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