Selectboard

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    Draft Selectboard Meeting Minutes July 7, 2026

    Present: Gregg Herrin (Selectboard Chair), Carrie Caouette-De Lallo, Curtis Chase, Charles Peel, Paul Libby

    Gayle Durkee (Treasurer) , Jen Chase(Town Clerk), Kasey Peterson (Interim Administrator), Ed Coburn (Fire Chief), Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman), Ashley Grote (Recreation Committee), Errol Hinton, Chintana Herrin, Bobby Button, Anne Carroll, Terry MacNeish, Kyle Hansen (Zoning Administrator)

    Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:30pm

    Additions to the Agenda  – none

    Conflict of Interest Disclosure  – none

    Public Comments – none

    Fire on North Common and Flea Market Location

    ChelseaFire Chief Ed Coburn was present to discuss the recent fire on the N. Common. The ‘Beehive House’ is not salvageable and the owner of that house is responsible for any demolition and/or restoration. The Chelsea Fire Department is not responsible for any action at Ms. Snyder’s house and the process for the Town to be able to take action is a long one. According to Mr. Coburn, the property must go through probate first, which could take years. Ms. Snyder’s daughter has been unresponsive to attempts to make contact. There may be funds available from the State to help offset the cost of cleaning up the site.
    Carrie Caouette De-Lallo thanked the FD for their rapid response and noted that the situation could have been much worse. Chief Coburn said that according to the camera on the side of the Town hall building it appears that the fire started just before 2:30 in the morning probably from a cigarette butt. The Fire Department was at the site 45 minutes later and managed to get the situation under control.
    Gregg Herrin remarked that the job of the Selectboard is to identify risks to the public health and safety that would require the Board to take action or where the Board could take action without overstepping the bounds of law and liability.
    Chief Coburn suggested reaching out to the State Fire Marshall. He also noted that the Vermont State Police suggested the tape stay there for the time being.
    Gregg Herrin further commented that should the time come that the Town would need to take action that would cost taxpayer money, there would need to be a plan in place for reimbursement through insurance, a grant, or other means.
    There was discussion regarding how to contact one of Ms. Snyder’s daughters.
    Paul Libby has safety concerns for the thousands of people that will be walking by on Flea Market Day and he is unclear of what steps might be taken due to the location of the building. Chief Coburn clarified that Ms. Snyder’s home is structurally sound and that he has no concerns that it may collapse, only that people may be hurt by going inside.
    Gregg Herrin asked about the Farmer’s Market. Carrie Caouette De-Lallo reported that for the last two weeks the Farmer’s market was moved to the S. Common. Charles Peel was kind enough to donate his office Internet access for the vendors, but electricity had still been an issue. The Farmer’s Market will be held on the N. Common this coming Friday.
    The process for dealing with an unsafe building is that the Health Officer gives notice that it is unsafe, sets an amount of time to make it safe and from there the Board can start the process that will eventually lead to demolition. Gregg Herrin is the de facto Health Officer and he will begin that process.
    The discussion then moved to the subject of the Chelsea Flea Market and the idea of moving the Market, or part of it. Errol Hinton said moving the market would be extememly challenging even if they had 6 months to do it and enumerated the many difficulties of changing things as they now stand. There has only been one vendor that has expressed any concern. Mr. Hinton has a plan to ‘pull things in a bit’ at that corner and he has a few extra volunteers to help keep an eye on it. Mr. Hinton clarified in his remarks that no member of the Selectboard had ordered the flea market to relocate but that the offer was made to find space if the flea market wanted to relocate as a result of the fire.
    Carrie Caouette De-Lallo asked Tim Carter about the difficulties of moving. Tim said that moving the market would negatively impact the fundraising for the church, the library, and the Roberts-Gould field parking.  
    Charles Peel was the origin of the idea that IF the Market Committee, or any other organization hosting events on the North Common, felt the need to relocate an event, the Selectboard would be open to brainstorming a different green space.
    Gregg Herrin summarized the discussion by stating that there had been a fair evaluation of the feasibility of moving the Market and it has been established that it is not feasible.  The remaining question is what can be done to reduce risk at the site. A suggestion was made to put up no trespassing signs, but that cannot be done without permission from the property owner. Charles Peel wished to be clear that the house is private property and is not a liability of the Town. If the Board starts taking steps – putting up signs or barriers – and someone does get hurt there is a reasonable path to argue that the Town acknowledged the problem and did not take suitable steps to stop it. Further, if the Board decides to put up a barrier of some sort he has concerns about government fencing people out of private property and the implications on that front. It is possible that the site will eventually become a Town problem but until then the liability does not belong to the Town.
    Paul Libby said he understands Chuck’s point of view but feels it is reckless of the Board to not do something; there is a lot of risk in not protecting people from themselves.
    There was further discussion regarding fences or barriers installed by entities other than the Town. Gregg Herrin made it clear that the Town cannot and does not endorse any group or individual taking any action at the site and reiterated that anyone doing that would then be taking on the liability.
    Gregg Herrin thanked Chief Coburn and the Chelsea Fire Dept for their rapid response.
    No action was taken by the Board at this time.
     Changes to Fire Prevention StatuteKasey Peterson presented the letter from the State outlining the changes to the Fire Prevention Statute and noted that the only action that needed to be taken was to recognize that the Fire Chief is now also the Town Fire Warden. Chief Coburn expressed his frustration that the State had provided no warning, and no training for those local Fire Chiefs who have now been given the role of Fire Warden and has not explained to local fire departments what the changes mean on a day to day basis. Chief Coburn now has jurisdiction over burn permits and is to ensure that all that is being burned in a pile is strictly brush and other organic, untreated wood. The State also provided a definition of a campfire, which is exempt from a burn permit, as a fire that is three feet or less in diameter within a fire pit. The new statute removes the liability from the Town and places it on the Fire Department. No action was taken by the Board at this time.

    Creamery Property
    Curtis Chase
    began the conversation by explaining that the Town has a surveyor doing title and deed research to establish the ownership of the field and school properties. Curtis Chase and Paul Libby will be meeting with the surveyor next week. There are a large number of individual properties in that area and so far the surveyor has been able to clearly establish the ownership and definitive boundaries of less than half of them.
    Mr. Button commented that the school owns half and the Town owns half. He wants to know if the Town can add a culvert and a manhole to eliminate several problems at once.  Curtis Chase reiterated that before the Town can contemplate its obligation to fund the work, the Town needs to establish who owns what parts of the affected parcels. If the school owns the property, the Town does not have the ability to do the work without permission and is unlikely to have any obligation to contribute financially.  
    Mr Button commented that he has been trying to get this project done for 10 years. And he acknowledged that clean fresh water crossed the greasy floor in his building and into the river and he didn’t believe that’s something the State would want.
    Paul Libby commented that there is nothing stopping Mr. Button from replacing the structure on his own property.
    Mr. Button asked if the Board would like to get the State involved. To which Paul Libby responded that the Town doesn’t own that piece of property.
    Mr. Button left the meeting.
    There was further discussion of the property line issues in that area that need to be addressed regardless of the culvert conversation.
    No action was taken.

    Paul Libby made a motion to approve the minutes from the June 16, 2026 meeting. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded. No further discussion. 5-0-0

    Transfer Station
    Terry MacNeish was present to start the conversation about the transfer station and how to improve not only the financial impact on the Town but also the environmental impact on the State. Tipping fees in Vermont are among the highest in the nation and is one reason so the transfer  station runs in arears. The challenge is to strike a balance between the cost to the taxpayers to run the station and attempts to redirect some of the waste vs. pricing that is high enough to result in illegal dumping on roads and trails. The discussion turned to the concept of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Education is a key factor in waste reduction.
    The Board thanked Mr. MacNeish for his efforts. No action was taken at this time.

    Highway 
    Paul Libby asked who is in charge of writing RFPs for highway projects in an effort to get the guardrail replacement grant and FY27 Upper Village Road Paving grant underway. Rick Ackerman explained that he and Kasey Peterson generally handle those grants together. Paul Libby asked to see those RFPs before they are posted and will reach out to Rita Seto at Two-Rivers Ottauqueeche Regional Commission for more information on the guardrail grant. No action was taken by the Board at this time.

    Purchase of the Viking 10-Wheeler
    Paul Libby clarified the difference between the two trucks the Town is currently purchasing. The first truck being the 2025 Freightliner, currently in the Town Garage, which does not have a plow package on it. Viking has told Rick Ackerman that they will have the plow package ready in January 2027. Viking has been extending that timeline for two years now.  

    There is a company in Bangor, Maine for Allied that will provide an MG plow package this fall for twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) more than the quote from Viking.

    The other truck that the Town ordered, which includes a plow package, is coming in November. This truck will be a Freightliner provided by Tenco.  
    There was a discussion of the pros and cons of buying a truck in Bangor, Maine and how that would affect any major repairs that might be needed vs. the need to have a truck for this coming fall and winter.

    Paul Libby made a motion to have Allied in Bangor, Maine install the plow package on the ten-wheeler for up to thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) more than the Viking plow package or up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000) more to Viking to hold our Sept/Oct 2026 date. Carrie Caouette De-Lallo seconded. No further discussion. 5-0-0.

    Maple Ave – Ancient Road/Unidentified corridor – Charles Peel reported that Randy Brown had reached out to him regarding the existence of an ‘unidentified corridor’ one hundred and twenty feet past the end of the pavement on Maple Avenue. When the road was purportedly discontinued in 2015 the affected area was not deeded to a specific property owner. The area in question totals no more than .1 -.15 of an acre. Mr. Brown is concerned about future legal issues with the sale or transfer of the affected properties. There was a general discussion over the Selectboard’s role or responsibility in the matter. Curtis Chase and Charles Peel agreed to coordinate a walkthrough of the area in question.  No Action was taken.


    Treasurer Update 
    Gayle Durkee
    reported that she is currently working on the tax rate.
    Tractor Purchase

    Curtis Chase made a Motion to approve obtaining financing through the Vermont Municipal Equipment and Vehicle Loan Fund, in the principal amount of one hundred one thousand, nine hundred twenty five dollars ($101,925.00) with interest on the unpaid balance at the rate of two percent (2%) per annum payable in five (5) annual installments, in connection with the Town’s purchase of a Kubota M6-101DTC-F four-wheel-drive tractor, which purchase the Town has previously approved; to approve the Promissory Note and Security Agreement and any related documents in substantially the form presented at this meeting; and to authorize the Town Treasurer, or, in the Treasurer’s absence, the Chair of the Selectboard, to execute all documents necessary to complete the transaction. Charles Peel seconded? No further discussion. 5-0-0


    Administrator Update – none

    Municipal Energy Resilience Plan
    Kasey Peterson presented the particulars of the storm window project. Window Dressers has not been paid anything by the Town, they did not sign a contract and have no intention to do so. The windows are inserts that go on the inside of the building and will prevent the use of the windows. These inserts will most likely end up either being removed in the spring, stored in the basement and never reinstalled or permanently installed and not removed.
    Curtis Chase opened a discussion of revisiting the window project with a new RFP. Kasey Peterson explained that she is working with Charles Peel to reach out to the State and get a clearer picture of projects and extensions now that the Two-Rivers Regional Commission has terminated their contract with the Town.   

    Charles Peel made a motion to approve the 2026 Local Emergency Management Plan. Carrie Caouette De-Lallo seconded. No further discussion. 5-0-0

    Carrie Caouette De-Lallo made a motion to approve the addendum to replace the fans in the Town hall. Curtis Chase seconded. No further discussion. 5-0-0  

    Paul Libby made a motion to approve the warrants. Curtis Chase seconded. No further discussion. 5-0-0

    Paul Libby made a motion to enter executive session inviting Kyle Hansen. Curtis Chase seconded. No further discussion. 5-0-0

    Executive session began at 8:34.

    Paul Libby made a motion exit executive session inviting Kyle Hansen. Curtis Chase seconded. No further discussion. 5-0-0

    Executive session ended at 9:20.

     During the executive session personnel topics were discussed with Zoning Administrator Kyle Hansen. No motions were made or actions taken.

    Curtis Chase made a motion to adjourn. Charles Peel seconded. No further discussion. 5-0-0

    The meeting adjourned at 9:21

    Respectfully Submitted,
    Kasey Peterson 

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    Selectboard Meeting Agenda – July 7, 2026

    6:30 PM Chelsea Town Hall

    Call meeting to order  

    Additions to the Agenda  

    Conflict of Interest Disclosure   

    Public Comments  

    Discussion of the recent fire on the North Common 
    Flea Market Status 

    Changes to the Fire Prevention Statute 

    Approve Minutes  

    Bobby Button to discuss the Creamery Property  

    Terry MacNeish to Discuss Transfer Station  

    Highway 
    Guardrail replacement grant and RFP 
    Upper Village Rd paving RFP 
    Maple St – Ancient Road/Unidentified corridor
    Purchase of the Viking 10-Wheeler

    Treasurer Update 
    Tractor Purchase 

    Administrator Update 

    Municipal Energy Resilience Plan – Storm Window Contract for Town Hall 

    Approve the Local Emergency Management Plan  

    Approve Addendum for Electrical Work in the Town Hall      

    Approve Warrants 

    Executive Session – Performance Review for Zoning Administrator Kyle Hansen 

    Adjournment 

    To Join Remotely 
    https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/28739637227955?p=rwcFvSil6f7mEJzfNc 

    Meeting ID: 287 396 372 279 55                       Passcode: kW6ob2BB

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    Selectboard Meeting Minutes – June 16, 2026

    DRAFT – Selectboard Meeting Minutes  June 16, 2026  
     
    Gregg Herrin 
    Charles Peel 
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo  
    Paul Libby 
    Curtis Chase 

    Gayle Durkee 
    Bernard ‘Snook’ Downing 
    Rick Ackerman 
    Chintana Herrin 
    Kasey Peterson 
    Linda Ingold 
    Bill Neukomm 
     
    Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:32 PM    

    Additions to the Agenda  
    Reaffirm the approval of the Windsor County Sherriff’s Contract  

    Conflict of Interest Disclosure  – none 

    Public Comments  – none 

    Water Board   
    Charles Peel presented the proposal by Mike Whipple to add a 4-inch pipe to the connection at 354 Vt Rte 110 line to support fire safety sprinklers. Charles Peel made a motion to approve water/sewer allocation 2026-002 for 354 Vt Rte 110. Carrie Caouette De-Lallo seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. 5-0-0.  

    Transfer Station    
    Transfer Station Attendant – Carrie Caouette-De Lallo and Snook Downing reported that had interviewed Jacob Brooke. Both parties felt that he would be a good fit as he has worked at the Chelsea Transfer Station in the past, is familiar with the system, and can start right away. Paul Libby asked how many applicants were interviewed. Carrie Caouette De-Lallo reported that two candidates were interviewed. Carrie Caouette De-Lallo made a motion to hire Jacob Brooke for the part time position at the transfer station at the published rate of eighteen dollars ($18) per hour. Curtis Chase seconded. There was no further discussion, 5-0-0 
    Removal of the waste oil tank– There was a discussion of the cost effectiveness of the oil tank, safety concerns, and the risk of contamination by brake fluid or antifreeze. There is a costly penalty for contamination. Gregg Herrin reviewed the last discussion and noted that there is no hurry to go back to collecting waste oil at the Chelsea Transfer Station. Snook Downing was concerned about people using the tank without permission and suggested a plan to secure that tank until it can be removed. WRC and Frank Keene both use uncontaminated waste oil as winter fuel. Waylan Childs is open to letting people bring uncontaminated motor oil to WRC during business hours. There was further discussion of redirecting people to other appropriate waste facilities such as the Eco-Depot.  
    Paul Libby asked about further discussion of the transfer station fee and procedures. Terry MacNeish will be present at the 2 July meeting for the initial conversation. This will lead to a more focused series of conversations over the summer, so any changes can be in place before next winter.  

    Paul Libby made a motion to approve the meeting minutes from the June 2, 2026 meeting. Curtis Chase seconded. There was no further discussion. 5-0-0.  

    Sgt. Austin Soule from the Royalton State Police Barracks was not present.  

    Adopt the Local Emergency Management Plan - this document is not ready for approval at this time. Kasey Peterson will work with Tracy Simon and Charles Peel to fill in the blanks and present it at the 2 July meeting.  

    250th Independence Day Flag for the Moxley Bridge – Kasey Peterson reported that Jen Chase received a flag for the Moxley Bridge for the 250th Independence Day. It is a ‘Betsy Ross’ style flag with thirteen stars in a circle. This item was added to the agenda because it was unclear if this was an item that needed a motion. Charles Peel made a motion to hang the flag on the Moxley bridge. Curtis Chase seconded. The Board asked Rick Ackerman to hang the flag on the Rte 110 side of the bridge. 5-0-0   

    Chuck Peel made motion to approve the liquor license for Will’s Store. Paul Libby seconded. There was no further discussion. 5-0-0 

    Chuck Peel made motion to approve the tabacco license for Will’s Store. Curtis Chase seconded. There was no further discussion. 5-0-0 

    Paul Libby made a motion to approve the orders. Charles Peel seconded. There was no further discussion. 5-0-0  

    Highway – Gayle Durkee announced that the town is approved for a 2% loan from the Vermont Municipal Equipment Fund for the reimbursement of the tractor purchase which will not require a public vote and will confirm with the bank that the funds can be used as reimbursement instead of direct purchase.   
    Rick Ackerman reported that Viking has further delayed the delivery of the body for the 10-wheeler until January 2027. This truck was originally ordered nearly two years ago. Rick talked to another manufacturer in Maine. For an additional twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) they would get to our truck in the next week or two provided the truck is delivered to them.  Curtis Chase asked why the cost was so much more and Rick explained that the truck body at Viking was bid to years ago at one hundred and four thousand dollars ($104,000). Rick is further concerned that in January, Viking will put us of once again and the truck we have has 150,000 miles on it This discussion was tabled until the 7 July meeting.  

    Charles Peel made a motion to approve the Windsor County Sheriff contract for 14 hours a week for seventy-eight dollars ($78) per hour from July 1, 2026  – June 30, 2027 with optional holiday hours at a rate of one hundred dollars ($100). Carrie Caouette De-Lallo seconded. 5-0-0 

    Charles Peel made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss personnel issues and a Roberts Poor Fund request and invited Kasey Peterson. Paul Libby seconded. There was no further discussion 5-0-0. Executive session began at 7:26.   

    At 8:17 Paul Libby made a motion to leave executive session. Charles Peel seconded. There was no further discussion. 5-0-0   

    The session covered a Roberts Poor Fund request and personnel issues. No actions were taken 

    Charles Peel made a motion to adjourn. Curtis Chase seconded. There was no further discussion. 5-0-0 
     
    Meeting adjourned at 8:18 

    Respectfully Submitted,  
    Kasey Peterson  

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    Selectboard Meeting Agenda – June 16, 2026

    Selectboard Meeting Agenda  
    June 16, 2026 
    6:30 PM   
    Chelsea Town Hall 

    Call meeting to order   

    Additions to the Agenda   

    Conflict of Interest Disclosure    

    Public Comments   

    Approve Minutes  from June 2, 2026 Meeting 

    Sgt. Austin Soule from the Royalton State Police Barracks   

    Transfer Station   
    Removal of the waste oil tank  
    Transfer Station Attendant – Jacob Brooke  

    Adopt the Local Emergency Management Plan  

    Water Board – Sewer/Water Allocation at 354 Vt Rte 110  

    250th Independence Day Flag for the Moxley Bridge 

    Will’s Store – Liquor License 

    Will’s Store – Tobacco License 

    Approve Orders  

    Executive Session if needed  

    Adjournment  

      To join remotely:

    https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/29376534224556?p=rVRCagfnJY6VCSyr7p

    Meeting ID: 293 765 342 245 56
    Passcode: jB9w6hh6

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    Selectboard Meeting Minutes June 2, 2026

    DRAFT Selectboard Meeting Minutes June 2, 2026 

    Present: 
    Gregg Herrin 
    Carrie 
    Paul Libby 
    Curtis Chase 
    Charles Peel – joined the meeting at 7:40 

    Jen Chase – Town Clerk 
    Rick Ackerman – Road Foreman 
    Gayle Durkee – Town Treasurer 
    Kasey Peterson – Interim Town Administrator 

    Deputy Jackson Howe
    Max Quayle 
    Karen Snyder 
    Chintana Herin 
    Tim Courts 
     
    Gregg Herrin Called the meeting to order at 6:32    

    Additions to the Agenda   
    Carrie Caouette – De Lallo suggested that the two interviews for the transfer station if the interviews themselves needed a motion. There is not a need for a motion. The interviwees will be discussed during an executive session  

    Conflict of Interest Disclosure 
    Carrie Caouette – De Lallo noted there might be a conflict for her when discussing the oil tank enclosure at the transfer station  
     
    Public Comments  –  
    Max Quayle and Karen Snyder were present to bring up several points.  
    The sidewalks along the north common and on Rte110 between the fire station and the health center are in very bad condition. Particularly for residents with wheelchairs. 
    There is concern that Ms. Snyder’s electricity may be cut off and Mr. Quayle is trying to get some relief for her perhaps from the Roberts Poor Fund. There was discussion of that procedure. Gayle Durkee noted that Ms. Snyder’s taxes and the water/sewer bills were also in arrears and let Mr. Quayle know that Ms. Snyder could come into her office to arrange a payment plan.  
    Mr. Quayle also wanted to mention the wonderful job Frank Keene did on the new pedestrian bridge. 
    Mr. Quayle also mentioned that cars use North Common Street to ‘shortcut’ to 113 and many of them are speeding.   
    No action was taken at this time 
     
    Gregg Herrin mentioned a complaint a resident made directly to him regarding offensive signage in a yard on Riverside Drive  

    Approve Minutes 
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo moved to approve the May 5, 2026 meeting  minutes. Curtis Chase seconded. There was no further discussion 5-0-0 
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo moved to approve Paul seconded to approve May 19, 2026 Meeting 5-0-0 

    Russell Noel was not present to discuss his property issue on Riverside Drive and this item was deferred to a future meeting. Paul Libby stated that he and Curtis Chase would meet with him  

    2026 Budget YTD – Gregg Herrin said that he had reviewed the numbers sent to him by Gayle Durkee. Most of the budget is on track for this time of year. Currently the Town Administrator and transfer station numbers are above what they should be. Gregg Herrin also noted that the general fund account is low. Gayle Durkee said she was waiting for $35,000 for the school that she has not yet received. Gayle feels everything is good except for a couple items regarding the highway.   
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo suggested that the townspeople should be invited and included in the conversation regarding any changes to the transfer station fees  
    No action was taken at this time.  

    Financing for the Roadside Mowing Tractor – It was noted by Gayle Durkee that in order to secure a loan for longer than a year the Board would need voter approval. She is having trouble contacting the Vermont municipal leasing consultants. The Town has missed the cut-off for the Vermont Municipal Equipment Loan Fund and cannot apply until the end of the year. There is currently two hundred fifty six thousand dollars ($256,000) in the equipment fund. Which could cover the cost of the tractor and could be reimbursed with a loan from the state.  
    A vote on a loan could be added to the November ballot if necessary. Charles Peel explained the procedures for borrowing for the town and how an Australian ballot item could be an amount dedicated to the highway capital fund rather than for a specific vehicle.  
    Rick Ackerman explained that the town has never had a vote for the purchase of a truck and that the generally accepted way to do this is to lease the vehicle for a period of time on a contract that leaves a one-dollar ($1) payoff amount.  
    There was further discussion of options which included the pros and cons of leases vs. loans.  
    Charles Peel made a motion to not adopt the Mascoma bank resolution for financing the roadside mower/tractor and instead use the Highway Equipment Fund with the intention of applying for reimbursement through the state municipal equipment fund in October. Paul Libby seconded. There was no further discussion. 5-0-0 

    New Truck Purchase – The initial discussion revolved around the age of the current trucks and trying to avoid having to buy two trucks in the same year and instead attempting to stagger the purchasing. For the current situation, the Board discussed the pros and cons of the Freightliner vs the International. The Freightliner is less expensive at two hundred and twenty-one thousand ten dollars ($221,010) as opposed to the International at two hundred thirty-one five hundred forty dollars ($231,540). There did not seem to be any real difference between the vehicles, and the town has other Freightliners that Rick is happy with. No funds need to be expended at this point in time. Ordering the truck would simply add the town to the manufacturer’s schedule and no payments would need to be made until the body is attached to it. Currently that timeline is roughly four months. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the purchasing of the Freightliner 6-wheeler 114 with the easy track front end for two hundred and twenty-one thousand ten dollars ($221,010) to hold our spot in line while we pursue the lease purchase agreement as the financing mechanism for said purchase. Curtis Chase seconded. There was no further discussion. 5-0-0 

    Oil Tank Enclosure at the Transfer Station – Carrie explained that the board of the Central Vermont Solid Waste Municipal District (CVSWMD) perhaps misunderstood that the oil tank enclosure is not a building perse.  It is already enclosed and the tank just needs a roof over it to shed water and have some doors to keep people out. The initial bidder cannot do the work and the project would have to be put out for bid a second time.   
    Curtis Chase had concerns about the cost to the town for disposal of the waste versus the amount the transfer station collects. Currently, residents are charged one dollar ($1) per gallon to dispose of oil at the transfer station and it costs two dollars ($2) per gallon for the oil tank to be pumped out which raised a question as to whether this is a service that the town will continue to provide and/or what the fee per gallon should be.   
    At the 16 June meeting the Board will be reviewing the procedures and fees at the transfer station.  
    This item was tabled.  

    Liquor Licenses  
    Charles Peel made a motion to approve the Hubbelshire Farm liquor license. Curtis Chase seconded. There was no further discussion. 5-0-0 

    Charles Peel Made a motion to approve the Hubbelshire Farm outdoor consumption license. Curtis Chase seconded. There was no further discussion 5-0-0 

    Charles Peel made a motion to approve the Quickstop liquor license. Curtis Chase secondedThere was no further discussion 5-0-0 

    Charles Peel made a motion to approve the Quickstop tobacco license Curtis Chase secondedThere was no further discussion 5-0-0 

    Sign CVSWMD appointment form for Terry MacNeish – administrative only. Motion was made and carried at the May 19, 2026 meeting.   

    Curtis Chase made a motion to approve warrants/orders. Gregg Herrin seconded. There was no further discussion. 

    At 8:00 Charles Peel made a motion to enter Executive Session to discuss personnel and to invite Kasey Peterson.  Curtis Chase seconded. No further discussion, 5-0-0 

    At 8:42 Paul Libby made a motion to leave executive session, and Charles Peel seconded no further discussion 5-0-0  

    There was no actions taken during the executive session.  

    Adjournment Paul Libby made a motion adjourn. Charles Peel seconded. There was no further discussion. 5-0-0 

    Respectfully submitted 
    Kasey Peterson 

  • |

    Selectboard Meeting Agenda – June 2, 2026

    Call meeting to order  

    Additions to the Agenda  

    Conflict of Interest Disclosure   

    Public Comments  

    Approve Minutes  
         May 5, 2026 Meeting 
         May 19, 2026 Meeting 

    Russell Noel – to discuss a property issue on Riverside Drive 

    2026 Budget YTD – Gayle Durkee will present the budget numbers for 2026 

    New Truck Purchase – decision regarding the purchase of a new dump truck for the highway dept. 

    Adopt the Mascoma Bank Resolution for Financing the Roadside Mowing Tractor 

    Oil Tank Enclosure at the transfer station 

    Liquor/Tobacco Licenses 
          Hubbelshire Farm 
          Quickstop  

    Sign CVSWMD appointment form for Terry MacNeish – administrative only. Motion was made and carried at the May 19, 2026 meeting.  

    Approve Warrants 

    Executive Session if necessary 

    Adjournment 

    Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/28739637227955?p=rwcFvSil6f7mEJzfNc 

    Meeting ID: 287 396 372 279 55 

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  • |

    Selectboard Meeting Minutes – May 19, 2026

    DRAFT Selectboard Meeting Minutes May 19, 2026 

    Present:  

    Curtis Chase  
    Charles Peel 
    Paul Libby 
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (attending remotely)  
     
    Rick Ackerman – Road Foremen  
    Kasey Peterson – Interim Town Administrator 
    Jen Chase  – Town Clerk 
    Gayle Durkee – Town Treasurer 
    Nick DeFriez – Chair of the Library Board of Trustees 

    Bob Aicher 
    Terry MacNeish 

    Curtis Chase called the meeting to order at 6:31 

    Additions to Agenda –  
       Kasey Peterson added the procedure by which Use of Village Green Requests are   
           approved.   

    Charles Peel added an item to the tractor financing discussion 

    Conflict of Interest Disclosure - none 

    Public Comments - none 

    Approval of May 5, 2026 meeting was tabled 
    Approval of May 14, 2026 Paul Libby made a motion to approve the May 14, 2026 meeting minutes. Charles Peel seconded. There was no further discussion. 4-0-0 

    Current Events and Updates  

    Highway Update  - Rick Ackerman told the Board he has rented an excavator for four thousand dollars ($4,000) for one month. The Road Crew will be doing some work on Bobbinshop, Pent, and Dodge roads.  
    The crew is also catching up on grading. A resident on Riverside drive asked Rick not to grade a portion of the road in front of his property. Rick explained that he was simply doing his job and the resident would need to discuss the request with the Selectboard. Later other residents on the road called to complain that said resident had altered the pitch of the road in front of his property. Rick has re-graded that portion of Riverside drive. There was discussion regarding any further response from the Selectboard. No action was taken at this time.   
    Rick provided pricing on International and Freightliner trucks. Both trucks have seven (7) year warranties. The Freightliner is priced at two hundred twenty one thousand and ten dollars ($221,010) with the easy track hydraulic front end. The International is two hundred, twenty three thousand five hundred and forty dollars ($231,540). This body would take three or four months and would hopefully be ready in October. There was further discussion regarding the prices and timelines of these two trucks and the truck that has already been ordered. No action was taken at this time. The matter was tabled to be discussed at the June 2, 2026 meeting.   
    The discussion moved to the mower-tractor purchase. Gayle Durkee found alternate funding for the tractor through the Vermont Municipal Equipment Loan Fund at a 2% interest rate. The limit on a loan from this fund is one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).  Her plan is to use the town equipment fund to pay off the tractor in full and pay back the equipment fund with the loan from the state, thereby saving the town 2.7% in interest payments over the life of the loan. The discussion included an acknowledgment that a loan from Mascoma would still be an option if the loan from the Vermont Municipal Equipment Loan Fund was denied.  
    Paul Libby made a motion to pursue financing through the Vermont Municipal Equipment Loan Fund for seventy five percent (75%) of the purchase price of tractor – being one hundred and one thousand, nine hundred and twenty five dollars ($101,925) at two percent (2%) as long as the loan comes to us within six months to replenish the town’s equipment fund. If this plan is not feasible the town will revert to the Mascoma Bank loan at four point seven percent (4.7%). Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded. There was no further discussion. 4-0-0 

    Rick Ackerman – left the meeting at this time.  

    Grants Update – Kasey Peterson reported on the Municipal Energy Resilience Grant.  
    At the town hall the south fire exit door has been returned. It has been painted on the    outside. The Town Hall lighting project is going very well. Kasey will reach out to Scott Electric to make some clarifications and changes to the scope of work and to see if the old fans in the town hall can be replaced.    

    Administrative Update – Kasey Peterson reported that things are going well at the Town Administrator desk. There was a brief discussion regarding the much-improved communication between the Board and the administrator.   

    Library Update – Nick Defriez reported that the library is doing great. The Library Board of Trustees and the library patrons are happy with Kate MacLean as Library Director. Both circulation and patron numbers are increasing. There is also a wide range of events going on at the library for both adults and children.  
    The balcony chairs are finished being refurbished; many of the old and broken seats have been removed. And the space is now in accordance with fire safety guidelines. There are parts of the old chairs still up in the balcony area along with old theatre sets which Mr. Defriez would like to remove. The sets in the balcony are not the historic sets which are stored on the stage. Mr. Defriez also inquired about more space for library books and supplies. The basement was considered as an appropriate place for additional storage.   
    Mr. DeFriez also asked about the transfer station fee for disposal of the unsold books from the annual Book Sale. It seemed strange to him that the library should have to pay the town the transfer station fee as the library is part of the town.   
    Curtis Chase asked if the library visitor count included people that attend events or only those who use the library during operating hours. Mr. DeFriez said that the count referred to patrons using the library during open hours.  
    There was no action taken at this time. 

    Action Items  

    Chelsea United Church wastewater issue – Charles Peel began by clarifying that the discussion would be confined to the estimate for fixing the wastewater issue at the current connection point and proposed the discussion be limited to fifteen (15) minutes.  
    Bob Aicher reported that the project is moving forward with compromises. Mr. Aicher agreed with earlier Selectboard assertions that connecting into the main line is not safe. The latest proposal includes a six (6) foot excavation with a trench box into the west bound lane to gain pitch to a lateral line.  
    Mr. Aicher had an on-site meeting with Catamount Consulting and a surveyor to get precise elevation information. It was recommended to go to a 6 inch pipe, requiring less pitch.  
    The estimate from Mangan Excavation for connecting to the lateral line is eighteen thousand seven hundred and forty two dollars ($18,742). And the work itself will be done on United Church of Chelsea property.  
    Mr. Aicher also remarked that the church now has a committee to seek grant funding.  
    The State of Vermont will require an amendment to their 1111 permit once the final design is complete.  
    The Selectboard asked the church to finalize an estimate for the connection that splits costs at the right of way prior to any further presentation to the Board.    
    No action was taken at this time.  
     
    Mr. Aicher left the meeting at this time.  

    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo left the meeting at 7:53 

    Budget YTD Review –  This item was tabled until the June 2, 2026 

    Transfer Station Compliance Progress and Oil Tank Enclosure –  
    The next step in resolving the oil tank issue is to empty the tank. Gayle Durkee informed the Board that it should be done later this week. No action was taken.  

    Edwards and Doyle Road FEMA Projects –  
    Stantec Engineering has requested to rearrange the budgets for these projects within the scope of the existing contract. This is an administrative decision not requiring Selectboard action as no additional money will be spent.  

    Horseshoe Pit Lighting – Curtis Chase explained that he and Charles Peel have met with Rich Gilman at the horseshoe pits. The horseshoe league would like to replace the electrical pole that is there and add another electric pole with lights. The wiring will be buried and connected to a generator at the picnic pavilion. Dig Safe has cleared the project for safety and there will be no tie-in to town power. Charles Peel made a motion to allow the horseshoe league to install two electric poles with direct bury wiring and a plug at the pavilion. Paul Libby seconded. There was no further discussion 3-0-0 

    Windsor County Sheriff’s Office Contract Renewal – There was discussion about quarterly reports from the sheriff’s office which extended to how Animal Control Officer, Leyna Hoyt’s, requests for aid add to the hours. Charles Peel made a motion to approve the Windsor County Sheriff’s Department contract as written for the July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2026 term and authorize Curtis Chase as signatory as Vice-Chair. Paul Libby seconded. There was no further discussion. 3-0-0 

    Two Rivers MERP Update – Harry Falconer from Two-Rivers has provided a One Drive file has all the contracts but lacks the required financial information. Charles Peel will respond by asking, once again, for the actual financials. No action at this time.  

    Appointment of Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District Board Member – Terry MacNeish was present to express interest in being the representative of the Town of Chelsea to the Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District (CVSWMD). There was discussion of Mr. MacNeish’s knowledge base and what the Waste Management District is looking for. 
    Charles Peel made a motion to appoint Terry MacNeish to the Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District for one year term. Mr. MacNeish’s appointment will be reviewed by the Board at the 2027 Selectboard organizational meeting. Paul Libby seconded. There was no further discussion. 4-0-0.  

    Appointment of Alternate Authorized Representative for State Water Revolving Fund  

    Charles Peel made a motion to replace former Town Administrator, Tierney Farago, with current Interim Administrator, Kasey Peterson as an alternate town contact for the State Water Revolving Fund. Paul Libby seconded.  There was no further discussion. 3-0-0 

    Contracts and Selectboard Approvals  

    Dufresne Amendment – Wastewater Plant upgrade preliminary engineering contract needs adjustment to account for design modifications. Charles explained the changes that were made to the plans and acknowledged that this is work that needed to be done. Charles Peel made a motion to approve the Dufresne amendment for an additional thirteen thousand nine hundred and ten ($13,910) to finalize the preliminary planning at the wastewater station and remove redundancies as recommended by Mike Whipple. Paul Libby seconded. There was no further discussion. 3-0-0  

    Sue Wilmot Contract – Paul Libby made a motion to approve the contract for painting the office in the Town Garage for one thousand five hundred fifty six dollars and ninety four cents ($1556.94) and have the payment deducted from the Garage Repair budget line item. Charles peel seconded. There was no further discussion. 3-0-0 

    Line of Credit Agreement with Mascoma  - No action taken  

    MERP Town Hall Lighting Contract – no action taken 

    Procedure for Village Greens Requests – There was a brief discussion about being mindful of scheduling conflicts. Charles Peel made a motion to allow Kasey Peterson to approve Village Green requests with Town Clerk, Jen Chase, acting as a back-up; and to allow Jen Chase to approve Town Hall requests with Kasey Peterson acting as back-up. Paul Libby seconded. There was no further discussion. 3-0-0.  

    Approve Orders – Paul Libby made a motion to approve the orders. Charles Peel seconded. There was no further discussion. 3-0-0 

    Executive Session if Necessary – At 8:56 Charles Peel moved to enter executive session for personnel discussion. Paul Libby seconded. 3-0-0  

    At 9:08 Charles Peel made a motion to exit executive session. Paul Libby seconded. 3-0-0.  During the session two personnel issues were discussed.  No actions were taken. 

    At 9:09 Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn. Charles Peel seconded. 3-0-0  

    Respectfully submitted, 
    Kasey Peterson 

  • | |

    Selectboard Meeting Minutes May 14, 2026

    Selectboard Meeting Minutes 
    14 May 2026  
    7:30 PM   
    Chelsea Town Hall  

    Present: 
    Curtis Chase 
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo 
    Charles Peel 
    Paul Libby 
    Rick Ackerman – Road Foreman 

    Curtis Chase called the meeting to order at 7:38 pm

    Additions to Agenda - none 
      
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure - none 
      
    Public Comments – none 

    Rick Ackerman presented his opinions on the tractor he looked at last week. Discussion centered on the pros and cons and what this tractor may lack. Overall, Rick feels that the deal is a good one and this tractor will suit the needs of the Town.  

    Charles Peel made a motion to purchase the 2018 M6101 Kubota mower tractor with 221 hours on it for $135,900. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded. There was no further discussion. Motion passed 4-0-0. 

    Charles Peel made a motion to borrow $160,000 from Mascoma bank for a term between 5 and 7 years and to authorize Gayle Durkee or Curtis Chase to sign the loan agreement. Paul Libby seconded. There was no further discussion. Motion passed 4-0-0.  

    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to adjourn. Charles Peel seconded. The was no further discussion. Motion passed 4-0-0.  

  • | |

    Selectboard Meeting Agenda – May 19, 2026

    May 19, 2026 at 6:30pm, Chelsea Town Hall

    1. Call to Order 
    2. Additions to Agenda 
    3. Conflict of Interest Disclosure 
    4. Public Comments 
    5. Approve Minutes from May 5, 2026, and May 14, 2026 
    6. Current Events and Updates 
      • Highway Update  
      • Grants Update 
      • Administrative Update 
      • Library Update – Nick Defriez 
    7. Action Items 
      • Chelsea United Church – presentation of cost to repair at present connection by Bob Aicher 
      • Budget YTD Review 
      • Transfer Station Compliance Progress and Oil Tank Enclosure 
      • Edwards and Doyle Road FEMA Projects 
      • Horseshoe Pit Lighting 
      • Windsor County Sheriff’s Office Contract Renewal 
      • Two Rivers MERP Update 
      • Appointment of CVSWMD Board Member 
      • Appointment of Alternate Authorized Representative for State Water Revolving Fund 
    8. Contracts and Selectboard Approvals 
      • Dufresne Amendment – Wastewater Plant upgrade preliminary engineering contract needs adjustment to account for design modifications. 
      • Sue Wilmot Contract – Painting the office in the Town Garage 
      • Line of Credit Agreement with Mascoma  
      • MERP Town Hall Lighting Contract 
      • Approve Orders 
    9. Executive Session if Necessary 
    10. Adjournment 

    VIRTUAL OPTION:  

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    Meeting ID: 293 765 342 245 56  

    Passcode: Please email Curtis Chase at curtis.chase@chelseavt.us to request the code in advance of the meeting.

  • | | |

    Emergency Selectboard Meeting Agenda

    May 14, 2026

    7:30 PM

    Chelsea Town Hall

    • Call to Order
    • Additions to Agenda
    • Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    • Public Comments
    • Tractor Purchase –
      • The town hopes to purchase a used tractor from a dealership in Kentucky in furtherance of its long term highway equipment procurement plan.
    • Adjournment

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    Meeting ID: 228 302 605 880 32

    Passcode: Please email Curtis Chase at curtis.chase@chelseavt.us to request the code in advance of the meeting.