Author: Patty Swahn

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Selectboard Meeting Minutes – Apr 4, 2023

Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Minutes 
Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 6:30 PM
Chelsea Town Hall 

Selectboard Members present: Kevin Marshia, Chair, Kelly Lyford, Vice Chair, Jesse Kay, Leyna Hoyt, and William Lyon 

Other Town Employees Present: Gayle Durkee (Treasurer), Kasey Peterson (Grants Liaison), Karen Lathrop, (Town Clerk), Patty Swahn, (Administrative Assistant) Mike Whipple/Nathan Billings (Cloverpatch Water Services), Kristianne Gale (Transfer Station) 

Members of the Public: Rella and John Rice, Marianne McCann, Matthew Durkee, Carolyn Mesh, Roy Hayward, Emily Reiss (Chelsea Farmers Market), Robert Clark (Otter Creek) 

1. Call Meeting to Order: 

Meeting called to order at 6:31 pm by Kevin Marshia, Chair 

2. Conflict of Interest Disclosure: 

None. 

3. Changes to the Agenda: 

None 

4. Public Comments: 

Kevin read the email from Cindy Allen dated Saturday, March 25, 2023, regarding concerns. Cindy Allen wrote in her email: 

1) That at the Selectboard meeting in November 2022, Geoff Clayton had a letter from an attorney stating the town is liable for the pipes across the road without permits, and wanted to know who was accepting all this liability? 

2)The level of the parking lot at the Heath field was supposed to be returned to its original level according to FEMA, to allow flood waters to drain around the sewer plant more easily. The Selectboard will respond to Cindy once they have researched these topics. 

3. Hope that this selectboard showed appreciation for the last selectboard. 

Karen Lathrop brought a request from Chelsea School’s sixth grade class to use the Town Hall for a play and practice on May 2,3 and 4th 2023. A motion was made by Jesse Kay to accept the Chelsea School’s request to use the town Hall and to waive the fee typically associated. The motion was seconded by William Lyon; all members approved the request. 

5. Town Treasurer: 

Orders were presented and approved by all members of the Selectboard. 

6. Otter Creek Engineering: Robert Clark, Licensed Civil Engineer 

Otter Creek Engineering has been helping the town of Chelsea off and on with projects for 20 years since their firm’s Inception in 1981. Otter Creek Engineering began working with the Town of Chelsea in late 1999 and continued into 2000. They have helped in a variety of different projects related to the water and wastewater system, recently did a 20-year evaluation that was associated with the town’s Wastewater Plant. It was a requirement of the permit that is issued by the State of Vermont. A variety of different State and Federal funding programs are available to the Town of Chelsea to help address some areas of improvement identified in the report. Minor concerns include standard wear and tear and that is to be expected for a facility almost 50 years old, the need for bigger cost items, such as the Pump Station. 

7. Cloverpatch Water Services: Nate Billings/Mike Whipple discussed the proposal of their contract to maintain and provide operating services for both our water and wastewater systems. Contract is a standard contract. Nate and Mike’s normal operations, routine equipment maintenance and light building/grounds maintenance to keep a clean work environment, except as Stated where it is the Owner’s responsibility section. All compliance reporting to the State of Vermont, collection of all required sampling, delivery of samples to the lab. Water meter reading and recording 4 times a year. As needed water meter and reading device repairs for proper operation. Hydrant flushing and valve exercising annually which is done in the Spring. Assistance and consultation with preparation of operational and maintenance budget. Timely notification and assistance with permit renewals. The board will review the proposal. 

8. Village Green Request: Emily Reiss, Chelsea Farmers Market Manager 

Emily sent a follow up email to the approved use of the town green with three additional requests for consideration: 

A) Would the SB allow vendors and musicians to temporarily pull vehicles onto the green to unload goods and equipment, and to reload at the end of the market? The vehicles would be moved off the green during the Farmers Market. 

B) A local vendor drives a small riding lawn mower and sets their goods and wares up using the trailer attached to the lawn mower. Would the SB allow this vendor to drive the riding lawn mower onto the Village Green and be able to leave her portable display attached to the riding lawn mower during the market? 

C) Would the SB consider a designated parking area along the North Common Road for a Food Truck vendor and allow the designated spot to be blocked off with cones? Emily Reiss will submit an appended request with the above items to the Selectboard for consideration and the board will respond in writing and will take it up at our next meeting. 

9. Application for work within the Town Right-Of-Way

Matthew Durkee, Brooke Rd, Chelsea has requested a permit to install conduit and a water line from his well across the road to allow the overflow from the well to drain. The idea is to dig a trench and put a one-inch water line and conduit, or something similar underneath the road. Matthew will coordinate with Rick Ackerman in terms of when the work will be completed, and the road will need to be closed. The Application was approved. Rick Ackerman will review the work upon completion. 

John and Rella Rice, Thorn Place or Thorn Road, to possibly install 11 new culverts and add crushed gravel. The request before the Board is to allow the Rices to improve the Class 4 road. The Town needs an opportunity to look at the road in person to have a general feeling about agreeing to give Rice’s permission to haul fill in. The Board is not comfortable at this point to allow culverts to be added. Mr. Rice felt that the road needs more than anything, drainage ditches on the sides because the water is running down the middle of the road. The Board will hold the beginning of their May 2, 2023, meeting at the site of John and Rella Rice’s permit application. We will begin the meeting at 6:30 pm, go over the site with Rice’s, suspend the meeting and return to the Town Hall where the Board will re-open the meeting. 

10. Website update: Kasey Peterson and Karen Lathrop 

The Town’s current website hosting company sent an email stating they would like the Town to sign a five-year contract for $3,995.00 per year. Our current contract is $650 per year. Karen reached out and talked with them and they are not providing any new service. The Board will not sign a contract with them. Our current contract expires April 1st. The Board has asked Karen to contact our current webhost company and let them know our intentions of not renewing. If the current webhost does not agree to the extension, any employment vacancies, SB meeting notes and SB agenda will be posted in Town and social media. 

Kasey has contacted a web hosting company that she has worked with in the past, ThorWorks, to discuss setting up a design. The cost per year would be approximately $350 or less. 

Karen updated our Domain name ownership in preparation for a change in ownership and website management. The Town Domain name will be locked for 60 days, and will be released (April 28). The new website hosting company is in a holding pattern. 

Kasey will continue to work on the website and when the time comes it should take a day or day and a half to unlock the domain name before moving to the new service. 

11. Transfer Station: William Lyon and Kristianne Gale 

Billy orchestrated the purchase of an electric fence with a plug-in charger for the compost section of the Transfer Station to deter bears. Bill will install the fence next week. The electric fence will only be on when the Transfer Station is not being used. . 

Kristianne spoke about looking at the possibility of a different company to pick up our compost as the company we currently use does not provide sawdust to cover the compost to help eliminate odors, animals and insects. In the past pine shavings were used. Kelly mentioned reading in our recent inspection report or permit, that pine shavings are required as part of our compliance to collecting compost. Kevin asked Billy to obtain a barrel of pine shavings for the compost. 

It was mentioned that Steven Thomas of Chicken Wiggle Farm may be interested in talking to the Selectboard about having a contract with the town that could be mutually beneficial for the farm and the town. It was identified that feeding it to pigs may not be an option because the compost has meat scraps and bones which are likely prohibited from being used as animal feed and would need a separate barrel. Leyna will contact Steve Thomas to see if he would like to pursue the conversation with the SB. 

12. Mowing: 

Leyna has obtained a list from Rick of all the town properties that require mowing: Heath Field, Chelsea Sign, Sewer Plant, tennis courts, two commons, town hall, the welcome to Chelsea sign on route 113, the water pump house by Brookhaven, water tank by Kennedy’s with the old town garage in the area behind it, new town garage and 3 (three) FEMA properties, the Allen, Babcock and Richard Dybvig properties. 

The horseshoe pits are not being mowed by the town. Weed whacking is done three times a year and the transfer station is done monthly. 

Leyna spoke with Rick to consider contracting out the mowing. Board agreed. Mowing will be back on the agenda for April 11, 2023, SB meeting to set a date for pre-bids. Leyna and Billy will work together on the mowing bid request proposal. 

Highway Equipment and Capital Equipment

Leyna reported on the age of the town’s highway equipment and the replacements that will be needed in the next two years, as well as more extensive maintenance. Leyna requested an evaluation be done on the loader, and a full maintenance workup to be done on the grader, as it has been 6 years since a full maintenance was completed. A very loose estimate was provided of $6,000.00. The Board will look at the Town’s Purchasing Policy and revisit the request for the grader maintenance on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 

Paul’s truck will need to be replaced as it will be ten years old in 2025 and it takes two years to receive a new highway truck. Leyna to ask Rick to inquire information on a timeline and cost of a new highway truck. The Board discussed having VLCT help with a Capital Equipment replacement plan. 

Planning Commission: The Board will invite the Planning Commission to attend their next 

SB meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 11, 2023, so that we can begin planning for the updated town plan that is due on November 19, 2023

Executive Session: Roberts Poor Fund and Town Employee salaries 

William Lyon motioned to move into Executive Session at 9:30 pm. 

Leyna Hoyt recused herself from the Roberts Poor Fund discussion due to a conflict. 

Patty was invited to stay for the Executive Session. 

The motion to distribute funds from The Roberts Poor Fund was accepted and approved. 

Due to time restrictions the Board took no action as it related to the town employee salaries that will be taken up at our next meeting on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, once we have further conversation with employees. 

The meeting was adjourned at 10:01 pm. 

Respectfully submitted,
Patty Swahn 
Chelsea Selectboard Administrative Assistant 

Selectboard Meeting Agenda – Apr 4, 2023

Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Agenda Tuesday, April 4, 2023
6:30PM Chelsea Town Hall

  1. Call meeting to order
  2. Conflict of interest disclosure
  3. Changes to the agenda
  4. Executive Session – Roberts Poor Fund
  5. Approve Orders
  6. Otter Creek Engineering – Robert Clark – Discussion about water and wastewater systems
  7. Cloverpatch Water Services – Nate Billings/Mike Whipple – Contract Services discussion for water and wastewater systems
  8. Use of the Village Green Request: Chelsea Farmers Market
  9. Application for work within the Town Right-of-Way: Matthew Durkee
  10. Application for work within the Town Right-of-Way: John and Rella Rice
  11. Website Update – Karen, Kasey, Patty
  12. Google Workspace/Virtual Meetings Discussion
  13. Mowing – Contract and town employees discussion
  14. Highway equipment – capital equipment plan discussion
  15. Transfer station – Fence around compost
  16. Executive Session – Town employee salaries
  17. Draft agenda for next meeting
  18. Adjourn
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Selectboard Meeting Minutes – Mar 28, 2023


Chelsea Selectboard Meeting
Minutes (Draft) March 28 2023
Selectboard present: Kevin Marshia, Chair, Kelly Lyford, Vice Chair, William Lyon,
Leyna Hoyt and Jesse Kay
Other Employees present: Patty Swahn, Administrative Assistant and
Gayle Durkee, Town Treasurer

  1. Call meeting to order – Kevin called the meeting to order at 6:34pm
  2. Conflict of interest disclosure – None
  3. Additions to the agenda –Transfer Station, Roberts Poor Fund, Cindy Allen, Matthew Durkee and to
    work on a process with Rick for road permits.
  4. Public Comments – Draft a response to Cindy Allen to be read at the April 4, 2023, meeting.
  5. Selectboard minutes from March 21, 2023, meeting, were approved with edits.
  6. Library Trustee appointment, Kelly Lyford moved to appointment Keziz Frayjo as to
    the Chelsea Library Board of Trustees, all approved this appointment.
  7. Chelsea Village Green request from Carrie Caoutte-De Lallo for the Chelsea Arts on
    the green market and festival. Jesse Kay motioned to have this request approved,
    Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. All approved of this request.
  8. A motion by Leyna Hoyt to approve a second-class license and tobacco license renewals
    for the 110 Quick Stop, Jesse Kay seconded this motion, all were in favor and this motion
    was approved.
    Billy Lyon gave an update on the transfer station, the perimeter needs work, there are
    no signs around the oil collection site and requested a new sign be made listing the
    hours of the transfer station. Billy will contact Mark Durkee about making the new sign.
  9. Leyna Hoyt moved to enter into Executive Session at 7:20 pm, seconded by Jesse Kay.
    Selectboard entered Executive Session for Roberts Poor Fund request at 7:22 pm. at 7:30
    Leyna Hoyt recused herself from the Executive Session due to a conflict. The Board closed
    the Executive Session at 7:31 pm and re-entered Executive Session at 7:32 pm. The Board
    closed out of the Roberts Poor Fund Executive Session at 7:47 pm, action taken was to
    request more information for this request.
    The Board entered into Executive Session at 7:45 pm for discussion on Town Employee
    wages. The Board made progress and will draft the proposed changes and a vote will be
    taken at the April 4 meeting. The Board left the Executive Session for Town Employee
    wages at 9:22 pm.
  10. The Board agreed to pursue the cost of disability and life insurance for town employees.
    Kelly and Patty will work together on this.
    There was a discussion regarding Thorn Road. John and Rella Rice to be invited to the
    April 4 Selectboard meeting.
  11. The Board approved all orders for the evening.
    Jesse Kay motioned to adjourn the meeting, this was seconded by Billy Lyon, and
    approved. The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 pm
    Meeting minutes drafted by
    Patty Swahn
    Administrative Assisant
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Selectboard Meeting Agenda – Mar 28, 2023

Chelsea Select Board Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
6:30 pm
Chelsea Town Hall
I. Call Meeting to order
II. Conflict of interest disclosure
III. Additions to the agenda
IV. Public Comments
V. Approve Selectboard Meeting minutes.
VI. Library Trustee Appointment
VII. Village Green- Chelsea Arts on the Green Market and Festival
VIII: Second Class License and Tobacco License for Vermont 110 Quick Stop, Inc.
VIII: Executive Session – Personnel Salaries

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Selectboard Meeting Minutes – Mar 21, 2023

Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Minutes (Draft)
March 21, 2023
Selectboard present: Kevin Marshia, Chair, Kelly Lyford, Vice Chair, William Lyon,
Leyna Hoyt and Jesse Kay
Other Employees present: Patty Swahn, Administrative Assistant and
Kasey Peterson, Grant Writer, Karen Lathrop, Town Clerk,
Gayle Durkee, Town Treasurer, Rick Ackerman, Highway Foreman
Others present: Rella and John Rice, Chris Bump, VTrans,
Rita Seto and Peter Gregory, Two Rivers Ottaquechee Regional Commission

  1. Call meeting to order — Kevin called the meeting to order at 6:29pm
  2. Conflict of interest disclosure – None
  3. Additions to the agenda -Appointment of a Library Trustee
  4. Public Comments – No public comments
  5. The approved minutes from March 14, 2023, meeting, were passed due to not all
    members of the Selectboard having read the meeting minutes.
  6. Chris Bump from VTrans presented information about the grants through VTrans 7. Rita Seto and Peter Gregory from Two Rivers Ottaquechee Regional Commission
    gave a brief history of TRORC, grants that are available to apply for, helping Towns with Town Plans.
  7. John Rice asked the Board for their approval for John to make #18 Thorn Road
    passable. John will do the work at no cost to the town. The Selectboard members agreed to let John work on Thorn Road once an application for work within the town right-of-way had been filed with the Town. Rick agreed to work with SB member as site overseer.
  8. A motion by Leyna Hoyt to approve First Class Hotel License for inside and outside
    consumption permit for Georgia Amanda Mallan, Hubbleshire Farm.
  9. This was seconded by Jesse Kay and all members were in favor. Motion was approved. 11. Kasey Peterson gave an update on the Grant work.
  10. Leyna Hoyt moved to accept all Orders presented to the Selectboard, Jesse Kay
    seconded the move. All orders have been approved.
    13.Future agenda items; Equipment replacement plan, lawn mowing, Sherriff department,
    CVSWMD Board of Directors appointment
    14.Posting of the Highway Maintenance Employee position to Facebook Community Page,
    Front Porch Forum, VLCT.
  11. William Lyon motioned for the meeting to adjourn, seconded by Leyna Hoyt. All members approved.
  12. Meeting adjourned at 9:11 pm
    Meeting minutes drafted by
    Patty Swahn
    Administrative Assisant
    1
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Selectboard Meeting Minutes – Mar 14, 2023

Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Minutes (Draft) March 28, 2023

Selectboard present: Kevin Marshia, Chair, Kelly Lyford, Vice Chair, William Lyon, Leyna Hoyt and Jesse Kay

Other Employees present: Patty Swahn, Administrative Assistant and Kasey Peterson, Grant Writer, Karen Lathrop, Town Clerk,
Gayle Durkee, Town Treasurer, Rick Ackerman, Highway Foreman

Others present: Rella and John Rice, Chris Bump, VTrans,
Rita Seto and Peter Gregory, Two Rivers Ottaquechee Regional Commission

  1. Call meeting to order – Kevin called the meeting to order at 6:29pm
  2. Conflict of interest disclosure – None
  3. Additions to the agenda –Appointment of a Library Trustee
  4. Public Comments – No public comments
  5. The approved minutes from March 14, 2023, meeting, were passed due to not all members of the Selectboard having read the meeting minutes.
  6. Chris Bump from VTrans presented information about the grants through VTrans
  7. Rita Seto and Peter Gregory from Two Rivers Ottaquechee Regional Commission gave a brief history of TRORC, grants that are available to apply for, helping Towns with Town Plans.
  8. John Rice asked the Board for their approval for John to make #18 Thorn Road passable. John will do the work at no cost to the town. The Selectboard members agreed to let John work on Thorn Road once an application for work within the town right-of-way had been filed with the Town. Rick agreed to work with SB member as site overseer.
  9. A motion by Leyna Hoyt to approve First Class Hotel License for inside and outside consumption permit for Georgia Amanda Mallan, Hubbleshire Farm. This was seconded by Jesse Kay and all members were in favor. Motion was approved.
  10. Kasey Peterson gave an update on the Grant work.
  11. Leyna Hoyt moved to accept all Orders presented to the Selectboard, Jesse Kay seconded the move. All orders have been approved.
  12. Future agenda items; Equipment replacement plan, lawn mowing, Sherriff department, CVSWMD Board of Directors appointment
  13. Posting of the Highway Maintenance Employee position to Facebook Community Page,
    Front Porch Forum, VLCT.
  14. William Lyon motioned for the meeting to adjourn, seconded by Leyna Hoyt.
    All members approved.
  15. Meeting adjourned at 9:11 pm

Meeting minutes drafted by
Patty Swahn
Administrative Assisant

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Selectboard Meeting Agenda – Mar 14, 2023

Selectboard Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
6:30pm
Chelsea Town Hall
1. Call meeting to order
2. Organizational Meeting
a. Select Chair and Vice Chair
b. Determine meeting rules of procedure
c. Set meeting dates, location, and times for regular meetings
d. Determine process for calling special and emergency meetings
e. Select Newspaper of Record
3. Conflict of interest disclosure
4. Additions to the agenda
5. Public Comments
6. Welcome and Introductions – Patti Swahn – New Administrative Assistant!
7. Approve Minutes:
a. February 21, 2023
b. February 23, 2023
8. Grants
a. Sidewalk Project Update
b. Clean Water State Revolving Fund – Wastewater plant possibility
c. Pump Station Grant – status, next steps
d. VTrans grants – possible bridge grant application
e. Town Hall planning options
9. Highway Department
a. General updates
b. Paving project bid/discussion
10.Website Update/Discussion
11.Virtual Meeting Discussion
12.Town Hall –
a. furnace/oil tank update
b. Div. Fire Safety report
13.Use of Village Green Request – Chelsea Farmers Market
14.Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District – Board of Directors
appointment
15.Wastewater Plant Update
16.Liaisons – Roles, Responsibilities and Expectations
17.Future Agendas – Discussion on potential future items
a. Otter Creek Engineering wastewater/water system
b. Town boards and commission updates/discussions
18.Approve Orders
19.Executive Session – Personnel (if necessary)
20.Adjourn

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Special Selectboard Meeting Minutes – Feb 23, 2023

Special Selectboard Meeting Minutes (draft)
February 23, 2023 – Chelsea Town Hall
Selectboard present: Kevin Marshia, Chair, Kelly Lyford, Vice Chair, Leyna Hoyt and William Lyon
Employees present: Karen Lathrop, Town Clerk

  1. Call to order -Kevin brought the meeting to order at 6:15 pm.
  2. Appoint Moderator- Board read the email sent by Emily Libby Marshia. Kevin recused himself
    due to a conflict of interest. Kelly Lyford asked for a motion. Leyna Hoyt moved to appoint Emily
    Libby Marshia as Moderator for Town Meeting Day, seconded by William Lyon. Kelly called the
    vote and the motion passed.
  3. Set Organizational Meeting Date and Time- Kelly moved to have the organizational meeting on
    March 9, 2023 at 6:30 PM at the Chelsea Town Hall, seconded by Leyna Hoyt. No discussion.
    Motion passed.
  4. Adjourn – Leyna Hoyt moved to adjourn at 6:20 pm with William Lyon seconding the motion. No
    discussion, motion passed.
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Selectboard Meeting Minutes – Feb 21, 2023

Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Minutes (draft)
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Selectboard present: Kevin Marshia, Chair, Kelly Lyford, Vice Chair, Leyna Hoyt, William
Lyon.
Town Employees present: Karen Lathrop, Town Clerk, Michael Whipple, Emergency
Wastewater Liaison, Rick Ackerman, Highway Dept Head.
Others present: Chris Belcher, Videographer, Nate Billings, Cloverpatch Water Services.

  1. Call meeting to order – Kevin called the meeting to order at 6:31 PM.
  2. Conflict of interest disclosure – No conflicts disclosed.
  3. Additions to the agenda – Kevin noted the Treasurer had included a request to use the
    Common.
  4. Public Comments – No comments reported.
    With Board support, Kevin moved Agenda items 9 and 8 up due to weather constraints.
  5. Wastewater Plant Update
    a. Clarifier repairs – Mike Whipple reported the clarifier went back online on February
    15, 2023. The part was sourced by Tony Bullard online for substantial savings to the
    Town. Mike stated he would like to have the old gearbox rebuilt as a replacement
    part for future needs. The bronze gear could be sourced for over $2,000.00 from
    Windswift, but Tony was searching for better pricing or different manufacturer.
    Mike noted the gear ratio had changed, it is now faster but if there are issues with
    “wasting” in can be slowed down. He reported Tony had to do some work on the
    gear shaft but still significantly less money overall. He will keep the Board updated.
    Mike reported he ordered chemicals for an upcoming He has been in contact with
    Nolan as to what chemicals the plant required. He has been sourcing pricing for
    chlorination pumps as it was noted it was on the list of items needing replacement.
    No prices yet. Board would address computer needs later in the meeting. Mike
    reported they had been monitoring the ice on the water tank. They were lowering the
    level last week but now it has melted, everything seemed fine, so the water level
    would be going back up. The Board thanked Mike, Nate and Rick for their continued
    hard work the last 4 months to keep the plant running.
    b. Operation proposal – Kevin reported the Board had received a contract proposal for
    the Water/Wastewater plant. He asked Nate to introduce himself. Nate gave a
    synopsis of his work history. He was primarily Water Systems but willing to work
    Wastewater and has signed up for all the State requirements as far as classes and
    certifications go. He stated both Mike and he were looking at the numbers for doing
    contract ops as a business. Kevin stated Mike had reached out to see if the Town was
    interested in something like that. The Board looked at the proposal and went through
    it with Nate. The Board asked questions about whether our permit with the State
    would allow it. It was noted they both have Water Licenses and Mike has a
    Wastewater license. Kelly to look at our State permit. It was noted they might need
    to call on Rick for a few things. Kelly asked for some clarification of who would be
    at the plant on a daily basis. Rick or someone during the week, but not on the
    weekend. There was discussion of the confined space issue which would hopefully
    be resolved with a future upgrade. Nathan spoke to making an asset management
    plan. There was discussion about the competitive bid process. Board thanked them
    for the proposal and the discussion and noted they would have to do some permit
    review before committing to anything. Contract would be for one year.
    c. Position Update – Kevin noted he made some headway but not ready yet.
  6. Highway
    a. VT 110 Paving project update – Email from Karen to Kevin on VTRANS project
    involving paving within our infrastructure area. Kevin noted there was an upcoming
    state paving project ( 2024) and he needed to contact Otter Creek Engineering for a
    digital copy of our infrastructure plan. He stated that made him think of what the
    Town needs were and if Rick knew of any necessary. There was a discussion of
    some areas that could be improved. Rick interested in be a part of a walk thru with
    someone from the State to see if Town needs could be accommodated within the
    scope of their project. Board was in favor of Kevin coordinating the process.
    b. Position Update – Leyna passed out a draft for the highway position which the Board
    reviewed. There was discussion on including a medical card for new hires going
    forward. There was also discussion with Rick on whether there should be a limit to
    how far out a person should live if they are on the Road Crew. Leyna to add items
    into position description and email new draft to Board and Rick for further
    discussion
    c. General Updates- The Board asked Rick for any updates. Rick stated the need to
    discuss mowing for the year. Rick noted being down a full time person, he would not
    have time to mow. Upon Kevin’s request for historical information on mowing Rick
    explained how it had been done in the past. Rick listed all the places the Town
    mowed. 12-13 hours to do all the mowing. Bill felt the mowing cannot be put off.
    Rick stated he could mow a few times until the Board gets something in place. Karen
    noted an RFP was made, Jeremy Farnham had given the Town some numbers. Rick
    would like the Board to sub out the Rec Field as it takes 4 hours to mow. There was
    discussion about who maintained the commons as far as limb pick up. That falls in to
    Rick as well. There was also a discussion on stockpiling gravel, usage amount. Rick
    stated used 5000 yds last year, but it was a bad year. There was discussion on where
    best to locate one. The Board had a discussion about equipment replacement. Rick
    reported they used to have a 10 year replacement plan and most warranty plans are 7
    years. He noted it is two years to get a truck delivered from time of order. Loaders
    not such a long timeline since the Loader is 22 years old. Rick to send the Board a
    list of current equipment and equipment replacement plan. There was Board
    discussion on future asset management plan for roads. Board would like to have him
    at the March 21st meeting if possible.
    Paving East Randolph- $175,000.00 from State and money from budget would add
    up to $425,000. Grant must be used by fall. Rick to meet with Caleb O’Connor,
    from Pike tomorrow around $82-83/Ton. Kevin, has it historically been bid? Rick ,
    no we used to just pick one as could not get people to bid. Used to use Blacktop and
    now use Pike as is usually cheaper.
    There was a brief discussion on whether to go for a Bridge grant. Rick does not feel
    the bridges have anything to be done on them. He reported someone hit part of the
    Moxley bridge, couple of braces cracked and broke a 2 x 4 that holds boards on.
    Nothing structural broken. The Board thanked Rick for coming in.
  7. Approve Minutes:
    a. January 31, 2023 – Kelly Lyford moved to accept the January 31, 2023 minutes
    with Leyna Hoyt seconding the motion. No discussion, motion passed.
    b. February 7, 2023-Leyna Hoyt moved to February 7, 2023 minutes with edits.
    Kelly Lyford seconded the motion. No discussion, motion passed.
  8. Administrative Assistant position update –Kelly Lyford reported the AA hired. Her first day to
    to be March 2, 2023, the informational meeting and first full office day, March 6.
  9. Grants
    a. Sidewalk Project Update – Kevin reported the RFP close to going out to bid. He has
    worked with Kasey Peterson on it. A letter will be sent to property owners so they
    know what is coming. All permits from VTRANS have been obtained. Kasey to look
    into the link issue to the website.
    b. Clean Water State Revolving Fund – Wastewater plant possibility – Kevin reported
    that Kasey sat in on a webinar. There is a short application to put together for items
    to be considered. You are then put on a list and then you can make arequest. It has to
    be in by March 1, 2023. Kevin to call Ottercreek and get the report and put some
    items from it on the list. Items from the Wastewater plant, like the Chloride room.
    The Town would not encumbered by putting this application in to the State. Later the
    Town could provide estimates. Kevin would like to work on it. Board approves
    Kevin to work with Kasey on the grant.
    c. Pump Station Grant – status, next steps – will wait for Kasey and ask her to take on
    this grant.
    d. VTrans grants – possible bridge grant application- Kevin will follow up on the grant
    and see if there are any items that we need to have on the bridges that are
    preventative measures and should be pursued. SAM update- Kelly stated it is a
    clunky site. There are people attached to the account that have left the Town’s
    employ and Kelly stated Kevin needed to be attached to the Sam Account so that is
    why Kevin rying to update it so another person has to be on it, and she sent Kevin an
    email.
  10. Informational Meeting and Town Meeting preparation
    a. Draft budget presentation – Board asked if the posting for the informational meeting
    was done. Karen stated informational meeting warning was posted in Town, on
    website and out on several sites. Only necessary to put in paper if you have public
    questions or budget items. Kevin passed out a draft of potential talking points for the
    budget that he will go over with Gayle. He noted he might make some slides for the
    the meeting.
    The Board asked if they needed to do anything for Town Meeting. Karen mentioned
    she had asked Bill Smith for a loan of their sound system but had not had a chance to
    look at the stage sets that were still on the stage. Board offered their help in moving
    items. Discussion about appointing a Moderator. Clerk to post Special Meeting
    warning for March 23, 2023 at 6:15 PM for the Board.
    11.Division of Fire Safety Report – Kelly Lyford reported it was not in yet but had reached out
    by email.
  11. Computer purchase update – Gayle worked with Derrick from Caulkins to get better
    pricing and they recommend a HP Pro-book ($850). One for Wastewater and one for AA.
    Board is good with Gayle going forward with the purchase.
  12. Use of the commons – Kevin read the email from Phyllis for use of the common as they
    have in the past on July 6-8
    th. All forms complete. Kelly Lyford moved to allow the
    Chelsea Flea Market Committee to use the commons as needed July 6-8
    th. Leyna Hoyt
    seconded the motion. No discussion, motion passed.
  13. Policy Considerations
    a. Purchasing policy- Board discussed the purchase policy changes with the Clerk. In
    looking over the policy they noted other areas that needed adjustment to language
    such as a section on Competitive Bidding and striking a line in the minor purchases.
    Kevin defined what a minor purchase, major purchase and competitive bidding would
    be. Kelly feels $2,000 is to high not to get bids. Need more than one bidder. Clerk
    suggested revisions to Kevin. Probably should hold off until after Town Meeting
    when they would have a full board.
    b. Class IV Roads policy- passed over until after March 21st Meeting.
    c. Others – None
    15.Approve Orders – Kelly Lyford moved to approve orders. Bill Lyon seconded the motion.
    No discussion. Motion passed.
  14. Executive Session- Personnel Leyna Hoyt moved to enter into executive session for
    personnel at 8:45 pm. Kelly Lyford seconded the motion. No discussion. Motion passed.
    Kelly Lyford moved to exit executive session at 9:29 pm. Bill Lyon seconded the motion.
    No discussion. Motion passed.
    Action- Wastewater Plant operation and need more follow up going forward. Discussed
    medical card as a qualification of the highway department position.
    Bill noted there are more complaints on the log pile which is growing. He feels there should
    have been more clarification. The log pile was supposed to be gone in 30 days, not the
    project needed to finish in 13 days. Bill has a contact and is instructed to contact them to let
    them know the logs need to be removed.
    Bill will contact Mr. Hastings about the tractor trailer and let him know he must come to a
    Board meeting to request use of the old sand pile area to park.
    17.Adjourn- Leyna Hoyt moved to adjourn at 0:34 pm. Bill seconded the motion. No
    discussion. Motion passed.