News

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Selectboard Meeting Agenda – January 21, 2025

ByTierney Farago
​​Selectboard Meeting Agenda​  
January 21st, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall Library 
​Call to Order​ 
Additions to the Agenda 
Conflict of Interest Disclosure 
Public Comments 
Approve Minutes from January 14, 2025 
Current Events and Updates 
A. Highway Update 
B. Town Administrator Update 
Action Items 
A. Recreation Committee Mowing Budget – John Parker 
B. Windsor County Police 
C. Budget Review and Finalization 
D. Town Meeting Warning 
E. Approve Orders 
Executive Session If Necessary 
Adjournment​ 
Links to join the Selectboard Meeting:       
https://meet.google.com/fwf-ayyb-acq 
https://www.youtube.com/@chelseavtselectboardofficial/streams 
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DRAFT Selectboard Meeting Minutes – January 14, 2025

ByTierney Farago
​​Selectboard Meeting Minutes​  
January 14th, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall  
 ​Call to Order​ 
Kevin Marshia called the meeting to order at 6:31 pm. 
SELECTBOARD 
Kevin Marshia (Present) 
Kelly Lyford (Present) 
Gregg Herrin (Present) 
Leyna Hoyt (Present) 
TOWN EMPLOYEES 
Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) 
Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer) 
Karen Lathrop (Town Clerk) 
 Additions to the Agenda 
-Kelly Lyford added the item of her resignation to the agenda. Kelly informed the Selectboard that she would not be finishing her term (term expires in 2026) and instead would like to resign effective immediately. Gregg Herrin made a motion to accept Kelly’s resignation; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed.  To help the Selectboard keep a quorum, she asked the Selectboard to appoint her to the vacant position left by Jesse Kay until Town Meeting Day, where another member can be elected in her place. Gregg Herrin made a motion to appoint Kelly to the vacant 2 year term Selectboard position until the election is held; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed. Karen Lathrop was present to swear Kelly Lyford into office.  
-Billy Lyon was nominated to be appointed to the newly vacant Selectboard role left by Kelly Lyford. Gregg Herrin made a motion to appoint Billy Lyon to the Selectboard until an election occurs on Town Meeting Day; Kevin Marshia seconded the motion. Motion passed. Mr. Lyon will be sworn in at the Town Clerk’s office when he has some availability.  
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None 
Public Comments 
Maryann McCann attended the Selectboard meeting to express her concerns regarding funds that were dispersed to the Chelsea Spotlight in 2023. Maryann stated that she has filed a tax fraud complaint with the State of Vermont regarding this funding. She was also seeking official commentary from the Selectboard regarding the claims that the request and funds were made illegally. The Selectboard disagrees with her stance and will verify that the steps taken to have the item voted on during Town Meeting were correct.  
Approve Minutes from December 3, 2024 and December 17, 2024 
Leyna Hoyt made a motion to approve the minutes from December 3 and December 17 with edits made by Kevin Marshia; Kelly Lyford seconded the motion. Motion passed.  
 current events and updates 
A. Highway Update 
The Town Administrator informed the Selectboard that the road crew is keeping the roads in great working shape. There were no significant updates other than the recent Stantec work occurring on Edwards Rd, Doyle Rd, and Maple Ave for the engineering report that is being conducted for the Town.  
B. Town Administrator Update 
Town Report Schedule and Preparation: The Town Administrator shared the calendar of deadlines for Town Meeting Day with the Selectboard. The Town Report is coming along and only needs a few more final additions before it can be sent to the printer at the end of the month. 
C. Sudie Marcuse Piano Repairs 
Sudie Marcuse obtained a quote for piano repair for the historic piano located in Town Hall. These repairs would be funded privately by donation and would restore the piano so that it may be used in the future. The Selectboard thank Sudie for her work and greatly appreciate the help in preserving a historic feature of Town Hall.  
D. Delinquent Water Bills 
The Town Administrator and Town Treasurer informed the Selectboard that residents will be notified for non-payment on water bills soon. There will be a short period of time before the water will be shut off. Those wishing to make payments can visit the Treasurer during her office hours.  
Action Items 
A. Interim Zoning Administrator  
The Selectboard and members from the DRB discussed needing an interim Zoning Administrator. Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission may be able to help with permits and any existing cases until a permanent ZA has been appointed; they will attend the February 4th meeting. The Town Administrator will work with the DRB for any meetings or warnings they may need to schedule.  
B. Zoning Violation Fees 
The Selectboard and members from the DRB discussed the need for violation fees to be established. There is some confusion on whether or not the Selectboard needs to determine the fee schedule and create an ordinance, or if the fees need to be established in the Zoning Bylaws. Representatives from the Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission have volunteered to attend the February 4th meeting to further explain the process to the Town. No fees were determined during this meeting until more information has been gathered.  
C. Susan Elder: Forest and Parks Commission Grants, Approval to Plant Trees on Public Property 
Susan Elder is working on two grants for the Forest and Parks Commission and the grants require the Selectboard to give their express permission to plant new trees on public property. The Selectboard did not have any issue with this, as it involves replacing old or dead trees. Gregg Herrin made a motion to allow Susan Elder to apply for these grants and allow trees to be planted on public property; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed.  
D. Library ADA Access Grant: Automatic Doors 
This item was tabled until contractors has been finalized for the work in the library. 
E. Water/Sewer Budget and Fees 
Gregg Herrin prepared cost assessments to increase water and sewer fees to help the Town catch up to the current expenditure for water/sewer services. Fees have not been raised since 2018, which has put a serious strain on the budget, as expenditures have now surpassed revenue. There were several options on an immediate increase followed by smaller incremental rises in fees over several years to help the Town catch up on revenue. Kevin Marshia suggested that the Selectboard present the information to the public on February 4th so that residents understand why the fees need to be increased and how it will affect them. 
F. Transfer Station Budget 
The Selectboard discussed the possibility of cutting down on how much the construction dumpster is used to possibly help cut costs at the Transfer Station. Currently it costs $450 to get the dumpster and $50 to return it, plus the following additional fees: $155 per ton, $60 per mattress and couch (in addition to the tonnage), and an environmental fee of $100 for each time the dumpster is picked up. The Transfer Station employees have mentioned this may help bring costs down since the dumpster is emptied several times while it is in Town from about May-November. The Selectboard will consider this option.  
G. Selectboard Budget 
The Selectboard accepted the proposed budget as outlined by Gayle Durkee, which is in line with the previous year’s budget line items. 
H. Salary Budget 
Leyna Hoyt brought up the possibility of building in the ability for raises for many Town employees so that Chelsea is more comparable to the salaries of surrounding towns. Kevin Marshia requested more statistical information on competitive salaries and believes it to be too late in budget discussions to be able to factor in salary increases beyond what was already calculated for the 2.5% cost-of-living increases.  
I. Miscellaneous Budget Items 
The Selectboard reviewed all budget items to see if there were any immediate issues with . There were some changes a minor items, but the board was satisfied overall. Gayle Durkee will adjust a few line items that needed additional information. There will be a final review of the budget on January 21st.  
J. Town Meeting Warning 
The Town Administrator reviewed a draft of the Town Meeting Warning. Karen Lathrop suggested edits regarding phrasing and the dates. The Town Meeting Warning will be finalized after the budget has been decided at the next meeting.  
K. Approve Orders 
Gregg Herrin made a motion to approve the orders; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed.  
Executive Session If Necessary: None 
​Adjournment​ 
Leyna Hoyt made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 9:53 pm. 

Recreation Committee Meeting – January 14, 2025

ByTierney Farago

Chelsea Recreation Committee Meeting
January 14th, 2025
6:00pm
Zoom

Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/ecg-nnmu-jaz

Agenda:
1) Assign titles to Rec Members:
a) President – Samantha Allen
b) Vice President: Robin Amber
c) Treasure: Neil Kennedy
d) Secretary: Ashley Grote
e) Member: John Parker
f) Member: Ally Hook
g) Open member space: ?
2) Topics
a) Town Report due by 1/17/25
b) Mowing payment
c) Fertilizing the field and who should get a hold of the person to schedule this for this spring.
d) Google Form for trash and field use: (Sam will do this)
e) Saturday morning workouts have been going great. We will continue these classes.
f) Grants: Winter Sports Youth Grant, Byrnes Grant, VT Sports and Rec Grant
g) Softball and Baseball Code of Conduct or rules?
h) Amber Cup Date?
i) Resurface basketball court
j) Spring Clean Up Date for Baseball
k) Tunbridge Rec payment: I haven’t received a check but I will ask Gayle about it.
i) $100.00 flat fee to use the field
ii) All trash needs to be bagged and taken away
iii) Don’t spit gum out on the grass
l) Others?
Next Steps

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Selectboard Meeting Agenda – January 14, 2025

ByTierney Farago
Selectboard Meeting Agenda
January 14th, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
Call to Order
Additions to the Agenda
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Public Comments
Approve Minutes from December 3, 2024 and December 17, 2024
Current Events and Updates
A. Highway Update
B. Town Administrator Update
-Town Report Schedule and Preparation
C. Sudie Marcuse Piano Repairs
D. Delinquent Water Bills
Action Items
A. Interim Zoning Administrator
B. Zoning Violation Fees
C. Susan Elder: Forest and Parks Commission Grants, Approval to Plant Trees on Public Property
D. Library ADA Access Grant: Automatic Doors
E. Water/Sewer Budget and Fees
F. Transfer Station Budget
G. Selectboard Budget
H. Salary Budget
I. Miscellaneous Budget Items
J. Town Meeting Warning
K. Approve Orders
Executive Session If Necessary
Adjournment
Links to join the Selectboard Meeting:     
https://meet.google.com/fwf-ayyb-acq
https://www.youtube.com/@chelseavtselectboardofficial/streams

2025 Offices up for Election

ByKaren Lathrop

2025 Offices up for Election and Consent of Candidate Forms/Petitions may be found on the Elections page of the website. Scroll down to Local Elections in the middle of the page. If you have any questions please give the Clerk a call at 802-685-4460. The office will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday for New Years and open on Thursday with regular hours. Consent of Candidate and Petitions must be turned in to the Clerk’s Office by January 27, 2025 by 5 pm.

Town of Chelsea Request for Proposal: Community Nurse

ByTierney Farago

Town of Chelsea

Request for Proposal: Community Nurse

The Town of Chelsea will be accepting bids for a one-year contract for a community nurse. The community nurse would be part-time, not to exceed 12 hours weekly. The focus of the Community Nurse is on home visiting, teaching, coaching, and integration of services, as well as prevention of disease and promotion of health, for individuals and the community of Chelsea. Responsibilities for the community nurse may include the following:

  • coordination of care among multiple health care providers
  • teaching and assistance in following health care advice
  • assessment of safety in the home to reduce risks of falls and injuries
  • connections to community resources (transportation, senior meals, visiting nurse agencies, etc)
  • family support for issues around aging, chronic illness or end of life
  • support for new mothers
  • referral agent/care coordination for vulnerable members of the congregation and their families
  • patient health advocacy
  • volunteer education/facilitation
  • medication reconciliation
  • initiate advanced directives
  • basic assessments: vital screening (not diagnosing)
  • health care coordination, referrals, and case management
  • discharge planning

Requirements for Community Nurse

-Active Vermont RN License

-Valid driver’s license

-Current CPR/First Aid Certification

-BS in Nursing preferred

-Minimum 3 years’ experience in community, public, home health, or hospice.

Bid Process and Deadline

Bid packages must be sealed and received by February 4th, 2025 at 4:00pm at PO Box 266 Chelsea, VT 05038 (ATTN: Selectboard/ Town Administrator). Please include the following information in your bid:

  • On the outside of the sealed envelope: PO Box 266, Chelsea VT 05038 (care of the Selectboard/Town Administrator), Town of Chelsea Community Nurse RFP, the deadline for bid submission (February 4, 2025, 4:00 pm)
  • A copy of bond/insurance
  • A cover sheet with the title of the RFP; the bidder’s name, physical address, and all other contact information
  • A cost estimate with a total proposed contract amount for 1 year of service
  • Resume of experience, references, and qualifications

Bid Opening

Sealed bids will be opened and selected by the Chelsea Selectboard during the Selectboard meeting at Town Hall (296 Vt Rte 110 Chelsea, VT 05038) on February 4th, 2025 at 6:30 pm. Bids will be judged by the following factors:

  • Price
  • Quality of the services proposed
  • Bidder’s qualifications, experience, and reputation, including any past work for the Town
  • Bidder’s ability to meet all expectations, terms, and conditions spelled out in this RFP

Contact Information

Questions regarding this RFP shall be submitted by mail to the Town Administrator, Tierney Farago, at 301 Vt Route 110, PO Box 266. The Town Administrator will maintain a list of RFP questions and answers posted on the Town’s website when received. Questions regarding the proposal will be accepted until 5:00pm on Friday, January 31, 2025 to ensure all parties have adequate time to review the answers before the proposal submission deadline.

Disclosure

The Town of Chelsea is an equal opportunity employer.

The Selectboard reserves the right at its sole discretion to reject any and all bids, wholly or in part, to waive any informalities or any irregularities therein, to accept any bid even though it may not be the lowest bid, to call for rebids, to negotiate with any bidder, and to make an award which in its sole and absolute judgment will best serve the Town’s interest. The Selectboard reserves the right to investigate the financial condition of any bidder to determine his or her ability to assure service throughout the term of the contract. The Town assumes no responsibility and no liability for costs incurred relevant to the preparation and submission of proposals or any other costs prior to the issuance of a contract.

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Selectboard Minutes – December 17, 2024

ByTierney Farago
Selectboard meeting agenda
December 17th, 2024 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall Library
Call to Order
Kevin Marshia called the meeting to order at 6:33 pm.
SELECTBOARD
Kevin Marshia (Present, left early at 8:00 pm)
Kelly Lyford (Present)
Gregg Herrin (Present)
Leyna Hoyt (Present, joined late)
TOWN EMPLOYEES
Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)
Rick Ackerman (Highway Supervisor)
Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer)
Karen Lathrop (Town Clerk)
Tom Swann (Maintenance)
Additions to the Agenda: None
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
Public Comments
-A letter from Frank Keene was received and read during the meeting regarding the pedestrian bridge. He reiterated the fact that he would need to purchase materials for the bridge soon in order to get a discount with his supplier. The Selectboard agreed that they should allow him to purchase materials so he doesn’t miss out on the discount. Progress has been slow with Vermont Emergency Management and FEMA. Gregg Herrin made a motion to allow Frank to move forward with the pedestrian bridge project, working with the Town to submit permits; Kelly Lyford seconded the motion. Motion passed.
-The Selectboard brought up emergency water and sewer expenses as detailed by the Treasurer. The department is in dire need of funds and the Selectboard was required to make a motion on where the funds would come from in order to pay for the contracted services. Gregg Herrin made a motion to move $40,000 from the surplus funds to the water/sewer fund; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Approve minutes from November 19, 2024 and December 3, 2024
Gregg Herrin made a motion to approve the minutes from November 19th; Kelly Lyford seconded the motion. Motion Passed. Gregg Herrin made a motion to approve the minutes from December 3rd; Kevin Marshia seconded the motion while Kelly Lyford abstained. Due to only having three selectboard members at the time, the item will be tabled until the next meeting. Motion was unsuccessful.
Current Events and Updates
A. Highway Update
Rick Ackerman reported that all is well in training Larry and Tom. Labor was required for one of the trucks after a part broke down.
B. Town Administrator Update: None
C. Pedestrian Bridge Update
The pedestrian bridge was discussed during the reading of Frank Keene’s letter.
D. Library Capital Improvement Plan
Kezia Frayjo attended the meeting to give an overview of the library capital improvement project. In addition to the grant they received for ADA improvements, they will be working on upgrading the library in the coming months, including getting printers and computer for the public, fixing broken blinds, replacing old cushions, opening up the space for more movement, and overall improving the library space for the public.
E. Carrie De Lallo Chelsea Exhibit
Carrie Caouette-De Lallo will have her art exhibit for Chelsea displayed at the state capital building. There will be an event for the exhibit on January 16th from 3:00 – 5:00 pm and all are welcome to attend if they are able. An announcement will be posted regarding the exhibit so the public is aware of the event.
Action Items: Please note some items may be tabled due to time constraints
A. Water/Sewer Budget and Fees
This item was tabled until the next meeting.
B. Transfer Station Budget
This item was tabled until the next meeting.
C. Security Camera RFP Bid Opening
The Selectboard opened a bid for security cameras at Town Hall and the Town Garage. The only proposal was from Green Mountain Security with a bid package of $18,706. The Selectboard discussed the proposal’s specifications and qualifications. They had some questions on how the camera videos are stored and how they can be accessed. Due to time constraints of entering in to a contract by December 31st, the agreed to accept the bid and clarify how the images will be stored. Kelly Lyford made a motion to accept the bid from Green Mountain Security, clarify how the videos are stored, and enter into a contract not to exceed $20,000; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed.
D. Selectboard and Clerk Budgets
The Clerk only had a few small adjustments to the Clerk’s budget from 2024. The Selectboard’s budget will be reviewed during the next meeting.
E. Auditor RFP Bid Opening
The Selectboard opened two proposals for auditing services. The Joachim Group CPAs & Consultants LLC offered services for a total bid of $33,352.98. Batchelder Associates, PC offered services for a total bid of $19,500. After reviewing the packages and qualifications, the Selectboard agreed that they would like to accept services from Batchelder Associates PC, under the condition that they would be able to offer a one year contract as opposed to a multi-year contract. If that was not an option, the item would be brought back to the Selectboard for further discussion in January. Gregg Herrin made a motion to accept the bid from Batchelder Associates PC for a one year contract; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed.
F. Zoning Violation Fees
After a short discussion, the Selectboard decided the table this item until they receive more information on what the recommended fee is for zoning violation, as there was not any historical data on how many violations the town gets annually to help decide on a set fee.
G. Town Hall Rental Fees
The Selectboard discussed how often the Town Hall is used with Clerk Karen Lathrop. Currently the rentals account for about $2,180 in revenue, which helps offset the heating bill of $3,800 annually. Because commercial entities rarely book the venue, the Selectboard agreed that the commercial fees should be eliminated. Gregg Herrin made a motion to eliminate commercial fees and continue with only half and full day rental fees; Kelly Lyford seconded the motion. Motion passed.
H. Larry Pickett Contract
The Selectboard signed the culvert work contract for Larry Pickett. No motion was required.
I. Approve Orders
Gregg Herrin made a motion to approve the orders; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Executive Session If Necessary: Personnel
The Selectboard had two items for executive session, both regarding personnel. Leyna Hoyt made a motion to enter executive session; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. The Selectboard Entered executive session at 8:51 pm. Leyna Hoyt made a motion to exit executive session; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. The Selectboard exited executive session at 9:19 pm. The Selectboard took action to determine holiday bonuses.Leyna Hoyt made a motion to enter executive session; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion.  The Selectboard Entered executive session at 9:20 pm. Leyna Hoyt made a motion to exit executive session; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. The Selectboard exited executive session at 9:51 pm. The Selectboard took action to create a job description and post the opening for a zoning administrator when finished.
Adjournment
Leyna Hoyt made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed and the meeting adjourned at 9:52 pm.

Capital for a Day

ByKaren Lathrop

Due to unforeseen circumstances Capital for a Day scheduled at the Chelsea Town Hall has been cancelled.

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Selectboard Meeting Agenda – December 17, 2024

ByTierney Farago
Selectboard Meeting Agenda
December 17th, 2024 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall Library
Call to Order
Additions to the Agenda
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Public Comments
Approve Minutes from November 19, 2024 and December 3, 2024
Current Events and Updates
A. Highway Update
B. Town Administrator Update
C. Pedestrian Bridge Update
D. Library Capital Improvement Plan
E. Carrie De Lallo Chelsea Exhibit
Action Items: Please note some items may be tabled due to time constraints
A. Water/Sewer Budget and Fees
B. Transfer Station Budget
C. Security Camera RFP Bid Opening
D. Selectboard and Clerk Budgets
E. Auditor RFP Bid Opening
F. Zoning Violation Fees
G. Town Hall Rental Fees
H. Larry Pickett Contract
I. Approve Orders
Executive Session If Necessary: Personnel
Adjournment
Links to join the Selectboard Meeting:     
https://meet.google.com/fwf-ayyb-acq
https://www.youtube.com/@ChelseaVTSelectboardOfficial/streams
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DRB Notice of Hearing: December 18, 2024

ByTierney Farago

CHELSEA DRB
NOTICE OF HEARING
CHELSEA TOWN HALL
December 18, 2024
6:00 PM
Public hearing before the Development Review Board (DRB) of the Town of Chelsea, Vermont,
will be held at the Town Hall on Wednesday December 18, 2024 at 6:00 PM to consider the
following:

  1. Conditional Use Review of Application #ZP24-21 by (Diane) Melissa Cox and Josef Cox to
    change the use of an existing accessory structure to a retail shop. This property is
    located in the Village District at 282 VT Route 110 (Parcel#010-047.000).

    Copies of this application and related materials are available for inspection at the office of the
    Town Clerk in Chelsea, VT.
    Participation in this local proceeding is a prerequisite to the right to make any subsequent
    appeal.
    Mary Ellen Parkman, Zoning Administrator/DRB Clerk