News

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    Selectboard Meeting Agenda – April 7, 2026

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    April 7, 2026 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Additions to the Agenda
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Public Comments
    Approve Minutes from March 17, 2026
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Highway Update
    B. Town Administrator Update
    Action Items
    A. Grants Manager Update:
    1. FEMA Maple St Bridge Engineering
    2. MERP Grant Concerns
    B. 8 Riverside Dr Water Leak Issue
    C. 250th Anniversary 4th of July Celebration
    D. Transfer Station Hours of Operation
    Contracts and Selectboard Approvals
    A. Mowing RFP Sealed Bid Opening
    B. DRB Appointments
    C. Finalize Social Service Appropriation Petition Policy
    D. Approve Orders
    Executive Session If Necessary
    Adjournment
    VIRTUAL OPTION: To join the Selectboard Meeting virtually, please request a link to join from the Town Administrator at town.administrator@chelseavt.us, or by calling 802-625-2023.
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    DRAFT DRB Hearing Minutes – March 18, 2026

    ByTierney Farago

    Chelsea, Vermont, Development Review Board

    Meeting Minutes March 18, 2026

    Members Present: Johanna Welch (Chair), Ed Kuban (Vice-Chair), Patty Swahn (Clerk), Chuck Peel, Jennifer Chase

    Others Present: Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Selectboard Liaison)

    Johanna opened the meeting at 6:30 pm. The organizational meeting began with a recap of general procedures, a reminder that the zoning bylaws were updated, and a brief discussion of changes to the bylaws and how they may impact development review.

    Chair Selection: The DRB unanimously voted to re-elect Johanna Welch to be its Chair.

    Vice-Chair Selection: The DRB unanimously voted to re-elect Ed Kuban to be its Vice-Chair.

    Clerk Selection: The DRB unanimously voted to elect Patty Swahn to be its Clerk and acknowledged that this role will primarily be performed by the Zoning Administrator.

    Meeting Times: The DRB unanimously voted to hold meetings on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 6:30 PM as needed.

    The meeting was adjourned around 7:00 pm

    Submitted by,

    Patty Swahn, DRB Clerk

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    DRAFT Selectboard Meeting Minutes – March 17, 2026

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Minutes
    March 17, 2026 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    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)
    Charles Peel (Present)
    TOWN EMPLOYEES    
    Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)
    Jen Chase (Town Clerk)
    Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)
    Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer)
    Additions to the Agenda
    -Curb cut permit: The Selectboard reviewed a curb cut permit for Lou Maraget at 208 E Randolph Rd. Rick Ackerman had reviewed the permit and had no issue. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the permit; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
    Public Comments: None
    Approve minutes from february 17, 18, 24, 2026 and march 5, 2026
    Charles Peel made a motion to approve the February 17th meeting minutes; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the February 18th meeting minutes with changes from the Selectboard; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Charles Peel made a motion to approve the February 24th meeting minutes; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed, with Paul Libby abstaining due to his absence during the meeting.Charles Peel made a motion to approve the March 5th meeting minutes with one minor change, Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Introduction to Senator John Benson
    Senator John Benson attending the Selectboard meeting to introduce himself as the representative for Orange County, and to give an update on what projects he’s been working on in Montpelier. He gave an overview of the committees he is involved in (Committee on Health and Welfare, Committee on Institutions), and encouraged residents to reach out if they have questions or comments regarding state legislature.  Senator John Benson John.benson@vtleg.gov802-828-2228
    B. Highway Update
    Rick Ackerman updated the Selectboard, stating that mud season is slowly but surely arriving. The highway crew has 1,00-1,500 yards of stone stockpiled in preparation for the mud. Rick is still waiting on estimates on truck prices. He mentioned that he had seen a used tractor for sale in Kentucky for $135,900. The Selectboard discussed the prospect of getting a tractor, and asked that Rick and Gayle look into financing possibilities for the tractor.
    C. Town Administrator Update
    The Town Administrator shared information from the new contact at the Windsor County Sheriff’s Office, and the Selectboard discussed the need to have a contract renewal for police services. The Town Administrator and Selectboard liaisons for Health and Safety will reach out to Windsor County to secure a contract renewal. Charles Peel made a motion to preliminarily approve the Windsor County contract for 2026-2027, assuming they are offering the same services as described; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. The Town Administrator mentioned putting out the 2026 mowing RFP. The Selectboard discussed and agreed that the RFP should be put out so that a bid can be chosen at the next regular Selectboard meeting on April 7th. No motion required.
    Action Items
    A. United Church of Chelsea: Sewer Drainage Issue at 13 Church St
    Bob Aicher from the United Church of Chelsea attended the meeting to discuss a sewer issue that the church has been experiencing. The Church had recent renovations and discovered a sewer issue after it began to back up. Bob showed the Selectboard plans and photos for the lines, and believes the issue was caused during the placement of the water line. The Selectboard will rely on the water and sewer liaisons, Charles Peel and Gregg Herrin, to investigate the issue and work on a solution.
    B. Treasurer: Apply for Additional Line of Credit
    Gayle Durkee requested that the Selectboard allow her to apply for a line of credit for $375,000. Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the line of credit for $375,000, with the Selectboard as the authorized signer with the treasurer allowed to request advances from the line of credit; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    C. Constable and Animal Control Officer Vacancies
    Leyna Hoyt, Animal Control Officer, attended the meeting to discuss the status of animal cases in town. The amount of animal control cases has increased since she began working as the ACO, and it has become financially and personally difficult to continue the work. Leyna said she can tentatively continue working on cases that require follow-up, but ultimately would like to transition out of the position. The Selectboard thanked her for all of her work and will look into additional funding possibilities and more support from Windsor County for issuing tickets.
    Contracts and Selectboard Approvals
    A. Wastewater Plant Loan Agreement (Final Engineering)
    This item was tabled to allow for additional review of the contract.
    B. Annual Grants in Aid 2027 Letter of Intent Approval and Highway Financial Plan
    Charles Peel made a motion to sign the Grants in Aid Letter of Intent and Highway Financial Plan; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    C. State of Vermont: Town Road and Bridge Standards Update
    Charles Peel made a motion to approve and adopt the Town Road and Bridge Standards dated 1/21/26; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    D. Free Verse Farm Shop Liquor License Renewal
    Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the liquor license renewal for Free Verse Farm Shop; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    E. Approve Orders
    Charles Peel made a motion to approve the orders; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Charles Peel had questions regarding two orders, but still made a motion to approve them. Motion passed unanimously.
    Executive Session If Necessary
    Curtis Chase made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Tierney Farago, to discuss two Roberts Poor Fund requests and personnel pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 313(a); Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 9:37 pm. Charles Peel made a motion to exit executive session; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard exited executive session at 10:11 pm.
    A. Roberts Poor Fund Requests
    First request: Charles Peel made a motion to approve a Roberts Poor Fund request for $320; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Second request: Charles Peel made a motion to approve a Roberts Poor Fund request for a maximum of $500, pending receiving an invoice; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    B. Personnel Pursuant To 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)
    Gregg Herrin summarized that two personnel issues were discussed, with no motion made.
    Adjournment
    Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting ended at 10:13 pm.

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    Selectboard Meeting Agenda – March 17, 2026

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    March 17, 2026 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Additions to the Agenda
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Public Comments
    Approve Minutes From February 17, 18, 24, 2026 and March 5, 2026
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Introduction to Senator John Benson
    B. Highway Update
    C. Town Administrator Update
    Action Items
    A. United Church of Chelsea: Sewer Drainage Issue at 13 Church St
    B. Treasurer: Apply for Additional Line of Credit
    C. Constable and Animal Control Officer Vacancies
    Contracts and Selectboard Approvals
    A. Wastewater Plant Loan Agreement (Final Engineering)
    B. Annual Grants in Aid 2027 Letter of Intent Approval and Highway Financial Plan
    C. State of Vermont: Town Road and Bridge Standards Update
    D. Free Verse Farm Shop Liquor License Renewal
    E. Approve Orders
    Executive Session if Necessary
    A. Roberts Poor Fund Request
    B. Personnel Pursuant To 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)
    Adjournment
    VIRTUAL OPTION: To join the Selectboard Meeting virtually, please request a link to join from the Town Administrator at town.administrator@chelseavt.us, or by calling 802-625-2023.
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    Organizational Selectboard Meeting Minutes – March 5, 2026

    ByTierney Farago
    Organizational Selectboard Meeting Minutes
    March 5th, 2026 7:00 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to order
    Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm.  
    SELECTBOARD    
    Gregg Herrin (Present) 
    Curtis Chase (Present)
    Paul Libby (Present)
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present)
    Charles Peel (Present)
    TOWN EMPLOYEES    
    Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)
    Jen Chase (Town Clerk)
    Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)
    Additions to the Agenda
    -Highway Update: Rick Ackerman attended the meeting with a pressing matter of securing a spot for the plow component of the next town truck purchase. He was able to get several quotes for plow packages and presented the Selectboard with the offer from Tenco for $133,399. The wait time is currently 8 months, and he believed it would be longer and possibly more expensive if the Town delayed agreeing to the price. After some discussion, the Selectboard decided it would be best to lock in the price now before the market might change. Paul Libby made a motion to accept the quote by Tenco; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

    -Highway Mileage Confirmation: A form from the state was issued to confirm the mileage of highway in Chelsea. No motion was needed after Rick confirmed the mileage from last year was correct.
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
    Public Comments: None
    Agenda Items
    A. Appointments for any Elected Vacancies
    No appointments were made.
    B. Select Chair and Vice Chair
    Charles Peel made a motion to appoint Gregg Herrin as chair and Curtis Chase as vice-chair; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    C. Determine Meeting Rules of Procedure
    Curtis Chase made a motion to keep the current meeting rules of procedure; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    D. Designate Meeting Dates, Times, and Location for Regular Meetings
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to have regular Selectboard meetings on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month at 6:30pm in Town Hall; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    E. Designate Locations for Meeting Notices
    Charles Peel made a motion to continue posting meeting notices on the bulletin boards outside of Town Hall, the post office, and Will’s Store; Curtis Chases seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    F. Determine Process for Calling Special and Emergency Meetings
    Curtis Chase made a motion to continue adhering to state statute regarding special and emergency meetings; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    F. Select Newspaper of Record for Public Notice
    Curtis Chase made a motion to continue using The White River Valley Herald as the newspaper for public notice; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    G. Determine Selectboard Organizational Processes for the Following

    1. Designate member or members to sign orders/warrant on off-weeks: Carrie Caouette-De Lallo will continue to be the designated member to sign orders on off weeks, with Curtis Chase as a back-up. Charles Peel volunteered to be the third option if it’s ever required.
    2. Determine agenda content and coordination: Agenda will be drafted and ready for Selectboard approval by the Thursday prior to a meeting. If items on the agenda are missing documentation, they will be tabled until everything has been submitted for the Selectboard’s review.
    3. Approval of Village Greens Requests: The Village Greens requests will continue to be approved administratively by the Town Administrator. 4. Approval of Roberts Gould Field Requests: The Roberts-Gould Field requests will continue to be approved administratively by the Town Administrator.
    5. Designate whether Selectboard members want to have liaison appointments for Town Departments: The Selectboard discussed the current liaisons and made a few adjustments to the original appointments. The new liaisons are as follows: 
    Category: Primary Liaison, Secondary Liaison
    Executive & Admin: Gregg Herrin, Curtis Chase
    Planning & Zoning: Charles Peel, Carrie Caouette-De Lallo
    Health & Safety: Carrie Caouette-De Lallo, Charles Peel
    Public Lands & Facilities: Curtis Chase, Paul Libby
    Highway: Paul Libby, Curtis Chase
    Transfer Station: Carrie Caouette-De Lallo, Curtis Chase
    Water & Wastewater: Charles Peel, Gregg Herrin
    Adjournment
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 8:59 pm.