News

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    Selectboard Meeting Agenda – December 16, 2025

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    December 16, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Additions to the Agenda
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Public Comments
    Approve Minutes from November 18, 2025 and December 9, 2025
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Highway Update
    B. Town Administrator Update
    Action Items
    A. 2026 Budget Review
    B. Zoning Bylaw Review
    C. MERP Contracts: Interior Storm Windows, Building Envelope, and Window Repairs
    D. Avery Work Contract
    E. Kingsbury Work Contract
    F. Approve Orders
    Executive Session if necessary
    A. Personnel Pursuant To 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)
    Adjournment
    VIRTUAL OPTION: To join the Selectboard Meeting virtually, please request a link to join from the Town Administrator at town.administrator@chelseavt.us, or by calling 802-625-2023.
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    Special Selectboard Meeting – December 9, 2025

    ByTierney Farago
    Special Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    December 9, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Additions to the Agenda
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Public Comments
    Action Items
    A. 2026 Budget Review
    Executive Session If Necessary
    Adjournment
    VIRTUAL OPTION: To join the Selectboard Meeting virtually, please request a link to join from the Town Administrator at town.administrator@chelseavt.us, or by calling 802-625-2023.
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    DRAFT Selectboard Meeting Minutes – December 2, 2025

    ByTierney Farago
    ​​Selectboard Meeting Agenda​  
    December 2, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall 
     ​Call to Order​ 
    Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:31 pm. 
    SELECTBOARD  
    Gregg Herrin (Present)  
    Curtis Chase (Present) 
    Paul Libby (Present)  
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present) 
    Charles Peel (Present) 
    TOWN EMPLOYEES  
    Tierney Farago (Town Administrator, Virtual) 
    Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer) 
    Jen Chase (Town Clerk) 
    Additions to the Agenda: None 
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure 
    Gregg Herrin disclosed that his spouse is on the library board. Curtis Chase disclosed that his spouse is the Town Clerk and would recuse himself from any motions regarding the Town Clerk’s office or salary compensation.  
     Public Comments 
    -Bob Harrington attended the meeting to request special accommodation to use an ATV on the class 4 road section of Jenkins Brook Rd. He is handicapped and would like touse the road to get to a hunting area that he is currently unable to access using his truck. The Selectboard will work with the Town Administrator to understand any legal requirements and revisit this topic once more information is known.  
    -Marianne McCann had commentary regarding the wording of the minutes from the previous meeting in which the Selectboard discussed her suggestions for an amendment to the social service appropriations policy. The Selectboard will review the draft minutes and the recording to ensure the minutes accurately reflect the content of the meeting.  
     Approve Minutes from November 18, 2025 
    This item was tabled for further review until the next regular Selectboard meeting pending review of Marianne McCann’s concerns. 
    Current Events and Updates 
    A. Highway Update 
    The highway crew was out plowing during the meeting due to heavy snowfall. The Town Administrator informed the Selectboard that the seasonal crew hire was drug tested and should be ready to begin working soon.    
    B. Town Administrator Update 
    Tierney Farago outlined the timeline for sending the Town Report to the printer and suggested that we have preliminary drafts of budget reports submitted by December 12th so that we could review them at the next meeting. 
    Action Items 
    A. First Branch Ambulance Budget and Community Nurse 
    Chase Ackerman discussed the community nurse MOU draft with the Selectboard. He will remove the clause citing 10 hours maximum and instead agree to “not exceed $20,000” as previously agreed upon. The Chelsea Health Center will submit $5,000 each quarter to help pay for the community nurse services. The Town of Chelsea will submit its portion, also $5000, of the payment for the community nurse  on the same quarterly schedule as the Health Center. He also mentioned that the contract for First Branch is expiring soon and would bring a new 3 year contract soon. He informed the Selectboard that the pricing will increase from $42 per capita to $47 per capita; this will be reflected in the new contract for services. He also inquired about using Town space to store a new ambulance; the Selectboard will work with Rick Ackerman to find a suitable spot for storage if possible.  
    B. 2026 Budget Review 
    The Selectboard discussed various budget related items, including capital improvements, organization for the budget, and the timeline and process for the Town Report. No motions made.  
    C. Approve Orders 
    Paul Libby made a motion to approve the orders; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.  
    Executive Session If Necessary 
    A. Roberts-Poor Fund Request 
    Charles Peel made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Tierney Farago, Gayle Durkee, and the party making the request; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 7:30 pm. Paul Libby made a motion to exit executive session; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously, and the Selectboard exited executive session at 8:12 pm. 
    B. Personnel Pursuant To 1 V.S.A. § 313(a) 
    Paul Libby made a motion to enter executive session; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 8:15 pm. Charles Peel made a motion to exit executive session; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously, and the Selectboard exited executive session at 11:56 pm. The Selectboard discussed employee salary benchmarks and agreed upon bonus allocations, which will fall within the budgeted amount which was within the approved amount from the 2025 budget.  
     Adjournment​ 
    Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Carrie Caouette–De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 11:57 pm. 
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    Selectboard Meeting Agenda – December 2, 2025

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    December 2, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Additions to the Agenda
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Public Comments
    Approve Minutes from November 18, 2025
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Highway Update
    B. Town Administrator Update
    Action Items
    A. First Branch Ambulance Budget and Community Nurse
    B. 2026 Budget Review
     C. Approve Orders
    Executive Session If Necessary
    A. Roberts-Poor Fund Request
    B. Personnel Pursuant To 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)
    Adjournment
    VIRTUAL OPTION: To join the Selectboard Meeting virtually, please request a link to join from the Town Administrator at town.administrator@chelseavt.us, or by calling 802-625-2023.

  • Request for Proposals: Auditing Services for 2025

    ByTierney Farago

    REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

    AUDIT SERVICES

    TOWN OF CHELSEA, VERMONT

    The Town of Chelsea will be accepting bids from qualified firms of Certified Public Accountants for auditing services for the 2025 calendar year ending December 31, 2025, which operates on a cash basis.

    The desired delivery/completion date of this project is April 30th, 2025.

    Bid Process and Deadline

    Bid packages must be sealed and received by December 15that 4:00pm at PO Box 266 Chelsea, VT 05038 (ATTN: Selectboard/Town Administrator). Please include the following information in your bid:

    • On the outside of the sealed envelope: PO Box 266, Chelsea VT 05038 (care of the Selectboard/Town Administrator), Town of Chelsea Auditing Services RFP, the deadline for bid submission (December 15th, 4:00 pm)
    • A copy of bond/insurance
    • A cover sheet with the title of the RFP; the bidder’s name, physical address, and all other contact information
    • A total proposed contract amount
    • Technical specifications for the proposed hardware and software

    Bid Opening

    Sealed bids will be opened and selected by the Chelsea Selectboard during the regular Selectboard meeting at Town Hall (296 Vt Rte 110 Chelsea, VT 05038) on December 16th at 6:30 pm. Bids will be judged by the following factors:

    • Price
    • Bidder’s ability to perform within the specified time limits
    • Bidder’s experience and reputation, including past performance for the Town
    • Quality of the services proposed
    • Bidder’s ability to meet all terms and conditions spelled out in this RFP

    Contact Information

    Questions regarding this RFP shall be submitted by email or phone to the Town Treasurer, Gayle Durkee, at chelseatreas@chelseavt.us, 802-685-7801. The Town will maintain a list of RFP questions and answers posted on the Town’s website when received. Questions will be accepted until 12:00pm on December 12th, to ensure all parties have adequate time to review the answers before the proposal submission deadline.

    Disclosure

    The Town of Chelsea is an equal opportunity employer.

    The Selectboard reserves the right at its sole discretion to reject any and all bids, wholly or in part, to waive any informalities or any irregularities therein, to accept any bid even though it may not be the lowest bid, to call for rebids, to negotiate with any bidder, and to make an award which in its sole and absolute judgment will best serve the Town’s interest. The Selectboard reserves the right to investigate the financial condition of any bidder to determine his or her ability to assure service throughout the term of the contract. The Town assumes no responsibility and no liability for costs incurred relevant to the preparation and submission of proposals or any other costs prior to the issuance of a contract.

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    DRAFT Selectboard Meeting Minutes – November 18, 2025

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    November 18, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:31 pm.
    SELECTBOARD 
    Gregg Herrin (Present) 
    Curtis Chase (Present)
    Paul Libby (Present) 
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present)
    Charles Peel (Present)
    TOWN EMPLOYEES 
    Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)
    Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer)
    Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)
    Jen Chase (Town Clerk)
    Additions to the Agenda: None
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Gregg Herrin disclosed that his spouse is on the library board.
    Public Comments
    -Marianne McCann attended the meeting to follow-up on her proposed amendment to the social service appropriation policy. The Selectboard has reviewed, and Charles Peel mentioned that the proposed amendment defined social services more narrowly than allowed by statute and that the narrowed definition eliminated the ability to fund the TVT bus and farmer’s market.  He also raised concerns regarding the possibility that the policy could be read as discriminatory on its face.  He noted that groups are already collecting signatures on petitions for presentation at Town Meeting and that any amendment would need to take effect following Town Meeting.  He further noted that the board may be open to creating a global appropriations policy but that it would need to be done with an eye toward historic appropriations and with careful review of statutory authority to avoid conflict and ensure that the policy adheres to what is legally required of the Town. The Town will continue to review the policy and make edits, though any changes which may be made will occur after the 2026 Town Meeting. 
    -Marianne McCann inquired about the status of the Creamery Road drainage issues; Curtis Chase informed her that the Town was still waiting for a survey to be conducted. 
    -Kate Mclean introduced herself as the new Chelsea correspondent for The Herald. 
    Approve Minutes from November 4, 2025
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to approve the minutes from November 4th; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Highway Update
    Rick Ackerman updated the Selectboard on the status of sand; he is stockpiling as much sand as he can and will likely use some of his gravel funds on sand to ensure the Town has enough to spare for the winter. He also mentioned the quotes he obtained for front end repairs to his truck; they quotes were between $19,000 to $22,000. In order to use the shop which provided the lower quote, the Town would have to pay to reassemble and tow the truck which would likely negate any savings.  Paul Libby made a motion to approve repairs for $22,000; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    B. Town Administrator Update
    The Town Administrator has been in contact with a company called Text My Gov, which provides text-based services to keep residents informed of any Town business. The service can be used to communicate emergencies including weather-related issues, water main breaks, service outages, etc. with the public via text messages. The annual price for the service is estimated to be between $2,000 and $2,500. The Selectboard discussed the benefits and drawbacks of the service and prepared a few questions to ask the representative for further information.
    Action Items
    A. Two Rivers Capital Budgeting   
    Item was tabled, as the Selectboard liaisons would like to discuss capital budgeting with Two Rivers separately and bring the information back to the full Selectboard.
    B. 2026 Budget Review
    The Selectboard reviewed the highway budget while Rick Ackerman was in attendance. Rick and Gayle were able to answer questions on certain line items and explained what those items included. Overall, there was mostly discussion on preparing for capital planning and accounting for the replacement of equipment in the coming years. The Selectboard will continue to review the budget in preparation for the remaining Selectboard meetings for the year.
    C. Library Budget Presentation
    Kate McLean and Nick DeFriez attended the meeting to present an end of year review of the library and their budget for 2026. They shared data on attendance and the events and programs they hosted for the public in the last year. The library will ask for $65,000 in appropriations from the Town overall and will fund the rest of their budget in the coming year.  Their appropriation request and overall budget are level funded from 2025. 
    D. Town Hall Facilities Agreement Draft Follow-Up
    Item was tabled due to time constraints and moved to the next Selectboard meeting. No motion made.
    E. Highway Permit: Kennedy Dr
    Item was tabled, as more information is needed. No motion made.
    F. Signage at Old Town Garage
    Paul Libby had previously talked to Marty Gratz about her concern regarding folks parking near the Old Town Garage and subsequently blocking her driveway. Her suggested course of action was to install signage that discourages drivers from parking in front of the driveway. The Selectboard agreed that this was an easy fix; the Town Administrator will look at possible signs and order them. Rick Ackerman said the road crew can put up the posts for the signs.
    G. Community Nurse MOU
    The Selectboard discussed the drafted memorandum of understanding with First Branch Ambulance for the community nursing services. The Selectboard will finish their final draft of the MOU by the end of the week so it can be sent back to First Branch. No motion made.
     H. Approve Orders
    Paul Libby made a motion to approve the orders; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Executive Session if Necessary
    A. Personnel Pursuant To 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)
    Charles Peel made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Tierney Farago; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 9:55 pm. Charles Peel made a motion to exit executive session; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard exited executive session at 10:04 pm. Personnel was discussed and Charles Peel made a motion to hire Reuben Hook as a temporary seasonal road crew member at a pay rate within the presently-posted hiring range; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.  
    Adjournment
    Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard adjourned the meeting at 10:05 pm.
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    Selectboard Meeting Agenda – November 18, 2025

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    November 18, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Additions to the Agenda
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Public Comments
    Approve Minutes from November 4, 2025
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Highway Update
    B. Town Administrator Update
    Action Items
    A. Two Rivers Capital Budgeting
    B. 2026 Budget Review
    C. Library Budget Presentation
    D. Town Hall Facilities Agreement Draft Follow-Up
    E. Highway Permit: Kennedy Dr
    F. Signage at Old Town Garage
    G. Community Nurse MOU
    H. Approve Orders
    Executive Session If Necessary
    A. Personnel Pursuant To 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)
    Adjournment
    VIRTUAL OPTION: To join the Selectboard Meeting virtually, please request a link to join from the Town Administrator at town.administrator@chelseavt.us, or by calling 802-625-2023.
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    Selectboard Meeting Minutes – November 4, 2025

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Minutes
    November 4, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:31 pm.
    SELECTBOARD 
    Gregg Herrin (Present) 
    Curtis Chase (Present)
    Paul Libby (Present) 
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present after 7:13 pm)
    Charles Peel (Present)
    TOWN EMPLOYEES 
    Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)
    Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer)
    Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)
    Jen Chase (Town Clerk)
    Additions to the Agenda
    Charles Peel had an addition to the agenda to appoint Jen Chase as a member of the DRB. The DRB nominated her to the vacant position on the board. Charles Peel made a motion to appoint Jen Chase to the Design Review Board; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Curtis Chase abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Charles Peel advised that he is a member of the DRB. Curtis Chase advised that he is the spouse of Jen Chase and would be abstaining from the vote to appoint her to the DRB. Gregg Herrin reminded the Selectboard that he is the spouse of a member of the library board as the Selectboard enters into budget season and will review the library’s budget. He will abstain from voting at that time to avoid a conflict of interest.
    Public Comments
    Marianne McCann attended the meeting to present her suggestions for changes to the current social service appropriations policy. She will follow up with the Town Administrator so the Selectboard can review a written version of her additions for consideration.

    Jean Bernier attended the meeting to discuss a beaver dam issue by the Jenkins Brook bridge. The dam has since been destroyed, but beavers are still taking down her trees, and she wanted to know what action she is permitted to take on her own property. Paul Libby mentioned that ANR is aware of the issue and Fish and Game provided a brochure on beaver conflicts. They advised that landowners should contact Fish and Game to verify that they can remove the beavers located on their own property. The Selectboard advised that no action was needed by the Town for residents to trap on their own properties.
    Approve minutes from October 21, 2025
    Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the minutes from October 21, 2025; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Highway Update
    Rick Ackerman reported that the highway department has been hauling sand lately and cutting trees after the recent storms. He has been working with Curtis and Paul on the highway equipment inventory so they can begin working on a capital improvement plan, as well as the annual budget.
    B. Town Administrator Update
    Curtis Chase asked about how the open highway position was advertised and if it was possible to advertise with other publications. The Town Administrator will work on submitting ads to other agencies. The Selectboard will also review the updated job description and further explore the possibility of paying for CDL training or implementing a sign on bonus. To account for this, the Selectboard decided to make a motion to advertise that the town can offer up to $62,000 for salary and possible CDL certification. Paul Libby made the motion; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Action Items
    A. Town Hall Facilities Agreement Draft Follow-Up
    The Selectboard had some additional comments and questions regarding the draft of the new facilities policy. Jen Chase stated that she needs to make some edits and is also waiting to hear if the Town’s insurance for the Town Hall covers residents renting the facility. The item will be on the next agenda for final edits and possible approval. No motion made.
    B. Brookfield Service Preventative Maintenance Agreement
    The Selectboard reviewed options for maintenance services for the generator at the wastewater facility and selected the option for major and minor services for a total of $2600 if paid before November 30th. No motion required.
    C. Town Administrator Office Hour Change
    The Town Administrator proposed new office hours (Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:30pm, previously 8:00am-5:00pm), as not many residents stop by the office after 4:30pm. The Selectboard did not have any objection. No motion required. The Town Administrator will update the hours at the office and online.
    D. 2026 Budget Review
    The Selectboard discussed the overview of the budget preparation process as prepared by Gregg Herrin. He will be importing all department budgets and miscellaneous items in a more easily approachable way via spreadsheet. The other Selectboard members had various questions on the setup of the master file, ways to visually show the data, and how items are imported in. This item was a preliminary review of the budget lines and how the information can best be presented to both the Selectboard and the public. No budget items have been officially approved yet.
    E. Employee Healthcare Coverage
    The Selectboard briefly discussed the options for employee healthcare benefits, as presented via email from the Town Treasurer for MVP and Banner Health. The Selectboard agreed that MVP was a better deal financially and saw no reason to change the coverage. Curtis Chase made a motion to opt for the MVP Platinum Plan; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    F. Treasurer/Administrator Rental Lease Agreement
    The Selectboard reviewed the renewal of the lease agreement for the Town Administrator and Treasurer’s office. They had no further questions about the agreement. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the lease agreement for 2026; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    G. Zoning Administrator Appointment
    The planning commission had nominated a candidate for the zoning administrator position during their last meeting, recommending Kyle Hansen to the Selectboard for appointment. Paul Libby made a motion to appoint Kyle Hansen as the zoning administrator; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
     H. Approve Orders
    Paul Libby made a motion to approve the orders; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Executive Session if necessary
    A. Personnel Pursuant To 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)
    The Selectboard chose to enter two separate executive sessions regarding personnel.

    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Tierney Farago; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed and the Selectboard entered executive session at 9:10pm. Charles Peel made a motion to exit executive session; Curtis Chases seconded the motion. Motion passed and the Selectboard exited executive session at 9:27pm.

    Charles Peel made a motion to enter a second executive session; Curtis Chases seconded the motion. Motion passed and the Selectboard entered executive session at 9:28pm. Charles Peel made a motion to exit executive session; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed and the Selectboard exited executive session at 10:32pm. Gregg Herrin noted that the Selectboard discussed personnel in both sessions, and no motions were made.
    Adjournment
    Paul Libby moved to adjourn the meeting; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 10:33 pm.