Minutes for Topsham Planning Commission Meeting

Monday, October 6, 2025 @ 6:30 PM

Present: James Clark, Chair, Brad McAvoy, Donna Otterman, Judy Welch and Nick Milburn

Meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM.

Motion was made by Brad McAvoy and seconded by Judy Welch to approve the minutes for the meeting on September 2, 2025.  All approved.

The next meeting will be on Monday, November 3rd at 6:30 PM at the town hall. TRORC will be there to talk about the Regional Future Land Use map for the Town of Topsham. Jim Clark will invite members of the Selectboard to attend.

After a discussion, a motion was made by James Clark and seconded by Donna Otterman to approve the following changes for future meetings:

To rotate the role of secretary.  Each rotation will be for 2 consecutive meetings.  Donna Otterman is on for the months of October and November.

Change the times of the meetings to 6:00 PM and meet every other month starting in January 2026 unless a meeting is necessary in an off month. 

To hold meetings via Zoom beginning in January through April of 2026. In person meetings to resume in May at the town hall. All the above changes were approved.

Discussed the following items:

The proposed Town Energy Plan. Nick will review the plan to outline where adjustments can be made to condense it and still meet the energy goals set by the state.   

The need for the town to be informed of any large-scale commercial development as to when/where it’s happening prior to the permitting state process. The administrative process of how to inform the Town of such development is still under discussion by the PC. One option mentioned was a permit granted by the PC or the Selectboard.   

Having a building permit for residential development/improvements to existing residences to assist the listers in keeping the Grand List property values up to date following the townwide reappraisal.

All items would be brought before the Selectboard for discussion and for approval.

Meeting adjourned 7:24 PM.

Donna Otterman