Selectboard

Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 5, 2022, 7:30 pm at Town Hall
Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Geoff Clayton, Mark Whitney, Merrill Whitney
Other Town Officials/Employees present: Marianne McCann (Administrative Assistant)(Herald), Nolan
LaFrancis (COO Chelsea Water System), Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman).
Members of the public present: Bruce Hook, Tyler Hook, Jeremy Hook, Kate Willard, Clinton Rogers,
Mark Lembke, Cindy Allen, Andy Pomerantz, Dave Paganelli, Phillip Mulligan, Tim McCormick.

1. Call Meeting to Order
   Meeting convened by Levar Cole, Chair, at 7:31 pm.
2. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
   None.
3. Changes to the Agenda
   Admin. Assistant adds a few items.
4. Town Clerk
   None.
5. Town Treasurer
   Mark Whitney moved to approve the orders. Merrill Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed
   Unanimously.
   Orders totalling:
   General: 7,067.35
   Highway: 14,332.71
   Water: 2,229.26
   Recreation: 170.00
   Payroll: 3,170.24
   6,535.45
   Library: 1,081.90
6. Department/Liaison Updates
   Town Forest Plan: Mark Whitney stated Kate Willard has been helping organize the Forest Plan. Kate
   Willard stated Dave Paganelli, Orange County Forester, has completed an inventory of the Chelsea Town
   Forest.
   Dave Paganelli addressed the Board, summarizing the history of the Town Forest. There are two parcels,
   and previous wood species, dates, and timber sales were noted. Paganelli stated it is ready to cut again.
   Paganelli also stated Moose are getting a lot of the young hardwoods. He advises someone ought to
   start shooting the moose. Paganelli noted a culvert is blocked and there is erosion gullying in the road
   path. He advises the Town to deal with unblocking and/or increasing the size of the culvert, as it will
   effect travel and the timber sale. Paganelli also noted a landing is plugged up with debris, and asked if
   the Town wanted that blocked off, or is that temporary? Rick Ackerman stated the Road crew has been
   putting stuff there, and will clear the landing with an excavator. Paganelli noted that the tree cutting
   should be done in the next year or two. The Town is advised to not wait 5-10 years. Ash Borer is on
   Chelsea’s doorstep.
   Action: Dave Paganelli wants to know the direction the Town wants to go with respect to the timber sale
   and the management plan. Paganelli will draft a Town Forest Management Plan and deliver to the
   Selectboard.
   Action: Mark Whitney is taking the lead on the Town Forest. Whitney will make a recommendation to
   the Selectboard after the Town Forest Plan is finished and public comments are heard.
   Cindy Allen asked if there will be walking trails in the town forests. Paganelli replied timber sales require
   access for equipment. If the trails are left open, not choked with brush, those trails could be for
   recreational use. We can set it up with the trails in mind, if that is what the Town requests, then the
   Town can finish up the trails. Cole stated the Town is considering trails. Andy Pomerantz stated the snow
   machine club has been helpful with trail maintenance in the past. Kate Willard stated the reason to have
   Paganelli do an inventory is to provide information to the Town in consideration of more public trails, as
   well as tree management. Phillip Mulligan asked if we could maintain a certain amount of larger trees,
   or legacy trees. Paganelli stated wildlife trees and legacy trees are tallied and included in the Forest Plan.
   Emerald Ash Borer: Mark Lembke, Town Tree Warden, passed out examples of the Emerald Ash Borer
   insect, examples of bark damage, and a paper titled “Town of Chelsea, Ash Tree Inventory, July 5, 2022”.
   Lembke stated he performed an ash tree survey in Chelsea along a 5.8 mile loop, that represents 10% of
   the total miles of Chelsea Class 3 roads. Ash trees were counted within the town road right of way. The
   survey showed 284 trees counted, with Lembke estimating that there would be about 2,840 trees total
   along the roads in Chelsea.
   Cole asked if Lembke will make a recommendation to the Selectboard. Lembke advised that some
   neighboring towns have started funds to prepare. Lembke advised putting some money aside to take
   some of the trees down. Lembke has not found a grant to cover this.
   Mark Whitney asked how fast is it moving through a forest that is thinner on ash? Would that slow it
   down? Or, are the ash trees doomed, no matter what? Paganelli stated the ash trees are probably
   doomed no matter what. Small trees will be unaffected. Infested trees will be damaged and ash does
   not hold together structurally, so effected trees are not safe to cut with a chainsaw after three years. In
   the woods, they will just fall down. Near the roads, it’s much more difficult to take the trees down.
   Paganelli stated some towns have hired Limlaw to take trees down on gravel roads. The power company
   would be responsible to take down the trees in the power line right of way.
   Cindy Allen asked if the landowner would have any ash tree responsibility. Allen stated some
   landowners may want to take their own trees down and use them for firewood. Some would want the
   wood. Some would not.
   Lembke explained he will not be recommending the removal of trees leaning away from the roads as
   they do not pose a hazard to the road. Lembke said when the hazard trees are cut from the right of way,
   the wood still belongs to the landowners, who can request it be removed or left in place.
   Highway- Truck sale – Roadside Mowing: Rick Ackerman asked, since Henry is not here, what is going on
   with the truck? Cole stated we will have Henry give you a call. I will be the back up person. Ackerman
   stated Vershire might be done with their tractor in a few weeks. There is a possibility we could use that
   for roadside mowing. Ackerman also stated Ken DeGrasse can go up to the Town Forest and put in a
   bigger culvert.
   Transfer Station: Geoff Clayton stated Snook requested an increase in Kristianne Gale’s hours by one
   hour for the summer. They have actually been saving us money by being able to more closely monitor
   the quantity of trash being put in the compactors/containers. Clayton also stated the bear protection
   shed for the compost has been purchased for $549. Clayton stated he and Snook will assemble the shed.
   Anyone can volunteer to help. Clayton stated it is possible that the bears could tear the whole thing
   apart.
   ARPA Outreach: Phillip Mulligan and Andy Pomerantz presented a list of ideas for spending ARPA
   money. The list is based on public input from a June 14th meeting, and other public input, organized, but
   not prioritized. Mulligan stated people are mostly interested in making an investment in the community.
   Mulligan suggested hiring a “clerk of the works” for overseeing a complicated project, if a complicated
   project is chosen. Pomerantz stated there are people who are really invested in certain projects. It
   would be possible to develop a list serve of interested persons. Vital Communities might help with this.
   Although this list is in the context of ARPA, there are lots of ways we could pursue these ideas.
   Cole stated the Selectboard is still getting feedback from townspeople that they want to spend ARPA
   money on (operating) costs. Washington is telling us to spend the money right away, due to inflation.
   We could use the money for matching funds for grants. For example, the sewer plant upgrades. We
   might get a grant for that. We would consider using ARPA funds in addition to the reserve fund for the
   matching portion. Thank you for your work collecting this public input. We are keeping all of this in
   mind.
   Clayton stated some of these ideas we might want to include in the Town Plan. Maybe food resources
   could be put in the town plan. Everything is not going to be accomplished with ARPA money.
   Mulligan suggested the Selectboard make a date for final proposals for ARPA projects. The Board agreed
   to put this on the agenda for September 20, 2022.
7. Public Comments
   Phillip Mulligan stated he measured the windows in the Town Hall for the Window Dressers plastic
   window inserts. Even if we did half of the windows it would make a big difference. We could create
   some sort of storage for the inserts. The Selectboard would have to address that in the next month or
   so. Mulligan submitted an invoice to the Town.
   Phillip Mulligan stated he has contacted VLCT about an energy audit for the Town Garage.
   Andy Pomerantz asked about the format for the ATV Vote Informational Hearing Meeting. Should he
   prepare a presentation for the Informational Hearing? Cole stated the Informational Hearing would be
   run like a regular Selectboard Meeting. We will open it up to Public Comment.
   Bruce Hook asked a question, maybe for the zoning administrator, regarding Longest Acre Farm. Is the
   barn on the land which is zoned agricultural a commercial business? When you start serving dinner for
   170 dollars a plate, I don’t believe it’s agricultural. There is a problem with serving dinner and alcohol
   without a license. What will be done about this?
   Cole stated, to confirm, this complaint is about Longest Acre Farm and your concern is it appears as if
   there is commercial activity, not farming/agricultural activity.
   Mark Whitney sought clarification this was about the existing barn, as opposed to the new barn.
   Cole stated the Selectboard did not approve the Liquor License. That license was not given to us in time
   for approval. This board has not taken up issues prior to being warned and on the agenda.
   Bruce Hook stated I saw the flyer. Is there a fine?
   Geoff Clayton stated the liquor control for the state will be called. We will put this on the next agenda.
   Jeremy Hook asked if he came back in two weeks, would this issue be resolved?
   Cole stated we cannot commit to a time. We don’t know what Clayton will find out. We will put it on the
   next agenda.
   Mark Whitney asked do you know for sure that liquor was served? A flyer was presented.
   Cole asked Hook to give us whatever information you would like to support your statements.
   Cindy Allen stated Heidi Chapman has started a group to publish a newsletter. The newsletter will be
   quarterly, with the first issue planned for October 1st. The newsletter would like to list the organizations
   and businesses in Chelsea. There are 50 Chelsea businesses that Allen came up with. The newsletter
   requests to have a link on the Town of Chelsea Website.
   Cole stated the previous Selectboard had a policy of no links, no advertisements, on the Town website.
   We will bring this up again for discussion.
   Clayton stated the physical phone books were the old way to spread contact information. That would be
   nice to have.
   Clint Rogers stated he previously spoke to Geoff Clayton, Selectboard member, regarding widening a
   bridge for the snow machine trail. Rogers stated he already had approval for the trail up to the bridge.
   Rogers stated the bridge is a public right of way. Rogers is waiting for permission from the Selectboard,
   after which he will proceed with paperwork and constructing the wider bridge. Rogers stated there is
   some urgency to this request, as the season is 5 months away.
   Clayton stated he thought Rogers was going to talk to the landowners. Clayton stated we need to make
   sure that’s a town bridge. We need to get the permits from the State. Clayton stated he will double
   check and get back to Rogers.
   Kate Willard stated she would like help getting public input on the town forests and trails.
8. Executive Session for Human Resources
   Outgoing Zoning Administrator, Tim McCormick, stated there are loose ends in the applications.
   McCormick suggests he meet with the new Zoning Administrator and go over the computer set up and
   ongoing permit applications. McCormick stated he will be in this Friday, and that would be his ultimate
   last day. I sat down one morning with my predecessor, and I will do the same for the next ZA. Action:
   Selectboard states as long as you have the records available for the next person, that is acceptable.
   McCann suggests officially turning in the keys and laptop at the end of the day, Friday, in order to avoid
   another trip to town.
   Levar Cole moved to enter into Executive Session for Human Resources, and inviting Marianne
   McCann into the session. Geoff Clayton seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   Levar Cole moved to exit from Executive Session at 9:15 pm. Geoff Clayton seconded the motion.
   Motion passed unanimously.
   Afterwards, Nolan LaFrancis (COO Water System) is approved to have Jason Hook (Water system
   employee) work as needed, for emergency coverage and special jobs, up to an additional 10 hours per
   month.
   Levar Cole moved to enter into Executive Session for Human Resources at 9:26 pm, and inviting
   Marianne McCann into the session. Geoff Clayton seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   Levar Cole moved to exit Executive Session at 9:29 pm. Geoff Clayton seconded the motion. Motion
   passed unanimously.
   Afterwards, the Selectboard Chair will contact the candidate for the Zoning Administrator job.
9. Administrative Assistant Report
   Village Green Request: New Creation Fellowship requests use of basketball court from 10 -12 daily for
   August 8-11 for Vacation Bible School. Approved.
   Roberts Gould Field Request: Chelsea Babe Ruth requests use of Roberts Gould Field from 5 – 8 pm on
   event dates listed in 2022 season. Approved.
   Special Town Meeting updates:
   Levar Cole moved to approve Town of Chelsea, Public Informational Hearing, Notice and Agenda. Cole
   read the Agenda aloud. Mark Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   Moxley Bridge: Town Questions letter and Right of Way letter received from VTRANS. Rita Seto, TRORC,
   and others at VTRANS asked about the possible use of old data to prioritize this bridge project. No
   definitive response as yet. It seems VTRANS wants to proceed.
   Action: Send Henry an email asking him to take the lead, cc: Levar, Mark.
   Grants in Aid: Selectboard is informed that Chelsea has been awarded $35,500. for 2023. That money
   will be for a project, the next one on the hydrologically connected roads list. This year, 2022, the project
   is Hook Road Ditching. The project cost should be $25,250., with an 80% reimbursement of $20,200.
   Special Events Letter: Action: file. N/A for Chelsea.
   Vermont Efficiency Letter: Action: Send to Phillip Mulligan, cc: Levar, Mark.
   Upcoming request: Brookhaven Bridge. Selectboard is informed in advance of a request for permission
   to construct a wooden covered bridge on an existing metal bridge on the Brookhaven property. More
   details will be coming.
   Liquor License – June 25, 2022: The process for approving liquor licenses is to put the request on a
   Selectboard meeting agenda prior to taking action. This liquor license request was not given to us in
   time. Action: ask someone at the State re: liquor license timelines. Geoff Clayton will do this.
   Town website link request: Brief discussion. Previous boards did not allow third party links or
   advertisements on the town website. There are speech problems. Action: The Selectboard will stick to
   our policy of no third party links or advertisements on the town website.
   Randy Brown made a google website called “Maple Avenue Safety Remedies”. Brown wants the
   Selectboard to review his website. A paper version is available. Brown was not available to answer
   questions.
   Geoff Clayton stated a registered sex offender is non-compliant and hanging out at the school. Should
   this be reported to state police? Public safety? State’s Attorney? Brief discussion.
10. Approve Minutes
    Levar Cole moved to approve the Selectboard Meeting Minutes of June 21, 2022. Geoff Clayton
    seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
11. Appointments
    None.
12. Adjourn
    Meeting adjourned at 10:02 pm.
    The next regularly scheduled Selectboard Meeting will be Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at 7:30 pm.

Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 21, 2022, 7:30 pm at Town Hall
Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Mark Whitney, Merrill Whitney, Geoff Clayton
Other Town Officials/Employees present: Marianne McCann (Administrative Assistant) (Herald), Gayle
Durkee (Treasurer), Karen Lathrop (Town Clerk)
Members of the public present: Kasey Peterson

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
   Add a couple items to Admin. Asst. Add Liquor license to Town Clerk section. Add Treasurer. Add
   Transfer Station.
4. Town Clerk
   Karen Lathrop presented a packet of information regarding dog licensing and dog violation complaints
   (tickets). The Animal Control Officer had requested information on the process of fines or penalties for
   dog owners who are not in compliance with the law. Lathrop presented ticket books and written steps
   to move forward with ticketing. Lathrop also presented a report listing 33 dogs that are unlicensed, and
   a copy of a “Second Notice” letter she is sending out to dog owners, showing license fees and delinquent
   fees. Lathrop stated we were very nice to people during Covid, and now no one wants to license their
   dog.
   Mark Whitney stated this is actually two issues. 1.The nuisance issue. 2. The license issue.
   Geoff Clayton stated the biggest concern is people who are not controlling their dogs. Problem animals
   are the highest priority. We should give out the tickets.
   Lathrop stated the Town Clerk is not enforcement. Someone needs to show the Animal Officer how to
   fill out the ticket. The ticket must be handed to the person, or certified mail. Animal Officer must appear
   in court. We need to have a certified copy of the ordinance.
   Board members mentioned instances of residents notifying Town Clerk of deceased dogs, and the
   deceased dogs remained on the unlicensed list. Cole summarized by stating there is no interest from the
   board to address the license issue at this point. Perhaps there is something we can do to help with
   record-keeping. The board will address the problem animals first. The license issue can be put on the
   agenda again.
   A liquor license request was received just this afternoon (June 21) for an event on June 25. A copy of the
   request was emailed to Selectboard members at 3:41 pm. Selectboard members did not see the
   information prior to the meeting. There was no motion made. There was no action taken.
5. Department/Liaison Updates
   Levar Cole stated Henry Cesari is not here, but we have been in contact, and I will relay what he told me.
   Cesari is still working to sell the truck. Allegiance is working with him. What about the engine light?
   Remember the board must approve any more expense for this truck. We should not be paying an
   invoice for an engine light.
   Cesari and Cole previously discussed sidewalk snow removal. As a town government, we are obligated
   by statute to maintain the sidewalk. We can make it a shared obligation. We must have an ordinance.
   We are required to meet the ADA sidewalk standard. We want to do that. Cesari will see if people can
   volunteer to do certain sections. Or, we will make changes in budgeting.
   Cole stated Cesari also mentioned that folks in town are upset about the lack of roadside mowing. He is
   aware that there is a petition to use ARPA money for roadside mowing. That would be a non-binding
   petition. If we use ARPA money for roadside mowing, the people in town that want big projects to get
   done, will have to know there will not be enough money left.
   Clayton stated we will be in the hole. I will not support anything but maintain our town and capital
   improvements. We cannot go into next year with a big deficit.
   Gayle Durkee stated Chelsea does not have any money left in the budget for heating fuel, diesel fuel, or
   gravel.
   Mark Whitney stated there are minor safety issues at some intersections. People can take care of these
   themselves.
   Clayton volunteered to weed whack at intersections, if necessary.
   Cole stated, given inflation, we do not know what the cost of roadside mowing will be. It will cost more
   this year. Also, availability of equipment is an issue.
   Re: Grant Writing and Administration
   Kasey Peterson Introduced herself to the board. Peterson briefly explained her grant application for the
   Town Hall. Peterson described a visit with Meeting House Restoration. The balcony needs to be cleaned
   out before an estimate could be given. A good idea for fundraising was given. People buy a chair. As a
   fundraiser, you buy a chair, you get your name on the chair for a donation. We might be able to match
   the grant that way. I’m not sure what else to work on.
   5a. Treasurer:
   Gayle Durkee stated we got locks for the Transfer Station. Combination and master key.
   Order Amounts totalling:
   Payroll 6-22 2,866.73
   6-15 6,149.18
   4,483.92
   6-8 3,324.39
   General Orders 6-22 28,118.24
   Highway 6-22 15,558.08
   Water/Sewer 6-22 1,251.40
   Library Payroll 6-15 1.177.94
   Accounts Payable 377.71
   Cole wondered if Cesari can call Allegiance and ask about the invoice amounts. Cole noted Cesari is
   looking for other providers that will be better able (closer and cheaper) to service vehicles for us.
   Re: Transfer Station
   Geoff Clayton stated the bears keep getting into the compost.
   Geoff Clayton moved that the Selectboard approve a cost of up to $750.00 for a shed to enclose the
   compost, with the understanding that Snook will be a second person approving the purchase. Levar
   Cole seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   Clayton briefly explained his idea of purchasing a metal shed for around $499 and materials needed to
   beef up the door to make it stronger. That’s the basis for the suggested amount of $750. Clayton and
   Snook will go and get one and install it.
   Mark Whitney requested that the Town Forrest be put on the agenda for the July 5th Selectboard
   Meeting.
6. Public Comments
   None.
7. Administrative Assistant
   Two Village Greens requests presented and signed. One for an event on 6-20-22. Another for an event
   on 7-3-22, a “God and Country Worship Service and Cookout” on the North Common.
   One Roberts Gould Field request presented and signed. Chelsea Flea Market parking set up and event on
   July 8 and July 9.
   Special Town Meeting Logistics: Cole stated the Town Hall set up is scheduled. McCann presented a
   draft warning for the informational hearing before the vote, which must be warned separately. Cole
   made changes. McCann will edit and re-present for approval to the board. Brief discussion about what
   date the notices should appear in the newspaper. The Informational Hearing on July 25 and the
   Australian Ballot vote on July 26 are posted on the town website calendar, and posted around town on
   the bulletin boards.
   ARPA citizen advisory committee debrief: McCann summarized the Public Input Meeting that was held
   on Tuesday, June 14 for the Selectboard. There were over 40 people in attendance. In this
   “brainstorming session”, the majority of the ideas presented were initial and vague. The organizers will
   have more meetings and then make a presentation to the Selectboard.
   A list of grant projects underway and grant applications pending, with amounts expected for matching
   funds was prepared for the Selectboard. McCann stated that when a grant opportunity came through
   the email, she was forwarding the information to the relevant people in Chelsea.
   Levar Cole moved to approve the orders. Mark Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed
   unanimously.
8. Approve minutes
   Levar Cole moved to approve the May 31, 2022 Selectboard Meeting Minutes. Geoff Clayton seconded
   the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   Levar Cole moved to approve the June 7, 2022 Selectboard Meeting Minutes. Geoff Clayton seconded
   the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   Levar Cole moved to approve the June 14, 2022 Special Selectboard Meeting Minutes. Geoff Clayton
   seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
9. Appointments
   None.
10. Executive Session for Human Resources.
    None. Cole noted that Mary Ellen Parkman might be able to fill in as a Zoning Administrator.
11. Adjourn
    Meeting adjourned at 8:58 pm.

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.