SEWER WORK NOTICE: Beginning tomorrow (Tuesday, 9/23) a contractor will be flushing the sewer main system along Upper Village Rd to VT Rte 110 until Thursday, 9/25. There should be little to no traffic delays, or any impacts to users in this area. Residents may see the contractor accessing the manhole covers in the area. In the event that you experience any issues, please contact Mike Whipple at the wastewater plant at 802-685-7727.
CHELSEA DRB
NOTICE OF HEARING
CHELSEA TOWN HALL
October 15, 2025
6:30 PM
A public hearing before the Development Review Board (DRB) of the Town of Chelsea, Vermont, will be held in the Town Hall on Wednesday October 15, 2025 at 6:30 PM to consider the following:
Copies of this application and related materials are available for inspection at the office of the Town Clerk in Chelsea, VT.
Participation in this local proceeding is a prerequisite to the right to make any subsequent appeal.
Kyle Hansen, Zoning Administrator
Reminder for Chelsea, VT residents during the current drought:
The Chelsea selectboard is aware of the ongoing drought conditions occurring throughout the state. According to the Climate Prediction Center (CPC), Chelsea is currently in a level D2 “Severe Drought” which eastern portions of Orange County in a level D3 “Extreme Drought”, with less than 2″ of precipitation in the last 2 months. Further, the CPC expects the drought conditions to continue through at least the next few weeks. Therefore, we thought it would be a good idea to send out a reminder to address a few issues that we’ve heard that will help us get through this period with as little stress as possible.
| Selectboard Meeting Minutes |
| September 16th, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall Link to Recorded Meeting: https://youtu.be/MofGvU-lLy4 |
| Call to order |
| Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. SELECTBOARD Gregg Herrin (Present) Curtis Chase (Present) Paul Libby (Present) Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Absent) TOWN EMPLOYEES Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman) Jen Chase (Town Clerk) Susan Elder (Lister) |
| Additions to the Agenda |
| -Crosswalk: Kate McLean contacted the Town Administrator’s office regarding possibly adding sidewalks to the town. There are a few areas that Kate thinks would work well safety-wise for residents and students going to school. Paul Libby and Curtis Chase reached out to VTrans on behalf of the Town to see what that process would look like for installing crosswalks in VTrans right-of-way. They are waiting for a response from VTrans on how they could start this process, as VTrans may need to conduct traffic studies to see if the crosswalk would be warranted. -Basketball Court Refinish Contract: The basketball/pickleball court refinishing has been completed. The contract needed to be officially signed by the Selectboard for services rendered. The project was already previously approve by the Selectboard, so no motion needed. -Highway Row Permit: A ROW permit for 21A Burbank Crossroad was received. The request was for the cleaning and rebuilding of a current existing stone wall, and repair of some drainage issues the property owner has been experiencing. The work does not cross the road, and is only on the west side. The Selectboard reviewed the drawn plans. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the ROW permit; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. -Horseshoe Area Electricity: Paul Libby recently communicated with the Chelsea Men’s Horseshoe League regarding their previous request to hook up electricity to the wastewater plant to bring lighting to the horseshoe area. A concern is the checks and balances of the lighting, and if only some people are allowed to use the lighting in the area. The Selectboard would like more information on their plans and would like for the Recreation Committee to review the request as well. |
| Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None |
| Public Comments |
| John Parker attended the meeting to notify the Selectboard that the Recreation Committee has scheduled times for pickleball now that the court has been successfully finished. They are setting aside the following times for pickleball only: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Pickleball equipment will be kept at Marty Gratz’s house next to the basketball court. A sign-up sheet is available on the Chelsea Rec Committee’s official Facebook page. |
| Approve Minutes from September 2, 2025 |
| Paul Libby made a motion to approve the minutes from September 2, 2025; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. motion passed unanimously. |
| Current Events and Updates |
| A. Highway Update |
| Rick Ackerman updated the Selectboard that the road crew has been grading areas of town, including Bobbinshop Rd. Work will begin on Bobbinshop Rd for culvert repair, and the contractor has been wrapping up the culvert work on Baraw Hill Rd. The Selectboard discussed with him possibly putting up a PSA regarding dust in town due to the drought. The unseasonably dry weather has posed a problem for how much chloride the road crew can use to tamp down the dust and dirt. The Selectboard will work on wording for social media so residents are aware of the road conditions. |
| B. Town Administrator Update |
| -Sewer System Flush: The Town Administrator notified the Selectboard that the water operator, Mike Whipple, will be scheduling a sewer system flush soon after coordinating with Rick. This flush would be from Upper Village Rd to the main line under VT Rte 110 and should not affect users. This flush is for regular maintenance of the lines. |
| Action Items |
| A. MERP Grant Scope of Work Estimates |
| The Selectboard reviewed the estimated pricing of various projects for the MERP Grant, including heat pumps, solar panels, and weather proofing insulation. No motion made. |
| B. TRORC: Town Housing Study Municipal Grant and EPA Brownfield Grant |
| Sarah Wraight from Two Rivers Ottaquechee Regional Commission (TRORC) presented information on two grants that the town could possibly use regarding housing study/feasibility. A Municipal Planning Grant could build out a study based on the town’s needs on housing and economic development. The MPG would require a 10% cash contribution, with a maximum grant award of $30,000. The grant is highly competitive and would need to be applied for by November 3rd if the Selectboard is interested in conducting a housing study, and would need to accept the grant with a special resolution. Sarah mentioned that TRORC has money already available for the second option, which would be a Brownfield grant that would study properties considered a “brownfield”, or land that was exposed to chemicals or hazardous waste. The grant helps entities with the assessment of the sites and what may be a future use for the property, as hazardous waste is an environmental concern. The hope is that the assessment can help spur redevelopment of the site for future economic development and/or new uses. There is no application or match needed, and TRORC already has the money available to begin. The Selectboard agreed to continue to review these options and what may be in the best interest of the town. |
| C. Lambert Excavation Septic Contract |
| A contract for excavation services for replacement of a forced main pipe was signed. No motion needed, as the contract amount was under the threshold for Selectboard approval. |
| D. Approve Orders |
| Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the orders; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. |
| Executive Session If Necessary |
| Curtis Chase made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Tierney Farago; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 8:38 pm. Curtis Chase made a motion to exit executive session; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard exited executive session at 8:57 pm. The Selectboard discussed personnel, and no action was taken. |
| Adjournment |
| Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 8:57 pm. |
| Selectboard Meeting Agenda |
| September 16th, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall |
| Call to Order |
| Additions to the Agenda |
| Conflict of Interest Disclosure |
| Public Comments |
| Approve Minutes from September 2, 2025 |
| Current Events and Updates |
| A. Highway Update |
| B. Town Administrator Update -Sewer System Flush |
| Action Items |
| A. MERP Grant Scope of Work Estimates |
| B. TRORC: Town Housing Study Municipal Grant and EPA Brownfield Grant |
| C. Lambert Excavation Septic Contract |
| D. Approve Orders |
| Executive Session If Necessary |
| Adjournment |
| VIRTUAL OPTION: To join the Selectboard Meeting virtually, pleas request a link to join from the Town Administrator at town.administrator@chelseavt.us, or by calling 802-625-2023. |
CHELSEA DRB
NOTICE OF HEARING
CHELSEA TOWN HALL
October 1, 2025
6:30 PM
A public hearing before the Development Review Board (DRB) of the Town of Chelsea, Vermont, will be held in the Town Hall on Wednesday October 1, 2025 at 6:30 PM to consider the following:
Copies of this application and related materials are available for inspection at the office of the Town Clerk in Chelsea, VT.
Participation in this local proceeding is a prerequisite to the right to make any subsequent appeal.
Kyle Hansen, Zoning Administrator
Tierney Farago, Town Administrator and interim DRB Clerk
| Selectboard Meeting Minutes |
| September 2nd, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall Link to recorded meeting: Part 1 Part 2 |
| 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) Kevin Marshia (Present) TOWN EMPLOYEES Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman) Jen Chase (Town Clerk) Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer) |
| Additions to the Agenda |
| -Contract for Lyon Excavation: a contract for Lyon Excavation was prepared and ready for signatures. No motion was needed, as the proposal for work on Bobbinshop Rd and Baraw Hill Rd was previously approved. -Highway Access Permit (235 Williamstown Rd): a highway access permit for a driveway was received for approval. Kevin Marshia made a motion to approve the permit; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. -Kevin Marshia officially resigned from the Selectboard during this meeting, effective at the adjournment of the meeting. He thanked the Selectboard for all of their hard work and dedication. He expressed that he has enjoyed being a part of the Selectboard for the past few years, but unfortunately must resign to focus on his career and family. The Selectboard thanked him for his service on the board. |
| Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None |
| Public Comments |
| A member of the public, Kristianne Gale, attended to offer her services in case the Town needs an extra hand at the transfer station while Snook recovers from his surgery. The Town Administrator will talk to the current transfer station attendant to see if he needs any additional help. The Town will keep her interest in mind if a temporary replacement is needed. |
| Approve Minutes from August 7, 2025 and August 19, 2025 |
| Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the minutes from August 7, 2025; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed, with Kevin Marshia and Paul Libby abstaining due to their absence. Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the minutes from August 19, 2025; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed, with Carrie Caouette-De Lallo abstaining due to her absence. |
| Current Events and Updates |
| A. Highway Update |
| Rick Ackerman gave a quick update regarding ditching using the rented excavator on Hook Rd. He expects William Lyon to begin working on Bobbinshop Rd and Baraw Hill Rd next week for the Grants in Aid work. The road crew has also been spraying chloride to keep the dust down since it’s been a very dry season. |
| B. Town Administrator Update |
| The Town Administrator informed the Selectboard that work on weatherproofing the Town Hall basement has finally begun. The vendor will begin removing material from the basement for them to start work on a level base. Updates will be given as work progresses. |
| Action Items |
| A. Stantec Project Update and Maple Ave Bridge |
| Tom Knight and John Little from Stantec attended the meeting to discuss several options for the replacement of the Maple Ave bridge. Tom presented the options including two possible temporary bridges, closing Maple Ave temporarily, and using a VAST trail for access to Maple Ave. The pros and cons of each option was also discussed. Frank Keene suggested an alternate route from Maple Ave to Route 110 through several yards that might be a better option. The Town will work with Stantec to continue fleshing out the ideas for alternate routes for the bridge construction. |
| B. TRORC: MERP Project Scope |
| Harry Falconer and Meghan Asbury fromTwo Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission attended the meeting to give an update on the MERP Grant assistance and to adjust the project scope of the grant. Harry presented background information on the grant and why it was applied for in the first place. The Selectboard had a few questions regarding the suggested heat pumps and possibly adding electrical work to the project scope. Harry and Meghan will work with Tierney and Kasey to get estimated costs for each of the projects so the Selectboard can help prioritize projects that make the most impact. |
| C. Community Nurse and First Branch Ambulance |
| Chase Ackerman from First Branch Ambulance attended the meeting to discuss the Community Nurse program. First Branch is completing the last steps with insurance so that the Community Nurse can start work on October 1st. Tierney Farago will work with Chase to iron out the remaining details so Jodi Hoyt can begin working as the community nurse in October. |
| D. Zoning Violation Fees |
| The Town Administrator discussed assigning official zoning violation fees, however, Susan Elder mentioned that a previous Selectboard had already approved something that outlined fees and the violation process. The Town Administrator will look to find those documents and get back to the Selectboard with the information. Susan mentioned that there have been more violations popping up recently, so it would be beneficial to find what has already been established for the zoning violation process. |
| E. Chelsea Housing Study-Municipal Planning Grant |
| Carrie Caouette-De Lallo read out an email from Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission regarding possibly using funds from a Municipal Planning Grant to complete a housing study for the Town. The Selectboard discussed the possible benefits of having a study conducted, but had additional questions regarding the work. The Town Administrator will see if a representative from Two Rivers can attend the next Selectboard meeting and explain the benefits of having a housing study on file for other grants and programs. |
| F. Zoning Admin Contract Addendum |
| The Town Administrator had a new addendum for the zoning administrator contract withTwo Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission to extend services again, as a zoning administrator has not been hired yet. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the zoning administrator contract addendum until October 31, 2025 with Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission; Kevin Marshia seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. |
| G. 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 |
| Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Tierney Farago; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed, however the Selectboard exited session immediately to allow for one last public comment (detailed under “public comments). Paul Libby made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Tierney Farago; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed and the Selectboard officially entered executive session at 9:42 pm. Paul Libby made a motion to exit executive session; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed and the Selectboard exited executive session at 10:19 pm. Personnel was discussed and no action was taken. |
| Adjournment |
| Kevin Marshia made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 10:20 pm. |