Selectboard Presentation on Water and Wastewater Rates – April 15, 2025
For residents unable to make it to the meeting or who had trouble seeing the slideshow, please see the presentation below from the Selectboard.
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Agendas | News | Selectboard
Selectboard Meeting Agenda – April 15, 2024
| Selectboard Meeting Agenda |
| April 15th, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall |
| Call to Order |
| Additions to the Agenda |
| Conflict of Interest Disclosure |
| Public Comments |
| Approve Minutes from April 1, 2025 |
| Current Events and Updates |
| A. Highway Update |
| B. Town Administrator Update |
| C. Water and Sewer Rate Increase Public Discussion |
| Action Items |
| A. Pedestrian Bridge |
| B. Creamery Rd Drainage Issue |
| C. New Creation Fellowship Easter Egg Hunt Greens Request |
| D. Chelsea Senior Baseball Roberts Gould Field Request |
| E. Signature: Forest and Parks Commission Grant Acceptance |
| F. 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 |
2024 Consumer Confidence Report
This report is a snapshot of the quality of the water that we provided in 2024. Included are the details about where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state standards. We are committed to providing you with information because informed customers are our best allies. This report is designed to inform you about the quality water and services we deliver to you every day. To learn more, please attend any of our regularly scheduled meetings which are held at Chelsea’s regular Selectboard meetings on the first and third Tuesday of every month at the Chelsea Town Hall.
The person who can answer questions is Mike Whipple Telephone: 802-685-7727 and/or Email: wschiefoperator@chelseavt.us
You can read the report here: Consumer Confidence Report 2024
DRAFT Selectboard Meeting Minutes – April 1, 2025
| Selectboard Meeting Minutes |
| April 1st, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall Library |
| Call to Order |
| Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:31 pm. SELECTBOARD Gregg Herrin (Present) Curtis Chase (Present) Paul Libby (Present) Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present until 8:30 pm) Kevin Marshia (Absent) TOWN EMPLOYEES Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman) |
| Additions to the Agenda |
| Community Nursing: Paul Libby had spoken with a representative for the Health Center regarding expected contribution for the community nurse contract. Tierney Farago stated that the approved budget for the Town’s contribution was up to $20,000. The Town and the Health Center will need to discuss cost sharing further while the draft contract is written, as well as how both parties expect to invoice/be invoiced for those fees. The Town Administrator will follow up with the Health Center while writing the contract for services. |
| Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None |
| Public Comments |
| Tim Courts attended the meeting to ask questions regarding the water and wastewater system. Some of his questions included how the system is funded and how it is beneficial to users and non-users. The Selectboard will gather answers to his questions so they can be addressed during the April 15th meeting where the fee increase will be discussed in further detail. |
| Approve Minutes from March 6, 2025 and March 18, 2025 |
| Carre Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to approve the minutes from March 6th and March 18th; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed. |
| Current Events and Updates |
| A. Highway Update |
| Rick Ackerman updated the Selectboard that he received some additional quotes for transmission work for the truck that is in the shop, which would be closer to $10,000 rather than the original $17,000. After some discussion regarding repairing the truck, the Selectboard agreed to have Rick work with the auto shops and have the truck repaired as needed. Paul Libby made a motion to make repairs to the truck not to exceed $18,000; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed. Rick Ackerman and Paul Libby also brought up the new timeline for the new truck that the Selectboard previously approved. The truck was originally expected to be completed by the end of 2025, but the truck is now delayed and expected to be completed by May of 2026. The Selectboard will reassess the selection and see if the truck is necessary before winter 2025. |
| B. Town Administrator Update |
| The Town Administrator informed the Selectboard that reimbursements for several FEMA projects have been released to the treasurer. The remaining projects are being reviewed by FEMA. |
| C. Forest and Parks Commission Grant Announcements |
| The Town Administrator announced that the Forest and Parks Commission received another grant; the commission now has two grants, one for the removal of trees and one for the planting of replacement trees. The Selectboard greatly appreciates their hard work and is very excited to see the project completed. |
| Action Items |
| A. Water and Sewer Rate Increase |
| The Selectboard reviewed the draft notice of the proposed water/sewer fees that will be included in this quarter’s bills. They agreed to have an informational session regarding the topic of changing fees during the April 15th Selectboard meeting. This item will be advertised to the public to drive resident engagement to determine the final fee increase. No motion required. |
| B. Transfer Station Construction Trailers |
| The Selectboard discussed the construction trailer that is usually ordered to the transfer station during spring. Currently, Myers charges the Town $60 dollars for each large item in the trailer like couches, recliners, and mattresses in addition to the normal price charge per ton. The current prices charged at the transfer station for these items do not cover that extra surcharge, causing a deficiency in transfer station funds since the change was implemented last summer. The Selectboard considered increasing the prices charged for those items to at least balance what the Town is being charged for by Myers. The Selectboard gave permission for staff to order the trailer to be delivered. Gregg Herrin made a motion to increase the price for these large items to $65; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed. |
| C. Jonathan Maier Highway Permit |
| The Selectboard reviewed additional information regarding Mr. Maier’s right-of-way permit and determined that it is able to be approved. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the right-of-way permit; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed. |
| D. VTrans Grant Application for Signatures |
| Signatures for the submission of the 2026 VTrans grant were required from the Selectboard. Rick Ackerman will be submitting a paving grant request for Upper Village Rd. Paul Libby made a motion to sign the grant application once Rick Ackerman completes the paperwork; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed. |
| E. VTrans East Randolph Rd Grant Agreement |
| A grant agreement needed to be signed for work that has already been completed for East Randolph Rd. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to allow Tierney Farago to sign the grant agreement; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed. |
| F. Free Verse Farm Liquor License |
| The Town Clerk had a pending liquor license renewal for the Free Verse Farm Store. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to approve the renewal of the license; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed. |
| G. Approve Orders |
| Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the orders; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed. |
| Executive Session If Necessary |
| Paul Libby made a motion to enter executive session for a personnel item, inviting Tierney Farago; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. The Selectboard entered executive session at 8:57 pm. Paul Libby made a motion to exit executive session; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Executive session ended at 9:12 pm. Personnel was discussed and no action was taken. |
| Adjournment |
| Curtis Chase made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 9:13 pm. |
Agendas | News | Selectboard
Selectboard Meeting Agenda – April 1, 2025
Selectboard Meeting Agenda
April 1st, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall Library
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
III. CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE
IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS
V.APPROVE MINUTES FROM MARCH 6, 2025 AND MARCH 18, 2025
VI. CURRENT EVENTS AND UPDATES
A. Highway Update
B. Town Administrator Update
C. Forest and Parks Commission Grant Announcements
VII. ACTION ITEMS
A. Water and Sewer Rate Increase
B. Transfer Station Construction Trailers
C. Jonathan Maier Highway Permit
D. VTrans Grant Application for Signatures
E. VTrans East Randolph Rd Grant Agreement
F. Free Verse Farm Liquor License
G. Approve Orders
VIII.EXECUTIVE SESSION IF NECESSARY
IX. ADJOURNMENT
Links to join the Selectboard Meeting:
https://meet.google.com/fwf-ayyb-acq
https://www.youtube.com/@chelseavtselectboardofficial/streams
DRAFT Selectboard Meeting Minutes – March 18, 2025
| Selectboard Meeting Minutes |
| March 18th, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall Library |
| Call to order |
| Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:34 pm. SELECTBOARD Gregg Herrin (Present) Kevin Marshia (Present, Left at 8:18pm) Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present) Paul Libby (Present) Curtis Chase (Present) TOWN EMPLOYEES Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer) Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman) |
| Additions to the Agenda |
| Gayle Durkee asked to add a secondary signer to the Town’s accounts, namely her assistant treasurer Kasey Peterson. This will ensure there is always a secondary check for all of the town’s finances. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to add Kasey Peterson as a secondary signer on the Town’s bank account; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed. |
| Conflict of Interest Disclosure |
| Carrie Caouette-De Lallo let the Selectboard know that she is the applicant for the Village Greens request and would be abstaining from a vote. Gregg Herrin also mentioned that he is acquaintances with Mr. Maier, so he would be abstaining from a vote as well. |
| Public Comments |
| A public comment was read during the community nursing item. |
| Approve Minutes from March 6, 2025 |
| The selectboard was unable to review the minutes. This item was tabled until the next meeting. |
| Current Events and Updates |
| A. Highway Update |
| Rick Ackerman updated the Selectboard on a truck that was sent for repairs; the early assessment is that it may need a new transmission, and he was quoted $17,000 for it excluding labor. Rick will reach out for additional quotes to see if that may decrease the estimated price and will bring them to the next Selectboard meeting. |
| B. Town Administrator Update: None |
| C. Vacant Town Positions Interest |
| This guest was not in attendance. |
| Action Items |
| A. Susan Elder: Forest and Parks Commission Grant and Forest Management Plan Next Steps |
| Susan Elder and Kate Willard attended the meeting to discuss how to best notify residents of the grant the Forest and Parks Commission was recently awarded. Tierney will work with Susan to create a press release to post on social media and send to the Herald for publication. Kate Willard brought up the need to take the next steps to adhere to the adopted Forest Management Plan. The selectboard agreed that it was best to reach out to the Orange County Forester to get on their books for a timber sale, expected to begin in 2027. Kevin Marshia made a motion to work with the Orange County Forester; Carrie Caouettte-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed. |
| B. Kate McLean: Library Grant Contractors |
| Kate McLean attended virtually to present the vendor information the library has gathered to move forward with installing an ADA accessible automatic door mechanism at Town Hall. This work is funded by a grant the library received to help upgrade the library to be ADA accessible. A mechanical box will be installed above the current right-hand entrance door at Town Hall, and two wireless buttons will be installed, inside and outside, to access the door. Because this is grant funded, this work would not be at the expense of the town and can be scheduled as soon as the Selectboard approves the work. Kate will notify the Town Administrator when the work can occur so residents can be informed. Kevin Marshia made a motion to approve the automatic doors; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed. |
| C. Water and Sewer Rate Increase |
| Gregg Herrin presented some of the price increase options he created based on the need to bring the water/sewer system out of a deficit. After some discussion of the history of the topic, the Selectboard felt that it was necessary to give additional time to notify residents of the coming increase in water and sewer fees, to be determined at a future Selectboard meeting. Inserts will be included in the bills that will go out in April, with the anticipated increase taking effect in the third quarter bills. No motion was made. |
| D. Community Nurse Request for Proposal |
| Before beginning, Gregg Herrin asked Tierney Farago to read a public comment regarding this item, as it was received the same day as the meeting. Carol Hall submitted a comment urging the Selectboard to consider all options before hiring a community nurse. The Selectboard considered the input. The new Selectboard members were updated by Gregg Herrin on some of the history of the proposal for background so they can accurately vote on the topic. The Selectboard agreed to accept the proposal and begin writing an official contract for final signature at an upcoming Selectboard meeting. Kevin Marshia made a motion to accept the proposal; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed. |
| E. Chelsea Arts Collective Village Green Request |
| The Cheslea Arts Collective would like to hold their Chelsea Arts on the Green Festival on August 30th from 10 am-3 pm. There were no previously scheduled conflicts for that day. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the Chelsea Arts on the Green Festival for August 30th from 10 am-3 pm; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo abstained, as she was the applicant. Motion passed. |
| F. Jonathan Maier Highway Permit |
| This item was tabled, as the Selectboard had additional questions on the scope of work being performed. No motion was made. |
| G. Tad Boardman Contract for Excavation Work at Garage |
| The Selectboard discussed the process of receiving and signing off on contracts for work that has already been done. This is generally done for contracts that were under the purchasing policy threshold and were done in between Selectboard meetings. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the contract for Tad Boardman; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed. |
| H. Larry Pickett Contract for Hauling Sand |
| Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to approve the contract for Larry Pickett; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed. |
| I. Approve Orders |
| Paul Libby made a motion to approve the orders; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed. |
| Executive Session If Necessary |
| Paul Libby mentioned that he had a personnel item for executive session. Gregg Herrin made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Tierney Farago to the conversation; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. The Selectboard entered executive session at 9:39pm. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to exit executive session; Curtis Chases seconded the motion. Executive session was ended at 10:11 pm. Gregg Herrin summarized that the Selectboard discussed personnel and no motions were made. |
| Adjournment |
| Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 10:12 pm. |
Agendas | News | Selectboard
Selectboard Meeting Agenda – March 18, 2025
| Selectboard Meeting Agenda |
| March 18th, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall Library |
| Call to Order |
| Additions to the Agenda |
| Conflict of Interest Disclosure |
| Public Comments |
| Approve Minutes from March 6, 2025 |
| Current Events and Updates |
| A. Highway Update |
| B. Town Administrator Update |
| C. Tom Caffery: Vacant Town Positions Interest |
| Action Items |
| A. Susan Elder: Forest and Parks Commission Grant and Forest Management Plan Next Steps |
| B. Kate McLean: Library Grant Contractors |
| C. Water and Sewer Rate Increase |
| D. Community Nurse Request for Proposal |
| E. Chelsea Arts Collective Village Green Request |
| F. Jonathan Maier Highway Permit |
| G. Tad Boardman Contract for Excavation Work at Garage |
| H. Larry Pickett Contract for Hauling Sand |
| 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 |