MINUTES
TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING
Monday, August 25, 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: Kevin Ricker, Donna Otterman, Bill Johnson, Becky Christian, James Salina, Jim Clark and via Microsoft Teams Pat Plaisted
Meeting called to order at 7:01 pm.
Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom Otterman to approve minutes from meeting of August 11, 2025. Passed unanimously.
HIGHWAY
Road Report – Richie Sampson updated the Board on roadwork and equipment. New Garage – Two bids were received for the interior framing.
Ricker Builders - $95,000
Hazen Hill Builders - - $59,500
Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to accept the bid from Hazen Hill Builders. The motion did not pass. Jake Thompson and Carl Hildebrandt voted Yes. Brad Calhoun, Tom Otterman and Jim Bulger abstained. Discussion followed.
Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jim Bulger to re-vote. Passed unanimously.
Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to accept the bid from Hazen Hill Builders. Passed by a vote of 4. Brad Calhoun abstained.
Tom Otterman thanked Kevin Ricker for submitting a bid.
Bond Loan – Karen Walker put together a copy of all invoices for all money spent on the new garage from April 1, 2024 to date and will add the bid amount for the interior framing which will bring the total to over $550,000.
Honey Corners Culvert – Brad Calhoun updated the Board on this project. He will be meeting with Logan Perron (AOT - District 7) on Wednesday, August 27.
Better Back Roads Grant Agreement - Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom Otterman for Jim Bulger, Chair, to sign the Grant Agreement for 2026. Passed unanimously.
Stop or Yield Signs – Signs will be placed on Spooner Road, Harts Road and Galusha Hill Road.
Colby Road – Jim Bulger reported he request a received to reduce the speed limit on Colby Road. No action taken,.
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 – Tom Otterman updated the Board on this project.
Ordinance Regarding Domestic Animals – Jake Thompson and Tom Otterman are working on updating our current Animal Control Ordinance to include a section on domestic animals. A draft will be ready for review at the next Board meeting.
VMERS (Retirement Plan) – The Board reviewed the increase.
Correspondence
Otterman & Allen - Macdonald Family Funds – The 2026 distribution will be $10,395.
Act 250 for Raven Ridge, LLC - The Board reviewed.
FINANCIAL
The Board reviewed and signed Order #2515 in the amounts of $ 174,971.54 for accounts payable and $7,886.82 for payroll.
OTHER
Flag Poles – The Board approved flag poles for
East Topsham Cemetery, Welch Road Cemetery and Waits River Cemetery.
Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom Otterman to adjourn. Passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Janice Emerson
Administrative Assistant