Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Otis Town Hall
Conference Room
Tuesday, August 22, 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: Aug 22, 2023 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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Attendance: Larry Southard- Chair, Terry Gould, Gary Thomas, Brandi Page, Kris McDonough, Bob Gentile, Diane Dyer, Celeste Watman, Arlene & Frank Tolopko, Lois Hall, James Adams, Hal Kobrin, Miguel Santana, Mark Amado, Denise Hardie, Carol Lombardo, Susan Aery, Molly Kelmelis, Louis Comarato, Eve Kummel, Kay Koloski, Theresa Kazalki, Ethan Dyer, Greg Dyer, Carol Burke, Tom Burke, Jan Gantler, Diane Saunders, Bob Rosen, Lisa & Ed Sepanksi, Deb Franco, Dan Wing, Michael Tame, Brooke Tame, Joan Benham, Cathy Mells, Betsy Bobo, Jim Bobo, Iven Ghon, Sonya & Dominick A., Wendy Peterson, Ed & Sharyn Hotchkiss, Katelyn Chaffee, Leigha Chaffee. On Zoom: Heather Gray, Sue Brofman, Eric Kreis, Kathy Couch, Michael, Iphone 2, Sue Ebitz, phs@stevenslee.com, Kerry Bean, David Vogel, Ann’s Iphone, Mimi Crandall & James Adams.
Call to Order: 6:30 PM
Approval of Minutes: The minutes from July 25th & August 8th were approved as amended. The minutes from August 2nd were approved as written.
Cultural Center at Historic St Paul’s: Steve McAlister, the Architect for the phase 1 work, submitted a letter recommending Larochelle Construction be awarded the work for the bid amount of $369,000. Larry made a motion to award the work to Larochelle Construction, Terry seconded and motion passed unanimously.
SBPHC: Larry made a motion to appoint Brandi Page & Terry Gould as the designees for the Town at the Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative meetings. Gary seconded and the motion passed.
Bob Gentile: Bob requested signage on Lee Westfield and Algerie Roads to minimize engine brakes. He asked for a sign similar to the one Becket has stating “Residential Area, Trucks Please Avoid Engine Braking”. Bob stated these are typically trucks entering the quarry not leaving. Larry was fine with the sign being “please avoid” and made a motion to approve. Gary seconded and motion passed. We will work with Highway on ordering and placement.
Library Building Site: Sue Brofman had requested this to be on the agenda to discuss the Erbe site and upcoming grant round through the MBLC. There was a lengthy discussion about the site requirements for the grant round and the current limitations of the present Library facility/location. Residents expressed concern with the current plan to use the Erbe site for an annex to Town Hall that will include space for the police. The Select Board members spoke about the vision for the new building and the public safety initiatives that they are focused on. Residents wanted to know what the Town’s space needs look like overall and why the Police couldn’t be given space somewhere else in town. There was also a question about the procedure for a special town meeting. Gary clarified that was not how we would handle this decision. Larry finally closed discussion and tabled the item until the Board’s next meeting in September.
Waste Management Agreement: Brandi asked the board if they had any issues or concerns in continuing waste hauling services with Waste Management and beginning work on a new three year agreement. The Board was in agreement we would see what the pricing looked like but were open to the renewal.
Recent and Upcoming Events: None.
Review & Approval of Warrants: Payroll and vendor warrants are on the table for signature.
Not Anticipated: Mark Amado wanted to know what the compensation for stipends were in Town. Brandi said she could send that to him.
Adjournment: 8:42 PM