Selectboard

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

May 6th, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall Link to recorded meeting

Call to Order

Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:42 pm. SELECTBOARD  Gregg Herrin (Present)  Curtis Chase (Present Until 8:30 Pm) Paul Libby (Present)  Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present) Kevin Marshia (Present, Virtual) TOWN EMPLOYEES  Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)  Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer) Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)

Additions to theAgenda: None

Conflict of Interest Disclosure

Carrie Caouette-De Lallo has a conflict for the pedestrian bridge item, as she is an abutting property owner. Gregg Herrin had a conflict for the greens request, as the requestor is his spouse. Both abstain from votes on those items.

Public Comments: None

Approve Minutes from April 15, 2025

Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to approve the April 15th meeting minutes; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Current Events and Updates

A. Highway Update

Rick Ackerman reported that the truck that was in the shop for repairs has been completed. He is currently working with the auto shop to see if there is any possibility to reduce the labor cost, as it was increased from his original discussion with them. The total cost of the repairs was $13,600. He will also be attending a municipal show in Barre on May 6th and will be asking attendees about turnkey truck options.

B. Town Administrator Update: None

C. Water and Sewer Rate Increase Public Discussion

Gregg Herrin presented projections for how the restructured fees for the water and sewer could work. The Selectboard discussed different approaches to the fee increase. The PowerPoint presentation and a spreadsheet for the fees is available at the bottom of these minutes. The fees discussed in the presentation and spreadsheet are not finalized, just possible options for the Selectboard to choose.

Action Items

A. Mowing Bid Opening

Two mowing bids were received for the mowing season. Thresher and Sons Property Care total: $16,700RonJon’s Lawn and Landscape total: $17,600After reviewing the services and consideration for price, services offered, reputation, and past work, Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to accept the proposal from RonJon; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed.

B. Planning Commission Member Reduction

The planning commission has had trouble maintaining a quorum during their recent meetings. A representative from Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission suggested that the commission reduce their members from 7 to 5 to have a better chance of having a quorum. The Selectboard was in agreement, but did request that the Town Administrator verify that this is within the Selectboard’s power. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to reduce the planning commission to 5 members, contingent upon verifying this process with VLCT; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed.

C. ARPA Fund: Ratification of Minutes

Gayle Durkee was recently reporting ARPA funds to the state and was notified that the Selectboard would have to ratify the minutes from September 3, 2024 in order to keep $1,294 that was left over from the security camera project. Carre Caouette-De Lallo read the motion as follows to adhere to all requirements: “Resolved, that the Selectboard does here by ratify and affirm that the decision made by the Selectboard on September 3,2024, regarding the amount of ARPA money obligated to salaries be adjusted by $1294, making the amount obligated to salaries $106,931.55.” Paul made a motion to ratify the minutes as read; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed.

D. Stantec Pedestrian Bridge H&H Study Contract

John Little from Stantec submitted a contract proposal for an H&H study for the cemetery pedestrian bridge. This study is necessary for the permitting for the Agency of Natural Resources. The contract for the study is $5,000. Kevin Marshia made a motion to accept this proposal with the caveat that it must be completed by the end of May; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo abstained. Motion passed.

E. Wastewater Funding Application and Contract

This item was tabled until the May 20th meeting for further review of the report and contract.

F. Zoning Administrator Contract Extension

The interim zoning administrator contract currently in place with Kyle Hansen from Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission expired on May 2nd. An addendum to the contract to extend it to June 27th was submitted. The contract would change from $4,420.00 to $6,466.00 (not to exceed this amount). Paul Libby made a motion to approve this contract addendum; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed.

G. VTrans Letter of Intent to Participate in Grants in Aid (FY26)

A letter of intent to participate in the annual Grants in Aid grant from VTrans was presented to the Selectboard. This letter is required to qualify to participate in the grant program. Tierney Farago would sign the letter with the Selectboard’s permission, as she would be the primary contact for the project. Kevin Marshia made a motion to sign the letter of intent; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed.

H. Carminati Contract: Cemetery Mowing

This item was tabled until the May 20th meeting.

I. Green’s Request: Mother’s Day Plant Sale

A Greens Request was received for the Mother’s Day Plant Sale on May 10th from 8:00 am-12:00 pm. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to approve the Greens Request; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed.

J. Approve Orders

Paul Libby made a motion to approve the orders; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Executive Session If Necessary

Paul Libby made a motion to enter executive session, Inviting Tierney Farago; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. The Selectboard entered executive session at 9:01 pm. Paul Libby made a motion to exit executive session; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. The Eelectboard exited executive session at 9:27 pm. The Selectboard discussed personnel and no action was taken.

Adjournment

Kevin Marshia moved to adjourn the meeting; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 9:27 pm.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

April 15th, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall

I. 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 (Present)

TOWN EMPLOYEES

Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)

Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)

II. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA

Mowing for Town properties was added to the agenda under Town Administrator updates.

III. CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE

Carrie Caouette-De Lallo informed the selectboard that she would abstain from anything to do with the pedestrian bridge due to her relationship with Tim Courts who has been assisting with the work and because she is an abutting neighbor. Paul Libby informed the Selectboard of his volunteer work with the New Creation Fellowship church and would abstain from voting during their request to use the greens.

IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Taylor, the owner of Free Verse Farm Shop, attended the meeting to discuss a break-in at their store that occurred last year. She was concerned about the possibility of more crime and wanted to discuss possible solutions to discourage loitering around the town center. The Selectboard will look into possible solutions and get more public input to help deter any further criminal activity.

V.APPROVE MINUTES FROM APRIL 1, 2025

Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to approve the minutes from April 1st; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed.

VI. CURRENT EVENTS AND UPDATES

A. Highway Update

Rick Ackerman informed the Selectboard that the truck in the shop for repairs is still being worked on currently. Repairs are still to be determined.

B. Town Administrator Update

The Town Administrator asked to confirm if the Selectboard would like to go out to bid for mowing services or have a town employee do the mowing for this year. They discussed and agreed that it would be a better option to contract out for the work, as the mowing was already previously budgeted for 2025. Kevin Marshia made a motion to have the Town Administrator to create an RFP for the normal town owned properties and have it posted as soon as possible; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Separately from the mowing bid, Paul Libby made a motion to request spring cleaning services from Ronald Johnson; Kevin Marshia seconded the motion. Motion passed.

C. Water and Sewer Rate Increase Public Discussion

Gregg Herrin presented a slideshow on the history of water and sewer rates in town. Costs associated with running the water and wastewater facilities have increased in recent years, causing a rise in expenditure that has now eclipsed revenue. The goal of increasing fees is to have our revenues cover expenditures, stop draining the sinking funds that are to cover emergency failures, and ensure residents don’t lose services. Gregg presented options: Option A includes one large increase, with small increases over the coming years. Option B is a series of medium increases over several years. Meter replacement in the near future may also help in determining the average usage of users, as the current meters are aging and no longer accurate. The Selectboard took questions after the presentation. The public in attendance all agreed that medium increases would be more palatable than a large increase that users may not be prepared for. The Selectboard will continue to have discussions regarding these increases and are looking to finalize numbers by June 3rd. A copy of the slideshow presentation is available on this post.

VII. ACTION ITEMS

A. Pedestrian Bridge

The Town Administrator gave an update on the required permits for the cemetery pedestrian bridge. The Town will have to get an H&H study to submit a permit for the Agency of Natural Resources. Additionally, there may be some restrictions on when construction can occur that was previously unknown. Paul Libby offered to help assist the Town Administrator in getting these permits. No motion made.

B. Creamery Rd Drainage Issue

The Town Administrator brought up an issue a resident, Robert Button, has been having at his property on Creamery Rd. There has been a history of flooding from the drainage the comes off the school’s property and drains to the river. The Selectboard would like to look into this issue more and understand the responsibilities of the town, property owner, and the school. No motion made.

C. New Creation Fellowship Easter Egg Hunt Greens Request

A request was submitted for the annual Easter Egg Hunt by New Creation Fellowship. The event will be on April 19th from 9:00 am-11:30 am. Kevin Marshia made a motion to approve the request; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Paul Libby abstained. Motion passed.

D. Chelsea Senior Baseball Roberts Gould Field Request

A request was submitted to use the Roberts-Gould Field for various senior baseball games. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the request; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed.

E. Signature: Forest and Parks Commission Grant Acceptance

Paul Libby made a motion to accept and sign the tree removal and planting grants; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed.

F. Approve Orders

Paul Libby made a motion to approve orders: Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed.

VIII.EXECUTIVE SESSION IF NECESSARY

Paul Libby made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Tierney Farago; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. The Selectboard entered executive session at 8:57 pm. Curtis Chase made a motion to exit executive session; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. The Selectboard exited executive session at 9:14 pm. Personnel was discussed and no action was taken.

IX. ADJOURNMENT

Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed. The meeting ended at 9:15 pm.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

April 1st, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall Library

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 until 8:30 pm) Kevin Marshia (Absent) TOWN EMPLOYEES  Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)  Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)

Additions to the Agenda

Community Nursing: Paul Libby had spoken with a representative for the Health Center regarding expected contribution for the community nurse contract. Tierney Farago stated that the approved budget for the Town’s contribution was up to $20,000. The Town and the Health Center will need to discuss cost sharing further while the draft contract is written, as well as how both parties expect to invoice/be invoiced for those fees. The Town Administrator will follow up with the Health Center while writing the contract for services.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None

Public Comments

Tim Courts attended the meeting to ask questions regarding the water and wastewater system. Some of his questions included how the system is funded and how it is beneficial to users and non-users. The Selectboard will gather answers to his questions so they can be addressed during the April 15th meeting where the fee increase will be discussed in further detail.

Approve Minutes from March 6, 2025 and March 18, 2025

Carre Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to approve the minutes from March 6th and March 18th; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Current Events and Updates

A. Highway Update

Rick Ackerman updated the Selectboard that he received some additional quotes for transmission work for the truck that is in the shop, which would be closer to $10,000 rather than the original $17,000. After some discussion regarding repairing the truck, the Selectboard agreed to have Rick work with the auto shops and have the truck repaired as needed. Paul Libby made a motion to make repairs to the truck not to exceed $18,000; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed. Rick Ackerman and Paul Libby also brought up the new timeline for the new truck that the Selectboard previously approved. The truck was originally expected to be completed by the end of 2025, but the truck is now delayed and expected to be completed by May of 2026. The Selectboard will reassess the selection and see if the truck is necessary before winter 2025.

B. Town Administrator Update

The Town Administrator informed the Selectboard that reimbursements for several FEMA projects have been released to the treasurer. The remaining projects are being reviewed by FEMA.

C. Forest and Parks Commission Grant Announcements

The Town Administrator announced that the Forest and Parks Commission received another grant; the commission now has two grants, one for the removal of trees and one for the planting of replacement trees. The Selectboard greatly appreciates their hard work and is very excited to see the project completed.

Action Items

A. Water and Sewer Rate Increase

The Selectboard reviewed the draft notice of the proposed water/sewer fees that will be included in this quarter’s bills. They agreed to have an informational session regarding the topic of changing fees during the April 15th Selectboard meeting. This item will be advertised to the public to drive resident engagement to determine the final fee increase. No motion required.

B. Transfer Station Construction Trailers

The Selectboard discussed the construction trailer that is usually ordered to the transfer station during spring. Currently, Myers charges the Town $60 dollars for each large item in the trailer like couches, recliners, and mattresses in addition to the normal price charge per ton. The current prices charged at the transfer station for these items do not cover that extra surcharge, causing a deficiency in transfer station funds since the change was implemented last summer. The Selectboard considered increasing the prices charged for those items to at least balance what the Town is being charged for by Myers. The Selectboard gave permission for staff to order the trailer to be delivered. Gregg Herrin made a motion to increase the price for these large items to $65; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed.

C. Jonathan Maier Highway Permit

The Selectboard reviewed additional information regarding Mr. Maier’s right-of-way permit and determined that it is able to be approved. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the right-of-way permit; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed.

D. VTrans Grant Application for Signatures

Signatures for the submission of the 2026 VTrans grant were required from the Selectboard. Rick Ackerman will be submitting a paving grant request for Upper Village Rd. Paul Libby made a motion to sign the grant application once Rick Ackerman completes the paperwork; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed.

E. VTrans East Randolph Rd Grant Agreement

A grant agreement needed to be signed for work that has already been completed for East Randolph Rd. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to allow Tierney Farago to sign the grant agreement; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed.

F. Free Verse Farm Liquor License

The Town Clerk had a pending liquor license renewal for the Free Verse Farm Store. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to approve the renewal of the license; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed.

G. Approve Orders

Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the orders; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Executive Session If Necessary

Paul Libby made a motion to enter executive session for a personnel item, inviting Tierney Farago; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. The Selectboard entered executive session at 8:57 pm. Paul Libby made a motion to exit executive session; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Executive session ended at 9:12 pm. Personnel was discussed and no action was taken.

Adjournment

Curtis Chase made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 9:13 pm.

​​Selectboard Meeting Minutes​

March 18th, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall Library

​Call to order​

Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:34 pm.   SELECTBOARD   Gregg Herrin (Present)   Kevin Marshia (Present, Left at 8:18pm)   Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present)   Paul Libby (Present)  Curtis Chase (Present)  TOWN EMPLOYEES   Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)   Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer)   Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)

Additions to the Agenda

Gayle Durkee asked to add a secondary signer to the Town’s accounts, namely her assistant treasurer Kasey Peterson. This will ensure there is always a secondary check for all of the town’s finances. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to add Kasey Peterson as a secondary signer on the Town’s bank account; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure

Carrie Caouette-De Lallo let the Selectboard know that she is the applicant for the Village Greens request and would be abstaining from a vote. Gregg Herrin also mentioned that he is acquaintances with Mr. Maier, so he would be abstaining from a vote as well.

Public Comments

A public comment was read during the community nursing item.

Approve Minutes from March 6, 2025

The selectboard was unable to review the minutes. This item was tabled until the next meeting.

Current Events and Updates

A. Highway Update

Rick Ackerman updated the Selectboard on a truck that was sent for repairs; the early assessment is that it may need a new transmission, and he was quoted $17,000 for it excluding labor. Rick will reach out for additional quotes to see if that may decrease the estimated price and will bring them to the next Selectboard meeting.

B. Town Administrator Update: None

C. Vacant Town Positions Interest

This guest was not in attendance.

Action Items

A. Susan Elder: Forest and Parks Commission Grant and Forest Management Plan Next Steps

Susan Elder and Kate Willard attended the meeting to discuss how to best notify residents of the grant the Forest and Parks Commission was recently awarded. Tierney will work with Susan to create a press release to post on social media and send to the Herald for publication.  Kate Willard brought up the need to take the next steps to adhere to the adopted Forest Management Plan. The selectboard agreed that it was best to reach out to the Orange County Forester to get on their books for a timber sale, expected to begin in 2027. Kevin Marshia made a motion to work with the Orange County Forester; Carrie Caouettte-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed.

B. Kate McLean: Library Grant Contractors

Kate McLean attended virtually to present the vendor information the library has gathered to move forward with installing an ADA accessible automatic door mechanism at Town Hall. This work is funded by a grant the library received to help upgrade the library to be ADA accessible. A mechanical box will be installed above the current right-hand entrance door at Town Hall, and two wireless buttons will be installed, inside and outside, to access the door. Because this is grant funded, this work would not be at the expense of the town and can be scheduled as soon as the Selectboard approves the work. Kate will notify the Town Administrator when the work can occur so residents can be informed. Kevin Marshia made a motion to approve the automatic doors; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed.

C. Water and Sewer Rate Increase

Gregg Herrin presented some of the price increase options he created based on the need to bring the water/sewer system out of a deficit. After some discussion of the history of the topic, the Selectboard felt that it was necessary to give additional time to notify residents of the coming increase in water and sewer fees, to be determined at a future Selectboard meeting. Inserts will be included in the bills that will go out in April, with the anticipated increase taking effect in the third quarter bills. No motion was made.

D. Community Nurse Request for Proposal

Before beginning, Gregg Herrin asked Tierney Farago to read a public comment regarding this item, as it was received the same day as the meeting. Carol Hall submitted a comment urging the Selectboard to consider all options before hiring a community nurse. The Selectboard considered the input.  The new Selectboard members were updated by Gregg Herrin on some of the history of the proposal for background so they can accurately vote on the topic. The Selectboard agreed to accept the proposal and begin writing an official contract for final signature at an upcoming Selectboard meeting.   Kevin Marshia made a motion to accept the proposal; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed.

E. Chelsea Arts Collective Village Green Request

The Cheslea Arts Collective would like to hold their Chelsea Arts on the Green Festival on August 30th from 10 am-3 pm. There were no previously scheduled conflicts for that day. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the Chelsea Arts on the Green Festival for August 30th from 10 am-3 pm; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo abstained, as she was the applicant. Motion passed.

F. Jonathan Maier Highway Permit

This item was tabled, as the Selectboard had additional questions on the scope of work being performed. No motion was made.

G. Tad Boardman Contract for Excavation Work at Garage

The Selectboard discussed the process of receiving and signing off on contracts for work that has already been done. This is generally done for contracts that were under the purchasing policy threshold and were done in between Selectboard meetings. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the contract for Tad Boardman; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed.

H. Larry Pickett Contract for Hauling Sand

Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to approve the contract for Larry Pickett; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed.

I. Approve Orders

Paul Libby made a motion to approve the orders; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Executive Session If Necessary

Paul Libby mentioned that he had a personnel item for executive session. Gregg Herrin made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Tierney Farago to the conversation; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. The Selectboard entered executive session at 9:39pm. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to exit executive session; Curtis Chases seconded the motion. Executive session was ended at 10:11 pm. Gregg Herrin summarized that the Selectboard discussed personnel and no motions were made.

​Adjournment​

Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 10:12 pm.