MINUTES
TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING
Monday, November 24, 2025
Present: James Bulger, Jake Thompson, Bradford Calhoun, Thomas Otterman and Carl Hildebrandt (Select Board), Karen Walker (Town Clerk/Treasurer), Richard Sampson (Road Foreman) and via Microsoft Teams Janice Emerson (Administrative Assistant)
Visitors: Megan Clark, Jim Clark, Nancy Clark, Donna Otterman, James Salinas, John Hood, Susan Hood, Nick Milburn and Peggy Welch
Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.
Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Brad Calhoun to approve minutes from meeting of November 10, 2025. Passed unanimously.
HIGHWAY
Road Report – Richie Sampson updated the Board on roadwork and equipment. New Garage – Brad Calhoun updated the Board on the building construction progress.
Salt Shed – Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Brad Calhoun to purchase a hoop roof from Clear Span for $10,200. Passed unanimously.
New Garage Expenses/Funding Report - The report was discussed.
Honey Corners Road Culvert – Brad Calhoun received an email from Logan Perron, Agency of Transportation, supporting switching the culvert from Honey Corners Road to Ben Dexter Road.
Employee Annual Reviews – Executive Session – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to go into executive session to discuss employee annual reviews. Passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned to executive session from 7:35 pm to 7:48 pm.
Motion made by Brad Calhoun and seconded by Jake Thompson to increase the pay for highway employees by $l.00 per hour effective December 1, 2025. Passed unanimously.
GENERAL
Open Position - 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.
Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to disconnect the electric power to the Community Hall for the winter months and reconnect in the spring. Passed unanimously.
Community Hall Septic System Project - Four bids were received.
Ricker’s Excavating - $35,445
Locke Excavation - $54,500
Sidney Smith Trucking - $37,500
Fulford Excavating - $43,780
Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to award the job to Ricker’s Excavating. Passed unanimously.
Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to pay Ricker’s Excavating $8000 up front to start the job. Passed unanimously.
MVP Health Insurance Renewal – The Board reviewed the rate increase and will continue with the same plan as last year.
Transfer Station – There will be a container for food disposal. The cables at the entrance and exit will be checked for repairs.
Animal Control - No discussion.
CORRESPONDENCE
Safeline - The Board reviewed a thank you from Safeline for the funds received from the Town.
FINANCIAL
The Board reviewed and signed Order #2520 in the amounts of $61,107.83 for accounts payable and $9,035.40 for payroll.
Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to transfer $92,205.05 ($72,205.05 borrowed from other funds for the new garage construction plus $20,000 for the audit) from the bond loan to the general fund. Passed unanimously.
Request for Funds
Rural Fire Protection - $200
Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Brad Calhoun to include in the 2026 Budget.
Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to adjourn. Passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 8:48 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Janice Emerson
Administrative Assistant