News

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    Selectboard Meeting Agenda – August 19, 2025

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    August 19th, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Additions to the Agenda
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Public Comments
    Approve Minutes from August 5, 2025 and august 7, 2025
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Highway Update
    B. Town Administrator Update
    Action Items
    A. 13 VT Rte 113 Sewer Connection Issue
    B. Community Nurse and First Branch Update
    C. Sealed Bid: Upper Village Rd Paving
    D. Sealed Bid: Bobbinshop and Baraw Culvert Work
    E. Google/Teams Virtual Meeting Options and Discussion
    F. Outline Objectives for Water/Sewer Ordinance
    G. Personnel Policy Review
    H. Approve Orders
    Executive Session If Necessary
    A. Personnel pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)
    Adjournment
    Links to join the Selectboard Meeting:     
    https://meet.google.com/fwf-ayyb-acq
    https://www.youtube.com/@chelseavtselectboardofficial/streams
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    Request for Proposals: Upper Village Rd Paving

    ByTierney Farago

    Town of Chelsea
    Request for Proposals
    Upper Village Rd Paving

    The Town of Chelsea is accepting bids for the levelling and paving overlay of Upper Village Rd. The paving must begin from VT Rte 110 and end at Baraw Hill Rd. The paving will measure approximately 2,200 ft long and 22ft wide. The Town has a preference for 2.0” thick paving, but will consider 1.5”.

    Site Visit
    If a site visit is desired, please reach out to the Road Foreman, Rick Ackerman at 802-685-4302 before the bid due date.  

    Bid Process and Deadline

    Bid packages must be sealed and received by August 18th at 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 Upper Village Rd Paving, the deadline for bid submissions (August 18th, 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

    Bid Opening

    Sealed bids will be opened and selected by the Chelsea Selectboard during the Selectboard meeting at Town Hall (296 Vt Rte 110 Chelsea, VT 05038) on August 19th 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 materials and 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 only to the Town Administrator, Tierney Farago, at town.administrator@chelseavt.us. The Town Administrator will maintain a list of RFP questions and answers posted on the Town’s website once received. Questions will be accepted until 4:00pm on Friday, August 15th, 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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    Request for Proposals: Bobbinshop Rd and Baraw Hill Rd Culvert Work

    ByTierney Farago

    Town of Chelsea
    Request for Proposals
    Bobbinshop Rd and Baraw Hill Rd Culvert Work

    The Town of Chelsea is accepting bids for culvert work on Bobbinshop Rd and Baraw Hill Rd.

    Bobbinshop Rd requires ditching and stone lining for 1066’ from the bridge, and the installation of three (3) 40’x18” culverts. Baraw Hill Rd will require ditching and stone lining of 1650’ and the installation of three (3) 40’x18” culverts.

    Site Visit
    If a site visit is desired, please reach out to the Road Foreman, Rick Ackerman at 802-685-4302 before the bid due date.  

    Bid Process and Deadline

    Bid packages must be sealed and received by August 18th at 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 Bobbinshop and Baraw Hill Culvert Work, the deadline for bid submissions (August 18th, 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

    Bid Opening

    Sealed bids will be opened and selected by the Chelsea Selectboard during the Selectboard meeting at Town Hall (296 Vt Rte 110 Chelsea, VT 05038) on August 19th 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 materials and 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 only to the Town Administrator, Tierney Farago, at town.administrator@chelseavt.us. The Town Administrator will maintain a list of RFP questions and answers posted on the Town’s website once received. Questions will be accepted until 4:00pm on Friday, August 15th, 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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    Special Selectboard Meeting Minutes – August 7, 2025

    ByTierney Farago
    Special Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    August 7th, 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 (Absent) 
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present)
    Kevin Marshia (Absent)
    TOWN EMPLOYEES 
    Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) 
    Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer)
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
    Action Items
    A. Approve CORRECTED 2025 Tax Rate
    Due to an update to the Grand List, the Treasurer needed to adjust the approved tax rate of 0.8148 (approved during the August 5th Selectboard meeting) to 0.8331. Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the updated tax rate of 0.8331; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Adjournment
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:35pm.
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    Selectboard Meeting Minutes – August 5, 2025

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Minutes
    August 5th, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    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)
    Kevin Marshia (Absent)
    TOWN EMPLOYEES 
    Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) 
    Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer)
    Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)
    Frank Keene (Cemetery Commission Chair)
    Additions to the Agenda
    A. MERP Grant Draft Scope of Work: The Town Administrator presented the draft scope of work for the MERP energy related projects as written by CX Associates. One concern was that adding heat pumps would make the wood pellet and oil heating redundant. The Selectboard would like to continue to review the scope of work and ask technical questions if possible.
    B. Pedestrian Bridge: Frank Keene wanted to bring up some issues that he found in the H&H study conducted for the pedestrian bridge. Paul Libby updated the Selectboard that permitting is in place and moving forward. The Town will still have to adhere to the zoning bylaws by going through the Design Review Board process to gain approval once a permit has been issued from ANR. The Town Administrator will check to see if there is a possibility of scheduling the meeting before permitting has been secured.
    C. Opioid Settlement Opt-In: The Town Administrator presented paperwork to opt-in to funds from the national Opioid Settlement, as the Town accepted the funds last year. The Selectboard would like more information on the funds and how they can be used before deciding by the September 30th deadline.
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
    Public Comments
    Gregg Herrin wanted to acknowledge Rick Ackerman and John Tilton, as he got an email from Bob Frenier regarding their great work on ditching and that he greatly appreciated learning from them.
    Approve Minutes from July 15, 2025
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to approve the July 15th meeting minutes; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Highway Update
    The Road Foreman updated the Selectboard that the crew has been grading and fixing recent washouts, and mowing has been wrapped up. Rick will be renting an excavator for $4,000 for a month to work on ditching areas that need repair. Rick will send over scope of work information to the Town Administrator so a bid can be put out for culvert work on Bobbinshop and Baraw Hill for Grants in Aid. She will put it out to bid so the Selectboard can choose a vendor during the next meeting.
    B. Town Administrator Update
    Town Parking Issues: Carrie Caouette-De Lallo brought up a recent issue regarding the parking of vehicles that seem to be in disrepair in the village center. Vehicles in various conditions have been parked for a day or two and then moved elsewhere in the village. This has brought some concerns from the public, so Carrie wanted to discuss it with the Selectboard. The Selectboard will do research into the ordinances of other towns regarding overnight parking to see if that is something that may benefit the Town.
    Dilapidated Housing Ordinances: Carrie Caouette-De Lallo also brought up ordinances and assistance related to houses that may be considered a blight in the village. She had concerns over the safety of residents in case of a collapse of a building or a fire. The Selectboard will also be looking into related ordinances for dilapidated homes, in addition to other possible new and amended ordinances.
    Action Items
    A. Approve 2025 Tax Rate
    Gayle Durkee presented information on the municipal tax rate but has not gotten word back from the fire department regarding their tax rate. The Selectboard can still approve the municipal tax rate without this number. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to approve the municipal tax rate of 0.8148; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    B. Treasurer: CD Investments
    The Treasurer would like to invest some money in CDs while it’s not currently being used. After some discussion with the Selectboard regarding budgeting and availability of other funds in the event of an emergency, they agreed it would be beneficial to invest the funds: $200,000 from the equipment fund, $94,000 from the reappraisal fund, $60,000 from the Roberts-Poor Fund, $25,000 from the Town Hall Renovation fund, and $15,000 from the Record Restoration fund. Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the investments as noted by the Treasurer; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.  
    C. Budget Year to Date Check-In
    This item was tabled for a future meeting to ensure the Selectboard understands all line items in the budget.
    D. Town Hall Facilities and Greens Administrative Draft Policy Updates
    The Town Administrator presented a draft of the Greens and Roberts-Gould Field Request forms, which would no longer require Selectboard approval during an open meeting, but administrative approval by the Town Administrator or Town Clerk. The intent for this draft was to make it easier for the community to access the Greens and Field without needing to wait for the Selectboard to convene. Paul Libby suggested adding a clause that allows for any Selectboard member to approve a request in the event that the Town Administrator and Town Clerk were both unavailable for any reason. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the updated policies as noted; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    The Town Clerk presented a draft of the Town Hall facilities agreement policy that expands on several topics, including the cleaning of the facility. The Selectboard would like to continue discussing the rental agreement, as there are several other items that could be amended to be more transparent and beneficial to the community. No motion made.
    E. Lister’s Grand List Grievance and Corrections Document
    The Listers sent in paperwork for the Selectboard to approve, including their testament that there are no pending appeals or suits to the grand list, and a correction to the grand list.A correction to the utility rate had to be made as directed by the state.  Curtis Chase made a motion to approve and sign the appeals document; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Paul Libby made a motion to approve and sign the corrections to the grand list; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    F. Twin State Basements Project Contract
    The Town Administrator informed the Selectboard that a contract had been drafted for the MERP grant basement project, which can be signed by the Administrator. The Selectboard previously made a motion to accept the proposal, so they agreed to continue with the project. No motion needed.
    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
    A. Personnel pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)
    Paul Libby made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Tierney Farago; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed and the Selectboard entered executive session at 9:38 pm. Curtis Chase 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. Gregg Herrin stated that personnel was discussed, no motions made.
    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 10:20 pm.
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    Selectboard Meeting Agenda – August 5, 2025

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    August 5th, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Additions to the Agenda
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Public Comments
    Approve Minutes from July 15, 2025
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Highway Update
    B. Town Administrator Update
    -Town Parking Issues
    -Dilapidated Housing Ordinances
    Action Items
    A. Approve 2025 Tax Rate
    B. Treasurer: CD Investments
    C. Budget Year to Date Check-In
    D. Town Hall Facilities and Greens Administrative Draft Policy Updates
    E. Lister’s Grand List Grievance and Corrections Document
    F. Twin State Basements Project Contract
     G. Approve Orders
    Executive Session If Necessary
    Personnel pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)
    Adjournment
    Links to join the Selectboard Meeting:     
    https://meet.google.com/fwf-ayyb-acq
    https://www.youtube.com/@chelseavtselectboardofficial/streams
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    DRAFT Selectboard Meeting Minutes – July 15, 2025

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard meeting minutes
    July 15th, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Link to recorded meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9rehZpnHCA
    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 (Present)
    Kevin Marshia (Absent)
    TOWN EMPLOYEES 
    Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) 
    Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer)
    Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)
    Additions to the Agenda
    -Survey for school property: Paul Libby and Curtis Chase believe that the Town should get a proper boundary survey conducted on the school and Roberts-Gould field. They will help the Town Administrator gather information from the school and reach out to surveyor to get an idea of the costs associated with it. This will help determine the Town’s responsibility on the property and establish an official document to file that the Town is currently lacking. They will gather information for the next meeting.
    -Pedestrian bridge ANR permit update: ANR responded to the permit submission for the cemetery pedestrian bridge; the Town may need to switch over to an individual permit to meet standards. This permit would require a 30 day comment period. The Town Administrator is working with Stantec to get an updated H&H memo to submit with this new permit. The Selectboard agreed that this is the best course of action to get ANR approval. Paul Libby will communicate this to Frank Keene since he had already left the meeting.
    -Notice for water/sewer fee increase: Gregg Herrin wanted to have an update on the status of the notifications regarding water and sewer fee increases; Tierney Farago let the Selectboard know the notices were been included with the utility bills sent out on July 9th.
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo disclosed that she is an abutting property owner to the pedestrian bridge.
    Public Comments
    Frank Keene attended the selectboard meeting to notify them of road damage at the Highland Cemetery due to the recent storms. Much of the road has washed out and he suggested getting additional material and possibly ditching to help minimize water damage in the future. He will speak with local contractors to see if anyone would be available to help with smaller equipment, as the Town highway equipment would be too large to fit. He will bring back any quotes for the Town’s consideration.
    Approve Minutes from July 1, 2025
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to approve the July 1st minutes; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Curtis Chase abstained, as he was not present during the meeting. Motion passed.
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Highway Update
    The Highway crew has been working on repairing minor storm damage on several roads including Densmore, Jenkins Brook, Town Farm, and Vershire Center. Roadside mowing has continued while we have the mower. The Town will be working with Two Rivers-Ottaquechee to update the culvert inventory list. Rick is still waiting to hear back from vendors regarding the repaving of Upper Village Rd. Paul Libby will assist in getting quotes back in a timely manner.
    B. Town Administrator Update
    -Community Nurse Status Update: The Town Administrator notified the Selectboard that she is waiting for word back from Jodi Hoyt and First Branch Ambulance on employment contracting. Jodi has been working on a deal with Frist Branch Ambulance to be hired as an employee and then can offer community nurse services through them to help alleviate costs associated with being an independent contractor, which has halted current contract negotiations. The Town will check in with Jodi regularly to ensure forward motion. Another update is expected by the September 2nd meeting, if not sooner.
    -Maple Ave Bridge Project Update: Paul Libby updated the Selectboard on the Maple Ave bridge; Stantec needs further direction on the intent of the Town in regard to having a possible temporary bridge or possibly completing the bridge on an accelerated timeline. The accelerated timeline would have the bridge completed within a week, however, it would require the residents on Maple Ave to be cut off for several days. There are possible solutions including paying for hotel stays or staging emergency equipment on that side of Maple Ave, but this is a discussion requiring additional public feedback. The liaisons and the Town Administrator will work more with Stantec and see if they can attend a Selectboard meeting to help the public better understand the options of the bridge replacement.
    Action Items
    A. Approve 2025 Tax Rate
    This item was tabled until the August 5th meeting date.
    B. Budget Year to Date Check-In
    This item was tabled until the August 5th meeting date.
     C. Approve Orders
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to approve the orders; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Executive Session If Necessary
    Personnel pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Tierney Farago; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed and the Selectboard entered executive session at 8:48 pm. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to exit executive session; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed and the Selectboard exited executive session at 9:23 pm. Gregg Herrin left during the executive session at 9:10 pm. The Selectboard discussed personnel and no action was taken.
    Adjournment
    Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:23 pm.
    Links to join the Selectboard Meeting:     
    https://meet.google.com/fwf-ayyb-acq
    https://www.youtube.com/@chelseavtselectboardofficial/streams
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    DRB Notice of Hearing: August 6, 2025

    ByTierney Farago

    CHELSEA DRB

    NOTICE OF HEARING

    CHELSEA TOWN HALL

    August 6, 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 August 6, 2025 at 6:30 PM to consider the following:

    1. 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)

    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 Agenda – July 15, 2024

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    July 15th, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Additions to the Agenda
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Public Comments
    Approve Minutes from July 1, 2025
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Highway Update
    B. Town Administrator Update
    -Community Nurse Status Update
    -Maple Ave Bridge Project Update
    Action Items
    A. Approve 2025 Tax Rate
    B. Budget Year to Date Check-In
    C. Approve Orders
    Executive Session If Necessary
    A. Personnel pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)
    Adjournment
    Links to join the Selectboard Meeting:     
    https://meet.google.com/fwf-ayyb-acq
    https://www.youtube.com/@chelseavtselectboardofficial/streams