Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

March 17, 2026 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall

Call to Order

Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm.   SELECTBOARD     Gregg Herrin (Present)  Curtis Chase (Present) Paul Libby (Present) Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present) Charles Peel (Present) TOWN EMPLOYEES     Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) Jen Chase (Town Clerk) Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman) Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer)

Additions to the Agenda

-Curb cut permit: The Selectboard reviewed a curb cut permit for Lou Maraget at 208 E Randolph Rd. Rick Ackerman had reviewed the permit and had no issue. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the permit; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None

Public Comments: None

Approve minutes from february 17, 18, 24, 2026 and march 5, 2026

Charles Peel made a motion to approve the February 17th meeting minutes; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the February 18th meeting minutes with changes from the Selectboard; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Charles Peel made a motion to approve the February 24th meeting minutes; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed, with Paul Libby abstaining due to his absence during the meeting.Charles Peel made a motion to approve the March 5th meeting minutes with one minor change, Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Current Events and Updates

A. Introduction to Senator John Benson

Senator John Benson attending the Selectboard meeting to introduce himself as the representative for Orange County, and to give an update on what projects he’s been working on in Montpelier. He gave an overview of the committees he is involved in (Committee on Health and Welfare, Committee on Institutions), and encouraged residents to reach out if they have questions or comments regarding state legislature.  Senator John Benson John.benson@vtleg.gov802-828-2228

B. Highway Update

Rick Ackerman updated the Selectboard, stating that mud season is slowly but surely arriving. The highway crew has 1,00-1,500 yards of stone stockpiled in preparation for the mud. Rick is still waiting on estimates on truck prices. He mentioned that he had seen a used tractor for sale in Kentucky for $135,900. The Selectboard discussed the prospect of getting a tractor, and asked that Rick and Gayle look into financing possibilities for the tractor.

C. Town Administrator Update

The Town Administrator shared information from the new contact at the Windsor County Sheriff’s Office, and the Selectboard discussed the need to have a contract renewal for police services. The Town Administrator and Selectboard liaisons for Health and Safety will reach out to Windsor County to secure a contract renewal. Charles Peel made a motion to preliminarily approve the Windsor County contract for 2026-2027, assuming they are offering the same services as described; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. The Town Administrator mentioned putting out the 2026 mowing RFP. The Selectboard discussed and agreed that the RFP should be put out so that a bid can be chosen at the next regular Selectboard meeting on April 7th. No motion required.

Action Items

A. United Church of Chelsea: Sewer Drainage Issue at 13 Church St

Bob Aicher from the United Church of Chelsea attended the meeting to discuss a sewer issue that the church has been experiencing. The Church had recent renovations and discovered a sewer issue after it began to back up. Bob showed the Selectboard plans and photos for the lines, and believes the issue was caused during the placement of the water line. The Selectboard will rely on the water and sewer liaisons, Charles Peel and Gregg Herrin, to investigate the issue and work on a solution.

B. Treasurer: Apply for Additional Line of Credit

Gayle Durkee requested that the Selectboard allow her to apply for a line of credit for $375,000. Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the line of credit for $375,000, with the Selectboard as the authorized signer with the treasurer allowed to request advances from the line of credit; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

C. Constable and Animal Control Officer Vacancies

Leyna Hoyt, Animal Control Officer, attended the meeting to discuss the status of animal cases in town. The amount of animal control cases has increased since she began working as the ACO, and it has become financially and personally difficult to continue the work. Leyna said she can tentatively continue working on cases that require follow-up, but ultimately would like to transition out of the position. The Selectboard thanked her for all of her work and will look into additional funding possibilities and more support from Windsor County for issuing tickets.

Contracts and Selectboard Approvals

A. Wastewater Plant Loan Agreement (Final Engineering)

This item was tabled to allow for additional review of the contract.

B. Annual Grants in Aid 2027 Letter of Intent Approval and Highway Financial Plan

Charles Peel made a motion to sign the Grants in Aid Letter of Intent and Highway Financial Plan; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

C. State of Vermont: Town Road and Bridge Standards Update

Charles Peel made a motion to approve and adopt the Town Road and Bridge Standards dated 1/21/26; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

D. Free Verse Farm Shop Liquor License Renewal

Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the liquor license renewal for Free Verse Farm Shop; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

E. Approve Orders

Charles Peel made a motion to approve the orders; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Charles Peel had questions regarding two orders, but still made a motion to approve them. Motion passed unanimously.

Executive Session If Necessary

Curtis Chase made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Tierney Farago, to discuss two Roberts Poor Fund requests and personnel pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 313(a); Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 9:37 pm. Charles Peel made a motion to exit executive session; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard exited executive session at 10:11 pm.

A. Roberts Poor Fund Requests

First request: Charles Peel made a motion to approve a Roberts Poor Fund request for $320; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Second request: Charles Peel made a motion to approve a Roberts Poor Fund request for a maximum of $500, pending receiving an invoice; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

B. Personnel Pursuant To 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)

Gregg Herrin summarized that two personnel issues were discussed, with no motion made.

Adjournment

Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting ended at 10:13 pm.

Organizational Selectboard Meeting Minutes

March 5th, 2026 7:00 pm Chelsea Town Hall

Call to order

Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm.   SELECTBOARD     Gregg Herrin (Present)  Curtis Chase (Present) Paul Libby (Present) Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present) Charles Peel (Present) TOWN EMPLOYEES     Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) Jen Chase (Town Clerk) Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)

Additions to the Agenda

-Highway Update: Rick Ackerman attended the meeting with a pressing matter of securing a spot for the plow component of the next town truck purchase. He was able to get several quotes for plow packages and presented the Selectboard with the offer from Tenco for $133,399. The wait time is currently 8 months, and he believed it would be longer and possibly more expensive if the Town delayed agreeing to the price. After some discussion, the Selectboard decided it would be best to lock in the price now before the market might change. Paul Libby made a motion to accept the quote by Tenco; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. -Highway Mileage Confirmation: A form from the state was issued to confirm the mileage of highway in Chelsea. No motion was needed after Rick confirmed the mileage from last year was correct.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None

Public Comments: None

Agenda Items

A. Appointments for any Elected Vacancies

No appointments were made.

B. Select Chair and Vice Chair

Charles Peel made a motion to appoint Gregg Herrin as chair and Curtis Chase as vice-chair; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

C. Determine Meeting Rules of Procedure

Curtis Chase made a motion to keep the current meeting rules of procedure; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

D. Designate Meeting Dates, Times, and Location for Regular Meetings

Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to have regular Selectboard meetings on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month at 6:30pm in Town Hall; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

E. Designate Locations for Meeting Notices

Charles Peel made a motion to continue posting meeting notices on the bulletin boards outside of Town Hall, the post office, and Will’s Store; Curtis Chases seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

F. Determine Process for Calling Special and Emergency Meetings

Curtis Chase made a motion to continue adhering to state statute regarding special and emergency meetings; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

F. Select Newspaper of Record for Public Notice

Curtis Chase made a motion to continue using The White River Valley Herald as the newspaper for public notice; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

G. Determine Selectboard Organizational Processes for the Following 1. Designate member or members to sign orders/warrant on off-weeks: Carrie Caouette-De Lallo will continue to be the designated member to sign orders on off weeks, with Curtis Chase as a back-up. Charles Peel volunteered to be the third option if it’s ever required. 2. Determine agenda content and coordination: Agenda will be drafted and ready for Selectboard approval by the Thursday prior to a meeting. If items on the agenda are missing documentation, they will be tabled until everything has been submitted for the Selectboard’s review. 3. Approval of Village Greens Requests: The Village Greens requests will continue to be approved administratively by the Town Administrator. 4. Approval of Roberts Gould Field Requests: The Roberts-Gould Field requests will continue to be approved administratively by the Town Administrator. 5. Designate whether Selectboard members want to have liaison appointments for Town Departments: The Selectboard discussed the current liaisons and made a few adjustments to the original appointments. The new liaisons are as follows:

Category: Primary Liaison, Secondary Liaison Executive & Admin: Gregg Herrin, Curtis Chase Planning & Zoning: Charles Peel, Carrie Caouette-De Lallo Health & Safety: Carrie Caouette-De Lallo, Charles Peel Public Lands & Facilities: Curtis Chase, Paul Libby Highway: Paul Libby, Curtis Chase Transfer Station: Carrie Caouette-De Lallo, Curtis Chase Water & Wastewater: Charles Peel, Gregg Herrin

Adjournment

Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 8:59 pm.

Special Selectboard Meeting Minutes

February 24, 2026 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall

Call to Order

Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:33 pm.   SELECTBOARD     Gregg Herrin (Present)  Curtis Chase (Present) Paul Libby (Absent) Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present) Charles Peel (Present) TOWN EMPLOYEES     Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) Jen Chase (Town Clerk) Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer)

Additions to the Agenda

Gregg Herrin added an item to the agenda to briefly discuss an issue with the current use that affected the 2025 taxes while Gayle Durkee was present to explain.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None

Public Comments: None

Action Items

A. TRORC Updated Vendor Contract: Storm Windows

The Selectboard reviewed a new contract for storm windows in relation to the MERP Grant. The vendor that was originally selected for the work had pulled out and the second vendor was asked to do the work. After reading the contract, the Selectboard noted that the Town would be responsible for the measurement of the windows in Town Hall since the vendor is located out of state and would only be able to send the storm windows once they get the measurements back. The board members were all wary of measuring the windows due to any mistakes that might be made. They would prefer to use a vendor that is local and will personally measure the windows. The Town Administrator will reach out to Two Rivers to ask what the next steps are to continue with the storm window work. No motion required.

B. Amend 2026 Town Meeting Warning

The Selectboard corrected an error from the original Town Meeting warning; a vacant lister position was accidentally omitted from the warning, although it is present on the ballot. The Selectboard acknowledged the error and agreed to include the open position (1 year of a 3 year term), and corrected one grammatical error. The word “article” was corrected to “articles”. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to amend the Town Meeting warning to include the lister position and to correct a minor spelling error; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Executive Session If Necessary: None

Adjournment

Curtis Chase made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Informational Town Meeting Minutes

February 18, 2026 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall

Call to Order

Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm.   SELECTBOARD     Gregg Herrin (Present)  Curtis Chase (Present) Paul Libby (Present) Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present) Charles Peel (Present) TOWN EMPLOYEES     Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) Jen Chase (Town Clerk) Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer) Susan Elder (Lister) Tom Swahn (Transfer Station Attendant)

Additions to the Agenda: None

Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None

Agenda Items

A. Budget Presentation by the Chelsea Selectboard

B. Discussion of Articles 1 and 2

C. Introduction to Candidates

D. Any Additional Town Meeting Topics

Gregg Herrin opened the meeting by introducing the Selectboard members, as well as various town employees present at the meeting. Article 1: To elect the following offices: Town Moderator- one (1) year term;  Delinquent Tax Collector – one (1) year term;   Selectboard – one (2) year term;   Selectboard – one (3) year term;   Lister- one (3) year term;   Lister-one (1) year of (3) year term;  Trustees of the Public Library – one (3) year term;   Trustees of the Public Library – one (3) year term;   Trustee of Public Funds – one (3) year term;   Cemetery Commissioner – one (5) year term;  **A note was made that an additional lister position (1 year of a 3 year term) is available, but was omitted in error from the Town Meeting warning. This office will be on the ballot for residents.**    Gregg opened the floor for any candidates that wanted to introduce themselves to the public. The following candidates were present to introduce themselves and the office they are running for:  Gayle Durkee: delinquent tax collector (1 year term)   Carrie Caouette-De Lallo: Selectboard (2 year term)   Marianne McCann: Selectboard (3 year term)   Charles Peel: Selectboard (3 year term)   Susan Elder: Lister (3 year term)   Chris Byrne: Trustee of the Public Library (3 year term)   Two additional candidates were absent from the meeting:  Amy Jones: Trustee of the Public Library (3 year term)  Edwin Coburn: Trustee of Public Funds (3 year term)  Article 2: Shall the voters of the Town of Chelsea adopt the Chelsea Zoning Bylaw as approved by the Select board on January 9, 2026?Charles Peel summarized the events of updating the zoning bylaws, noting that the planning commission has been working on the bylaw update for nearly two years. He thanks the planning commission for their time and service. He mentioned that most of the changes to the bylaw were to ensure it meets state statute and complies with the Town Plan that was approved last year. The draft bylaw was approved by the Selectboard on December 22nd and is available for review on chelseavt.org and a copy can be printed at the Town Administrator’s office if necessary upon request, prior to voting.

Public Comments

The public was encouraged to ask questions throughout the presentation. Topics included the service provided by Windsor County Sheriff’s Office, and how the Selectboard is rating the aging highway equipment.

Adjournment

Charles Peel made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 8:19 pm.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

February 17, 2026 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall

Call to Order

Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:35 pm.   SELECTBOARD     Gregg Herrin (Present)  Curtis Chase (Present) Paul Libby (Present) Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present) Charles Peel (Present) TOWN EMPLOYEES     Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) Jen Chase (Town Clerk)

Additions to the Agenda

Paul Libby added the topic of an AV system for Town Hall, and Gregg Herrin suggested discussing it during the Town Administrator update.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None

Public Comments: None

Approve Minutes from February 3, 2026

Paul Libby made a motion to approve the minutes from February 3rd; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Current Events and Updates

A. Highway Updates

Paul Libby informed the Selectboard that Ruben Hook accepted the full-time road crew position and his official start date is February 23rd. According to Rick, one of the trucks has an engine light on and is in the shop currently. He believes that there is enough salt and sand for the rest of winter.

B. Town Administrator Update

Paul Libby brought up the possibility of purchasing AV equipment for Town Hall for future events. The library generously allowed the Selectboard to borrow their speakers and microphone for the upcoming informational meeting, but he believes that the town should have separate equipment. Jen Chase has asked her colleagues who work with similar equipment for their suggestions, and Paul has reached out to Bill Smith from the church to gather more options.

Action Items

A. Appropriation Policy Review

The Selectboard assessed the old social service appropriation petition policy, and Charles Peel presented his proposed changes to the policy. These changes included adjusting the due date of petitions and reports to the end of November, and clarified the process of submittal for applicants. Marianne McCann attended the meeting and brought up concerns about the non-profit status of applicants and what agencies are eligible per state statute. Charles Peel cited that the policy lists the statute that defines what is considered a social services, and notes that the appropriation requests will still go through Selectboard review. The Selectboard will continue to review the policy and will finalize changes at the next regular Selectboard meeting on March 17th.

B. Town Moderator Appointment

This item was removed, as the previously elected moderator will still be able to attend the Town Meeting. No appointment required.

C. Wastewater Treatment Facility Engineering Contract Amendment

The Selectboard reviewed a contract amendment for the wastewater facility upgrade. This amendment is necessary after discovering additional challenges from the pump station alternatives proposed by the engineering firm. Additional time and research will be required, so the contract amendment includes a $13, 910 allowance for that additional engineering. Charles Peel made a motion to approve the contract amendment; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

D. Approve Orders

Paul Libby made a motion to approve the orders; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Executive Session If Necessary: None

Adjournment

Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 7:53 pm.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

February 3, 2026 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall

Call to Order

Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.   SELECTBOARD     Gregg Herrin (Present)  Curtis Chase (Present) Paul Libby (Present) Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present) Charles Peel (Present) TOWN EMPLOYEES     Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) Jen Chase (Town Clerk) Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)

Additions to the Agenda: None

Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None

Public Comments

Andy Pomerantz attended the meeting to ask the Selectboard if they were interested in posting official town business on the Chelsea Listserv page. Andy mentioned that the Selectboard agreed to use the platform during a meeting back in 2023, however, it did not take off as originally expected. He wanted to know if the Town was still interested in using it as a platform for official town news. The Selectboard has no issue with adding regular updates to the Listserv as they are updated on other sites, but will make sure the Town and the library have access to the same platforms so that all Town news is consistent on social media for residents to view. Nick DeFriez attended the meeting to confirm that the Selectboard gave him permission to begin repairing the balcony chairs in Town Hall. They confirmed that he may move forward with the project and reach out if he needs help or places to store parts.

Approve Minutes from January 6, January 9, and January 20, 2026

Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the January 6th meeting minutes; Charles Peel seconded the motion. motion passed unanimously. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to approve the January 9th special meeting minutes; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Paul Libby abstained due to being absent during the meeting. Motion passed. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the January 20th meeting minutes; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Current Events and Updates

A. Highway Updates

Truck body availability Next equipment order Salt and sand status Equipment inventory and planning Rick reached out to Tenco, another truck body company to see if they have a faster turnaround, but unfortunately the timeline is the same as Viking which is now expected to be done in the 3rd quarter of 2026. The other company would also be $20k more expensive. The Selectboard decided to continue waiting for Viking to finish the body of the truck since it was already previously approved. Rick stated that he was able to have 33.44 tons of salt trucked in from New Hampshire. He feels confident in how much salt and sand is currently left in the inventory. The Selectboard will look into ways to better store sand so the highway crew is not losing so much material to the elements when the top layer freezes. The Selectboard also discussed equipment prioritization and planning for future equipment purchases. Rick has been looking into used trucks to replace the aging chlorine truck, as it will be needed in the summer. The Selectboard agree it would be helpful to pre-approve an amount for Rick in case he comes across a truck that he has to purchase in between Selectboard meetings. Charles Peel made a motion to approve the purchase of a replacement chlorine truck for up to $25,000; Paul Libby seconded the motion.  Motion passed unanimously.

B. Town Administrator Update

The Town Administrator updated the Selectboard that all reports have been sent to the printer, and proof of the Town Report is expected soon. She will update the Selectboard when the proof is received for final edits and review. The Town will notify residents when the reports have been received and given to the post office for distribution. A digital copy of the Town Report will be available on the Town’s website so residents can view it ahead of the informational meeting.

Action Items

A. Community Nurse Quarterly Report

Jodi Hoyt presented a quarterly report update on the community nurse program. Jodi began working as the community nurse on October 1st, 2025, but not performing home visits until November 1st as she was obtaining the required insurance, and has been working on establishing the program and gaining clients. She stated that she has 22 active clients, and more than a dozen inactive (one time visit only) clients. She has been getting referrals through various hospitals as well as word of mouth from other residents. The nurse has also been coordinating through the Chelsea Neighbors Helping Neighbors program. A community nurse board has been created and accepts volunteers to help with administrative duties, donations, fundraising, and more. She has held two cardiovascular clinics and a vaccination clinic that brought in numerous residents and non-residents alike. She plans on organizing another clinic on Town Meeting Day (March 3rd) in the town library. Further information will be shared before the event.

B. Approve Orders

Paul Libby made a motion to approve the orders; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Executive Session if necessary

Charles Peel made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Tierney Farago and Rick Ackerman; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 8:11 pm. Curtis Chase made a motion to exit executive session; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed and the Selectboard exited executive session at 8:28 pm. Gregg Herrin stated that personnel was discussed and entertained a motion from the Selectboard. Paul Libby made a motion to extend the full-time road maintenance worker position to Ruben Hook at his current rate; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Adjournment

Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 8:29 pm.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

January 20, 2026 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall

Call to Order

Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.   SELECTBOARD     Gregg Herrin (Present)  Curtis Chase (Present) Paul Libby (Present) Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present) Charles Peel (Present) TOWN EMPLOYEES     Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) Jen Chase (Town Clerk) Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer) Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)

Additions to the Agenda: None

Conflict of Interest Disclosure

Gregg Herrin disclosed that his spouse is on the library board. Curtis Chase disclosed that his spouse is the town clerk.

Public Comments: None

Approve Minutes from January 6, 2026 and January 9, 2026

The selectboard was unable to review the minutes in time to approve during the meeting and the item was tabled for the next regular Selectboard meeting.

Current Events and Updates

A. Highway Update

Rick Ackerman updated the Selectboard on highway business. They’ve had a few issues with one of the trucks but were able to fix it. He mentioned that the truck body from Viking may be pushed out again until September, so he will make a call to see if another company could fulfill the order sooner. He will bring the information back to the Selectboard for the February 3rd meeting.

B. Town Administrator Update-Informational Hearing Date and Agenda

The Selectboard discussed setting a date for the informational meeting before Town Meeting Day and settled on the date of February 18th at 6:30pm to present the budget and discuss the articles of the Town Meeting warning with the public.

Action Items

A. 2026 Budget Review

The Selectboard had a final review of the budget to fill in remaining numbers from Gayle, and to clear up any flagged items. They agreed on the final numbers, and entertained a motion to recommend the budget to the voters at Town Meeting day. Charles Peel made a motion to include an article to see if the voters will approve the total fund expenditure of $1,776,417 of which $1,328,833 shall be raised by taxes and $447,584 by non-tax revenue; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

B. 2026 Town Meeting Warning

After approving the budget to be presented to the voters, the Selectboard reviewed the Town Meeting Warning and made adjustments as necessary with the final budget and appropriation numbers. A complete petition to change the Social Service Appropriation Petition Policy was received from Marianne McCann, and the Selectboard discussed including it on the Town Meeting warning. After seeking legal advice from the Vermont League of Cities and Towns, the Selectboard concluded that the petition could not be warned as a binding petition by Australian Ballot because the voters lack statutory authority over this aspect of Town government.  So, the Selectboard determined that it could either warn it as a non-binding advisory petition to be voted on from the floor of Town Meeting or exclude it from the warning altogether.  The Selectboard was concerned that if the nonbinding advisory petition was included in the warning, voters might object to further revision by the Board following passage. Ultimately, the Selectboard decided that, in accordance with its original intent conveyed when this issue was presented by Marianne McCann at a November meeting, that it would take the issue up at a February 2026 meeting in hopes of developing a process to encourage public participation on the policy amendment and thereby avoiding any confusion which may arise from an advisory petition.   Paul Libby made a motion to exclude the petition from the Town Meeting warning and take up the Social Service Appropriation Policy as a Board; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.   Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to approve the 2026 Town Meeting Warning; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

C. First Branch Ambulance Contract Renewal

The Selectboard reviewed the three-year contract to continue ambulance services with First Branch Ambulance. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the contract; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

D. Approve Orders

Paul Libby made a motion to approve the orders; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Executive Session If Necessary: None

Adjournment

Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 9:17 pm.

Special Selectboard Meeting Minutes

January 9, 2026 7:00 pm Chelsea Town Hall

Call to Order

Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.   SELECTBOARD     Gregg Herrin (Present)  Curtis Chase (Present) Paul Libby (Present) Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present) Charles Peel (Present) TOWN EMPLOYEES     Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) Jen Chase (Town Clerk)

Additions to the Agenda

Jen Chase asked to have an executive session added for a time sensitive personnel matter.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure

Charles Peel disclosed that he is on the DRB.

Public Comments: None

Action Items

A. Zoning Bylaw Adoption

Charles Peel made a motion to adopt the zoning bylaws as written, with additional spelling and grammar checks; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Executive Session (PERSONNEL PURSUANT TO 1 V.S.A. § 313(A))

Charles Peel made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Tierney Farago and Jen Chase; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 7:06 pm. Charles Peel made a motion to exit executive session; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard exited executive session at 7:24 pm. Gregg Herrin summarized that the Selectboard discussed a personnel matter, but no action was taken.

Adjournment

Charles Peel made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 7:25 pm.

Selectboard Meeting Agenda

January 6, 2026 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall

Call to Order

Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.   SELECTBOARD     Gregg Herrin (Present)  Curtis Chase (Present) Paul Libby (Present) Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Absent) Charles Peel (Present) TOWN EMPLOYEES     Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer) Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman) Jen Chase (Town Clerk)

Additions to the Agenda

Charles Peel added an item to the agenda regarding the use of Town Hall for Town business. He wanted to ensure that Town commissions and committees had preference on their scheduled days to avoid conflicts with residents that may reserve the Town Hall. The Town Clerk and Town Administrator will ensure that the Town gets preference on all future reservations to avoid displacing the committee members during meetings.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure

Gregg Herrin disclosed that his spouse is on the library board. Curtis Chase disclosed that his spouse is the Town Clerk.

Public Comments

Marianne McCann made a public comment that she is running for the three-year Selectboard term.

Approve Minutes from December 16, 2025 and December 22, 2025

Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the December 16th and December 22nd meeting minutes; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Current Events and Updates

A. Highway Update

Rick Ackerman updated the Selectboard that the crew has been busy with the intermittent snowstorms and weather, which has caused them to use up additional sand and salt. He has had some minor truck issues that were able to be fixed in-house. The Selectboard let Rick know that they had factored in additional money in the budget to begin covering the cost of road equipment upgrades in the future.

B. Town Administrator Update-Town Report Review and Drafting

Tierney Farago discussed the timeline of the Town Report with the Selectboard. The Selectboard will need to wrap up the budget and make final edits to the various reports at the next regular Selectboard meeting on January 20th so the Town Meeting warning can be completed and signed by the board. The Selectboard will put in their final comments and get answers for any questions they may have regarding the reports before January 16th.

Action Items

A. 2026 Budget Review

The Selectboard continued their review of the 2026 budget, beginning with the transfer station to discuss if there was a way to make up the deficit in the department. After adjusting some of the numbers and reviewing possible ways to make up the difference and balance out revenues and expenses, the Selectboard agreed to continue working on the issues as the year progresses.  They proceeded to make minor adjustments to various areas of the budget, leaving a handful of flagged items to return to in the next regular meeting where the final budget numbers and the Town Meeting warning will be determined.

B. 2025 Auditor RFP

The Selectboard reviewed two auditor proposals that were previously opened on December 16th. Gayle Durkee discussed the pros and cons of each proposal, and ultimately recommended that the Town choose Sullivan, Powers & Company for the 2025 audit as they will be in person and conduct the audit on a cash basis rather than a modified accrual. This matches the system that the Town operates on. Final Proposal Pricing Batchelder Associates PC: $20,250 Sullivan, Powers & Company: $22,000 Curtis Chase made a motion to accept the proposal from Sullivan, Powers & Co; Charles Peel seconded the motion. The motion was amended to include the proposal price of $22,000. Motion passed unanimously.

C. MERP Contracts: Interior Storm Windows, Building Envelope, and Window Repairs

The Selectboard reviewed three contracts for the MERP grant that included interior storm windows, sealing building envelope, and window repairs in the Town Hall. There was some discussion regarding the contract lengths and if it’s possible to extend contracts in the event that a vendor is unable to finish the work before the contract deadline. This would be possible if needed. Charles Peel made a motion to approve and sign all three contracts; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

D. Avery Work Contract

The Selectboard reviewed a contract from Avery Excavation LLC for sand hauling completed in November for $5,500. Charles Peel made a motion to approve the contract; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

E. Approve Orders

Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the orders; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Curtis Chase did have a question regarding an invoice for sewer line work at a residence, and the Selectboard determined that the Town was liable to pay for the work due to the sewer ordinance. Motion passed unanimously.

Executive Session if Necessary: None

Adjournment

Charles Peel made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 9:32 pm.