MINUTES
TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING
Monday, February 9, 2026
Present: James Bulger, Jake Thompson, Bradford Calhoun and Thomas Otterman (Select Board), Karen Walker (Town Clerk/Treasurer), Richard Sampson (Road Foreman) and via Microsoft Teams Janice Emerson (Administrative Assistant)
Absent: Carl Hildebrandt
Visitors: Megan Clark, John Hood, Donna Otterman, Carol Appleton, James Salinas, Bill Johnson, Becky Christian and via Microsoft Teams Peggy Welch
Meeting called to order at 7:02 pm.
Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom Otterman to approve minutes from meeting of January 26, 2026. Passed unanimously.
HIGHWAY
Road Report – Richie Sampson updated the Board on roadwork and equipment. New Garage – Brad Calhoun updated the Board on this project.
Certificate of Highway Mileage – Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom Otterman to approve and sign. Passed unanimously.
Honey Corners Road Grant – Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom Otterman to sign the request for reimbursement. Passed unanimously.
GENERAL
Open Positions – NEKWMD Alternate
If anyone is interested, please contact the Town Office or a member of the Select Board.
Resignation – Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom Otterman to regretfully accept Pat Plaisted’s resignation as Town Auditor. Passed unanimously.
West Topsham Community Hall – Megan Clark and Tom Otterman updated the Board on this project. Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson for Megan Clark to apply for a grant through the Vermont Arts Council. Passed unanimously.
Use of Town Hall – Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom Otterman to approve use of the Town by Matt Madan on February 21 for a music performance. Passed unanimously.
Tax Mapping Maintenance Contract - Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to sign the contract wot CAI Passed unanimously.
Certificate of No Appeals or Suits Pending against the 2025 Grand List – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to approve and sign. Passed unanimously.
Land Use Property Tax Adjustment – John Hood discussed a property that had a portion taken out of land use and a tax adjustment was made. The state now says a further adjustment was needed, so there is an additional tax owed of $26.96. He asked if the select board would waive it. Motion made by Brad Calhoun and seconded by Tom Otterman to waive the $26.96. Passed by a vote of 3. Jake Thompson abstained.
FINANCIAL
The Board reviewed and signed Order #2603 in the amounts of $52,946.26 for accounts payable and $9,473.17 for payroll.
OTHER
Warning for March 2026 Town Meeting – Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom Otterman to publish the Warning for the March 2026 Annual Town Meeting in the newspaper. Passed unanimously.
Phone System – Karen Walker discussed a new phone system. More information is needed before making a decision.
Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom Otterman to adjourn. Passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 8:08 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Janice Emerson
Administrative Assistant