.MINUTES
TOPSHAM SELECT BOARD MEETING
Monday, October 27, 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: Megan Clark, Nancy Clark, Bill Johnson, Becky Christian, Donna Otterman, James Salinas, John Hood, Sue and CJ Altland, Carol Appleton and Heidi McNeill
Meeting called to order at 7:01 pm.
Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to approve minutes from meeting of September 22, 2025. Passed unanimously.
VISITORS
Sue and C J Altland discussed concerns about a tree that potentially needs removal on Stryker Road.
HIGHWAY
Road Report – Richie Sampson updated the Board on roadwork and equipment. New Garage – Brad Calhoun updated the Board on the building construction progress. Karen Walker will have the expenses/funding information ready for the next Board meeting.
New Truck Finances – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson for Jim Bulger, Chair, to sign the Lease Agreement papers, except Form 8028G and all IRS forms, for the new truck. Passed unanimously.
Salt - Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to approve and for Jim Bulger, Chair, to sign accepting the bid of $108.75 per ton for 350 tons from Cargill. Passed unanimously.
Honey Corners Culvert Project - Brad Calhoun received an email from Logan Perron, Agency of Transportation, saying the grant for the Honey Corners Road could be used on the Ben Dexter Road. Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Tom Otterman to send a letter requesting the Honey Corners grant be redirected to Ben Dexter Road. Passed unanimously.
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. Motion made by Jake Thompson and seconded by Carl Hildebrandt to go with construction management. Passed unanimously. Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson for Megan Clark to pursue further grants for the Community Hall. Passed unanimously.
Tom Otterman updated the Board on the septic system and the well. Nine construction firms were invited to bid on the project. The deadline for bids is November 24, 2025.
Use of Town Hall – Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to approve use of the Town Hall on November 7, 2025 by Susan Miller for a bridal shower. Passed unanimously.
Trash on Honey Corners Road – No action.
Transfer Station – The Board discussed a growing problem of people using permits from former residents. Dump permits will be checked regularly moving forward. New permits will be issued in the near future.
FINANCIAL
The Board reviewed and signed Order #2518 in the amounts of $1,584,539.32 for accounts payable and $23,576.32 for payroll.
Motion made by Tom Otterman and seconded by Jake Thompson to adjourn. Passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:34 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Janice Emerson
Administrative Assistant