MINUTES
TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING
Monday, July 26, 2021
Present: Larry Hart, James Bulger and Thomas Otterman (Select Board), Cynthia Flannigan (Town
Clerk/Treasurer), Guy Welch (Road Foreman) and Janice Emerson via phone (Administrative
Assistant)
Absent: Bradford Calhoun and Carl Hildebrandt
Visitors: Nancy and Jim Clark, Pearl and Peter Keene and Rick Rusin
Meeting called to order at 7:01 pm.
Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Larry Hart to approve minutes from meeting of July 12, 2021. Passed unanimously.
VISITORS
All indicated they were there to listen and observe.
CORONA VIRUS
No new information
HIGHWAY
Road Report – Guy Welch updated the Board on roadwork and equipment.
Garage Site – – It was stated that the purchase of land for the Town Garage remains on hold pending the conclusion of a transaction within the family to be finalized. Questions were raised concerning the removal of solid waste from the structures and the possibility of hazardous waste being found. Select Board will consider a contingency in the purchase and sales agreement regarding this.
Garage Inspection Report – Several firms were contacted to submit a bid on the repairs needed including Tom Flannigan, Bill Phelps, Andy Cochran and Joey Otterman. Joey Otterman Construction was the only firm interested. After meeting with Terry Murphy, Joey submitted a bid of $6,500.00. Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jim Bulger to hire Joey Otterman Construction to make the repairs for $6,500.00. Passed unanimously. Larry Hart will handle.
New Truck – The paperwork is being processed.
Sale of Equipment – One bid was received from Aaron Smith for $300.00. Motion made by Jim Bulger and seconded by Tom Otterman to sell the 1999 F-350 truck to Aaron Smith for $300.00. Passed unanimously.
Pike Hill Bridge – How and when to notify residents of the bridge work was discussed.
Tree Removal – Jim Bulger will contact the State regarding removal of the dead tree near the junction of Kimball Hill Road and Route 25.
GENERAL
Employee Personnel Policy – will be discussed at the next meeting.
Remote Meetings - Will be discussed at the next meeting.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) - Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jim Bulger to ratify the decision to accept the ARPA funds. Passed unanimously.
ATVs – Larry Hart will ask Chris Putney to give an update at the net meeting regarding the alternate route in West Topsham.
Animal Issue -An animal issue was discussed.
CORRESPONDENCE
WEC Permit – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jim Bulger for Larry Hart, Chair, to sign the permit for work on the Ben Dexter Road. Passed unanimously.
Local Housing Survey – Decision made not to complete.
FINANCIAL
The Board reviewed and signed Order #2114 in the amount of $8,676.08 for accounts payable and
$6,408.11 for payroll.
OTHER
Tax Rate – Motion made by Jim Bulger and seconded by Tom Otterman to set the Municipal Tax Rate at $0.7040. Passed unanimously. The Homestead Educational Tax Rate is $1.4791. The Non- Homestead Educational Tax Rate is $1.6005.
Executive Session – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jim Bulger to go into Executive Session to discuss personnel. Passed unanimously. Cindy Flannigan was invited to join the session. Meeting adjourned to Executive Session from 8:21 pm to 8:34 pm. No action.
Meeting adjourned at 8:35 pm.