager and Finance Officer stipends. Larry seconded and the motion passed. Brandi recommended that the MLP Finance Officer, which replaces the accountant role, be appointed by the MLP Manager. Jill Moretz had submitted a letter to step down as MLP Manager and be appointed to the Finance position. The Board was unable to make the MLP appointment this evening because Gary was not present and Terry has to recuse herself. The Board continued Jill’s term as MLP manager until the next meeting when Gary is present.
Year End Transfers: Larry made a motion to approve year end transfers for the Police and Medicare budgets. FinCom was fine with them. Motion seconded and passed. See attached.
Town Beach: Brandi updated the Board about the site visit with the representative from Ultiplay. He is putting together a quote for a piece of equipment and swings. During the site visit there was discussion about timing, drainage, available space and placement. Terry made a motion to approve a quote not to exceed 40,000 and for Brandi to have the authority to sign on behalf of the Board. Larry seconded and the motion passed.
Permitting: Larry had been reviewing two products for online building permit software. One of the companies had a change with ownership and Larry wanted to follow up with them before proceeding. Brandi already had approval to go with permit eyes. If Larry doesn’t oppose and recommend differently by the end of the week Brandi will sign the proposal form Pemit Eyes.
Recent & Upcoming Events: None.
Review & Approval of Warrants: Payroll and vendor warrants are on the table for signature.
Not Anticipated: Terry mentioned that the food pantry drop off box had gone out for a new paint job. It was now back and looking great. Also mentioned was that the pine trees in front of the old Erbe house were removed this week.
Adjournment: 7:57 PM
Re: FY23 Year End Transfers
Town Accountant,
The Selectboard, with the approval of the Finance Committee, unanimously approved the following FY23 year-end transfers at their posted meeting last night.
Vote to transfer $22,000.00 from 01.914.5170.019140 Health Insurance to
01.210.5130.000000 Police Overtime.
Vote to transfer $2,000.00 from 01.914.5170.019140 Health Insurance to
01.916.5170.000000 Medicare.