MINUTES
TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING
Monday, November 25, 2024
Present: James Bulger, Carl Hildebrandt, Jake Thompson, Bradford Calhoun and Tom Otterman (Select Board), Karen Walker (Town Clerk/Treasurer), Richard Sampson (Road Foreman) and via Microsoft Teams Janice Emerson (Administrative Assistant)
Visitors: Megan, Jim and Nancy Clark, John Hood, Larry Hart and via Microsoft Teams Sarah Wright and Peter Gregory (TRORC)
Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.
Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom Otterman to approve minutes from meeting of November 11, 2024. Passed unanimously.
VISITORS
Larry Hart, State Senator, was available to discuss any concerns.
Sarah Wright (TRORC) discussed the Brownfield Assessment process in order to enroll the West Topsham Community Hall in the funding assistance program that covers the costs of the Phase 2 of the required environmental review. Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Brad Calhoun to proceed with an interview with Megan Clark, Jim Bulger, Tom Otterman and Sarah Bartlett. Passed unanimously. Sarah Wright said she is willing to attend if needed. Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Brad Calhoun for Jim Bulger, Chair, to sign the access form for the Phase 2 site assessment. Passed unanimously.
HIGHWAY
Road Report – Richie Sampson updated the Board on roadwork and equipment.
New Garage – Brad Calhoun updated the Board on this project. Jake Thompson updated the Board on the bond bridge loan through M &T Bank.
Grant to Update Road Erosion Inventory – Brad Calhoun will handle.
Driveway Permit for Karl & Joanne Neuhauser on Zion Hill Road - Richie Sampson will handle.
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 – The amount spent on the Food Shelf to date is $34, 861.25. Motion made by Brad Calhoun and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to accept Batten Electrical’s bid of $3,271.62 for the lighting. Passed by a vote of four. Jim Bulger abstained.
Motion made by Brad Calhoun and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to agree with obligated funds for ARPA as presented by Karen Walker, Town Treasurer. Passed by a vote of four. Tom Otterman abstained.
West Topsham Community Hall – Tom Otterman updated the Board on this project.
A MERP (Municipal Energy Resiliency Program) grant of $425,904.53 was received. Motion made by Brad Calhoun and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt for Jim Bulger, Chair, to sign the grant. Passed unanimously.
Errors and Omissions to the 2024 Grand List – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Brad Calhoun to sign. Passed unanimously.
CORRESPONDENCE
Culvert on Downing Road – Jim Bulger will handle.
Town Web Design for Live Streaming of Meetings – The Board reviewed.
Request for Funds:
Safeline - $500
Northeast Slopes - $1199
Visiting Nurse & Hospice of VT & NH - $4000
Little Rivers Health Care - $1100
Orange County Restorative Justice Center - $125
Tri-Valley Transit - $850
Orange East Senior Center - $3500
The above requests will be included in the Warning for the March 2025 Town Meeting
Green Up - $100 – Will be included in Budget
Orange County Parent/Child Center - $250 - Petition needed
FINANCIAL
The Board reviewed and signed Order #2422 in the amounts of $114,812.17 for accounts payable and $11,478.35 for payroll.
Meeting adjourned at 8:40 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Janice Emerson
Administrative Assistant