Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Otis Town Hall
Conference Room
Tuesday, November 28, 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: Nov 28, 2023 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89035045459?pwd=VU54YUEvRWdteDZhWGZvRm5nL1VPZz09
Meeting ID: 890 3504 5459
Passcode: 558747
Attendance: Larry Southard- Chair, Gary Thomas, Terry Gould, Brandi Page, Lyn and B.J. O’Brien, Tony & Beverly Scapin. Zoom- Sue Ebitz.
Call to Order: 6:30 PM
Approval of Minutes: The minutes from 11/14 were approved as amended.
Otis Rescue Squad: The Board discussed the additional $20,000 in the budget that was included for the Otis Rescue Squad to bring on a part time director. Brandi asked if they would consider releasing it to help them offset additional staffing. The Board would like to have a discussion of how the additional money would be used. Item continued until the next meeting.
98 Kibbe Road: The Scapins had submitted two quotes to have the two large oak trees in front of their house removed. It was determined by Derek that the trees are within the Town’s right of way. Derek has had a few tree companies look at the trees and each one determined the trees are healthy. John Field was hired to cable to the tree that has two trunks as a precaution. The Scapins feel strongly the trees and root systems are compromised. Terry stated that all the information we have says the trees are healthy and that we would not pay out $5,000 to just take them down and set that type of precedent. There was discussion about the Scapins taking the trees down themselves it they felt that strongly about it. They are not willing to do that. They requested more time to have a report done on the trees vs the quotes they currently have. Item continued until the next meeting.
Clickers for Town Meeting: Lyn presented information to the Board about clickers that are now available for votes at Town Meeting. It was felt that one of the things preventing more people from coming to Town Meeting is that they aren’t able to vote anonymously. They are a little pricey and she really wanted to see how everyone felt about it. Gary liked the idea. The Board wants Lyn to ask the residents how they feel so we can gauge the overall appetite for purchasing and using them. This will allow us to have an accurate tabulated count which can be close on contentious issues. Lyn will report back on this.
Recent and Upcoming Events: The tree Lighting is coming up on Dec 2nd and the Gingerbread Houses are on Dec 9th. Terry stated the Thanksgiving meals went out to 34 households and that Farmington River sent out 20 baskets. Brandi stated the new playground is in at the Town Beach.
Review & Approval of Warrants: Payroll and vendor warrants are on the table for signature.
Not Anticipated by the Board: Brandi had just gotten the quote for a postage machine. Motion was made, seconded and passed to go ahead with the machine.
Adjournment: 7:29 PM