MINUTES
TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING
Monday, August 26, 2024
Present: James Bulger, Carl Hildebrandt, Jake Thompson, Bradford Calhoun and Tom Otterman (Select Board), Karen Walker (Town Clerk/Treasurer), and Richard Sampson (Road Foreman)
Absent: Janice Emerson (Administrative Assistant)
Visitors: Jim Clark, Megan Clark, Becky Christian, Bill Johnson, John Hood, Nick Milburne, Fred Smith and via Microsoft Teams Amber Downing.
Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.
Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to approve minutes from meeting of August 12, 2024. Passed unanimously.
VISITORS
Megan Clark – discussed a condition survey for the West Topsham Community Hall. The Town would contribute half the cost and the rest would come from the Preservation Trust of Vermont, from the Robert Sincerbeaux Fund. Motion by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to approve the survey. Passed unanimously.
Nick Milburne – discussed grants available to make improvements to energy efficiency in the Town Hall/Town Office. The Board expressed that the town wasn’t ready to participate in this round of grant applications, but could pursue the next round instead.
HIGHWAY
Road Report – Richie Sampson updated the Board on roadwork and equipment.
Honey Corners Road Culvert – Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to approve the plans. Passed unanimously.
New Garage – Two bids were received. Before revealing them, the Board discussed a policy that says if the seeking of bids is not advertised, then at least three must be received. They decided to hold onto the bids until a third bid comes in. The Board then discussed the progress of the project.
Overweight Permit – Field & Sons Construction. Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to approve the permit. 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 Deadlines – Will be discussed at the next meeting.
West Topsham Community Hall – There was a good turnout for the Town Picnic. Megan Clark is getting more information about the Phase 2 Environmental Testing.
CORRESPONDENCE
Topsham United Presbyterian Church – Request use of the Town Hall for the Rummage Sale from September 30 – October 15. Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to approve the request. Passed unanimously.
FINANCIAL
The Board reviewed and signed Order #2416 in the amount of $10,174.21, $143,66.14, $1,782.32 and $17,421.89 for accounts payable and $7,722.02 for payroll.
OTHER
Water Test – The Board will look into this.
Bond – Jake Thompson updated the Board on the progress of the BAN and bond.
Motion made by Carl Hildebrandt and seconded by Jake Thompson to go into executive session to discuss personnel. Passed unanimously. Karen Walker and Richie Sampson were invited to join the session. Meeting adjourned to executive session from 7:56pm to 8:06pm. Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to give Richie Sampson a pay increase of $2.00 per hour. Passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 8:09pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Amber Downing