Town of Otis, Massachusetts
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
MINUTES June 4, 2018 APPROVED
Meeting held at Otis Town Hall
1 North Main Road, Otis, MA
7:00 pm – 7:31 pm
ZBA Members: (Present) Therese Gould, Michael Ernst, Edward Partyka, James Kauffman, Geoffrey Geane, Katherine Couch
ZBA Members: (Absent) Roberta Sarnacki
Public Attendees: Walter Engels
Meeting at convened 7:00 pm
Therese Gould opened the meeting at 7:00 pm. Introductions of the board members were made. Walter Engels
Agenda item #1 – Introduction of Associate/ Alternate Board Member
Discussion: Roberta Sarnacki was appointed to the board on March 20, 2018. She was unable to attend. Roberta’s term will expire June 30, 2018. Paperwork will be forwarded to her to see if she would like to be reappointed.
Agenda item #2 – Nominate and elect a chairman of the Board of Appeals for FY 2019.
Discussion: Therese Gould was nominated by Ed Partyka to be reappointed as the chair for the 2019 FY. Therese Gould accepted the nomination. Geoff Geane seconded the motion. Jim Kauffman, Michael Ernst voted for the appointment of Therese Gould to chair the ZBA Board. Motion carried.
Agenda item #3 – Discuss and vote on FY 2019 meeting dates and deadlines
Discussion: July 2018 keep meeting scheduled for July 2nd. Reschedule the September 2018 meeting to Wednesday, September 5th due to the Labor Day holiday and primary day.
Agenda item #4 – Receive update from Building Inspector, Larry Gould
Discussion: Larry Gould is not in attendance.
Agenda item #5 –Update for next meeting
Discussion: Next meeting is scheduled for July 2, 2018. The deadline for applications is Thursday, June 8, 2018
Agenda item #6 – Mail
Discussion: Nothing to distribute.
Agenda item #7 – Minutes
Discussion: Minutes of November 2017 and December 2017 meetings were accepted with changes.
Agenda item #8– Old/New business:
Discussion:
- Michael Ernst brought up his concerns about the signs at Rocke Bait and Tackle. The signs are not the permitted size and verbiage. He would like the board to have the building inspector look into this matter. Ed Partyka said that the board cannot compel the building inspector to look at the signs and see if they are in compliance with the permit that was issued. Michael can file a complaint with the building inspector as a citizen.
- Walter Engels asked about a possible solar array going in on RT 8 North in Otis. Also, Walter Engels. Mr. Engels is the abutter of the proposed recreational marijuana farm on Map 12 lot 24.
He was wondering if the zoning board is involved and knew about the proposed project. Would his property be rezoned? Nothing has formally been put in front of the board to hear. The zoning board does not rezone the property, the planning board writes the proposed zoning changes.
- Jim Kauffman was informed that his term will be expiring. He was given the reappointment papers to fill out and return to the Town Clerk.
- Discussion took place of having another alternate member join the board. Kathy would relinquish her position if there were two interested parties.
Michael Ernst made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Jim Kauffman seconded the motion, all in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm
Katherine Couch
Clerk Zoning Board