MINUTES
TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING
Monday, September 14, 2026
Present: James Bulger, Bradford Calhoun, Tom Otterman, Carl Hildebrandt and Jake Thompson (Select Board), Karen Walker (Town Clerk/Treasurer), Richard Sampson (Road Foreman) and via Microsoft Teams Janice Emerson (Administrative Assistant)
Visitors: Jim Clark, Nancy Clark, Megan Clark, Donna Otterman, Roger Vance, David Vance, Rebekah Osborn, Bill Johnson, Becky Christian, John Hood, Melanie and Dennis Cremo, David Mott, Chad Emerson, Dyani Hazlett and via Microsoft Teams Michael Miller, Marc Welch and Peggy Welch
Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.
Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to approve minutes from meeting of August 24, 2026. Passed unanimously.
VISITORS
Melanie and Dennis Cremo discussed issues with three dogs including barking, aggression, leaving the owners’ property and defecating and urinating on neighboring lawns. This has been an ongoing problem for over two years. Town officials were made aware of this and took some action, but the problem has not been resolved. Motion made by Jim Bulger and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt for Dyani Hazlett, Animal Control Officer, to proceed with citation and impounding. Passed unanimously.
Donna Otterman discussed that other towns have their policies and ordinances on their websites. She volunteered to review and update our policies and ordinances to put them on our website. John Hood also volunteered to work on the project.
Megan Clark advised the Board of the need to revamp the town website.
HIGHWAY
Road Report – Richie Sampson updated the Board on roadwork and equipment.
New Garage – Brad Calhoun updated the Board on this project.
Open House – There will be an open house at the new garage from 9:00 am to noon on Saturday, September 26.
Salt Shed Roof – The hoop style roof purchased for the new salt shed does not fit and will be used for another project. The current salt storage area will be used for this winter.
Crane Truck for Ben Dexter Culvert Job – Brad Calhoun is looking into the cost of two crane trucks needed for this job due to the incorrect weight information given to the town. The first truck was too small for the job.
WEC Permit for 148 Welch Road – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to approve and sign the permit for WEC. Passed unanimously.
Currier Hill Road – VASA will make repairs to this road. The Board reviewed the agreement. It will be returned to VASA for revision.
GENERAL
Open Positions – NEKWMD Alternate. If anyone is interested, please contact the Town Office or a member of the Select Board.
West Topsham Community Hall – Megan Clark updated the Board on this project. She will email a copy of the MERP contract to the Board for review. A Special Select Board Meeting will be held on Monday, September 21, 2026 at 6:00 pm to review and sign MERP contracts.
Town Finances – Tom Otterman asked Karen Walker to give the Board copies of the Budget Status Reports at each Board meeting to determine if we are within budget.
Reserve Fund/Designated Fund for Town Hall/Town Office – Motion made by Brad Calhoun and seconded by Jake Thompson to set up a Designated Fund of $100,000 for the Town Hall/Office. Passed unanimously.
New Hope Pantry – Megan Clark asked for approval to put information regarding the food shelf on the town website. The Board approved.
Use of Town Hall – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to approve use of the Town Hall by Chad Emerson on September 23 for an Instrumental Gathering. Passed unanimously.
Use of Town Hall – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to approve use of the Town Hall for a Rummage Sale September 26 through October 14. Passed unanimously.
LEMP (Local Emergency Management Plan) – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to adopt the updated LEMP. Passed unanimously.
F INANCIAL
The Board reviewed and signed Order #2617 in the amounts of $363,308.50 for accounts payable and $12,140.89 for payroll.
Motion made by Carl Hildebrandt and seconded by Tom Otterman to adjourn. Passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Janice Emerson
Administrative Assistant
Topsham Select Board