MINUTES
TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING
Monday, September 22, 2025
Present: James Bulger, Jake Thompson, Thomas Otterman and Carl Hildebrandt (Select Board), Karen Walker (Town Clerk/Treasurer) and via Microsoft Teams Janice Emerson (Administrative Assistant)
Absent: Bradford Calhoun and Richard Sampson (Road Foreman)
Visitors: Kristie Wadsworth, Matt Wadsworth, Charlie Williams, Amelia Evans, Nicholas Evans, Megan Clark, Jim Clark, Bill Johnson, Becky Christian, Donna Otterman, James Salinas, Carol Appleton and Heidi McNeill
Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.
Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to approve minutes from meeting of September 8, 2025. Passed unanimously.
VISITORS
Kristie Wadsworth discussed maintenance of Felch Road, a class 4 road, including plowing and access by emergency vehicles. The Board will discuss with Richie Sampson, Road Foreman.
HIGHWAY
Road Report – On behalf of Richie Sampson, Karen Walker updated the Board on roadwork and equipment.
New Garage – On behalf of Brad Calhoun, Karen Walker updated the Board on the building construction progress.
Bond Loan – Jake Thompson updated the Board. All information has been given to the bond bank and we are waiting for the money.
New Truck – Will be ready for pickup tomorrow.
Sale of Truck – Motion made by Carl Hildebrandt and seconded by Tom Otterman to accept offers on the 2008 blue Ford F550 one-ton truck. Passed unanimously. Megan Clark will list on the town website and on the Upper Valley Listserve.
Items on Time Line Bid Sheet – The last three items are reminders. Karen walker will handle the reports.
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 Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom Otterman to authorize Karen Walker to complete and sign the payment processing paperwork for the Animating Infrastructure Design Grant from VT Council of the Arts (w-9 and ACH direct payment info)
Discussion followed. Motion made, seconded and approved to amend the original motion to add authorizing Jim Bulger, Chair, to sign the Grant Agreement. Amended motion passed unanimously.
Tom Otterman updated the Board on the septic system and the well, and went over the site plan. The projects will be put out for bids. Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson for Jim Bulger, Chair, to sign the waste water permit application. Passed unanimously.
Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Jim Bulger to approve use of the Town Credit Card to pay the application fee of $306.25.
Animal Control Ordinance – Will be discussed at the next Board meeting.
CORRESPONDENCE
Opioid Settlement – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to accept the settlement. Passed unanimously.
Building Communities Grant – Megan Clark will review.
FINANCIAL
The Board reviewed and signed Order #2517 in the amounts of $158,346.90 for accounts payable and $8,313.40 for payroll.
OTHER
Budget Committee – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to appoint Donna Otterman, Susan Hood, James Salinas, Janice Emerson and the Select Board as members of the Budget Committee. Passed unanimously.
The Select Board thanks Yvette Tomlinson and Susan Pratt for serving on the Budget Committee.
October 13 Board Meeting – Motion made by Carl Hildebrandt and seconded by Jake Thompson to cancel the Select Board Meeting scheduled for October 13 due to the Holiday. Passed unanimously.
Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to adjourn. Passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:02 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Janice Emerson
Administrative Assistant