| Selectboard Meeting Minutes |
| September 2nd, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall Link to recorded meeting: Part 1 Part 2 |
| Call to Order |
| Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:31 pm. SELECTBOARD Gregg Herrin (Present) Curtis Chase (Present) Paul Libby (Present) Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present) Kevin Marshia (Present) TOWN EMPLOYEES Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman) Jen Chase (Town Clerk) Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer) |
| Additions to the Agenda |
| -Contract for Lyon Excavation: a contract for Lyon Excavation was prepared and ready for signatures. No motion was needed, as the proposal for work on Bobbinshop Rd and Baraw Hill Rd was previously approved. -Highway Access Permit (235 Williamstown Rd): a highway access permit for a driveway was received for approval. Kevin Marshia made a motion to approve the permit; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. -Kevin Marshia officially resigned from the Selectboard during this meeting, effective at the adjournment of the meeting. He thanked the Selectboard for all of their hard work and dedication. He expressed that he has enjoyed being a part of the Selectboard for the past few years, but unfortunately must resign to focus on his career and family. The Selectboard thanked him for his service on the board. |
| Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None |
| Public Comments |
| A member of the public, Kristianne Gale, attended to offer her services in case the Town needs an extra hand at the transfer station while Snook recovers from his surgery. The Town Administrator will talk to the current transfer station attendant to see if he needs any additional help. The Town will keep her interest in mind if a temporary replacement is needed. |
| Approve Minutes from August 7, 2025 and August 19, 2025 |
| Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the minutes from August 7, 2025; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed, with Kevin Marshia and Paul Libby abstaining due to their absence. Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the minutes from August 19, 2025; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed, with Carrie Caouette-De Lallo abstaining due to her absence. |
| Current Events and Updates |
| A. Highway Update |
| Rick Ackerman gave a quick update regarding ditching using the rented excavator on Hook Rd. He expects William Lyon to begin working on Bobbinshop Rd and Baraw Hill Rd next week for the Grants in Aid work. The road crew has also been spraying chloride to keep the dust down since it’s been a very dry season. |
| B. Town Administrator Update |
| The Town Administrator informed the Selectboard that work on weatherproofing the Town Hall basement has finally begun. The vendor will begin removing material from the basement for them to start work on a level base. Updates will be given as work progresses. |
| Action Items |
| A. Stantec Project Update and Maple Ave Bridge |
| Tom Knight and John Little from Stantec attended the meeting to discuss several options for the replacement of the Maple Ave bridge. Tom presented the options including two possible temporary bridges, closing Maple Ave temporarily, and using a VAST trail for access to Maple Ave. The pros and cons of each option was also discussed. Frank Keene suggested an alternate route from Maple Ave to Route 110 through several yards that might be a better option. The Town will work with Stantec to continue fleshing out the ideas for alternate routes for the bridge construction. |
| B. TRORC: MERP Project Scope |
| Harry Falconer and Meghan Asbury fromTwo Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission attended the meeting to give an update on the MERP Grant assistance and to adjust the project scope of the grant. Harry presented background information on the grant and why it was applied for in the first place. The Selectboard had a few questions regarding the suggested heat pumps and possibly adding electrical work to the project scope. Harry and Meghan will work with Tierney and Kasey to get estimated costs for each of the projects so the Selectboard can help prioritize projects that make the most impact. |
| C. Community Nurse and First Branch Ambulance |
| Chase Ackerman from First Branch Ambulance attended the meeting to discuss the Community Nurse program. First Branch is completing the last steps with insurance so that the Community Nurse can start work on October 1st. Tierney Farago will work with Chase to iron out the remaining details so Jodi Hoyt can begin working as the community nurse in October. |
| D. Zoning Violation Fees |
| The Town Administrator discussed assigning official zoning violation fees, however, Susan Elder mentioned that a previous Selectboard had already approved something that outlined fees and the violation process. The Town Administrator will look to find those documents and get back to the Selectboard with the information. Susan mentioned that there have been more violations popping up recently, so it would be beneficial to find what has already been established for the zoning violation process. |
| E. Chelsea Housing Study-Municipal Planning Grant |
| Carrie Caouette-De Lallo read out an email from Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission regarding possibly using funds from a Municipal Planning Grant to complete a housing study for the Town. The Selectboard discussed the possible benefits of having a study conducted, but had additional questions regarding the work. The Town Administrator will see if a representative from Two Rivers can attend the next Selectboard meeting and explain the benefits of having a housing study on file for other grants and programs. |
| F. Zoning Admin Contract Addendum |
| The Town Administrator had a new addendum for the zoning administrator contract withTwo Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission to extend services again, as a zoning administrator has not been hired yet. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the zoning administrator contract addendum until October 31, 2025 with Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission; Kevin Marshia seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. |
| G. Approve Orders |
| Paul Libby made a motion to approve the orders; Carrie Caouette- De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. |
| Executive Session If Necessary |
| Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Tierney Farago; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed, however the Selectboard exited session immediately to allow for one last public comment (detailed under “public comments). Paul Libby made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Tierney Farago; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed and the Selectboard officially entered executive session at 9:42 pm. Paul Libby made a motion to exit executive session; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed and the Selectboard exited executive session at 10:19 pm. Personnel was discussed and no action was taken. |
| Adjournment |
| Kevin Marshia made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 10:20 pm. |