MINUTES
TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING
Monday, May 24, 2021
Present: Larry Hart, Carl Hildebrandt, James Bulger, Bradford Calhoun and Thomas Otterman (Select
Board), Cynthia Flannigan (Town Clerk/Treasurer), Guy Welch (Road Foreman) and Janice Emerson
(Administrative Assistant)
Visitors: Nancy and Jim Clark and via Microsoft Teams Pat Plaisted, Bill Phelps, Calvin and Sue
Altman.
Meeting called to order at 7:03 pm.
Motion made by Brad Calhoun and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to approve minutes from meeting of
May 10, 2021. Passed unanimously.
VISITORS
Jim Clark notified the Board he will work with TRORC on behalf of the Planning Commission
regarding the forest corridors.
Pat Plaisted discussed hiring an assistant to help the listers. Larry Hart will meet with the three listers
to discuss in more detail.
CORONA VIRUS
Covid Restrictions - The Town will follow the state guidelines.
Nancy Clark reported that the town of Topsham is third from the bottom in the state for getting
vaccinated. Nancy discussed setting up a vaccine clinic in town at the school parking lot. The Board
agreed. Nancy will proceed. It will be posted on the town website when details are known.
HIGHWAY
Road Report – Guy Welch updated the Board on roadwork and equipment.
Garage Site – Nothing new to report.
Garage Inspection Report – Will be discussed at the next meeting.
Pike Hill Bridge Bids – Bids were received from three firms.
Austin Construction - $159,000.00
Mathews Excavating- $166,430.00
Kirk Fenoff & Son Excavating - $172,000.00
Motion made by Brad Calhoun and seconded by Larry Hart to award the job to Austin Construction.
Passed by a vote of three. Tom Otterman and Jim Bulger abstained. Brad Calhoun will contact the
firm with the Board's decision.
Honey Corners Road Project – Nothing new to report.
Road Reclassification – Motion made by Jim Bulger and seconded by Tom Otterman to reclassify a
portions of Emerson, Crosby and Macdonald Roads. Passed unanimously.
Powder Spring Road Paving Grant – We received a grant for $225,000. Pike Industries and Blaktop
have been contacted for bids.
Downing Road Turnaround – No longer a problem. The vehicle has been moved.
Roadside Mowing and Brush Cutting – Guy Welch will handle.
Sale of Ben Dexter Road Property – Motion made by Jim Bulger and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt not
to sell the Ben Dexter property at this time. Passed by a vote of three. Brad Calhoun was opposed and
Tom Otterman abstained.
GENERAL
Retirement Plan – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Brad Calhoun to join the Vermont
Municipal Employees Retirement System effective July 1, 2021. Passed unanimously.
Tree Removal East Topsham Cemetery – Brad Calhoun will handle.
FINANCIAL
The Board reviewed and signed Order #2110 in the amount of $19,757.54 for accounts payable and
$5,679.62for payroll.
OTHER
Executive Session – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Brad Calhoun to go into
Executive Session to discuss personnel. Passed unanimously. Janice Emerson was asked to join the
session. Meeting adjourned to Executive Session from 8:25 pm to 8:46 pm. A Special Select Board
meeting will be held on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 6:00 pm at the Town Hall to discuss personnel.
Meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm.
DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING YOU WISH TO BRING BEFORE THE SELECTBOARD?