Topsham Development News
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2026-06-18 Select Board Meeting
Published: Jun 18, 2026
Topsham Votes to Remove Heating System from Foreside Fields Field House
The Board discussed and voted to proceed with Option 3: removing the oil furnace at the field house located at the Foreside Fields complex. This decision was made due to the furnace being non-compliant with current codes and nearing the end of its lifespan. Option 1, full replacement with code improvements, was estimated at over $25,000 plus annual oil costs of $2,000. Option 2, installing an auxiliary heat pump, was estimated at $20,000 to $30,000 plus monthly running costs of $20-$30. Option 3, removal and winterization, has an estimated cost of $3,500 for winterization, with potential use of heat tape. This option eliminates the $2,000 annual oil cost and allows for future decisions regarding heating. Bathrooms would be unavailable during winter months under this option, but hot water would still be available for ice skaters if needed, as it is supplied by a separate electric tank. The Board favored this option as the most fiscally responsible given the limited use of the building during winter.
Morning Moose Coffee Granted License to Enhance Public Right-of-Way in Topsham
The Board authorized the Town Manager to enter into a license agreement with Morning Moose Coffee for the use of a portion of the Parker Public Way public right-of-way. The coffee shop, located at 11 Pleasant Street, plans to enhance the area with outdoor seating, seeding, and planting flowers. The proposed use includes a section of town property adjacent to their business and an island median between Main Street and their property. The agreement is a temporary easement, requiring Morning Moose to maintain the area, carry liability insurance, and allowing either party to terminate with 60 days' notice. The town may also remove Jersey barriers in the area and potentially install a sidewalk. This initiative is intended to beautify the downtown area and create a more inviting pedestrian experience. The agreement also addresses potential winter snow placement impacting plantings and specifies the use of annuals or perennials.
Topsham Approves Stormwater Management Agreement for Emily Street Subdivision
The Board reviewed and approved an agreement for stormwater management facilities related to the Emily Street Extension Subdivision. The agreement, between Next Generation Developers LLC and the Town of Topsham, requires the applicant to inspect, maintain, and repair the stormwater management facility annually. The applicant must also ensure the system is inspected by a qualified professional and allow town personnel to inspect for compliance. If the lots are sold separately, an association will be formed to maintain the facilities, and the agreement will run with the land. This measure is intended to ensure the ongoing functionality of stormwater facilities and prevent future burdens on the town's public works department, following previous issues with homeowners' associations disbanding and neglecting maintenance. The town attorney reviewed and approved the agreement. The agreement is required for the project to move forward.
Topsham Authorizes Application for SAFER Grant to Boost Fire Department Staffing
The Board considered and approved a motion to apply for the 2025 SAFER grant, which supports adequate fire and emergency response staffing. The Fire Department is requesting permission to apply for this federal grant to address current staffing challenges exacerbated by population growth and increasing call volumes. The grant would fund four full-time career responders to ensure consistent minimum staffing, aiming to improve response times and reduce burnout among existing staff. The department has experienced a 13.6% population increase since 2010 and handles approximately 2,000 calls for service annually, with an average of 6.3 calls per day with a current staffing of four individuals. The grant funding structure requires increasing town cost-sharing over three years. The application emphasizes the critical need for enhanced staffing due to community growth, commuter traffic, increased commercial properties, and the town's role as a regional hub for mutual aid. The application highlights understaffing hours, concurrent incident responses, and the reliance on per diem staff who often prioritize their full-time positions. The proposal aims to meet NFPA 1710 standards and address safety concerns like the 'two in, two out' rule for structural fires. The application is due next week, and the town has already completed most of the necessary documentation.
Topsham Reappoints Key Town Officials for Annual Terms
The Board approved the annual appointments for several key town officials. These included Tom Wister as Coast Officer, Glenn Gordon as Chief of Emergency and Fire Warden Health Officer, Matt Hunter as Road Commissioner, Brian Bachelberg as Warden of Weights and Measures, Kathy Rickers as Tax Collector, Mark Waltz as Treasurer, and Ralph Williams as Town Historian. All incumbents were reappointed to their positions.
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The Topsham News archive
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2026-06-22 Community Center Committee
Energy Committee 2026-06-16
2026 06 11 Planning Board Workshop
2026 06 08 Topsham Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee
2026 06 08 CPIC Meeting
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