News

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    DRAFT Selectboard Meeting Minutes – October 7, 2025

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Minutes
    October 7, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Link to recorded meeting: https://youtu.be/9UZnwITuFtg
    Call to Order
    Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm.
    SELECTBOARD 
    Gregg Herrin (Present) 
    Curtis Chase (Present)
    Paul Libby (Present) 
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present)
    TOWN EMPLOYEES 
    Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)
    Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer)
    Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)
    Jen Chase (Town Clerk)
    Susan Elder (Lister)
    Additions to the Agenda
    -The Town Administrator had two items that were covered during the Town Administrator update, as they did not require official motions from the Selectboard.
    -Budget Preparation: Gregg Herrin added this item to the agenda to begin the conversation around the budget season, Town Report schedule, and how the Selectboard would like to view the budget in an easily digestible way. The Selectboard and Town employees will begin gathering information on the budget to bring to upcoming Selectboard meetings.
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
    Public Comments
    Rory Allen attended the meeting to discuss using Beedle Rd as a snowmobile trail for the frigid frost fighters club. The Selectboard agreed to put the item on the next agenda, as they believe it should be duly warned to the public before they decide.
    Approve Minutes from September 16, 2025
    Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the minutes from September 16, 2025; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Highway Update
    Rick Ackerman recapped that the paving for Upper Village Rd has been completed. The crew has been working on leaf blowing, hauling sand, and finishing up the Grants in Aid work from Bobbinshop Rd and Baraw Hill Rd. The Selectboard also discussed potential interest in the highway crew position and if the Town would be willing to cover the cost of a CDL license for a new hire.
    B. Town Administrator Update
    -Water Pipe Issue: Tierney Farago alerted the Selectboard to a potential urgent issue with a pipe leak in the water system at the Rte 110 bridge near Brookhaven. Mike Whipple, the water operator, has been attempting to narrow down a leak and is relatively confident that the leak is coming from that area. This leak poses issues as it goes under the riverbed. More information will be shared when the leak has been confirmed, and an action plan has been created. If deemed an emergency, the proper steps will be taken quickly and efficiently to fix the issue and keep the public informed of any potential water cutoffs.
    – Zoning Administrator Vacancy: Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission informed the Town Administrator that the current contracted ZA will be leaving TRORC on October 17th. They will still have someone else filling in the contract position until the ZA contract ends or is amended to continue.
    Action Items
    A. First Branch Middle School Scarecrows for North Common
    The First Branch Middle School reached out to ask if the Town would allow decorated scarecrows to be placed on the North Common for the community. Students will decorate the scarecrows, removing them within a few weeks for the season. The Selectboard saw no issue with the festive decorations and will allow them to install the scarecrows. No motion needed.
    B. Town Housing Study Municipal Grant and EPA Brownfield Grant
    The Selectboard further discussed the possibility of applying for the Housing Study grant (through the Municipal Planning Grant) and the EPA Brownfield grant. Ultimately, it was agreed that the deadline to apply for the housing study grant is too soon to be able to put together a comprehensive application that will fare well for a competitive grant. The Selectboard agree that it would be best to prepare to apply for the grant next year instead, to allow for a fully thought out application and supporting documents. Carrie will be meeting with Peter Gregory of TRORC, and can ask some additional questions regarding the Brownfield grant and if it would be beneficial to the Town. No motion made.
    C. Drafting Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission Questions
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo discussed potential questions regarding grants to bring to her meeting with Peter Gregory of Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission. The Selectboard brainstormed some related questions that Carrie will bring to TRORC, and then report back to the Selectboard with answers. No motion made.
    D. Treasurer/Administrator Office Lease Renewal
    The property owner renting a suite to the Town for the Town Treasurer and Town Administrator’s office submitted a lease agreement for 2026 for a one year term. The Selectboard required additional time to review the lease agreement and approve/sign during the next meeting if there are no further questions. No motion was made.
    E. Charlie Carrier Excavation Contract
    A contract for brush hogging services was presented. The total for the contract was $695, which requires the vendor to sign a service contract with the town. The contract did not require a motion, as it was well under the purchasing threshold for Selectboard approval. The contract was signed by the Selectboard.
     F. Approve Orders
    Paul Libby made a motion to approve the orders; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Executive Session
    A. Executive session to review selectboard candidate applications, pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)(3)
    Paul Libby made a motion to enter executive session to discuss the appointment of a new Selectboard member; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 8:22 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 9:35 pm. Gregg Herrin explained that the Selectboard evaluated four prospective candidates for the vacancy and entertained a motion to appoint the candidate best suited for the role. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to appoint Charles “Chuck” Peel as the new Selectboard member; Curtis Chase 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 meeting adjourned at 9:37 pm.
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    Selectboard Meeting Agenda – October 7, 2025

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    October 7, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Additions to the Agenda
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Public Comments
    Approve Minutes from September 16, 2025
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Highway Update
    B. Town Administrator Update
    Action Items
    A. First Branch Middle School Scarecrows for North Common
    B. Town Housing Study Municipal Grant and EPA Brownfield Grant
    C. Drafting Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission Questions
    D. Treasurer/Administrator Office Lease Renewal
    E. Charlie Carrier Excavation Contract
     F. Approve Orders
    Executive Session
    A. Executive session to review selectboard candidate applications, pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)(3)
    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.
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    Chelsea Town Forest and Parks Commission Monday, October 6th, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. At the Chelsea Public Library

    ByJen Chase

    1. Approve August & September meeting minutes
    2. Additions to the Agenda
    3. Public Comments
    4. Greens Maintenance
    5. Tree Planting and Maintenance Grants
      a. Update
    6. Town Forest
      a. Next walkthrough with UVTA
      b. Hemenway property
    7. Pollinator Garden
      a. Update
    8. Adjourn.
      If you want to attend via Zoom call please email the group at chelsea-forest-parks@googlegroups.com

  • Sewer Main Work (Upper Village Rd): 9/22-9/25

    ByTierney Farago

    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.

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    DRB Notice of Hearing: October 15, 2025

    ByTierney Farago

    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:

    1. Application #ZP25-16 by the Town of Chelsea, for a conditional use permit and variance of Flood Hazard Bylaws to replace a pedestrian bridge formerly located at the Riverside Cemetery, crossing the river to VT Rte 110. Structure will cross the river from parcel 007-009.000 to parcel 110-076.000 (owner Tim Courts).

    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

  • Public Service Announcement: Road Conditions, Dust, and Fire Risk

    ByTierney Farago

    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.

    1. Road Conditions: The unpaved roads are very dusty as a result of the lack of rainfall.  The road crew has been applying chloride to keep the dust levels down, but the reality is that our chloride supply isn’t sufficient to support all the roads during extended periods of low rainfall.  As a result, many of the roads are very dusty which is problematic for everyone who lives nearby.  Dust gets on cars, in houses, and is breathed in by everyone outdoors. In addition to the road crew applying chloride to the worst areas while trying to conserve the remaining chloride (some nearby towns have run out entirely), everyone in town can help keep the dust down by reducing their speed on the unpaved roads.  Slower speeds greatly reduce the amount of dust that becomes airborne and also improves safety and visibility for people behind you, and will also help keep your house and car cleaner.
    2. Water Supplies: We have been hearing reports from around the state of private wells running dry, especially shallow wells that are most susceptible during drought conditions. The best way to make sure your well doesn’t run dry is to reduce water usage as much as possible.  Making sure that toilets and faucet shutoffs work properly and shutting off hoses when not in use can go a long way to reducing water usage.  If you hear your well pump running in the middle of the night when everyone is asleep, that’s a good indicator that you have a leak somewhere.
    3. Fire Danger: With the low rainfall, fine fuels are very dry and will readily ignite when exposed to a source of ignition.  As a result, it’s very easy for a fire to get out of control and spread quickly.  The entire state of Vermont is currently under a “High” predicted fire danger. Although there isn’t currently a statewide outdoor burn ban, please make sure to contact our Fire Warden, John Upham, at 685-2253 before you plan to burn.  In general, it’s best to wait to burn until the drought conditions are removed from the area, which the Climate Prediction Center believes is likely in the coming few months. 
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    DRAFT Selectboard Meeting Minutes – September 16, 2025

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Minutes
    September 16th, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Link to Recorded Meeting: https://youtu.be/mF3UgzsX098
    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.
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    Selectboard Meeting Agenda – September 16, 2025

    ByTierney Farago
    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.