MINUTES
TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD
and
GARAGE COMMITTEE
JOINT MEETING
Monday, June 3, 2024
Present: James Bulger, Carl Hildebrandt, Jake Thompson and Bradford Calhoun (Select Board), Karen Walker (Town Clerk/Treasurer), Richard Sampson (Road Foreman) and via Microsoft Teams Janice Emerson (Administrative Assistant)
Absent: Thomas Otterman
Visitors: Leslie Frost, Alex Nuti-de Biasi (Journal Opinion), Jim and Nancy Clark, Bill Johnson, Becky Christian and Larry Hart
Meeting called to order at 6:33 pm.
New Garage - Brad Calhoun discussed information regarding the new garage. The total cost is approximately $1,036,000. We have ARPA funds, money from the sale of the Ben Dexter Road property and money in the Highway Building Fund to be used for the garage. The bond will be $725,000.
Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt for a bond request of $725,000. Passed unanimously.
Select Board Minutes – Motion made by Brad Calhoun and seconded by Jake Thompson to approve minutes from meeting of May 13, 2024. Passed unanimously.
HIGHWAY
Road Report – Richie Sampson updated the Board on road work and equipment. VTrans Grants in Aid – The Board reviewed.
Grants-In-Aid Guide Reminder - The Board reviewed.
Diesel Emissions Reduction – Jim Bulger will handle.
Time Line for Bids – Roadside Mowing and Brush Cutting– Richie Sampson will handle. FEMA Signed Report – The Board reviewed.
FEMA Mitigation Grant – Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt not to seek mitigation for Territory, Crossroad, Willey Hill, Honey Corner, Batten and Kimball Hill Roads. 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.
ARPA Funds – Nothing new to report.
West Topsham Community Hall – Selected by Senator Welch’s committee for consideration for funds Mowing at Town Hall – Jim Bulger will handle.
Health Insurance for Employees 65 or Older – Motion made by Brad Calhoun and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to reimburse the employee for the cost of a Supplemental Plan and Medicare Premiums. Passed unanimously Jake Thompson will include in the Personnel Policy.
CORRESPONDENCE
Trish Walden asked if the Town has top soil for sale from the new garage site. Thee answer is no. Dust Control Information – Richie Sampson will handle.
FINANCIAL
The Board reviewed and signed Order #2410 in the amount of $40,362.52 for accounts payable.
OTHER
Dental Insurance – Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Brad Calhoun to provide dental insurance for town employees under the three employee plan. Passed unanimously.
Mileage Reimbursement Rate – Motion made by Carl Hildebrandt and seconded by Jake Thompson to reimburse mileage based on the state rate, currently $0.67 per mile. Passed unanimously.
Town Credit Card – Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to authorize Karen Walker, Town Clerk/Treasurer to get a town credit card through M & T Bank. Passed unanimously.
Planning Commission– Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Cal Hildebrandt to appoint Brad McAvoy as a member of the Planning Commission. Passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 7:33 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Janice Emerson
Administrative Assistant`