Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Otis Town Hall
Conference Room
Tuesday, November 14, 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: Otis Select Board
Time: Nov 14, 2023 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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Attendance: Larry Southard- Chair, Gary Thomas, Terry Gould, Brandi Page, Lyn and B.J. O’Brien, Miguel Santana, Diane Provenz, Rick Phair, Diane Dyer, Sue Ebitz, Joel Meyers and Dave Sarnacki.
Call to Order: 6:30 PM
Approval of Minutes: The minutes from 10/24 were approved as amended.
Annex Proposal: The Board had reviewed the agreement and proposal for the design work on the annex submitted by Dietz & Co. Larry made a motion to approve, Terry seconded and motion passed unanimously.
Complete Streets Grant: The Board reviewed the list of items the grant money was eligible for. Terry thought we had already closed this out as none of the items were feasible at this time. Diane Provenz spoke to inquire about the timing and why we hadn’t reviewed the items earlier. Brandi went over the timing and how the list of items came to be and said that the Board had been aware of the eligible projects. Diane informed the Board that Historic had submitted for a grant for a consultant to study town buildings and that OPT would put up the match if awarded. Brandi asked who this grant opportunity was through. Diane said it was through Mass Historic. Larry made a motion to close out the complete streets grant so that another community could utilize the funding. Terry seconded and motion passed unanimously.
Otis Rescue Squad: Rick Phair updated the Board that the audit was in progress. Rescue is still requesting additional funding to implement increased staffing. He also wanted to know where discussions stand with Becket. Diane interrupted and asked if the Rescue Squad had appealed for donations? Rick replied that they hadn’t sent out the donation requests since Covid. The Board reiterated earlier discussion that they weren’t considering additional funding until the audit was complete. As far as discussions with Becket we are looking to apply for a grant in January to fund the feasibility study. This will give us an in depth look at the proposed hubs and staffing and if we can realize appropriate response times for the coverage area. Terry clarified that a proposed shared service still means an ambulance in Otis. Discussion has always been about two hubs. The existing one in Becket and the existing one in Otis. Brandi felt that by the time we are awarded grant funds and engage the study we would be reviewing the information and continuing discussion hopefully late summer/fall 2024. The Board expressed frustration at not receiving budget numbers each year as requested. Rick said they will receive a budget submission this year. The Board is looking to review this proposal and analyze the impact of additional funding vs bringing the operation under the Town. Discussion to remain ongoing.
Oak Trees 98 Kibbe Road: Larry continued this item to our next agenda when Mr. Scapin could be present.
Reservoir Road Culvert Project: Brandi updated the Board that the engineer, SLR, had submitted to DOT for CH85 approval. DOT returned the design with markups that the engineer is working through. In the meantime SLR had gone before the Otis Conservation Commission. They were informed the Commission wanted a Peer Review. With the Town being the applicant Brandi had reached out and was able to secure SK Design for the review. The Board was good with this.
Recent and Upcoming Events: The annual Holiday Party was scheduled for Dec 8th. This conflicts with Hanukah but we were not able to reschedule. Brandi stated in future years we will make sure the date does not conflict. The Town’s first annual tree lighting is scheduled for Dec 2nd at 4:30 pm behind Town Hall. The playground at the Town Beach is being installed next week.
Review & Approval of Warrants: Payroll and vendor warrants are on the table for signature.
Not Anticipated by the Board: Gary had seen the Knox’s flyer for Thanksgiving and wanted to double check if alcohol was still able to be sold to go. Brandi would follow up with Heather the following morning on the current status with the ABCC.
Adjournment: 7:28 PM