MINUTES
TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING
Monday, September 8, 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: Linda Buermeyer, Megan Clark, Jim Clark, Nancy Clark, Donna Otterman, John Hood, James Salinas, Dustin Downing and Leslie Frost
Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.
Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to approve minutes from meeting of August 28, 2025. Passed unanimously.
VISITORS
Jim Clark asked for a breakdown of expenses for the new Town Garage, including the firms that did the work, what the work entailed, how much they were paid, and where the money came from, to be available to all taxpayers.
HIGHWAY
Road Report – Richie Sampson updated the Board on roadwork and equipment. New Garage – Brad Calhoun updated the Board on the building construction progress.
Bond Loan – Jake Thompson updated the Board. All information requested has been given to the bond bank and we are waiting for the money.
Honey Corners Culvert – Brad Calhoun updated the Board on this project. We do not yet have a permit due to an issue with the size of the culvert. The grant will be changed to be used for a culvert on Ben Dexter Road. Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to authorize a payment of $90,000 to be taken from the Highway Fund to pay Camp Precast for the culvert. Passed unanimously.
Items on Time Line Bid Sheet – Janice will get information for the next meeting.
GMP Rate Increase – The Board reviewed.
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.
Town Hall – Megan Clark discussed confining the scope of work to the furnace and insulating duct work. Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to authorize Megan Clark to submit the MERP Historical Review form, with the scope of work reduced to prevent a full historical review.
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.
Animal Control Officer Appointment Documents – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to sign the documents. Passed unanimously.
Use of Town Hall – Motion made by Tom Otterman ans seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to approve use of the Town Hall for the Rummage Sale September 29 to October 15. Passed unanimously.
CORRESPONDENCE
Opioid Settlement – Will be discussed at the next Board meeting.
FINANCIAL
The Board reviewed and signed Order #2516 in the amounts of $24,574.25 for accounts payable and $7,947.54 for payroll.
OTHER
Budget Committee – The Board asked Donna Otterman to ask the individuals who served last year if they are willing to serve for another year. James Salinas is willing to serve if needed.
Annual Review – Reviews will be done in October for all employees.
Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to adjourn. Passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Janice Emerson
Administrative Assistant