Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Otis Town Hall
Conference Room
Tuesday, October 10, 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: Oct 10, 2023 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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Meeting ID: 894 5233 2524
Passcode: 440701
Attendance: Larry Southard- Chair, Terry Gould, Gary Thomas, Brandi Page, Ken and Ilona Packie, Rick Phair, Chris Bouchard and Lori Laporte.
Call to Order: 6:30 PM
Approval of Minutes: The minutes from 9/20 and 10/03 were approved as written.
Stebbins Road: The Board discussed the unmaintained portion of Stebbins Road. The old culvert is washed out and the road is not passable. GPS mistakenly tries to send people over Dimmock to reach the south end of Stebbins (#’s 623-881) which is not possible. Recently on 8/25 this happened to a Becket ambulance that had to back down when trying to respond to an emergency. Ken Packie said they are satisfied with deliveries at their location. The situation wasn’t as bad as anticipated for them. He does try to submit edits to google but they only stick for a short amount on time. The Board discussed and agreed on “Dead End” signs for both ends of Stebbins. The Town will have to examine the cost of connecting the road or consider officially discontinuing that portion in the future.
Solid Waste & Recycling Agreement: The Board signed the three year agreement with Waste Management for our solid waste removal and recycling.
East Otis Schoolhouse Proposal: This was continued until we receive the proposal.
45 North Ridge Street: Lori Laporte asked for an update on what was being done about the vacant structure on 45 North Ridge Ave. Brandi confirmed the Town has to insure that structure separate now at a cost of $3,600 a year and recommended budgeting in FY25 to take the building down. The Board agreed to revisit this as a capital item during the FY25 budget meetings. Terry stated that the Town may or may not choose to keep the property afterwards. That is a separate decision for later on.
Recent and Upcoming Events: None.
Review & Approval of Warrants: Payroll and vendor warrants are on the table for signature.
Not Anticipated: Brandi had been reviewing the Zoning budget with Chair Travis Ward. They asked the Board for approval to change the zoning clerk compensation from hourly to a set stipend for FY24. The balance in the account will be broken out over the remaining months. Larry made a motion to approve and revisit the topic and other Boards at budget time. Terry seconded and motion passed. Gary asked if anyone else had had trouble with their key to the mailroom.
Adjournment: 7:17 PM