MINUTES
TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING
Monday, September 28, 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: Jim Clark, Donna Otterman, Roger Vance, David Vance, Rebekah Osborn, Bill Johnson, Becky Christian, John Hood, Dennis Cremo, Dyani Hazlett, Heather Blair, Karen Smith, Steve Smith, Wade Johnson, Louise Dodge and via Microsoft Teams Judy McKay, Kathy Lamson, Marc Welch and Peggy Welch
Meeting called to order at 7:03 pm.
Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to approve minutes from meetings of September 14, 2026 and September 21, 2026. Passed unanimously.
VISITORS
Steve Smith requested the East Topsham Cemetery be mowed more often. Under the current three-year contract it is mowed approximately six times per year. Jim Bulger will discuss amending the contract for the 2027 year with C& A Property Maintenance.
Louise Dodge advised the Board that stones need to be cleaned and repaired. Motion made by Brad Calhoun and seconded by Jake Thompson to re-join the Old Cemetery Association with a three-year membership. Passed unanimously.
Dyani Hazlett, Animal Control Officer, reported on the dog issue discussed at the last Board meeting. A warning was given and a ticket was issued. She will proceed with impounding if the dog owners fail to follow the warning instructions.
HIGHWAY
Road Report – Brad Calhoun updated the Board on roadwork and equipment.
New Garage – Brad Calhoun updated the Board on this project.
Bridge Repairs – Two bridges on Route 25, the bridge near Crossroad and the bridge near Honey Corners Road, will be closed from June 28, 2027 to August 26, 2027. The Board is working on alternate routes for emergency vehicles and local residents.
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 – No report.
VLCT and PACIF – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Brad Calhoun to nominate Jim Bulger, Chair, as voting delegate for the Board of Directors ballot for VLCT and PACIF. Passed unanimously.
Town Finances –Karen Walker reported she is extremely busy with tax payments.
Use of Town Hall – Motion made by Brad Calhoun and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to approve use of the Town Hall by Chad Emerson on October 21 for an Instrumental Gathering for a rental fee of $25. Passed unanimously.
Use of Town Hall – Motion made by Brad Calhoun and seconded by Jake Thompson to approve use of the Town Hall by Aiden Otterman on October 18 for a Political Event. Passed unanimously.
F INANCIAL
The Board reviewed and signed Order #2618 in the amounts of $299,171.21 for accounts payable and $8,981.12 for payroll.
Reappraisal CD – Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Brad Calhoun to withdraw $25,000 and renew the balance of $103,115.25 for six months. Passed unanimously.
Topsham Cemetery Association CD – Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to renew the CD for twelve months. Passed unanimously.
OTHER
Budget Committee -The Select Board will handle.
October 12 Meeting – Motion made by Carl Hildebrandt and seconded by Jake Thompson to cancel the Select Board meeting scheduled for October 12 due to the holiday. Passed unanimously.
Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to adjourn. Passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 8:24 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Janice Emerson
Administrative Assistant
Topsham Select Board