MINUTES
TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING
Monday, July 28, 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 phone Janice Emerson (Administrative Assistant)
Visitors: Wendell and Tina Downing, Donna Otterman, Dyani Hazlett, Jim Clark and via Microsoft Teams Pat Plaisted
Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.
Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Brad Calhoun to approve minutes from meeting of July 14, 2025. Passed unanimously.
HIGHWAY
Road Report – Richie Sampson updated the Board on roadwork and equipment.
New Garage – Brad Calhoun updated the Board on the building construction progress. Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to put interior framing work out for bids. Passed unanimously.
Bond Loan – The closing date for the bond loan is August 7, 2025.
LHMP (Local Hazard Mitigation Plan) – The update is in progess.
Honey Corners Culvert – Brad Calhoun updated the Board on this project. We are still waiting for the permit. There is discussion regarding the size of the culvert. Brad will contact Bob Townsend to help move this along so work can start on September 1.
Welch Road – Motion mad by Tom Otterman and second by Jake Thompson to lower the speed limit on Welch Road to 25 mph. Passed unanimously.
WEC Permit - Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to approve the request from WEC for a permit to run a line up Ben Dexter Road from Willey Hill Road. Passed unanimously.
Swamp Road Ditching - Two bids were received.
Sidney Smith Trucking - $9,500
Fulford’s Excavation - $13,840
Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to award the job to Fulford’s Excavation. Passed unanimously.
Ricker’s Excavation did not submit a bid due to a full work schedule, but would like to be considered for future projects.
Overweight Permits - Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to approve a permit for McElwain Contracting. Passed unanimously.
GENERAL
Open Position - NEKWMD Alternate and two Planning Commission members. If anyone is interested, please contact the Town Office or a member of the Select Board.
West Topsham Community Hall – Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom Otterman for Jim Bulger, Chair, to sign a letter stating the Town will be pay for all permits and legal costs in connection with putting the septic system on the neighbors property. Passed unanimously.
911 Address on Willey Hill Road – Decision made to leave the two addresses as is for now. Karen Walker will draft a letter to be sent to the two residents involved.
Animal Issue – An animal issue regarding a herd of goats destroying a garden was discussed. The animal owner was fined $600.
Ordinance Regarding Domestic Animals – Jake Thompson will coordinate updating our current Animal Control Ordinance.
CORRESPONDENCE
TRORC Thank Your for Dues – The Board reviewed.
FINANCIAL
The Board reviewed and signed Order #2513 in the amounts of $67,828.34 for accounts payable and $7,719.47 for payroll.
Hood Funds – Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom Otterman to sign the Municipal Account Certificate Form to open an account with Edward Jones. Passed unanimously. Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom Otterman to adjourn. Passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Janice Emerson
Administrative Assistant