Chelsea, Vermont, Development Review Board
Meeting Minutes August 6, 2025
Members Present: Johanna Welch (Chair), Charles Peel, Patty Swahn, Ed Kuban
Others Present: Mark Vermette and Brenda Vermette (Property Owners), Barbara Chambers (Abutting Property Owner), Tierney Farago (Interim DRB Secretary, Town Administrator)
Johanna opened the meeting at 6:30 pm. The hearing began with a reading of the notice as posted and published. No conflicts of interest or ex-parte conversations were disclosed. Johanna reviewed the definition of interested parties and explained the hearing process and swore in attendees. The DRB moved directly to the first agenda item.
Application #ZP25-14 by Mark and Brenda Vermette for a waiver of setbacks to reduce the required side setbacks and a variance for building in the flood hazard area to construct an accessory structure. The property is located in the Village District at 264 VT Rte 110 (Parcel #110-034.000).
Mark and Brenda began by explaining that their project will be a 10×16 ft lofted barn with two windows, double doors, with a metal roof. The structure will be to store tires, furniture, toolboxes, and other items. This structure will not have heating or plumbing but Mark mentioned they may run an extension cord to the shed. It will be 14 ft from the edge of the stream, as their small property does not allow for much variation for the setbacks. They mentioned that it would be in front of where they park their cars, next to their deck. They attested that they have not had issues with flooding in the past, as the property sits higher than some other properties.
Barbara Chambers: Asked about what type of structure it would be and where on the property it would be set. Her questions were answered when Mark explained the use of the storage shed.
Johanna Welch made a motion to close the hearing at 6:56pm, Charles Peel seconded the motion and the hearing was closed at 6:56pm.
Deliberation:
At 6:57pm the Board held a deliberative session, which ended at 7:30 pm.
Submitted by,
Tierney Farago, Interim DRB Clerk