AGENDA: TOWN GARAGE

to join remotely, use the ‘second Monday’ link/ call-in information

AT THE TOWN HALL 

Agenda: To appoint Ballot Clerks and Counters for School Meeting on May 6, 2024 & to review the Voter's Checklist

MINUTES 

TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING 

Monday, April 22, 2024 

Present: James Bulger, Carl Hildebrandt, Jake Thompson, Bradford Calhoun and Thomas Otterman  (Select Board), Karen Walker (Town Clerk/Treasurer) and via Microsoft Teams Janice Emerson  (Administrative Assistant)  

Absent: Richard Sampson (Road Foreman)  

Visitors: Jim and Nancy Clark, Bill Johnson and Becky Christian 

Meeting called to order at 7:09pm.  

Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to approve minutes from meeting of  April 8, 2024. Passed unanimously. 

HIGHWAY 

Road Report – Brad Calhoun updated the Board on roadwork and equipment. 

New Garage – Brad Calhoun updated the Board on the New Garage Project. A Special Board Meeting  for this project will be scheduled for next Monday, April 29.  

VT Route 25 Bridge ROW – The Board discussed. They are waiting for a response from the State.  

Letter of Intent for Municipal Road Grants – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake  Thompson to sign the Letter of Intent. Passed unanimously.  

FEMA - Mitigation for Spooner Road, Ben Dexter Road and Phelps Road. The Board discussed.  Decision is no.  

Ben Dexter Road Property – The land sold for $82,000. After commissions and attorney fees, the  Town received $74,490. Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to put the  money in the Highway Building Fund. Passed unanimously.  

Overweight Permits - Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to approve a  permit for Cardinal Logistics. 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.  

Highway Personnel Policy – The Board reviewed and discussed the paragraphs Jake revised regarding  sick leave, vacation and bereavement. Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Brad Calhoun  to approve and sign. Passed unanimously. 

ARPA Funds – Jim Bulger will invite Sarah Wraight from TRORC to attend the next regular Board  meeting. 

 West Topsham Community Hall – The Board reviewed the Energy Audit. Motion made by Jake  Thompson and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt for Tom Otterman to contact a tree service to trim or cut  the tree near the Hall and get a dumpster to clean the Hall. Passed unanimously. 

Metal Dumpster – Jim Bulger will handle. 

Town Picnic – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to hold the Town  Picnic on August 18, 2024 at the Grange Hall in West Topsham. Passed unanimously. Cindy  Flannigan will handle with assistance from the Grange.  

CORRESPONDENCE 

Health Office Certification – The Board reviewed.  

TRORC – The Board reviewed the material from the March 27 meeting regarding Town planning  efforts.  

Coin Drop at Transfer Station May 4 and 11 for 8th Grade – Motion made by Tom Otterman and  seconded by Jake Thompson to approve for May 11, but not May 4 due to Green-Up Day. Passed  unanimously.  

Animal Control Officer – The Animal Control Officer asked a question regarding what to do if a stray  animal needs medical care. Jim will call her to discuss.  

FINANCIAL 

The Board reviewed and signed Order #2408 in the amount of $19,096.84 for accounts payable and  $7,016.56 for payroll. 

Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to approve a request for $1000.00 to  update computers and network for Town Office and Listers. Passed unanimously. 

OTHER 

Executive Session - Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to go into  executive session to discuss personnel. Passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned to executive session  from 8:13pm to 8:16pm. No action taken.  

Meeting adjourned at 8:17pm.  

Respectfully Submitted, 

Janice Emerson 

Administrative Assistant

MINUTES 

TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING 

Monday, April 8, 2024 

Present: James Bulger, Jake Thompson, Bradford Calhoun and Thomas Otterman (Select Board),  Karen Walker (Town Clerk/Treasurer), Richard Sampson (Road Foreman) and via phone Janice  Emerson (Administrative Assistant)  

Absent: Carl Hildebrandt  

Visitors: Jim Clark and Megan Clark  

Meeting called to order at 7:01 pm.  

Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to approve minutes from meeting of  March 25, 2024. Passed unanimously. 

HIGHWAY 

Road Report – Richie Sampson updated the Board on roadwork and equipment. New Garage – Brad Calhoun updated the Board on the New Garage Project.  

Highway Annual Financial Plan - Motion made by Brad Calhoun and seconded by Tom Otterman to  approve and sign. Passed unanimously.  

VT Route 25 Bridge ROW – The Board agreed with the three rod ROW.  

Overweight Permits - Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to approve  permits for Structural Wood, Martin’s Quarry, Northwood Excavating, Fornwalt Excavation, Beacon  Sales Accusation, Austin Construction and Sidney Smith Trucking. Passed unanimously.  

GENERAL 

Energy Coordinator – The Board appointed Maureen Hurley as Energy Coordinator 

Open Positions – There are three open positions. One for Auditor and two NEKWMD Reps. If anyone  is interested, please contact a member of the Select Board or call the Town Office.  

Highway Personnel Policy – Jake will revise the  

paragraph on sick leave for review and comment at the next Board meeting.  

ARPA Funds – Jim Bulger will get more information for discussion at the next meeting.  

West Topsham Community Hall – Megan Clark discussed the work she had done regarding a grant for  the Community Hall. Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom Otterman to sign a letter  of support for Friends of Topsham to apply for grants for the Community Hall. Passed unanimously. 

LEMP – Brad Calhoun will handle. 

CORRESPONDENCE 

Email re Bernier Drive 911 Address – Carl Hildebrandt handled. 

Historical Society – The Board reviewed the thank you note. Motion made by Jake Thompson and  seconded by To Otterman to approve the request to sell coffee and donuts at Town Meeting again next  year. Passed unanimously.  

VT Trails and Greenways - The Board reviewed the material.  

FINANCIAL 

The Board reviewed and signed Order #2407 in the amount of $59,332.33 for accounts payable and  $12,695.24 for payroll. 

OTHER 

Jim Clark updated the Board on the Village Designation Project. 

Meeting adjourned at 7:46 pm.  

Respectfully Submitted, 

Janice Emerson 

Administrative Assistant

 MINUTES 

TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING 

Monday, March 25 2024 

Present: James Bulger, Carl Hildebrandt, Jake Thompson, Bradford Calhoun and Thomas Otterman  (Select Board), Karen Walker (Town Clerk/Treasurer), Richard Sampson (Road Foreman) and via  Microsoft Teams Janice Emerson (Administrative Assistant)  

Visitors: Jim Clark, Leslie Frost and John Hood  

Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.  

Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to approve minutes from meeting of  March 11, 2024. Passed unanimously. 

HIGHWAY 

Road Report – Richie Sampson updated the Board on roadwork and equipment. New Garage – Brad Calhoun updated the Board on the New Garage Project.  

Bridge Work- The bridge near the hammock shop in East Corinth will be closed for about one week in  mid August 2024.  

Driveway Permit on Territory Road – Brad Calhoun will handle.  

Overweight Permits – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to approve  permits for Suburban Propane, Wind River Environmental, S. D. Ireland, Feed Commodities  International, Ricker’s Excavation, Camp Precast Concrete, Chief Crushing and Excavation, Chief  Logging and Chipping, Sargent Artesian Wells, Dead River Company, Amerigas and Pike Industries.,  Passed unanimously.  

GENERAL 

Appointment of Town Officers – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to  appoint the individuals as shown on the attached sheet. Passed unanimously.  

Auditor Position – Jim Bulger read a letter of interest from Kym Mable. Motion made by Tom  Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to appoint Kym Mable as Auditor for a term of one year.  Passed unanimously.  

Open Positions – There are three open positions. One for Auditor and two NEKWMD Reps. If anyone  is interested, please contact a member of the Select Board or call the Town Office.  

Highway Personnel Policy – Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom Otterman to  approve the revised vacation paragraph. Passed unanimously. Jake will send the revised material on  sick leave for review and comment at the next Board meeting.  

Use of Town Hall – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to approve use  of the Town Hall by Polly Stryker on Jul 19 and 20 for Richard Heath’s memorial. Passed  unanimously.

Green-Up Day – David Elias and the Scouts will be at the Transfer Station on May 4 to help with  green-up. Let David know if they can help in other ways..  

ARPA Funds – We will continue as is for now. Jim Bulger will get more information.  

Bernier Drive – Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to rescind the  motion made at the February 26, 2024 meeting naming Bernier Drive as a 911 address. Passed  unanimously.  

MERP – Energy Audit of the Town Hall Building – The Board reviewed.  

West Topsham Community Hall – Tom Otterman updated the Board on this project including the septic system and test sites. An architect will be looking upstairs, downstairs and outside to give  recommendations for improvements. Motion made by Jim Bulger and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt  for Tom Otterman to be point person. Passed unanimously. Motion made by Tom Otterman and  seconded by Jake Thompson to purchase $500,000 of replacement insurance on the building. Passed  unanimously.  

Liquor License – Motion made by Carl Hildebrandt and seconded by Tom Otterman to approve a liquor license for Gramp’s Country Store. Passed unanimously.  

CORRESPONDENCE 

Town Hall Floor – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson approve Carol  Appleton’s offer to clean and restore the Town Hall floor. Passed unanimously. The Town will pay for  the material.  

VLCT Webinars on Liability and Risk Management Guidance and Open Meeting Laws - The Board  reviewed. 

Agency of Natural Resources – Above ground storage tanks – The Board reviewed.  

Hydrologic & Hydraulic (H&H) Study Guide – The Board reviewed and discussed.    

FINANCIAL 

The Board reviewed and signed Order #2406 in the amount of $68,803,70 for accounts payable and  $11,115.41 for payroll. 

Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to authorize the Town Treasurer to  write a check to move the Cemetery Fund CD money from M&T Bank to Wells River Savings Bank.  Passed unanimously. 

Meeting adjourned at 7:47 pm.  

Respectfully Submitted, 

Janice Emerson 

Administrative Assistant

AT THE TOWN HALL

AGENDA: updates on design and estimated cost

MINUTES

TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING

Monday, March 11 2024

Present: James Bulger, Carl Hildebrandt, Jake Thompson, Bradford Calhoun and Thomas Otterman

(Select Board), Karen Walker (Town Clerk/Treasurer), Cynthia Flannigan (Assistant Treasurer),

Richard Sampson (Road Foreman) and via Microsoft Teams Janice Emerson (Administrative Assistant)

Visitors: Jim and Nancy Clark, Becky Christian, Bill Johnson, Carol Appleton, Heidi Wright, Kaitlyn

Hankins and via Microsoft Teams C J and Sue Altland and F. Tierney

Meeting called to order at 7:06 pm.

Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to approve minutes from meeting of

February 26 2024. Passed unanimously.

Motion made by Brad Calhoun to elect Tom Otterman as Board Chair. Tom declined.

Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to elect Jim Bulger as Board Chair.

Passed unanimously.

Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt for the Board meetings to continue

to be held the second and fourth Monday of the month, starting at 7:00 pm. Passed unanimously.

VISITORS

Kaitlyn Hankins discussed her interest in the Animal Control Officer position.

Carol Appleton discussed her interest in the Animal Control Officer position and the Health Officer

position.

Jim Clark updated the Board on the Village Designation Project.

HIGHWAY

Road Report – Richie Sampson updated the Board on roadwork and equipment.

Road Liaison – Motion made by Jim Bulger and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to appoint Brad

Calhoun as Road Liaison. Passed unanimously.

New Garage – Brad Calhoun updated the Board on the New Garage Project. Jim Bulger advised that

VLCT is sending a packet regarding the administrative work needed for the Bond. Jake Thompson will

look at the material from VLCT. Jake will attend the future Garage Committee meetings. The next

meeting will be in two weeks on the 25th at 6:00 pm.

VTrans Packet – Brad Calhoun will handle.

Ben Dexter Road Property –The boundary line agreement has been completed. Two offers were

received for the property. One for $82,000 and one for $55,000. Motion made by Jake Thompson and

seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to accept the $82,000 offer. Passed by a vote of four. Tom Otterman

abstained.

Overweight Permits – Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to approve

permits for Connecticut Valley Trucking, Limlaw Chipping, Consolidated Communications and R. K.

Miles. Passed unanimously.

GENERAL

Appointment of Town Officers – The Board asked Janice Emerson to contact the individuals who

served last year to ask if they are willing to serve another term.

Administrative Assistant – Motion made by Carl Hildebrandt and seconded by Jake Thompson to

appoint Janice Emerson as Administrative Assistant to the Select Board. Passed unanimously.

Open Positions – The Board discussed the open positions for two Auditors, two NEKWMD Reps,

Animal Control Officer and Health Officer.

School Director – Kara Appleton resigned as school director. Motion made by Carl Hildebrandt and

seconded by Jake Thompson to appoint Desiree Thurston as School Director of the Waits River Valley

School for a term of one year. Passed unanimously.

West Topsham Community Hall – The transfer of the West Topsham Community Hall to the Town of

Topsham has been completed.

Jim Bulger thanked Jake Thompson for his work on the sale of the Ben Dexter Road property and the

transfer of the West Topsham Community Hall to the Town.

Highway Personnel Policy Holiday Paragraph – Jake Thompson will re-send the material to the Board

for review and comments.

Use of Town Hall – Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to approve use

of the Town Hall for the rummage sale from April 28, 2024 to May 15, 2024. Passed unanimously.

The actual sale will be May 4 to May 11.

CORRESPONDENCE

The Board reviewed the following correspondence:

US Bankruptcy Court

VLCT – Upcoming Event on Grants

Email re Safe Community

NEKWMD – Complete Form for New Officers

NEKWMD Annual Report

Agency of Natural Resources -Amendment to CWSRF

Email Regarding ARPA Funds – Nancy Clark will contact VLCT to get more information.

FINANCIAL

The Board reviewed and signed Order #2405 in the amount of $31,015.96 for accounts payable and

$3,848.49 for payroll.

Training Workshops – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to pay the

cost for all Town Officials who wish to attend workshops/conferences related to their work as an

Official of the Town. Passed unanimously.

Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to authorize the Town Treasurer to

make payroll and payroll related payments, make payment to receive discounts, refund tax over-

payments, issue checks for tax sale redemptions, pay motor vehicle registration fees to the State and

make payments for postage to the East Corinth Postmaster, as needed throughout the year. Passed

unanimously.

Motion made by Carl Hildebrandt and seconded by Tom Otterman to authorize the Town Treasurer to

redeem and renew CDs as necessary in the best interests of the town throughout the year. Passed

unanimously.

Motion made by Carl Hildebrandt and seconded by Tom Otterman to authorize the Town Treasurer to

close out the checking and savings accounts at Wells River Savings Bank for the Waits River Cemetery

and the East Topsham Cemetery and transfer the money to CDs. Passed unanimously.

Highway Building Fund CD Renewal – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake

Thompson to renew the Highway Building Fund CD for 30 days. Passed unanimously.

General Fund Surplus CD – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to renew

the General Fund Surplus CD for 90 days. Passed unanimously.

OTHER

The Board discussed and updated Projects and Goals for 2023 and Time Line for Bids.

Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to appoint Carol Appleton as Health

Officer. Passed unanimously.

Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt for Jim Bulger, Chair, to sign the

papers required by the State for the appointment of Health Officer. Passed unanimously.

Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to appoint Kaitlyn Hankins as

Animal Control Officer. Passed unanimously.

Veterans Memorial – Cindy Flannigan requested to continue work on the Veterans Memorial. The

Board unanimously approved.

Meeting adjourned at 8:29 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Janice Emerson

Administrative Assistant

Summary of the Minutes of Town Meeting, March 5, 2024

The Legal voters of the Town of Topsham, Vermont, met at the Town Hall on Tuesday, March 5. 2024 at 10:00 in the forenoon. The meeting was opened by Select Board Chair, James Bulger. All the veterans were asked to come forward and be recognized for their service. They were thanked and given a hearty round of applause. Boy Scout Troop 727 presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance. James Bulger led the invocation..

Article 1. Nominations for Moderator for a term of one year:

Henry Buermeyer was nominated. Motion was made and seconded for nominations to cease and the Clerk cast one ballot for Henry Buermeyer.

So voted by voice vote.

Article 2. Motion made and seconded to accept and adopt the Town Report.

Tom Otterman noted that on page 3 Jane Kitchel is not our senator just Mark MacDonald.

So voted by voice vote to accept and adopt the Town Report.

Tom Otterman thanked Cynthia Flannigan for her service as Town Clerk and Treasurer for the past 24 years and presented her with a bouquet of flowers and a card. Cynthia spoke to the assembly expressing her gratitude to the community for their support over the years.

Article 3. Nominations for a Town Clerk for a term of three years..

Karen Walker

Kara Appleton.

Results of the paper ballot were:

108 votes cast. Necessary for choice 55

Karen Walker 79

Kara Appleton 29

Article 4. Nominations for a Treasurer for a term of three years.

Nominee was Karen Walker.

Motion made nominations cease and the clerk cast one ballot for Karen Walker.

So voted by voice vote.

Article 5. Nominations for a Select Board member for a term of three years.

Nominees were: Tom Otterman and Brad Calhoun. Brad Calhoun declined the nomination.

Motion made and seconded that nominations cease and the clerk to cast one ballot for Tom Otterman

Article 6. Nominations for a second Select Board member for a term of three years.

Brad Calhoun

Joe Keane

Results of the paper ballot were:

110 Ballots cast. Necessary for choice 56.

Brad Calhoun 58

Joe Keane 52

Article 7. Nominations for a Lister for a three year term..

Pam Langlitz

Heidi Wright

Results of the paper ballot were:

100 votes cast. Necessary for choice 51.

Pam Langlitz 52

Heidi Wright 47

Donald Trump 1

Article 8. Nominations for a School Director for Waits River Valley School ( Unified School District # 36) for a term of 3 years

Nominee was: Kara Appleton.

Motion was made and seconded for nominations to cease and the Clerk cast one ballot for Kara Appleton.

So voted by voice vote.

Article 9. Nominations for a Delinquent Tax Collector for a term of one year.

Nominee was Cynthia Flannigan .

Motion was made and seconded for nominations to cease and the clerk cast one ballot for Cynthia Flannigan.

So voted by voice votE

Article 10. Nominations for an Auditor for a term of three years.

Elaine Smith described what the position entailed for work. No nominations were received for Auditor.

Elaine Smith was given a round of applause and thanked for her service as an auditor.

Article 11. To elect an auditor for a term of one year was passed over as there were no nominations.

Article 12. Motion made and seconded to use the sum of $31,877.00 from FY2023 Town Operations surplus to reduce the amount to be raised by taxes for 2024. Motion made and seconded to amend the motion to have the 2023 surplus added to the General Fund Surplus. Amendment passed by a voice vote. Motion to have the sum of $31,877.00 from FY 2023 Town Operations surplus be added to the surplus account.

So voted by voice vote.

Article 13. Motion made and seconded to have the Town’s taxes collected by the treasurer with a due date of

October 1, 2024 at the close of business.

So voted by voice vote.

Article 14: Donna Otterman, Chair of the Budget Committee made the motion to accept the proposed budget in the amount of $1,418,475.00 with $987,175.00 to be raised by taxes for expenses and indebtedness for the ensuing year. The motion was seconded.

So voted by voice vote.

Article 15. Motion made and seconded to appropriate the sum of $3,597.00 to Blake Memorial Library, an increase from $2.00 per capita to $3.00 per capita. Rob Rinaldi spoke on behalf of the Library, highlighting some of their services.

So voted by voice vote.

Article 16. Motion made and seconded to appropriate $13,926.00 for the following organizations which have filed requests as set forth below.

So voted by voice vote.

Clara Martin Center 1,652.00

Central Vermont Council on Aging 500.00

Northeast Ski Slope 1,199.00

Orange County Restorative Justice Center 125.00

Visiting Nurse Alliance of VT & NH 4,000.00

Orange East Senior Center 3,500.00

Little Rivers Health Care 1,100.00

Safeline, Inc. 500.00

Tri-Valley Transit 850.00

Topsham Corinth Little League 500.00

TOTAL $13,926.00

Article 17: To fill all other Town and Waits River Valley School (Unified School District #36) offices which may be vacant.

Passed over

The Select Board was asked for an update on the status of the new town garage. Brad Calhoun gave an

update and noted that the Board is planning on going to a Bond Vote in about 30 days from their next board

meeting..

People were encouraged to attend the upcoming school meeting in May.

Kara Appleton asked if it was possible to have more recycling available in Topsham such as for tires and electronics.

Motion made and seconded to adjourn at 12:47 pm. So voted by voice vote.

Respectfully submitted,

_____________________ ___________________________ _______________________

Cynthia Flannigan Henry Buermeyer Donna Otterman

Town Clerk Moderator Justice of the Peace

MINUTES 

TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING 

Monday, February 26, 2024 

Present: James Bulger, Bradford Calhoun, Thomas Otterman, Carl Hildebrandt and Jake Thompson  (Select Board), Cynthia Flannigan (Town Clerk/Treasurer), Richard Sampson (Road Foreman) and via  Microsoft Teams Janice Emerson (Administrative Assistant)  

Visitors: Jim and Nancy Clark, Leslie Frost, Dustin Downing and Kevin Wilson Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.  

Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Brad Calhoun to approve minutes from meetings of  February 12, 2024 and February 22, 2024. Passed unanimously. 

VISITORS 

Kevin Wilson discussed the West Topsham Community Hall being transferred to the Town of Topsham. Jim Clark advised that the Planning Commission Report will be available at Town Meeting 

HIGHWAY 

Road Report – Richie Sampson updated the Board on roadwork and equipment. 

Garage Site – Brad Calhoun presented a plan for the new garage and it will be available at Town  Meeting.  

Ben Dexter Road Property –The boundary line agreement is being prepared. 

Highway and Bridge Weight Restrictions – Motion made by Brad Calhoun and seconded by Jake  Thompson to post all of Powder Spring Road to the Groton Town Line and all of Willey Hill Road with a weight limit from March 15, 2024 to May 15, 2024. Passed unanimously. Cindy Flannigan and  highway personnel will handle.  

Overweight Permits – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Brad Calhoun to approve  permits for Bethel Mills, Structures RBR, Inc., Irving Oil Terminals and N. A. Manosh. Passed  unanimously.  

GENERAL 

Animal Control Officer - Jim Bulger read a letter of interest from Kaitlyn Hankins. Jim will contact  her and invite her to attend the next Select Board meeting. 

911 Address - Jim Bulger discussed the need for a road name with resident Wayne Bernier. Motion  made by Tom Otterman ad seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to name the road Bernier Drive. Passed  unanimously.  

Tax Mapping Maintenance Contract - Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom Otterman to sign the contract effective April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025. Passed unanimously. 

CORRESPONDENCE

VLCT Training at Lake Morey – The Board reviewed. 

VT State Parks 100th Anniversary – The Board reviewed.  

Letter re Tax Sale – Jim Bulger read a letter from Attorney Jeff Taylor regarding the tax sale.  

FINANCIAL 

The Board reviewed and signed Order #2404 in the amount of $15,604.66 for accounts payable and  $7,155.68 for payroll. 

OTHER 

Lester Williams has requested that his name be added to the military service plaque at the Town Hall.  Cindy Flannigan will handle. 

Meeting adjourned at 7:46 pm.  

Respectfully Submitted, 

Janice Emerson 

Administrative Assistant 

MINUTES

TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD SPECIAL MEETING

Thursday, February 22, 2024

Present:  James Bulger, Thomas Otterman, Jake Thompson and Carl Hildebrandt (Select Board), Cynthia Flannigan (Town Clerk/Treasurer).  Absent Brad Calhoun.

Visitors: Attorney Jeffrey Taylor, Calvin & Karen Altland, Robert & Susan Fortunati.

Attorney Taylor updated the board concerning property tax sales.  He went over the H-629 bill pending in legislature on an overhaul to the Vermont Tax Sale Statutes.  He also noted that there is a pending law suit against the Town of Barton regarding property sold at tax sale.

After a short discussion Jake Thompson made the motion to go into executive session to discuss the legal matter concerning tax sales.  Seconded by Tom Otterman.  Attorney Jeffrey Taylor Cynthia Flannigan, Topsham Delinquent Tax Collector and Susan Fortunati, Corinth Delinquent Tax Collector were invited to join the session.  Meeting adjourned to executive session from 5:25 pm to 6:00 pm.

Motion by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt that the Town proceed with the upcoming tax sale scheduled for Monday, February 26, 2024.  Passed Unanimously

Meeting adjourned at 6:03 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Cynthia Flannigan

Town Clerk/Treasurer

MINUTES 

TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING 

Monday, February 12, 2024 

Present: James Bulger, Bradford Calhoun, Thomas Otterman, Carl Hildebrandt and Jake Thompson  (Select Board), Cynthia Flannigan (Town Clerk/Treasurer), Richard Sampson (Road Foreman) and via  Microsoft Teams Janice Emerson (Administrative Assistant)  

Visitors: Bill Johnson and Becky Christian  

Meeting called to order at 7:07 pm.  

Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to approve minutes from meetings of  January 22, 2024 and January 29, 2024. Passed unanimously. 

HIGHWAY 

Road Report – Richie Sampson updated the Board on roadwork and equipment. Garage Site – Brad Calhoun updated the Board on the site plan.  

VTrans Packet – Will be discussed at the first meeting in March.  

Overweight Permit – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to approve a  permit for VELCO. Passed unanimously.  

GENERAL 

West Topsham Community Hall – The closing scheduled for February 2 was postponed to this week.  

NEKWMD – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to regretfully accept the resignations of Sue and C J Altland as NEKWMD Representatives. Passed unanimously.  

Tax Sale February 26 – Jim Bulger will attend. 

Opioid Lawsuit - Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom Otterman for Jim Bulger,  Chair, to sign. Passed unanimously.  

Casella Contract – Decision made to continue as is for now.  

Animal Boarding Contract – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Brad Calhoun to sign the contract with Country Canine Boarding Kennel (Michele Boyer). Passed unanimously.  

Certificate of No Appeals or Suits Pending against the 2023 Grand List – Motion made by Tom  Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to approve and sign. Passed unanimously.  

CORRESPONDENCE 

Department of Environmental Conservation Management Plan – The Board reviewed and will give  individual comments. 

White River Natural Resources Conservation District – Jim Bulger will try to attend the February 26  meeting.  

FINANCIAL 

The Board reviewed and signed Order #2403 in the amount of $35,401.02 for accounts payable and  $10,141.49 for payroll. 

OTHER 

Executive Session - Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to go into  executive session to discuss personnel. Passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned to executive session  from 7:44 pm to 7:53 pm. No action taken.  

Meeting adjourned at 7:54 pm.  

Respectfully Submitted, 

Janice Emerson 

Administrative Assistant 

THE COMMISSION WILL NOT BE MEETING IN FEBRUARY

MINUTES

TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD SPECIAL MEETING

Monday, January 29, 2024

Present:  Thomas Otterman, Carl Hildebrandt and Jake Thompson (Select Board), Cynthia Flannigan (Town Clerk/Treasurer), N and via Microsoft Teams Janice Emerson (Administrative Assistant) 

Absent:  James Bulger

Visitors:  Donna Otterman

Meeting called to order at 6:25 pm. 

Tom Otterman acted as Chair in Jim Bulger’s absence. 

Town Meeting Warning - Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to approve and sign the Warring for Town Meeting.  Passed unanimously. 

Health Insurance – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to authorize the Ton Treasurer to pay the health insurance premium that is due prior to the next Select Board Meeting.  Passed unanimously. 

Meeting adjourned at 6:33 pm. 

Respectfully Submitted,

Janice Emerson

Administrative Assistant

MINUTES 

TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING 

Monday, January 22, 2024 

Present: James Bulger, Thomas Otterman, Carl Hildebrandt and Jake Thompson (Select Board),  Cynthia Flannigan (Town Clerk/Treasurer), Richard Sampson (Road Foreman) and via Microsoft  Teams Janice Emerson (Administrative Assistant)  

Absent: Bradford Calhoun 

Visitors: Jim and Nancy Clark, Bill Johnson, Becky Christian and via Microsoft Teams Hank  Buermeyer 

Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.  

Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom Otterman to approve minutes from meeting of  January 8, 2024. Passed unanimously. 

HIGHWAY 

Road Report – Richie Sampson updated the Board on roadwork and equipment. 

Garage Site – Tom Otterman suggested that Brad Calhoun work with an architect to get a plan  completed. Tom will discuss with Brad. 

Overweight Permit – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to approve  permits for Carroll Concrete and G. Stone Commercial. Passed unanimously.  

GENERAL 

Geena Baber (TRORC) – The Board reviewed the Report on Funding Options/Programs. 

Town Website – The Board reviewed the information from Megan Clark regarding the website and the  increase in fees.  

LEMP  

Emergency Plan Discussion – Carl Hildebrandt updated the Board on suggested changes to the Emergency Plan. 

Contact Person – Carl Hildebrandt will be the contact person for the Local Hazard  Mitigation Plan Development grant. 

2024 Boundary and Annexation Survey – Tom Otterman handled. 

CORRESPONDENCE 

VT Department of Taxes 2023 Equalization Results - The Common Level of Appraisal (CLA) is 76.7% and the Coefficient of Dispersion (COD) is 22.15%.  

Otterman and Allen (Macdonald Family Funds) - The Board reviewed the Annual Account. Motion  made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt for Jim Bulger, Chair, to sign the Consent to  Allowance of Account for the Town of Topsham and East Topsham Cemetery. Passed unanimously

Otterman & Allen – The Town and the East Topsham Cemetery each received a distribution of  $10,293.00 from the Macdonald Family Funds. Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake  Thompson to put the Town’s distribution in the Highway Equipment Fund. Passed unanimously.  

Use of Town Hall – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to approve use of the Hall by Amanda Densmoore on February 24 or 25 for a baby shower. Passed unanimously. 

Request for Funds 

Blake Memorial Library petition requesting an increase from $2.00 per capita to $3.00  per capita – Will be included as a separate Article in the Warning for Town Meeting 

FINANCIAL 

The Board reviewed and signed Order #2402 in the amount of $316,552.21 for accounts payable and  $7,883.05 for payroll. 

2023 Highway Over Budget – Highway is over budget by $93,728.25 for 2023. This is mainly due to  money spent on the July flood damage and money spent on the new garage site. We anticipate  receiving some FEMA funds in 2024 for the 2023 flood damage. Motion made by Tom Otterman and  seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to transfer $23,235.54 from the Highway Building Fund to pay for the  2023 new garage site expenses and to transfer the balance of $70,492.71 from the Highway Fund to  reduce the over budget amount to zero. Passed unanimously.  

Cemetery Surplus - Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to put the  surplus of $411.25 in the Cemetery Fence Fund. Passed unanimously.  

OTHER 

Warning for Town Meeting – The Board discussed items to include on the Warning for Town Meeting. Meeting adjourned at 8:03 pm.  

Respectfully Submitted, 

Janice Emerson 

Administrative Assistant 

MINUTES 

TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING 

Monday, January 8, 2024 

Present: James Bulger, Bradford Calhoun, Thomas Otterman, Carl Hildebrandt and Jake Thompson  (Select Board), Cynthia Flannigan (Town Clerk/Treasurer), Richard Sampson (Road Foreman) and via  Microsoft Teams Janice Emerson (Administrative Assistant)  

Visitors: Geena Baber and Sarah Wraight (TRORC), Ann Peck, Peter Keene, Jim and Nancy Clark,  John Hood, Bill Johnson, Becky Christian and via Microsoft Teams Ivie Trojanowski, Owen Taylor,  Violet Farnham, Heather Runk, Will Slagle, Garrett Lynx and Alex Matton (Oxbow High School  Students)  

Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.  

Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrand to approve minutes from meeting of  December 11, 2023. Passed unanimously. 

VISITORS 

Geena Baber and Sarah Wraight (TRORC) discussed funding options and programs available for  eligible projects for West Topsham Community Hall, the new garage and the Town Hall in East  Topsham. The items discussed included water, septic, design and structural work. TRORC will help  with the application. A Letter of Intent is needed by the end of January. Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to sign a Letter of Intent for the program. Passed unanimously. Tom  Otterman will be the point person.  

Peter Keene and Ann Peck requested that the Topsham Historical Society be first in line to receive the  current garage property. The Board has not discussed or made a decision regarding the property.  

HIGHWAY 

Road Report – Richie Sampson updated the Board on roadwork and equipment. 

Garage Site – Brad Calhoun updated the Board on the progress of the garage site project. Topsoil was  sold for $7.00 per ton. The Town received a total of $9,361.75 

Federal Highway Administration Local Aid – The Board reviewed. 

VT CWSRF & DWSRF – Water Infrastructure Project – The Board reviewed. Not applicable. 

Certificate of Highway Mileage – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to  sign the Certificate of Highway Mileage. Passed unanimously.  

Overweight Permit – Motion made by Brad Calhoun and seconded by Tom Otterman to approve a  permit for Barrett Trucking. Passed unanimously.  

GENERAL 

Resignation – Animal Control Officer – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake  Thompson to accept Michele Boyer’s resignation as Animal Control Officer. Passed unanimously. 

Animal Contract – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to contract with  Michele Boyer to house dogs needing to be impounded. Passed unanimously. Jim Bulger will contact  Michele. 

Ambulance Contract – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to sign the  contract. Passed unanimously.  

Casella Recycling Guidelines -The Board reviewed.  

Team EJP Newsletter – The Board reviewed. 

CORRESPONDENCE 

Orange County Budget – The Board reviewed.  

Webinar January 18 – Family and Medical Leave Insurance – The Board reviewed.  

Request for Funds 

Clara Martin Center – Will be included in warning for Town Meeting 

Topsham Communications Survey – No interest at this time.  

Newbury Town Plan Hearing February 1 – The Board reviewed. 

Agency of Natural Resources – Notice of Determination for Logging on Crossroad. The Board  Reviewed. 

FINANCIAL 

The Board approved Order #2324 at end of December 2023 in the amount of $24,619.53 for accounts  payable and $16,409.14 for payroll. 

The Board reviewed and signed Order #2401 in the amount of $29,983.79 for accounts payable and  $2,122.99 for payroll. 

OTHER 

Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to go into executive session to  discuss a legal issue. Passed unanimously. Cindy Flannigan was invited to join the session. Meeting  adjourned to executive session from 8:23 pm to 8:32 pm. 

No action taken at this time.  

Meeting adjourned at 8:34 pm.  

Respectfully Submitted, 

Janice Emerson 

Administrative Assistant 

TOPSHAM BUDGET COMMITTEE MINUTES

MONDAY, JANUARY 8, 2024

Present: Donna Otterman (Budget Committee Chair), Yvette Tomlinson, Susan Pratt, Susan Hood (Budget Committee), Jake Thompson, Thomas Otterman, James Bulger, Carl Hildebrandt, Bradford Calhoun (Select Board), Cynthia Flannigan (Town Clerk) and via Microsoft Teams: Janice Emerson (Budget Committee)

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.

Motion was made by Jim Bulger and seconded by Yvette Tomlinson to approve minutes for December 11, 2023. Approved unanimously.

1. Income Budget for 2024 discussed:

Tax Related

Property Taxes unknown at this time

Delinquent Taxes unknown at this time

Delinquent Tax Interest $8,000.00 – increase of $500.00

Delinquent Taxes other $0

Tax Sale Redemption $0

School Reconciliation Pay unknown at this time

State of Vermont

Property Tax $12,500.00

Land Use $73,000.00 – decrease of $4,000.00

Act 60 Equalized Ed. $850.00

Pilot Payments $600.00

Lister’s Training $0

Late HS-122 Town Payment $0

Clerk Revenue

Clerk Office Fees $13, 000.00

Liquor Licenses $0

Other Revenue

Interest $14,000.00 – increase of $13,000.00

Town Hall Rental $0

Town Hall Donations $0

Pound Fees $1,000.00

Revenue from Reserves unknown at this time

Grant Money $0

Town History $0

Shipping & Handling $0

Metal Dumpster Fees $0

Tire Recycling Fees $0

Clothing Sales $0

Poster Sales $0

Cookbook Sales $0

Veteran DVD’s $0

Notecards $0

Civil Fines Collected $0

Veterans Memorials $0

Misc Revenue $0

Revenues

Property Taxes $0

HWY State Aid $65,000.00 – decrease of $70,000.00

HWY Paving Grant $0

Bridge Grant $0

Revenue from Reserve unknown at this time

Grant Money $200,000.00 – an increase of $200,000.00

Sale of Equipment $0

Insurance Claims $0

Misc. Revenue $0

Trust & Agency

Voter Appropriation $0

Property Taxes $0

Sale of Lots $0

Waits River Cem. Sale of $0

Revenue from Reserves unknown at this time

Waits River Cem. Fees $0

Interest $0

Waits River Cemetery Int. $0

Dividend Income $0

Investment Income $0

Monies from Reserve $0

Grant Money $0

Donations/Gifts $0

ARPA

ARPA Revenue $0

Land Use was decreased because this year’s amount reflected penalties that were captured for withdrawals of a few parcels. This is not anticipated to occur in 2024. 

Clerk fees were not increased due to the larger than normal volume of recording in 2023 that is not predicted to continue in 2024 due to sales. 

Interest was increased by $13,000.00 after reviewing the actual interest in 2023 due ARPA funds. It is anticipated that half of the ARPA funds will be spent in 2024 so the interest was increased by half of the 2023 actual earned.  

HWY State Aid was reduced from the $135,000.00 in 2023 to $65,000.00 because the state made 2 of the 2024 payments in advance in 2023 in order to help towns with flooding expenses. 

The Grant Money increase of $200,000.00 is due to an anticipated FEMA reimbursement for flood damage costs.

1. Other Budget Expense Items Discussed:

General Fund Payroll

FICA $9,700.00 – increase of $1,200.00

VMERS $3,225.00

Health Insurance $21,000.00 – increase from earlier amount by $1,000.00

Town Office

Equipment $1,650.00 – decrease from earlier amount by $850.00

General Expenditures

Parcel Maps and Lister Card on line was removed – decrease of $3,800.00

Fire & Rescue

Ambulance Contract $76,200.00

Highway Payroll

FICA $15,000.00

VMERS $6,350.00

Health Insurance $44,000.00 – an increase from earlier amount by $8,000.00

FICA for the General Fund and Highway Payroll is based on the proposed salaries.

VMERS for the General Fund Town Clerk and Treasurer is a new line item for 2024. 

The Town Clerk and treasurer salaries were revisited. Hours and salaries from local towns were considered. It was voted (8 in favor) to leave the salaries as proposed.  

The Town Office Equipment amount was reduced by $850.00 to $1,650.00 because there were 2023 funds available for the purchase of a new computer and monitors and telephone for the listers and these were purchased in 2023. 

The proposed new Lister project of adding Parcel Maps and Lister Cards on line was removed from the budget.

Motion to adjourn meeting was made by Jim Bulger and seconded by Jake Thompson. Approved unanimously. 

Meeting adjourned at 6:38 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan Hood, Secretary

AT THE TOWN OFFICE

Agenda – village designation

MINUTES

TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING

Monday, December 11, 2023

Present: James Bulger, Bradford Calhoun, Thomas Otterman, Carl Hildebrandt and Jake Thompson (Select Board), Cynthia Flannigan (Town Clerk/Treasurer), Richard Sampson (Road Foreman) and via Microsoft Teams Janice Emerson (Administrative Assistant)

Visitors: Fred Smith, Jim and Nancy Clark and via Microsoft Teams Amber Downing and Pat Plaisted

Meeting called to order at 7:09 pm.

Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrand to approve minutes from meeting of November 27, 2023. Passed Unanimously

HIGHWAY

Road Report – Richie Sampson updated the Board on roadwork and equipment.

Garage Site – Fred Smith updated the Board on the progress of the garage site project.

Route 25 Bridge Work – The Board discussed the impact of the future work. Jim Bulger will handle response to Vtrans.

Land Boundary on Dexter Road Property – The Board discussed. Jim Bulger will contact the Jim Cornelliers.

GENERAL

Road Name Needed – The Board discussed. Jim Bulger will follow up with the residents.

CORRESPONDENCE

Act 250 Opinion -242 Topsham Corinth Road – The Board reviewed.

University of Rhode Island Narcan Nasal Spray Training – No interest.

911 Address on Fuller Hill – The Board discussed. Cindy Flannigan will contact Groton Town Clerk.

Orange County Proposed Budget – The Board reviewed.

Broadband Feedback – The Board reviewed.

Climate Solutions Input – The Board reviewed.

Request for Funds

Safeline, Inc. - will be added to warning for Town Meeting

Central Vermont Council on Aging - will be added to warning for Town Meeting

White River Natural Resources Conservation District – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Brad Calhoun to contact them and let them know they need a petition signed by 5% of voters. Passed unanimously.

VLCT Policy Renewal Contribution – will be included in budget.

FINANCIAL

Review and Sign Order #2323 in the amount of $48,810.74 for accounts payable and $13,114.60 for payroll.

OTHER

December 25 Select Board Meeting – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to cancel the meeting. Passed unanimously.

Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to appoint Susan Hood as a member of the Budget Committee. Passed unanimously.

Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to go into executive session to discuss personnel and a legal issue. Passed unanimously. Cindy Flannigan and Richie Sampson were invited to join the session. Meeting adjourned to executive session from 7:52pm to 8;12 pm.

Motion made by Brad Calhoun and seconded by Tom Otterman to hire Nick Spooner and Donald Longmower for temporary work with the Highway Department at $25.00 per hour. Passed unanimously.

No action on the legal issue.

Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to give Brewster Thurston an increase of $0.50 per hour effective immediately. Passed unanimously.

Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to reimburse Cindy Flannigan in full for cost of her health insurance. Passed unanimously.

Meeting adjourned at 8:16 pm.

27NOV23

https://tinyurl.com/5n77jva4

+1 929-346-7316,,539520513#

MINUTES 

TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING 

Monday, November 27, 2023 

Present: James Bulger, Thomas Otterman, Carl Hildebrandt and Jake Thompson (Select Board), Cynthia  Flannigan (Town Clerk/Treasurer), Susan Hood (Asst. Town Clerk/Treasurer) 

Absent: Bradford Calhoun (Select Board), Janice Emerson (Administrative Assistant) and Richard Sampson  (Road Foreman) 

Visitors: Fred Smith, Jim and Nancy Clark, John Hood (Lister), Kevin Wilson, Carol Appleton, Heidi Wright  and Wayne Williams, Jr.  

Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm. 

Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to approve minutes from meeting of  November 13, 2023. Passed unanimously. 

VISITORS 

Kevin Wilson spoke about concerns that the West Topsham Community Hall transfer to the town is not  being done according to state guidelines. The concerns were discussed and noted.  

HIGHWAY 

Road Report-Cindy Flannigan on behalf of Richie Sampson reported equipment issues and plowing  update. Jim Bulger reported the Pike Hill bridge is completed and paved. 

Garage Site-Tom Otterman updated the Board on the roughed-in site work for the garage site project.  Fred Smith gave an update.  

Driveway Permit Status-Kevin Fahey-The Board believe no culvert or driveway has been installed. No  action taken. Jim Bulger will mention the permit to Richie Sampson. 

Job Application-One application has been submitted. 

GENERAL 

Employee Policy-Jake Thompson sent the draft policy to the Select Board for review. Motion made by  Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to accept the new Employee Policy. No further  discussion. Passed unanimously. 

VLCT-Unemployment Insurance Program Annual Renewal-The information was reviewed.

TRORC-Technical Assistance Grant-The information was reviewed and no action needed at this time. 

Lister’s Errors and Omissions-The annual certificate was presented. John Hood explained that the two  parcels presented were due to state approval of current use applications after the tax bills were sent.  Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to accept and to sign the certificate.  No further discussion. Passed unanimously. 

Granite Plaque from Plane Spotting Observation Station (WWII)-The found plaque was discussed.  Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom Otterman to turn over the plaque to the  Topsham Historical Society. No further discussion. Passed unanimously. Jim Bulger will contact Bill  Hodge about the plaque.  

CORRESPONDENCE 

MVP Health insurance-Jim Bulger to initial the renewal forms. 

VT Rural Fire Protection Task Force-$100 was allocated from the Select Board appropriations fund for  the Dry Hydrant program for 2024. 

FINANCIAL 

The Board reviewed and signed Order #2322 in the amount of $61,699.01 for accounts payable and  $7,202.06 for payroll. 

OTHER 

Payment for the Pike Hill bridge was discussed. The total repair cost is $305,000. Cindy Flannigan  reported the FEMA representative assigned to Topsham will be submitting this bill for reimbursement  first.  

Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to go into executive session for  contractual discussions and to discuss personnel. Passed unanimously. Fred Smith and Cindy Flannigan  were invited to attend. Meeting adjourned to executive session from 7:35 to 8:13pm. Motion made by  Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom Otterman to approve the final distribution of the contract with  Fred Smith. No action on personnel. 

Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom Otterman to adjourn the meeting. The meeting  adjourned at 8:15pm. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Susan Hood

DRAFT

TOPSHAM BUDGET COMMITTEE MINUTES

MONDAY, November 27, 2023

Present: Donna Otterman (Budget Committee Chair), Yvette Tomlinson, Susan Pratt, Susan Hood (Budget Committee), Jake Thompson, Thomas Otterman, Jim Bulger, Carl Hildebrandt (Select Board), Cynthia Flannigan (Town Clerk), John Hood (Listers), Elaine Smith (Auditor), Maureen Hurley (Energy Coordinator)

Absent: Janice Emerson (Budget Committee) and Bradford Calhoun (Select Board)

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm.

Motion was made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jim Bulger to approve minutes for November 13, 2023. Approved unanimously.

Budget items Discussed:

General Government

Payroll

Listers $15,000.00

Auditors   $2,000.00 –decrease of $500.00

Animal Control     $700.00

Delinquent Tax Collector $0

Town Office

Supplies     $200.00 (Listers)

Delinquent Tax Collector Supplies               $0

Postage     $200.00 (Listers)

Equipment                                   $850.00 (Listers)

    $250.00 (Auditors)

Computer Software                     $110.00 (Listers MS Office)

      $235.00 (Listers APEX)

Training       $100.00 (Energy Coordinator)

    $250.00 (Auditors)

Mileage Reimbursement     $300.00 (Listers) –increase of $100.00

Lister’s Phone     $500.00

General Expenditures

Animal Control       $600.00

Select Board Appropriations $200.00 (Green Up VT $100+Dry Hydrant $100)-decrease of  $200.00

Dues         $50.00 (Listers)

        $50.00 (Energy Coordinator)

Legal Fees     $4,000.00

Professional Fees     $4,000.00 –increase of $2,000.00

Software Support         $500.00 (Listers)

Parcel Maps and Lister Cards online     $3,800.00 (Listers) –new

Tax Mapping $3,550.00 (Listers) –increase of $1550 for deferred payment of 2023 work 

Fire & Rescue

Tri-Village Fire Dept. $35,000.00 –increase of $5,000.00

CTERT     $7,500.00

Highway Payroll

Regular Employees $200,000.00 –increase of $30,000.00

Temporary Employees     $0

Road Commission     $0

Health Insurance   $36,000.00 –increase of $6,000.00

Uniforms     $3,500.00

Town Garage Expenses

Supplies   $1,200.00

Training       $400.00

Mileage       $450.00

Telephone       $800.00 –increase of $50.00

Heat   $5,000.00 –decrease of $2,500.00 due to switch to propane

Electricity   $3,000.00

Porta-Potty   $1,800.00

Garage Equipment   $2,000.00

Maintenance & Repairs   $2,500.00

General Hwy Expenses

Fuel $70,000.00

Supplies $10,000.00

Advertising       $250.00

Engineering/Technical Serv   $5,000.00

Permits   $2,500.00

Radio Contract   $1,000.00

Parcel map and online lister card new initiative has a cost of NEMRC upfront cost of $800.00 with an Annual fee of $500.00 thereafter. The CAI Technologies fee is $3,000.00 with an annual fee of $3,000.00 thereafter. 

Auditors Budget requests for printing costs and mailing town reports will be revisited at the next meeting. 

Barre Ambulance is working on their new contract numbers. Cindy anticipates receiving the costs by next meeting. 

Select Board Appropriations were reduced by $200.00 because $200 was not sent in 2022 and was rolled over to the 2023 budget. 

Professional fees were higher this year due to Environmental study done of the Town Hall and work by SEAMS Solutions. It is anticipated there will be increased need in 2024 and an increase is proposed.

Motion to adjourn meeting was made by Carl Hildebrandt and seconded by Yvette Tomlinson. Approved Unanimously. 

Meeting adjourned at 6:52 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Susan Hood, Secretary

13NOV23

https://tinyurl.com/3tkd88ky

+1 929-346-7316,,515965568#

 AGENDA 

TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING 

Monday, November 13, 2023 

1. Approve Minutes – October 23  

2. Visitors 

3. Highway 

Road Report 

Garage Site  

Stream Restoration Project on Territory Road 

Bridge Project on Route 25 in West Topsham – November 15 Meeting 

VTrans – Municipal Grant Applications for 2024 

Sale of Ben Dexter Property 

4. General 

Use of Town Hall – Sarah Sampson for Birthday Party on January 14, 2024 MVP Health Insurance Renewal 

Employee Policy 

5. Correspondence 

Cannabis Control Board 

TRORC – Update or Confirm Voting Names 

State Building Permits 

Vermont 250 Resolution 

Small Business Administration Nominations 

VLCT-PACIF – Increase in 2024 Renewal Rates 

Winter 2024 Bond Bank Webinar 

FEMA Help 

Request for Funds 

Topsham Corinth Little League 

Tri-Valley Transit 

Orange East Senior Center 

Blake Memorial Library - Needs Petition 

Green-Up Vermont 

 6. Financial 

Review and Sign Order #2321 

7. Other 

TOPSHAM BUDGET COMMITTEE 2024 ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING  

TOPSHAM TOWN HALL 

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2023 TIME: 6:45 

TOPSHAM BUDGET COMMITTEE MINUTES

MONDAY, November 13, 2023

Present: Tom Otterman, Jim Bulger, Carl Hildebrandt, Jake Thompson (Select Board) Donna Otterman, Susan Pratt, Susan Hood, via Microsoft Teams: Janice Emerson (Budget Committee)

Absent: Brad Calhoun (Select Board) and Yvette Tomlinson (Budget Committee)

Guest: Fred Smith

The meeting was called to order at 6:45 PM.

This was an organizational meeting to elect a chair, elect a secretary and to schedule future meeting times and dates.

A motion was made by Tom Otterman to elect Donna Otterman for Chair and was seconded by Jim Bulger. Pass unanimously.

A motion was made by Tom Otterman to elect Susan Hood as Secretary and seconded by Jim Bulger.  Passed unanimously. 

Meetings for the 2023 Budget will be held at the Town Hall from 6:00PM to 7:00PM on the following dates:

Monday, November 27, 2023-Animal Control, Auditors, Delinquent Tax Collector, Lister, Fire Department, CTERT, Energy Coordinator, Select Board and Highway.

Monday, December 12, 2023-Select Board, Highway and Town Clerk/Treasurer.

Monday, December 18, 2023-Tentative date to finish up if needed.

Any future meetings will be scheduled if needed.

Cynthia Flannigan will have Budget Status Reports and Comparative Budget Reports ready for next meeting.

Donna Otterman will post meetings dates on the West side and notify those responsible for budget request of those meeting dates. Susan Hood will post meeting dates on the East side. 

Tom Otterman moved to adjourn the meeting and Carl Hildebrandt seconded. It was approved unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:52 PM.

Respectfully submitted, 

Susan Hood, Secretary.

Monday - November 6, 2023

6:00PM at the Town Office

Agenda:

Updates on action items from previous meeting

Continuing review of Town Plan for action items.

The commission’s role in the village designation process

MINUTES 

TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING 

Monday, October 23, 2023 

Present: Jim Bulger (Chair) Bradford Calhoun, Carl Hildebrandt, Thomas Otterman (Select Board),  Cynthia Flannigan (Town Clerk/Treasurer), Richard Sampson (Road Foreman) and via Microsoft  Teams Janice Emerson (Administrative Assistant) 

Absent: Jake Thompson 

Visitors: Les Frost, Jim and Nancy Clark, Fred Smith, and via Microsoft Teams Amber Downing Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm. 

Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to approve minutes from meeting of  October 9, 2023 with the following change under General – TRORC – Town Plan Approval: “Jim  Clark reported that the Planning Commission has started looking into the village designation for the  three villages.” Passed unanimously. 

VISITORS  

Friends of Topsham will be having a holiday flea market November 18 at the Grange Hall. 

HIGHWAY 

Road Report – Richie Sampson updated the Board on roadwork and equipment. 

Garage Site – Fred Smith reported he has hit ledge, which may affect costs. Will be discussed later in  Executive Session. 

VTrans – Bridge on Route 25 in West Topsham. Update on project, no changes from when it was  initially presented. 

VTrans – Municipal Grant Applications for 2024. Deadline December 8 by email. Grants are to be used for storm water mitigation. 

Sale of Property – Motion made by Brad Calhoun and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to use Laurie  Kirkpatrick for the sale of the Ben Dexter Road Property. Passed by a vote of 3. Jim Bulger, Brad  Calhoun and Carl Hildebrandt voted yes, Tom Otterman voted no. 

GENERAL 

Animal Control Ordinance – Needs Signatures. The Board signed. 

Employee Policy – Will be discussed at next meeting. 

MERP- Details of inspection – Needs signature. Motion by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl  Hildebrandt for the chair to sign. Passed unanimously. 

Community Hall – Phase One environmental assessment is being completed. 

CORRESPONDENCE

Outdoor Recreational Planning – Will keep on file. 

Flood Recovery on Private Forest Land – The Board reviewed. 

Roger Vance – Gates at Transfer Station – Carl Hildebrandt will handle. 

GMP – Zero Outage Initiative – The Board reviewed. 

Beech Tree Leaf Disease found in VT – Will be on file. 

EC Fiber Annual Report and Proposed District Budget – will be posted. 

VLCT – Adding underinsured and uninsured to policy. Motion by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt for the chair to sign electronically. Passed unanimously. 

Clean Water Budget – VT seeks input – The board reviewed. 

Request for Funds  

CTERT – Will be included in 2024 Budget 

Tri-Village Fire – Will be included in 2024 Budget  

TRORC 2024 Dues – Will be included in 2024 Budget 

VNA & Hospice of VT and NH – Will be included in the warning for Town Meeting Orange County Restorative Justice Center – Will be included in the warning for Town Meeting Little Rivers Health Care – Will be included in the warning for Town Meeting 

Tax Sale – Will be held January 24. 

FINANCIAL 

The Board reviewed and signed Order #2320 in the amount of $1,313,822.08 for accounts payable and  $8,327.13 for payroll.  

OTHER 

Budget Committee – Select Board, Donna Otterman, Yvette Tomlinson, Sue Pratt, Janice Emerson.  The first meeting will be immediately before the select board meeting on November 13.  

Planning Commission – Motion by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt for the planning  commission to work on the village designation for West Topsham, Waits River, and East Topsham.  Passed unanimously. 

Motion by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to go to executive session for contractual  discussions and to discuss personnel. Passed unanimously. Fred Smith and Cindy Flannigan were  invited to attend. Meeting adjourned to executive session from 7:59pm to 8:24pm. No action taken. 

Meeting adjourned at 8:26pm. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Amber Downing

MINUTES 

TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING 

Monday, October 9, 2023 

Present: Jim Bulger, Bradford Calhoun, Thomas Otterman, Carl Hildebrandt and Jake Thompson  (Select Board), Cynthia Flannigan (Town Clerk/Treasurer), Richard Sampson (Road Foreman) and via  Microsoft Teams Janice Emerson (Administrative Assistant)  

Visitors: Bill Johnson, Becky Christian, and via Microsoft Teams Amber Downing, Pat Plaisted, Hank  Buermeyer, Jim Clark and Alex Nuti-de Biasi 

Meeting called to order at 7:01 pm.  

Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to approve minutes from meetings of  September 25, 2023 and October 2, 2023. Passed unanimously.  

HIGHWAY 

Road Report – Richie Sampson updated the Board on roadwork and equipment. Motion made by Tom  Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to reimburse Steve Smith $200 for damage to his barbecue  pit. 

Garage Site – Fred Smith asked for an advance. Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake  Thompson to authorize an advance of $5000. Passed unanimously. 

VTrans Grant Applications for 2024 – Brad will look into this. 

GENERAL 

Animal Control Ordinance Review – There was a proposed amendment to separate the penalties for a  nuisance animal from the penalties for a vicious animal. The amounts of the fines were also updated.  Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to amend the Animal Control  Ordinance as presented. Passed unanimously. Cindy Flannigan will look into the next required steps. 

TRORC – Town Plan Approval – The Select Board would like to thank the Planning Commission for  their work. 

Delinquent Tax Sale Policy and Proceedings – Motion by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake  Thompson that the board sign the document to proceed with the tax sale. 

Renewal Application for VLCT Insurance – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake  Thompson to proceed with the submission.  

Community Hall – Tom Otterman has submitted information to Wheeler Environmental. 

CORRESPONDENCE 

Letter from Samantha Nickerson – Dog License – Motion by Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom  Otterman to issue a ticket. Jim will speak to Michele Boyer about the matter.  

Thank You Letter for Quick Action re Dog Bite – The Board reviewed.

Request for Funds – Northeast Slopes – Will be included in the warning for Town Meeting.

US Department of Transportation – Grants Available – No action taken. 

Green Mountain Economic Development Projects – The Board reviewed. 

FINANCIAL 

The Board reviewed and signed Order #2319 in the amount of $161,220.38 for accounts payable and  $8,904.68 for payroll.  

OTHER 

Budget committee – Will be discussed at the next meeting. 

Ben Dexter property – Jake will get some information from realtors and report back for the next  meeting. 

Meeting adjourned at 8:05pm.  

Respectfully Submitted, 

Amber Downing

MINUTES 

TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD SPECIAL MEETING 

Monday, October 2, 2023 

Present: Jim Bulger (Chair) Bradford Calhoun, Carl Hildebrandt, Thomas Otterman, Jake Thompson (Select Board), Cynthia Flannigan (Town Clerk/Treasurer), and via Microsoft Teams Janice Emerson  (Administrative Assistant) 

Visitors: Michele Boyer, Patricia Walden, Hank Buermeyer, Amber Downing, Donna Otterman, Louise Dodge, Ann and Bruce Peck, Mary Smith, Deb and Steve Smith, Rylei Porter, Colin Pope, Kathy  Zachary, Catherine Eich, Katherine Z. Pope, Jennifer Kingsbury, Ava Kingsbury, Dennis Cremo, Jim  Clark, Tonia Mauro, Susan Pratt, Alex Nuti-de Biasi, Jessica Hatch, Madison Hatch, Burnice Dow, Jeff  and Eric Smith, Tracy Washburn, Jennah Washburn, Victoria Washburn, Murray Reilly. 

Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm. 

PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING DOG BITE 

Jim Bulger read information from VLCT about when a public hearing is required. This includes when  the pet is off the owners property, the victim requires medical attention, and a complaint is filed. 

Town Health Officer Hank Buermeyer submitted a copy of the current Town of Topsham Animal  Control Ordinance. He also submitted a copy of the Town Health Officer Animal Bite Report he had  filled out. He provided a copy of these materials to Jeff Smith. Finally, he reviewed the definitions of  a “vicious dog,” the impoundment process, and penalties. 

Animal Control Officer Michele Boyer reiterated that she had reached out to Carly to impound the dog  and was told Carly intended to impound it at the Bradford Vet. When she contacted the Bradford Vet,  Carly had not called them. 

Rylei Porter clarified the nature of the injuries she received. 

Jeff Smith apologized to the victim. He explained that the dog escaped the house when the door was  left open, and said that it had happened before. 

Dennis Cremo spoke on behalf of Lola and stated that he doesn’t believe she is vicious. Jim Bulger explained that according to State Statute there is an official definition of a vicious dog. 

Colin Pope stated that he had been chased by Lola 4 times. Twice he was unscathed, once he injured his knee and once his ankle. He also stated that he once had to rescue a neighbor from the dog by putting  his car between the human and the dog. 

Jessica Hatch spoke on behalf of Lola and stated that she does not believe she is vicious.  

Rylei Porter stated that she does not feel confident in the ability of the owners to contain the dog given  prior occurrences. 

Catherine Eich spoke about her experiences with the dog.

Patricia Walden explained her experience with her own dog and advocated for fencing the yard. 

Michele Boyer stated that if the owners had taken more responsibility in the past, she would have  recommended muzzling the dog, but given the circumstances, she feels that the dog is vicious and  unpredictable. 

Jim Bulger gave Jeff Smith information on how to appeal the outcome if he disagrees with it and that  there is a 30 day appeal period. He explained that the board is allowed to discuss either publicly or to  go into deliberative session to discuss privately. The outcome will not be communicated to the public  until after the owners are notified. 

Tom Otterman asked Jeff Smith what he would like to see happen. Jeff stated he plans to put a fence  up. He acknowledged that the dog does bark at nearly everyone but does not bite everyone. He  admitted that he was not sure of the best solution. He stated he’d be willing to use a wire-basket  muzzle on the dog. 

Deb Smith stated that she has met the dog and been fine, but has also seen a different side of the dog  when the owners weren’t around.  

Murray Reilly offered his time and labor to help secure the dog and build a fence.  

Motion by Jake Thompson and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to move to deliberative session and invite the Town Health Officer and Animal Control Officer. Passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned to  deliberative session from 7:36pm to 8:12pm. Motion by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake  Thompson that, based on present Town Ordinance for First Offense, the dog be impounded for 10 days  and must be muzzled, chained and confined to the property.  

Meeting adjourned at 8:22pm. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Amber Downing

PLANNING COMMISSION 

Monday- October 2, 2023 

6:00P.M. at the Town Hall

Agenda: Continuing review of Town Plan for action items.

Groundwork for developing a 5 year action plan.

TOWN OF TOPSHAM 

SPECIAL SELECT BOARD MEETING

September 6th 2023 at 6pm at the Town Hall.

Agenda: Personnel - Executive Session

MINUTES 

TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD SPECIAL MEETING 

Wednesday, September 6, 2023 

Present: James Bulger, Bradford Calhoun, Thomas Otterman, Carl Hildebrandt and Jake Thompson  (Select Board) and Brian Smith 

Meeting called to order at 6:00 pm.  

Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to go to executive session to discuss  personnel. Passed unanimously. Brian Smith was invited to attend the session. Meeting adjourned to  executive session from 6:01 pm to 6:15 pm. Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom  Otterman to dismiss Brian Smith from employment and issue a written notice. Passed unanimously.  

Meeting adjourned at 6:19 pm.  

Respectfully Submitted, 

Janice Emerson 

Administrative Assistant