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Selectboard Meeting Agenda – July 19, 2022

Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, 19 July 2022
7:30PM Chelsea Town Hall
1. Call meeting to order
2. Conflict of interest disclosure
3. Changes to the agenda
4. Town Clerk
5. Town Treasurer
a. Budget status
b. Orders
6. Department/Liaison Updates
a. Town Commons tree inventory and assessment with arborist-Pete Amber/Levar
(note: this will take some time outdoors)
b. Highway: truck sale, roadside mowing oprtion-Henry
c. Transfer Station (bear and safety cones)-Geoff
d. Riverside Cemetery bridge use-Geoff
e. Pear Ridge Productions/Adventure Dinners: Request to Cater Malt, Vinous and/or
Spirituous Liquors; violation follow-up-Geoff
7. Public Comments
8. Administrative Assistant Report
a. Village Greens/Roberts-Gould Field requests
b. Moxley Bridge renovation-VTRANS
c. Pear Ridge Production-Adventure Dinners: Request to Cater Malt, Vinous and/or
Spirituous Liquors, 22 July, Longest Acres Farm
d. Town Web-site link request follow-up
e. Request for Proposals-sidewalk renovation
f. Window Dressers proposal for Town Hall ($1100)
g. Maple Avenue springs request?-Randy Brown
h. Town Hall window washing
9. Approve minutes:
a. 5 July
10. Appointments:
a. Fence Viewers (3)
b. Inspector of lumber, shingles, and wood
c. Weigher of Coal
d. Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District
e. Development Review Board Alternate 2
f. Recreation Committee (1)
g. Development Review Board
11. Executive Session for Human Resources-(1 VSA 313 (a)3)
12. Adjourn

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Selectboard meeting Minutes – July 5, 2022

Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 5, 2022, 7:30 pm at Town Hall
Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Geoff Clayton, Mark Whitney, Merrill Whitney
Other Town Officials/Employees present: Marianne McCann (Administrative Assistant)(Herald), Nolan
LaFrancis (COO Chelsea Water System), Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman).
Members of the public present: Bruce Hook, Tyler Hook, Jeremy Hook, Kate Willard, Clinton Rogers,
Mark Lembke, Cindy Allen, Andy Pomerantz, Dave Paganelli, Phillip Mulligan, Tim McCormick.

  1. Call Meeting to Order
    Meeting convened by Levar Cole, Chair, at 7:31 pm.
  2. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    None.
  3. Changes to the Agenda
    Admin. Assistant adds a few items.
  4. Town Clerk
    None.
  5. Town Treasurer
    Mark Whitney moved to approve the orders. Merrill Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed
    Unanimously.
    Orders totalling:
    General: 7,067.35
    Highway: 14,332.71
    Water: 2,229.26
    Recreation: 170.00
    Payroll: 3,170.24
    6,535.45
    Library: 1,081.90
  6. Department/Liaison Updates
    Town Forest Plan: Mark Whitney stated Kate Willard has been helping organize the Forest Plan. Kate
    Willard stated Dave Paganelli, Orange County Forester, has completed an inventory of the Chelsea Town
    Forest.
    Dave Paganelli addressed the Board, summarizing the history of the Town Forest. There are two parcels,
    and previous wood species, dates, and timber sales were noted. Paganelli stated it is ready to cut again.
    Paganelli also stated Moose are getting a lot of the young hardwoods. He advises someone ought to
    start shooting the moose. Paganelli noted a culvert is blocked and there is erosion gullying in the road
    path. He advises the Town to deal with unblocking and/or increasing the size of the culvert, as it will
    effect travel and the timber sale. Paganelli also noted a landing is plugged up with debris, and asked if
    the Town wanted that blocked off, or is that temporary? Rick Ackerman stated the Road crew has been
    putting stuff there, and will clear the landing with an excavator. Paganelli noted that the tree cutting
    should be done in the next year or two. The Town is advised to not wait 5-10 years. Ash Borer is on
    Chelsea’s doorstep.
    Action: Dave Paganelli wants to know the direction the Town wants to go with respect to the timber sale
    and the management plan. Paganelli will draft a Town Forest Management Plan and deliver to the
    Selectboard.
    Action: Mark Whitney is taking the lead on the Town Forest. Whitney will make a recommendation to
    the Selectboard after the Town Forest Plan is finished and public comments are heard.
    Cindy Allen asked if there will be walking trails in the town forests. Paganelli replied timber sales require
    access for equipment. If the trails are left open, not choked with brush, those trails could be for
    recreational use. We can set it up with the trails in mind, if that is what the Town requests, then the
    Town can finish up the trails. Cole stated the Town is considering trails. Andy Pomerantz stated the snow
    machine club has been helpful with trail maintenance in the past. Kate Willard stated the reason to have
    Paganelli do an inventory is to provide information to the Town in consideration of more public trails, as
    well as tree management. Phillip Mulligan asked if we could maintain a certain amount of larger trees,
    or legacy trees. Paganelli stated wildlife trees and legacy trees are tallied and included in the Forest Plan.
    Emerald Ash Borer: Mark Lembke, Town Tree Warden, passed out examples of the Emerald Ash Borer
    insect, examples of bark damage, and a paper titled “Town of Chelsea, Ash Tree Inventory, July 5, 2022”.
    Lembke stated he performed an ash tree survey in Chelsea along a 5.8 mile loop, that represents 10% of
    the total miles of Chelsea Class 3 roads. Ash trees were counted within the town road right of way. The
    survey showed 284 trees counted, with Lembke estimating that there would be about 2,840 trees total
    along the roads in Chelsea.
    Cole asked if Lembke will make a recommendation to the Selectboard. Lembke advised that some
    neighboring towns have started funds to prepare. Lembke advised putting some money aside to take
    some of the trees down. Lembke has not found a grant to cover this.
    Mark Whitney asked how fast is it moving through a forest that is thinner on ash? Would that slow it
    down? Or, are the ash trees doomed, no matter what? Paganelli stated the ash trees are probably
    doomed no matter what. Small trees will be unaffected. Infested trees will be damaged and ash does
    not hold together structurally, so effected trees are not safe to cut with a chainsaw after three years. In
    the woods, they will just fall down. Near the roads, it’s much more difficult to take the trees down.
    Paganelli stated some towns have hired Limlaw to take trees down on gravel roads. The power company
    would be responsible to take down the trees in the power line right of way.
    Cindy Allen asked if the landowner would have any ash tree responsibility. Allen stated some
    landowners may want to take their own trees down and use them for firewood. Some would want the
    wood. Some would not.
    Lembke explained he will not be recommending the removal of trees leaning away from the roads as
    they do not pose a hazard to the road. Lembke said when the hazard trees are cut from the right of way,
    the wood still belongs to the landowners, who can request it be removed or left in place.
    Highway- Truck sale – Roadside Mowing: Rick Ackerman asked, since Henry is not here, what is going on
    with the truck? Cole stated we will have Henry give you a call. I will be the back up person. Ackerman
    stated Vershire might be done with their tractor in a few weeks. There is a possibility we could use that
    for roadside mowing. Ackerman also stated Ken DeGrasse can go up to the Town Forest and put in a
    bigger culvert.
    Transfer Station: Geoff Clayton stated Snook requested an increase in Kristianne Gale’s hours by one
    hour for the summer. They have actually been saving us money by being able to more closely monitor
    the quantity of trash being put in the compactors/containers. Clayton also stated the bear protection
    shed for the compost has been purchased for $549. Clayton stated he and Snook will assemble the shed.
    Anyone can volunteer to help. Clayton stated it is possible that the bears could tear the whole thing
    apart.
    ARPA Outreach: Phillip Mulligan and Andy Pomerantz presented a list of ideas for spending ARPA
    money. The list is based on public input from a June 14th meeting, and other public input, organized, but
    not prioritized. Mulligan stated people are mostly interested in making an investment in the community.
    Mulligan suggested hiring a “clerk of the works” for overseeing a complicated project, if a complicated
    project is chosen. Pomerantz stated there are people who are really invested in certain projects. It
    would be possible to develop a list serve of interested persons. Vital Communities might help with this.
    Although this list is in the context of ARPA, there are lots of ways we could pursue these ideas.
    Cole stated the Selectboard is still getting feedback from townspeople that they want to spend ARPA
    money on (operating) costs. Washington is telling us to spend the money right away, due to inflation.
    We could use the money for matching funds for grants. For example, the sewer plant upgrades. We
    might get a grant for that. We would consider using ARPA funds in addition to the reserve fund for the
    matching portion. Thank you for your work collecting this public input. We are keeping all of this in
    mind.
    Clayton stated some of these ideas we might want to include in the Town Plan. Maybe food resources
    could be put in the town plan. Everything is not going to be accomplished with ARPA money.
    Mulligan suggested the Selectboard make a date for final proposals for ARPA projects. The Board agreed
    to put this on the agenda for September 20, 2022.
  7. Public Comments
    Phillip Mulligan stated he measured the windows in the Town Hall for the Window Dressers plastic
    window inserts. Even if we did half of the windows it would make a big difference. We could create
    some sort of storage for the inserts. The Selectboard would have to address that in the next month or
    so. Mulligan submitted an invoice to the Town.
    Phillip Mulligan stated he has contacted VLCT about an energy audit for the Town Garage.
    Andy Pomerantz asked about the format for the ATV Vote Informational Hearing Meeting. Should he
    prepare a presentation for the Informational Hearing? Cole stated the Informational Hearing would be
    run like a regular Selectboard Meeting. We will open it up to Public Comment.
    Bruce Hook asked a question, maybe for the zoning administrator, regarding Longest Acre Farm. Is the
    barn on the land which is zoned agricultural a commercial business? When you start serving dinner for
    170 dollars a plate, I don’t believe it’s agricultural. There is a problem with serving dinner and alcohol
    without a license. What will be done about this?
    Cole stated, to confirm, this complaint is about Longest Acre Farm and your concern is it appears as if
    there is commercial activity, not farming/agricultural activity.
    Mark Whitney sought clarification this was about the existing barn, as opposed to the new barn.
    Cole stated the Selectboard did not approve the Liquor License. That license was not given to us in time
    for approval. This board has not taken up issues prior to being warned and on the agenda.
    Bruce Hook stated I saw the flyer. Is there a fine?
    Geoff Clayton stated the liquor control for the state will be called. We will put this on the next agenda.
    Jeremy Hook asked if he came back in two weeks, would this issue be resolved?
    Cole stated we cannot commit to a time. We don’t know what Clayton will find out. We will put it on the
    next agenda.
    Mark Whitney asked do you know for sure that liquor was served? A flyer was presented.
    Cole asked Hook to give us whatever information you would like to support your statements.
    Cindy Allen stated Heidi Chapman has started a group to publish a newsletter. The newsletter will be
    quarterly, with the first issue planned for October 1st. The newsletter would like to list the organizations
    and businesses in Chelsea. There are 50 Chelsea businesses that Allen came up with. The newsletter
    requests to have a link on the Town of Chelsea Website.
    Cole stated the previous Selectboard had a policy of no links, no advertisements, on the Town website.
    We will bring this up again for discussion.
    Clayton stated the physical phone books were the old way to spread contact information. That would be
    nice to have.
    Clint Rogers stated he previously spoke to Geoff Clayton, Selectboard member, regarding widening a
    bridge for the snow machine trail. Rogers stated he already had approval for the trail up to the bridge.
    Rogers stated the bridge is a public right of way. Rogers is waiting for permission from the Selectboard,
    after which he will proceed with paperwork and constructing the wider bridge. Rogers stated there is
    some urgency to this request, as the season is 5 months away.
    Clayton stated he thought Rogers was going to talk to the landowners. Clayton stated we need to make
    sure that’s a town bridge. We need to get the permits from the State. Clayton stated he will double
    check and get back to Rogers.
    Kate Willard stated she would like help getting public input on the town forests and trails.
  8. Executive Session for Human Resources
    Outgoing Zoning Administrator, Tim McCormick, stated there are loose ends in the applications.
    McCormick suggests he meet with the new Zoning Administrator and go over the computer set up and
    ongoing permit applications. McCormick stated he will be in this Friday, and that would be his ultimate
    last day. I sat down one morning with my predecessor, and I will do the same for the next ZA. Action:
    Selectboard states as long as you have the records available for the next person, that is acceptable.
    McCann suggests officially turning in the keys and laptop at the end of the day, Friday, in order to avoid
    another trip to town.
    Levar Cole moved to enter into Executive Session for Human Resources, and inviting Marianne
    McCann into the session. Geoff Clayton seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Levar Cole moved to exit from Executive Session at 9:15 pm. Geoff Clayton seconded the motion.
    Motion passed unanimously.
    Afterwards, Nolan LaFrancis (COO Water System) is approved to have Jason Hook (Water system
    employee) work as needed, for emergency coverage and special jobs, up to an additional 10 hours per
    month.
    Levar Cole moved to enter into Executive Session for Human Resources at 9:26 pm, and inviting
    Marianne McCann into the session. Geoff Clayton seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Levar Cole moved to exit Executive Session at 9:29 pm. Geoff Clayton seconded the motion. Motion
    passed unanimously.
    Afterwards, the Selectboard Chair will contact the candidate for the Zoning Administrator job.
  9. Administrative Assistant Report
    Village Green Request: New Creation Fellowship requests use of basketball court from 10 -12 daily for
    August 8-11 for Vacation Bible School. Approved.
    Roberts Gould Field Request: Chelsea Babe Ruth requests use of Roberts Gould Field from 5 – 8 pm on
    event dates listed in 2022 season. Approved.
    Special Town Meeting updates:
    Levar Cole moved to approve Town of Chelsea, Public Informational Hearing, Notice and Agenda. Cole
    read the Agenda aloud. Mark Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Moxley Bridge: Town Questions letter and Right of Way letter received from VTRANS. Rita Seto, TRORC,
    and others at VTRANS asked about the possible use of old data to prioritize this bridge project. No
    definitive response as yet. It seems VTRANS wants to proceed.
    Action: Send Henry an email asking him to take the lead, cc: Levar, Mark.
    Grants in Aid: Selectboard is informed that Chelsea has been awarded $35,500. for 2023. That money
    will be for a project, the next one on the hydrologically connected roads list. This year, 2022, the project
    is Hook Road Ditching. The project cost should be $25,250., with an 80% reimbursement of $20,200.
    Special Events Letter: Action: file. N/A for Chelsea.
    Vermont Efficiency Letter: Action: Send to Phillip Mulligan, cc: Levar, Mark.
    Upcoming request: Brookhaven Bridge. Selectboard is informed in advance of a request for permission
    to construct a wooden covered bridge on an existing metal bridge on the Brookhaven property. More
    details will be coming.
    Liquor License – June 25, 2022: The process for approving liquor licenses is to put the request on a
    Selectboard meeting agenda prior to taking action. This liquor license request was not given to us in
    time. Action: ask someone at the State re: liquor license timelines. Geoff Clayton will do this.
    Town website link request: Brief discussion. Previous boards did not allow third party links or
    advertisements on the town website. There are speech problems. Action: The Selectboard will stick to
    our policy of no third party links or advertisements on the town website.
    Randy Brown made a google website called “Maple Avenue Safety Remedies”. Brown wants the
    Selectboard to review his website. A paper version is available. Brown was not available to answer
    questions.
    Geoff Clayton stated a registered sex offender is non-compliant and hanging out at the school. Should
    this be reported to state police? Public safety? State’s Attorney? Brief discussion.
  10. Approve Minutes
    Levar Cole moved to approve the Selectboard Meeting Minutes of June 21, 2022. Geoff Clayton
    seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
  11. Appointments
    None.
  12. Adjourn
    Meeting adjourned at 10:02 pm.
    The next regularly scheduled Selectboard Meeting will be Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at 7:30 pm.
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Selectboard Meeting Agenda – July 5, 2022

Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, 5 July 2022
7:30PM Chelsea Town Hall
1. Call meeting to order
2. Conflict of interest disclosure
3. Changes to the agenda
4. Town Clerk
5. Town Treasurer
a. Budget status
b. Orders
6. Department/Liaison Updates
a. Town Forest Plan-Mark W./Kate Willard and Dave Paganelli
b. Emerald Ash Borer-Mark W./Mark Lembke
c. Highway: truck sale, roadside mowing-Henry
d. Transfer Station-Geoff
e. ARPA outreach-Levar/ Phillip Mulligan
7. Public Comments
8. Executive Session for Human Resources-(1 VSA 313 (a)3)
9. Administrative Assistant Report
a. Village Greens/Roberts-Gould Field requests
b. Special Town Meeting updates
c. Moxley Bridge /VTRANS project
d. Grants in Aid project (Hydrologically connected roads?)
e. Special Events letter
f. Efficiency Vermont letter
g. Upcoming request/Brookhaven/bridge
h. Liquor License/June 25, 2022 event
i. Town Web-site link request-Cindy Allen
10. Approve minutes:
a. 21 June 2002
11. Appointments:
a. Fence Viewers (3)
b. Inspector of lumber, shingles, and wood
c. Weigher of Coal
d. Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District
e. Development Review Board Alternate 2
f. Recreation Committee (1)
g. Development Review Board
12. Adjourn

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Selectboard Meeting Minutes June 21, 2022

Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 21, 2022, 7:30 pm at Town Hall
Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Mark Whitney, Merrill Whitney, Geoff Clayton
Other Town Officials/Employees present: Marianne McCann (Administrative Assistant) (Herald), Gayle
Durkee (Treasurer), Karen Lathrop (Town Clerk)
Members of the public present: Kasey Peterson

  1. Call Meeting to Order
    Meeting convened by Levar Cole at 7:35 pm.
  2. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    None.
  3. Changes to the Agenda
    Add a couple items to Admin. Asst. Add Liquor license to Town Clerk section. Add Treasurer. Add
    Transfer Station.
  4. Town Clerk
    Karen Lathrop presented a packet of information regarding dog licensing and dog violation complaints
    (tickets). The Animal Control Officer had requested information on the process of fines or penalties for
    dog owners who are not in compliance with the law. Lathrop presented ticket books and written steps
    to move forward with ticketing. Lathrop also presented a report listing 33 dogs that are unlicensed, and
    a copy of a “Second Notice” letter she is sending out to dog owners, showing license fees and delinquent
    fees. Lathrop stated we were very nice to people during Covid, and now no one wants to license their
    dog.
    Mark Whitney stated this is actually two issues. 1.The nuisance issue. 2. The license issue.
    Geoff Clayton stated the biggest concern is people who are not controlling their dogs. Problem animals
    are the highest priority. We should give out the tickets.
    Lathrop stated the Town Clerk is not enforcement. Someone needs to show the Animal Officer how to
    fill out the ticket. The ticket must be handed to the person, or certified mail. Animal Officer must appear
    in court. We need to have a certified copy of the ordinance.
    Board members mentioned instances of residents notifying Town Clerk of deceased dogs, and the
    deceased dogs remained on the unlicensed list. Cole summarized by stating there is no interest from the
    board to address the license issue at this point. Perhaps there is something we can do to help with
    record-keeping. The board will address the problem animals first. The license issue can be put on the
    agenda again.
    A liquor license request was received just this afternoon (June 21) for an event on June 25. A copy of the
    request was emailed to Selectboard members at 3:41 pm. Selectboard members did not see the
    information prior to the meeting. There was no motion made. There was no action taken.
  5. Department/Liaison Updates
    Levar Cole stated Henry Cesari is not here, but we have been in contact, and I will relay what he told me.
    Cesari is still working to sell the truck. Allegiance is working with him. What about the engine light?
    Remember the board must approve any more expense for this truck. We should not be paying an
    invoice for an engine light.
    Cesari and Cole previously discussed sidewalk snow removal. As a town government, we are obligated
    by statute to maintain the sidewalk. We can make it a shared obligation. We must have an ordinance.
    We are required to meet the ADA sidewalk standard. We want to do that. Cesari will see if people can
    volunteer to do certain sections. Or, we will make changes in budgeting.
    Cole stated Cesari also mentioned that folks in town are upset about the lack of roadside mowing. He is
    aware that there is a petition to use ARPA money for roadside mowing. That would be a non-binding
    petition. If we use ARPA money for roadside mowing, the people in town that want big projects to get
    done, will have to know there will not be enough money left.
    Clayton stated we will be in the hole. I will not support anything but maintain our town and capital
    improvements. We cannot go into next year with a big deficit.
    Gayle Durkee stated Chelsea does not have any money left in the budget for heating fuel, diesel fuel, or
    gravel.
    Mark Whitney stated there are minor safety issues at some intersections. People can take care of these
    themselves.
    Clayton volunteered to weed whack at intersections, if necessary.
    Cole stated, given inflation, we do not know what the cost of roadside mowing will be. It will cost more
    this year. Also, availability of equipment is an issue.
    Re: Grant Writing and Administration
    Kasey Peterson Introduced herself to the board. Peterson briefly explained her grant application for the
    Town Hall. Peterson described a visit with Meeting House Restoration. The balcony needs to be cleaned
    out before an estimate could be given. A good idea for fundraising was given. People buy a chair. As a
    fundraiser, you buy a chair, you get your name on the chair for a donation. We might be able to match
    the grant that way. I’m not sure what else to work on.
    5a. Treasurer:
    Gayle Durkee stated we got locks for the Transfer Station. Combination and master key.
    Order Amounts totalling:
    Payroll 6-22 2,866.73
    6-15 6,149.18
    4,483.92
    6-8 3,324.39
    General Orders 6-22 28,118.24
    Highway 6-22 15,558.08
    Water/Sewer 6-22 1,251.40
    Library Payroll 6-15 1.177.94
    Accounts Payable 377.71
    Cole wondered if Cesari can call Allegiance and ask about the invoice amounts. Cole noted Cesari is
    looking for other providers that will be better able (closer and cheaper) to service vehicles for us.
    Re: Transfer Station
    Geoff Clayton stated the bears keep getting into the compost.
    Geoff Clayton moved that the Selectboard approve a cost of up to $750.00 for a shed to enclose the
    compost, with the understanding that Snook will be a second person approving the purchase. Levar
    Cole seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Clayton briefly explained his idea of purchasing a metal shed for around $499 and materials needed to
    beef up the door to make it stronger. That’s the basis for the suggested amount of $750. Clayton and
    Snook will go and get one and install it.
    Mark Whitney requested that the Town Forrest be put on the agenda for the July 5th Selectboard
    Meeting.
  6. Public Comments
    None.
  7. Administrative Assistant
    Two Village Greens requests presented and signed. One for an event on 6-20-22. Another for an event
    on 7-3-22, a “God and Country Worship Service and Cookout” on the North Common.
    One Roberts Gould Field request presented and signed. Chelsea Flea Market parking set up and event on
    July 8 and July 9.
    Special Town Meeting Logistics: Cole stated the Town Hall set up is scheduled. McCann presented a
    draft warning for the informational hearing before the vote, which must be warned separately. Cole
    made changes. McCann will edit and re-present for approval to the board. Brief discussion about what
    date the notices should appear in the newspaper. The Informational Hearing on July 25 and the
    Australian Ballot vote on July 26 are posted on the town website calendar, and posted around town on
    the bulletin boards.
    ARPA citizen advisory committee debrief: McCann summarized the Public Input Meeting that was held
    on Tuesday, June 14 for the Selectboard. There were over 40 people in attendance. In this
    “brainstorming session”, the majority of the ideas presented were initial and vague. The organizers will
    have more meetings and then make a presentation to the Selectboard.
    A list of grant projects underway and grant applications pending, with amounts expected for matching
    funds was prepared for the Selectboard. McCann stated that when a grant opportunity came through
    the email, she was forwarding the information to the relevant people in Chelsea.
    Levar Cole moved to approve the orders. Mark Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed
    unanimously.
  8. Approve minutes
    Levar Cole moved to approve the May 31, 2022 Selectboard Meeting Minutes. Geoff Clayton seconded
    the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Levar Cole moved to approve the June 7, 2022 Selectboard Meeting Minutes. Geoff Clayton seconded
    the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Levar Cole moved to approve the June 14, 2022 Special Selectboard Meeting Minutes. Geoff Clayton
    seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
  9. Appointments
    None.
  10. Executive Session for Human Resources.
    None. Cole noted that Mary Ellen Parkman might be able to fill in as a Zoning Administrator.
  11. Adjourn
    Meeting adjourned at 8:58 pm.

Water Dept Meeting Minutes – June 21, 2022

Chelsea Water Department Board Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at 7pm in Chelsea Town Hall
Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Geoff Clayton (Mark Whitney and Merrill Whitney arrived at 7:22 pm.)
Other Town Officials/Employees present: Marianne McCann (Administrative Assistant)(Herald), Gayle
Durkee (Treasurer)
Members of the Public present: None.

  1. Call Meeting to Order
    Meeting convened at 7:08 pm. No quorum until 7:22 pm, when four Selectboard members were
    present.
  2. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    None.
  3. Changes to the Agenda
    None.
  4. Approve Water Dept. Board minutes of April 5, 2022
    Skip this item until quorum is reached.
  5. Department/Liaison Updates – Merrill
    Skip this item until quorum is reached.
  6. Town Treasurer
    Re: Water Department Budget Status: Gayle Durkee stated the delinquent report has been printed.
    There is about $17,000. In delinquent water bills. A few of these are expected to be paid with tax sales. 4
    accounts are extremely late. Durkee presented a copy of a letter informing people that they can apply
    for a program or consider making payments.
    Geoff Clayton stated we need to move to a salaried position. We need another full-time person for the
    sewer plant. We need a qualified person to organize everything so that anyone can go in and know how
    to run the plant. We might have a chaotic transition if we don’t get a full-time person.
    Cole stated we can advertise again. What would be the maximum amount of pay we could offer? Durkee
    can find that number. Can we furlough the part time road person? We still need the safety person.
    Durkee stated the COO cannot walk that far to read the meters. The safety employee cannot read the
    meters at 5 am.
    Clayton stated we can make accommodations in order to get the meters read. There is no need to walk
    the whole thing. There is a riding lawnmower. There is a vehicle. We can make it work.
    Cole stated if we are paying the safety employee and he does not do the work, he should be let go. We
    need to tell the COO the meters need to be read. If the safety employee cannot, then he is not able to
    do the job.
    Action: Merrill will talk with COO about the meter reading situation.
    Action: Put this (human resources) on the agenda for the next Selectboard meeting.
    Action: Merrill will tell COO his presence is requested at the next Selectboard meeting, July 5, 2022 at
    7:30 pm.
  7. Rate Payer requests
    A written request from Tim Courts and Carrie Caouette-De Lallo was received 5-9-22 asking that two
    water bills for their one house be changed to reflect the current status as one dwelling unit.
    Geoff Clayton moved to retroactively change the billing at the Tim Courts and Carrie Caouette-De Lallo
    property to only be considered one unit in relation to the water and sewer bill. Levar Cole seconded
    the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
  8. Administrative Assistant
    Re: Amended Water Department Ordinance: Action: Add this ordinance paperwork item to the next
    Water Department Board meeting, Sept. 20, 2022.
    Re: Grant Application Updates: “New and Improved Pump Station for the Chelsea WWTF” was
    approved for congressional funding by the office of Peter Welch. There are many more steps in the
    process of passing the congressional budget. Date and amount of award/match unknown at this time.
    Re: Meter options: No new information on meters at this time. No action taken.
  9. Public Comments
    None.
  10. Executive Session for Human Resources
    None.
  11. Adjourn
    Geoff Clayton moved to approve the Water Department Board Meeting minutes of April 5, 2022.
    Merrill Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Meeting adjourned at 7:35 pm.
    The next regularly scheduled Water Department Board Meeting will be September 20, 2022.
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Selectboard and Water Board Meeting Agenda – June 21, 2022

Chelsea Water
Department Board and Selectboard Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, 21 June 2022
7:00PM Chelsea Town Hall
Chelsea Water Department Board 7:00pm
1. Call meeting to order
2. Conflict of interest disclosure
3. Changes to the agenda
4. Approve minutes 5 April 2022
5. Department/Liaison Updates-Merrill
6. Town Treasurer
a. Water Department Budget status
b. Current Water and Sewer rates
7. Rate payer requests
8. Administrative Assistant
a. Amended Water Department ordinance discussion
b. Grant application updates
c. Decision on meter options
9. Public comments
10. Executive Session for Human Resources (1 VSA 313 (a)3)
11. Adjourn
Chelsea Selectboard Meeting 7:30pm
1. Call meeting to order
2. Conflict of interest disclosure
3. Changes to the agenda
4. Town Clerk: unlicensed dogs-Karen
5. Department/Liaison Updates
a. Highway: truck sale, roadside mowing-Henry
b. Grant writing and administration-Levar/Kasey
6. Public Comments
7. Administrative Assistant Report
a. Village Greens/Roberts-Gould Field requests
b. Special Town Meeting logistics
c. ARPA citizen advisory committee meeting debrief
8. Approve minutes:
a. Selectboard Meetings
b. 31 May 2022; 7 June 2002; 15 June 2002
9. Appointments:
a. Fence Viewers (3)
b. Inspector of lumber, shingles, and wood
c. Weigher of Coal
d. Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District
e. Development Review Board Alternate 2
f. Recreation Committee (1)
g. Development Review Board
10. Executive Session for Human Resources (1 VSA 313 (a)3)
11. Adjourn

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Special Selectboard Meeting – June 14, 2022

Chelsea Special Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 14, 2022, 6:30 pm at Town Clerk’s Office
Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Mark Whitney, Merrill Whitney, Henry Cesari, Geoff Clayton
Other Town Officials/Employees present: Marianne McCann (Administrative Assistant)(Herald)
Members of the Public present: none.

  1. Call Meeting to Order
    Meeting convened by Levar Cole at 6:33 pm.
  2. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    None.
  3. Public Comments
    None.
  4. Special Town Meeting for ATV Ordinance
    This meeting was scheduled for the purpose of signing the Warning for a Special Town Meeting and
    voting via Australian Ballot on July 26, 2022.
    Levar Cole read the Warning out loud. Warning attached here.
    WARNING
    TOWN OF CHELSEA
    SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
    July 26, 2022
    The legal voters of the Town of Chelsea are hereby warned and notified to meet at the Chelsea Town
    Hall, 296 VT Route 110, in the Town of Chelsea on Tuesday, July 26, 2022. Polls are open from 9 am to 7
    pm to vote by Australian Ballot on the following article:
    ARTICLE 1:
    Shall the Town of Chelsea disapprove the “Town of Chelsea Ordinance Regulating All Terrain Vehicles
    (ATVs)” adopted March 15, 2022?
    NOTICE TO VOTERS
    The notice to voters for Local, Annual, or Special Meetings, and the Voter Checklist for 7-26-22, can be
    found online at the Town of Chelsea Website: www.chelseavt.org .
    Dated this 17th day of June, 2022
    By the Selectboard members of the Town of Chelsea:


Levar Cole moved to approve the Warning for Town of Chelsea Special Town Meeting, July 26, 2022. Geoff Clayton seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Warning was signed.

  1. Adjourn
    Meeting adjourned at 6:44 pm.

Informational Meeting
Prior to the Australian Ballot Vote:
Monday, July 25, 2022 at 7:00 pm
In the Chelsea Town Hall

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Selectboard Meeting Minutes – June 7, 2022

Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 7, 2022, 7:30 pm at Chelsea Town Hall
Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Merrill Whitney, Mark Whitney, Geoff Clayton, Henry Cesari
Other Town Officials/Employees present: Marianne McCann (Administrative Assistant)(Herald)
Members of the Public present: Gregg Herrin

  1. Call Meeting to Order
    Meeting convened by Levar Cole at 7:35 pm.
  2. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    None.
  3. Changes to the Agenda
    Admin. Assistant adds a couple items. Geoff Clayton adds presenting information on the riverbank
    erosion near the horseshoe area under Hazard Mitigation.
  4. Town Treasurer
    Orders presented.
  5. Department Liaison Updates
    Re: Highway Dept. Henry Cesari stated no offers for the truck for sale have been received yet. Cesari
    proposed sending a letter out to Chelsea residents explaining the highway budget issues and what the
    Selectboard is doing to save money. Sample letter presented. Brief discussion about sample letter.
    Clayton suggested presenting a cost comparison between our highway dept. and other towns highway
    depts. Cole stated in the unlikely event that we have a surplus this year, we could carry a cost over into
    the next year. It’s likely we will have a deficit. Next year it will cost more. Clayton stated we need to
    clarify with Road Foreman re: grading. The Highway dept. needs to not be hesitant on grading.
    Henry Cesari moved to approve a letter to the Town of Chelsea regarding the Highway budget and a
    notice about the roadside mowing. Motion seconded by Mark Whitney. Motion passed unanimously.
    Action: Prepare letter on letterhead for signing Thursday night.
    Action: Henry Cesari will contact Road Foreman, making it clear that roads should be passable even if
    running a budget deficit.
    Discussion about gravel stockpile at the Town Garage.
    Re: White River Valley Consortium. Levar Cole reported the history and the state of the Consortium of
    the 14 towns in the White River Valley which are working together to apply for funding from the Federal
    Reserve. Cole stated the group’s vision for the current round of funding is housing. Vital Communities is
    doing all the legwork. Housing options are being investigated. Towns owning housing? Accessory
    dwelling units? Ways to reduce costs and make housing available? Workshop on June 30th. Goal for that
    meeting is to re-connect with Selectboards and organizations. If there is any interest, Cole will forward
    info.
    Re: Creamery/School Water Drain. Geoff Clayton stated he is waiting for copies of the deeds. The drain
    was made so long ago that there might not be easements in the deeds. Clayton stated the stark legal
    reality is that the Town does not own either parcel. The drain is on the school property and the Button
    property. Clayton stated water has been going under that building for 50 or 60 years. The issue is
    between Button and the school. Clayton stated there is no connection between the town and the
    Creamery and the drain. Henry Cesari stated the Selectboard does not have responsibility for this issue.
    The drain should continue somewhere and then flow into the river.
    Action: Clayton will contact Button. For hazard mitigation, flooding, maybe there is a grant available.
    Action: Drop this item from the agenda for now.
    Gregg Herrin stated he was interested in understanding the water drain issue. It was suggested Herrin
    could offer another opinion to Mr. Button.
    Re: Riverbank erosion at the Horseshoe/Sewer Plant. Geoff Clayton recommends shoring up the
    riverbank, likely with rip-rap. Clayton suggests maybe it’s a use of ARPA money.
    Gregg Herrin stated if adding rip-rap to protect that area, you might also want to look at where the
    water is directed from and where it will be directed to. The State will come up with a plan.
    Clayton stated that one thing that has changed over the years is that the horseshoe area has enlarged
    and bushes with roots that stabilize the bank have been removed. Clayton suggests this might be a use
    of ARPA money.
    Re: Grant Writing and Administration: Levar Cole spoke with Kasey Peterson. There is no feedback yet
    about the status of the Town Hall Grant. Cole suggested to the board that when we have Peterson do
    more work we pay her at the same rate. Cole seeks continued approval of the board to deal with further
    grant writing work. Kasey Peterson will attend the next Selectboard meeting at June 21. Bridge grant
    possibilities are being investigated.
  6. Public Comments
    None.
  7. Administrative Assistant Report
    Special Town Meeting: June 9th at 7pm at the Town Hall. Floor vote to decide if Chelsea will vote in the
    future by Australian Ballot. Town is prepared.
    ARPA citizen advisory group meeting date is Tuesday, June 14th at 7pm in the Town Hall. Action: Admin.
    Assistant will put on calendar on Chelsea website. Also, paper versions on bulletin boards.
    Downtown and Village Center Tax Credits: Kasey Peterson reviewed paperwork. Not for Municipal
    buildings. Potential money for private property owners in Downtown and Village Center areas. Deadline
    for application is July 1, 2022. Interested people should go to the Vermont Agency of Commerce and
    Community Development website for more information.
    Letter of Intent to Participate in the SFY23 Municipal Roads Grants-in-aid program was presented to the
    Selectboard to sign. Deadline to submit is June 24, 2022. This is for a multi-year project with
    hydrologically connected road segments. Action: Selectboard agreed and signed letter of intent.
    Prouty Map showing route through town has been distributed to Fire, Highway, and Police, as requested
    by Prouty. Prouty bicycle ride will be Friday July 8, 2022.
    A sample job description was presented to the Selectboard as a language example of a job that
    combined two departments into one job for one employee. Brief discussion about a Public Works
    Director and supervisory roles.
    Geoff Clayton stated The First Branch Ambulance and/or the Fire Department want to have a Fourth of
    July Parade. Clayton asked if they have to get a permit? How would we plan for this? Mark Whitney
    stated he went to the Tunbridge Memorial Day parade and chicken barbeque. Whitney expressed the
    view that Chelsea should be able to have a Fourth of July Parade. Clayton agreed. It was suggested to
    piggyback an event with the Chelsea Flea Market. It was suggested to have a dance in the Town Hall.
    Action: In general, the Selectboard supports these kind of community events. No specific plans.
  8. Approve Minutes
    Approval of the May 31st Selectboard Meeting minutes moved to the next Selectboard meeting agenda.
  9. Appointments
    None.
  10. Executive Session
    Levar Cole moved to enter Executive Session for Human Resources at 8:45 pm, and inviting Marianne
    McCann into the Executive Session. Seconded by Mark Whitney. Motion passed unanimously.
    Geoff Clayton moved to exit Executive Session. Mark Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed
    unanimously.
    Afterwards, no action was taken.
  11. Approve Orders
    Levar Cole moved to approve the orders, except for the over-payment of one employee. Henry Cesari
    seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Action: Cole noticed an error in the payment amount for one employee. Cole will talk to the Treasurer.
    All orders approved except that one order.
  12. Adjourn
    Meeting adjourned at 9:21 pm.
    The next regularly scheduled Selectboard Meeting will be Tuesday, June 21st at 7:30 pm.
    The next regularly scheduled Water Department Meeting will be Tuesday, June 21st at 7 pm.
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Selectboard Meeting Agenda – June 7, 2022

Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, 7 June 2022
7:30PM Chelsea Town Hall

  1. Call meeting to order
  2. Conflict of interest disclosure
  3. Changes to the agenda
  4. Town Treasurer
    a. Budget status
    b. Approve Orders
  5. Department/Liaison Updates
    a. Highway-Henry
    b. White River Valley Consortium Working Communities Challenge-Levar
    c. Creamery/school water drain follow-up-Geoff
    d. Grant writing and administration-Levar
  6. Public Comments
  7. Administrative Assistant Report
    a. Village Greens/Roberts-Gould Field requests
    b. Special Town Meeting
    c. ARPA citizen advisory committee meeting date
    d. Downtown and Village Tax Credit opportunity for residents
  8. Approve minutes:
    a. Selectboard Meeting 31 May 2022
  9. Appointments:
    a. Fence Viewers (3)
    b. Inspector of lumber, shingles, and wood
    c. Weigher of Coal
    d. Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District
    e. Development Review Board Alternate 2
    f. Recreation Committee (1)
    g. Development Review Board
  10. Executive Session for Human Resources (1 VSA 313 (a)3)-hiring for
    water/wastewater and Zoning Administrator
  11. Adjourn