News

Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Minutes -Draft

November 21, 2023 – Chelsea Town Hall

Present: Kevin Marshia, Kelly Lyford, Leyna Hoyt, Jesse Kay, Bill Lyon

Others present: Karen Lathrop, Gayle Durkee, Rick Ackerman, Lieutenant Gerry Partin VSP, Captain Leonidas Zenonos, OCSD (online), Heidi Chapman, David Leggio, Patty Shwan, Amos Doyle, Brian Anderson, Max Quayle, Kyle Deschamps, Wendy Forbes, Erich Golscheider, Lee Stender, Jen McCullough, Devin Hayward, Mark MacDonald Susan Elder, Marianne McCann, Helen Heslop, Carrie Caouette-Delallo, Kana Johnson, Becky Hook, Linda Ingold, Linda Kuban, Alan Lyford, Emily Newman, Cheryl MacNeill, Carolyn Boothroyd, Shawn Twing, Ed Coburn, Pat Ladd, Amy Jordan, John Upham, Rick Allen, Chintana Herrin, Greg Herrin, Seth Chambers, Paul Libby, Millie Knudsen, Gloria Bowin, Jen Doyle, Phyllis Civitello, Rebecca McCullough, Susan Ladd, Randy Edwards.

Online: Jan Puibello, Charlotte Mullen, Chase Ackerman, Kym Anderson, Marty Gratz, Rhett Bannish, Noah Brick, Jessica Allen, Darren Marcy. If you attended online and were not listed, please contact the Town Clerk.

1. Kevin called the meeting to order at 6:30

• Additions to the Agenda -none

• Conflict of Interest Disclosure -none

• Public Comments- none

• Law Enforcement – Kevin stated the Board wanted to open a conversation with the entities invited to see what resources they could recommend going forward with procuring law enforcement for the Town. Questions from the Board to both VSP and OCSD were what our current coverage was? If additional funds were available could there be more coverage and what would those resources be? Were there programs the Town could access?  Were there any best practices the Town or Residents should be aware of? Kevin stated everyone would get a chance to speak but asked that they be brief as it was their regular Selectboard meeting and there were other agenda items. The board also asked people to come up to the table to speak as people were watching this online and needed to hear the questions. 

Both Lieutenant Partin and Captain Zenonos introduced themselves.  Captain Zenonos stated Sheriff Contois requested he come to the meeting. He also noted that OCSD was not the Town’s primary law enforcement agency. VSP was the primary, though OCSD works with them. Lieutenant Partin stated Royalton Barracks was only half staffed at this point and covered 20 towns with 3 troopers for each shift. They were down dispatchers as well.  The Captain noted OCSD were very short staffed as well. He reported that OCSD tries to be pro-active, though not much that can  be effectively done with 3.5 hours of service a week per the contract, but he had conversations with the Board about increasing the contract.

There was a 2-hour conversation between Board members, residents, Lieutenant Partin, VSP and Captain Zenonos , OCSD. Senator Mark MacDonald was also present for the conversation.

The following items were part of the conversation:

VSP- due to attrition down to 40% staffing. Not taking new contracts, only presence in Town when working a case. Cases would be triaged, with emergent cases taking precedent.

OCSD – current contract includes up to 7 hours/week due to earlier staff shortage. Normal paid coverage is 3.5 hours/week. Daytime presence only, after 4 pm Barre Police covers for OCSD.

Citizen Concerns:

Increasing crime in Town due to no police presence at night.

Creation of a committee or neighborhood watch.

What the process was for reporting suspicious activity, who to call.

                                             Committing to increase law enforcement tax dollars

                                             Reaching out to other communities or entities by the Board

                                             Better communications between law enforcement agencies

                                             Were Fish and Game Wardens or DMV being utilized to help in the shortage

                                             The legislature  sending tax dollars money to hire more Troopers, yes/no

                                             Courts stop turning out criminals with past histories.

                                             Individuals protecting themselves on their own property.

       For additional details go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etO5v6YGb0E.  Both Law Enforcement Entities agreed that better communication was vital. Call it in instead of posting it on social media.  It might take them some time, but they would investigate it.  If persons saw something to report it, be willing to sign an affidavit that would help the law enforcement down the road. They could help with neighborhood watch. They said if people felt threatened, they could defend themselves but like any other case, an investigation would be held. They stated people should not put themselves in danger.   They said to look at the larger picture of where the laws were enacted.  Law enforcement was just one aspect of curing the problem that had been growing for years. VSP’s analogy was it was a cancer and the VSP was ibuprofen, a short-term answer, but there needed to be a long-term solution which needed broader scrutiny with harder questions asked of those in charge.  Senator MacDonald said he was there to gain information as the legislature would not meet until January.

The Board thanked Lieutenant Partin, Captain Zenonos and everyone for their input and that this was just the start of the conversation, and the Board would be exploring more avenues before deciding what to do. There will be a discussion about Town Property Security at the next meeting.

• Town Treasurer
• Budget Preparation- Biggest item is insurance. Gayle stated the Town has used MVP Health Insurance for a few years. They were comparable with Blue Cross. There was a slight difference in numbers. MVP – $13,138 and BC – $13, 531. Board decision necessary.  Kelly asked if there was any employee feedback. Gayle noted only two employees receive the insurance and they seemed happy with it.

Leyna moved to continue the contract with MVP for our employees. Bill seconded the motion. No Discussion. Motion passed.

Gayle stated VMERS- rates go up every year and the Board will need take that into account when budgeting this year.  The Board asked how to move forward budgeting.  Gayle said budgets should be submitted to her, she would input them into the budget for the Board to go through at their meeting. Liaisons to tell their departments to send budgets to Gayle by December 15^th, but highway has until the 19^th. The board asked Gayle to put together a 3-year spread for them to look at.  Discussion on having executive session for salaries at a meeting. Leyna and Kelly said they needed to discuss the cost of living. Gayle gave the Board information on how bonuses were decided. Kevin thought Dec 5^th should be mostly budget items.

• Line of Credit – Not ready, will be on the next meeting agenda. Currently delinquent taxes are at$90,000.00. Most bills paid, Galfetti still to be paid. Discussion on total spent. Board discussion on hours worked by everyone for FEMA hours. Gayle noted if the Town went over 700,00.00. The Board will have to budget for a single audit.

• Highway
• Town Highway 57 – Scadin Road. The state sent a letter stating it is a class three and was not being maintained as a class 3 road.  Rick’s opinion was to downgrade the road. Leyna felt the Board should go look at it first. The board tasked Rick to look at the road and give the Board an assessment of what it would take to keep it a Class 3.
• Flood Update- Rick reported the work on Edwards Road sites 4 & 5 was not what he expected. He said the length was off and some of the bottom should have come out, but it is not a steep place. Leyna stated the end result was not what was wanted. Not enough material. The contractor was given dimensions and numbers, but he made decisions, and, in the future, there will need to be site visits before the contractor leaves. Board discussion on future contracts and what their approach would be. Rick reported the quantity was not what was given but about half. Guard rail still to be done and two culverts, one on Pepper Road and one on Doyle Road. Leyna spoke about stockpiling gravel for mud season and costs.  Rick- talking 1500 yards. Maybe work out a bill with McCullough’s. Bill mentioned McCulloughs had run short on product this summer and was in favor of procuring it. Leyna said they were going to put it on the slope by the sandpile. Board to discuss placing gravel at the old sand pile in the flood plain at Dec 5 meeting. Rick reported E Randolph Road shoulder work done.
• FEMA Update- Kevin stated Kasey was entering the next phase of entering details.

• Transfer Station- Kelly reported Jesse was working with the vendor on the mockups which should be a go by January 1^st. Kevin stated there should be a motion on it to put in the record.

 Leyna moved to approve the punch card and stickers at the Transfer Station starting January 1, 2024. Bill seconded the motion. Board felt everyone at the last meeting was on Board with it. Motion passed.

• Digitization of Records- Karen gave a report, to be sent to the Board.

1. Town Report – Kevin had a discussion with Kasey about sending notices about items for the 15^th. Board discussion about how the report is formatted. Kasey to send an email to the printer to see what they need for formatting. Have a conversation with the Spotlight for cover.

1. Approve Minutes -10.17.2023- Leyna moved to approve minutes Bill seconded motion.  Passed

1. Approve Minutes – 11.07.2023- tabled to next meeting.

1. Approve Orders – Leyna moved to approve orders. Bill seconded the motion. No discussion, motion passed.

1. Admin Position- Kelly reported she had a comprehensive draft, to go out next week and run it for a month. Cover letters should be sent as an introduction. Resume to follow.

15.Executive Session- none

16.Adjourn – Leyna moved to adjourn. Bill seconded the motion. No discussion, motion passed.  Meeting adjourned at 9:53 PM.

October 17, 2023, Selectboard Meeting Minutes (draft)

Present- Kelly Lyford, Leyna Hoyt, Bill Lyon, Jesse Kay, Karen Lathrop Rick Ackerman

Others present- Jessica Schmidt. Kezia Frayjo. Tim Carter, Robert Harnish, Mary Ann McCann, Kym Anderson, Norman Cohen.

1. Meeting called to order at 6:30 PM by Kelly Lyford, Vice Chair

• Additions to the agenda- Leyna asked that Highways be on the agenda.

Kellsy- budget reminder – Liaisons to contact their departments for budgets.

Kelly – next meeting date – November 7.  Board to schedule special meeting if necessary.

Kelly stated Kevin and she to create the job description for Town Administrator position.

Kelly had a question whether Braman Logging contract had been signed. Kelly to follow up on it.

• Conflict of Interest- Bill Lyon recused himself from agenda item 7.

• Public Comments- Kezia Frayjo, Library Trustee Chair, expressed concern that funds from a grant for the library might be lost as they could not access the Unique Entity Identity (UEI) number for the Town. She requested access to the number. Kelly to follow up with the office on October 18. To ensure all persons who need access have it going forward.

• Robert Harnish- Declaration of Inclusion

Mr. Harnish requested the Board support the statewide declaration of inclusion. He reported 126 Towns have supported it as well as VLCT, VRCD and VCC who have endorsed the effort. The concept of inclusion was created in 2020 by the Town of Franklin. Gave a brief history of the concept. The Census shows the State is stagnant and we are losing population. They have invited the Board to become part of the inclusion. Norman Cohen, spoke to the letter. He added Vermont is the second whitest state and the second oldest state in the United States. The State needs more people as there would be a need to replace a retiring workforce. The Governor made a proclamation about the 2nd of May as inclusion week.  Tracy Penfield spoke in support of the Declaration as well as Jessie Schmidt and Kym Anderson. They all encouraged the Board to adopt the Declaration as they think it would spark a conversation to break barriers of other races.

Kelly Lyford stated the Declaration should not be a token statement. She thanked those who would be willing to be a part of the conversation and was grateful there were people willing to work on this important discussion. There was a brief discussion on whether to sign it at the meeting.  Leyna questioned whether there were enough people living in Town that would want to be a part of the conversation. Jesse to be Liaison for this. The Board chose to look at the wording, for addition of Socio-Economic wording. To be put on the November 7 agenda.

• Culvert Permit – Tim Carter – Kelly asked Rick if he had looked over the site. Rick stated they have, and it was okay. The Ashtons submitted a permit after the agenda was posted, so it will be on the next meeting agenda. Rick had no problem with having a contractor do the work Tim Carter stated he would be paying for it. Leyna moved to approve the work within the right of way /culvert permit for Tim Carter. Jesse Kay Seconded. No discussion. Motion passed.

• Curb Cut Deborah Baker – Bill recused himself. Rick stated it is just past the house. He had no problem with where it was going to be placed.   Jesse moved to approve the Access Permit/Curb cut for Deborah Baker. Leyna seconded the motion. No discussion. Motion passed.

• TRORC- Henry Falconer- By-law Modernization Grant- Mr. Falconer brought the resolution for the board to look over. He went over the by-law modernization grant program. TRORC to work with the Planning Commission to revise the by-laws to meet statutory requirements as to work towards more housing. Flood By laws would still be applicable.  The Board looked over the scope of the work agreement in the amount of $19,611.00. The local match requirement of 10% which would be waived when by- law was adopted. TRORC paid as the work progresses.  Then the state would issue a reimbursement.   

Jesse moved to adopt the resolution for the by law modernization grant. Leyna seconded the motion. No discussion. Motion passed.

Mr. Falconer spoke to the wastewater plant grant update.  EPA community had not been in touch with him due to the possible government shutdown. The board would need a formal statement of work written. Project itself would need an RFP for the whole scope of work in alignment with the state and federal guidelines. Tom Brown recommended making a broad enough RFP for the scope of work to cover the whole project. Step one, produce prelim report and step two is actual engineering study. Town has $150,00.00 funding for that. If all the entry work is done correctly the Board could then apply for the Construction funds to supplement the grant of $650,000.00. Mr. Falconer to follow up with Kasey about the signed CDS. TRORC to apply for $75,000 -100,000.00 from the state. Would adjust the statement of work to get the work completed. 

• Town Plan- Sydny Steinle – Jesse and Kevin gave edits to the Town Plan for Cost Implementations and Jesse to put all the Town Plan Hearing and items on the website. Karen to posted around Town.

1. Transfer Station – Jesse brought Kelly up to date on the Transfer Station and put it on Facebook and feedback. She had placed some signs at the Town Hall, Wills and the Transfer Station and asked Darren Marcy to run something in the Herald for the Town. Concerns were convenience of buying, where to buy, legality of charging for recycling. The Town Facebook page was not working, Jesse reached out to Patty. Leyna states a well thought out general response would be help. Bill disagrees.  It should just be informational. Discussion on the power point presentation for the next meeting with the residents. Bill reported he had someone look at the compostable toilet. Leyna questioned the cost of maintenance? Bill said around $150.00.  Leyna thought it would have to be done quarterly.

1. EMS Coordination Study – Kelly was unsure what was being asked of the Board. Bill to what we have for representation at the meeting.

1. RFP for Digitalization of Town Records – tabled for the next meeting.

1. Approve Minutes 10 October Meeting– Jesse moved to approve October10, 2023 minutes with edits. Leyna seconded the motion. Motion passed.

1. Approve Orders 10 October – Jesse stated never made the motion. Jesse moved to approve the order from October 10, 2023. Bill seconded the motion. Motion passed.

1. Approve Orders for 17 October – Bill questioned Orange County Sheriff’s Department billing. Leyna noted there are many rolling patrols but not enough information.  Board wanted clarification. What does the contract require?  Kelly to follow up by getting a copy of the contract.  Leyna moved to approve orders excluding the payment of the Orange County Sheriff bill until clarification was received. Jesse seconded the motion. Motion passed.

1. Highway addition- Leyna asked for approval for overtime for the road crew during the time they have the excavator. Board discussion on what work was still to be completed. It was noted the Treasurer was notified of the request. The request was for Friday overtime for the three Road Personnel so the excavator would not sit idle a day with so many projects to complete before winter. Concerns about what work would be done on Fridays. Mostly ditching but it was pointed out that if leaves were not blown out of culverts, they would plug culverts come winter. The excavator would not be going over the allowable 40 hours. Most of it would be FEMA project related.  Board was okay up to 32 hours of overtime for three road crew members while the excavator was rented. Rick noted Bob Button had offered the use of a tractor to blow out leaves.

Leyna stated Rick, FEMA and herself made a site visit on Edwards Rd on 10.16.2023. The sites on Edwards were measured and would go into FEMA’s report. No idea yet of approval or dollar amount. Two of the sites (4 & 5) were permanent fixes. Sites 3 & 6 Rick could temp fix leaving two sites that would have to wait until next year as they needed engineering studies. There was a discussion of whether to close the road. Leyna stated they had a question in to FEMA as to whether they had to be engineered.   There was much discussion about the cost involved in the fixes. Kelly’s concerns were with how to decide with no costs available.  Kelly asked if any residents reached out to the Town. Kelly stated how could the Board commit to a fix without understanding the value to our citizens.  Discussion on plowing and barriers engineering costs. Jesse asked if they could get an estimate. Rick said he could measure it. Bill would be okay with the temp fix.  Rick said he could measure it and come up with a cost. Leyna stated the end game is the road had to be fixed. FEMA can pay for a temp and permanent fix as it is still considered an emergency and they are two different categories. There is no guarantee they will approve any. They just won’t say whether they are approved yet as it is a process, and they won’t give a $ amount.  Bill stated realistically, if the Board had to get it engineered it could take a long time to get a fix made. FEMA is an 18-month cycle. Leyna noted the Board was told that FEMA would not pay if it was pre-existing. That was misinformation. FEMA said otherwise. The Town will receive a copy of FEMA’s report.  The Road needs to be plowable this winter.  Rick & Leyna were in favor of the temp fix for this year. Rick threw out a number ($20,000) plus stone. Leyna stated the Board would have to bid out the two permanent sites (4 & 5) and Rick could do the temp fix (3 & 6) Bill has no problem putting them out to bid because the Town does not have to accept them. Kelly asked if they needed to be done while we had the excavator. Leyna & Rick said yes. Money would have to come from ARPA until FEMA reimbursement. Another $20,000.00 for the permanent fixes. Kelly stated $50,000.00 sounded reasonable. Leyna stated it might be anywhere from $50,000 to$ 60,000 to get the 2 temps and 2 permanent fixes and that leaves the last two sites. Jesse and Bill are okay with this would allow Edwards Road to be open and plowable for winter.

Leyna moved to approve the temporary fix on Edward Road sites 3 & 6 with a value up to $25,000 and permanent fix for sites 4 & 5 to be put out to bid. Jesse seconded the motion. No Discussion. Motion passed.

Leyna to work with Kasey for bid packets. Rick to get volume for Kasey.

1. Next Meeting – November 7, 2023, with special meeting as necessary.

1. Town Administrator – Kevin and Kelly to put the Town Administrator Job Description. Put on next agenda.

1. Executive Session – Executive Session if Necessary – Leyna moved to enter Executive Session at 9:11 pm for Personnel, inviting Karen Lathrop. Jesse seconded the motion. No discussion. Motion passed. Jesse moved to come out of Executive session at 9:15 pm.

Approved payroll hourly for emergency administration coverage.

• Brookfield Annual Contract – Signed Administratively.

• Adjourn- Jesse moved to adjourn. Leyna seconded the motion. Motion passed. Adjourned at 9:17 PM.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes (draft)

November 7, 2023 – Chelsea Town Hall

Present: Kevin Marshia, Kelly Lyford, Leyna Hoyt, Bill Lyon, Jesse Kay

Others Present: Karen Lathrop, Gayle Durkee, Gregg Herrin, Carrie Caouette-Delallo,Susan Elder, Snook Downing, Anne Carroll, Wyatt Kay, Gayle Durkee, Mark Vermette Neil Kennedy, Rick Ackerman, Jessie Schmidt, Jessie Schmidt, Cheryl MacNeil, Kendra Densmore, Justin Densmore, Eve Desjardin, Frank Keene, Kristianne Gale, Max Quayle, Deborah Quayle, Marty Gratz(online), Robert Harnish (online).

1. Meeting brought to order at 6:30 pm by Kevin Marshia

• Additions to Agenda

a) Town Plan & Map Adoption/Determination of Energy Compliance Resolution

• Conflict of Interest- none

        4.   Public Comments – Carrie Caouette-Delallo questioned the policing. Kevin stated tonight was to start a conversation. Frank Keene- asked about the pedestrian bridge to the old cemetery. Kevin stated the Board had been working on temporary fixes and there were 5 permanent fixes being planned. Pedestrian bridge was one of those items. He gave a brief summary of the work done so far. No timeline on permanent fixes that still needed to be done. Kevin noted there would need to be a hydraulic study and an engineering study on the bridge. Frank noted the snowmachine bridge was gone which would create more traffic on Maple Ave. Leyna stated the Pedestrian Bridge was a mitigation project and the Town was waiting to hear on eligibility for that.

Addition- Kevin read the adoption of Town Plan & Maps and resolution to submit adopted Town Plan & Maps for submission to the Regional Commission and the resolution for Determination of Energy Compliance Resolution.

Leyna moved to adopt the 2023 Town Plan & Maps as presented Bill seconded the motion. Motion passed. Board noted the resolution to submit was not included. Leyna moved to submit the 2023 Town Plan & Maps, and resolution to submit the 2023 Town Plan & Maps to Two River Ottauqueechee Regional Commission for approval.   Jessie seconded the motion. Motion passed. Jesse moved to adop the Determination of Energy Compliance Resolution. Bill seconded the motion. Motion passed.

        5.   Transfer Station Presentation & Discussion – Jesse gave a presentation on the Transfer Station. The process used now is cash and check and we are operating at a deficit. The three issues were employee safety, Financial Sustainability and Increasing Costs -Stagnant Revenue. She went through all three items. She noted how other Towns have gone to various methods but most Towns were using a Punch Card System.

The Board is proposing ending cash and checks at the Transfer Station as of 1^st January. Punch cards would be available to buy at Will’s or the Town Clerk’s Office and eventually online. She went over the three options $3, $5, $100 ( Construction Dumpster) cards. Jesse went over the deficit the Town has been running.  The power point showed a 3 year (expense to income) deficit the Transfer Station.  Board is proposing implementing an annual sticker( $40/year)to deal with the deficit starting January 1, 2024. Stickers would be available at Will’s and the Town Clerk’s Office. She noted other Transfer Stations were charging $2.50-3.00/ bag. A $40 annual sticker would be cheaper than charging per bag pricing structure.  She noted that Tunbridge still has “free recycling” but it is the only one.

She went over what the potential gains were going to recycling stickers. Any non-resident could purchase one as well. If only half the residents bought a sticker it the Town would break even. If all residents bought one the Town would bring in more that would cover costs.

She noted the costs of running the Transfer Station have increased. She went over the cost of demolition/construction waste costs as well as Solid Waste and then went over fees the Town charges which show a stagnation of revenue to offset the costs. The Towns pricing structure when compared to other Town showed the Town was not charging enough for furniture or mattresses.  Bag trash has not increase. The 65 gallon would be going up slightly.

The Board opened up the floor for discussion:

The concerns were :

Persons would put their recycling in the trash  – would cost more in punches for trash

Persons coming without a card – okay through transition period but persons to be responsible

Multiple cars but only one sticker- just have to show it, could be on recycling container

Upfront costs to persons on a fixed income –

Program for persons struggling financially – Board to think about it

What would happen if a person’s costs doesn’t match the punch card – taken under suggestion

Why were non-residents not being charged more than residents – confirmation of residency makes for more work/documentation.  They want to keep it simple.

Cost of stickers – pennies

Will being paid for this or volunteering to do it – Will is volunteering right now

How would Town would deal with events- exceptions could be made for big events

Persons bringing in a small amount of recycling, others bringing a truckload.

Compost costs? – Still free at this point.

The Board noted all of the concerns raised and answered them and stated there would be a transition period where they would accept cash, but that would not last forever. There would be a period of time where they worked through the process, troubleshooting and streamlining it. Changes would be made as necessary. The Board appreciated everyone’s comments and suggestions made.  The Board was not making a decision for a couple of meetings

        6.   Budget Prep- Board and Gayle discussed budget prep. Budget needs to be completed by January 16. Discussed meeting dates to Gayle. Board to start dedicating time at every meeting. Gayle noted salaries need to be gone over, highway and water budget would be a bigger conversation. Budget Drafts  to be in by December 19. Liaisons need to check in with their departments. Gayle noted we would need to get a line of credit on the agenda for the next meeting.

        7.   Highway

              a.  General Update- Rick gave a report on work done to date on Edwards Road He submitted a proposal from Lafayette for guardrails on Doyle Road for $4550.00. Rick though it was Fema reimbursable. More culverts to go in on Pepper Road. Board okayed Rick doing the Town Hall snow clearance provided he had time. Sand will be in the hall. Karen to get Rick a key. Rick reminded the Board they will need to budget for a truck. Leyna and Rick to work on it.

               b.  Brannan/Osterbye Access Permit – Blackhawk Road. Rick signed off on it. Leyna moved to approve the curb cut for Bob Brannon on Black Hawk Road.  Bill seconded the motion. Motion passed.

               c.  Ashton Access Permit- Chelsea Line Road. Rick signed off on it. Curb cut. Jesse moved to approve the access permit for Charles Ashton on Chelsea Line Road. Leyna seconded the motion. Motion passed.

               d. Sidewalk Completion – Final Completion of Sidewalk. Rick stated there is a low spot in the middle, where the asphalt was done but not in the sidewalk but the paving. Kevin said he had spoken with Alan. The joints were not great, but no fix. Leyna moved to approve the Final Completion of the sidewalk. Jesse seconded. Motion passed.

       8.   Declaration of Inclusion- Kelly reported a group brought forth a Declaration of Inclusion at our last meeting. The Board looked at it and Kelly read the declaration.

Jesse moved to adopt the declaration of inclusion statement with edits added Leyna seconded the motion.

There was some discussion on the wording. Deborah questioned the last sentences meaning. Kelly noted they did not want the statement to be a token document. This Declaration Statement would start a conversation.  Gayle wanted to know if persons that did not agree that would be considered a hate crime? Tracy, OCRJS, stated everyone had freedom of speech. She thinks this declaration created a place to have a conversation, without excluding people and that people are made welcome. It was complex but she supported it.  Kevin stated this is a statement, not a policy, or ordinance, a general statement of inclusion.  It opens a conversation.  Greg would like part of it read again. Maybe a list of categories would exclude people. Jesse stated we are looking for consistency with other towns.  Mr. Robert Harnish spoke to the Declaration of Inclusion. This would be the start of a Townwide conversation. Does not see a downside to adopting this. Maybe put a framed version of it in the Town Clerk’s Office.

Vote called, Motion passed.

       9.   Forest & Park Commission- Kevin reported they met unofficially last night about 8 persons a few missing. Good Discussion about should there be two committees. Kevin noted that the park’s commission had been dissolved. So there would need to be a motion to recreate the Forest Parks Commission. Kelly questioned why it was dissolved? Kevin said lack of involvement. Jesse moved to re-establish a Forest and Parks Commission for the Town of Chelsea. Leyna seconded the motion. Kelly had questions on whether it should be a committee or commission. Yes commission. Motion passed. Kasey to make them aware of this.  

      10.  Law Enforcement- Kevin stated they reached out to the State Police and Orange County Sheriff’s to plan a meeting. No date set yet. Board wants to find out what is out there as options/resources that are out there. Currently have a contract with OCS for 12,500.00. The Board recognizes the issues are out there and they are looking for solutions going forward. The Board needs to understand what they can do as a Board for law enforcement. Next meeting it is the 21^st or can it be done sooner. Kelly stated the Board is waiting on other person”s availability.  The Board will get the word out. Deb Quayle asked what  we were getting for our contract. Limited daily patrols. Kelly thinks it was around 4 hours a week but not much. Earlier in the year there was no coverage.   Orange County Sheriff stated VSP is the primary enforcement. Kevin said Bob Childs had come to an earlier meeting. Kelly said the Board had reached out to Corinth earlier.  Carrie said there was a group a couple of years ago there was a group but doesn’t know what happened with that. Kelly stated this trend started quite a while ago. This is due to a loss of law enforcement presence during Covid. Eve Desjardins stated there is a mental health crisis in VT but VSP has screeners used to call people, not sure is Clara Martin has anything at this point. Chelsea is in a dead zone for 24 hour services. Washington Mental Health would not cover our Town. Now a person can speak to someone on a phone. ( Mental Health Aspect). What are the options for interface with the ambulance or some people could be on call.

      11.  Municipal Energy Resilience Program – Kevin went over the program. Board agreed that assessment would be done on Town Garage and Town Hall. Jesse moved to approve the memo of understanding between the Town of Chelsea and The Vermont Department of Buildings and General Services for the provisions of Municipal Energy Assessment Services under the Municipal Energy Resilience Program (MERP). Bill seconded the motion.  Motion passed.

      12.  VLCT PACIF Coverage Direction Form- VLCT form on coverage. Kevin read both options. Board discussion on the options and VLCT email on it. Kevin reported the difference is cost. $250,000,000 is what we have had for coverage.  Jesse moved to continue the $250,000.00 Coverage from VLCT. Leyna seconded the motion. Motion passed.

      13.  Town Report- Kevin reported Kasey would work with the Board on the process of sending notices to persons requesting reports. The sheparding piece still needs to be addressed and editing piece to the reports to the printers. That is the person missing.  Karen to send electronic copy to Board Members. The Board just needs to jump on board with getting reports in asap. Kevin wants to go to the timeline used last year. Karen reported an email was sent to everyone. Karen to work with Kasey on that email. Send to also send to Selectboard.

      14.   Approve Minutes Oct 30, 2023- Jesse moved to approve October 30 meeting minutes as written. Bill seconded the motion. Motion passed.

      15.   Approve Orders- Leyna moved to approve the orders. Bill seconded the motion. Motion passed.

      16.   Admin Position- Kelly reported draft Town Admin job description not completed.  Kelly to finish it and try advertise it next week. It would go out Vermont Dept of Labor’s website, VLCT , Upper Valley Paper.  Kelly to write the ad. It will go out to next meeting agenda item for update only.

      17.   Executive Session if Necessary- none

      18.   Adjourn– Leyna moved to adjourn. Jesse seconded the motion.  Motion passed. Adjourned at 9:00 PM.