News

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    DRB Notice of Hearing: October 1, 2025

    ByTierney Farago

    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:

    1. Application #ZP25-15 by Trudy Amber-Dowlin for a waiver of setbacks to reduce the required side setbacks to construct an accessory structure storage shed (8’ x 12’). The property is located in the Village District at 346 VT Rte 110 (Parcel #110-087.000)

    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

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    Selectboard Meeting Minutes – September 2, 2025

    ByTierney Farago
    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.

  • Chelsea Town Forest and Parks Commission Agenda

    ByJen Chase

    Chelsea Town Forest and Parks Commission
    Monday, September 8th, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
    At the Chelsea Public Library

    1. Approve August meeting minutes
    2. Additions to the Agenda
    3. Public Comments
    4. Tree Planting and Maintenance Grants
      1. Update
    5. Town Forest
      1. Next walkthrough with UVTA
      1. Hemenway property
    6. Pollinator Garden
      1. Update
    7. Adjourn.

    If you want to attend via Zoom call please email the group at
    chelsea-forest-parks@googlegroups.com

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    Notice of Selectboard Vacancy – September 3, 2025

    ByTierney Farago

    TOWN OF CHELSEA, VERMONT

    NOTICE OF VACANCY

    September 3, 2025

    In accordance with 24 V.S.A. § 961(a), the Selectboard of the Town of Chelsea, Vermont hereby gives notice of a vacancy created by resignation in the office of Selectboard, effective September 2, 2025.

    The Selectboard, pursuant to 24 V.S.A. § 963, expects to make an appointment to fill this vacancy with the person appointed serving until a town election is had.  

    CITIZENS’ RIGHT TO PETITION FOR VOTE

    Titles 17 V.S.A. § 2643 and 24 V.S.A. § 963 grant citizens the right to petition for a vote to replace the Selectboard’s appointee at a special Town Meeting.  If a special town meeting is called, the newly elected town officer will remain in office for the balance of the unexpired term.  If a special Town Meeting is not called, the Selectboard’s appointee will remain in office until the next annual Town Meeting.  

    To exercise this right, citizens must present a petition calling for an election for this office signed by five percent of the legal voters of the Town to the Town Clerk prior to the next annual Town Meeting.   

    Additional information pertaining to this notice and its contents may be obtained by contacting the Town Administrator, at 802-625-2023 or town.administrator@chelseavt.us.

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    Selectboard Meeting Agenda – September 2, 2025

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    September 2nd, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Additions to the Agenda
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Public Comments
    Approve Minutes from August 7, 2025 and August 19, 2025
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Highway Update
    B. Town Administrator Update
    Action Items
    A. Stantec Project Update and Maple Ave Bridge
    B. TRORC: MERP Project Scope
    C. Community Nurse and First Branch Ambulance
    D. Zoning Violation Fees
    E. Chelsea Housing Study-Municipal Planning Grant
    F. Zoning Admin Contract Addendum
     G. 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.
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    Chelsea Planning Commission Notice: Aug. 25

    ByTierney Farago

    When: Aug 25, 2025, 6 to 7 PM

    Where: 296 VT Route 110, Chelsea, VT 05038

    Chelsea Planning Commission
    Notice of Public Forum & Meeting
    August 25th, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Chelsea Town Hall

    The Chelsea Planning Commission will hold a Public Forum as part of its Regular Planning Commission Meeting on Monday August 25th, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Chelsea Town Hall, located at 296 VT Route 110, Chelsea, VT 05038.

    The purpose of this Public Forum is to present information about the draft revisions of the Chelsea Zoning Bylaws and hear feedback from residents about those revisions. The Public Forum will begin with a brief overview of the draft revisions, followed by an open discussion.

    The Chelsea Planning Commission is in the process of revising the Town’s Zoning Bylaws to comply with legislative updates and expand opportunities for all types of housing construction, with a particular focus on its village center and other areas deemed suitable for future growth. The draft revision of Chelsea’s Zoning Bylaws is intended to replace the Town’s current Zoning Bylaw in its entirety. The revised bylaws are meant to further the goals of the Chelsea Town Plan and Vermont’s Planning Goals enumerated under 24 V.S.A. § 4302.

    This meeting is open to the public.

    Agenda

    6:00: Call to Order
    6:01: Additions or Deletions to the Meeting Agenda
    6:02: Review and Vote on July 28th Chelsea Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
    6:03: Public to be Heard
    6:05: Public Forum
    7:05: Continue Discussion of Revisions to the Draft Chelsea Bylaws
    8:00: Motion to Adjourn the Meeting

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    Selectboard Meeting Minutes – August 19, 2025

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Minutes
    August 19th, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Link to recorded meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnwXQeRtlJ4
    Call to Order
    Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:33 pm.
    SELECTBOARD 
    Gregg Herrin (Present) 
    Curtis Chase (Present)
    Paul Libby (Present) 
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Absent)
    Kevin Marshia (Present)
    TOWN EMPLOYEES 
    Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) 
    Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)
    Jen Chase (Town Clerk)
    Additions to the Agenda
    Men’s Horseshoe League Electrical: The horseshoe league would like to see if the Selectboard would allow them to run a locked electrical box from the wastewater plant to the ramada by the river so they can have lighting. The electricity would only be used by the league. The Selectboard discussed and will see if the league falls under the recreation committee, and if this is something the Town could offer.
    Employee Compensation Benchmarks: Gregg Herrin mentioned employee benchmarks during open meeting. He has been accumulating data from other towns in an effort to come up with a comprehensive database so the Town can compare salary rates and adjust accordingly. He will reach out to Gayle Durkee to confirm some of the information he currently has.
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
    Public Comments
    Frank Keene attended the meeting to discuss a pedestrian bridge update from Paul Libby. The permit currently being reviewed by ANR has an additional 30 day comment period that was previously unknown. Paul assured Frank that the Town is working to get the final approval so the Town can go to the DRB to get the local permit as well. The Town Administrator will reach out to the DRB to see if it’s possible to tentatively get on their schedule.
    Approve Minutes from August 5, 2025 and August 7, 2025
    Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the minutes from August 5th, 2025; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. The minutes from August 7th will be tabled until the next Selectboard meeting.
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Highway Update
    Rick Ackerman updated the Selectboard that the excavator was rented for the month and the crew has begun ditching as needed. He asked that the Town continue working on advertising for the open road crew position. The Selectboard discussed additional ways to get the word out about the vacancy, including newspaper ads, social media, and other job search websites.
    B. Town Administrator Update: None
    Action Items
    A. 13 VT Rte 113 Sewer Connection Issue
    Charles Peel attended the meeting to discuss a sewer issue he and his family have been experiencing in the last year or two, that has now made it impossible to use their bathroom. He believes the issue was exacerbated when VT Rte 113 was repaved, possibly detaching the sewer connection in the road and sidewalk. Charles has attempted to reach out to the vendor for the paving to see if their insurance will cover this issue, but they have denied him as of now. He is unable to have the sewer line repaired without digging into pavement and sidewalk. The health of their family is a concern, so the Selectboard conversed with Charles and determined that the Town will assist with the cost of repair as it is within the Town’s right-of-way. Kevin Marshia made the following motion: in lieu of an update town sewer ordinance, in this instance the town will take on replacement costs for this project, not to exceed $12,000; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    B. Community Nurse and First Branch Update
    The Town Administrator briefly updated the Selectboard that the community nurse and First Branch have worked out an agreement for the nurse to be an employee under First Branch. Unfortunately, they were not in attendance, so the Administrator will invite them to another meeting to work out payment logistics and scheduling. No motion was made.
    C. Sealed Bid: Upper Village Rd Paving
    Two sealed bids for leveling and paving services of Upper Village Rd were received:
    Pike Industries: 1.5” paving $51,244.00 (460 tons, $111.40 unit price), and 2” paving $67,281.00 (615 tons, $109.40 unit price)
    Blaktop: 1.5” paving $68,901.04 (683 tons, $100.88 unit price) and 2” paving $82,563.38 (857 tons, $96.34 unit price)
    The Selectboard deliberated and consulted with the Road Foreman. Paul Libby made a motion to accept the proposal from Blaktop for 2” shim and overlay on Upper Village Rd; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    D. Sealed Bid: Bobbinshop and Baraw Culvert Work
    One sealed bid was received for culvert work on Bobbinshop Rd and Baraw Hill Rd. The proposal for services was read for Lyon Excavation. The scope of work includes the replacement of 6 culverts in total and 2716 feet of stone lined ditching. The total for the services is $21,600.00. Kevin Marshia made a motion to accept the proposal; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    E. Google/Teams Virtual Meeting Options and Discussion
    Curtis Chase brought up a concern with the increased frequency of “Zoombombing” during municipal meetings, where individuals join virtual meeting options and share inappropriate content during the meeting. He suggested moving forward with virtual Teams meetings instead of livestreaming the Selectboard meetings on YouTube. The meetings will still be recorded and posted, but residents must request a link to the virtual meeting if they want to join and are not present in person. VLCT advised that this still meets Open Meeting Law requirements. The rest of the Selectboard agreed with his concerns and the Town Administrator will work on transitioning the virtual meeting options over to Microsoft Teams. A notice will be posted to the public letting them know if this change. No motion was required.
    F. Outline Objectives for Water/Sewer Ordinance
    The Selectboard discussed the overall goal of transparency and additional detail for the water and sewer ordinance update. The current sewer section of the ordinance does not clearly define the responsibility of the Town and the residents; therefore it must be updated to provide a baseline for sewer-related issues in the village. Gregg Herrin will continue editing and collaborating on the ordinance so a draft can be prepared and eventually go to Town Meeting.
    G. Personnel Policy Review
    Due to a clerical error, the personnel policy introduced on June 20, 2023 was not properly motioned and signed during the meeting. The Town Administrator suggested adopting the current policy and approving as-is for filing purposes. The Selectboard can still amend the policy as needed in the future if they see fit. Paul Libby made a motion to adopt the personnel policy as written; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
     H. Approve Orders
    Paul Libby made a motion to approve orders; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Executive Session If Necessary
    Personnel pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 313(a): Curtis Chase made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Tierney Farago; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. The Selectboard entered executive session at 9:03 pm. Paul Libby made a motion to exit executive session; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. The Selectboard exited executive session at 9:24 pm. Personnel was discussed and no action was taken.
    Adjournment
    Kevin Marshia made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:25 pm.