Meeting Minutes

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    Draft Selectboard Meeting Minutes July 7, 2026

    ByKasey Peterson

    Present: Gregg Herrin (Selectboard Chair), Carrie Caouette-De Lallo, Curtis Chase, Charles Peel, Paul Libby

    Gayle Durkee (Treasurer) , Jen Chase(Town Clerk), Kasey Peterson (Interim Administrator), Ed Coburn (Fire Chief), Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman), Ashley Grote (Recreation Committee), Errol Hinton, Chintana Herrin, Bobby Button, Anne Carroll, Terry MacNeish, Kyle Hansen (Zoning Administrator)

    Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:30pm

    Additions to the Agenda  – none

    Conflict of Interest Disclosure  – none

    Public Comments – none

    Fire on North Common and Flea Market Location

    ChelseaFire Chief Ed Coburn was present to discuss the recent fire on the N. Common. The ‘Beehive House’ is not salvageable and the owner of that house is responsible for any demolition and/or restoration. The Chelsea Fire Department is not responsible for any action at Ms. Snyder’s house and the process for the Town to be able to take action is a long one. According to Mr. Coburn, the property must go through probate first, which could take years. Ms. Snyder’s daughter has been unresponsive to attempts to make contact. There may be funds available from the State to help offset the cost of cleaning up the site.
    Carrie Caouette De-Lallo thanked the FD for their rapid response and noted that the situation could have been much worse. Chief Coburn said that according to the camera on the side of the Town hall building it appears that the fire started just before 2:30 in the morning probably from a cigarette butt. The Fire Department was at the site 45 minutes later and managed to get the situation under control.
    Gregg Herrin remarked that the job of the Selectboard is to identify risks to the public health and safety that would require the Board to take action or where the Board could take action without overstepping the bounds of law and liability.
    Chief Coburn suggested reaching out to the State Fire Marshall. He also noted that the Vermont State Police suggested the tape stay there for the time being.
    Gregg Herrin further commented that should the time come that the Town would need to take action that would cost taxpayer money, there would need to be a plan in place for reimbursement through insurance, a grant, or other means.
    There was discussion regarding how to contact one of Ms. Snyder’s daughters.
    Paul Libby has safety concerns for the thousands of people that will be walking by on Flea Market Day and he is unclear of what steps might be taken due to the location of the building. Chief Coburn clarified that Ms. Snyder’s home is structurally sound and that he has no concerns that it may collapse, only that people may be hurt by going inside.
    Gregg Herrin asked about the Farmer’s Market. Carrie Caouette De-Lallo reported that for the last two weeks the Farmer’s market was moved to the S. Common. Charles Peel was kind enough to donate his office Internet access for the vendors, but electricity had still been an issue. The Farmer’s Market will be held on the N. Common this coming Friday.
    The process for dealing with an unsafe building is that the Health Officer gives notice that it is unsafe, sets an amount of time to make it safe and from there the Board can start the process that will eventually lead to demolition. Gregg Herrin is the de facto Health Officer and he will begin that process.
    The discussion then moved to the subject of the Chelsea Flea Market and the idea of moving the Market, or part of it. Errol Hinton said moving the market would be extememly challenging even if they had 6 months to do it and enumerated the many difficulties of changing things as they now stand. There has only been one vendor that has expressed any concern. Mr. Hinton has a plan to ‘pull things in a bit’ at that corner and he has a few extra volunteers to help keep an eye on it. Mr. Hinton clarified in his remarks that no member of the Selectboard had ordered the flea market to relocate but that the offer was made to find space if the flea market wanted to relocate as a result of the fire.
    Carrie Caouette De-Lallo asked Tim Carter about the difficulties of moving. Tim said that moving the market would negatively impact the fundraising for the church, the library, and the Roberts-Gould field parking.  
    Charles Peel was the origin of the idea that IF the Market Committee, or any other organization hosting events on the North Common, felt the need to relocate an event, the Selectboard would be open to brainstorming a different green space.
    Gregg Herrin summarized the discussion by stating that there had been a fair evaluation of the feasibility of moving the Market and it has been established that it is not feasible.  The remaining question is what can be done to reduce risk at the site. A suggestion was made to put up no trespassing signs, but that cannot be done without permission from the property owner. Charles Peel wished to be clear that the house is private property and is not a liability of the Town. If the Board starts taking steps – putting up signs or barriers – and someone does get hurt there is a reasonable path to argue that the Town acknowledged the problem and did not take suitable steps to stop it. Further, if the Board decides to put up a barrier of some sort he has concerns about government fencing people out of private property and the implications on that front. It is possible that the site will eventually become a Town problem but until then the liability does not belong to the Town.
    Paul Libby said he understands Chuck’s point of view but feels it is reckless of the Board to not do something; there is a lot of risk in not protecting people from themselves.
    There was further discussion regarding fences or barriers installed by entities other than the Town. Gregg Herrin made it clear that the Town cannot and does not endorse any group or individual taking any action at the site and reiterated that anyone doing that would then be taking on the liability.
    Gregg Herrin thanked Chief Coburn and the Chelsea Fire Dept for their rapid response.
    No action was taken by the Board at this time.
     Changes to Fire Prevention Statute – Kasey Peterson presented the letter from the State outlining the changes to the Fire Prevention Statute and noted that the only action that needed to be taken was to recognize that the Fire Chief is now also the Town Fire Warden. Chief Coburn expressed his frustration that the State had provided no warning, and no training for those local Fire Chiefs who have now been given the role of Fire Warden and has not explained to local fire departments what the changes mean on a day to day basis. Chief Coburn now has jurisdiction over burn permits and is to ensure that all that is being burned in a pile is strictly brush and other organic, untreated wood. The State also provided a definition of a campfire, which is exempt from a burn permit, as a fire that is three feet or less in diameter within a fire pit. The new statute removes the liability from the Town and places it on the Fire Department. No action was taken by the Board at this time.

    Creamery Property
    Curtis Chase     began the conversation by explaining that the Town has a surveyor doing title and deed research to establish the ownership of the field and school properties. Curtis Chase and Paul Libby will be meeting with the surveyor next week. There are a large number of individual properties in that area and so far the surveyor has been able to clearly establish the ownership and definitive boundaries of less than half of them.
    Mr. Button commented that the school owns half and the Town owns half. He wants to know if the Town can add a culvert and a manhole to eliminate several problems at once.  Curtis Chase reiterated that before the Town can contemplate its obligation to fund the work, the Town needs to establish who owns what parts of the affected parcels. If the school owns the property, the Town does not have the ability to do the work without permission and is unlikely to have any obligation to contribute financially.  
    Mr Button commented that he has been trying to get this project done for 10 years. And he acknowledged that clean fresh water crossed the greasy floor in his building and into the river and he didn’t believe that’s something the State would want.
    Paul Libby commented that there is nothing stopping Mr. Button from replacing the structure on his own property.
    Mr. Button asked if the Board would like to get the State involved. To which Paul Libby responded that the Town doesn’t own that piece of property.
    Mr. Button left the meeting.
    There was further discussion of the property line issues in that area that need to be addressed regardless of the culvert conversation.
    No action was taken.

    Paul Libby made a motion to approve the minutes from the June 16, 2026 meeting. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded. No further discussion. 5-0-0

    Transfer Station
    Terry MacNeish was present to start the conversation about the transfer station and how to improve not only the financial impact on the Town but also the environmental impact on the State. Tipping fees in Vermont are among the highest in the nation and is one reason so the transfer  station runs in arears. The challenge is to strike a balance between the cost to the taxpayers to run the station and attempts to redirect some of the waste vs. pricing that is high enough to result in illegal dumping on roads and trails. The discussion turned to the concept of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Education is a key factor in waste reduction.
    The Board thanked Mr. MacNeish for his efforts. No action was taken at this time.

    Highway 
    Paul Libby asked who is in charge of writing RFPs for highway projects in an effort to get the guardrail replacement grant and FY27 Upper Village Road Paving grant underway. Rick Ackerman explained that he and Kasey Peterson generally handle those grants together. Paul Libby asked to see those RFPs before they are posted and will reach out to Rita Seto at Two-Rivers Ottauqueeche Regional Commission for more information on the guardrail grant. No action was taken by the Board at this time.

    Purchase of the Viking 10-Wheeler
    Paul Libby clarified the difference between the two trucks the Town is currently purchasing. The first truck being the 2025 Freightliner, currently in the Town Garage, which does not have a plow package on it. Viking has told Rick Ackerman that they will have the plow package ready in January 2027. Viking has been extending that timeline for two years now.  

    There is a company in Bangor, Maine for Allied that will provide an MG plow package this fall for twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) more than the quote from Viking.

    The other truck that the Town ordered, which includes a plow package, is coming in November. This truck will be a Freightliner provided by Tenco.  
    There was a discussion of the pros and cons of buying a truck in Bangor, Maine and how that would affect any major repairs that might be needed vs. the need to have a truck for this coming fall and winter.

    Paul Libby made a motion to have Allied in Bangor, Maine install the plow package on the ten-wheeler for up to thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) more than the Viking plow package or up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000) more to Viking to hold our Sept/Oct 2026 date. Carrie Caouette De-Lallo seconded. No further discussion. 5-0-0.

    Maple Ave – Ancient Road/Unidentified corridor – Charles Peel reported that Randy Brown had reached out to him regarding the existence of an ‘unidentified corridor’ one hundred and twenty feet past the end of the pavement on Maple Avenue. When the road was purportedly discontinued in 2015 the affected area was not deeded to a specific property owner. The area in question totals no more than .1 -.15 of an acre. Mr. Brown is concerned about future legal issues with the sale or transfer of the affected properties. There was a general discussion over the Selectboard’s role or responsibility in the matter. Curtis Chase and Charles Peel agreed to coordinate a walkthrough of the area in question.  No Action was taken.


    Treasurer Update 
    Gayle Durkee     reported that she is currently working on the tax rate.
    Tractor Purchase
    Curtis Chase made a Motion to approve obtaining financing through the Vermont Municipal Equipment and Vehicle Loan Fund, in the principal amount of one hundred one thousand, nine hundred twenty five dollars ($101,925.00) with interest on the unpaid balance at the rate of two percent (2%) per annum payable in five (5) annual installments, in connection with the Town’s purchase of a Kubota M6-101DTC-F four-wheel-drive tractor, which purchase the Town has previously approved; to approve the Promissory Note and Security Agreement and any related documents in substantially the form presented at this meeting; and to authorize the Town Treasurer, or, in the Treasurer’s absence, the Chair of the Selectboard, to execute all documents necessary to complete the transaction. Charles Peel seconded? No further discussion. 5-0-0


    Administrator Update – none

    Municipal Energy Resilience Plan
    Kasey Peterson presented the particulars of the storm window project. Window Dressers has not been paid anything by the Town, they did not sign a contract and have no intention to do so. The windows are inserts that go on the inside of the building and will prevent the use of the windows. These inserts will most likely end up either being removed in the spring, stored in the basement and never reinstalled or permanently installed and not removed.
    Curtis Chase opened a discussion of revisiting the window project with a new RFP. Kasey Peterson explained that she is working with Charles Peel to reach out to the State and get a clearer picture of projects and extensions now that the Two-Rivers Regional Commission has terminated their contract with the Town.   

    Charles Peel made a motion to approve the 2026 Local Emergency Management Plan. Carrie Caouette De-Lallo seconded. No further discussion. 5-0-0

    Carrie Caouette De-Lallo made a motion to approve the addendum to replace the fans in the Town hall. Curtis Chase seconded. No further discussion. 5-0-0  

    Paul Libby made a motion to approve the warrants. Curtis Chase seconded. No further discussion. 5-0-0

    Paul Libby made a motion to enter executive session inviting Kyle Hansen. Curtis Chase seconded. No further discussion. 5-0-0

    Executive session began at 8:34.

    Paul Libby made a motion exit executive session inviting Kyle Hansen. Curtis Chase seconded. No further discussion. 5-0-0

    Executive session ended at 9:20.

     During the executive session personnel topics were discussed with Zoning Administrator Kyle Hansen. No motions were made or actions taken.

    Curtis Chase made a motion to adjourn. Charles Peel seconded. No further discussion. 5-0-0

    The meeting adjourned at 9:21

    Respectfully Submitted,
    Kasey Peterson 

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    Selectboard Meeting Minutes – June 16, 2026

    ByKasey Peterson

    DRAFT – Selectboard Meeting Minutes  June 16, 2026  
     
    Gregg Herrin 
    Charles Peel 
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo  
    Paul Libby 
    Curtis Chase 

    Gayle Durkee 
    Bernard ‘Snook’ Downing 
    Rick Ackerman 
    Chintana Herrin 
    Kasey Peterson 
    Linda Ingold 
    Bill Neukomm 
     
    Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:32 PM    

    Additions to the Agenda   
    Reaffirm the approval of the Windsor County Sherriff’s Contract  

    Conflict of Interest Disclosure  – none 

    Public Comments  – none 

    Water Board   
    Charles Peel presented the proposal by Mike Whipple to add a 4-inch pipe to the connection at 354 Vt Rte 110 line to support fire safety sprinklers. Charles Peel made a motion to approve water/sewer allocation 2026-002 for 354 Vt Rte 110. Carrie Caouette De-Lallo seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. 5-0-0.  

    Transfer Station    
    Transfer Station Attendant – Carrie Caouette-De Lallo and Snook Downing reported that had interviewed Jacob Brooke. Both parties felt that he would be a good fit as he has worked at the Chelsea Transfer Station in the past, is familiar with the system, and can start right away. Paul Libby asked how many applicants were interviewed. Carrie Caouette De-Lallo reported that two candidates were interviewed. Carrie Caouette De-Lallo made a motion to hire Jacob Brooke for the part time position at the transfer station at the published rate of eighteen dollars ($18) per hour. Curtis Chase seconded. There was no further discussion, 5-0-0 
    Removal of the waste oil tank – There was a discussion of the cost effectiveness of the oil tank, safety concerns, and the risk of contamination by brake fluid or antifreeze. There is a costly penalty for contamination. Gregg Herrin reviewed the last discussion and noted that there is no hurry to go back to collecting waste oil at the Chelsea Transfer Station. Snook Downing was concerned about people using the tank without permission and suggested a plan to secure that tank until it can be removed. WRC and Frank Keene both use uncontaminated waste oil as winter fuel. Waylan Childs is open to letting people bring uncontaminated motor oil to WRC during business hours. There was further discussion of redirecting people to other appropriate waste facilities such as the Eco-Depot.  
    Paul Libby asked about further discussion of the transfer station fee and procedures. Terry MacNeish will be present at the 2 July meeting for the initial conversation. This will lead to a more focused series of conversations over the summer, so any changes can be in place before next winter.  

    Paul Libby made a motion to approve the meeting minutes from the June 2, 2026 meeting. Curtis Chase seconded. There was no further discussion. 5-0-0.  

    Sgt. Austin Soule from the Royalton State Police Barracks was not present.  

    Adopt the Local Emergency Management Plan  - this document is not ready for approval at this time. Kasey Peterson will work with Tracy Simon and Charles Peel to fill in the blanks and present it at the 2 July meeting.  

    250th Independence Day Flag for the Moxley Bridge – Kasey Peterson reported that Jen Chase received a flag for the Moxley Bridge for the 250th Independence Day. It is a ‘Betsy Ross’ style flag with thirteen stars in a circle. This item was added to the agenda because it was unclear if this was an item that needed a motion. Charles Peel made a motion to hang the flag on the Moxley bridge. Curtis Chase seconded. The Board asked Rick Ackerman to hang the flag on the Rte 110 side of the bridge. 5-0-0   

    Chuck Peel made motion to approve the liquor license for Will’s Store. Paul Libby seconded. There was no further discussion. 5-0-0 

    Chuck Peel made motion to approve the tabacco license for Will’s Store. Curtis Chase seconded. There was no further discussion. 5-0-0 

    Paul Libby made a motion to approve the orders. Charles Peel seconded. There was no further discussion. 5-0-0  

    Highway – Gayle Durkee announced that the town is approved for a 2% loan from the Vermont Municipal Equipment Fund for the reimbursement of the tractor purchase which will not require a public vote and will confirm with the bank that the funds can be used as reimbursement instead of direct purchase.   
    Rick Ackerman reported that Viking has further delayed the delivery of the body for the 10-wheeler until January 2027. This truck was originally ordered nearly two years ago. Rick talked to another manufacturer in Maine. For an additional twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) they would get to our truck in the next week or two provided the truck is delivered to them.  Curtis Chase asked why the cost was so much more and Rick explained that the truck body at Viking was bid to years ago at one hundred and four thousand dollars ($104,000). Rick is further concerned that in January, Viking will put us of once again and the truck we have has 150,000 miles on it This discussion was tabled until the 7 July meeting.  

    Charles Peel made a motion to approve the Windsor County Sheriff contract for 14 hours a week for seventy-eight dollars ($78) per hour from July 1, 2026  – June 30, 2027 with optional holiday hours at a rate of one hundred dollars ($100). Carrie Caouette De-Lallo seconded. 5-0-0 

    Charles Peel made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss personnel issues and a Roberts Poor Fund request and invited Kasey Peterson. Paul Libby seconded. There was no further discussion 5-0-0. Executive session began at 7:26.   

    At 8:17 Paul Libby made a motion to leave executive session. Charles Peel seconded. There was no further discussion. 5-0-0   

    The session covered a Roberts Poor Fund request and personnel issues. No actions were taken 

    Charles Peel made a motion to adjourn. Curtis Chase seconded. There was no further discussion. 5-0-0 
     
    Meeting adjourned at 8:18 

    Respectfully Submitted,  
    Kasey Peterson  

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    Selectboard Meeting Minutes June 2, 2026

    ByKasey Peterson

    DRAFT Selectboard Meeting Minutes June 2, 2026 

    Present: 
    Gregg Herrin 
    Carrie 
    Paul Libby 
    Curtis Chase 
    Charles Peel – joined the meeting at 7:40 

    Jen Chase – Town Clerk 
    Rick Ackerman – Road Foreman 
    Gayle Durkee – Town Treasurer 
    Kasey Peterson – Interim Town Administrator 

    Deputy Jackson Howe
    Max Quayle 
    Karen Snyder 
    Chintana Herin 
    Tim Courts 
     
    Gregg Herrin Called the meeting to order at 6:32    

    Additions to the Agenda   
    Carrie Caouette – De Lallo suggested that the two interviews for the transfer station if the interviews themselves needed a motion. There is not a need for a motion. The interviwees will be discussed during an executive session  

    Conflict of Interest Disclosure 
    Carrie Caouette – De Lallo noted there might be a conflict for her when discussing the oil tank enclosure at the transfer station  
     
    Public Comments  –  
    Max Quayle and Karen Snyder were present to bring up several points.  
    The sidewalks along the north common and on Rte110 between the fire station and the health center are in very bad condition. Particularly for residents with wheelchairs. 
    There is concern that Ms. Snyder’s electricity may be cut off and Mr. Quayle is trying to get some relief for her perhaps from the Roberts Poor Fund. There was discussion of that procedure. Gayle Durkee noted that Ms. Snyder’s taxes and the water/sewer bills were also in arrears and let Mr. Quayle know that Ms. Snyder could come into her office to arrange a payment plan.  
    Mr. Quayle also wanted to mention the wonderful job Frank Keene did on the new pedestrian bridge. 
    Mr. Quayle also mentioned that cars use North Common Street to ‘shortcut’ to 113 and many of them are speeding.   
    No action was taken at this time 
     
    Gregg Herrin mentioned a complaint a resident made directly to him regarding offensive signage in a yard on Riverside Drive  

    Approve Minutes 
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo moved to approve the May 5, 2026 meeting  minutes. Curtis Chase seconded. There was no further discussion 5-0-0 
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo moved to approve Paul seconded to approve May 19, 2026 Meeting 5-0-0 

    Russell Noel was not present to discuss his property issue on Riverside Drive and this item was deferred to a future meeting. Paul Libby stated that he and Curtis Chase would meet with him  

    2026 Budget YTD – Gregg Herrin said that he had reviewed the numbers sent to him by Gayle Durkee. Most of the budget is on track for this time of year. Currently the Town Administrator and transfer station numbers are above what they should be. Gregg Herrin also noted that the general fund account is low. Gayle Durkee said she was waiting for $35,000 for the school that she has not yet received. Gayle feels everything is good except for a couple items regarding the highway.   
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo suggested that the townspeople should be invited and included in the conversation regarding any changes to the transfer station fees  
    No action was taken at this time.  

    Financing for the Roadside Mowing Tractor – It was noted by Gayle Durkee that in order to secure a loan for longer than a year the Board would need voter approval. She is having trouble contacting the Vermont municipal leasing consultants. The Town has missed the cut-off for the Vermont Municipal Equipment Loan Fund and cannot apply until the end of the year. There is currently two hundred fifty six thousand dollars ($256,000) in the equipment fund. Which could cover the cost of the tractor and could be reimbursed with a loan from the state.  
    A vote on a loan could be added to the November ballot if necessary. Charles Peel explained the procedures for borrowing for the town and how an Australian ballot item could be an amount dedicated to the highway capital fund rather than for a specific vehicle.  
    Rick Ackerman explained that the town has never had a vote for the purchase of a truck and that the generally accepted way to do this is to lease the vehicle for a period of time on a contract that leaves a one-dollar ($1) payoff amount.  
    There was further discussion of options which included the pros and cons of leases vs. loans.  
    Charles Peel made a motion to not adopt the Mascoma bank resolution for financing the roadside mower/tractor and instead use the Highway Equipment Fund with the intention of applying for reimbursement through the state municipal equipment fund in October. Paul Libby seconded. There was no further discussion. 5-0-0 

    New Truck Purchase – The initial discussion revolved around the age of the current trucks and trying to avoid having to buy two trucks in the same year and instead attempting to stagger the purchasing. For the current situation, the Board discussed the pros and cons of the Freightliner vs the International. The Freightliner is less expensive at two hundred and twenty-one thousand ten dollars ($221,010) as opposed to the International at two hundred thirty-one five hundred forty dollars ($231,540). There did not seem to be any real difference between the vehicles, and the town has other Freightliners that Rick is happy with. No funds need to be expended at this point in time. Ordering the truck would simply add the town to the manufacturer’s schedule and no payments would need to be made until the body is attached to it. Currently that timeline is roughly four months. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the purchasing of the Freightliner 6-wheeler 114 with the easy track front end for two hundred and twenty-one thousand ten dollars ($221,010) to hold our spot in line while we pursue the lease purchase agreement as the financing mechanism for said purchase. Curtis Chase seconded. There was no further discussion. 5-0-0 

    Oil Tank Enclosure at the Transfer Station – Carrie explained that the board of the Central Vermont Solid Waste Municipal District (CVSWMD) perhaps misunderstood that the oil tank enclosure is not a building perse.  It is already enclosed and the tank just needs a roof over it to shed water and have some doors to keep people out. The initial bidder cannot do the work and the project would have to be put out for bid a second time.   
    Curtis Chase had concerns about the cost to the town for disposal of the waste versus the amount the transfer station collects. Currently, residents are charged one dollar ($1) per gallon to dispose of oil at the transfer station and it costs two dollars ($2) per gallon for the oil tank to be pumped out which raised a question as to whether this is a service that the town will continue to provide and/or what the fee per gallon should be.   
    At the 16 June meeting the Board will be reviewing the procedures and fees at the transfer station.  
    This item was tabled.  

    Liquor Licenses  
    Charles Peel made a motion to approve the Hubbelshire Farm liquor license. Curtis Chase seconded. There was no further discussion. 5-0-0 

    Charles Peel Made a motion to approve the Hubbelshire Farm outdoor consumption license. Curtis Chase seconded. There was no further discussion 5-0-0 

    Charles Peel made a motion to approve the Quickstop liquor license. Curtis Chase seconded. There was no further discussion 5-0-0 

    Charles Peel made a motion to approve the Quickstop tobacco license Curtis Chase seconded. There was no further discussion 5-0-0 

    Sign CVSWMD appointment form for Terry MacNeish – administrative only. Motion was made and carried at the May 19, 2026 meeting.   

    Curtis Chase made a motion to approve warrants/orders. Gregg Herrin seconded. There was no further discussion. 

    At 8:00 Charles Peel made a motion to enter Executive Session to discuss personnel and to invite Kasey Peterson.  Curtis Chase seconded. No further discussion, 5-0-0 

    At 8:42 Paul Libby made a motion to leave executive session, and Charles Peel seconded no further discussion 5-0-0  

    There was no actions taken during the executive session.  

    Adjournment Paul Libby made a motion adjourn. Charles Peel seconded. There was no further discussion. 5-0-0 

    Respectfully submitted 
    Kasey Peterson 

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    Selectboard Meeting Minutes – May 19, 2026

    ByKasey Peterson

    DRAFT Selectboard Meeting Minutes May 19, 2026 

    Present:  

    Curtis Chase  
    Charles Peel 
    Paul Libby 
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (attending remotely)  
     
    Rick Ackerman – Road Foremen  
    Kasey Peterson – Interim Town Administrator 
    Jen Chase  – Town Clerk 
    Gayle Durkee – Town Treasurer 
    Nick DeFriez – Chair of the Library Board of Trustees 

    Bob Aicher 
    Terry MacNeish 

    Curtis Chase called the meeting to order at 6:31 

    Additions to Agenda –  
       Kasey Peterson added the procedure by which Use of Village Green Requests are   
           approved.   

    Charles Peel added an item to the tractor financing discussion 

    Conflict of Interest Disclosure - none 

    Public Comments - none 

    Approval of May 5, 2026 meeting was tabled 
    Approval of May 14, 2026 Paul Libby made a motion to approve the May 14, 2026 meeting minutes. Charles Peel seconded. There was no further discussion. 4-0-0 

    Current Events and Updates  

    Highway Update  - Rick Ackerman told the Board he has rented an excavator for four thousand dollars ($4,000) for one month. The Road Crew will be doing some work on Bobbinshop, Pent, and Dodge roads.  
    The crew is also catching up on grading. A resident on Riverside drive asked Rick not to grade a portion of the road in front of his property. Rick explained that he was simply doing his job and the resident would need to discuss the request with the Selectboard. Later other residents on the road called to complain that said resident had altered the pitch of the road in front of his property. Rick has re-graded that portion of Riverside drive. There was discussion regarding any further response from the Selectboard. No action was taken at this time.   
    Rick provided pricing on International and Freightliner trucks. Both trucks have seven (7) year warranties. The Freightliner is priced at two hundred twenty one thousand and ten dollars ($221,010) with the easy track hydraulic front end. The International is two hundred, twenty three thousand five hundred and forty dollars ($231,540). This body would take three or four months and would hopefully be ready in October. There was further discussion regarding the prices and timelines of these two trucks and the truck that has already been ordered. No action was taken at this time. The matter was tabled to be discussed at the June 2, 2026 meeting.   
    The discussion moved to the mower-tractor purchase. Gayle Durkee found alternate funding for the tractor through the Vermont Municipal Equipment Loan Fund at a 2% interest rate. The limit on a loan from this fund is one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).  Her plan is to use the town equipment fund to pay off the tractor in full and pay back the equipment fund with the loan from the state, thereby saving the town 2.7% in interest payments over the life of the loan. The discussion included an acknowledgment that a loan from Mascoma would still be an option if the loan from the Vermont Municipal Equipment Loan Fund was denied.  
    Paul Libby made a motion to pursue financing through the Vermont Municipal Equipment Loan Fund for seventy five percent (75%) of the purchase price of tractor – being one hundred and one thousand, nine hundred and twenty five dollars ($101,925) at two percent (2%) as long as the loan comes to us within six months to replenish the town’s equipment fund. If this plan is not feasible the town will revert to the Mascoma Bank loan at four point seven percent (4.7%). Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded. There was no further discussion. 4-0-0 

    Rick Ackerman – left the meeting at this time.  

    Grants Update – Kasey Peterson reported on the Municipal Energy Resilience Grant.  
    At the town hall the south fire exit door has been returned. It has been painted on the    outside. The Town Hall lighting project is going very well. Kasey will reach out to Scott Electric to make some clarifications and changes to the scope of work and to see if the old fans in the town hall can be replaced.    

    Administrative Update – Kasey Peterson reported that things are going well at the Town Administrator desk. There was a brief discussion regarding the much-improved communication between the Board and the administrator.   

    Library Update – Nick Defriez reported that the library is doing great. The Library Board of Trustees and the library patrons are happy with Kate MacLean as Library Director. Both circulation and patron numbers are increasing. There is also a wide range of events going on at the library for both adults and children.  
    The balcony chairs are finished being refurbished; many of the old and broken seats have been removed. And the space is now in accordance with fire safety guidelines. There are parts of the old chairs still up in the balcony area along with old theatre sets which Mr. Defriez would like to remove. The sets in the balcony are not the historic sets which are stored on the stage. Mr. Defriez also inquired about more space for library books and supplies. The basement was considered as an appropriate place for additional storage.   
    Mr. DeFriez also asked about the transfer station fee for disposal of the unsold books from the annual Book Sale. It seemed strange to him that the library should have to pay the town the transfer station fee as the library is part of the town.   
    Curtis Chase asked if the library visitor count included people that attend events or only those who use the library during operating hours. Mr. DeFriez said that the count referred to patrons using the library during open hours.  
    There was no action taken at this time. 

    Action Items  

    Chelsea United Church wastewater issue – Charles Peel began by clarifying that the discussion would be confined to the estimate for fixing the wastewater issue at the current connection point and proposed the discussion be limited to fifteen (15) minutes.  
    Bob Aicher reported that the project is moving forward with compromises. Mr. Aicher agreed with earlier Selectboard assertions that connecting into the main line is not safe. The latest proposal includes a six (6) foot excavation with a trench box into the west bound lane to gain pitch to a lateral line.  
    Mr. Aicher had an on-site meeting with Catamount Consulting and a surveyor to get precise elevation information. It was recommended to go to a 6 inch pipe, requiring less pitch.  
    The estimate from Mangan Excavation for connecting to the lateral line is eighteen thousand seven hundred and forty two dollars ($18,742). And the work itself will be done on United Church of Chelsea property.  
    Mr. Aicher also remarked that the church now has a committee to seek grant funding.  
    The State of Vermont will require an amendment to their 1111 permit once the final design is complete.  
    The Selectboard asked the church to finalize an estimate for the connection that splits costs at the right of way prior to any further presentation to the Board.    
    No action was taken at this time.  
     
    Mr. Aicher left the meeting at this time.  

    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo left the meeting at 7:53 

    Budget YTD Review –  This item was tabled until the June 2, 2026 

    Transfer Station Compliance Progress and Oil Tank Enclosure –  
    The next step in resolving the oil tank issue is to empty the tank. Gayle Durkee informed the Board that it should be done later this week. No action was taken.  

    Edwards and Doyle Road FEMA Projects –  
    Stantec Engineering has requested to rearrange the budgets for these projects within the scope of the existing contract. This is an administrative decision not requiring Selectboard action as no additional money will be spent.  

    Horseshoe Pit Lighting – Curtis Chase explained that he and Charles Peel have met with Rich Gilman at the horseshoe pits. The horseshoe league would like to replace the electrical pole that is there and add another electric pole with lights. The wiring will be buried and connected to a generator at the picnic pavilion. Dig Safe has cleared the project for safety and there will be no tie-in to town power. Charles Peel made a motion to allow the horseshoe league to install two electric poles with direct bury wiring and a plug at the pavilion. Paul Libby seconded. There was no further discussion 3-0-0 

    Windsor County Sheriff’s Office Contract Renewal – There was discussion about quarterly reports from the sheriff’s office which extended to how Animal Control Officer, Leyna Hoyt’s, requests for aid add to the hours. Charles Peel made a motion to approve the Windsor County Sheriff’s Department contract as written for the July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2026 term and authorize Curtis Chase as signatory as Vice-Chair. Paul Libby seconded. There was no further discussion. 3-0-0 

    Two Rivers MERP Update – Harry Falconer from Two-Rivers has provided a One Drive file has all the contracts but lacks the required financial information. Charles Peel will respond by asking, once again, for the actual financials. No action at this time.  

    Appointment of Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District Board Member – Terry MacNeish was present to express interest in being the representative of the Town of Chelsea to the Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District (CVSWMD). There was discussion of Mr. MacNeish’s knowledge base and what the Waste Management District is looking for. 
    Charles Peel made a motion to appoint Terry MacNeish to the Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District for one year term. Mr. MacNeish’s appointment will be reviewed by the Board at the 2027 Selectboard organizational meeting. Paul Libby seconded. There was no further discussion. 4-0-0.  

    Appointment of Alternate Authorized Representative for State Water Revolving Fund  

    Charles Peel made a motion to replace former Town Administrator, Tierney Farago, with current Interim Administrator, Kasey Peterson as an alternate town contact for the State Water Revolving Fund. Paul Libby seconded.  There was no further discussion. 3-0-0 

    Contracts and Selectboard Approvals  

    Dufresne Amendment – Wastewater Plant upgrade preliminary engineering contract needs adjustment to account for design modifications. Charles explained the changes that were made to the plans and acknowledged that this is work that needed to be done. Charles Peel made a motion to approve the Dufresne amendment for an additional thirteen thousand nine hundred and ten ($13,910) to finalize the preliminary planning at the wastewater station and remove redundancies as recommended by Mike Whipple. Paul Libby seconded. There was no further discussion. 3-0-0  

    Sue Wilmot Contract – Paul Libby made a motion to approve the contract for painting the office in the Town Garage for one thousand five hundred fifty six dollars and ninety four cents ($1556.94) and have the payment deducted from the Garage Repair budget line item. Charles peel seconded. There was no further discussion. 3-0-0 

    Line of Credit Agreement with Mascoma  - No action taken  

    MERP Town Hall Lighting Contract – no action taken 

    Procedure for Village Greens Requests – There was a brief discussion about being mindful of scheduling conflicts. Charles Peel made a motion to allow Kasey Peterson to approve Village Green requests with Town Clerk, Jen Chase, acting as a back-up; and to allow Jen Chase to approve Town Hall requests with Kasey Peterson acting as back-up. Paul Libby seconded. There was no further discussion. 3-0-0.  

    Approve Orders – Paul Libby made a motion to approve the orders. Charles Peel seconded. There was no further discussion. 3-0-0 

    Executive Session if Necessary – At 8:56 Charles Peel moved to enter executive session for personnel discussion. Paul Libby seconded. 3-0-0  

    At 9:08 Charles Peel made a motion to exit executive session. Paul Libby seconded. 3-0-0.  During the session two personnel issues were discussed.  No actions were taken. 

    At 9:09 Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn. Charles Peel seconded. 3-0-0  

    Respectfully submitted, 
    Kasey Peterson 

  • | |

    Selectboard Meeting Minutes May 14, 2026

    ByKasey Peterson

    Selectboard Meeting Minutes 
    14 May 2026  
    7:30 PM   
    Chelsea Town Hall  

    Present: 
    Curtis Chase 
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo 
    Charles Peel 
    Paul Libby 
    Rick Ackerman – Road Foreman 

    Curtis Chase called the meeting to order at 7:38 pm

    Additions to Agenda - none 
      
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure - none 
      
    Public Comments – none 

    Rick Ackerman presented his opinions on the tractor he looked at last week. Discussion centered on the pros and cons and what this tractor may lack. Overall, Rick feels that the deal is a good one and this tractor will suit the needs of the Town.  

    Charles Peel made a motion to purchase the 2018 M6101 Kubota mower tractor with 221 hours on it for $135,900. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded. There was no further discussion. Motion passed 4-0-0. 

    Charles Peel made a motion to borrow $160,000 from Mascoma bank for a term between 5 and 7 years and to authorize Gayle Durkee or Curtis Chase to sign the loan agreement. Paul Libby seconded. There was no further discussion. Motion passed 4-0-0.  

    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to adjourn. Charles Peel seconded. The was no further discussion. Motion passed 4-0-0.  

  • | |

    Selectboard Meeting Minutes – May 5, 2026

    ByKasey Peterson

    May 5, 2026 at 6:30 pm – Chelsea Town Hall

    Present:

    Selectboard members: 
    Gregg Herrin
    Curtis Chase
    Charles Peel
    Paul Libby
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (joining remotely) 

    Town employees:
    Kasey Peterson 
    Rick Ackerman
    Gayle Durkee
    Jen Chase

    Also Present:
    Marianne McCann
    Chintana Herrin
    Peter Carbee 
    Aileen Lem
    Alexandra Oles

    Gregg Herrin Called the meeting to order at 6:33PM 

    Additions to Agenda –
    Kasey Peterson added an amendment to the Dufresne Engineering contract
    Rick Ackerman will provide a Highway Update
    Paul Libby expressed his thanks for the efforts of the Green Up day crews and volunteers for making Chelsea look so nice

    Conflict of Interest Disclosure   
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo will recuse herself from voting on the oil tank proposal as she is related to the contractor 

    Public Comments  
    Marianne McCann gave positive feedback on the meeting minutes written by Charles Peel for the April 21 meeting, citing excellent detail and professionalism.  
    Ms. McCann also expressed her concerns of a conflict of interest for Carrie Caouette-De Lallo and Charles Peel in decisions regarding water and wastewater issues currently being experienced by building owners in the town as they are also users of the town’s water and wastewater systems. She included an AI generated assessment that suggested conflicts of interest are as much an appearance of impropriety as an actual one.  
    Ms. McCann shared her thoughts on the Administrative Assistant position. She feels it is not a full-time position and instead a job that can be handled in 15 hours a week. She is willing to take that role for twenty-seven dollars ($27) an hour without benefits. Ms. Mcann suggested the use of AI to help with some tasks and to freelance others. The key to the job is email and keeping on top of those requests.  
    Gregg Herrin thanked her for her feedback and insight on all three of her comments.  
    Ms. McCann finally raised a now resolved issue she previously raised by email regarding the inflatable at the Post Office. 
    Ms. McCann left the meeting at this time.

    Approve Minutes from 21 April 2026 –  
    Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the meeting minutes. Paul Libby seconded. There was no discussion or corrections. The motion passed 5-0-0   

    Presentation By Windsor County Sherriff’s Office 
    Claude Weyant was present to discuss his time on the Sherriff’s dept and the reshuffling of responsibilities that have recently happened within the department.  
    Discussion focused on the contract with the Town of Chelsea – how many hours of coverage the town needs, how best to allocate those hours between day and nighttime presence. Gregg Herrin suggested that perhaps the Sheriff’s Office could report directly to the Board during a warned meeting might help to identify the best times for patrols.  
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo also thanked the deputy for his insights on Animal Control and Animal Control Officer, Leyna Hoyt’s, safety.  
    No Action was taken at this time.  

    Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District Intro and Board Representation  
    Peter Carbee, Aileen Lem, and Alexandra Oles were present to encourage the Chelsea Selectboard to send a representative to the Waste Management District. They cited disaster resilience and grants for schools, businesses, and disposal for low-income folks trying to clean out a property as programs that the Town of Chelsea is missing because the town has no representative on the Waste Management Board. Furthermore, sending a representative to the Waste Management Board would provide access to people from other member towns that may be able to add insight and suggestions regarding the costs of running the transfer station vs. the fee structure. The Waste Management Board members that were present are also willing to come to an informational meeting on the subject if/when the Selectboard members are ready to further address the fees at the transfer station.   
    No action was taken at this time.  

    Transfer Station Compliance and Directives   
    Carrie Caouette De-Lallo opened the discussion by stating that the Agency of Natural Resources had identified some issues at the transfer station. Most items were minor but the waste oil tank and the area surrounding it was an area of greater concern. Safety Kleen will be testing the tank to make certain it is not leaking, Rick Ackerman and ‘Snook’ Downing have cleaned up around the tank and found that most of what looked like a potential leak was just water. Shavings were put down to absorb any further run-off or spills.  
    Discussion then turned to enclosing the oil tank with doors and a roof to shed water. Ms. Oles offered to provide guidelines for specifications and added that there might be a grant available to help with the cost. Curtis Chase suggested we wait until we have more information and a better understanding of what is allowed, what is needed and if oil disposal is a service that the Transfer Statin should continue to provide. No action was taken at this time. 
    Mr. Carbee, Ms. Oles and Ms. Lem left the meeting at this time.   

    United Church of Chelsea Wastewater Issue 
    Charles Peel presented a brief explanation of the upgrades to the building and how that has impacted the sewer system and acknowledged that the Church has spent twelve thousand dollars ($12,000) so far on this project.  
    A lengthy discussion followed. Mr. Aicher presented numerous proposals to connect to the main further to the west than the connection that is causing the issue. An email from Mike Whipple was cited that determined the best way for the church to connect to the town system is at a manhole instead of the main line and may require a pump system. Mr. Aicher pointed out that a pump system will be more costly as it requires electricity, frost protection, alarms, and a higher level of general maintenance.  
    The discussion then turned to contractors and the liability of connecting straight to the sewer main.  
    Ultimately Mr. Aicher’s request to the Board is to continue the plan for a gravity feed system in such a way as to protect the town and the church. And that the cost should also be shared between the town and the church.  
    Charles Peel cited the ordinance directly which states that the building owner is responsible for the cost of new connections to the water system. 
    There was general discussion of how to potentially apply the same standard used to correct the broken connection at Charles Peel’s house to the church project but further information would be required to make any decisions. 
    Gregg Herrin asked Mr. Aicher to bring clearer proposals with clearer numbers to a future Selectboard meeting.
    No other action was taken at this time.   

    Town Clerk Jen Chase needed final approval on the Town Hall Rental Agreement for activities in the hall. Curtis Chase asked for comments or questions. Gregg Herrin had a question regarding time of payment, and a couple of minor editorial comments. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to accept the contract as written for the use of the town hall with minor edits and formatting adjustments. Curtis Chase seconded. There was no further discussion. The motion passed 5-0-0  

     Contracts: 
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo stepped away from her computer at this time.  
    Ronjon mowing contract was signed administratively as the contract had been approved at a previous meeting. Paul Libby made a motion to hire Ronjon Mowing to do spring cleanup at a rate that is 10% more than last year’s spring clean. Charles Peel seconded. There was no further discussion. There was no further discussion. Motion passed 4-0-1.  Carrie Caouette-De Lallo abstained by her absence.  

    The Lyon Excavation contract was signed administratively as this project, for Russell Noel’s water line, was done in an emergency capacity. Charles Peel made a motion to accept the contract from Lyon Excavation for one thousand one hundred and five dollars ($1105.00). Paul Libby seconded. There was no further discussion. The motion passed 4-0-1 Carrie Caouette-De Lallo abstained by absence.  

    Two-Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission (TRORC) invoices. TRORC terminated the contract with the town of Chelsea for management of the Municipal Energy resilience Program (MERP) grant when they were asked to provide backup documentation for recent invoices. According to the contract, they have 10 days to provide full accounting – they have not. The deadline for the information is 7 May. The only leverage the town has to obtain the information is refusal to pay until the requirements of the contract are met. No further action was taken at this time.  

    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo returned to the meeting.  

    Rick Ackerman provided a Highway Update.  
    The Road crew will be at the Municipal Show in Barre on 6 May.  
    He had no update on a new truck in the town’s price range. Silloway will be fixing a drain in the garage and Rick will be going to Kentucky to assess the tractor the town is looking to purchase.  

    Discussion of upcoming issues and agenda items this item was tabled due to the length of the meeting.  

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

    Charles Peel made a motion to enter executive session inviting Kasey Peterson. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded. Executive session started at 9:55. Motion passed 5-0-0  

    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo had to leave the meeting during the executive session. 

    At 10:20 Curtis Chase made a motion to end executive session. Charles Peel seconded. Motion passed. 4-0-1  
     
    During the executive session two motions were passed.  

    Charles Peel made a motion to keep the rate and the maximum number of available hours for the Interim Town Administrator consistent with the Town Administrator position. Paul Libby seconded. The motion passed 4-0-1   

    Curtis Chase made a motion to Increase the annual stipend for Animal Control Officer from five hundred dollars ($500) to two thousand dollars ($2000). The motion passed 4-0-1 

    No non-board members influenced the decisions made during the executive session. 

    Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn.  Charles Peel seconded. The motion passed 4-0-1 

    Meeting adjourned at 10:21 PM 

    Respectfully submitted 
    Kasey Peterson 

  • | |

    Approved Selectboard Meeting Minutes – April 21, 2026

    ByGregg Herrin

    April 21, 2026, 6:30 pm at Chelsea Town Hall

    I. CALL TO ORDER

    Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 7:40pm.

    SELECTBOARD
    Gregg Herrin (Present)
    Curtis Chase (Present)
    Paul Libby (Present)
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present)
    Charles Peel (Present)

    TOWN EMPLOYEES/OFFICIALS
    Gaye Durkee (Town Treasurer)
    Rick Ackerman (Road Foreperson)

    PUBLIC IN ATTENDANCE
    None

    II. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
    There were several additions to the agenda.

    Charles Peel suggested a topic related to stakes being unexpectedly placed on the north common. It was identified that the stakes were related to tree planting, so no further discussion was warranted.

    Charles Peel also noted that Chelsea Court and Hillside Homes are potentially interested in tying into the water system. Since these would involve multiple connections at the same time, there is a suggestion that we may be able to reduce the connection fee because of the shared costs of connecting multiple units at once.

    Charles Peel also observed that there is currently no standard form for residents to request a water connection, and he intends to draft one for consideration.

    Gayle Durkee indicated that she has received a Roberts Gould Field request. With the recent departure of the prior Town Administrator, the process for handling these types of requests will be revisited with the interim Town Administrator, Kasey Peterson upon her return to the office.

    Gregg Herrin added an item related to finalizing paperwork for a previously approved line of credit.
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo indicated that she has some information to share regarding the transfer Station, to be covered later in the meeting.

    III. CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE – NONE

    IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS – NONE

    V. APPROVE MINUTES FROM APRIL 7, 2026

    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to approve the minutes from the April 7, 2026 Selectboard meeting. Curtis Chase seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. The motion passed unanimously.

    VI. DISCUSSION OF MINUTES FORMATTING

    Charles Peel requested feedback regarding the level of detail he provided for the most recent meeting minutes. There was general consensus that the new format is a clear step in the right direction to make the minutes more comprehensive and more meaningful for people who couldn’t attend the meeting. Charles and Carrie will also seek feedback from The Herald to see what level of detail is helpful for their publishing needs.

    VII. HIGHWAY UPDATE

    Rick Ackerman indicated that the road crew will start grading tomorrow, and that there are a lot of clay boils this year. McCullough has started making material again, so we don’t have to haul it from Barre. McCullough currently has a lot of fines in the material, so the road crew is blending that with the other stone to create a better mixture.

    Rick hasn’t heard anything else about the ten-wheeler yet, but is still expecting it to be ready in a September/October timeframe. He also still haven’t found a suitable chloride truck yet; the last option he looked into wanted a much higher bid than we offered.

    Rick also noted that he had the garage office and break room painted last week, and that Culligan came and serviced the softener. There’s also a drain in Rick’s bay that isn’t flowing well, so Silloway is going to come see if they can clear it out.

    Charles Peel asked whether Rick had talked to the Ambulance crew about possibly using Town garage space to store their extra ambulance as they get their new one.

    VIII. TRACTOR PURCHASE

    The barely-used tractor in Kentucky is still available for $140,000 including shipping, with no warranty. There is another option for $198,000 for an equivalent new tractor with a 3-year warranty. Given that the less expensive tractor has no warranty, that would not be a gamble worth having a trusted colleague inspect it.

    Charles Peel made a motion to send Rick Ackerman to Campton, Kentucky by airplane, with an upper limit on travel expenses for flight, hotel, rental car, and food of $1,500. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Curtis Chase made the point that Rick should not to feel obligated to give a clean bill of health, and that the expense of investigating is acceptable even if the opportunity is a dead end. The motion passed unanimously.

    IX. GRANTS UPDATE

    Harry Falconer from TRORC reached out to Curtis Chase, and clarified that the deadline for MERP grants is December 31, and we could potentially get extensions if needed.

    X. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATE – NONE

    XI. APPROVE ORDERS

    The orders include a bill from TRORC where the board is awaiting clarification about what the billed services include. There is not a specific due date indicate for the bill, so there does not appear to be any risk of penalties by waiting for more information before approving payment.

    Charles Peel made a motion to accept orders except for Two Rivers while we await further information about services received. Paul Libby seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. The motion passed unanimously.

    XII. SULLIVAN & POWERS CONTRACT 2026

    The contract will Sullivan & Powers was already approved in a prior meeting, so Gayle Durkee just needed signatures to complete the document.

    XIII. LINE OF CREDIT CONTRACT

    As part of normal Town operations, the Town uses a line of credit to avoid cash-flow issues associated with the timing of tax collection being late in the year.

    Paul Libby made a motion to accept resolution for maximum $375,000 for tax anticipation borrowing, and the rest of the contents of the resolution. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. The motion passed unanimously.

    XIV. VERMONT STATE REVOLVING FUND LOAN

    Charles Peel noted that he is still making efforts to try to centralize and compile all of the prior information about the wastewater plant improvements, which was not well-organized within our files previously. There was a question about whether there is a timing risk associated with delaying the approval of a loan associated with engineering work, and it was generally agreed that we are unlikely to have a feasible option other than moving ahead.

    Charles Peel made a motion to approve Vermont State Revolving Fund load agreement for $83,400. Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Upon further discussion, it was noted that the motion should include wording to specify that this is for the wastewater system. Charles Peel amended his motion, to approve a Vermont State Revolving Fund load agreement for $83,400 for the wastewater system engineering. Curtis Chase seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. The motion passed unanimously.

    XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION

    There were personnel topics to discuss for executive session.

    Charles Peel made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Gayle Durkee. Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Gregg Herrin noted that use of executive session to discuss personnel topics is allowed per 1 V.S.A. § 313(a). The motion passed unanimously.

    Executive session began at 7:55 pm.

    Paul Libby made a motion to exit executive session. Charles Peel seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. The motion passed unanimously.

    Executive session ended at 8:16 pm. Gregg Herrin noted that there were two personnel topics discussed, with no action taken, and at no point did any non-board members influence the discussion.

    XVI. PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION OF WINDSOR COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE DRAFT CONTRACT

    A review of the proposed contract from Windsor County Sheriff’s Office raised some questions about things like the split of daytime and nighttime hours, obligations about written priority lists from the board, and monthly updates from the Sheriff’s office. It was suggested that in-person updates to the Town at future Selectboard meetings would be helpful for providing transparency about services and safety in general. No action was taken, but it was noted that a representative from the Windsor County Sheriff’s Office will be present for the May 5 Selectboard meeting.

    XVII. YOUTH VOLUNTEERS AT TRANSFER STATION

    Based on information from the Department of Labor, there are no apparent labor law restrictions that would prevent youth volunteers from helping at the transfer station with non-equipment based duties like helping townspeople unload their trash and recycling, tidying up any loose debris, etc. The Town does still need to make sure that the right waivers are in place, and volunteers would not be automatically accepted. Each individual who wishes to volunteer will be discussed and approved in future executive sessions.

    XVIII. TRANSFER STATION INSPECTION FOLLOW-UP

    As follow-up to a recent inspection of the transfer station, the Town is taking steps to ensure compliance. Part of that includes a company being scheduled in the coming week to pump and inspect the oil storage tank to ensure there are no leaks.

    XIX. LIGHTING CONTRACT FOR MERP GRANT

    All of the lighting in the public spaces in the Town Hall will be replaced, with the full cost being covered by MERP grant funds. There may be a few areas where we will need to refine decisions about specific conditions as the project advances (for example handling ceiling replacement below the balcony).

    Charles Peel made a motion to approve Doug Scott’s contract to redo lighting in public spaces inside and outside Town Hall for $44,500 using MERP funds. Paul Libby seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. The motion passed unanimously.

    XX. ADJOURNMENT

    Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn. Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Gregg Herrin noted that the board should work proactively to schedule topics for the next several meetings, to ensure continued improvement on effective and efficient decision making. The motion passed unanimously.

    The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm.

  • | |

    DRAFT Emergency Selectboard Meeting Minutes – April 14, 2026

    ByCurtis Chase

    ​​Selectboard meeting minutes​  

    April 14, 2026, Immediately Following Board of Abatement Meeting, Chelsea Town Hall 

    1.  ​Call to order​ 

    Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 7:40pm.   
    SELECTBOARD     
    Gregg Herrin (Present)  
    Curtis Chase (Present) 
    Paul Libby (Present) 
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present) 
    Charles Peel (Present) 
    TOWN EMPLOYEES/OFFICIALS     
    Jen Chase (Town Clerk) 
    Kasey Peterson (Grants Manager) 
    PUBLIC IN ATTENDANCE 
    None 

    1.  Additions to the agenda: NONE 
    1.  Conflict of interest disclosure: none 
    1. Executive Session if necessary 

    Paul Libby made a motion to enter executive session, inviting the Grants Administrator, to discuss personnel pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 313(A).  Curtis Chase seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 7:41pm 

    Paul Libby made a motion to exit executive session.  Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion.  Motion passed unanimously, and the Selectboard exited executive session at 8:37 PM. 

    Gregg Herrin summarized that one personnel issue was discussed, and at no time did non-board members participate in or influence board decisions. 

    Curtis Chase made a motion to formally accept Tierney Farago’s resignation, effective immediately upon her departure during the April 7 meeting.  Paul Libby seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously. 

    Curtis Chase made a motion to expand Kasey Petersen’s current employment with the Town to include covering the duties of the Town Administrator in the interim, while the selectboard board evaluates the Town’s long-term needs of the position.  Charles Peel seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously. 

    1.  ​Adjournment​ 

    Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting ended at 8:38 pm.  

  • | |

    DRAFT Selectboard Meeting Minutes – April 7, 2026

    ByCurtis Chase
    ​​Selectboard meeting minutes​  
    April 7, 2026, 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall 
     ​Call To Order​ 
    Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.   
    SELECTBOARD     
    Gregg Herrin (Present)  
    Curtis Chase (Present) 
    Paul Libby (Present) 
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present) 
    Charles Peel (Present) 
    TOWN EMPLOYEES/OFFICIALS     
    Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) 
    Jen Chase (Town Clerk) 
    Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman) 
    Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer) 
    Kasey Peterson (Grants Manager) 
    Bernard “Snook” Downing (Transfer Station Attendant) 
    PUBLIC IN ATTENDANCE 
    Frank Keene 
    Russell Noel 
    Rosemary Noel 
    Bob Aicher 
    Tom Swahn 
    Attorney Mascoma (not identified by name and not on camera) 
     Additions To The Agenda 
    -Wastewater Loan Agreement: Tabled to April 21, 2026, Selectboard meeting to allow time for thorough review of the full suite of project documentation prior to committing to borrowing funds.  
     Conflict Of Interest Disclosure: None 
    Public Comments:  
    -Frank Keene asked if the Selectboard had any ability to assist with a right-of-way dispute between he and a neighbor.  The Selectboard explained that the Town cannot become involved in property disputes between neighbors. 

    -Bob Aicher arrived mid-meeting with more documentation about his proposal for the Chelsea Congregational Church’s sewer line work.  He gave the Town Administrator a copy of the documents and provided Charles Peel with his contact information so that they could discuss the project in advance of warning the project for another Selectboard meeting. 
     Approve Minutes from March 17, 2026 
    Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the March 17, 2026, meeting minutes.  Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion.  There was no further discussion.  The motion passed unanimously.   
     Current Events And Updates 
    Highway Update 
    Rick Ackerman updated the Selectboard, stating that mud season has been ok so far.  We have a new source of gravel that is high quality but takes in excess of an hour round trip to truck.  Diesel is very expensive right now so we are hoping that McCullough’s is going to crush soon.  Rick noted that he saw a crusher delivered before the meeting.  Rick and Gayle have been working on interest rates for a tractor loan and Rick has identified a tractor with mower attachments sufficient for our needs in Kentucky that he would like to investigate further.  If we opted to purchase it, payments would be approximately $24,000.00 per year.  We presently pay approximately $18,000.00 per year to rent a tractor for mowing.  Rick has been discussing the possibility of sharing equipment with Washington and indicated that Washington may purchase an excavator and would be open to exchanging equipment during the summer to avoid both towns renting or buying both pieces of equipment.  The Selectboard asked Rick to investigate the tractor in Kentucky and advised that it would be warned for the upcoming meeting if it looked promising.  Rick also informed the Selectboard that he has found a promising replacement for the chloride truck but would like to find out more information about its reserve price before bidding and tying up the funds allocated by the Board.  
    Town Administrator Update No update provided.  
    Grants Manager Update 
    Maple Avenue Bride Engineering Grant – This grant is in progress but must be completed before December 31st.  In order to complete the preliminary engineering, the Board needs to select a temporary bridge for access to the West side of the First Branch during bridge construction.  In prior meetings, the Board discussed the possibility of routing the bridge to the South along the West side of the First Branch.  This would require easements/permission from landowners.  In order to complete the preliminary engineering, Stantec needs the Town to pick any solution.  The chosen solution doesn’t bind the Town in the future and if the Board chose to move forward with engineering based on a temporary bridge, the Town could pursue the less costly road option should the project move forward in the future.  Nothing is preventing the Town from discussing the easement possibilities with landowners now. Municipal Energy Resilience Project (MERP) Grants – Kasey is concerned that there are too many projects in process and waiting to start for there to be any possibility of finishing the projects before the grant deadline on June 30th.Hi  Unsure if extensions are available but will inquire with BGS rather than TRORC.  Items which remain uninitiated include: ADA ramp at Town Hall, heat pumps, solar panels at the Town Garage.  The Selectboard clarified that the Town does not plan to pursue heat pumps or solar panels.  Kasey will reach out to be sure that progress is being made on the ramp.  The Board asked if there were updates on the interior storm window bid process.  The Town Administrator had no update.  Kasey agreed to reach out on this as well. FEMA Highway Grant – The Town has to have easements to complete the work on Doyle and Edwards roads in order to get permits to complete the work.  Kasey agreed to work with Paul and Chuck to get clarity on the process.  We can start conversations about the easements with landowners in anticipation that we will have clarity to draft easements soon.  Engineering costs are very different between Stantec and FEMA.  Kasey is unsure how we will close the gap. 
     Action Items 
    8 Riverside Drive Water Pressure 
    Russell Noel attended the meeting to discuss ongoing but worsening water pressure issues at his home on Riverside Drive.  He informed the Board that the house has had low water pressure for years but that the situation has worsened to the point that he cannot use the washing machine and other water sources simultaneously.  Russell requested that the Town put a curb stop on his property and the Board informed him that the Water and Sewer Ordinance does not allow the Town to install additional curb stops deeper into owner’s land.  The Board explained that the Ordinance provides that the Town is responsible for repairs from the curb stop to the main and that homeowners are responsible from the curb stop to their homes.  Russell refused to allow an excavator to dig up the water line and stated that he would dig up the water line this evening.  The Board informed him that Mike Whipple needed to be present for work on the water system and that if he caused damage that he would be liable for the repair.  No motions were made.  
    Coordination with State of Vermont on 250th Independence Day Events  
    The State of Vermont asked the Town several months ago to name a delegate to the 250th Anniversary Commission.  The request never made it onto a warned agenda.  Will Gilman has been spearheading our local events.  Curtis Chase made a motion to appoint Will Gilman to the State of Vermont 250th Commission.  Paul Libby seconded the motion.  There was no further discussion.  The motion passed unanimously. 
    Transfer Station Hours of Operation Snook Downing attended the meeting to discuss closing procedures at the Transfer Station.  The posted hours of operation on the gate are 8:00 AM to 1:45 PM. Snook is paid to work at the Transfer Station until 2:00 PM but uses the last 15 minutes of the day to clean up the station and compact trash and recycling for hauling.  Because it takes several cycles of compacting to ensure that the haulers do not leave a mess, Snook closes the gate at 1:45.  The Board acknowledged the need for closing time during the budgeted hours of operation and asked the Town Administrator to ensure that all posted times match those posted on the gate. 

    Social Service Appropriation Petition Policy The Board revisited the draft policy and discussed the wording of the Clerk’s review timeline.  The Board edited the policy to be clear that petitions are accepted/received by the Clerk during her posted business hours.  Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to adopt the revised Social Service Appropriation Petition Policy.  Curtis Chase seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously without further discussion. 

    Development Review Board Appointments Curtis Chase asked what the process is for making appointments to Town boards.  The Board agreed to revisit but suggested that appointments to boards should become part of the organizational meeting lineup in future years.  Charles Peel made a motion to appoint Johanna Welch to a three-year term, Patty Swahn to a two-year term, Ed Kuban to a three-year term, and Carrie Caouette-De Lallo to a lifetime position as an alternate member of the DRB.  Curtis Chase seconded.  The motion passed unanimously without further discussion.  
     Contracts And Selectboard Approvals 
    Approve Orders The Board reviewed the orders throughout the meeting individually.  Charles Peel made a motion to approve orders.  Paul Libby seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously without further discussion.  Mowing Bid Review 
    The Board opened the sealed bids for mowing in Chelsea.  There was one bid from RonJohn’s Mowing.  Absent further bids to consider after completing the required RFP process, Curtis Chase moved to approve the bid received.  Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously without further discussion. 
    Executive Session If Necessary 
    Paul Libby made a motion to enter executive session, inviting the Town Administrator, to discuss personnel pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 313(A).  Charles Peel seconded the motion. Charles Peel abstained and the motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 9:26 PM. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to exit executive session. Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard exited executive session at 10:45 PM.  
    Personnel Pursuant To 1 V.S.A. § 313(a) 
    Gregg Herrin summarized that one personnel issue was discussed, with no motion made. The Town Administrator resigned her position effective immediately and departed the meeting prior to its conclusion.  Prior to her departure, the Town Administrator closed the computer that was recording the meeting, causing the recording to stop.  As a result, two recordings have been merged together for the single audio file with muted space edited out for brevity.  The Selectboard accepted her resignation.  No motion was made. 
     ​Adjournment​ 
    Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting ended at 10:45 pm.  

    Selectboard Meeting Audio Recording

  • | |

    DRAFT Selectboard Meeting Minutes – March 17, 2026

    ByTierney Farago
    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.