| Selectboard Meeting Minutes |
| October 7, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall Link to recorded meeting: https://youtu.be/9UZnwITuFtg |
| 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) TOWN EMPLOYEES Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer) Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman) Jen Chase (Town Clerk) Susan Elder (Lister) |
| Additions to the Agenda |
| -The Town Administrator had two items that were covered during the Town Administrator update, as they did not require official motions from the Selectboard. -Budget Preparation: Gregg Herrin added this item to the agenda to begin the conversation around the budget season, Town Report schedule, and how the Selectboard would like to view the budget in an easily digestible way. The Selectboard and Town employees will begin gathering information on the budget to bring to upcoming Selectboard meetings. |
| Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None |
| Public Comments |
| Rory Allen attended the meeting to discuss using Beedle Rd as a snowmobile trail for the frigid frost fighters club. The Selectboard agreed to put the item on the next agenda, as they believe it should be duly warned to the public before they decide. |
| Approve Minutes from September 16, 2025 |
| Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the minutes from September 16, 2025; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. |
| Current Events and Updates |
| A. Highway Update |
| Rick Ackerman recapped that the paving for Upper Village Rd has been completed. The crew has been working on leaf blowing, hauling sand, and finishing up the Grants in Aid work from Bobbinshop Rd and Baraw Hill Rd. The Selectboard also discussed potential interest in the highway crew position and if the Town would be willing to cover the cost of a CDL license for a new hire. |
| B. Town Administrator Update |
| -Water Pipe Issue: Tierney Farago alerted the Selectboard to a potential urgent issue with a pipe leak in the water system at the Rte 110 bridge near Brookhaven. Mike Whipple, the water operator, has been attempting to narrow down a leak and is relatively confident that the leak is coming from that area. This leak poses issues as it goes under the riverbed. More information will be shared when the leak has been confirmed, and an action plan has been created. If deemed an emergency, the proper steps will be taken quickly and efficiently to fix the issue and keep the public informed of any potential water cutoffs. – Zoning Administrator Vacancy: Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission informed the Town Administrator that the current contracted ZA will be leaving TRORC on October 17th. They will still have someone else filling in the contract position until the ZA contract ends or is amended to continue. |
| Action Items |
| A. First Branch Middle School Scarecrows for North Common |
| The First Branch Middle School reached out to ask if the Town would allow decorated scarecrows to be placed on the North Common for the community. Students will decorate the scarecrows, removing them within a few weeks for the season. The Selectboard saw no issue with the festive decorations and will allow them to install the scarecrows. No motion needed. |
| B. Town Housing Study Municipal Grant and EPA Brownfield Grant |
| The Selectboard further discussed the possibility of applying for the Housing Study grant (through the Municipal Planning Grant) and the EPA Brownfield grant. Ultimately, it was agreed that the deadline to apply for the housing study grant is too soon to be able to put together a comprehensive application that will fare well for a competitive grant. The Selectboard agree that it would be best to prepare to apply for the grant next year instead, to allow for a fully thought out application and supporting documents. Carrie will be meeting with Peter Gregory of TRORC, and can ask some additional questions regarding the Brownfield grant and if it would be beneficial to the Town. No motion made. |
| C. Drafting Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission Questions |
| Carrie Caouette-De Lallo discussed potential questions regarding grants to bring to her meeting with Peter Gregory of Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission. The Selectboard brainstormed some related questions that Carrie will bring to TRORC, and then report back to the Selectboard with answers. No motion made. |
| D. Treasurer/Administrator Office Lease Renewal |
| The property owner renting a suite to the Town for the Town Treasurer and Town Administrator’s office submitted a lease agreement for 2026 for a one year term. The Selectboard required additional time to review the lease agreement and approve/sign during the next meeting if there are no further questions. No motion was made. |
| E. Charlie Carrier Excavation Contract |
| A contract for brush hogging services was presented. The total for the contract was $695, which requires the vendor to sign a service contract with the town. The contract did not require a motion, as it was well under the purchasing threshold for Selectboard approval. The contract was signed by the Selectboard. |
| F. Approve Orders |
| Paul Libby made a motion to approve the orders; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. |
| Executive Session |
| A. Executive session to review selectboard candidate applications, pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)(3) |
| Paul Libby made a motion to enter executive session to discuss the appointment of a new Selectboard member; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 8:22 pm. 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 9:35 pm. Gregg Herrin explained that the Selectboard evaluated four prospective candidates for the vacancy and entertained a motion to appoint the candidate best suited for the role. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to appoint Charles “Chuck” Peel as the new Selectboard member; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. |
| Adjournment |
| Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 9:37 pm. |