27NOV23
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