Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Otis Town Hall
Conference Room
Tuesday, October 25, 2022, 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: Selectboard
Time: Oct 25, 2022 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88096656233?pwd=YmlhWjMxbS9CbnY1dXJKeS9pZnNnUT09
Attendance: Larry Southard-Chair, Gary Thomas, Terry Gould, Brandi Page, Tammy Weidhaas, Rick Phair, Chris Bouchard, Richie O’Brien, Max K., Maria Wallington, Rob Putnam, & Eric Jesner. On Zoom: BJ O’Brien, Alan Minery, Phil Magovern, Patty Strauch, & David Cleaveland.
Call to Order: 6:30 PM
Approval of Minutes: The minutes from 10/11 were approved as written.
Appointments: Larry made a motion to appoint Mark Anthony as inspector/deputy clerk and Charles Towers as a poll worker. Terry seconded, motion passed unanimously. The Board announced some resignations from the Council on Aging. Terry made a motion to appoint Eila Bell and Elsie Devoti with terms that will expire June 30th, 2023. Larry seconded, motion passed unanimously.
FRRSD Interim Superintendent: Rob Putnam was present with Eric Jesner from the School. Rob introduced himself to the Board and talked about his process for the budget and believing in open communication. Terry thanked Eric for his years of hard work on the budget and that she respected their process. She recognizes the challenges they face and feels they do a great job. Rob thanked Tammy and said the students very much like seeing the officers.
Otis Rescue Squad: Richie O’Brien was present with Rich Phair on behalf of the Otis Rescue Squad. They discussed with the Board staffing challenges and how they are working to overcome those challenges. The Board reinforced the expectation of them to hire a director or manager. There needs to be strong leadership to help the squad restructure and fill shifts. Bottom line, Terry said, is to have calls being answered. The Board is not looking to antagonize the squad merely responding to concerns that have been raised. Richie asked for a few more weeks and will come back to the Board in November. Brandi and Board members were willing to sit in on interviews or meet with the Rescue Board as needed.
Beavers: No action.
Contracting for Snow & Ice: Tabled until the next meeting when we have received packets for review.
Personnel Policy Updates: The Board had reviewed the proposed changes to the Personnel Policy. Terry wondered if the change to the Holiday policy should be broken out for the police specifically. Larry asked about the 30 days for the floating holidays. After brief discussion, Larry made a motion to accept the changes as presented. Terry seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The draft will go to Jeremia for review.
Review & Approval of Warrants: Payroll and vendor warrants are on the table for signature.
Not Anticipated: Brandi mentioned that trick or treat was set to run along with truck or treat. Friday Oct 28th from 5-7. She also announced the Town had been awarded $650,000 for the Reservoir Road culvert project through the Mass Works grant opportunity. Lastly a reminder our next meeting is Wednesday Nov 9th at 6:30. We are meeting on Wednesday because the State election is being held Tuesday.
Adjournment: 7:48 PM.