News

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Press Release: Forest and Parks Commission Grant Award

The Chelsea Forest and Parks Commission received a grant from the Vermont
Community Foundation to create a Pollinator garden on one of the vacant FEMA
properties in downtown Chelsea for community use.

The $3,000 received from the Vermont Community Foundation’s Spark Connecting
Community grant program will help to create a flowering tree lot on the former
Babcock/Lyon property at 12 Maple Avenue.

The Spark Connecting Community Grant program puts building and nurturing
communities front and center. The Foundation aims to support the work happening
throughout Vermont’s 251 towns that build social capital. These grants – where a small
amount can make a big difference– are intended to light the spark that keeps
Vermonters healthy and happy.

The plan is to plant crabapple trees adding spring flowering bulbs at the base of each
tree, install bird and butterfly houses and have benches and other places for people to
sit. The transformation of an empty lot into a relaxing, beautiful garden for the
community and encouraging pollinators and birdlife is the goal. The Parks and Forest
Commission encourages everyone to be part of the planning, design, and implantation
of the project. The project will include a “kick-off” informational session for the
community and integrate the project into the local school curriculum on the importance
of pollinators. The project will also collaborate with the “Youth Wellbeing Project”
through SafeArt Summer camps. The theme for the summer camps this year is “Crafts
and Connection”. The Forest and Parks Commission can be contacted through their
email of chelsea-forest-parks@googlegroups.com and the group meets the first Monday
of every month at the Chelsea Library at 6:00. All are welcome to attend.

The Vermont Community Foundation inspires giving and brings people and resources
together to make a difference in Vermont. A family of hundreds of funds and
foundations, we provide the advice, investment vehicles, and back-office expertise that
make it easy for the people who care about Vermont to find and fund the causes they
love. The heart of the Community Foundation’s work is closing the opportunity gap –
the divide that leaves too many Vermonters struggling to get ahead, no matter how hard
they work. We are aligning our time, energy, and discretionary resources on efforts that
provide access to early care and learning, pathways to college and career training,
support for youth and families, and community and economic vitality. We envision
Vermont at its best – where everyone has the opportunity to build a bright, secure
future. Visit vermontcf.org or call 802-388-3355 for more information.

Changes to Vermont Open Meeting Laws

There are some new changes to Vermont’s Open Meeting Law that go into effect beginning on July 1st, 2024. Please see the information below regarding these changes:

Transparency is an essential element of an open and democratic government. In Vermont, the Open Meeting Law ensures that meetings of governmental bodies remain accessible by declaring that “[a]ll meetings of a public body are declared to be open to the public at all times, except as provided in section 313 of this title.” 1 V.S.A. § 312(a). The Open Meeting Law, and its requirements, empower the public to play an effective role, not only as an active participant in government but as a check on it. The law is found in 1 V.S.A. §§ 310-314

The Open Meeting Law has recently been updated to change with the times. In response to the sunsetting on July 1st of the temporary authority to allow local public bodies to meet remotely during the COVID pandemic, the Legislature passed, and the Governor signed into law, Act 133 (S.55). Act 133, which is effective July 1st of 2024, makes permanent the ability of some local and State public bodies (e.g. advisory bodies) to meet without designating a physical meeting location (i.e. remotely), while imposing upon others (non-advisory bodies) the requirement to record and post their meetings. These are just some of the highlights of the new law. 

If you would like to read more about these changes, please see the overview from the Vermont League of Cities and Towns HERE.

Open Meeting Law Complaint Form

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Selectboard Meeting Agenda – July 2, 2024

Selectboard Meeting Agenda
July 2nd, 2024 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
I. Call to Order
II. Additions to the Agenda
III. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
IV. Public Comments
V. Approve Minutes from June 18th, 2024
VI. Current Events and Updates
Presentation on Community Nursing from Jodi Hoyt
Press Release for Library Grant
Town Administrator Update
Town Hall Space Needs Update
Future Agenda Items: Budget Update Later in July
VII. Action Items
Town Garage Heating Fuel Contract
Village Green Request: Chintana Herrin, Outdoor Games & Ice Cream Social for Adults on July 18th
Town Administrator Signing and Purchasing Authority
Listers: Reappraisal
Approve Orders
VIII. Executive Session If Necessary
IX. Adjournment
Links to join the Selectboard Meeting:     
https://meet.google.com/fwf-ayyb-acq
https://www.youtube.com/@ChelseaVTSelectboardOfficial/streams

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2023 Consumer Confidence Report

This report is a snapshot of the quality of the water that we provided in 2023. Included are the details about where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state standards. We are committed to providing you with information because informed customers are our best allies. This report is designed to inform you about the quality water and services we deliver to you every day. To learn more, please attend any of our regularly scheduled meetings which are held at Chelsea’s regular Selectboard meetings on the first and third Tuesday of every month at the Chelsea Town Hall.

The person who can answer questions is Mike Whipple Telephone: 802-685-7727 and/or Email: wschiefoperator@chelseavt.us

You can read the report here: 2023 Consumer Confidence Report

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Selectboard Meeting Minutes – June 18, 2024

Selectboard Meeting Minutes
June 18th, 2024 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
Call to Order
Kevin Marshia called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
SELECTBOARD
Kevin Marshia (Present)
Kelly Lyford (Present)
Gregg Herrin (Present)
Leyna Hoyt (Present)
Jesse Kay (Absent)
TOWN EMPLOYEES
Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)
Rick Ackerman (Highway Supervisor)
Additions to the Agenda
Information on Vermont’s updated open meeting laws was discussed later in the meeting; Town committees will need to electronically record and post their meeting beginning July 1st among other updated rules. Highway Update item was added; Rick Ackerman gave a brief highway update. Rick talked about the new highway road position opening and the need for a new truck that will be bid on in the coming weeks. Some concerns on large rocks in the roads were brought up, prompting discussion on the topic of procedures on grading.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
Public Comments
Carrie And Tim wanted an update on the process of fixing the pedestrian bridge near their home.  Cheslea is working on the FEMA grants pertaining to the bridge, but debris is still at the site from the flood. The Selectboard asked Rick Ackerman if he could investigate the costs of getting the debris removed in the interim.
Approve Minutes from June 4th, 2024
Leyna Hoyt made a motion to approve the June 4th minutes. Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed with four votes in favor.
Current Events and Updates
Horseshoe Pit Art Concern: Residents attended to give background to the history behind horseshoe art that was previously removed due to a concern brought by an anonymous source. Kelly Lyford made a motion to keep the horseshoe art where it was and to dedicate a plaque or sign explaining the history of the horseshoe art for the community to view; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed with four votes in favor.
Update from Windsor County Sheriff: Sheriff Ryan Palmer gave a brief update on the status of the police activity in Chelsea. The Selectboard asked some questions regarding the increase in police activity and the decrease in crime. Sheriff Palmer will continue to provide information regarding crime in the Town.
Quarterly Library Update: Kezia Frayjo gave a presentation regarding the library’s activity in terms of visitors, budget, and goals for the future. A quarterly update will be now be given for the Town’s benefit.
Health Center Update: Leyna Hoyt and Gregg Herrin discussed the space needs for the Town and Library and how the Health Center might be able to meet those needs. Furtherresearch and discussion is required to determine if the site would be suitable for the Town’s needs.
Action Items
Marty Gratz FEMA Elevation: Marty Gratz required the Town’s support in requesting a grant from FEMA for Hazard Mitigation. The Town would act as an intermediary in order to possibly obtain the grant funding so that Ms. Gratz’s home can be elevated to avoid future flood damage. The Selectboard discussed and determined that the grant would not pose a risk to the Town.
Kelly Lyford made a motion to allow the Town Administrator to send a letter of interest on behalf of Ms. Gratz to begin this process; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed with four votes in favor.
Liquor Licenses: Hubble Shire Farm (277 VT-110): Renewal of the First Class Liquor License and Outside Consumption Licenses for Hubble Shire Farm.
Kelly Lyford made a motion to approve the First Class Hotel Liquor License Renewal; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed with four votes in favor.
Kelly Lyford made a motion to approve the Outside Consumption Liquor License Renewal; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed with four votes in favor.
Heath Field Use Request: Bill Smith: Use of the Heath Field for a Community Soccer Camp from 9:00 am-12:30 pm July 8th-11th.
Leyna Hoyt made a motion to approve the use of Heath Field; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed with four votes in favor.
Village Greens Request: Bill Smith: Use of the Village Greens for a Community Patriotic Service from 8:30 am-12:30 pm June 20th.
Leyna Hoyt made a motion to approve the use of the Village Green; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed with four votes in favor.
Johnathan Maier & Kezia Frayjo Access Permit: Highway Access Permit for 13 Stone Rd.
Leyna Hoyt made a motion to approve the Highway Road Access Permit; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed with four votes in favor.
Treasurer: Joel Carminati Contract: This item was tabled for the next Selectboard meeting to obtain the physical contract.
Approve Orders
Gregg Herrin made a motion to approve orders; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed with four votes in favor.
Executive Session If Necessary: None
Adjournment
Leyna Hoyt made a motion to adjourn; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed with four votes in favor and the meeting was adjourned at 8:49 pm.
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Selectboard Meeting Agenda – June 18, 2024

Selectboard Meeting Agenda
June 18th, 2024 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
I. Call to Order
II. Additions to the Agenda
III. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
IV. Public Comments
V. Approve Minutes from June 4th, 2024
VI. Current Events and Updates
Horseshoe Pit Art Concern
Update from Windsor County Sheriff
Quarterly Library Update
Health Center Update
VII. Action Items
Marty Gratz FEMA Elevation
Liquor Licenses: Hubble Shire Farm (277 VT-110)
Heath Field Use Request: Bill Smith
Village Greens Request: Bill Smith
Johnathan Maier & Kezia Frayjo Access Permit
Treasurer: Joel Carminati Contract
Approve Orders
VIII. Executive Session If Necessary
IX. Adjournment
Links to join the Selectboard Meeting:     
https://meet.google.com/fwf-ayyb-acq
https://www.youtube.com/@ChelseaVTSelectboardOfficial/streams  
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Job Opportunity: Full-Time Road Maintenance Worker

Road Maintenance Worker
Department: Town of Chelsea Highway Department
Status: 40 hrs per week, year-round and as needed weekends, and holidays – mostly in the winter. Salary: $22-$25 hourly
Job Summary: This Position is responsible for performing various duties in the maintenance of the Town of Chelsea Road System under the direction of the Road Foreman and the Selectboard.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:
a. Performs daily work on the Roads as directed by the Road Foreman
b. Performs daily General Maintenance and review on Town Equipment to make sure everything is proper working order
c. Clear roads of snow and trees, brush, and sands roads after storms
d. Roadside Mowing and clearing brush and trees, clean up and repairs after storms
e. Replacement of culverts and ditch cleaning
f. Wash, clean, and perform preventive maintenance on equipment, including changing oil and greasing
g. Perform general housekeeping duties on a daily basis
h. Perform other related duties as assigned

Knowledge Required by this Position:
a. Knowledge of Town and Department Policies and procedures
b. Skills in troubleshooting, evaluation, and basic repairs of various types of job-related equipment
c. Skills in using hand and power tools
d. Skills in oral and written communication

Guidelines: Federal and State Environmental Regulations, Department policies and procedures, OSHA and VOSHA Safety rules and regulations. These guidelines are generally clear and specific. If there are any questions, ask the Road Foreman.
Contacts with the Public: Most of the contact with people is with road crew workers, but at times this may include contact with the public. These contacts are to be kind and courteous.
Physical Demands: The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, kneeling, or stooping. The employee must lift light and heavy objects, climb ladders and stairs, use tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity.
Work Environment: The work is performed on and around the Town of Chelsea road system. The employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, grease, machinery with moving parts, and inclement weather. The work requires protective devices such as goggles, gloves, etc.
Supervisory and Management Responsibilities: None – Employee will serve under the direction of the Road Foreman.

Minimum Qualifications:
a. High School Diploma or equivalent, with ability to read, write and communicate effectively.
b. Must possess a Valid Driver’s License.
c. Must possess a State of Vermont CDL Class B License with Air Brake endorsement.
d. Be available to work weekends and holidays.
e. Be available to respond within 30 minutes to a call out associated with the Town of Chelsea Road system emergency work: i.e. Summer heavy rainstorms, High windstorms, Snowstorms, etc.
f. Experience: At least 2 years of Road Experience and at least one year of plowing experience with plow and wing.
g. Must pass a drug screen test.

Discrimination Policy: The Town of Chelsea condemns racism and welcomes all persons regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age or disability and wants everyone to feel safe and welcome in our community. As a town, we formally condemn discrimination in all its forms, commit to fair and equal treatment of everyone in our community, and will strive to ensure all our actions, policies and operating procedures reflect this commitment.

How To Apply: Please fill out the Job Application listed on the website and send to the Town Administrator at town.administrator@chelseavt.us.

Request for Proposals – Engineering Services

Project Description – The Town of Chelsea had impacts to a number of critical transportation assets as the result of flooding during July 2023.   The Town is seeking design engineering, permitting, right of way, utility, and construction phase services for six different locations as part of this proposal.  It is important to note that these projects must be proposed, developed, constructed, invoiced, and accounted for separately in order to comply with FEMA Public Assistance requirements.

For full details on the scope of work and phases of construction click HERE.

The deadline for submissions is 12:00 PM Thursday, July 11, 2024.