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DRAFT Selectboard Meeting Minutes – June 3, 2025

ByTierney Farago
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
June 3rd, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
Link to recorded meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yy3o_xruPaE
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)
Kevin Marshia (Present)
TOWN EMPLOYEES 
Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) 
Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer)
Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)
Tracy Simon (Emergency Management Director)
Jen Chase (Town Clerk)
Snook Downing (Transfer Station Attendant)
Tom Swahn (Transfer Station Attendant)
Additions to the Agenda: None
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
Public Comments
Snook Downing and Tom Swahn attended the meeting to talk to the Selectboard about a pay raise     for Tom. He believes that this is necessary, as Tom’s presence at the transfer station has greatly helped him, and he worries that not paying him more will make him less likely to continue working at the transfer station. Gregg Herrin appreciated both Snook and Tom for bringing this up and let them know that the Selectboard is working on salary increases for all Town employees to ensure that employees are being paid fairly to state and local standards. They will continue to gather data on the salary in comparable towns and bring that information to future meetings for deliberation.
Approve Minutes from May 20, 2025
Paul Libby made a motion to approve the May 20th meeting minutes; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Current Events and Updates
A. Highway Update-Town Truck Purchase
Rick Ackerman brought back numbers for turnkey trucks; there are several models to choose from, ranging from about $310,000 to $315,000 with warranty. The truck order currently in place with ATG/Viking Cives is for a total of $274,444. The Selectboard deliberated on the pros and cons of possibly getting a turnkey truck with Rick. Ultimately, the Selectboard agreed that if Rick is comfortable moving forward, they would continue to wait for the current truck and have him service the old truck as needed for Winter 2025. Since this order is already in place, no action was needed. Rick gave several updates, including the chervil mowing that has begun and looking ahead to possibly buying more sand to stock up on for the winter. He is also waiting for Pike to send over an estimate on how much repaving Upper Village Rd would cost.
B. Town Administrator Update
The Town Administrator is working with the Grants Administrator for a sidewalk grant from VTrans and wanted to know if the Selectboard members had any specific areas of sidewalk that need to be repaired, or even new sidewalk that they think might be beneficial to the Town. Paul Libby suggested asking Rita Seto from Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission if they already have a listed of priority areas. The Town Administrator will work with her to figure out the best areas of improvement.
Action Items
A. Basement Waterproofing Bid
The Selectboard reviewed the proposal for basement waterproofing services for Town Hall, but had additional questions regarding the electrical work and drainage before they felt comfortable enough to accept the proposal. The Town Administrator will set up a meeting with the vendor, Curtis Chase, and Paul Libby so they can discuss these questions. The item will be postponed until the next meeting. No motion made.
B. Adoption of 2025 Local Emergency Management Plan (LEMP)
Tracy Simon attended the meeting to discuss the 2025 Local Emergency Management Plan with the Selectboard. This plan lists all notable contacts for the town and is submitted to the Vermont Emergency Management team. The plan also aids in decreasing local matches for FEMA, as it shows the Town has made efforts to be prepared for disasters. Tracy worked with the board to make any corrections needed on the forms. Kevin Marshia made a motion to adopt the 2025 Local Emergency Management Plan, with corrections as noted; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Water and Sewer Fee Change Decision
The Selectboard felt comfortable to decide on the fee increase for water and sewer billing. There have been numerous discussions regarding the changes and received feedback from the public regarding the changes. Notifications for residents will be included in the next water/sewer bills sent out in July.
Water: Kevin Marshia made a motion to increase the water usage fee by 12%, bringing the total to $92.69 per quarter starting July 1st, 2025, and continuing for three years; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Sewer: Kevin Marshia made a motion to increase the sewer usage fee by 25%, bringing the total to $152.18 per quarter starting July 1st, 2025, and continuing for three years; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Overage: Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to increase the water overage fee from 0.4 to 0.8 per gallon; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
D. Wastewater Plant Contract and Funding Application
Paul Libby made a motion to approve the final engineering contract and funding application for the sum of $44,400; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
E. 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 move to executive session, inviting Tierney Farago and Gayle Durkee; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. The Selectboard entered executive session at 8:57 pm. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to exit executive session; Paul Libby seconded the motion. The Selectboard exited the session at 9:43 pm. The Selectboard discussed personnel and no action was taken.  
Adjournment
Curtis Chase made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously at 9:44 pm.
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Selectboard Meeting Agenda – June 3, 2025

ByTierney Farago
​​Selectboard Meeting Agenda​  
June 3rd, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall 
Call to Order​ 
Additions to the Agenda 
Conflict of Interest Disclosure 
Public Comments 
Approve Minutes from May 20, 2025 
Current Events and Updates 
A. Highway Update -Town Truck Purchase 
B. Town Administrator Update 
Action Items 
A. Basement Waterproofing Bid 
B. Adoption of 2025 Local Emergency Management Plan (LEMP)
C. Water and Sewer Fee Change Decision
D. Wastewater Plant Contract and Funding Application  
E. Approve Orders
Executive Session If Necessary 
Adjournment​ 
Links to join the Selectboard Meeting:      
https://meet.google.com/fwf-ayyb-acq 
https://www.youtube.com/@chelseavtselectboardofficial/streams 
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Forest & Parks Commission Meeting Agenda – June, 2 2025

ByJen Chase

Chelsea Town Forest and Parks Commission
Monday, June 2, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
At the Chelsea Public Library

  1. Approve April 4 & May 5 meeting minutes
  2. Additions to the Agenda
  3. Public Comments
  4. Organizational Discussion
  5. Tree Planting and Maintenance Grants
    1. Update
    1. RFP
  6. Town Forest Management plana
    1. Coordinating harvest with state
    1. Suggestions for selectboard on harvest profit use
  7. Pollinator Garden
    1. Update, deer, benches
  8. Upper Valley Trails Alliance
  9. Adjourn.

If you want to attend via Zoom call please email the group at
chelsea-forest-parks@googlegroups.com

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Selectboard Meeting Minutes – May 20, 2024

ByTierney Farago
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
May 20th, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
Link to recorded meeting
Call to Order
Kevin Marshia called the meeting to order at 6:39 pm.
SELECTBOARD 
Gregg Herrin (Absent) 
Curtis Chase (Present)
Paul Libby (Present) 
Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present)
Kevin Marshia (Present Until 7:30 pm)
TOWN EMPLOYEES 
Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) 
Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer)
Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)
Additions to the Agenda
A request for the use of the Robert-Gould Field was added to the agenda. Later in the night, the Selectboard reviewed the request for the June Jubilee Dance scheduled for June 7th from 6:00 pm-10:00 pm. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to approve the request for the Roberts-Gould field; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Kevin Marshia disclosed that the person who submitted the request for the Roberts-Gould Field was his wife, Emily Marshia, so he would abstain from voting. Paul Libby disclosed that Emily is his sister, but it would not influence his decision on the topic.
Public Comments: None
Approve Minutes from May 6, 2025
Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to approve the May 6th minutes; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Current Events and Updates
A. Highway Update
Rick Ackerman discussed several items relating to the highway. The Town truck is back from the shop and he is still negotiating the price of the work done on it. The Selectboard discussed the status of the new Town truck and if it might be more beneficial for the road crew to get a turnkey truck instead due to the delay in receiving the truck previously agreed upon. Rick will solicit prices for turnkey trucks so the Selectboard has a better idea of budget and will have those prices ready for the next meeting to discuss if the Town should continue with the current new truck order, or possibly change routes and choose a turnkey truck so the Town has the new truck available for the winter. They also discussed the mowing of chervil; Rick will reach out to Vershire per usual to ask about using their mower for cutting the weeds again this year.
B. Town Administrator Update
The Town Administrator updated the Selectboard that Stantec is beginning to wrap up their studies and plans for the FEMA projects in town. Permitting for the pedestrian bridge is being prepped, just waiting on the H&H study to submit permitting to ANR. The Town will also be posting up RFPs for the tree planting and tree removal/maintenance grants that the Forest and Parks Commission received by the end of the week.
C. Water and Sewer Rate Increase Public Discussion
The Selectboard discussed a question brought up during the last meeting regarding the charge for turning meters on and off. Gayle Durkee pointed out a section of the water and sewer ordinance, Article XIII, Section 12: “When requested by the customer, 24 hours notice shall be required for letting on or off water to any service, and such service shall take place only during the regular business hours of the Water System. There is no charge for this service for one turn off/on per calendar year. Regular charge for added service of $75.00 for turn off/on service. (Amended December 29, 2020). Effective February 27, 2021.” The Selectboard feels comfortable with the water and sewer service fee information that has been discussed over many Selectboard meetings. Their decision will be on the June 3rd meeting agenda.
Action Items
A. Library Board Appointment
Nick DeFriez attended to represent the library’s Board of Directors. The board wanted to nominate Chris Byrne to be appointed by the Selectboard to the Board of Directors per bylaw, as they now have a vacancy. Nick spoke highly of Chris and the other members of the board believe he would be a great fit. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to appoint Chris Byrne to the Library’s Board of Directors; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed.
B. Basement Waterproofing Bid Opening
The Selectboard opened a bid that was received for waterproofing the Town Hall basement, which is covered under the umbrella of the MERP grant. The request for proposals asked for proposals to finish the Town Hall basement flooring, provide a waterproof barrier, and a sump pump system for water that might be taken on in the basement. The bid was from Twin State Basement Services and the price for these services was $67,492. This is within the allotted amount provided by the grant. The Selectboard discussed this and requested additional time to review the proposal and ask follow-up questions. Questions will be sent to the company contact, and the proposal will be added to the June 3rd meeting agenda for further consideration. No motion made.
C. Will’s Store Liquor License Renewal
Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to approve the renewal of the liquor license for Will’s General Store; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed.
D. Carminati Cemetery Mowing Contract
Curtis Chase made a motion to approve and sign the contract for mowing services for Highland Cemetery; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed.
E. RonJon Mowing Contract
Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to approve the contract for RonJon’s Lawn and Landscape; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed.
F. Wastewater Plant Contract and Funding Application
This item was tabled until the next meeting for further review. No motion made.
G. Approve Orders
Paul Libby made a motion to approve the orders, with the exception of an item regarding the delinquent tax collector fee; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Executive Session If Necessary
Curtis Chase made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Tierney Farago and Gayle Durkee; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. The Selectboard entered executive session at 7:56 pm. Curtis Chase made a motion to exit executive session; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. The Selectboard exited executive session at 8:25 pm. Paul Libby stated they discussed personnel and no action was taken.
Adjournment
Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed.
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Selectboard Meeting Agenda – May 20, 2025

ByTierney Farago
Selectboard Meeting Agenda
May 20th, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
Call to Order
Additions to the Agenda
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Public Comments
Approve Minutes from May 6, 2025
Current Events and Updates
A. Highway Update
B. Town Administrator Update
C. Water and Sewer Rate Increase Public Discussion
Action Items
A. Library Board Appointment
B. Basement Waterproofing Bid Opening
C. Will’s Store Liquor License Renewal
D. Carminati Cemetery Mowing Contract
E. RonJon Mowing Contract
F. Wastewater Plant Contract and Funding Application
G. Approve Orders
Executive Session If Necessary
Adjournment
Links to join the Selectboard Meeting:     
https://meet.google.com/fwf-ayyb-acq
https://www.youtube.com/@chelseavtselectboardofficial/streams
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Selectboard Meeting Minutes – May 6, 2025

ByTierney Farago
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
May 6th, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
Link to recorded meeting
Call to Order
Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:42 pm.
SELECTBOARD 
Gregg Herrin (Present) 
Curtis Chase (Present Until 8:30 Pm)
Paul Libby (Present) 
Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present)
Kevin Marshia (Present, Virtual)
TOWN EMPLOYEES 
Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) 
Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer)
Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)
Additions to theAgenda: None
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Carrie Caouette-De Lallo has a conflict for the pedestrian bridge item, as she is an abutting property owner. Gregg Herrin had a conflict for the greens request, as the requestor is his spouse. Both abstain from votes on those items.
Public Comments: None
Approve Minutes from April 15, 2025
Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to approve the April 15th meeting minutes; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Current Events and Updates
A. Highway Update
Rick Ackerman reported that the truck that was in the shop for repairs has been completed. He is currently working with the auto shop to see if there is any possibility to reduce the labor cost, as it was increased from his original discussion with them. The total cost of the repairs was $13,600. He will also be attending a municipal show in Barre on May 6th and will be asking attendees about turnkey truck options.
B. Town Administrator Update: None
C. Water and Sewer Rate Increase Public Discussion
Gregg Herrin presented projections for how the restructured fees for the water and sewer could work. The Selectboard discussed different approaches to the fee increase. The PowerPoint presentation and a spreadsheet for the fees is available at the bottom of these minutes. The fees discussed in the presentation and spreadsheet are not finalized, just possible options for the Selectboard to choose.
Action Items
A. Mowing Bid Opening
Two mowing bids were received for the mowing season. Thresher and Sons Property Care total: $16,700RonJon’s Lawn and Landscape total: $17,600After reviewing the services and consideration for price, services offered, reputation, and past work, Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to accept the proposal from RonJon; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed.
B. Planning Commission Member Reduction
The planning commission has had trouble maintaining a quorum during their recent meetings. A representative from Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission suggested that the commission reduce their members from 7 to 5 to have a better chance of having a quorum. The Selectboard was in agreement, but did request that the Town Administrator verify that this is within the Selectboard’s power. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to reduce the planning commission to 5 members, contingent upon verifying this process with VLCT; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed.
C. ARPA Fund: Ratification of Minutes
Gayle Durkee was recently reporting ARPA funds to the state and was notified that the Selectboard would have to ratify the minutes from September 3, 2024 in order to keep $1,294 that was left over from the security camera project. Carre Caouette-De Lallo read the motion as follows to adhere to all requirements: “Resolved, that the Selectboard does here by ratify and affirm that the decision made by the Selectboard on September 3,2024, regarding the amount of ARPA money obligated to salaries be adjusted by $1294, making the amount obligated to salaries $106,931.55.” Paul made a motion to ratify the minutes as read; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed.
D. Stantec Pedestrian Bridge H&H Study Contract
John Little from Stantec submitted a contract proposal for an H&H study for the cemetery pedestrian bridge. This study is necessary for the permitting for the Agency of Natural Resources. The contract for the study is $5,000. Kevin Marshia made a motion to accept this proposal with the caveat that it must be completed by the end of May; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo abstained. Motion passed.
E. Wastewater Funding Application and Contract
This item was tabled until the May 20th meeting for further review of the report and contract.
F. Zoning Administrator Contract Extension
The interim zoning administrator contract currently in place with Kyle Hansen from Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission expired on May 2nd. An addendum to the contract to extend it to June 27th was submitted. The contract would change from $4,420.00 to $6,466.00 (not to exceed this amount). Paul Libby made a motion to approve this contract addendum; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed.
G. VTrans Letter of Intent to Participate in Grants in Aid (FY26)
A letter of intent to participate in the annual Grants in Aid grant from VTrans was presented to the Selectboard. This letter is required to qualify to participate in the grant program. Tierney Farago would sign the letter with the Selectboard’s permission, as she would be the primary contact for the project. Kevin Marshia made a motion to sign the letter of intent; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed.
H. Carminati Contract: Cemetery Mowing
This item was tabled until the May 20th meeting.
I. Green’s Request: Mother’s Day Plant Sale
A Greens Request was received for the Mother’s Day Plant Sale on May 10th from 8:00 am-12:00 pm. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to approve the Greens Request; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed.
J. Approve Orders
Paul Libby made a motion to approve the orders; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Executive Session If Necessary
Paul Libby made a motion to enter executive session, Inviting Tierney Farago; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. The Selectboard entered executive session at 9:01 pm. Paul Libby made a motion to exit executive session; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. The Eelectboard exited executive session at 9:27 pm. The Selectboard discussed personnel and no action was taken.
Adjournment
Kevin Marshia moved to adjourn the meeting; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 9:27 pm.
2025 05 06 Water Fee DiscussionDownload
2025 05 06 Water Fee ModelingDownload
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Selectboard Meeting Agenda – May 6, 2025

ByTierney Farago
Selectboard Meeting Agenda
May 6th, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
Call to Order
Additions to the Agenda
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Public Comments
Approve Minutes from April 15, 2025
Current Events and Updates
A. Highway Update
B. Town Administrator Update
C. Water and Sewer Rate Increase Public Discussion
Action Items
A. Mowing Bid Opening
B. Planning Commission Member Reduction
C. ARPA Fund: Ratification of Minutes
D. Stantec Pedestrian Bridge H&H Study Contract
E. Wastewater Funding Application and Contract
F. Zoning Administrator Contract Extension
G. VTrans Letter of Intent to Participate in Grants in Aid (FY26)
H. Carminati Contract: Cemetery Mowing
I. Green’s Request: Mother’s Day Plant Sale
J. Approve Orders
Executive Session If Necessary
Adjournment
Links to join the Selectboard Meeting:     
https://meet.google.com/fwf-ayyb-acq
https://www.youtube.com/@chelseavtselectboardofficial/streams