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.