Selectboard

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    Selectboard Special Meeting – Nov 10, 2022

    ByPatty Swahn

    11/10/2022 Chelsea Selectboard Special Meeting Minutes (Draft)
    Chelsea Town Garage
    Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Mark Whitney, Bruce Hook, Geoff Clayton, Merrill Whitney
    Other Town Employees present: Karen Lathrop, Clerk, Tracy Simon, Emergency Director, Mary Ellen Parkman, Zoning Administrator.
    Townspeople present: Linda Kuban, Joan Goodrich, Sheilagh Smith, Janet LaFrancis, Carolyn Boothroyd, Marilyn Lyford, Richard Lyford, Jean Bernier, Cheryl MacNeill, Tim Ward, Dennis Boardman, Elizabeth Boardman, John Fraser, Leyna Hoyt, Richard Mattoon, Kristianne Gayle, Roy Hayward, Ed Coburn, Mark Vermette, Tyler Hook, Damien Hook, Jeremy Hook, Tim LaPlante, Ken DeGrasse, Wayne Ladd, Jen Edson, Robert Button, Alan Lyford, Jilda Pomerantz, Carrie Caouette-Delallo, Diane Mattoon, Hale Mattoon, Jack Johnson, Darren Marcy (WRU Herald), others who did not sign the sign in sheet.
    Call Meeting To Order
    Cole called the meeting to order at 3:46 PM.
    Public Comments
    Cole stated everyone would get a chance to speak once as there was a large crowd and then
    they could speak again if they so wanted to. He invited Board members to comment first. They declined.
    Linda Kuban spoke to concerns in flaws she perceived in the Board’s human resource dept area, lack of training, board over-reach, and the fact that there were no motions made in minutes. She spoke to all that Rick had done for the Town throughout the 29 years he had been Road Foreman.
    Cole stated the Board was not using Roberts Rules of Order for their meetings but any money actions or human resource actions that required an executive session were voted on by the Board.
    Sheilagh Smith spoke to the letter the Board send to the Road Foreman and said it was a “pretermination” letter and had adverse action wording in it. She went over the four points the Board used in the letter and stated the Board opened the Town to be sued.
    Cole stated the in letter they sent gave the Road Foreman an opportunity to meet with the Board to discuss issues. He noted that this meeting was supposed to be for just that, but the Road Foreman resigned before the meeting. He was not terminated.
    There was discussion about the items in the letter, use of a truck without Board permission, mowing issue/costs associated, hauling sand for Tunbridge/costs vs money brought in, and permitting for work within the Right of Way not being filed. Persons present felt the Board was overreaching. The Board explained what happened in each incidence. That they were trying to conserve costs as the Gravel and Fuel budget was overspent with still 2 months to go in the year.
    There were concerns from citizens about who would plow and salt the roads now that the Road Crew resigned. Mark Whitney stated he knew how to plow and Bruce had run heavy equipment. Other concerns were that it was a conflict of interest. Mark stated he would not be accepting pay so it was not a conflict. Hook stated they were working with TRORC but had not heard anything yet on help from them.
    Former Selectboard member, Joan Goodrich stated that even though there were differences with the Road Foreman in the past, the Board always found a way to work together to find a mutual agreement and that the Road Foreman never overspent his budget. She asked if ARPA money could be used to offset the deficit. The Board replied, the Feds kept changing the rules on what it could be spent on. Board would have to look at the rules again. She brought up having a special town meeting to raise more income. Geoff stated the Town had opened a small line of credit.
    Concerned citizens wanted to know who would they call with a Road Emergency. The Board replied they would figure that out in the Highway Plan agenda item.
    There was more discussion about the truck that the Town had to keep repairing until the Board said enough. It was explained the Truck kept quitting and going to “Limp Mode”. They tried to fix it multiple times and finally told the Road Foreman not to use it. He fixed it anyway and took it out when the Board said not to. Citizens felt that was an overreach of the Board. The Road Foreman should be able to repair his machinery and use it, especially since the Town was down to one Truck.
    Many people spoke to the fact that the Road Foreman found solutions to problems and saved the Town money doing so. Many people spoke to 29 years of good service and all he had done for free that he did not get paid for and they felt the Board should not trash that.
    There were concerns that the Road Foreman should have been able to run his department without being micro-managed. The Board felt they were trying to be fiscally responsible with the Budget. There were concerns that Rick was harassed by members of the Board. The Board strongly denied that.
    Jenn Doyle asked if the Board sought to get a moderator to work between the Board and the Road Foreman and if the Board had anyway of going forward to re-instate the Road Foreman. The Board declined to comment.
    Leyna Hoyt stated Rick said he would come back if three Selectboard members resigned. She noted there were personal issues between some Selectboard Members and the Road Foreman and another townsperson. She thought there were conflicts of interest.
    Jean Bernier reminded the Selectboard that they worked for the Townspeople and the Townspeople wanted their Road Foreman back. Kristianne Gale said decisions needed to make tonight to ensure travelable roads.
    Nick Zigelbaum stated he needed an answer about whether he had to fill in the depression left by putting the water line across the road. He said his grant from the Dept of Agriculture for theWater Quality Improvement project needed to be finished. Zigelbaum stated he had asked the Road Foreman’s permission before proceeding with the project. There was discussion as to why there was no permit. There have not been many of them but a permit should have been filled out. Cole stated it was a Board decision to send a letter to the landowner as no permit had been filed. Karen clarified the letter was sent out. Geoff stated if the owner would sign a letter indemnifying the Town from liability, he would feel better about it. Townspeople stated no one else had ever had to sign one.
    Carolyn Boothroyd suggested the Board call VLCT as they were a good resource and thanked Levar Cole for getting back to her about the meeting.
    Mary Ellen Parkman, Zoning Adminstrator, stated she understood the frustration, felt there was a level missed and there was miscommunication going on. She thinks a permit should signed off on. She supported keeping the Road Foreman.
    Many of the same concerns were heard multiple time from the same people. No confidence in the Board, Townspeople wanted their Road Foreman back, the Board was placing the health, welfare and safety of the townspeople in jeopardy with winter so close and not having a Road Foreman.
    Sheilagh Smith stated the timing of this was very unfortunate as this was happening as our Road
    Foreman was covering for our Wastewater Foreman, so the Town is in double jeopardy. There was a brief discussion on how the Wastewater Plant was being operated and the costs associated. She also wanted to know if the Board would be considering raises in pay to keep our hard-working personnel. She noted that the Road Foreman pay here was less than in other Towns by far. Cole stated the Road Foreman had reduced the line item in the budget for payroll when he presented his budget and the Board was not reducing payroll and were looking at all payroll’s since there was an 8.25% increase in the cost of living going up.
    Helen Heslop thought that the Board should use Roberts Rules of Order going forward.
    The Board was asked what they thought the outcome of sending the Road Foreman this letter. The Board stated they hoped to sit down and hash through all the problems at the meeting they had planned for tonight. Unfortunately, he quit first. Board felt they were going by the personnel policy in place and Cole explained the steps of the personnel policy while stating it does need to be re-written as it was very old and needed to be updated. He felt they were doing their jobs in good faith. Many felt the Board did not due its due diligence and documentation.
    Townspeople wanted to know what the highway plan was going to be going forward and if re-instating the Road Foreman was part of it. Some believed the Board did not want to work with Rick and were not going to step down and asked the Board if they would step down. The Board stated no one was resigning as of tonight. There were many complaints about this from the Townspeople.
    Highway Planning
    Bruce Hook stated he had called TRORC but had not received any answer from them. There was
    discussion on who would plow and where would Townspeople be able to find the information out. Mark Whitney stated he could plow and Bruce could run loader. More discussion on Conflict of Interest. As more Townspeople came and left the Board had to give out information they had already gone over in the meeting earlier. The Townspeople made it known they wanted the Selectboard members resign.
    Board stated it was not resigning at this meeting though they said there might be wrong on both sides of the argument. The Board reiterated it was coming to the meeting to have a discussion with the Road Foreman. That had been what they hoped to do.
    The Board again tried to explain the reasons for the items listed in the letter and said the permit was the last straw but there were many items that had happened to bring the Board to writing the letter. Merrill Whitney stated the Board was trying to save money. They told Road Foreman to stop any extra work that used fuel and he did what he wanted anyway. Another example was that the Road Foreman wanted to buy brake cans for $500 + dollars /2 brake cans when the same kind could be bought for about $50 per brake can. Mark Whitney explained they thought that could be considered fraud. The Board noted it accepted money from Federal and State and they were subject to audits at any time. Work on roads had to be up to certain standards that they sign off on to get the money. Mark expressed his concern that also could be construed as fraud. Kristianne Gale stated if they had documented receipts that would be hard to prove. Maybe embezzlement but not fraud
    Diane Mattoon, retired Town Clerk asked if the Board if Town had a budget limit. Cole stated the Town has a purchase policy that employees had to adhere to.
    There were several pleas from Townspeople for some Board members to resign in order to get the Road Foreman back.
    Jack Johnson, retired Selectboard member said the letter could have been drafted better an offered to help between the Board and the Road Foreman.
    Kevin Marshia was concerned that there was not enough documentation and that it did not show up in past meeting minutes.
    Damien Hook spoke to the fact that the Road Foreman should have known a permit was necessary and the landowner as well. He stated all people should be held accountable for their actions and he thought the Road Foreman was essentially holding the Board hostage. He stated attacking the Board was not okay. He stated he believed everyone needs to work together.
    Bruce Hook stated that some people were there to speak and not to try to fix the problems. Mark
    Whitney said he was not resigning and thought it would set a bad precedent. No Board member elected to resign.
    Joan Goodrich wanted to get the Interim Highway Plan nailed down.
    John Welch offered to help when he could. He does have a new job though. He stated the salt was ordered and someone need to be there the 16th or 17th
    .
    It was decided that the contact person and number would be Bruce Hook. He would contact Merrill Whitney as Mark’s cell phone has spotty reception and the home phone was unreliable. Tracy Simon, Emergency Director would be contact if an emergency came up.
    Mark moved to accept the interim highway plan as written. Bruce seconded the motion. Merrill had gone at that point so it was voted on by Geoff, Bruce, Mark and Levar in the affirmative. The motion passed.
    Meeting adjourned by motion of Bruce Hook seconded by Geoff Clayton. All votes were affirmative and the motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 8:34

  • Selectboard Special Meeting Agenda- Nov 10, 2022

    ByPatty Swahn

    Chelsea Special Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    Thursday 10 November 2022
    3:30PM Chelsea Town Garage
    1. Call meeting to order
    2. Conflict of interest disclosure
    3. Highway-planning
    4. Public comments
    5. Executive Session for Human Resources 1 VSA 313 (a)
    6. Adjourn

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    Selectboard Meeting Minutes – Nov 1, 2022

    ByPatty Swahn

    Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Minutes (Draft)
    Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 7:31 PM at Chelsea Town Hall
    Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Mark Whitney, Bruce Hook, Geoff Clayton, Merrill Whitney
    Other Town Employees present: Karen Lathrop, Town Clerk, Gayle Durkee, Treasurer, Rick Ackerman,
    Road Foreman.
    Members of the Public: Cindy Allen, Emily Newman

    1. Call Meeting to Order
      Meeting called to order at 7:31 pm by Levar Cole, Chair
    2. Conflict of Interest disclosure
      None reported
    3. Changes to agenda
      Cole added TRORC budget piece under Department Liaison Updates
    4. Town Clerk
      Lathrop gave brief update to Board on election concerns as to whether write-ins on ballots might show up as overvote if voters did not stay within the box for the write-in candidate
    5. Treasurer
      a. Budget Status- All areas okay but Highway Fuel is at 162% with fuel prices increasing. This led to a Board discussion on backup plan if fuel becomes scarce in the winter and needs are not met by suppliers. Concerns are high, as Fire and Ambulance pull from the same fuel tank. Rick states the tank is 1000 gallons and it is filled weekly. Bruce and Rick to create a plan for winter, Mark to speak with Tracy Simon, on emergency plan. Board position at this point is if fuel supplies run low this winter, Town won’t be doing business as usual. Discussion on prioritization/rationing of fuel assets. Rick states there is no
      issue with salt. Cargill stated supply should be fine.
      Gayle noted she paid all appropriations but not the Fire Dept as we collect their taxes. School taxes have to be paid (1.7 million). Over$ 687,000 of taxes are still outstanding. She has concerns there might not be enough money even with ARPA fund and a line of credit might be necessary, She noted the line credit is usually $ 450,000.
      Action Item: Geoff Clayton moves Gayle seek a line of credit for $300,00.00 to cover Town in the event not enough revenue comes in. Motion seconded by Levar Cole. Voted by unanimous consent of the Board.
      b. Orders- Question by Mark Whitney as to cost of Brake Cans on order. Discussion by Board
      and Rick as to cost, quality and warranty. Mark to check on costs at other supplier.
      Action Item: Mark moved to approve orders. Motion seconded by Geoff. Board voted approval by unanimous consent.
      Gayle presented new lease from Mullens for Treasurer/Admin Office. Lease increasing by
      $100.00/month. Cole noted it will be on the next agenda.
    6. Department/Liaison Updates
      a. Bruce went over the questions asked of Rick on 10/22/2022 about Klondike Rd unpermitted excavation. No site plan, 48 hour notice was given verbally, no application submitted, there was a request by the land owner via phone call, which Rick could not reply to as lost cell number. Rick only spoke with Tad Boardman the morning of excavation.
      Cole noted that the Town a policy on work within the right of way has been in place since 2012, and there is also Statute on it. The Board expectations are for the process to be followed and the process was not followed. Merrill noted the person should get the paperwork from the Clerk’s Office or the Admin’s Office. Bruce stated everyone in this day and age knows permits are a requirement. Geoff shared the legal advice he received. The legal opinion was that the Town not to allow a line under a road as it creates a liability for the Town. Geoff not in favor of it. Mark noted there are other lines under the roads that pre-date this current Board but fell within the timeline of when the policy was put in place.
      Chair requested the Clerk to look through the records for permits. Merrill stated the applicant will claim he spoke with the Road Foreman and received permission. Road Foreman note many people work in the Right of Way without permits. Levar noted the discussion is about utility under the Town Right of Way in this issue. Geoff’s concern iTs still Town liability. Levar made it clear the permitting process needs to be done correctly not what past practice has been. Levar stated for the record that Town Policy and Statute
      were not followed and it must be followed in the future. Mark’s concern is equitable treatment for all.
      Road Foreman stated he knows going forward that State Statute must be followed.
      Board discussion on how to notify applicant of unpermitted work. Road Forman in favor of Board notification as they sign the permit. Levar noted when permits are granted the Road Foreman was the messenger so why wouldn’t he be the messenger for this.
      Cindy Allen asked questions about whether he would be able to even get a permit, what with the laywer’s advice. Levar stated as of now they want the road restored. Work was done on the road unpermitted and without the supervision of the Road Foreman. He noted the road has considerable settlement. The landowner has not submitted a permit so they haven’t ruled on it. She expressed concern that the Road Foreman would be out there again doing it all over. Mark noted the Road Foreman does not do the work. Merrill notd the Lawyer gave advice and shouldn’t the Board follow it.
      Levar stated to do that the Board would have to re-write a specific policy and rescind the current one. Geoff expressed concern and would like to see the applicants in the future sign a release from liability. Levar thinks that is already in our policy. There was a discussion on permits that come before the Board that have a necessity for a permit Levar to write letter to send to Admin Assistant to put on Letterhead.
      Action Item : Geoff moves to have the landowner remove the pipe (utility) and restore the road to its original condition. Motion seconded by Levar Cole. . Board voted approval by unanimous consent.
      Garage Structure passed over.
      Hook Road Guardrail still in progress, expected to be finished in a day. Discussion on guardrail parts.
      Pepper Road done
      Bobbinshop bridge guardrail was damaged. The Board discussion with Rick as to company liable, bridge damage, none. Discussion on permits to be on the roads. Mark stated it is a State permit. Clerk states it is the overweight permit. Not every trucker gets them if it is a one day delivery. The DOT would have to see it happen, then they would have to file a permit violation. Treasurer questioned whether the company liable should find a company to do the installation. Road Foreman said bridge needs heavier rails. Bruce, highway liaison, Rick and Gayle to work on that project together.
      Moved to Agenda Item 13 Human Resources – Executive Session before Merrill Whitney had to leave.
      Action Item: Levar moved to go into executive session for Hurman Resources (1 VSA 313 (a) 3) at 8:40 PM. Seconded by Geoff. Gayle Durkee invited to stay.
      Board exited executive session at 8:43 PM – No action taken Merrill Whitney left the meeting.
      Bruce continued to his Liaison report. Reported pipeline on Town Farm Road was rolled up. Levar concerns that they would need a permit to do that. Bruce also noted many people do work on the roads just to be nice. How would the Board deal with that. Is there Town liability for that? Board asked Road Foreman’s opinion. Rick stated they don’t really look at it. Bruce stated he needs an answer in order to answer people calling him. Levar’s thoughts- maybe consider that in the road plan being created.
      Geoff’s thoughts- if not changing the road structure it could be written in. Road Foreman concernwould that create a liability to the Road Foreman. Mark Whitney’s concern, liability through knowledge.
      Bruce to work on that for the Road Plan.
      Equipment Plan Update- Board looked at the plan submitted by Rick. Listing of equipment and projected replacement dates. Geoff to send a pic of it. Levar would like it on the December agenda.
      Levar moved up to
    7. Public Comments
      Cindy Allen would like Board support for the newsletter, the Chelsea Spotlight. Stated other Towns support their newsletter. She asked for support so they can become a non-profit that is cost prohibited. The newsletter would come out twice a year. To file for a non-profit consists of many fees. She noted the Town has the rec committee under it’s umbrella. They are requesting being a line item in the budget or asked for an appropriation ($1000.00). She read their goals and content. Levar spoke to speech paid for by government. Geoff spoke to whether this could come under the Historical Society? Also if it was a Town Committee it would need a charter. There are options out there to do this. Cindy thanked the Board and it will be considered.
      Levar moved to Agenda Item 8.
      Budget Discussion for Highway as Rick was present. Rick noted he had a few items to share
      before the budget. He gave an update on the Beaver’s and Dam. Dam was taken out, Beavers left to go to Mize’s pond. One was relocated, one dispatched.
      Rick questioned how to input his hours for the Wastewater Plant. Levar stated for switching the flow chart. Levar asked if it was a daily event? Yes. Levar informed the Board that Rick has been doing it every day but stated John can do it also. Levar said they were covering their time for that. Rick says they have to come down on the weekends also and needs to know how to put in hours. Is it a 2 hour call in or hourly? Is it a total of 3 hours? Board feels it is an emergency situation and it should be the call in time and the other hour for a total of three. Just stay coordinated with Mike Whipple.
      Rick requested Board guidance on whether he should be doing the sidewalks and Town Hall steps. Board discussion on having John doing it. Rick stated John’s route is longer which is why he does it. Just does not want people coming back to him on it. Board backs him unanimously on it. Rick to follow the same process as he has but if they get extra custodian hours that might change. Rick brought up the sidewalk in front Haywards on North Common. Geoff stated he could speak with him. Brush needs to be cut back
      in order to get it plowed and salted.
      Rick asked if the Board wants him to chop the leaves up on the common. Board would like John to do that when he comes back from vacation. Hold off for a week. Rick also asked about the two dead trees.
      Mark is working on it.
      Board and Rick went through the Highway Budget. Rick said salaries dropped a little because there are only 3 full time and could cut back some. Overtime, depends on mud season. VEMERS is increasing,
      Gayle noted because it is going up to 5% until July and 5.25% after July. Rick stated up equipment repairs up as the equipment is getting older. Garage Technology is up due to protection plan for the laptop. Heating fuel/electricy. Propane has not gone up much. $5,000 heating. Last year was $4500.00 and two months to go. Gayle stated the Town was locked in at the price for the fuel.
      Rick stated we are at $60,000 for diesel some of the total amount spent was ambulance and fire Gayle said ambulance payed quarterly and the fire dept was annually. She noted equipment payments were less. Board wanted to know if the equipment repairs could be broken out if they need to see costs per vehicle.
      Rick reported McCulloughs told him material prices were going up fifty cents/yard and they may not have any sand left at the Barre pit. Board questioned where would they get it. Rick stated they would have to look around. Town usually gets 4,000 yards. He wants tostay at that amount. Average for Town is 3,7000. Manufactured sand is expensive. Washed screened is 18.25/yard. Total cost of sand would be 162.000.00. Mark states that just gives us an idea of what we will be looking at. Rick stated salt is the same. Town uses 200-230/tons. Last year was $73.94/ton. This year would be $86.00/ton. This year he said he has used 162 ton and has about 22 tons left with November and December to go. He said Cargill assured him there was no issue with obtaining salt.
      Levar asked about the guardrails. Rick stated there was a guardrail that was damaged last winter on Washington Turnpike that will have to be replace Levar told the Board if they had any questions about the budget to contact Bruce/Rick.
      Went back to agenda
      6 Depatment/Liaison
      b. Transfer Station- Geoff reported electric fence will go up in spring. There’s always an issue
      with the locks. Geoff could co-ordinate a key drop off.
      c. Water/Wastewater -Levar ran down the two week roster that Mike Whipple co-ordinated .
      he noted the Town still needed a long term plan if Nolan is not back in a couple a weeks. The State is being supportive. Mike/Tracy/ Levar would call the State if there was any issues and the Board notified as soon as possible.
      d. Public Safety- Levar asked Mark to hold off on the contracts.
      e. Grounds- Mowing Bid – Mark reported he had the old one from 2016 and it needed the
      three FEMA properties added to it and dates updated. Geoff had question about the old Battey property that Frank was mowing. Board said he has an easement to get to the other property. Mark stated Rick had it on it on his time card so it should go on the RFP. Board chose December 15, 2022 for date to submit by and December 20, 2022 bid opening at the Selectboard meeting.
      Action Item: Mark moved to approve the updated RFP for Town Property Maintenance Services with Geoff seconding the motion. Board voted to approve the motion.
      f. Administration- Health Insurance- Levar reported he looked at it from the standpoint of
      competitiveness that our people would appreciate it as everything is going up in cost. He asked Gayle her opinion. She reported the Town has always gone with the Platinum Plan. MVP is less Blue Cross is a little more. Board has asked for input from employees, but nothing has been forthcoming.
      Action item: Levar moved the Board choose the MVP Platinum Plan for the Town Health Insurance option with Mark seconding the motion. Board voted to approve the motion.
      Purchase Policy Amendment- Levar asked if it was read. Gayle said she read it. She wondered about the second part where there were purchases that were not normally used. Levar said the Town does not want employees to purchase using their own cards. That is the reason for the amendment. No one is using personal card.
      Action item: Levar moved to amend the Town of Chelsea Purchase Polciy. Change page 5. To
      exceptions/value services. The values in this section is hereby changed from $10,000.00 to $20,000.00.
      The second amendment to be the Town Treasurer/Administrative Assistant may use a purchase/debit card for purchases approved by the Selectboard, whether it be a recurring such as online subscription services or one time purchases both of which would include items and services unordinarily unable to procure without the purchase of a debit card. Approved by the Selectboard on this date. Geoff seconded the motion.
      Levar spoke with previous board members who had put the purchase policy in place and they said the $10,000.00 limit had just been picked out of the air. He noted that there were no bids for audit services so the Board would need to purchase them and they would cost significantly more than $10,000.00.
      Board voted to approve the motion.
    8. a. Hiring for Administrative Assistant – Executive Session
      Action Item: Levar Cole moved to enter into executive session for Human Resources ( 1 VSA 313 (a) 3) at 10 PM and invited the Town Clerk and Treasurer to stay. Motion seconded by Mark Whitney. Board voted to approve the motion.
      Board exited executive session.at 10.03.PM
      Action- Levar to set up an interview.
      Levar adjourned the meeting to November 2, 2022 immediately following the BCA meeting.
      Meeting re-opened at November 2, 2022 at 7:30 PM
      Selectboard present: Levar Cole, Mark Whitney, Merrill Whitney, Geoff Clayton. Bruce came in at 7:39.
      Other Town Employees: Town Clerk
      Other persons present: Emily Betts Newman, Ed Kuban, Tracy Simon
      Levar called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM
    9. Department/Liaison Updates
      d. Contracts -Public Safety Orange County Sheriff Department Contract & First Branch
      Ambulance Service.
      Action Item: Mark moved to approve the First Branch Ambulance Contract with Geoff seconding the motion. The Board voted approval of the motion.
      Levar noted for the Orange County Sheriff’s Dept Contract that the Sheriff has always crossed out section 5. It was not crossed off last time, and the Board does not see why it should be crossed out.
      Action Item: Mark moved to approve the Orange County Sheriff’s Dept Contract the sum not to exceed $12,500.00. Geoff seconded the motion. The Board voted approval of the motion.
      10.
      a: Village Greens/Roberts Gould Field Requests- None
      b: Art/Pellet Furnace Update – None
      c: FEMA Mapping comments. Tracy looked at the correspondence. She reported that they look at the watershed area. They review information, have a discovery phase and ask for comments. The map is on a secure server. This does not affect our Town and if it did, that would entail the Planning Board making a comment as it is their purview. They are looking at the Connecticut River but not the First Branch of it. Board thanked Tracy for her comments.
      Back Agenda item 6.
      d. Other Grants- Generator- Levar spoke with Kasey on the generator grant. The State
      Historical Preservation has no issue with burying the propane tank unless we hit ledge. She will call Dig Safe to have any lines marked. Still need to have a few electrical items that need to be completed. The big issue is the grant has to go in by November 15, 2022. Timeline is short. If we miss the window on the grant, it will still be a high priority ARPA item.
      Creamery Project- Levar reports the Creamery Grant is still a thorny issue. Conflicting
      reviews by two state entities. Kasey reported we can’t use Grants In Aid because it is a private property.
      The Board discussion included concerns about where the water contamination starts, water not coming off just Town Property, Brownfields, Cemetery Town Land, liability if Town work goes forward, improving private property with Town funds. Geoff states we have not made contaminated water at this point. We should avoid that at all costs for liability. Emily said the previous owner dumped all kinds of stuff at the Creamery. Geoff believes the Board should get an environmental lawyer’s opinion before going forward with this project. He believes the Road Foreman should not be speaking on the Town’s behalf about this project. Emily asked how long ago was this discovered. Geoff reported about three years ago. Board approved Levar to contact Kasey to call an environmental lawyer to get options.
      e. Audit – Levar reported now that the purchase policy is amended he would ask Gayle to call some companies and see if we can hire one as we did not receive any bids.
      Levar asked to go back to Mark and Bruce for updates. Mark to give an update on parts that came under 5b, Orders. And Bruce on Highways, as Levar had a voice mail on his phone.
      Mark reported he called Fleet Pride about brake cans. Fleet Pride said they do offer a neoprene reinforced brake can. That was still cheaper. The comparable brake can with the four year warranty at significantly lower price ( $56)/can) than the ones that had been ordered. The total bill for the Allegiance was $567.00. Board chose to go with the cheaper model . This company wants to work more with Municipalities. Board discussion on cost effectiveness for repairs, parts and best use of time of town employees. Bruce to discuss this with the Road Foreman Levar stated last night that Rick wanted the Board to contact the owner on Klondike Road about restoring the road. The Board made the accommodation and Levar would write the letter. Levar shared with the Board he received a voice mail from the landowner on Klondike Road saying Rick called him to speak about the unpermitted work within the right of way. He said he wanted to make it right and fix the hole in the road. Bruce said write the letter Mark said just smoothing out the road is not acceptable and reported what other Towns have done. Geoff said he wanted a laywer’s opinion. Board still wanted
      Levar to write the letter as agreed the night before. No one wanted to reconsider the motion made the night before.
      Board expressed that Bruce should have a conversation with Road Foreman about following the direction of the Board after they made an accommodation for him, so he would not have to speak with the landowner, as he said he did not want to be the messenger. Bruce asked if the letter to the landowner would be certified. Levar asked Karen what she has done. She
      replied registered letter with return receipt.
      Levar said he won’t answer the message but if he gets a phone call, he will tell the landowner a letter would be forthcoming.
      Merrill Whitney, noted that the Road Foreman was on Whitney Lyman Road the other day and filling rough spots with stone and did not feel it was necessary. Rick has been told to conserve diesel fuel and money at this point. Bruce reported work on Hook Rd was completed.
      Jump to Agenda Item 10
      f- Americans with Disabilities Act- Levar reported a person asked him about ATV’s again. He
      was told someone had a medical condition that makes him immobile and wants to ride an ATV as mobility device and the ADA says you have to make accommodations for that. He said he called VLCT about it and they said that because our Town does not have an ordinance. That if someone were to aske us for an accommodation, we would have to approve it by Federal Law. No one has made a request but Levar reported he did his due diligence and was letting the Board know. Merrill wanted to know if they needed a disabled plaque for it. Levar stated Federal Law says Towns have to assume a person has a
      disability.
      Merrill Whitney left.
      11.
      a. Administrative Assistant – Emily Newman wanted to know if she can put a proposal in to do some of the AA work. The Board said feel free to send in the proposal.
      b. Water/Wastewater Assistant Operator – Levar stated he wanted to re-advertise the position and put $25/hr negotiable and hours negotiable again. Karen asked how hours could be negotiable and Levar said there are some automation features that haven’t been used but could be utilized going forward. Board is in favor of going forward with this.
      Action Item: Levar moved to have himself to work with the AA/Gayle revise the
      advertisement out again with $25.00/hour negotiable and hours negotiable. Mark seconded the motion. Board voted to approve the motion.
      Added to Agenda- Levar let the Board know that TRORC dues for the year will be $2010. It is a line item in our budget.
    10. Approve Minutes
      Action Items:
      Levar moved to approve the September 6, 2022 minutes. Seconded by Geoff. Board approved motion.
      Levar moved to approve the September 20, 2022 minutes as revised. Seconded by Geoff. Board
      approved motion.
      Levar moved to approve the September 24, 2022 Special Meeting minutes. Seconded by Geoff. Board
      moved to approve motion.
      Levar moved to approve the October 18, 2022 Special Meeting minutes. Seconded by Mark. Board
      moved to approve the motion.
      Adjourned 8:47 Pm
  • |

    Selectboard Meeting Agenda – Nov 1, 2022

    ByPatty Swahn

    Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    Tuesday, 1 November 2022
    7:30PM Chelsea Town Hall
    1. Call meeting to order
    2. Conflict of interest disclosure
    3. Changes to the agenda
    4. Town Clerk
    5. Town Treasurer
    a. Budget status
    b. Orders
    6. Department/Liaison Updates
    a. Highway: Klondike Rd. unpermitted excavation, garage structure concerns, Hook
    Road guard rail, road plan update, equipment plan update-Bruce
    b. Transfer station: electric fence-Geoff
    c. Water/Wastewater: staffing-Merrill/Levar
    d. Public Safety: OC Sheriff Contract, First Branch Ambulance Contract-Mark
    e. Grounds: Mowing request for bids-Mark
    f. Administration: health insurance, purchase policy amendments, hiring for
    Administrative Assistant-Levar
    7. Public Comments
    8. Budget Discussions: Highway, Town Employee salary/compensation
    9. Approve minutes:
    a. 24 October 2022 Special Meeting
    b. 18 October 2022
    c. 4 October 2022
    d. 20 September 2022
    e. 20 September Special Meeting 2022
    f. 6 September 2022
    10. Administrative Assistant Report/Grants Administration
    a. Village Greens/Roberts-Gould Field requests
    b. Arts grant/pellet furnace update
    c. FEMA Mapping comments
    d. Update on other grants/projects
    e. Audit
    f. Americans with Disabilities Act
    11. Employee Vacancies
    a. Administrative Assistant
    b. Water/Wastewater Assistant Operator
    12. Elected and Appointed office vacancies:
    a. Fence Viewers (3)
    b. Inspector of lumber, shingles, and wood
    c. Weigher of Coal
    d. Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District
    e. Development Review Board Alternate 2
    f. Recreation Committee (1)
    g. Development Review Board
    h. Planning Commission
    i. Town Moderator
    13. Executive Session for Human Resources (1 VSA 313 (a)3))
    14. Adjourn

  • |

    Selectboard Special Meeting Minutes – Oct 24, 2022

    ByPatty Swahn

    Chelsea Special Selectboard Meeting Minutes (Draft)
    October 24, 2022 – 7 PM – Chelsea Town Hall
    Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Mark Whitney, Merrill Whitney, Geoff Clayton, Bruce Hook
    Other Town Employees present: Gayle Durkee, Treausrer

    1. Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM
    2. No changes to the agenda
    3. No conflicts of interest to disclose
    4. Department/Liaison for immediate action
      a. Cole gave an update on the Water/Wastewater Chief Operator and Cole’s meeting with
      Simon Operation Services (SOS). Cole met with Lane Simon, Nate Fredericks, and Duncan Cone from
      SOS along with Mike Whipple- emergency back-up for Chelsea Water/Wastewater operations, to seek
      options for staffing the water/wastwater facilities in the absence of the Chief Operator and Assistant
      Chief Operator. Whipple led the group for 3 hours, introducing /visiting all the water/wastewater
      facilities throughout Chelsea on October 24, 2022 beginning at 9:00AM.
      SOS will put together a proposal for the selectboard if they are able to assist.
      Cole will present whatever potential solutions are developed to the Selectboard
      b. Cole asked Hook to give an update on the unpermitted excavation of Klondike Road near 59
      Klondike Rd. that occurred on October 20, 2022. Hook explained part of Klondike Rd was excavated to
      lay pipe or conduit. Hook and the board noted there is a State Statute 19 VSA, Chapter 11 § 1111,
      “Permitted Use of the Right of Way” and a town policy referencing that statute covering requirements
      for individuals and organizations needing to excavate road for pipe, conduit, etc. Cole asked for a copy
      of the application and permit that was approved. Hook noted that the processes was not followed. Hook
      said he was told the Road Foreman gave verbal permission to the subcontractor doing the work the day
      the work commenced. Cole and Merrill Whitney noted that the Town Policy explicitly says the
      application is made by the landowner not the subcontractor and the decision is made by the
      selectboard. Mark Whitney explained the requirements for an application, approval, 48 hours notice,
      observation of backfilling or compaction, approval of materials etc. exist to provide reasonable
      assurance a permitted activity does not endanger public health and safety or decrease the integrity of
      the road.
      The Board had several questions for the Road Foreman who was not in attendance. The board asked
      Hook to get the answers to the questions and report back to the board next week. Hook agreed.
      Hook, Merrill Whitney, Mark Whitney, Clayton and Cole all expressed concern that the town policy and
      state statute were not followed and all were very concerned about the current condition of the road as
      it was sinking where it was excavated. Cole noted he checked out the site Saturday afternoon. Hook and
      Cole noted obvious settling the road that resulted in a large depression or rut across the road. Hook and
      Mark Whitney noted that if the policy was followed regarding 12 lifts mechanical compaction, the road
      might not have settled as much as it did in this short a period.
      Clayton expressed concern that since the Town is receiving a lot of state and federal money for roads
      and other projects, the town might be out of compliance with its oversight duties if the board allow
      events like this to be ignored. Clayton suggested that since the process was not followed, the town
      should seek legal advice, get an engineering analysis of the damage, and obtain an estimate for removal,
      repair, and remediation. Mark Whitney asked how the town is assured that the backfill or compaction
      met the requirements of the rules if there was no application or permit to reference. Hook said there is
      no assurance since the process was not followed.
      The Selctboard went into executive session to discuss legal options related to the excavation at 7:25 PM
      pr 1VSA 313(a)1 via unanimous vote on amotion made by Cole and seconded by Mark Whitney. The
      Board ended executive session at 8:05 PM. After executive session, the Board unanimously agreed to
      have the highway liaison, Bruce Hook, reach out for legal advice on what could and should be done
      regarding the excavation and report back to the Board at the next regular meeting on November 1,
      2022.
      There were no public comments.
      The Board meeting adjourned at 8:06 PM
  • |

    Selectboard Meeting Minutes – Oct 18, 2022

    ByPatty Swahn

    10.18.2022 Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Minutes (draft)
    Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at 7: 34 pm at Chelsea Town Hall
    Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Bruce Hook, Mark Whitney, Geoff Clayton
    Other Town Employees Present: Karen Lathrop (Town Clerk), Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer), Kasey
    Peterson ( Grants Administrator & Administration)
    Members of the public present: Robert Aicher, Andrea Zoe Aicher, David Bradshaw, Frank Keene, Mike
    McCullough, Morton Bailey, Chase Ackerman and Marty Gratz.

    1. Call Meeting to Order
      Meeting called to order by L. Cole at 7:34 pm.
    2. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
      None
    3. Changes to Agenda
      Emergent Roberts Poor Fund Request, Fema Letter, Mike McCullough water request extension- Board
      note prior approval of request and approves extension until November 1,2022.
    4. Town Clerk – None
    5. Town Treasurer – a. Sent report to Board, nothing significant in change
      b. Presented orders to Board – made misc’l expense line item for erosion
      control at Wastewater Plant and Beaver Dam. Levar signed contract for
      Brookfield Generator Maintenance Plan.
      Action item: Mark Whitney approved the orders as presented. Geoff seconded
      the motion. Board approved.
      Orders totaling:
      General $75,944.57
      Garage $10,515.85
      Water/Sewer $1,596.90
    6. Department /Liaison Updates
      a. Highway: Bruce spoke with Rick Ackerman about guardrails for Hook Road
      and Transfer Station. Will save money by doing it in-house. Beaver dam has
      been taken care of, trappers were in on Friday, and tree being chewed will be
      down on Wednesday. Road Plan work is still being worked on to figure out what
      roads are the challenges and long-term goals. MRGP- Kasey Peterson read
      through it. Basically the Town will need to be on board with it for any grant aid
      and the Board agreed. Bruce to take lead on comments by October 24, 2022.
      Bruce spoke to the Town Garage having a structural issue as the corners are
      dropping and the Board will tour. Geoff stated the statute of limitations clock
      starts running. Bruce will take lead with Geoff supporting. Levar noted the Town
      will need to retain a Town Attorney. Kasey noted maybe a call to VLCT first to
      send them in the right direction.
      b. Transfer Station: Geoff read the letter for illegal trash dumping to Board
      which they accepted and Geoff will send the letter out. Geoff stated no time to
      put shed up. Geoff said made of metal, won’t keep a bear out. He will purchase
      from Town at cost. Board discussed electric fence.
      d. Town Hall – Kasey introduced Morton Bailey to answer Board questions
      about pellet boiler. Mr. Bailey spoke with the Fire Marshall and the Town will
      need to wall off the boiler with a 60-90 minute fire door. He assured the Board
      that the BTU’s were ample to ensure heating by zones. There might be a need
      for oil supplement to wood pellet on an extremely cold night but that would be
      minimal. Two of the furnaces downstairs will be blowers for the pellet stove and
      the main chimney will be us Kasey gave the Board the new quote (#161) of
      $45,700.00 which is actually less when the Efficiency Vermont incentives is less
      than the last quote. The Arts Council grant for this is $21,000.00 which leaves
      the Town Portion at $23,600.00. Levar noted the Board had approved this prior
      and the Board accepts the new quote and has no objection for them to start.
      e. Other: Beavers/damaged trees -Noted in Bruce’s earlier report
      f. Administrative Assistant: staffing/town report: Board discussed Marianne
      McCann organizing the Town Report remotely. Leva recommends this.
      Action item:Levar moved to offer Marianne McCann the job of putting the
      Town Report and its commensurate items that go in it remotely. Bruce
      seconded the motion. Board approved.
    7. Public Comments: Marty Gratz said she would like to light the basketball court again this year with
      light as she had the year before if the Board had not objections. Boar had no objections. She also
      mentioned the sumac was growing back and she would like to take it out and replace it with ground
      cover. The Board’s concern was whether it would inhibit mowing. She would also like to plant perennials
      come spring. She noted that Susan Elder had spoken about grants earlier in the year for beautification of
      the commons. Would the Board consider memorial trees. Mark Whitney is putting a plan together on
      the trees, and it might be done in November Marty wanted to know what duties Fence Viewers have.
      Dave Bradshaw spoke up and said, they were to settle disputes between owners who have property
      sharing fences. She also mentioned she would like to help with repairs to broken windows in the Old
      Town Garage. Bruce will touch base with her on it. Levar thanked her for coming to the meeting and for
      her continued support.
    8. Budget Discussions: Levar started the discussion with noting that the Town wanted to find out what
      they as a Board can do to support the entities and have open discussions about budget needs.
      Chase Ackerman gave a report in which he noted call volume increases, the need to find new
      dispatching co, as state police would not longer be dispatching for free. Also lack of personnel due to
      the low wages they are paying ( $13.25/hr) vs other services. He noted the 3 year contract with the
      Town ends in December and presented the Board with a new contract to look over. It is increasing by
      $9.00 per capita, up $10,000.00. The Board expressed concern at how low the wages were. They noted
      the everyone was having retention issues, even Town. The Board thanked him for coming to speak with
      them.
      Frank Keene gave a report on Highland Cemetery and the three smaller cemeteries. They will keep the
      same persons mowing, were able to paint the arch and roof in Highland and repair some stones. They
      will be level funding their budget request at $2,500.00.
      No TRORC representative
      Under Petition Requests, Bob Aicher reported for the Senior Center. He noted they saw a large increase
      in the costs to their 3 meals program, Meals on Wheels, Dine in, and Take out. Inflation is raising the
      cost of meals. Many volunteers but they have some paid staff. They would be looking to increase their
      petitioned amount to $3,000.00, which is a $500.00 increase. Levar noted the Board was thankful for
      their service.
      Dave Bradshaw represented the West Hill Cemetery. He too said costs are going up and they would be
      asking for $1600.00 to be budgeted for them this year.
      Fire Warden – none
    9. Approve minutes:
      Action item: Levar moved to approve 10.04.2022 Meeting minutes with revisions. Geoff seconded the
      motion. Board approved.
      Action item: Levar moved to approve 9.20.2022 Special Meeting minutes with revisions. Bruce seconded
      the motion. Board approved.
      Levar will check on revisions to September 6 and September 20 were finished.
    10. Administrative Assistant Report/Grants Administration :
      a. Karen reported two Village Greens requests. One for Chelsea Grange to do
      Trunk or Treat & one from First Branch Unified District to decorate the common.
      Both were approved and signed by Levar Cole.
      b. Hiring for Water/Wastewater -none
      c. Hiring for Administrative Asst – none
      d. Arts grant/Pellet Furnace- Kasey asked what kind of sound system the Board
      wanted. Board asked her to explore the options but something that was
      compatible with hearing aids. She also spoke to a Public Safety Sub Grant for
      the generator. Due by November 15, 2022 but most of the work was already
      completed for an earlier grant. Can be utilized for this one. Would not need a
      permit to bury the propane tank-she checked. Need an electrician to sign off on
      a report stating the building can accept the electrical load. Karen suggested Rick
      Allen.
      Creamery Project waiting on TRORC. No problem with Town Right of way. Geoff
      said Lou Maraget does not see any problem doing what needs to be done on
      school property. Kasey said culverts could be bought from Bob Button. Levar not
      the Board would need to be cognizant and do its due diligence so no conflict of
      interest was breached.
      It was also noted that grants for lighting need to be looked into. Also the
      handicap ramp. Kasey reported the clearance for the bathroom would need to
      be 60 inches which is a worry.
      Levar gave synopsis of the letter from FEMA. He would contact persons who
      contributed to the LHMP. The period to comment was 30 days, but federal
      rules say more time.
    11. Employee Vacancies- Still have vacancies-no applications. Gayle noted the debit card came in and
      she can put the advertisement on Indeed.
      12 Elected and Appointed Vacancies – All vacancies still open
    12. Executive Session -Not needed
    13. Added Emergent Roberts Poor Fund Request- Levar Cole brought an emergent request before the
      Board for an $500.00 disbursement for a resident in need. Board approved.
      Mark Whitney approved the orders as presented. Geoff seconded the motion. Board approved.
    14. Meeting Adjourned at 9:44 PM
  • |

    Selectboard Special Meeting Minutes – Oct 18, 2022

    ByPatty Swahn

    Chelsea Special Selectboard Meeting Minutes (draft)
    Tuesday, October 18, 2022, 7:00 pm, at Chelsea Town Hall
    Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Mark Whitney, Bruce Hook, Geoff Clayton
    Other Town Employees present: Karen Lathrop (Town Clerk)
    Members of the public present: None

    1. Meeting called to order at 7:03 PM by L. Cole
    2. Conflicts of interest- None
    3. Levar Cole moved to enter executive session for Human Resources per 1 VSA 313 (a)(3) with Karen
      Lathrop invited at 7:04 pm. Motion seconded by Bruce Hook. Board approved
      Levar Cole moved to exit executive session at 7:05 pm. Motion seconded by Bruce Hook. Board
      approved.
      Action: Levar to write a letter to Town Employee
    4. Public Comments -None
    5. Meeting adjourned at 7:06 pm
  • |

    Selectboard Meeting Agenda – Oct 18, 2022

    ByPatty Swahn

    Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    Tuesday, 18 October 2022
    7:30PM Chelsea Town Hall
    1. Call meeting to order
    2. Conflict of interest disclosure
    3. Changes to the agenda
    4. Town Clerk
    5. Town Treasurer
    a. Budget status
    b. Orders
    6. Department/Liaison Updates
    a. Highway: garage maintenance, logging traffic, road plan, state MRGP-Bruce
    b. Transfer station: illegal dumping letter, bear barrier-Geoff
    c. Water/Wastewater: staffing-Merrill
    d. Town Hall-Levar
    e. Other: beavers, damaged trees-Bruce
    f. Administrative Assistant: staffing, town report, etc.-Levar
    7. Public Comments
    a. Marty Gratz-playground and lights
    b. Other
    8. Budget Discussions: Ambulance, Cemetery Commission, TRORC, Petitioned Requests West
    Hill Cemetery, and Fire Warden
    9. Approve minutes:
    a. 4 October 2022
    b. 20 September 2022
    c. 20 September Special Meeting
    d. 6 September 2022
    10. Administrative Assistant Report/Grants Administration
    a. Village Greens/Roberts-Gould Field requests
    b. Hiring for water/wastewater
    c. Hiring for Administrative Assistant
    d. Arts grant/pellet furnace update
    e. Update on other grants
    f. Audit bids
    11. Employee Vacancies
    a. Administrative Assistant
    b. Water/Wastewater Assistant Operator
    12. Elected and Appointed office vacancies:
    a. Fence Viewers (3)
    b. Inspector of lumber, shingles, and wood
    c. Weigher of Coal
    d. Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District
    e. Development Review Board Alternate 2
    f. Recreation Committee (1)
    g. Development Review Board
    h. Planning Commission
    i. Town Moderator
    13. Executive Session for Human Resources (1 VSA 313 (a)3))
    14. Adjourn

  • |

    Selectboard Meeting Minutes – Oct 4, 2022

    ByPatty Swahn

    Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Minutes (Draft)
    Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at 7:30 PM at Chelsea Town Hall
    Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Geoffrey Clayton, Merrill Whitney, Bruce Hook
    Other Town Employees Present: Gayle Durkee (Treasurer), Kasey Peterson (Grants Liaison),
    Karen Lathrop, (Town Clerk)
    Members of the Public: Clinton F. Rodger, Mark Richardson, Frank Keene, Douglas Stone

    1. Call meeting to order
      Meeting called to order by Levar Cole at 7:30
    2. Conflict of interest disclosure – None
    3. Changes to the agenda – None
    4. Town Clerk
      Board briefed on General Election. 937 voters, ballots were sent out, 66 back so far, full crew for
      election assistants plus one person to give breaks. Noted the Logic and Accuracy test will take
      place in the office, during the day and will send notices out to BCA.
    5. Town Treasurer
      Budget submitted and hasn’t changed much. Highway is a little high due to repairs.
      Submitted orders, explained there was a $250.00 penalty due to increase in pay to Library Staff
      which requires her to now pay monthly to Federal Payment instead of quarterly.
      Gayle still researching the online payment plans available for payment of taxes.
    6. Department/Liaison Updates
      Re: Highway – Bruce reported Rick said there will be logging up at Charlie Ladd’s and the log
      truck wont’ be able to make the swing onto Court Street and will need to use School Street which
      is one way.
      Geoff suggests notifying Orange County Sheriff’s Dept. and thinks the move should be done
      when court is not in session. Have a person block trafficBruce to coordinate with Rick
      Ackerman, Road Foreman.
      Bruce stated the Beavers out behind Marty Gratz’s place and there needs to be something done
      as water is backing up. There will need to be something done to prevent ice jams in the spring
      that would compromise our bridges and people’s property. Discussion on trapping but illegal to
      trap at this time.
      Summer truck tire bill will be costly. The truck with the belly grader is in for repairs for noise in
      the front end. needs some work. Check cleared on the truck sold and Rick would have a Road
      Plan in soon. Garage has been put on hold due to cold weather.
      Re: Transfer Station- Geoff stated he will send to the letter to the Board, as he did not bring it
      with him.
      Re: Waste/Water- Merrill stated has not spoken with Nolan since the last conversation on
      overtime. Levar stated Macaden Lyford had been called to read meters but he is not a Town
      employee. There are concerns about that, and the fact that MaCaden’s boss is receiving calls for
      requests for meter reading. Merrill to check with Nolan about that concern.
      Re: Health Officer – Geoff reported notices about Monkey Pox and some Covid related illness,
      but that it isn’t Covid and there is no vaccine and it is not covered by insurance.
      He stated there are issues up at Chelsea Court. He might have to get pictures Thursday if the
      Property Management company does not resolve it. Noted the Property Management company
      had threatened retaliation for complaints at the second property they manage. Could possibly be
      contacting the State. Has directed residents to contact a lawyer or go to the Law School for help.
      Levar asked if he needed support in the form of a letter. Geoff stated the Health Officer has
      more than enough authority and power granted to the position.
      Re: Animal Control – Geoff no issues to report lately.
      Re: Town Hall Building /Balconey– Kasey Peterson reported there was an issue with the south
      chimney and it would need to be lined and some bricks are decayed or gone. Masons are booking
      out a year in advance. Due to the issue a new plan was created. She showed the Board a new
      plan for the pellet furnace to heat the building. Stated that two of the old furnaces would used as
      blowers for the pellet furnace. The old quote of $42,000.00, updated quote 47,200.00 for ducting
      and concrete. That would be $5000.00 increase to the Town portion. Board said some of the
      money in the Town Hall Renovation Fund could be used but not all of it. Levar stated when this
      process started the Board had a vision of what this would encompass and it has morphed. Not all
      statements have proved true but they are looking at alternatives though. Bruce concerned that the
      back-up furnace would not be enough BTU’s to heat the library and the hall. Kasey said there
      would be enough. But she would double check Gayle asked what the annual maintenance fee
      would be. Kasey said old quote for maintenance was $500/year and it seemed low. Also, the
      inlet pipe for pellets that would come out of the side of the building would need to be kept free of
      snow. Kasey said Mort is trying to contact the Fire Marshall to ensure we have done all that is up
      to code. Board is stilling willing to commit with the new plan.
      Creamery BuildingWater Issue Update- The water comes across from the vet’s office and down
      off of the school property into a drop inlet and when it can’t handle the overflow, it goes through
      the Creamery building and out across the road to the river. With grants in aid money it can be
      fixed but the property is school property. Kasey unsure if we need permission or ask them to pay
      for part of it? Levar says we need a full Board approval. Geoff says to call Lou Maraget, but as it
      is an environmental issue the Board would just take action and notify people.
      Balconey Update – Kasey reported that the flats need to be moved and look at by a historian and
      everything needs to be moved out of the balcony before they can get a quote. Geoff will find
      some volunteers to help move flats.
      a. Town Hall building: window coverings, storage, balcony-Levar
    7. Public Comments
      Oversight of town property-cemetery, bridges, etc. Clint stated the Board gave him the okay to
      use the bridge for snowmachines, He then spoke with Frank Keene about coming around the
      Brookhaven trail and the cemetery to cross the bridge. Spoke with the Boys Home, Tim Courts
      and then went to Frank Keene to sign the paperwork and Frank said no. Clint states Frank is
      using one issue to deal with another one. Mark Richardson asked if the Town of Chelsea has
      relinquished cemetery to the Commissioners? Levar said we would come back to that issue The
      second issue is Clint states that Frank stated that if Tim Ward did not get a bridge then he won’t
      sign it. Clint went to Treasurer of VAST because there is no money for a bridge. He feels he has
      done a lot of leg work and now nothing is coming of it. Levar said that the Cemetery
      Commissioners runs the Cemetery. Levar cited V.S.A. 18 ss . Mark Richardson said you can
      create Cemetery Commissioners and still retain control until you relinquish it. Clint wants to
      know how Town property can be used as leverage.
      Frank Keene was invited to make his comments. The bridge that was just replaced was rotten.
      Two years ago Frank and Clint had a conversation, about Clint speaking with the Boys Home
      and Senior Housing &Town and it sat for a year with nothing done. The bridge at that point was
      unsafe, and he told Clint, he was posting the bridge as unsafe and said the snowmobilers could
      come through his yard. This spring, Tim decided that something had to be done about the bridge.
      He claims he has tried to meet with Clint or Mark and they would not meet. Tim used an
      excavator on Frank’s side and the bridge was rotted through. Tim put in a new bridge. Looks
      great. He did not get any money for rebuilding it. VAST came down to talk with Tim. Informed
      him there was no money left this year but would be some next year. Tim received an email from
      VAST saying they didn’t want to buy the bridge, but would pay for half but they had demands.
      Demands were that he would be open certain times, to take care of the snowmobilers, Frank says
      he doesn’t think that you can do that but it doesn’t matter to him. He made it clear that the
      bridge is no longer an emergency and that snowmobilers can go to where they want. He said
      people using Brookhaven Trail a mess and Brookhaven closed the trail. So they can’t claim they
      have made a plan with Brookhaven. He doesn’t believe they went to talk with Senior Housing.
      So Frank made it clear to Clint that unless there was something in writing from VAST or that
      Tim was paid some money for the bridge, Frank felt it was unnecessary for the Snowmobilers to
      cross the cemetery. He also commented that many people do not like snowmobiles in the
      cemetery. He noted that Clint and Mark refuse to work with Tim, doesn’t know why and Tim has
      offered to meet with them. Just the other day he said Clint approached him to sign off on paper
      and Frank refused until Tim Ward gets some money for the bridge. Mark Richardson said there
      are two sides to a story and sometimes the truth is somewhere in the middle. He has never
      refused to meet with Tim Ward. The club has offered to meet. He said VAST has not outright
      refused him they said if they were going to put any money into the bridge,if it won’t bring
      snowmobilers to a service, they need to know how much the bar is going to be open.
      Levar says the Board is limited on what they can do. Geoff remarked that if you all remain
      divided you will see less services in VT. You need to work together and need to try and keep it
      more civil. We won’t have anything, because everyone is fighting. This hurts us as a Town. We
      need to work together. Clint states he is surprised the Town of Chelsea lets someone use Town
      Property to gain leverage over someone. Levar says if you have an allegation that someone is
      using Town Resources for private gains to take it to the State so they make an investigation.
      Frank also commented on the Beavers that are damming up the First Branch. He noticed that
      they were having a lot of wild animal around. He checked out where the beavers were building
      and he said it is a problem as it is well built and collecting. He has been flooded in the past due
      to ice jams. He spoke with Pat Ross, as he has worked with him before on river work around his
      property. Mr. Ross told Frank that the Town has to do what it needs to do. Levar said he has
      talked with the State and they don’t want anything in the river. This might be different as they
      are beavers and could be considered a nuisance. Frank spoke with Sheilagh, the lady next door,
      and asked if an excavator could go in, would you mind it, if they made you a better approach to
      the river. The Game Wardens haven’t done anything but looked. The beavers are now trying to
      chew down a foot and a half tree on Town Property. Kasey Peterson, offered to call people about
      it as she had done it when she worked for Brookfield. Board decided Kasey and Bruce would
      work on the Beaver Dam.
      Geoff also wanted to know if the Board would get someone had spoke to Rick about riprap the
      bank ( prior board approved) by the sewer plant and the horseshoe pits. Bruce said he would do it
      but doesn’t have a truck to put it in. Geoff said talked with Tad and he would do it but need a
      truck you can put stone in. Geoff said it has been waiting for almost three years.
      Re: Other Public Comments – Doug Stone said someone reported a person illegally riding in a
      field on Burger Road and he wanted the Board to know he had addressed it. He also thanked the
      Board for all their work on the Ordinance. Lastly he would like the Board to mark the Town
      Boundaries on the Class 4 Roads that border Vershire so four wheeler know where to stop. Levar
      said they would put it on the next agenda to be discussed.
    8. Approve minutes: – Revisions to be made. Pass over
      a. 20 September 2022
      b. 6 September 2022
    9. Administrative Assistant Report/Grants Administration:
      Re: Village Greens/Roberts- Field requests- no request yet, but one coming for next meeting
      Re: Hiring for water/wastewater – no applications sent in
      Re: Hiring for Administrative Assistant – no applications sent in
      Re: Update for 2023 budget planning/discussions (notification) – Karen said she emailed
      many of the people on the Budget Timeline and sent a draft of the letter to the Board.
      Levar said the Board doesn’t need to sign, just send from Admin. Send to appropriations.
      Geoff said there would be increases for First Branch Ambulance. Mark was trying to get
      a grant.
      The Library asked the Board to push back their budget. Levar said we just need to give
      them support/platform for their printed material
      Re: Arts grant/pellet furnace update
      Update on other grants Kasey- generator. She spoke to the Historical Preservation and the
      most important item is will our old wiring support a generator if it switches it. Karen
      suggested Rick Allen. Kasey also said if money were available that it would be a tough
      sell to get Historic Preservation to grant it because we are in the historic district. Karen
      stated try VLCT for grants. Karen concerned that power was necessary to run tabulator
      and we might need to come up with an emergency procedures for elections. Levar though
      Marianne and Tracy had someone check our building and suggests giving Tracy a call.
      There was discussion about where people will go in an emergency. Board requested
      Kasey speak with Tracy Simon
      Re: Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development Tour-Chelsea
      Levar stated White River Valley Consortium was able to get some Federal funding.
      Some people were going around to see if they could help with the housing issues in
      Vermont. Levar stated WRVC received around 200,00.00-300,00.00 for housing. Kasey
      and Levar attended. Geoff wanted to know why they weren’t around two years ago when
      we were tearing houses down for FEMA. Levar said he brought that up. Levar will let the
      Board know if a letter of support is needed.
      Geoff wants it on the record: “This is another example of the Government taking
      something and destroying it, then saying we have tax money we are going to pay you to
      rebuild it and create something that you had before, before we made an idiot PHD out of
      touch decision on what to do. Why do they pay us to destroy stuff in order t take our tax
      money to pay us to build the same stuff.
      Action: Merrill Whitney moved to approve orders. Bruce Hook secondrf the
      motion. Motion passed unanimously.
      General $4143.06
      Highway $24,283.85
      Water/Sewer $3616.41
    10. Employee Vacancies -No Applications
    11. Elected and Appointed office vacancies: None
    12. Executive Session for Human Resources (1 VSA 313 (a)(3))
      Action: Levar Cole moved to enter executive session for Human Resources per 1 VSA
      313(a)(3) at 9.06 PM
      Action: Levar Cole moved to exit executive session at 9:22 PM
      Levar state there would be change to water staffing – A thank you letter to Mr. Hook for his
      work on the temporary water position as staff support to Mr. LaFrancis.
    13. Meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM.
      The next regularly scheduled Selectboard meeting will be on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at 7:30
      pm at the Town Hall.