MINUTES 

TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING 

Monday, February 10, 2025 

Present: James Bulger, Jake Thompson and Tom Otterman (Select Board), Karen Walker (Town  Clerk/Treasurer), Richard Sampson (Road Foreman) and via phone Janice Emerson (Administrative  Assistant)  

Absent: Bradford Calhoun and Carl Hildebrandt 

Visitors: Megan Clark, Bill Johnson, Becky Christian, James Salina, Donna Otterman, Peggy Welch,  Carol Appleton, Heidi McNeill and John Hood 

Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.  

Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to approve minutes from meetings of  January 27, 2025 and January 30, 2025. Passed unanimously.  

VISITORS 

Executive Session - Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to go into  executive session to discuss personnel. Passed unanimously. Carol Appleton was invited to join the  session. Meeting adjourned to executive session from 7:05 pm to 7:17 pm. No action.  

Donna Otterman – At the January 13 meeting, Donna suggested and the Board agreed to store the  history books at the West Topsham Community Hall. After more research it was agreed the books  should not be stored in an unheated building. Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake  Thompson to offer the books for sale by donation. Passed unanimously.  

HIGHWAY  

Road Report – Richie Sampson updated the Board on roadwork and equipment. The Board approved hiring Jeff Smith part-time as needed at $25.00 per hour. 

New Garage – The Board discussed whether the bond loan could be used to reimburse funds already  paid toward construction. Tom Otterman will contact the bond attorney. 

Agency of Transportation Email – Will be referred to to Brad Calhoun for input.  

Overweight Permits – Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom Otterman to approve a  permit for Austin Construction. Passed unanimously.  

GENERAL 

Open Positions – There are three open positions, one Auditor and two NEKWMD Reps. If anyone is  interested, please contact a member of the Select Board or call the Town Office. 

West Topsham Community Hall – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson for Megan Clark to create a sub-page on the town website for updates and documents related to the  Community Hall Project, and also to proceed with pre-application steps for the Northern Borders  Regional Commission Catalyst Program Infrastructure Grant. Passed unanimously.

Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom Otterman for Megan Clark to pursue grants  through the VT Arts Council and the VT Community Foundation. Passed unanimously. 

MERP – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson for the chair to sign the  hardship letter. Passed unanimously. 

Parcel Mapping Contract -Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to sign the  contract. Passed unanimously. The price is $2500. 

No Appeal or Suit Pending Against the Grand List – Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by  Tom Otterman to approve and sign. Passed unanimously.  

 F INANCIAL 

The Board reviewed and signed Order #2503 in the amounts of $333,590.85 for accounts payable and  $4,494.05 for payroll.  

OTHER 

Executive Session - Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom Otterman to go into  executive session to discuss personnel. Passed unanimously. Karen Walker was invited to join the  session. Meeting adjourned to executive session from 8:00 pm to 8:05 pm. No action.  

Meeting adjourned at 8:06 pm.  

Respectfully Submitted, 

Janice Emerson 

Administrative Assistant