Meeting Minutes

Draft Meeting Minutes September 1, 2026 

Present: Gregg Herrin, Carrie Caouette DeLallo, Charles Peel, Curtis Chase, Paul Libby, Gayle Durkee, Rick Ackerman, Kasey Peterson, Jen Chase, Chintana Herrin, Bob Aicher, John Parker, Judy Libby, Russel Noel, Rosemery Noel, Jacob Held, Marrianne Mc Cann, Samantha Bonasera 

Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:30 

Adjustments to the Agenda – Chase Ackerman is on call and will join when it is possible. 

Conflict of Interest Disclosure  - Paul Libby wanted it noted that Judy Libby is present and he may have to recuse himself dependent on the course of the meeting.  

Public Comments  

Russell Noel expressed ongoing frustration with the Riverside Drive road issue and withdrew his offer to build a white picket fence because of a disagreement involving Mr. Noel’s former employer. 
He also asked why a sheriff’s deputy was present at the previous meeting he was scheduled to attend.  

Jacob Held spoke briefly about his experience and background as a candidate for Orange County Sheriff. Gregg Herrin noted that the Town contracted with Windsor County because of coverage concerns. 

Gayle Durkee stated that a resident inquired about the Town’s plan for marking the 25^th anniversary of 9/11.  

Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to approve the minutes from the August 4th meeting. Paul Libby seconded. 5-0-0  

Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to approve the minutes from the August 18 meeting. Charles Peel seconded. 3-0-2. Paul Libby and Curtis Chase abstained as they were not present for that meeting.   

Chase Ackerman provided an update on First Branch Ambulance and the Town Nurse program. The nursing program has been in place for about a year and appears to be working well, providing auxiliary assistance to residents and reducing ambulance calls.   
Gregg Herrin noted that the program will be discussed during the upcoming budget meetings and invited Mr. Ackerman to join those conversations.  

John Parker and Samantha Bonasera were present to clarify the Recreation Department’s compliance with Open Meeting Law and the election of their officers. Curtis Chase reminded them that the September 16 meeting must be properly warned.  

Ms. Bonasera noted that the Recreation Committee continues to seek additional members. 

As a member of the Parks and Forest Committee, Jen Chase recommended fertilizing and aerating the Town Commons. The work was last completed in 2024 at a cost of $1,800; this year’s quote is $2,000. It was suggested that this maintenance be included in future budgets. 

Paul Libby suggested revisiting parking along the edges of the green. Curtis Chase suggested adding fertilization and aeration to the mowing contract. Ms. Chase will obtain a formal quote, and Ms. Durkee will confirm whether funds are available. 

Bob Aicher presented an Application for Sewer Allocation for the Congregational Church. Charles Peel summarized a meeting with Mr. Aicher, Mike Whipple, Curtis Chase, and a contractor, noting that Mr. Whipple was comfortable with the proposed plan. Charles Peel also reiterated the need for Mr. Aicher to supply quotes from contractors before a decision can be made.  

Gayle Durkee supplied the numbers for setting the tax rate. Charles Peel made a motion to set the tax rate at 1.0768. Curtis Chase seconded. Paul Libby asked about veterans’ exemptions. Gregg Herin explained the exemptions for disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. There was no further discussion. 5-0-0.  
 

Rick Ackerman and Kasey Peterson presented information on the State of Vermont’s Highway Safety Improvement Program. The State will fund guardrail replacement contracts for the Town up to $50,000. Paul Libby moved to apply for the program. Charles Peel seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0. 

Mr. Ackerman then updated the Board on general highway concerns. There was a question about the closures on Edwards Road, Mr. Ackerman assured the Board that he had notified the Fire Dept and Ambulance Services. The excavation for the Grants in Aid work is done, but the Highway Dept. will use the excavator in a few more places while it is here, specifically a culvert replacement on Williamstown Road.  

Mr. Ackerman is still trying to schedule the Upper Village Road paving with Blaktop. 
There is no further news on the truck body from Viking.   

There was a brief discussion of the drainage issue by the tennis court and plans to alleviate the runoff.  

Judy Libby thanked the Highway Dept. for the good work on behalf of the folks who live on the backroads.  
 
Jen Chase explained that the state allows the town Justice of the Peace Ballot to be added to the reverse of the State General Election Ballot to save paper. Charles Peel made a motion. Curtis Chase seconded 5-0-0 

Kasey Peterson explained that Vermont Emergency Management (VEM) has sent the Town paperwork authorizing payment of $412,000 in anticipation of work to be done on Edwards Road. Ms. Peterson has not signed the paperwork as extensions might not be forthcoming, the project might not be completed within the construction deadline, and the funds would need to be returned. There was discussion of the options, the likelihood of extensions from VEM, and the possibility that FEMA will deny the extension that would be needed through the 2027 construction season. This item was tabled for further discussion.  

Kasey Peterson has spoken with, Adam Grimes, the contractor responsible for the exterior storm windows in the library. He has agreed to a contract amendment to complete the job by September 30^th and to alter the window behind the circulation desk to include a panel that can be raised and lowered for air flow at a cost of $300.  

Mr. Grimes also agreed to a subsequent amendment to provide storm windows for the Hall space that can be signed by September 30^th to comply with the terms of the Municipal Energy Resilience Program grant. Charles Peel made a motion to  amend the scope of work not to exceed $500 and to extend the term of Adam Grimes’ contract to September 30. Paul Libby seconded. 5-0-0 

Water And Sewer   
Changes to Fees – tabled to discuss, along with the transfer station, during the budget meetings.  

 
Charles Peel reported that he now has a word document of the Water/Sewer Ordinance to work on. The goal of rewriting this ordinance is clarity and readability.  

Mr. Peel was clear that any changes made to the ordinance would be carefully tracked for transparency and is aiming to have the document ready for review by the end of October.  
Marianne McCann asked about the possibility of a conflict of interest as Mr. Peel is a ‘client’ of the water system. Gregg Herrin and Kasey Peterson explained that the question has been researched and no conflict of interest exists.  

Approve Warrants – Paul Libby raised his concern regarding the Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission (TRORC) invoice for support services regarding the Grants in Aid program noting that the invoice is vague and provided no details of when and what work was done. This is not the first time TRORC has provided incomplete or vague invoicing. Mr. Libby will follow up with TRORC. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the warrants excluding the $1500.00 TRORC invoice. Charles Peel seconded. 5-0-0.  

Charles Peel made a motion to enter executive session to discuss a legal matter and a personnel matter. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded. 5-0-0 
 

Executive session began at 9:01.  

Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made amotion to exit executive session. Paul Libby seconded. 5-0-0  

Executive session ended at 9:41 

Curtis Chase made a motion to adjourn. Chares Peel seconded. 5-0-0   

The meeting adjourned at 9:42 

Respectfully submitted,  
Kasey Peterson 

DRAFT Meeting Minutes August 18, 2026 

Present: Gregg Herrin, Charles Peel, Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (remotely), Kasey Peterson, Gayle Durkee, Rick Ackerman, Chintana Herrin, Marianne McCann 

Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:34 PM 
 
Adjustments to the Agenda   

Highway Safety Improvement Program –This was reserved for a meeting that Paul and Curtis are able to attend 

Propane Price Lock – Gillespie 
 
Conflict of Interest Disclosure  - none  

Public Comments  - none 

Approve Minutes   

Carrie Caouette-De Lallo moved to approve.  Charles Peel noted that Gregg Herrin identified information that was missing.  Because it was uncertain if that had been added, no second was made and no action was taken. 

Treasurer Update  

Tax Rate: Gayle Durkee is working with the Listers to correct the Grand List after she identified issues with current use calculations on the final Grand List for the 2026 Tax Year.  The Board can expect Town Clerk, Jen Chase, to finalize the canvassing report so that the Listers can finalize the current use totals and the Board can approve the tax rates. 

Water and Sewer Fees: Gregg Herrin began the discussion with general concepts identified last meeting regarding treating highways, the transfer station, and water/sewer department funding to be approached equitably.  Gregg Herrin noted that there are areas that everyone uses and should contribute to, some that are either optional or are unavailable to some residents, and some that everyone should cover whether they use or not such as fire, EMS and policing services.  Normal town operating budget is shared widely.  Highways are available to all but not used equally and are used by non-residents. That said, individualizing tax burdens by usage is impossible.  The transfer station is available to all but not used equally.  There may be a collective benefit to all residents by operating the station.  Our current handling of that funding is to share all costs across all taxpayers and some costs are directly borne by users.  The water and sewer systems are compulsory for residents of the Village and unavailable to those beyond the system’s reach.  Charles Peel expressed concern that the water and sewer system, excluding bond payments, are exclusively borne by the residents who are compulsorily connected to the system and that they disproportionately keep up a system designed to support a high school that was eliminated by vote of all residents. 

Follow up items from the last meeting: Paul Libby asked about the breakdown of fixed vs variable costs.  Gregg estimates that about 90% of the costs of the water and sewer system are fixed costs.  Another Board member asked how Chelsea compares with other towns in Vermont.  Chelsea is presently below the average rates in Vermont and Nationally.  Gregg Herrin was careful to note that the state and national median rates should not be considered to be a target.  Carrie Caouette-De Lallo asked what portions of the towns considered were comparable to the size of our town and system and how much of their costs were tax funded.   

Charles Peel will work with Mike Whipple to determine what the breakdown would be between tax funding and use fee funding if the Board applied the same funding approach to the water and sewer systems that are used for the other systems.   

Public Discussion: Marianne McCann believes it is illegal for any public funding to be brought in by taxation and believes that there is a “legal document” from the formation of the water system which prohibits collecting of public funds to support the systems.  Gregg Herrin noted that the Board will do its due diligence to verify that any changes are legal. 

 Administrator Update  

FEMA Projects: Kasey verified that the departure of a Town Administrator and a lack of permitting are both explicitly named reasons that do not qualify for extensions.  The State of Vermont may give us a six-month extension but that will create some risk with FEMA funding.  We have to order and have the box culvert poured before we know if the FEMA funding remains feasible.  The Town has expended funds already for road repairs.  Kasey and Rick have discussed pricing and expect the cost of the Doyle Road project to be in excess of $400,000.00 and the Edwards Road Project to be in excess of $500,000.00.  The future of FEMA’s funding generally is uncertain.  Paul Libby’s input is needed to speculate on the options other than the engineered proposals at this time so that the Town can benefit from his DOT experience.  Marianne McCann asked how much cost had already been spent on engineering.  Gayle Durkee indicated that it was $200,000.00 inclusive of the Maple Avenue Bridge.  It is unclear to the Board why we opted for having third party engineering for the Doyle Road box culvert rather than having the company that will construct it design the culvert in house.  That decision was made by a Board with no common members with the current Board. 

Municipal Energy Resilience Update: Adam Grimes would like a decision about how to restore the storm windows he removed from the Library.  The Board wanted input from the Library and the public lands liaisons to be included in the discussion. 

Highway  

Open Bids for Upper Village Road Paving  

Blacktop Inc – $114,165.22 and $148,342.32.  Total $262,507.54 which includes level and overlay of section 1 full depth on section 2. 

JA McDonald – $324,106.80. Base Bid is $150,114.80, additional is $173,992.00.  Base includes shim with ¾” of type 4 and 1” of type 3.  Upgrade would be 4” total asphalt. 

Pike Industries – $112,373.00 for phase 1 and $160,834.50 for phase 2.  Total $273,207.50 which includes level and overlay of section 1 and full depth of section 2. 

The Board asked Rick Ackerman to review the bids and verify that each bid includes everything that he expected to be included.  A representative from Pike was present and pointed out that their phase 1 cost was lower than Blacktop’s.  If we are unable to complete both sections, Pike may be a less expensive option.  Gregg reviewed the budget and verified that we have $79,000.00 in the resurfacing fund and will have another $50,000.00 once the tax paymetns start coming in.  

Charles Peel moved to accept Blacktop Inc’s Bid of $262,507.54 to resurface a portion of Upper Village Road and extend the pavement on Upper Village Road.  Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded.  Carrie Caouette-De Lallo asked if the timelines matched Rick’s desired timelines and Rick verified that October 1st was included in all bids.  The motion passed unanimously. 

Two Rivers Regional Planning Commission Representative:  

The Town needs to appoint a member to the TRORC Board to represent the Town’s interests in regional planning.  The Board will put out a call to the Town through electronic means to solicit interested residents to represent the Town.  This position has been vacant for several years since the prior representative resigned. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo will identify the duties so that the Board can ask for volunteers to be considered for nomination to the TRORC Board.  The Chelsea Board would like this position to be actively engaged with the Selectboard, the Planning Commission, and TRORC to advocate for the interests of the Town.  The request for volunteers will be disseminated electronically by Charles Peel and Carrie Caouette-De Lallo 

Town Administrator Position   

The Selectboard needs to post the Town Administrator position.  Gregg Herrin and Kasey Peterson will finalize the description.  Charles Peel suggested that we set pay to be commensurate with experience and that we reserve the option to amend the description prior to hiring. 

 Approve Warrants  

Carrie Caouette-De Lallo moved to approve warrants.  Charles Peel seconded.  No further discussion.  Motion passed unanimously. 
 
Gillespie Propane Price Lock 

Town would agree to purchase 3,169 gallons of propane for a fixed price of $1.57 per gallon.  Carrie Caouette-De Lallo moved to approve the rate lock.  Charles Peel seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously. 

 Executive Session if necessary - None Needed. 

Adjournment  

Charles Peel moved to adjourn.  Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded.  No further discussion.  The motion passed unanimously.   

Present:
Gregg Herrin, Carrie Caouette-De Lallo, Charles Peel, Paul Libby, Gayle Durkee (Treasurer), Kasey Peterson (Interim Town Administrator), Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)

Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:30PM.

Adjustments to the Agenda
Kasey Peterson noted that an update will be included in the Highway section related to traffic signage.
Gregg Herrin indicated that during the Treasurer’s section, he will provide some background information to restart discussions related to water and sewer rates.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure – None

Public Comments
Marianne McCann inquired about the schedule for advancing the topic of drainage related to Bobby Button’s Creamery property. Curtis Chase indicated that the current step is still with the surveyor engaged to understand exactly where property boundaries are, and it was agreed that the next meeting will include an agenda item to provide a more complete summary.
Frank Keane mentioned that beavers have been building a dam along Jail Brook.

Carrie Caouette-De Lallo moved to approve the July 21, 2026 Meeting Minutes. Charles Peel seconded. There was no further discussion. 5-0-0

United Church of Chelsea Wastewater Issue
Bob Aichler provided updated information about the most recent design for reconnecting the church to the Town sewer. The information presented indicates that the updated design would have sufficient slope to carry waste from the church to the system, which was not previously the case due to changes in vertical alignment for the pipes. The currently proposed design will be discussed with Mike Whipple to review any concerns he may have.

Public Grounds
Discussion of the Roberts-Gould Field included ongoing questions and discussion about the relationship between the Town and the activities done on that field. Since the Roberts-Gould fund is managed and coordinated separately from the Town, it was noted that activities like the Alumni Baseball Game are not automatically covered by the Town’s insurance, so in the future insurance information should be provided as part of any similar activities.
Curtis Chase brought up several questions related to the Recreation Committee and requirements for Committee Members to be appointed by the Selectboard. John Parker indicated that the committee has been running based on the belief that they could self-organize, including having their own communications to recruit people who are interested in serving, deciding on committee members, and so on. John Parker will be in contact with the current secretary to pass along current membership information as well as any information associated with the formation and rules of the committee.

Transfer Station/Solid Waste Discussion
Terry MacNeish provided a summary of research he has done into rates at nearby towns, indicating that Chelsea may be currently charged more than Royalton for trash disposal, but may also be paying less than other towns for recycling. He also suggested that the Town may be able to own containers rather than renting them, which could offer some savings over time. Snook Downing mentioned that the Town used to own a container, but its whereabouts have been unknown for several years. Gregg Herrin asked that various options be outlined for moving forward, to be evaluated based on a combination of fairness (charging more for those who use the service) and simplicity (for those using the service as well as for the Town to administer). Other ideas were suggested by various audience attendees ranging from “everyone pays equally through property taxes” to “abandon the transfer station altogether”. Future meetings will outline options and their pros and cons to help push towards a decision.

Treasurer Update
Gayle Durkee provided an overview of the tax rate calculations, which indicate a large increase this year – driven largely by the increases in school budget. Gregg Herrin offered to create an updated view of the pie chart used at the 2026 Town Meeting to provide a visual representation of where tax monies go. The Selectboard will review the updated calculations by the next meeting so that the Treasurer can begin to process property tax bills.
Gregg Herrin also presented an update on water and sewer rates, reminding everyone of the ongoing efforts to bring the revenues in alignment with expenses. The next meeting will include a more detailed look into the financial modeling, as well as opening the floor for more discussion about next steps.

Administrator Update
Kasey Peterson noted that any additional work to be funded by MERP grants would need to be under contract by the end of September. Curtis Chase provided an overview of remaining prioritized items which we are seeking proposals for.
Kasey Peterson noted that we are nearing the point of posting for the position of a permanent Town Administrator, and Gregg Herrin noted that to date they have been reconciling information from the prior Job Description used when Tierney Farago was hired, a partially update job description that was being worked on with Tierney, a prior description of duties from Kasey Peterson when she worked for the Town of Brookfield, and the experience over the past few months as Kasey has been temporarily filling the position. It is expected that over the next two weeks that information will be compiled into something that can quickly be turned into a realistic job description to redefine the scope of the role so we can begin recruiting.

Highway
Tom Vermette applied for an access permit along Densmore Road. Paul Libby made the motion to approve the permit. Curtis Chase seconded. There was no further discussion. 5-0-0.
Discussion of the VTRANS paving grant, as previously approved, included confirmation that the paving should be completed by October 1 per the advice of the Rick Ackerman.
Kasey Peterson brought to the attention of the Selectboard that some of the FEMA funding possibilities for Doyle Road and Edwards Road are at risk of being lost, due to running out of time according to the process requirements. There is some concern that the delays have been caused largely by possible mishandling and subsequent loss of our prior Town Administrator, but that may be unlikely to qualify as an unavoidable delay in the eyes of the State or FEMA. Curtis Chase mentioned that some of the delay is based on the concern that some of the preliminary engineering may be infeasible, and that reconsidering engineering options is not something that was foreseeable or preventable by the Town. Paul Libby will reach out to the State of Vermont representative (with Kasey if timing allows) to understand more clearly the timeline and options that exist for us.
Kasey Peterson presented information about Grants-in-Aid from the State of Vermont for FY2027 to do ditching work. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the $23,000 Grants-in-Aid package for 2027, including providing Town matching of $5,750 to do ditch work on roads to be determined at a later date. Charles Peel seconded. There was no further discussion. 5-0-0.
Approve Warrants – Charles Peel made a motion to approve the warrants. Paul Libby seconded. There was no further discussion. 5-0-0

Charles Peel made a motion to enter executive session to discuss personnel issues and a Robert Poor Fund request, inviting Kasey Peterson. Curtis Chase seconded. There was no further discussion. 5-0-0

Executive Session began at 9:16PM.

At 9:57PM Charles Peel made a motion to exit Executive Session. Paul Libby seconded. There was no further discussion. 5-0-0
Gregg Herrin noted that the executive session covered personnel issues and a Robert Poor Fund request. Other than the Roberts Poor Fund request, no actions were taken and no decisions were made.

Charles Peel made a motion to adjourn. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded. There was no further discussion. 5-0-0.
The meeting adjourned at 9:57PM

Audio Recording:

DRAFT Selectboard Meeting Minutes July 21, 2026  

Present: 
Gregg Herrin, Carrie Caouette-De Lallo, Charles Peel, Paul Libby, Gayle Durkee (Treasurer), Kasey Peterson (Interim Town Administrator), Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman), Tim Carter, Justina Kenyon 
 
Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:37.  

Adjustments to the Agenda – Terry MacNeish will not be available so the Transfer Station conversation will need to be tabled.    

Conflict of Interest Disclosure  – Paul Libby commented that he works for VTRANS and may need to recuse himself from certain highway decisions 

Public Comments  - none 

Paul Libby moved to approve the July 7, 2026 Meeting Minutes. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded. There was no further discussion. 4-0-0  

Transfer Station/Solid Waste Discussion – Tabled  

Administrator Update  
Kasey Peterson presented a request for the use of the Roberts Gould Field for the Alumni Baseball Game and Cookout. There was no certificate of insurance included with the request. Tim Carter was present to explain that this is the third year this event has taken place and they have not presented a Certificate of Insurance for any of them. There was a discussion of who owns the field – the town or the school – and how the Roberts-Gould Fields funds are managed. There was also concern about acquiring insurance this close to the event. The Selectboard would like to clarify with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns for subsequent events. Charles Peel made a motion to approve the request and waive the requirement for this year’s event. Paul Libby seconded. There was no further discussion. 4-0-0.  
Paul Libby thanked Tim Carter for keeping the field looking so good.  

Water Board    
Charles Peel thanked Mike Whipple for managing the leak in the water main on Upper Village Road. Mike managed to handle the situation with no drop in water pressure and also avoided a boil water notice.  
Justina Kenyon was present to explain that as of January 2026 the home on 13 Maple Ave no longer has an apartment. The owners would like to adjust the water billing to reflect the change. Charles Peel remarked that the listers and the Zoning Administrator should be advised of the change from a duplex to a single family home for tax purposes. Charles Peel then confirmed that the home is connected to only one water meter. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo further clarified that the Selectboard does have jurisdiction over this decision.  
Charles Peel made a motion to consider the building to be one unit as of the second quarter of 2026 going forward. Paul Libby seconded. There was a short conversation regarding the actual process of billing a single water meter for two units. 4-0-0. 
 
Treasurer Update  
Gayle Durkee reported the approximately one hundred and one thousand dollars ($101,000) has come in from the Vermont Municipal Equipment Loan Fund and she has used that money to reimburse the Town’s equipment fund.  
Gayle is also working on the tax rate.  
Gregg Herrin presented the Mid-Year Budget Numbers which look good for this time of year. There was discussion about the Highway Dept which included issues regarding the timing of the new trucks. The Transfer Station income is below expectations by roughly half, but the expenditures are lower by a similar amount. In the Water Dept the income is on target for this time of year and the expenditures are lower than expected. There was further discussion on increasing water and sewer fees and how those increases should be rolled out.   

Highway  
VTRANS will provide one hundred eighty-three thousand, six hundred and fifty-five dollars ($183,655) for paving Upper Village Road. This grant will include a 20% match by the Town. Paul Libby asked about sending out an RFP and will work with Rick Ackerman and Kasey Peterson to complete that part of the process. Charles Peel made the motion to approve the Vtrans grant with a 20% match to pave a portion of Upper Village Road. Paul Libby seconded. There was no further discussion. 4-0-0.  
VTRANS has provided a draft agreement for traffic signs and delineators for three sites in Chelsea. This is a state sign project and requires no payment or vendor procurement from the Town. Paul Libby made a motion to accept the VTrans grant for signs that is 100% funded by the state with the caveat that VTrans fixes the typos in the agreement. Charles Peel seconded. There was no further discussion. 4-0-0. 
Kasey Peterson presented a letter of intent for a Vtrans Road Erosion Inventory Grant. This project is required to apply for the Municipal General Roads Permit from the State. The inventory identifies roadways that need better water management and provides information for Better Back Road and Grants in Aid programs for road improvement. This form is strictly an acknowledgment that the Town intends to apply, not the application itself. Charles Peel made a motion to sign the letter of intent for the Road Erosion Inventory Grant. Paul Libby Seconded. There was no further discussion. 4-0-0 
Paul Libby explained that an extension request will need to be made for the Maple Street Bridge engineering grant as easements and permits must be obtained before Stantec Engineering will deliver plans. That is not likely to happen before the grant deadline of December 31, 2026. No action was taken at this time.  
Kasey Peterson presented a quote for winter salt from Cargill at one hundred and sixteen dollars and fifty cents ($116.50). Charles Peel made a motion to accept the Cargill quote at the stated price. Paul Libby seconded. There was no further discussion. 4-0-0 
Rick Ackerman asked about the last two FEMA projects – Edwards Road and Doyle Road. These projects are also waiting for permitting and property easements. Kasey Peterson will reach out to FEMA to discuss an extension. No action was taken at this time.   

Approve Warrants – Paul Libby made a motion to approve the warrants. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded. Chuck had one clerical question regarding the categorization of the Zumba class under library or recreation. 4-0-0 

Paul Libby made a motion to enter executive session to discuss personnel issues, inviting Gayle Durkee and Kasey Peterson. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded.  4-0-0 

Executive Session began at 8:11PM. 

At 8:51 Charles Peel made a motion to exit Executive Session. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded. 4-0-0.  

The executive session covered personnel issues. No actions were taken. No decisions were made.   

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

The meeting adjourned at 8:52PM 

Respectfully submitted, 
Kasey 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 

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 

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