Selectboard

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    DRAFT Selectboard Meeting Minutes – November 18, 2025

    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 social service appropriation policy. The Selectboard has reviewed, and Charles Peel mentioned that there are some areas in the proposed policy that would contradict what is statutorily required. He wants to 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 these changes will not occur before the next Town Meeting, as appropriations for the coming year have already been filed. She also 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. 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 level fund the rest of their budget in the coming year.
    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 the listed road crew rate; 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

    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

    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.  
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    Selectboard Meeting Agenda – November 4, 2025

    Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    November 4, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Additions to the Agenda
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Public Comments
    Approve Minutes from October 21, 2025
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Highway Update
    B. Town Administrator Update
    Action Items
    A. Town Hall Facilities Agreement Draft Follow-Up
    B. Brookfield Service Preventative Maintenance Agreement
    C. Town Administrator Office Hour Change
    D. 2026 Budget Review
    E. Employee Healthcare Coverage
    F. Treasurer/Administrator Rental Lease Agreement
    G. Zoning Administrator Appointment
    H. Approve Orders
    Executive Session if necessary
    Personnel Pursuant To 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)
    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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    Selectboard Meeting Minutes – October 21, 2025

    Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    October 21, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    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)
    Charles Peel (Present)
    TOWN EMPLOYEES 
    Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)
    Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)
    Jen Chase (Town Clerk)
    Tom Swahn (Transfer Station Attendant)

    Gregg Herrin began the meeting by welcoming the new Selectboard member, Charles Peel, to the Selectboard. The board appreciates his willingness to step in to the role on behalf of his community.
    Additions to the Agenda
    -Baseball Batting Cage at Roberts-Gould Field: Lou Marraget AND Tim Carter submitted a request to rebuild a batting cage that was previously used at the Roberts-Gould field. They will be using the old net, suspending it on a cable system supported by four bracketed 6×8 pressure-treated posts. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the request to rebuild the batting cage in the same spot the original was placed; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    -Budget Timeline: Gregg Herrin added a quick review of the budget timeline to the agenda. The Selectboard discussed when items for the budget should be reviewed during meetings to wrap up the budget by the end of the year. No motion made.
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None, though Gregg Herrin disclosed that his wife is on the library board, and will make mention of this during the library budget review in future meetings.
    Public Comments: None
    Approve Minutes from October 7, 2025
    Paul Libby made a motion to approve the minutes from October 7th; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Charles Peel abstained. motion passed.
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Highway Update
    Rick Ackerman let the Selectboard know that the new truck chassis is in at Freightliner. He would like to pick the chassis up and store it at the Town Garage until the body is ready in spring or summer of 2026. He would also like to start looking into prices of new trucks for his six-wheeler. He will reach out to a few companies and get quotes on them. The pickup truck will also need some bodywork, and he will get that scheduled. The Selectboard discussed working on the budget and capital planning to have a better plan for replacing town assets in a timely manner.
    B. Town Administrator Update
    -Chelsea Business Chamber of Commerce: Charles Peel discussed interest from a local business to create a type of Chamber of Commerce for other business owners in Chelsea. While the Selectboard would support this endeavor and would be happy to push out information on it, they were unsure if the Town should have more of a role in the group past that.
    Action Items
    A. Frigid Frost Fighters: Beedle Rd Trail Request
    Rory Allen attended the meeting to get approval from the Selectboard to use Beedle Rd (a class 4 road) as a snowmobile trail. The Selectboard had a few questions regarding the maintenance of the trail, access, and any potential issues with private property. Rory is confident that there will be no issues and has already spoken to property owners for permission. The trail will be maintained by their group. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the use of Beedle Rd for a snowmobile trail; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    B. Solid Waste: Reducing Transfer Station Hours
    The transfer station attendants requested that the Selectboard approve them changing the hours of the transfer station from 8:00 am-3:45 pm to 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. Tom Swahn attended the meeting to answer any questions the Selectboard had about the change. There are very few people who come to the transfer station after 2:00 pm, so reducing the hours of trash drop-off will cut down on unnecessary staffing and Town expense. Tom suggested the new hours begin On December 6th so residents can be properly notified of the change. Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the new hours of 8:00 am to 2:00 pm; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Tom also discussed the possibility of changing the padlock on the transfer station gate, as they’ve been having issues of someone leaving the gate open outside of operating hours. He will look into getting a new padlock and keys.
    C. Chelsea Neighbors Helping Neighbors
    This item was tabled for a future meeting.
    D. Town Hall Facilities Agreement Draft Follow-Up
    Jen Chase discussed changes to the Town Hall rental agreement that should help streamline the process and reduce future issues with rentals. The Selectboard will review the changes more closely and suggest a few edits that could help with clarity. The item will be on the next agenda for final edits and approval.
    E. Liaison Re-assignments
    The Selectboard discussed appointing the vice-chair of the Selectboard, due to Kevin Marshia’s resignation. Curtis Chase volunteered to be the vice-chair. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo moved to nominate Curtis Chase as the vice-chair of the Selectboard; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. The Selectboard also made some minor changes to the liaison assignments in order to redistribute duties with the new member. No motion required.
    F. Approve Orders
    Paul Libby moved to approve the orders; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Charles Peel abstained. Motion passed.
    Executive Session if necessary
    A. Personnel Pursuant To 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)
    Charles Peel made a motion to enter executive session; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 9:30 pm. Paul Libby made a motion to exit executive session; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard exited executive session at 10:51 pm. Gregg Herrin explained that two personnel topics were discussed, but no action was taken.
    Adjournment
    Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard meeting adjourned at 10:51 pm.

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    Selectboard Meeting Agenda – October 21, 2025

    Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    October 21, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Additions to the Agenda
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Public Comments
    Approve Minutes from October 7, 2025
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Highway Update
    B. Town Administrator Update-Chelsea Business Chamber of Commerce
    Action Items
    A. Frigid Frost Fighters: Beedle Rd Trail Request
    B. Solid Waste: Reducing Transfer Station Hours
    C. Chelsea Neighbors Helping Neighbors
    D. Town Hall Facilities Agreement Draft Follow-Up
    E. Liaison Re-assignments
    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, 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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    Selectboard Meeting Minutes – October 7, 2025

    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

    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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    DRAFT Selectboard Meeting Minutes – September 16, 2025

    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.
  • | |

    Selectboard Meeting Agenda – September 16, 2025

    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.