MINUTES
TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING
Monday, December 9, 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: Jim and Nancy Clark, John Hood, Donna Otterman, Peggy Welch and via Microsoft Teams Megan Clark, Pat Plaisted and Samantha Nickerson
Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.
Motion made by Brad Calhoun and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to approve minutes from meeting of November 25, 2024. Passed unanimously.
VISITORS
Samantha Nickerson discussed the culvert
and truck turnaround near her residence. She also mentioned a new driveway. The Board advised her that a driveway permit is required before constructing a new driveway.
HIGHWAY
Road Report – Richie Sampson updated the Board on roadwork and equipment.
New Truck – Motion made by Brad Calhoun and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt for Jim Bulger, Chair, to sign a Hold Agreement for a 2025 Western Star truck. Passed unanimously. Fully equipped, the cost is under $300,000.
New Garage – Brad Calhoun updated the Board on this project. Jake Thompson updated the Board on the bond bridge loan through M &T Bank.
WE Permit Zion Hill Road – Motion made by Brad Calhoun and seconded by Jake Thompson to approve the permit. Passed unanimously.
Grant to Update Road Erosion Inventory – Motion made by Brad Calhoun and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to sign the grant. Passed unanimously.
State of VT Standard Grant Agreement – Motion made by Brad Calhoun and seconded by Jake Thompson for Jim Bulger, Chair, to sign the Grants-in-Aid Agreement. 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.
Resignation – Motion made by Brad Calhoun and seconded by Jake Thompson to accept Kim Mable’s resignation as Auditor due to family illness and to her for all hours worked. Passed unanimously.
Auditor – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to appoint Nancy Frost as Auditor from now to the March 2025 Town meeting. Passed unanimously.
ARPA Funds – Resolution for ARPA Allocation
Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jim Bulger to approve the Resolution to expend SLFRF (State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds) funds in an amount up to $223,120.50 for the purpose of municipal workforce retention to pay for payroll expenses for the period of FY 2024 (January 1, 2024 through December 5, 2024). Passed unanimously.
West Topsham Community Hall – Tom Otterman and Megan Clark updated the Board on this project.
Planning Commission Questionnaire – The Board discussed.
CORRESPONDENCE
Dog Bite – Jim Bulger will handle.
Request for Funds:
Clara Martin Center - $1,652
Central Vermont Council on Aging - $500
The above requests will be included in the Warning for the March 2025 Town Meeting
FINANCIAL
The Board reviewed and signed Order #2422 in the amounts of $75,596.93 for accounts payable and $17,748.34 for payroll.
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Janice Emerson
Administrative Assistant