Town of Otis
All Boards Meeting Minutes
March 22, 2010
The meeting was called to order at 6:45 pm.
Present: Chairman Don Hawley, Andy Pyenson, Donna Thomas, Chris Morris, Chris Vreeland, Larry Gould, Hank Wingate, Tom Ragusa, Carol Lombardo, Bill Dyer, Don Chaffee, Roberta Sarnacki, Russ Loring, Sandy Pinkham
Chairman Don Hawley announced at the start of the meeting that we need a Constable for the Annual Town Election due to Russ Loring and Don Hawley both being up for re-election this year.
Assessors: We had $3 Million in new growth this year.
Cultural Council: Arlene hosted a brunch for all of the gardeners who have volunteered under the Otis Beautification Project. The Otis Arts Festival will be held July 24th at the school, and the Cultural Council is participating in the parade and in other bicentennial activities.
Recreation: Bill wants to make Harmony Hall look nice for the bicentennial celebration. In order to do that, he wants to remove the plantings around the building and replant flowering shrubs around the outside. The current plantings haven’t been maintained in years and would not come back if trimmed down. Bill is willing to work with Maintenance on this project, but will leave the current plantings alone if they have been planted in memory of someone.
Bill also noted that some properties possibly going up for auction near the Town Beach could be used for parking and septic field usage. The board noted that these things would be considered before the town decides what lots will and will not be auctioned.
Bill also questioned how the rumor got started that the Gazebo at the Town Hall was being moved. He was told it was mentioned at an Energy Meeting in relation to the Town Hall Energy Upgrade project, and mentioned again at a Bicentennial meeting. The Board feels the gazebo is not noticeable where it currently is and is not being used well. If it is moved to the front of the Erbe Property, there is a natural amphitheater that will hopefully draw more people to use it.
Historical: Judy has inventoried Buildings and locations for historical purposes and has archived the inventories as well. Bob Rosen went on a bike tour of the bicentennial locations – he may decide to set up two separate tours for the bicentennial instead of just one. The commission has submitted a request to DCR to build a bridge over the 25 mile brook to connect the Knox Freedom Trail at that point over the brook.
Police Dept: Dan Hamill and Bryan Arnold have both completed their In Service training, and Blake Middleton has completed his CPR and First Responder. The State Police have been assisting with various break-in calls. Permits for Licenses to Carry have increased.
Maintenance: The department has begun with spring cleanup. They are down one person due to an injury occurring at home. Andy suggested the department hire one or two part-time people to operate the dump – this would give them backup until the injured party can return to work.
Building Inspector: The Town Hall Energy Upgrade is his first priority, then he can concentrate on the Transfer Station. Larry also suggested the town start publishing informational public service spots in the Otis Gazette to educate the residents in the town’s zoning bylaws.
Fire Dept: Call shave been quiet – there have been a few chimney fires and lots of training classes. The department has up to 20 guys now.
Technology Committee: Lisa noted the Town had been awarded an eCommerce Award for the second year in a row for the town’s website, and she will be at the Budget meeting to answer questions for the Technology Committee budget for FY2011.
Bicentennial Committee: The committee is currently working on parking for all of the different events for the Bicentennial Weekend including the parade, picnic, and fireworks. There will be no parking permitted on Route 8 that weekend.
Sewer Users: There is an issue with ground water getting into the system. This will be addressed at a Special Sewer User Meeting in April to discuss the problem.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:54 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa D’Orazio, Selectmen’s Secretary
Town of Otis
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