Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Otis Town Hall
Conference Room
Tuesday, December 12, 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: Dec 12, 2023 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81975351616?pwd=d1d3cHBxYWh2NHd0cFA5enp3TDNRUT09
Meeting ID: 819 7535 1616
Passcode: 646073
Attendance: Larry Southard- Chair, Gary Thomas, Terry Gould, Brandi Page, Trish Tetreault, B.J. O’Brien, Scott Bergeron, Rick Phair, Chris Bouchard. Zoom: Ryan Johnson, Geoffe Geane, Leo Tetreault.
Call to Order: 6:30 PM
Approval of Minutes: The minutes from 11/28 were approved as amended.
Zoning Clerk Position: Larry announced that this item was posted as an executive session but that Trish had requested it stay in open session. The Board would not be convening in closed session so this item was moved to the front of the agenda. Larry stated he had reviewed the time cards and meeting information that were in question. He asked Trish if she had anything she wanted to say. She stated she wasn’t sure why they were considering terminating her. Larry stated that she was aware of the difference with what was being provided and what the expectations were for the position and that he had taken the time to also confirm with Travis, the Zoning Chair, that he had been communicating to Trish what the issues were. Gary felt the hours we have been billed were excessive considering the position. Trish said she was asked to do additional work and clarified that even just the certified mailings can take 5 hours. There was discussion of the 60 hours that were billed in July and the lack of back up needed for these hours. Trish had been hired and advised how bill for her time by Geoffe Geane as he was chair at the time. Larry felt we had been unable to reconcile our differences and that it would be best to part ways. He made a motion to terminate Trish’s appointment as the Zoning Clerk. Terry seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Classification Hearing: Ryan Johnson was present on zoom to present the packet for the Classification Hearing. The Board had been provided with copies. This year had been a revaluation year for Otis which happens under the direction of the Department of Revenue every 5 years. The expected tax rate is 6.49 down from 6.62 last year. With the new values this would increase the average single family tax bill roughly $170.00. The board reviewed the information. Gary made a motion to adopt a single tax rate. Larry seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Liquor Licenses: The Board approved and signed the Liquor License renewals for Otis Poultry Farm, Knox Trail Bar & Grill Corp, EOS Enterprises Inc, and Otis Ridge Ski Area LLC. Terry and Gary approved and signed the renewal for L&M Auto, Larry abstained. Fratellis did not renew this year.
Otis Rescue Squad: The audit is expected to be done for May. The Board discussed releasing the money in the budget for ORS to hire additional staff vs a director which was the original intent. Two of the employees now are splitting and handling the management tasks. Rick said they have someone interested in coming on Board. If the Board agreed, Brandi felt that when Rescue requests their quarter payments they could include the additional $ if they have hired additional staff during that quarter. Terry made a motion to approve, Larry seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Rick stated the ambulance is back in service. It had been out for a battery repair.
98 Kibbe Road: Continued until Jan 9th.
Illegal Dumping: The Board discussed a case of someone dumping 10 bags of garbage after hours when the Transfer Station was closed. In addition this person had not purchased a sticker. The Board approved sending a warning letter and requiring the individual purchase a sticker.
Meeting Schedule for 2024: The Board approved the draft schedule. There was discussion of the upcoming budget meetings and quarterly MLP meetings. The next MLP meeting will be Jan 9th joint with our regular Selectboard night. It was decided there will be no meeting Dec 26th. Brandi will post a notice.
Recent and Upcoming Events: The Tree lighting was on Dec 2nd and was very well attended. Thank you to the Maintenance and Police departments for their help and to Ari for the baked goods. The annual Gingerbread House event was on the 9th.
Review & Approval of Warrants: Payroll and vendor warrants are on the table for signature.
Not Anticipated by the Board: None
Adjournment: 7:17 PM