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MINUTES
TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING
Monday, May 8, 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: C J and Sue Altland, Jim and Nancy Clark, John Hood, Leslie Frost, Dustin Downing, Becky Christain and Bill Johnson
Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.
Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Brad Calhoun to approve minutes from meeting of April 24, 2023 with the following correction:
Under Highway the new employee Richard Sampson was hired as Road Foreman at $28.00 per hour. Passed unanimously.
VISITORS
Sue Altland - Sue asked about the status of the Casella contract. Tom Otterman advised they are working on the contract. He also suggested we consider having Casella pick up our rubbish every other week. This should result in a substantial reduction in cost if they bill us based on the cost to provide the service, not the number of bags.
Dustin Downing – Dusty requested no granite material be put on Downing Road. The granite dust is a problem for him. The Board has no problem with this and Richard Sampson, Road Foreman, will try to use material without granite dust.
Dusty also requested fill from the Ben Deter Road or other ditching projects if any available.
HIGHWAY
Road Report – Richie Sampson updated the Board on roadwork and equipment.
Garage Site – The grading plan is not available for the Board meeting tonight. Tom Otterman will contact Rob Townsend.
Highway Annual Financial Plan – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to sign the Highway Annual Financial Plan. Passed unanimously.
Ben Dexter Road Ditching Project – Two bids were received for the project as follows:
Sidney Smith Trucking - $14,200
Ricker’s Excavation - $8,750
Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to accept the bid from Ricker’s Excavation. Passed unanimously. Brad Calhoun will notify the bidders of the Board’s decision.
TRORC – Grants-In-Aid -This is for ditching and culvert work on Currier Road and Welch Road. Rita Seto advised we could add an additional road. She will meet with Richie Sampson to pick the road to add. The amount available is $39,500. Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson for Jim Bulger, Chair, to sign. Passed unanimously.
Overweight Permit – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Brad Calhoun to approve a permit for Superior Plus Energy Services. Passed unanimously.
GENERAL
Open Position – There is an open position for Auditor. If anyone is interested please contact a member of the Select Board or the Town Office.
Open Position – There is an open position on the Planning Commission. If anyone is interested please contact a member of the Select Board or the Town Office.
Insurance Inspection Report for Town Office and Garage – There are items that need attention. A copy of the report was given to Richie Sampson.
Mowing by Town Hall - Jim Bulger will handle.
ECFiber - ECFiber is looking for a location near the center of town for a hub box. John Hood has a location near the junction of Willey Hill Road and Powder Spring Road. He will contact ECFiber.
Selling Town Land - Jake Thompson will get the details.
CORRESPONDENCE
VT Equipment Show & Field Day on May 10 in Barre -The Board reviewed. Richie Sampson is interested in attending.
Stream Alteration Permit – Referred to Tom Otterman, Flood Zone Administrator, for his information.
Letter from Samantha Nickerson – The Board reviewed the letter. Brad Calhoun will get more information regarding turnaround areas for town trucks. Richie Sampson will look at the site.
Towers on 302 - Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt for the Board to support/approve the changes/expansion. Passed unanimously. Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt for John Hood as a member of the Planning Commission to reply to email that they support/approve expansion. Passed unanimously.
FINANCIAL
The Board reviewed and signed Order #2309 in the amount of $53,206.09 for accounts payable and $3,177.69 for payroll.
OTHER
Executive Session – Motion made by Brad Calhoun and seconded by Tom Otterman to go into executive session to discuss personnel. Passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned to executive session from 8:08 pm to 8:29 pm. Cindy Flaninigan was invited to join the session.
Motion made by Carl Hildebrandt and seconded by Jake Thompson to pay Pete Arnold, temporary employee, $25.00 per hour. Passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Janice Emerson
Administrative Assistant