MINUTES 

TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING 

Monday, June 23, 2025 

Present: James Bulger, Jake Thompson, Tom Otterman and Carl Hildebrandt (Select Board), Karen  Walker (Town Clerk/Treasurer), Richard Sampson (Road Foreman) and via Microsoft Teams Janice  Emerson (Administrative Assistant)  

Absent: Bradford Calhoun  

Visitors: Donna Otterman, James Salina, Nick Milburn, Jim Clark, Nancy Clark, Megan  Clark and via Microsoft Teams Pat Plaisted and Heidi McNeill 

Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm. 

Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to approve minutes from meeting of  June 9, 2025. Passed unanimously. 

HIGHWAY  

Road Report – Richie Sampson updated the Board on roadwork and equipment. 

New Garage – Jake Thompson updated the Board on the bond loan.  

New Truck – The cost of the new truck is $266,844 with a trade-in of $15,000. We will lease for five  years with option to buy for $1 at the end of the five year lease as we have done in the past.  

Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom Otterman to proceed with the purchase.  Passed unanimously. 

Grader Repairs – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to authorize Richie Sampson to proceed with necessary repairs on the grader. Passed unanimously.  

Roadside Mowing and Brush Cutting – Two bids were received. 

Rainbow Ridge Farm - $65.00 per hour 

Mike’s Mowing, LLC -$115.00 per hour 

Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to accept the bid from Rainbow  Ridge Farm. Passed unanimously.  

GENERAL 

Open Position - NEKWMD Alternate and two Planning Commission members. If anyone is interested, please contact the Town Office or a member of the Select Board.  

West Topsham Community Hall – Tom Otterman and Megan Clark updated the Board on this project.  

911 Address on Willey Hill Road – Two 911 addresses on Willey Hill Road are out of sequence and  should be corrected in case emergency vehicles need to find them. Karen Walker will contact residents  involved.

Town Plan – Nick Milburn discussed changes needed in the Energy Section of the Town Plan. The  Board suggested the Planning Commission review the draft before it is given to the Board.  

CORRESPONDENCE 

Nancy Frost reported that many stones in the Eat Topsham and Waits River Cemeteries need repair. Jim Bulger will contact Nancy to get more information.  

FINANCIAL 

The Board reviewed and signed Order #2510 in the amounts of $31,505.91 for accounts payable and  $7,587.61 for payroll. 

Hood Funds – Scott Rizzo (Edward Jones) needs a copy of Topsham’s Investment Policy before his  firm can proceed. Karen Walker has prepared a draft and will email a copy to the Board. 

Reappraisal Fund CD – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to take out  $40,000 and renew the balance for six months. Passed unanimously. 

Town Picnic– Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to approve  $1,245.64 to rent a tent, table and chairs for the town picnic on August 17. Passed unanimously.   

Meeting adjourned at 8:22 pm.  

Respectfully Submitted, 

Janice Emerson 

Administrative Assistant