| Informational Town Meeting Minutes |
| February 18, 2026 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall |
| Call to Order |
| Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm. SELECTBOARD Gregg Herrin (Present) Curtis Chase (Present) Paul Libby (Present) Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present) Charles Peel (Present) TOWN EMPLOYEES Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) Jen Chase (Town Clerk) Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer) Susan Elder (Lister) Tom Swahn (Transfer Station Attendant) |
| Additions to the Agenda: None |
| Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None |
| Agenda Items |
| A. Budget Presentation by the Chelsea Selectboard |
| B. Discussion of Articles 1 and 2 |
| C. Introduction to Candidates |
| D. Any Additional Town Meeting Topics |
| Gregg Herrin opened the meeting by introducing the Selectboard members, as well as various town employees present at the meeting. Article 1: To elect the following offices: Town Moderator- one (1) year term; Delinquent Tax Collector – one (1) year term; Selectboard – one (2) year term; Selectboard – one (3) year term; Lister- one (3) year term; Lister-one (1) year of (3) year term; Trustees of the Public Library – one (3) year term; Trustees of the Public Library – one (3) year term; Trustee of Public Funds – one (3) year term; Cemetery Commissioner – one (5) year term; **A note was made that an additional lister position (1 year of a 3 year term) is available, but was omitted in error from the Town Meeting warning. This office will be on the ballot for residents.** Gregg opened the floor for any candidates that wanted to introduce themselves to the public. The following candidates were present to introduce themselves and the office they are running for: Gayle Durkee: delinquent tax collector (1 year term) is the current delinquent tax collector and would like to continue her tenor to keep all finances and taxes under the same umbrella of the treasurer’s office. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo: Selectboard (2 year term) has been a Selectboard member for the past year and wants to continue working with the current Selectboard and Town employees, citing that consistency is important when implementing long-term plans. Marianne McCann: Selectboard (3 year term) is running for Selectboard and believes her research background, creativity, and problem-solving skills will aid her in serving the Town. Charles Peel: Selectboard (3 year term) was appointed to the Selectboard in October of 2025, and has found that his expertise has helped the Selectboard make important decisions, and would like to see that several Town issues are concluded with his help. Susan Elder: Lister (3 year term) is a current lister and is working on completing her second tier of lister training. She would like to continue her education and serving the town as they approach the next reappraisal. Chris Byrne: Trustee of the Public Library (3 year term) has been serving on the library board and wants to continue his work with the board, as he is familiar with the library and feels that he can further contribute his skills and experience to the position. Two additional candidates were absent from the meeting: Amy Jones: Trustee of the Public Library (3 year term) Edwin Coburn: Trustee of Public Funds (3 year term) Article 2: Shall the voters of the Town of Chelsea adopt the Chelsea Zoning Bylaw as approved by the Select board on January 9, 2026?Charles Peel summarized the events of updating the zoning bylaws, noting that the planning commission has been working on the bylaw update for nearly two years. He thanks the planning commission for their time and service. He mentioned that most of the changes to the bylaw were to ensure it meets state statute and complies with the Town Plan that was approved last year. The draft bylaw was approved by the Selectboard on December 22nd and is available for review on chelseavt.org and a copy can be printed at the Town Administrator’s office if necessary upon request, prior to voting. |
| Public Comments |
| The public was encouraged to ask questions throughout the presentation. Topics included the service provided by Windsor County Sheriff’s Office, and how the Selectboard is rating the aging highway equipment. |
| Adjournment |
| Charles Peel made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 8:19 pm. |