MINUTES
TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING
Monday, August 24, 2026
Present: James Bulger, Bradford Calhoun, Tom Otterman, Carl Hildebrandt and Jake Thompson (Select Board), Karen Walker (Town Clerk/Treasurer) and via Microsoft Teams Janice Emerson (Administrative Assistant)
Absent: Richard Sampson (Road Foreman)
Visitors: Carol Appleton, Jim Clark, Megan Clark, Donna Otterman, Roger Vance, David Vance, Rebekah Osborn, Bill Johnson, Becky Christian and via Microsoft Teams Michael Miller and Peggy Welch
Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.
Motion made by Carl Hildebrandt and seconded by Brad Calhoun to approve minutes from meeting of August 10, 2026. Passed unanimously.
VISITORS
Donna Otterman had questions/concerns regarding two dog issues. One is a dog bite and one is a complaint regarding dogs going onto a neighbor’ s property. Jim Bulger will invite the Animal Control Officer to attend the next Board meeting.
HIGHWAY
Road Report – Brad Calhoun updated the Board on roadwork and equipment.
Backhoe – Motion made by Brad Calhoun and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt for Jim Bulger, Chair, to sign the Lease Contract. Passed unanimously.
New Garage - Brad Calhoun updated the Board on this project.
Salt Shed Roof – Tom Otterman is in the process of soliciting bids for this project.
Overweight Permit – Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom Otterman to approve and for Jim Bulger, Chair, to sign a permit for LCS Equipment Repair. Passed unanimously.
GENERAL
Open Positions – NEKWMD Alternate. If anyone is interested, please contact the Town Office or a member of the Select Board.
Resignation – Tom Otterman announced his resignation as Sexton of Waits River Cemetery effective November 1, 2026. The Board thanks him for his many years of service in this position.
West Topsham Community Hall – Megan Clark updated the Board on this project
The MERP Grant agreement currently includes scopes of work for both the West Topsham Community Hall and the Town Hall. To receive the money we must complete tasks within those scopes of work for both buildings covered by the agreement.
There are two options for how to proceed:
1. Continue with the Grant as planned and get a contract in place to have the only approved tasks done at the Town Hall, namely replacing the furnace with a high efficiency model and insulating existing duct work. The contract must be in place by September 30. Brad Calhoun would solicit three bids, the Select Board would vote, and Brad would proceed with getting the contract signed.
2. Ask BGS to remove the Town Hall completely from the grant agreement, allowing us to receive the grant money solely for the West Topsham Community Hall- this would entail having our total grant amount reduced by the cost of the Town Hall work.
Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to proceed with Option #1, Brad Calhoun will solicit bids. Passed unanimously.
The project has also been awarded a Cultural Facilities grant from the VT Arts Council of $19,965 to be used for the purchase and installation of an ADA compliant lift for the stage.
Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Brad Calhoun to authorize Megan Clark to sign the $19,965 Cultural Facility grant agreement with the Vermont Arts Council. Passed unanimously.
Town Finances – No discussion.
Reserve Fund for Town Hall/Town Office – Karen Walker will get information regarding setting up a reserve fund/designated fund for the next meeting.
VT Rural Development Nominations for Leadership Summit - Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Brad Calhoun to nominate Megan Clark. Passed unanimously.
F INANCIAL
The Board reviewed and signed Order #2616 in the amounts of $69,962.21 for accounts payable and $8,454.72 for payroll.
Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Brad Calhoun to adjourn. Passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 7:55 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Janice Emerson
Administrative Assistant
Topsham Select Board