Selectboard Emergency Meeting
14 April 2026
Following the Board of Abatement Meeting
| Selectboard meeting minutes |
| April 7, 2026, 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/OFFICIALS Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) Jen Chase (Town Clerk) Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman) Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer) Kasey Peterson (Grants Manager) Bernard “Snook” Downing (Transfer Station Attendant) PUBLIC IN ATTENDANCE Frank Keene Russell Noel Rosemary Noel Bob Aicher Tom Swahn Attorney Mascoma (not identified by name and not on camera) |
| Additions To The Agenda |
| -Wastewater Loan Agreement: Tabled to April 21, 2026, Selectboard meeting to allow time for thorough review of the full suite of project documentation prior to committing to borrowing funds. |
| Conflict Of Interest Disclosure: None |
| Public Comments: -Frank Keene asked if the Selectboard had any ability to assist with a right-of-way dispute between he and a neighbor. The Selectboard explained that the Town cannot become involved in property disputes between neighbors. -Bob Aicher arrived mid-meeting with more documentation about his proposal for the Chelsea Congregational Church’s sewer line work. He gave the Town Administrator a copy of the documents and provided Charles Peel with his contact information so that they could discuss the project in advance of warning the project for another Selectboard meeting. |
| Approve Minutes from March 17, 2026 |
| Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the March 17, 2026, meeting minutes. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. The motion passed unanimously. |
| Current Events And Updates |
| Highway Update |
| Rick Ackerman updated the Selectboard, stating that mud season has been ok so far. We have a new source of gravel that is high quality but takes in excess of an hour round trip to truck. Diesel is very expensive right now so we are hoping that McCullough’s is going to crush soon. Rick noted that he saw a crusher delivered before the meeting. Rick and Gayle have been working on interest rates for a tractor loan and Rick has identified a tractor with mower attachments sufficient for our needs in Kentucky that he would like to investigate further. If we opted to purchase it, payments would be approximately $24,000.00 per year. We presently pay approximately $18,000.00 per year to rent a tractor for mowing. Rick has been discussing the possibility of sharing equipment with Washington and indicated that Washington may purchase an excavator and would be open to exchanging equipment during the summer to avoid both towns renting or buying both pieces of equipment. The Selectboard asked Rick to investigate the tractor in Kentucky and advised that it would be warned for the upcoming meeting if it looked promising. Rick also informed the Selectboard that he has found a promising replacement for the chloride truck but would like to find out more information about its reserve price before bidding and tying up the funds allocated by the Board. |
| Town Administrator Update No update provided. |
| Grants Manager Update |
| Maple Avenue Bride Engineering Grant – This grant is in progress but must be completed before December 31st. In order to complete the preliminary engineering, the Board needs to select a temporary bridge for access to the West side of the First Branch during bridge construction. In prior meetings, the Board discussed the possibility of routing the bridge to the South along the West side of the First Branch. This would require easements/permission from landowners. In order to complete the preliminary engineering, Stantec needs the Town to pick any solution. The chosen solution doesn’t bind the Town in the future and if the Board chose to move forward with engineering based on a temporary bridge, the Town could pursue the less costly road option should the project move forward in the future. Nothing is preventing the Town from discussing the easement possibilities with landowners now. Municipal Energy Resilience Project (MERP) Grants – Kasey is concerned that there are too many projects in process and waiting to start for there to be any possibility of finishing the projects before the grant deadline on June 30th.Hi Unsure if extensions are available but will inquire with BGS rather than TRORC. Items which remain uninitiated include: ADA ramp at Town Hall, heat pumps, solar panels at the Town Garage. The Selectboard clarified that the Town does not plan to pursue heat pumps or solar panels. Kasey will reach out to be sure that progress is being made on the ramp. The Board asked if there were updates on the interior storm window bid process. The Town Administrator had no update. Kasey agreed to reach out on this as well. FEMA Highway Grant – The Town has to have easements to complete the work on Doyle and Edwards roads in order to get permits to complete the work. Kasey agreed to work with Paul and Chuck to get clarity on the process. We can start conversations about the easements with landowners in anticipation that we will have clarity to draft easements soon. Engineering costs are very different between Stantec and FEMA. Kasey is unsure how we will close the gap. |
| Action Items |
| 8 Riverside Drive Water Pressure |
| Russell Noel attended the meeting to discuss ongoing but worsening water pressure issues at his home on Riverside Drive. He informed the Board that the house has had low water pressure for years but that the situation has worsened to the point that he cannot use the washing machine and other water sources simultaneously. Russell requested that the Town put a curb stop on his property and the Board informed him that the Water and Sewer Ordinance does not allow the Town to install additional curb stops deeper into owner’s land. The Board explained that the Ordinance provides that the Town is responsible for repairs from the curb stop to the main and that homeowners are responsible from the curb stop to their homes. Russell refused to allow an excavator to dig up the water line and stated that he would dig up the water line this evening. The Board informed him that Mike Whipple needed to be present for work on the water system and that if he caused damage that he would be liable for the repair. No motions were made. |
| Coordination with State of Vermont on 250th Independence Day Events |
| The State of Vermont asked the Town several months ago to name a delegate to the 250th Anniversary Commission. The request never made it onto a warned agenda. Will Gilman has been spearheading our local events. Curtis Chase made a motion to appoint Will Gilman to the State of Vermont 250th Commission. Paul Libby seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. The motion passed unanimously. |
| Transfer Station Hours of Operation Snook Downing attended the meeting to discuss closing procedures at the Transfer Station. The posted hours of operation on the gate are 8:00 AM to 1:45 PM. Snook is paid to work at the Transfer Station until 2:00 PM but uses the last 15 minutes of the day to clean up the station and compact trash and recycling for hauling. Because it takes several cycles of compacting to ensure that the haulers do not leave a mess, Snook closes the gate at 1:45. The Board acknowledged the need for closing time during the budgeted hours of operation and asked the Town Administrator to ensure that all posted times match those posted on the gate. Social Service Appropriation Petition Policy The Board revisited the draft policy and discussed the wording of the Clerk’s review timeline. The Board edited the policy to be clear that petitions are accepted/received by the Clerk during her posted business hours. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to adopt the revised Social Service Appropriation Petition Policy. Curtis Chase seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously without further discussion. Development Review Board Appointments Curtis Chase asked what the process is for making appointments to Town boards. The Board agreed to revisit but suggested that appointments to boards should become part of the organizational meeting lineup in future years. Charles Peel made a motion to appoint Johanna Welch to a three-year term, Patty Swahn to a two-year term, Ed Kuban to a three-year term, and Carrie Caouette-De Lallo to a lifetime position as an alternate member of the DRB. Curtis Chase seconded. The motion passed unanimously without further discussion. |
| Contracts And Selectboard Approvals |
| Approve Orders The Board reviewed the orders throughout the meeting individually. Charles Peel made a motion to approve orders. Paul Libby seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously without further discussion. Mowing Bid Review |
| The Board opened the sealed bids for mowing in Chelsea. There was one bid from RonJohn’s Mowing. Absent further bids to consider after completing the required RFP process, Curtis Chase moved to approve the bid received. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously without further discussion. |
| Executive Session If Necessary |
| Paul Libby made a motion to enter executive session, inviting the Town Administrator, to discuss personnel pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 313(A). Charles Peel seconded the motion. Charles Peel abstained and the motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 9:26 PM. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to exit executive session. Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard exited executive session at 10:45 PM. |
| Personnel Pursuant To 1 V.S.A. § 313(a) |
| Gregg Herrin summarized that one personnel issue was discussed, with no motion made. The Town Administrator resigned her position effective immediately and departed the meeting prior to its conclusion. Prior to her departure, the Town Administrator closed the computer that was recording the meeting, causing the recording to stop. As a result, two recordings have been merged together for the single audio file with muted space edited out for brevity. The Selectboard accepted her resignation. No motion was made. |
| Adjournment |
| Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting ended at 10:45 pm. |
Selectboard Meeting Audio Recording
| Selectboard Meeting Agenda |
| April 7, 2026 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall |
| Call to Order |
| Additions to the Agenda |
| Conflict of Interest Disclosure |
| Public Comments |
| Approve Minutes from March 17, 2026 |
| Current Events and Updates |
| A. Highway Update |
| B. Town Administrator Update |
| Action Items |
| A. Grants Manager Update: 1. FEMA Maple St Bridge Engineering 2. MERP Grant Concerns |
| B. 8 Riverside Dr Water Leak Issue |
| C. 250th Anniversary 4th of July Celebration |
| D. Transfer Station Hours of Operation |
| Contracts and Selectboard Approvals |
| A. Mowing RFP Sealed Bid Opening |
| B. DRB Appointments |
| C. Finalize Social Service Appropriation Petition Policy |
| D. Approve Orders |
| Executive Session If Necessary |
| Adjournment |
| VIRTUAL OPTION: To join the Selectboard Meeting virtually, please request a link to join from the Town Administrator at town.administrator@chelseavt.us, or by calling 802-625-2023. |
| Selectboard Meeting Minutes |
| March 17, 2026 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall |
| Call to Order |
| Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm. SELECTBOARD Gregg Herrin (Present) Curtis Chase (Present) Paul Libby (Present) Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present) Charles Peel (Present) TOWN EMPLOYEES Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) Jen Chase (Town Clerk) Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman) Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer) |
| Additions to the Agenda |
| -Curb cut permit: The Selectboard reviewed a curb cut permit for Lou Maraget at 208 E Randolph Rd. Rick Ackerman had reviewed the permit and had no issue. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the permit; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. |
| Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None |
| Public Comments: None |
| Approve minutes from february 17, 18, 24, 2026 and march 5, 2026 |
| Charles Peel made a motion to approve the February 17th meeting minutes; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the February 18th meeting minutes with changes from the Selectboard; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Charles Peel made a motion to approve the February 24th meeting minutes; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed, with Paul Libby abstaining due to his absence during the meeting.Charles Peel made a motion to approve the March 5th meeting minutes with one minor change, Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. |
| Current Events and Updates |
| A. Introduction to Senator John Benson |
| Senator John Benson attending the Selectboard meeting to introduce himself as the representative for Orange County, and to give an update on what projects he’s been working on in Montpelier. He gave an overview of the committees he is involved in (Committee on Health and Welfare, Committee on Institutions), and encouraged residents to reach out if they have questions or comments regarding state legislature. Senator John Benson John.benson@vtleg.gov802-828-2228 |
| B. Highway Update |
| Rick Ackerman updated the Selectboard, stating that mud season is slowly but surely arriving. The highway crew has 1,00-1,500 yards of stone stockpiled in preparation for the mud. Rick is still waiting on estimates on truck prices. He mentioned that he had seen a used tractor for sale in Kentucky for $135,900. The Selectboard discussed the prospect of getting a tractor, and asked that Rick and Gayle look into financing possibilities for the tractor. |
| C. Town Administrator Update |
| The Town Administrator shared information from the new contact at the Windsor County Sheriff’s Office, and the Selectboard discussed the need to have a contract renewal for police services. The Town Administrator and Selectboard liaisons for Health and Safety will reach out to Windsor County to secure a contract renewal. Charles Peel made a motion to preliminarily approve the Windsor County contract for 2026-2027, assuming they are offering the same services as described; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. The Town Administrator mentioned putting out the 2026 mowing RFP. The Selectboard discussed and agreed that the RFP should be put out so that a bid can be chosen at the next regular Selectboard meeting on April 7th. No motion required. |
| Action Items |
| A. United Church of Chelsea: Sewer Drainage Issue at 13 Church St |
| Bob Aicher from the United Church of Chelsea attended the meeting to discuss a sewer issue that the church has been experiencing. The Church had recent renovations and discovered a sewer issue after it began to back up. Bob showed the Selectboard plans and photos for the lines, and believes the issue was caused during the placement of the water line. The Selectboard will rely on the water and sewer liaisons, Charles Peel and Gregg Herrin, to investigate the issue and work on a solution. |
| B. Treasurer: Apply for Additional Line of Credit |
| Gayle Durkee requested that the Selectboard allow her to apply for a line of credit for $375,000. Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the line of credit for $375,000, with the Selectboard as the authorized signer with the treasurer allowed to request advances from the line of credit; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. |
| C. Constable and Animal Control Officer Vacancies |
| Leyna Hoyt, Animal Control Officer, attended the meeting to discuss the status of animal cases in town. The amount of animal control cases has increased since she began working as the ACO, and it has become financially and personally difficult to continue the work. Leyna said she can tentatively continue working on cases that require follow-up, but ultimately would like to transition out of the position. The Selectboard thanked her for all of her work and will look into additional funding possibilities and more support from Windsor County for issuing tickets. |
| Contracts and Selectboard Approvals |
| A. Wastewater Plant Loan Agreement (Final Engineering) |
| This item was tabled to allow for additional review of the contract. |
| B. Annual Grants in Aid 2027 Letter of Intent Approval and Highway Financial Plan |
| Charles Peel made a motion to sign the Grants in Aid Letter of Intent and Highway Financial Plan; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. |
| C. State of Vermont: Town Road and Bridge Standards Update |
| Charles Peel made a motion to approve and adopt the Town Road and Bridge Standards dated 1/21/26; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. |
| D. Free Verse Farm Shop Liquor License Renewal |
| Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the liquor license renewal for Free Verse Farm Shop; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. |
| E. Approve Orders |
| Charles Peel made a motion to approve the orders; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Charles Peel had questions regarding two orders, but still made a motion to approve them. Motion passed unanimously. |
| Executive Session If Necessary |
| Curtis Chase made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Tierney Farago, to discuss two Roberts Poor Fund requests and personnel pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 313(a); Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 9:37 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 10:11 pm. |
| A. Roberts Poor Fund Requests |
| First request: Charles Peel made a motion to approve a Roberts Poor Fund request for $320; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Second request: Charles Peel made a motion to approve a Roberts Poor Fund request for a maximum of $500, pending receiving an invoice; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. |
| B. Personnel Pursuant To 1 V.S.A. § 313(a) |
| Gregg Herrin summarized that two personnel issues were discussed, with no motion made. |
| Adjournment |
| Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting ended at 10:13 pm. |
| Selectboard Meeting Agenda |
| March 17, 2026 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall |
| Call to Order |
| Additions to the Agenda |
| Conflict of Interest Disclosure |
| Public Comments |
| Approve Minutes From February 17, 18, 24, 2026 and March 5, 2026 |
| Current Events and Updates |
| A. Introduction to Senator John Benson |
| B. Highway Update |
| C. Town Administrator Update |
| Action Items |
| A. United Church of Chelsea: Sewer Drainage Issue at 13 Church St |
| B. Treasurer: Apply for Additional Line of Credit |
| C. Constable and Animal Control Officer Vacancies |
| Contracts and Selectboard Approvals |
| A. Wastewater Plant Loan Agreement (Final Engineering) |
| B. Annual Grants in Aid 2027 Letter of Intent Approval and Highway Financial Plan |
| C. State of Vermont: Town Road and Bridge Standards Update |
| D. Free Verse Farm Shop Liquor License Renewal |
| E. Approve Orders |
| Executive Session if Necessary |
| A. Roberts Poor Fund Request |
| B. Personnel Pursuant To 1 V.S.A. § 313(a) |
| Adjournment |
| VIRTUAL OPTION: To join the Selectboard Meeting virtually, please request a link to join from the Town Administrator at town.administrator@chelseavt.us, or by calling 802-625-2023. |
| Organizational Selectboard Meeting Minutes |
| March 5th, 2026 7:00 pm Chelsea Town Hall |
| Call to order |
| Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 7:02 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) Jen Chase (Town Clerk) Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman) |
| Additions to the Agenda |
| -Highway Update: Rick Ackerman attended the meeting with a pressing matter of securing a spot for the plow component of the next town truck purchase. He was able to get several quotes for plow packages and presented the Selectboard with the offer from Tenco for $133,399. The wait time is currently 8 months, and he believed it would be longer and possibly more expensive if the Town delayed agreeing to the price. After some discussion, the Selectboard decided it would be best to lock in the price now before the market might change. Paul Libby made a motion to accept the quote by Tenco; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. -Highway Mileage Confirmation: A form from the state was issued to confirm the mileage of highway in Chelsea. No motion was needed after Rick confirmed the mileage from last year was correct. |
| Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None |
| Public Comments: None |
| Agenda Items |
| A. Appointments for any Elected Vacancies |
| No appointments were made. |
| B. Select Chair and Vice Chair |
| Charles Peel made a motion to appoint Gregg Herrin as chair and Curtis Chase as vice-chair; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. |
| C. Determine Meeting Rules of Procedure |
| Curtis Chase made a motion to keep the current meeting rules of procedure; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. |
| D. Designate Meeting Dates, Times, and Location for Regular Meetings |
| Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to have regular Selectboard meetings on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month at 6:30pm in Town Hall; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. |
| E. Designate Locations for Meeting Notices |
| Charles Peel made a motion to continue posting meeting notices on the bulletin boards outside of Town Hall, the post office, and Will’s Store; Curtis Chases seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. |
| F. Determine Process for Calling Special and Emergency Meetings |
| Curtis Chase made a motion to continue adhering to state statute regarding special and emergency meetings; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. |
| F. Select Newspaper of Record for Public Notice |
| Curtis Chase made a motion to continue using The White River Valley Herald as the newspaper for public notice; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. |
| G. Determine Selectboard Organizational Processes for the Following 1. Designate member or members to sign orders/warrant on off-weeks: Carrie Caouette-De Lallo will continue to be the designated member to sign orders on off weeks, with Curtis Chase as a back-up. Charles Peel volunteered to be the third option if it’s ever required. 2. Determine agenda content and coordination: Agenda will be drafted and ready for Selectboard approval by the Thursday prior to a meeting. If items on the agenda are missing documentation, they will be tabled until everything has been submitted for the Selectboard’s review. 3. Approval of Village Greens Requests: The Village Greens requests will continue to be approved administratively by the Town Administrator. 4. Approval of Roberts Gould Field Requests: The Roberts-Gould Field requests will continue to be approved administratively by the Town Administrator. 5. Designate whether Selectboard members want to have liaison appointments for Town Departments: The Selectboard discussed the current liaisons and made a few adjustments to the original appointments. The new liaisons are as follows: |
| Category: Primary Liaison, Secondary Liaison Executive & Admin: Gregg Herrin, Curtis Chase Planning & Zoning: Charles Peel, Carrie Caouette-De Lallo Health & Safety: Carrie Caouette-De Lallo, Charles Peel Public Lands & Facilities: Curtis Chase, Paul Libby Highway: Paul Libby, Curtis Chase Transfer Station: Carrie Caouette-De Lallo, Curtis Chase Water & Wastewater: Charles Peel, Gregg Herrin |
| Adjournment |
| Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 8:59 pm. |
| Organizational Selectboard Meeting Agenda |
| March 5th, 2026 7:00 pm Chelsea Town Hall |
| Call to Order |
| Additions to the Agenda |
| Conflict of Interest Disclosure |
| Public Comments |
| Agenda Items |
| A. Appointments for any Elected Vacancies |
| B. Select Chair and Vice Chair |
| C. Determine Meeting Rules of Procedure |
| D. Designate Meeting Dates, Times, and Location for Regular Meetings |
| E. Designate Locations for Meeting Notices |
| F. Determine Process for Calling Special and Emergency Meetings |
| G. Select Newspaper of Record for Public Notice |
| H. Determine Selectboard Organizational Processes for the Following: -Designate member or members to sign orders/warrant on off-weeks -Determine agenda content and coordination -Approval of Village Greens Requests -Approval of Roberts Gould Field Requests -Designate whether Selectboard members want to have liaison appointments for Town Departments |
| Adjournment |
| VIRTUAL OPTION: To join the Selectboard Meeting virtually, please request a link to join from the Town Administrator at town.administrator@chelseavt.us, or by calling 802-625-2023. |
| Special Selectboard Meeting Minutes |
| February 24, 2026 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall |
| Call to Order |
| Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:33 pm. SELECTBOARD Gregg Herrin (Present) Curtis Chase (Present) Paul Libby (Absent) Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present) Charles Peel (Present) TOWN EMPLOYEES Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) Jen Chase (Town Clerk) Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer) |
| Additions to the Agenda |
| Gregg Herrin added an item to the agenda to briefly discuss an issue with the current use that affected the 2025 taxes while Gayle Durkee was present to explain. |
| Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None |
| Public Comments: None |
| Action Items |
| A. TRORC Updated Vendor Contract: Storm Windows |
| The Selectboard reviewed a new contract for storm windows in relation to the MERP Grant. The vendor that was originally selected for the work had pulled out and the second vendor was asked to do the work. After reading the contract, the Selectboard noted that the Town would be responsible for the measurement of the windows in Town Hall since the vendor is located out of state and would only be able to send the storm windows once they get the measurements back. The board members were all wary of measuring the windows due to any mistakes that might be made. They would prefer to use a vendor that is local and will personally measure the windows. The Town Administrator will reach out to Two Rivers to ask what the next steps are to continue with the storm window work. No motion required. |
| B. Amend 2026 Town Meeting Warning |
| The Selectboard corrected an error from the original Town Meeting warning; a vacant lister position was accidentally omitted from the warning, although it is present on the ballot. The Selectboard acknowledged the error and agreed to include the open position (1 year of a 3 year term), and corrected one grammatical error. The word “article” was corrected to “articles”. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to amend the Town Meeting warning to include the lister position and to correct a minor spelling error; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. |
| Executive Session If Necessary: None |
| Adjournment |
| Curtis Chase made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. |
On February 24th, the Selectboard amended the Town Meeting Warning for March 3, 2026 to include a vacant lister position that was accidentally omitted from the original warning, but will be present on the ballot.
| Informational Town Meeting Minutes |
| February 18, 2026 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall |
| Call to Order |
| Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm. SELECTBOARD Gregg Herrin (Present) Curtis Chase (Present) Paul Libby (Present) Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present) Charles Peel (Present) TOWN EMPLOYEES Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) Jen Chase (Town Clerk) Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer) Susan Elder (Lister) Tom Swahn (Transfer Station Attendant) |
| Additions to the Agenda: None |
| Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None |
| Agenda Items |
| A. Budget Presentation by the Chelsea Selectboard |
| B. Discussion of Articles 1 and 2 |
| C. Introduction to Candidates |
| D. Any Additional Town Meeting Topics |
| Gregg Herrin opened the meeting by introducing the Selectboard members, as well as various town employees present at the meeting. Article 1: To elect the following offices: Town Moderator- one (1) year term; Delinquent Tax Collector – one (1) year term; Selectboard – one (2) year term; Selectboard – one (3) year term; Lister- one (3) year term; Lister-one (1) year of (3) year term; Trustees of the Public Library – one (3) year term; Trustees of the Public Library – one (3) year term; Trustee of Public Funds – one (3) year term; Cemetery Commissioner – one (5) year term; **A note was made that an additional lister position (1 year of a 3 year term) is available, but was omitted in error from the Town Meeting warning. This office will be on the ballot for residents.** Gregg opened the floor for any candidates that wanted to introduce themselves to the public. The following candidates were present to introduce themselves and the office they are running for: Gayle Durkee: delinquent tax collector (1 year term) Carrie Caouette-De Lallo: Selectboard (2 year term) Marianne McCann: Selectboard (3 year term) Charles Peel: Selectboard (3 year term) Susan Elder: Lister (3 year term) Chris Byrne: Trustee of the Public Library (3 year term) Two additional candidates were absent from the meeting: Amy Jones: Trustee of the Public Library (3 year term) Edwin Coburn: Trustee of Public Funds (3 year term) Article 2: Shall the voters of the Town of Chelsea adopt the Chelsea Zoning Bylaw as approved by the Select board on January 9, 2026?Charles Peel summarized the events of updating the zoning bylaws, noting that the planning commission has been working on the bylaw update for nearly two years. He thanks the planning commission for their time and service. He mentioned that most of the changes to the bylaw were to ensure it meets state statute and complies with the Town Plan that was approved last year. The draft bylaw was approved by the Selectboard on December 22nd and is available for review on chelseavt.org and a copy can be printed at the Town Administrator’s office if necessary upon request, prior to voting. |
| Public Comments |
| The public was encouraged to ask questions throughout the presentation. Topics included the service provided by Windsor County Sheriff’s Office, and how the Selectboard is rating the aging highway equipment. |
| Adjournment |
| Charles Peel made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 8:19 pm. |