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