Minutes

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

Chelsea, Vermont, Development Review Board
Meeting Minutes December 18, 2024
Members Present: Johanna Welch (Chair), Ed Kuban, Charles Peel
Others Present: Josef Cox, Melissa Cox, Cynthia Masterman (by phone),, Mary Ellen Parkman
(ZA)

Johanna opened the meeting at 6:00 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.
Conditional Use Review of Application #ZP24-21 by (Diane) Melissa Cox and Josef Cox to change
the use of an existing accessory structure to a retail shop. This property is located in the Village
District at 282 VT Route 110 (Parcel#010-047.000).

Johanna invited the applicant to review their application and plans. Melissa explained that she had
grow up in Chelsea and they were back part time splitting their time between Chelsea and the Cape.
She has own several retail business and now wants to convert an existing 12’x20’ existing accessory
structure on her property into a retail shop that sells a mix of old and new with a French flair. The
shop would sell an assortment of things including french soaps, lavender, and jewelry.
It is anticipated that the business hours will be 11-4 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The building
already has electricity and there is no plan to add heat. It will be a seasonal business.

Johannas asked about lighting and signage, would there be water or sewer? The plan is to use a
temporary sandwich board to announce the shop and hang a flag. The ZA added that any sign
mounted on the building or a post at the entry would require a Zoning Permit. They may add a light
over the doorway that will be downward facing. There is no plan to add water or sewer.
Cynthia Masterman participated as an interested person via. telephone and stated that she is
concerned that the application mentions 4 parking spaces at the side of the driveway. Her property
borders the driveway and currently the construction workers have recently parked beyond the
driveway on her property.

Melissa and Josef were quick to respond that they understood the concern. They modified their
application to read 2 parking spaces near the building and four parking spaces along Route 110. They
don’t expect more than a couple of cars at a time.
Charles made a motion to close the hearing, Patty seconded the motion and the hearing was
closed at 6:20pm.

Deliberation:
At 6:20 the Board went into deliberation. Based on the application and information as presented,
the DRB unanimously voted to approve application ZP#24-21 provided parking be limited to 2
parking spaces near the store building and on-street parking.

The DRB meeting ended at 6:35 pm.

Submitted by,
Mary Ellen Parkman
DRB Clerk