Present: Gregg Herrin, Paul Libby, Charles Peel, Gayle Durkee, Bob Aicher, Michael Miller (Remote), Kasey Peterson, Bernard Downing, Chinana Herrin, Curtis Chase joined by phone at 8:15.
Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:35pm
Adjustments to the Agenda
Paul Libby added permitting for Edwards Road.
Charles Peel separated Water Board decisions from monetary considerations regarding the United Church of Chelsea wastewater issue.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Paul Libby recused himself from the decision on the contract for the replacement for the ramp outside the Town Hall.
Public Comments - none
The approval of the Meeting Minutes from September 1, 2026 was tabled.
Water Board
United Church of Chelsea Wastewater Allocation – Charles Peel presented a revised application reflecting Catamount Construction’s design as limited by the submitted narrative description. Bob Aicher was concerned about any unforeseen issues during construction. Charles Peel noted that Mike Whipple will oversee construction and, as the Chief Operator of the water and sewer systems, is authorized to make determinations on any changes to the scope of work as work progresses. Paul Libby made a motion to approve a revised application (#2026-003) for the United Church of Chelsea as described by Catamount Construction. Charles Peel seconded. There was no further discussion. 3-0-2.
Gregg Herrin tabled the discussion of any existing town financial responsibility until the entire board is present. Charles Peel and Bob Aicher discussed having the estimates reduced to the permitted scope of work and further itemizing the costs of the project so that optional additional work in the Highway ROW was itemized ahead of that meeting so that the Board may make an informed decision.
Highway Update
Rick Ackerman reported that Blaktop will hopefully begin paving Upper Village Road next week. Grants-in-aid for 2026 is nearly complete. While there is no word yet on the Viking 10-wheeler, the 6-wheeler was supposed to be at the shop for bodywork by the end of September. but that has been pushed to October.
The discussion turned to FEMA and the steps that are needed to keep the projects going. The current deadline for work is October 31, 2026. Paul Libby will provide a draft extension letter to be reviewed by a representative from VEM ahead of the October 1, 2026 date for extension requests.
Kasey Peterson presented the Highway Safety Implementation Plan contract for signature. This is a contract with the State for road signs and was approved at the September 1, 2026 meeting. Gregg Herrin signed the contract.
Gregg Herrin reported on the current tax situation. Gregg noted that the percentages of where tax money is allocated remained the same however overall expenses have increased across the board. His presentation emphasized that roughly 70% of the gross tax bill is for education and fire district taxes that are beyond the scope of the Selectboard’s influence. He further demonstrated that the municipal budget approved at Town Meeting 2026 reduced expenses from those set in 2025 but that we have less grant funding and surplus funds to reduce the effective tax rate. The Board discussed the need to be highly conscious of the burden of ever rising taxes on our Town and that the Board should be mindful of expenditures when discussing the budget for the next year.
Bernard “Snook” Downing was present to discuss the oil tank at the transfer station. His feeling is that someone may be willing to take it for use or for scrap. Gregg Herrin clarified that there is no other equipment that needs to be removed at that time. Charles Peel will check to see what the state guidelines are for tank removal. Charles Peel made a motion to remove the used oil tank in accordance with Department of Environmental Conservation guidelines. Paul Libby seconded. 3-0-2.
Kasey Peterson presented an amendment to Adam Grimes’ contract for exterior storm windows for the Town Hall Building. The funding for this project will come from the Municipal Energy Resilience Program Grant and will not cost anything to the town. Charles Peel made a motion to amend the storm window contract to include window panels to be operable from inside with work to be completed by June30, 2027 and not to exceed $80,000. Paul Libby seconded. 3-0-2
Charles Peel made a motion to amend the last motion and add the word ‘exterior’. Paul Libby seconded 3-0-2.
Paul Libby noted that the Town did not receive bids for the accessibly ramp outside the Town Hall despite the deadline for proposals extension to September 11. After the deadline, Terry Libby submitted a proposal to build a ramp with pressure treated supports and Trex decking for an approximated $21,897.00. There was a brief discussion of the details of the project. The color and the railing are to be determined; a temporary ramp will be installed up the stairs during the construction, and some care will be made to not destroy the flower bed. Curtis Chase was contacted by phone as Paul Libby recused himself from the decision. Charles Peel made a motion to approve a contract with Terry Libby to replace the ramp on the front of the town hall in accordance with his proposal not to exceed $30,000 with work being completed by 30 June 2027 and that the town hall will remain open for business during construction. Curtis Chase seconded over the phone. 3-0-2 Paul Libby abstained due to a personal conflict.
Paul Libby made a motion to approve the warrants. Charles Peel seconded. 3-0-2
Charles Peel made a motion to enter executive session to discuss personnel issues and invited Kasey Peterson. Paul Libby seconded. 3-0-2
Executive session began at 8:23
Charles Peel made a motion to exit executive session. Paul Libby seconded. 3-0-2
Executive Session ended at 9:42pm
Paul Libby had a question regarding an invoice from Dufresne for $2345.50. This invoice does not describe or itemize any specific work done. Paul Libby made a motion to remove this invoice from the approved warrants and make further inquiry. Charles Peel seconded. 3-0-2.
There was a brief follow-up discussion regarding the permits for the Edwards Road FEMA project. No formal action was needed by the Selectboard at this time.
Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn. Charles Peel seconded 3-0-2.
The meeting adjourned at 9:49
Respectfully submitted,
Kasey Peterson