MINUTES 

TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING 

Monday, December 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: Megan Clark, Jim Clark, Nancy Clark, Donna Otterman, James Salinas, Bill Johnson, Becky  Christian, Amelia Evans and via Microsoft Teams Sue Altland 

Meeting called to order at 7:03 pm. 

Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to approve minutes from meeting  of November 24, 2025. Passed unanimously. 

VISITORS 

At the end of the meeting, Sue Altland expressed concerns with and asked questions about open  meeting laws, executive sessions, and level of detail in meeting minutes. She also asked about the new  garage expenses, which are within budget. 

HIGHWAY  

Road Report – Richie Sampson updated the Board on roadwork and equipment.

New Garage – Brad Calhoun updated the Board on the building construction progress.  

GENERAL 

Open Positions  

NEKWMD Alternate  

Auditor. 

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. A $25,000 Regional and Local Impact grant was received from VCF.  

Casella Rate Increase – The Board reviewed.  

Dog Issue – The Animal Control Officer asked for direction regarding a barking dog issue. Jim Bulger  will handle. 

FINANCIAL 

The Board reviewed and signed Order #2521 in the amounts of $60,781.30 for accounts payable and  $17,992.42 for payroll.  

$500 Donation from Dirt Daze – Motion made by Brad Calhoun and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to  put money in the Highway Fund. Passed unanimously. 

Request for Funds 

Northeast Slopes - $1,199 

Safeline - $500 

Orange County Restorative Justice Center - $125 

Visiting Nurse & Hospice of VT & NH - $4,000  

Central Vermont Council on Aging - $500  

Tri-Valley Transit - $850 

Clara Martin Center - $1,652 

The above requests will be included in the Warning for the March 2026 Town Meeting  Little Rivers Health Care - $1500 (Increase of $400) Petition Request Green Up Vermont - $100 – Will be included in 2026 Budget  

Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to adjourn. Passed unanimously.  

 Meeting adjourned at 8:03 pm.  

Respectfully Submitted, 

Janice Emerson 

Administrative Assistant