Selectboard

​​Selectboard Meeting Agenda​

December 9, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall

​Call to Order​

Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:37 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, Virtual)   Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer)

Additions to the Agenda: None

Conflict of Interest Disclosure

Gregg Herrin disclosed that his spouse is on the library board. Curtis Chase disclosed that his spouse is the Town Clerk.

Public Comments

Tim Courts attended the meeting to ask questions regarding the transfer station budget. The item was discussed in the Budget Review portion of the meeting.

Action Items

A. 2026 Budget Review

The Selectboard continued to review the 2026 budget. The Chelsea Public Library Board reduced their appropriation by $15,000.00 to account for surplus remaining from prior years.  The Selectboard reflected the reduction to $50,000.00 in the draft budget. The transfer station was also discussed, as expenses are still outweighing revenue. The Selectboard considered several different options including a new sticker system for bags, as well as increasing tickets and recycling sticker fees to get closer to breaking even for the department. The board agreed that they would proceed with the budget with the agreement that revenue should support the expense of the Transfer Station and aims to zero out the budget.  The Board acknowledged that this would be a difficult undertaking and would require adjustments throughout the 2026 calendar year to balance the Transfer Station budget. The board then reviewed the overall budget and made some adjustments in several categories based on information from the treasurer. The board will continue to review the proposed budget at the next Selectboard meeting on December 16th.

Executive Session if necessary

-Curtis Chase made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Tierney Farago and Gayle Durkee; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 9:41 pm. Charles Peel made a motion to exit executive session; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard exited executive session at 9:54 pm. Gregg Herrin summarized that the Selectboard discussed a Roberts Poor Fund request presented at the December 2, 2025 meeting, and approved the provided financial specifics unanimously.   -Charles Peel made a motion to enter executive session; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 9:55 pm. Charles Peel made a motion to exit executive session; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard exited executive session at 10:18 pm. Gregg Herrin stated that the Selectboard discussed and approved 2026 salary increases but will confirm with Gayle what taxes are associated to give a final number to be included in the budget. The Selectboard also discussed yearly bonuses for Town employees. Charles Peel made a motion to allocate the previously appropriated 2025 salary increase funds to be used for salary bonuses not to exceed the previously approved amount; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Adjournment​

Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 10:20 pm.

​​Selectboard Meeting Agenda​

December 2, 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, Virtual)  Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer)  Jen Chase (Town Clerk)

Additions to the Agenda: None

Conflict of Interest Disclosure

Gregg Herrin disclosed that his spouse is on the library board. Curtis Chase disclosed that his spouse is the Town Clerk and would recuse himself from any motions regarding the Town Clerk’s office or salary compensation.

Public Comments

-Bob Harrington attended the meeting to request special accommodation to use an ATV on the class 4 road section of Jenkins Brook Rd. He is handicapped and would like touse the road to get to a hunting area that he is currently unable to access using his truck. The Selectboard will work with the Town Administrator to understand any legal requirements and revisit this topic once more information is known.   -Marianne McCann had commentary regarding the wording of the minutes from the previous meeting in which the Selectboard discussed her suggestions for an amendment to the social service appropriations policy. The Selectboard will review the draft minutes and the recording to ensure the minutes accurately reflect the content of the meeting.

Approve Minutes from November 18, 2025

This item was tabled for further review until the next regular Selectboard meeting pending review of Marianne McCann’s concerns.

Current Events and Updates

A. Highway Update

The highway crew was out plowing during the meeting due to heavy snowfall. The Town Administrator informed the Selectboard that the seasonal crew hire was drug tested and should be ready to begin working soon.

B. Town Administrator Update

Tierney Farago outlined the timeline for sending the Town Report to the printer and suggested that we have preliminary drafts of budget reports submitted by December 12th so that we could review them at the next meeting.

Action Items

A. First Branch Ambulance Budget and Community Nurse

Chase Ackerman discussed the community nurse MOU draft with the Selectboard. He will remove the clause citing 10 hours maximum and instead agree to “not exceed $20,000” as previously agreed upon. The Chelsea Health Center will submit $5,000 each quarter to help pay for the community nurse services. The Town of Chelsea will submit its portion, also $5000, of the payment for the community nurse  on the same quarterly schedule as the Health Center. He also mentioned that the contract for First Branch is expiring soon and would bring a new 3 year contract soon. He informed the Selectboard that the pricing will increase from $42 per capita to $47 per capita; this will be reflected in the new contract for services. He also inquired about using Town space to store a new ambulance; the Selectboard will work with Rick Ackerman to find a suitable spot for storage if possible.

B. 2026 Budget Review

The Selectboard discussed various budget related items, including capital improvements, organization for the budget, and the timeline and process for the Town Report. No motions made.

C. Approve Orders

Paul Libby made a motion to approve the orders; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Executive Session If Necessary

A. Roberts-Poor Fund Request

Charles Peel made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Tierney Farago, Gayle Durkee, and the party making the request; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 7:30 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 8:12 pm.

B. Personnel Pursuant To 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)

Paul Libby made a motion to enter executive session; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 8:15 pm. Charles Peel made a motion to exit executive session; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously, and the Selectboard exited executive session at 11:56 pm. The Selectboard discussed employee salary benchmarks and agreed upon bonus allocations, which will fall within the budgeted amount which was within the approved amount from the 2025 budget.

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 11:57 pm.

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 amendment to the social service appropriation policy. The Selectboard has reviewed, and Charles Peel mentioned that the proposed amendment defined social services more narrowly than allowed by statute and that the narrowed definition eliminated the ability to fund the TVT bus and farmer’s market.  He also raised concerns regarding the possibility that the policy could be read as discriminatory on its face.  He noted that groups are already collecting signatures on petitions for presentation at Town Meeting and that any amendment would need to take effect following Town Meeting.  He further noted that the board may be open to creating a global appropriations policy but that it would need to be done with an eye toward historic appropriations and with careful review of statutory authority to avoid conflict and 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 any changes which may be made will occur after the 2026 Town Meeting.  -Marianne McCann 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. In order to use the shop which provided the lower quote, the Town would have to pay to reassemble and tow the truck which would likely negate any savings.  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 fund the rest of their budget in the coming year.  Their appropriation request and overall budget are level funded from 2025.

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 a pay rate within the presently-posted hiring range; 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.

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.

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.