Selectboard

Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 7, 2022, 7:30 pm at Chelsea Town Hall
Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Merrill Whitney, Mark Whitney, Geoff Clayton, Henry Cesari
Other Town Officials/Employees present: Marianne McCann (Administrative Assistant)(Herald)
Members of the Public present: Gregg Herrin

1. Call Meeting to Order
   Meeting convened by Levar Cole at 7:35 pm.
2. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
   None.
3. Changes to the Agenda
   Admin. Assistant adds a couple items. Geoff Clayton adds presenting information on the riverbank
   erosion near the horseshoe area under Hazard Mitigation.
4. Town Treasurer
   Orders presented.
5. Department Liaison Updates
   Re: Highway Dept. Henry Cesari stated no offers for the truck for sale have been received yet. Cesari
   proposed sending a letter out to Chelsea residents explaining the highway budget issues and what the
   Selectboard is doing to save money. Sample letter presented. Brief discussion about sample letter.
   Clayton suggested presenting a cost comparison between our highway dept. and other towns highway
   depts. Cole stated in the unlikely event that we have a surplus this year, we could carry a cost over into
   the next year. It’s likely we will have a deficit. Next year it will cost more. Clayton stated we need to
   clarify with Road Foreman re: grading. The Highway dept. needs to not be hesitant on grading.
   Henry Cesari moved to approve a letter to the Town of Chelsea regarding the Highway budget and a
   notice about the roadside mowing. Motion seconded by Mark Whitney. Motion passed unanimously.
   Action: Prepare letter on letterhead for signing Thursday night.
   Action: Henry Cesari will contact Road Foreman, making it clear that roads should be passable even if
   running a budget deficit.
   Discussion about gravel stockpile at the Town Garage.
   Re: White River Valley Consortium. Levar Cole reported the history and the state of the Consortium of
   the 14 towns in the White River Valley which are working together to apply for funding from the Federal
   Reserve. Cole stated the group’s vision for the current round of funding is housing. Vital Communities is
   doing all the legwork. Housing options are being investigated. Towns owning housing? Accessory
   dwelling units? Ways to reduce costs and make housing available? Workshop on June 30th. Goal for that
   meeting is to re-connect with Selectboards and organizations. If there is any interest, Cole will forward
   info.
   Re: Creamery/School Water Drain. Geoff Clayton stated he is waiting for copies of the deeds. The drain
   was made so long ago that there might not be easements in the deeds. Clayton stated the stark legal
   reality is that the Town does not own either parcel. The drain is on the school property and the Button
   property. Clayton stated water has been going under that building for 50 or 60 years. The issue is
   between Button and the school. Clayton stated there is no connection between the town and the
   Creamery and the drain. Henry Cesari stated the Selectboard does not have responsibility for this issue.
   The drain should continue somewhere and then flow into the river.
   Action: Clayton will contact Button. For hazard mitigation, flooding, maybe there is a grant available.
   Action: Drop this item from the agenda for now.
   Gregg Herrin stated he was interested in understanding the water drain issue. It was suggested Herrin
   could offer another opinion to Mr. Button.
   Re: Riverbank erosion at the Horseshoe/Sewer Plant. Geoff Clayton recommends shoring up the
   riverbank, likely with rip-rap. Clayton suggests maybe it’s a use of ARPA money.
   Gregg Herrin stated if adding rip-rap to protect that area, you might also want to look at where the
   water is directed from and where it will be directed to. The State will come up with a plan.
   Clayton stated that one thing that has changed over the years is that the horseshoe area has enlarged
   and bushes with roots that stabilize the bank have been removed. Clayton suggests this might be a use
   of ARPA money.
   Re: Grant Writing and Administration: Levar Cole spoke with Kasey Peterson. There is no feedback yet
   about the status of the Town Hall Grant. Cole suggested to the board that when we have Peterson do
   more work we pay her at the same rate. Cole seeks continued approval of the board to deal with further
   grant writing work. Kasey Peterson will attend the next Selectboard meeting at June 21. Bridge grant
   possibilities are being investigated.
6. Public Comments
   None.
7. Administrative Assistant Report
   Special Town Meeting: June 9th at 7pm at the Town Hall. Floor vote to decide if Chelsea will vote in the
   future by Australian Ballot. Town is prepared.
   ARPA citizen advisory group meeting date is Tuesday, June 14th at 7pm in the Town Hall. Action: Admin.
   Assistant will put on calendar on Chelsea website. Also, paper versions on bulletin boards.
   Downtown and Village Center Tax Credits: Kasey Peterson reviewed paperwork. Not for Municipal
   buildings. Potential money for private property owners in Downtown and Village Center areas. Deadline
   for application is July 1, 2022. Interested people should go to the Vermont Agency of Commerce and
   Community Development website for more information.
   Letter of Intent to Participate in the SFY23 Municipal Roads Grants-in-aid program was presented to the
   Selectboard to sign. Deadline to submit is June 24, 2022. This is for a multi-year project with
   hydrologically connected road segments. Action: Selectboard agreed and signed letter of intent.
   Prouty Map showing route through town has been distributed to Fire, Highway, and Police, as requested
   by Prouty. Prouty bicycle ride will be Friday July 8, 2022.
   A sample job description was presented to the Selectboard as a language example of a job that
   combined two departments into one job for one employee. Brief discussion about a Public Works
   Director and supervisory roles.
   Geoff Clayton stated The First Branch Ambulance and/or the Fire Department want to have a Fourth of
   July Parade. Clayton asked if they have to get a permit? How would we plan for this? Mark Whitney
   stated he went to the Tunbridge Memorial Day parade and chicken barbeque. Whitney expressed the
   view that Chelsea should be able to have a Fourth of July Parade. Clayton agreed. It was suggested to
   piggyback an event with the Chelsea Flea Market. It was suggested to have a dance in the Town Hall.
   Action: In general, the Selectboard supports these kind of community events. No specific plans.
8. Approve Minutes
   Approval of the May 31st Selectboard Meeting minutes moved to the next Selectboard meeting agenda.
9. Appointments
   None.
10. Executive Session
    Levar Cole moved to enter Executive Session for Human Resources at 8:45 pm, and inviting Marianne
    McCann into the Executive Session. Seconded by Mark Whitney. Motion passed unanimously.
    Geoff Clayton moved to exit Executive Session. Mark Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed
    unanimously.
    Afterwards, no action was taken.
11. Approve Orders
    Levar Cole moved to approve the orders, except for the over-payment of one employee. Henry Cesari
    seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Action: Cole noticed an error in the payment amount for one employee. Cole will talk to the Treasurer.
    All orders approved except that one order.
12. Adjourn
    Meeting adjourned at 9:21 pm.
    The next regularly scheduled Selectboard Meeting will be Tuesday, June 21st at 7:30 pm.
    The next regularly scheduled Water Department Meeting will be Tuesday, June 21st at 7 pm.

Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 31, 2022, 7:30 pm at Chelsea Town Hall
Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Mark Whitney, Geoff Clayton, Henry Cesari, Merrill Whitney
Other Town Officials/Employees present: Marianne McCann (Administrative Assistant) (Herald), Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman), Gayle Durkee (Treasurer)
Members of the public present: John Parker, Cindy Allen

1. Call Meeting to Order
   Meeting convened by Levar Cole, Chair, at 7:35 pm.
2. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
   None.
3. Changes to the Agenda
   Admin. Asst. will add items under her report. Geoff Clayton eliminated Creamery Drain report. This item
   will be moved to a future meeting.
4. Town Treasurer
   Gayle Durkee, Treasurer, presented the Town budget to date. Durkee stated the Town Hall is 124% of
   budget for heating oil. There are full tanks now. Diesel fuel is 97% of budget. Heating fuel for
   Town garage is 83% of budget. Gravel is 101% of budget. The price increases in these items have
   caused the high percentages of budget amounts being depleted early in the year. Durkee stated
   she expects increases in the cost of electricity and phone services.
   Treasurer reported on the Audit. There were no material deficiencies, no findings, no recommendations.
   There is nothing in particular to act on.
   Mark Whitney moved to approve the orders. Henry Cesari seconded the motion. Motion passed
   unanimously.
   Orders Totalling:
   Payroll: $8,087.63
   Payroll: $3,905.93
   Payroll, Library: $1,489.32
   General: $15,922.00
   Garage/Highway: $10,328.89
   Water/Sewer: $2,362.19
5. Department/Liaison Updates
   Levar Cole stated Doug Lyford was scheduled to report on the Transportation Advisory Committee work
   underway. Lyford couldn’t make it to this meeting. There is no report for now. Lyford’s main
   priorities are the drainage plan behind the Quick Stop and the Maple Ave. bridge.
   Merrill Whitney stated he spoke with the COO of the Water facility. COO was going to speak with
   employee. COO has not got back to me yet.
   Levar Cole stated he had a phone call with the water dept. employee. It is supposed to be a temporary
   position. If the employee feels he cannot do the job anymore, we will have to find someone else
   to do the work.
   Cindy Allen stated at one point FEMA had suggested that the parking lot be taken down to the original
   level, so that there would be more space around the sewer plant for the water to flow.
   Geoff Clayton stated the river bank needs stabilizing, maybe rip rap, near the Horseshoe area.
   Levar Cole stated we can look into these issues. We need a request in writing.
   Admin. Assistant stated she was researching hand dryers and toilets and installation costs for the Town
   Hall bathroom, per instructions from the Selectboard. Report on models chosen and plumbers
   and electricians called. A.A. reported plumbers are difficult to call and schedule, one is 2 months
   out with work scheduling. Hand dryer and electrician estimate is in the works.
   Geoff Clayton moved to allow work on toilet and hand dryer for the Town Hall bathroom to proceed,
   with a maximum cost of $1,500. For the dryer and the toilet, and not to exceed a combined
   maximum cost of $3,000. , with the Selectboard Chair managing the project with the
   Administrative Assistant. Mark Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   Henry Cesari stated, regarding the Highway budget, at the last meeting we directed the Highway Dept.
   NOT to do the roadside mowing as a cost cutting measure. Cesari suggested applying for an
   invasive species grant, which might allow us to pay for the roadside mowing. Could we direct
   the freelance grant writer to take a few hours and see what grants might be available?
   Henry Cesari stated, regarding the Highway budget, and selling the old truck, that he met with Dan from
   Allegiance, who had previously made an offer for the truck. Again, there is a potential offer for
   the truck of around $30,000. Do we want money now, or wait and possibly get more money
   later?
   Geoff Clayton moved to authorize Henry Cesari to sell the old truck with a floor of $30,000., and with
   the understanding that the preference is to get more money from the sale. Henry Cesari
   seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   Levar Cole stated the Greens upkeep was on the agenda because grass seeding needs to be done. Rick
   Ackerman stated the Highway Department has never done anything for the Green. The spot that
   needs seeding is on the end where the Farmer’s Market sets up. Board consensus is to wait for
   the Fall, with Levar Cole responsible for bringing this up later in the year.
   Levar Cole briefly stated the background of the White River Valley Consortium Working Communities
   Challenge. A group of towns worked together to get a grant. They did not get a grant in the last
   cycle. Now, there is some other grant money available. The main initiative now is affordable
   housing. Cole will give an update after June 6.
   Regarding the Recreation Committee and mowing the Rec. Fields. Selectboard asks if the Rec. Com. can
   mow those fields? Selectboard has considered a mowing contract for the whole town. John
   Parker stated previously the Rec. Com put the mowing out to bid. When the Town took it over,
   the Rec. Com. Pays the bills. The Rec. Com. would like input and to be involved. Cole asked why
   the Rec. Com. would make the final decision? Parker stated the Town took over the Treasury
   and the accounting, and we (Rec. Com.) just pay the bill. Clayton stated we have a Rec. Com. for
   a reason. Why doesn’t the Rec. Com just make a decision, and then it comes to us? Parker
   stated the Rec. Com. would be happy to do the bidding process. The Rec. Com. heard that the
   Town/Highway Dept. can’t keep doing it because they have too much to do. Clayton stated the
   Selectboard would not cut back on mowing fields where activities happen. The biggest
   discussion was about roadside mowing. And, one highway employee was absent for awhile.
   There is no problem with Rick doing the mowing, even with overtime, it still makes sense to
   have him do it. Clayton stated, if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. Mark Whitney asked if there could be
   a cost comparison between Highway Dept. mowing and an independent contractor mowing.
   Whitney would like to see some numbers.
6. Public Comments
   John Parker, speaking on behalf of the Recreation Committee, requested Selectboard approval to make
   two changes. The first one is to extend the lower parking lot on the south end of the area that is
   used for the ice rink, extending it towards the volleyball court. In the winter, everybody parks
   there. The grass does not come back. The Rec Com. would like to extend the gravel about ¾ of
   the length of the ice rink. Do we have to go through Zoning to do that? Selectboard suggests
   checking with Zoning, checking with Highway Dept. Mark Whitney asked if you pull the sod out,
   will you put down filter fabric and put gravel back in? Parker says yes.
   Geoff Clayton moved to approve the Recreation Department request upon other conditional zoning
   and flood zone regulations. Merrill Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed, with one
   absention, Levar Cole.
   John Parker, Recreation Committee, stated that before making any improvements anywhere, we want
   to make sure the Selectboard is okay with the project. People have requested an 8 foot hoop at
   the Basketball Court. The Rec. Com. seeks to place another pole with an 8 foot hoop at half
   court on the river side. Geoff Clayton stated, our hoop does not need to be jumped through.
   Selectboard agreed to approve this project.
   Cindy Allen stated there is a big structure at Stone Road and Hook Road. It looks like some big building is
   going in there. Action: check with Zoning Administrator.
   Cindy Allen stated the Kate Willard wanted to make sure she wasn’t supposed to be here to talk about
   the Town Forest Plan. Levar Cole stated we will take that up in late June or early July. We are
   waiting on the Forrester’s Report.
   Cindy Allen stated there will be a public input for ARPA money spending proposals meeting on June 14th.
   The citizen committee to gather public input is holding this event. Allen learned about it on
   social media. Brief discussion about notifying the public in ways other than social media.
   Geoff Clayton reported receiving another complaint about vendor accessibility at the Farmer’s Market.
   The complainer had stated other farmers markets policies are just to show up and pay the fee.
   Clayton reportedly told the complainer to just set up on the sidewalk. Cole stated for context,
   comments had been made before about alleged price protection at the Chelsea Farmer’s
   Market. Cole stated the Selectboard will keep this in mind because we approve the Market’s use
   of the Green.
7. Administrative Assistant Report
   Green Rental request from Rusty Dewees to do his MACK Truck the logger show on the Green. Report
   on letter received to the Selectboard. Village Greens policy states all programs must be free of
   charge and open to the public. Action: respond to Dewees letter and request more information.
   Weed Whacking Chervil request from Marty Gratz. Letter received requesting weed whacking the
   borders of the town lot behind the old garage, and if the town cannot do it, request is to allow
   her to hire someone to do the weed whacking. Rick Ackerman reported he already did the work.
   Initially he did not because he thought the Water Department employee would be doing the
   mowing there. Action: respond to Gratz letter stating the Town takes care of that lot, and if you
   do not think it sufficient, you can do it.
   Transfer Station Switch installation was completed last week. Pictures of new switches were taken this
   weekend. Grant completion paperwork is underway. Barney McRae requested an increase in
   the invoiced amount due to increased costs and having to drive here for two days to complete
   the job. McRae has submitted 2 invoices, one with the original amount, agreed upon in the
   grant agreement, and another one with an additional $534.60. Action: pay the larger bill. Submit
   grant paperwork requesting additional amount billed.
   AT&T cell tower – 60 Day Advance Notice, dated May 19th, 2022, received for a new location in Chelsea:
   16 Windswept Lane. Request from DRM is to have the Selectboard write a letter of
   recommendation to the PUC. If requested, DRM will make a presentation to the board about
   this new potential location. There was a balloon test on Tuesday, May 24th. The full Advance
   Notice is on the DRM website. A paper version was given to the Chair. Cole stated, as with the
   other AT&T cell tower proposed locations, the Selectboard will let the Planning Commission take
   the lead on public input and writing a letter. If this board needs to write a letter, then we will.
   Grant Opportunity email received. There is an application due by July 1, 2022. Downtown and Village
   Center Tax Credits. There is a webinar on June 2. A brief review looks like something KC
   Peterson or Doug Lyford would like to apply for. Action: Give paperwork/forward links to KC
   Peterson.
   Sidewalk Update: The State Access and Work Permit was sent in on 5-26-22. The next step is putting out
   an RFP.
8. Approve Minutes
   Levar Cole moved to approve the minutes of May 17, 2022. Geoff Clayton seconded the motion.
   Motion passed unanimously.
9. Appointments
   None.
10. Executive Session for Human Resources
    Levar Cole moved to enter into Executive Session for Human Resources, and inviting Marianne
    McCann into the Session, at 9:02 pm. Geoff Clayton seconded the motion. Motion passed
    unanimously.
    Levar Cole moved to exit Executive Session at 9:35 pm. Geoff Clayton seconded the motion. Motion
    passed unanimously.
    Afterwards, the Selectboard agreed Levar Cole will contact the temporary employee at the Water Sewer
    Plant.
    Roberts Poor Fund Request. There was a brief discussion. There were 2 requests. The balance is
    $80,000. Action: Distribute money from the fund.
11. Adjourn
    Meeting adjourned at 9:43 pm.
    The next regularly scheduled Selectboard meeting will be Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at 7:30 pm in the
    Chelsea Town Hall.

Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 17, 2022, 7:30 pm at Chelsea Town Hall
Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Geoff Clayton, Henry Cesari, Mark Whitney, Merrill Whitney
Other Town Officials/Employees present: Marianne McCann (Administrative Assistant)(Herald), Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)
Members of the public present: Robert Button

1. Call Meeting to Order
   Meeting convened by Levar Cole, Chair, at 7:32 pm.
2. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
   None.
3. Changes to the Agenda
   Administrative Assistant added a couple items under AA Report.
4. Treasurer
   Re: Budget Status: Levar Cole stated due to increasing costs we must do what we can to conserve oil. Town Treasurer has advised that there is not a locked in price for oil. The Town is subject to uncontrollable price increases for heating oil and diesel fuel. Cole stated we will burn through the heating fuel and diesel budget this year. Rick Ackerman stated there is not much you can cut back on, in terms of diesel fuel use at the Town Garage. Geoff Clayton stated we need to find ways to save money.
   Clayton mentioned there was a time when people were responsible for snow removal from sidewalks, not the town. Rick Ackerman stated that years ago, Don Yates and Whitey Adams did snow removal, after they left, people were walking in the road, and after that, the Town took responsibility for sidewalk snow removal. Clayton stated the Selectboard needs to present to the town that we could see a 50% increase in the road budget, just to keep the current services. Ackerman stated we use about 35 gallons of diesel each time we plow the sidewalks. Cole asked if we should consider rationing. Clayton suggested the possibility of getting a large tank and storing a quantity of diesel fuel. Action: Cesari will check with
   Road Foreman re: snow and sidewalks. Check with Treasurer to confirm locked into a fuel rate or not.
   Henry Cesari moved to approve the orders. Mark Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   Orders Totalling:
   General Orders $20,828.34
   Highway $28,127.40
   Water/Sewer $1,104.26
   Rec Department $170.00
   Payroll $7,302.08
   $9,105.57
   Library Payroll $2,299.86
   AIP $129.00
5. Department/Liaison Updates
   Mark Whitney stated re: the Town Forest Plan, that Kate Willard has reported that the inventory is completed. Willard requests to present the information to the board and requests a date. Cole re-stated the background on this request for the benefit of the new board members. A previous selectboard had cut trees, but never finished the Town Forest Plan. Then, Coronavirus. Now, finishing the Town Forest Plan, with David Paganelli. Cesari asked the purpose of the Town Forest Plan. Recreational? Or Financial plan? Are there different parcels? The Selectboard agreed to get a plan finished.
6. Public Comments
   Robert Button asked if the Town Forest Plan will necessitate cutting the ash trees. Rick Ackerman stated Levar and I were supposed to ride around and look at ash trees. Levar Cole stated we will do that. The Road Foreman and the Selectboard are in general agreement that the Town of Chelsea does not have many large ash trees near the roads that would be likely to fall into the roads in case the trees die. The ride around was to be an informal survey of ash trees at risk.
7. Administrative Assistant Report
   Re: Creamery/School water drain.
   Report on the existing conditions at the Creamery building water drain prepared by M. McCann presented to the board. Brief discussion about possible remedies for the flooding/repair of the drain. Robert Button stated problems and construction history of the drain. Geoff Clayton will be the “point person” on this project. Next steps might be: engineering firm, environmental impact assessment.
   Selectboard would like to avoid Federal entanglement.
   Re: Highway Dept: Mowing/Tractor Rental.
   Rick Ackerman, Road Foreman, requests clarification on mowing duties for the Highway Department. Who mows at the Sewer plant? Who mows at the town fields? All the town properties? (Town properties mowed include: Rec Field, Parks, Tennis Court, Chelsea sign on 113, Sewer Plant, 3 FEMA lots, pump station, Kennedy, water tank, and behind old garage.) Ackerman mowed last Friday. Ackerman incurred overtime pay by doing this. Ackerman proposed to the board he could mow on Fridays for the town, using the town equipment, for $20.00 per hour. Selectboard agreed in principal to the need for clarifying mowing duties, but had questions about budget issues and employment law. Ackerman
   suggested hiring another Road crew person, with that person mowing. There was a brief Human Resources discussion regarding the Road crew. Clayton suggested hiring a part time road crew person for plowing/mowing season. Seasonal workers with CDLs. Mowing contracts were discussed. The Town has budgeted for 3 full time road employees. The Town has 2 full time and 1 part time employee.
   Actions: Make a proposal for Human Resources for Highway Dept. Decide if Town is willing to pay Rick/John for the mowing, which may entail overtime. Henry will consult with Rick re: employee status.
   Rick can cut back on some mowing. If mowing runs into overtime, ok. But not 11 hours of overtime.
   Merrill will check with Nolan about sewer plant mowing.
   Re: Roadside mowing.
   Ackerman asks if Chelsea should eliminate roadside mowing. Usually, the Highway crew mows 2 passes on the whole town. Roadside mowing is for visibility and to keep brush down. Usually a tractor is rented for the month of July. If we will not be mowing, we should tell people early, so they can mow themselves, if desired. Mark Whitney stated fuel availability might be a factor.
   Action: No roadside mowing for now. Selectboard will revisit this issue.
   Re: Selling old truck. Cesari will check with Allegiance. There is an option for “Auction International”.
   Henry Cesari moved to approve the Application for Access to a Town Highway by Carl and Mary Jo Childs. Geoff Clayton seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   Re: Water Meters.
   Admin. Asst. informed the Selectboard about water meter research. A salesperson from FW Webb will come and make a presentation if desired. Action: Levar Cole requests a paper version of water meter research. Selectboard does not want a presentation. Three contrasting water bills from three properties were shared with the Selectboard to illustrate the vast difference in measured water useage and the same amount billed to all water customers. A water customer has made a request to remove one water bill from a house with 2 water bills and one meter. Robert Button commented that the old IGA building
   has 9 electric meters. The Selectboard agreed there is a need to make changes and will address these issues at the upcoming water department board meeting on June 21st.
   Re: Training Debriefs.
   Cannabis training is May 24th on Zoom. The DRB hearing is May 25th. Admin. Asst. will attend Zoom training and send a summary memo to Selectboard members.
   Re: ATV question letter.
   Admin Asst. informed Selectboard an email was received asking a question about ATVs. Action: Copy
   Mark Whitney on ATV email and response.
   Admin Asst. informed Selectboard about the need to provide more detailed information for the State Highway Access Permit for the Sidewalk Project. Part of the request is for a pedestrian detour plan to be utilized during construction. Action: Copy Levar Cole and Jeremy Hook on sidewalk plan.
   Geoff Clayton obtained the file with the documentation of approximate boundary lines of
   School/Town/Creamery and adjoining properties. Clayton will research the deeds and propose the next steps in the Creamery drain issue.
8. Executive Session for Human Resources
   Levar Cole moved to enter into Executive Session for Human Resources for Water/Wastewater and Highway, and inviting Marianne McCann into the Executive Session. Mark Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   Levar Cole moved to exit Executive Session at 10:12 pm. Mark Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   Afterwards, a decision was made to have Merrill Whitney contact the Water/Wastewater Chief Operator regarding meter readings and mowing at the sewer facility.
9. Approve Minutes
   Levar Cole moved to approve the minutes of May 3, 2022. Geoff Clayton seconded the motion.
   Motion passed unanimously.
10. Adjourn
    Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:15 pm.
    The next Selectboard meeting will be Tuesday, May 31st at 7:30 pm in the Chelsea Town Hall

Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 3, 2022, 7:30 pm at Chelsea Town Hall
Selectboard Members present: Mark Whitney, Merrill Whitney, Geoff Clayton, Henry Cesari, Levar Cole
Other Town Officials/Employees present: Karen Lathrop (Town Clerk), Gayle Durkee (Treasurer),
Marianne McCann (Admin. Assistant)(Herald)
Members of the public present: none.

1. Call Meeting to Order
   Levar Cole, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm.
2. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
   None.
3. Changes to the Agenda
   Administrative Assistant will add a few items.
4. Town Treasurer
   Re: Budget: Heating Oil is high. Leaf Blower has been purchased.
   Re: Purchase Card Options: Gayle Durkee is still researching options.
   Mark Whitney moved to approve the orders. Henry Cesari seconded the motion. Motion passed
   unanimously.
   Orders totalling:
   General orders: $13,624.77
   Highway orders: $21,530.13
   Water/Sewer: $2,612.29
   Rec. Department: $1,652.50
   Payroll: $8,585.12, & $5,610.28
   Library Payroll: $1,786.12
5. Department/Liaison Updates
   Henry Cesari discussed Roads, Equipment, and potentially paving the shoulder of the green along Route
6. Cesari is building a committee of people knowledgeable and interested in developing a long term
   plan for the roads. Cesari has two names so far, Kevin Marshia and Paul Libby, and seeks names of other
   people who might be willing to help out. Cole suggested Mary Ellen Parkman. Clayton suggested one
   person from each of the main back roads.
   Cesari is looking into a similar plan for Equipment. The next two things needing attention are: Loader,
   and Truck that needs Front End work. According to the Road Foreman, Chelsea always trades in the old
   trucks to the dealer. Cesari questioned the trade in amount, and potentially selling the truck directly to
   get more money.
   Cesari explained that Paul Perry, engineer on the Route 113 paving project, asked if Chelsea wants the
   shoulder paved along the Green, when they are paving that section. Chelsea could ask to have a car
   width paved. Cesari consulted with Selectboard and Peter Amber about the impact to the trees. The
   trees would be impacted a little. Karen Lathrop noted that more salt may be funneled onto the Green,
   with more paving. Road Foreman is in favor. Geoff Clayton asked what are we gaining by having that
   shoulder paved? Mark Whitney stated he is not a big fan of paving over the Green. Cole summarized by
   saying, it looks like this is not happening given the concerns. Cesari agreed to contact the road
   engineers.
   Re: Gated Legal Trail: Geoff Clayton spoke with Mr. St. Germain (sic). There is a question about the
   placement of the trail. There is a remnant of the trail. The Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) atlas
   reflects deeds. A question was asked, do we go by where the trail historically has been used or by the
   deed?
   Cole asked if the Zoning Administrator should look into this. Mark Whitney stated you must go back to
   the map. Cesari stated there is a process to give up a right of way. Cole asked if there could be a
   compromise to reconnect a trail? Clayton stated there is no prevention of accessing a trail.
   Re: Cultural Facilities Grant: Levar Cole stated the Grant had been written and submitted with the
   Furnace being the highest priority, then the balcony, ADA, etc. There is a 1:1 matching for this grant.
   Chelsea could use money from the Town Hall Fund, or ARPA money to meet the matching requirement.
   Cole noted that Mark McDonald had sent left a message encouraging the Town to apply for more
   grants.
7. Public Comments
   Cesari stated the Road Foreman has no problems with the Green Mountain Gravel bike ride roads. There
   was a brief discussion about which roads would be the actual route. Cole summarized by stating the
   Selectboard has no objections to the Green Mountain Gravel Bike Ride’s proposed route through
   Chelsea on October 9, 2022. The Selectboard requests that the Ride officials talk to private landowners if
   the route would be going on private trails. Mark Whitney suggested letting the First Branch Ambulance
   know of the planned ride date. Whitney agreed to notify EMS and Fire.
8. Administrative Assistant Report
   A Roberts Gould Field Request was approved and signed for 5-21-22. A Roberts Gould Field Request was
   approved and signed for multiple dates for Chelsea Senior Baseball.
   Levar Cole moved to approve the updated annual Local Emergency Management Plan (LEMP). Henry
   Cesari seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   ARPA Reporting Update: Chelsea submitted the required forms before the April 30 deadline. Chelsea
   filed Revenue Replacement.
   Levar Cole stated Tracy Simon and Doug Lyford are looking at the possibilities of getting grants from
   VTrans for bridge and culvert projects.
   Cole stated Tracy Simon was looking into procuring park benches for the FEMA buy out lots. Something
   not in the way of mowing, maybe picnic tables, maybe benches, and maybe connecting it to the school
   emergency plan. A dog park was mentioned.
   Levar Cole stated he tried to figure out a way to kill two birds with one stone by combining a town wide
   vote on Australian Ballots with a town-wide vote on disapproving the ATV Ordinance. The way to do this
   is to have two Town Meetings. First, a vote on whether to vote by Australian Ballot. And second, a vote
   on the ATV issue. The petition received sets up the timeline. The Selectboard has received feedback that
   it is preferable to have as many voters as possible be involved. More voters participate if there is an
   Australian Ballot. Lathrop noted that 230 people voted at the last (March 1, 2022) Australian Ballot while
   only 40 or so attended the floor vote.
   Karen Lathrop asked questions about scheduling and dates. Lathrop expressed an opinion that voters
   might think the Selectboard was cramming things down their throats. There is a $3,000. Election budget.
   Cole noted the anti-ATV lobby threatened a Special Town Meeting to disapprove the Ordinance before a
   committee was even formed and before an ordinance was written. Cole noted all of this was part of the
   public record. Cole noted that none of the board members initiated the petition driving the Special
   Town Meeting and that the previous board budgeted more for elections in anticipation of a petition and
   the Clerks request to have Australian balloting.
   Geoff Clayton stated after dinner you would get more participation. In the evening it would be a more
   fair vote.
   Levar Cole moved to warn a special town meeting for the Town of Chelsea on Thursday, June 9, 2022
   at 7 pm to transact the following business by floor vote: Article 1: Shall the Town of Chelsea vote on
   all public questions by Australian Ballot pursuant to 17 V.S.A. section 2680(d)? AND Article 2: Shall the
   Town of Chelsea adopt all budget articles by Australian Ballot pursuant to 17 V.S.A. section 2680(c)?
   Dated this 3rd of May, 2022, By the Selectboard members of the Town of Chelsea. Henry Cesari
   seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   Cole stated with this timeline, we will still have time to warn and have another Town meeting or vote
   within the constraints of the petition dates.
   Re: Water and Sewer Billing: Cole stated the Selectboard has been asked to take a look at the water
   billing. Cole stated a water customer had shared copies of bills of two properties within the water
   district showing the same amount billed, and the big difference in the amount of water useage. Cole
   directed the AA to send copies of these bills to all Selectboard members. Durkee stated Tim Courts has a
   billing issue as well. Let’s explore options and put this on the agenda at the next Water Dept. Meeting.
   Clayton suggests everyone has a base rate charge, then amount of water used on top of that. Cole
   stated we need to run the numbers. We need an exact number of meters to be replaced. We need the
   exact cost of a meter replacement. Durkee stated the meters were not read this past quarter. We need
   to read them the next quarter.
9. Approve minutes
   Levar Cole moved to approve the April 5, 2022 Selectboard Meeting minutes. Geoff Clayton seconded
   the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   Levar Cole moved to approve the April 19, 2022 Selectboard Meeting Minutes. Henry Cesari seconded
   the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
10. Appointments
    Steve Thomas was nominated to the Alternate DRB position. Vote approved unanimously.
    Kate Thomas was nominated to the Planning Commission. Vote approved unanimously.
11. Executive Session for Human Resources
    Levar Cole moved to enter Executive Session for Human Resources, and inviting Marianne McCann
    into the Session, at 8:50 pm. Geoff Clayton seconded the motion.
    Levar Cole moved to exit from Executive Session at 9:10 pm. Geoff Clayton seconded the motion.
    Motion passed unanimously.
    Afterwards, Mark Whitney will contact candidate with a few more questions.
12. Adjourn
    Meeting adjourned at 9:14 pm.
    The next Selectboard meeting will be: Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at 7:30 pm