MINUTES
TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING
Monday, October 7, 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: Jessica Williams, Nick Milburn, Dennis Cremo and via Microsoft Teams Jim and Nancy Clark
Meeting called to order at 7:02 pm.
Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to approve minutes from meeting of September 23, 2024. Passed unanimously.
VISITORS
Dennis Cremo said highway employees are doing a great job. He owns property beside the current town garage and asked if the cement blocks will be moved. They are leaning toward his property and there are trees growing that need to be cut. Richie will cut the trees. The cement blocks will be removed when the new garage is ready for use.
HIGHWAY
Road Report – Richie Sampson updated the Board on road work and equipment.
New Garage – Brad updated the Board on this project. Jake Thompson updated the Board on the bond.
Road Reclassification – Will be discussed at a future meeting.
Topsham Bridge #23 – Tom Otterman discussed the 732 square foot piece of land by the bridge. Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Brad Calhoun for Jim Bulger, Chair, to sign a Quitclaim Deed donating the land to the State of Vermont. Passed unanimously. Tom Otterman will remind his contact person about the property transfer papers.
911 Address/Driveway Permit for William Hill of Keenan Pond Road – Carl Hildebrandt will handle.
Salt – Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom Otterman for Jim Bulger, Chair, to sign the Cargill proposal for 350 tons at $87.25 per ton. Passed unanimously.
Honey Corners Road Culvert – Brad Calhoun updated the Board on this project.
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 – No new information at this time.
West Topsham Community Hall – Tom Otterman updated the Board on the cleaning project.
MERP Application – Has been submitted.
CORRESPONDENCE
Entrance Signs for East Topsham Cemetery – Will be put on hold for now.
Act 250 Notice of Appeal – The Board reviewed.
Culvert Concern on Downing Road – Jim Bulger will handle.
FINANCIAL
The Board reviewed and signed Order #2418 in the amount of $167,009.62 for accounts payable and $9,973.01 for payroll.
OTHER
Budget Committee – Select Board, Donna Otterman, Yvette Tomlinson, Susan Hood and Janice Emerson. The first meeting will be immediately before the select board meeting on October 28.
Select Board Meeting – The November 11 meeting will take place as scheduled.
Health Insurance Cost – Due to increasing costs it was suggested that the plan should be reviewed to determine if we should consider changing plans or if employees should pay a share of the cost.
Meeting adjourned at 7:47 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Janice Emerson
Administrative Assistant