News

Request for Proposals: Auditing Services

ByTierney Farago

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

AUDIT SERVICES

TOWN OF CHELSEA, VERMONT

The Town of Chelsea will be accepting bids from qualified firms of Certified Public Accountants for auditing services for the 2024 calendar year ending December 31, 2024.

The desired delivery/completion date of this project is April 30th, 2025.

Bid Process and Deadline

Bid packages must be sealed and received by December 16th 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 Auditing Services RFP, the deadline for bid opening (December 16, 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 total proposed contract amount
  • Technical specifications for the proposed hardware and software

Bid Opening

Sealed bids will be opened and selected by the Chelsea Selectboard during the meeting at Town Hall (296 Vt Rte 110 Chelsea, VT 05038) on December 17th at 6:30 pm. Bids will be judged by the following factors:

  • Price
  • Bidder’s ability to perform within the specified time limits
  • Bidder’s experience and reputation, including past performance for the Town
  • Quality of the services proposed
  • Bidder’s ability to meet all terms and conditions spelled out in this RFP

Contact Information

Questions regarding this RFP shall be submitted by email or phone to the Town Treasurer, Gayle Durkee, at chelseatreas@chelseavt.us, 802-685-7801. The Town will maintain a list of RFP questions and answers posted on the Town’s website when received. Questions will be accepted until 5:00pm on December 13th, 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.

Town of Chelsea: Security Camera RFP

ByTierney Farago

Town of Chelsea: Security Camera RFP

The Town of Chelsea will be accepting bids for a security camera system for Town properties. These properties would include the Town Hall and Town Garage, with the possibility of expanding the system to cover other Town assets in the future (the contract would be amended to include these properties).

The security system must include 24/7 operational cameras that can cover all entrances/exits to the buildings and software that can be accessed to review, save and share video, and archive footage as needed. The contractor is expected to perform all maintenance and train employees to operate the software if it is not proposed that the contractor assumes all responsibility of maintaining and storing the files. The Town Administrator can schedule site visits as needed with the contractor to accurately draft proposals. The desired deliver/completion date of this project is June 30th, 2025.

Bid Process and Deadline

Bid packages must be sealed and received by December 16th 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 Security Camera RFP, the deadline for bid opening (December 16th, 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 itemized per unit costs for hardware, software, and support, and a total proposed contract amount
  • Technical specifications for the proposed hardware and software

Bid Opening

Sealed bids will be opened and selected by the Chelsea Selectboard during the meeting at Town Hall (296 Vt Rte 110 Chelsea, VT 05038) on December 17th at 6:30 pm. Bids will be judged by the following factors:

  • Price
  • Bidder’s ability to perform within the specified time limits
  • Bidder’s experience and reputation, including past performance for the Town
  • Quality of the materials and services proposed
  • Bidder’s ability to meet all terms and conditions spelled out in this RFP
  • The feasibility of the proposed approach to long-term maintenance and support for the system

Contact Information

Questions regarding this RFP shall be submitted by email only to the Town Administrator, Tierney Farago, at town.administrator@chelseavt.us. The Town Administrator will maintain a list of RFP questions and answers posted on the Town’s website once received. Questions will be accepted until 5:00pm on December 13th, 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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DRAFT Selectboard Meeting Minutes – November 19, 2024

ByTierney Farago
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
November 19th, 2024 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
Call to Order
Kevin Marshia called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
SELECTBOARD
Kevin Marshia (Present)
Kelly Lyford (Present)
Gregg Herrin (Present)
Leyna Hoyt (Present)
Jesse Kay (Absent)
TOWN EMPLOYEES
Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)
Rick Ackerman (Highway Supervisor)
Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer)
Susan Elder (Lister)
Additions to the Agenda
-MVP Health Insurance: The Town Treasurer came back with additional information regarding insurance that was on the last agenda. MVP is not leaving Vermont, so the Selectboard agreed that they would rather keep MVP rather than switch to Blue Cross Blue Shield since it is more expensive and offers the same coverage. The Treasurer also brough up adding vision insurance to the current health insurance; the cost would be $12 annually (per employee) and $67 annually (Town). The Selectboard agree that this would be great to offer Town employees. This will be factored in for the 2025 budget. No motion was made.
-Sewer Ordinance: A resident recently had an issue with a blocked sewer line, and it was unclear who the responsibility falls to per the current Sewer Ordinance. It was recommended that the ordinance be amended to include language that clearly states the responsibility of both the property owner and the Town. The Town Administrator will work with staff to start drafting the amendment to avoid future uncertainty.
-Larry Pickett Contract: The Treasurer brought in a contract for culvert work, but because this is an action item that requires notice, this will be added to the next meeting agenda for consideration.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
Public Comments
Pete Amber from the Forest and Parks Commission wanted to discuss the possibility of having Rick Ackerman haul in fine gravel to help level out the ice rink before the season begins. The Selectboard agreed and asked him to speak with Rick directly to coordinate the effort.
Approve Minutes from November 6, 2024
The Selectboard requested two minor edits to the minutes for clarification on the community nursing RFP and adding the motion of approval for the highway permit. Leyna Hoyt made a motion to approve the minutes from November 6th with edits; Kelly Lyford seconded the motion. Gregg Herrin abstained. Motion passed with 3 votes in favor.
Current Events and Updates
A. Highway Update
There were no new updates for the highway at this time.
B. Town Administrator Update
The Town Administrator updated the Selectboard on the status of the wastewater engineering report; we just had the 30% meeting with Dufresne, with the 60% report expected in the coming weeks. The pedestrian bridge is still being reviewed by Vermont Emergency Management. The Town was also awarded a MERP grant, which was discussed more in depth later in the meeting.
C. Town Report Schedule
The Town Administrator shared some information regarding the deadlines for the upcoming Town Report and Town Meeting. December 31st is the last day for all department reports to be submitted so they can be included in the full Town Report. The calendar with all dates, including petition and proofing deadlines, will be sent to Town employees and Selectboard.
Action Items
A. Administrative Budget (Treasurer, Admin, Listers, ZA)
The Town Administrator updated numbers for the administrative department’s budget, including allowances for cost of living increases and presented this to the board. They agreed that the department budget is at a point where they feel comfortable continuing with the rest of the budget and will adjust numbers if needed when the numbers have been received for more departments. There was additional discussion on the sharing of child care tax; the Selectboard agreed that sharing the cost (0.33% town, 0.11% employee) would be reasonable. This will be factored in to the budget. No motion was made.
B. Highway Budget
Rick Ackerman attended the meeting to go through each line item with the Selectboard. Several line items decreased based on need, while other items increased as necessary, like gravel and highway salaries, which will be assessed by the liaisons moving forward. The highway budget can continue forward with these tentative numbers and will be modified as more departments send in their changes to the 2025 budget. No motion was made.
C. Proposed Orange County Police Contract Review
The Town Administrator notified the Selectboard that a contract proposal from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office was received. Since the Selectboard did not have any other proposed 2025 contracts to compare it to, this contract will be considered at a later date when all other options have been received. The Town Administrator will reach out to Windsor County for data on current policing and the proposed contract renewal. No motion was made.
D. Forest and Parks Commission Grant Application for Trees
Susan Elder came to represent the Forest and Parks Commission and their effort to apply for two grants to help remove and replace dead trees on Town properties. She discussed the intent and deadlines for both grants. The Selectboard was appreciative of these efforts and they fully support submitting applications for the grants. No official motion was needed at this time.
E. Contract for Martinea Electric
The Treasurer explained that this contract was for electric services provided for the wastewater treatment plant. Leyna Hoyt made a motion to approve and sign the contract; Kelly Lyford seconded the motion. Motion passed with 4 votes in favor.
F. Contract for Adam Stone Trucking
The Treasurer explained that this contract was for chervil mowing that was conducted in June. Leyna Hoyt made a motion to approve and sign the contract; Kelly Lyford seconded the motion. Motion passed with 4 votes in favor.
G. Signatures for MERP Grant Acceptance
The Town Administrator shared that Chelsea was awarded the Municipal Energy Resilience Program (MERP) grant for $406,506.25. In order to accept the grant funding, a grantee signature is required before December 16th. Leyna Hoyt made a motion to accept the MERP grant and allow Kasey Peterson, grant administrator, to sign on behalf of the town; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed with 4 votes in favor.
H. Approve Orders
Leyna Hoyt made a motion to approve the orders; Kelly Lyford seconded the motion. Motion passed with 4 votes in favor.
Executive Session If Necessary: Personnel
Leyna Hoyt made a motion to enter executive session for personnel, inviting Tierney Farago and Rick Ackerman; Kelly Lyford seconded the motion. The Selectboard entered executive session at 6:56 pm. Leyna Hoyt made a motion to exit executive session; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. The Selectboard exited executive session at 7:08 pm. The Selectboard reviewed and discussed applications for the open highway crew position. Leyna Hoyt made a motion to offer the position for part-time seasonal work to Larry Pickett; Kelly Lyford seconded the motion. Motion passed with 4 votes in favor.
Adjournment
Leyna Hoyt made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed with 4 votes in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 9:22 pm.

Notice of Public Hearing: Draft Chelsea Town Plan – November 19, 2024

ByTierney Farago

Chelsea Selectboard
Notice of Public Hearing
On the Draft Chelsea Town Plan November 19th at 6:00PM at the Chelsea Town Hall and Virtually.

The Chelsea Selectboard will be holding a hearing on the Draft Town Plan at 6:00PM on November 19th at the
Chelsea Town Hall, 296 VT-110, Chelsea, VT 05038 and via Google Meet at https://meet.google.com/fwf-ayyb-acq.

The purpose of this hearing is to take comments from the public on the draft Town Plan so that the Selectboard can
consider these as it makes its final revisions prior to adoption. The proposed Town Plan will replace the current
Town Plan in its entirety. Copies of the draft can be found at the Town Office during business hours. Comments may
be mailed to the attention of the Selectboard at P.O. Box 266 Chelsea, VT 05038.

Below is a summary of the proposal.

I. Goals of the Plan
II. Demographics
III. Economic Development
IV. Housing
V. Education
VI. Utilities and Facilities
VII. Recreation and Parks
VIII. Health and Emergency Services
IX. Natural, Scenic, and Cultural Resources
X. Agriculture and Forestry
XI. Land Use Plan
XII. Transportation
XIII. Energy
XIV. Relationship to Other Plans
XV. Town Plan Implementation
Appendix A

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Selectboard Meeting Agenda – November 17, 2024

ByTierney Farago

Selectboard Meeting Agenda
November 19th, 2024 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
Call to Order
Additions to the Agenda
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Public Comments
Approve Minutes from November 6, 2024
Current Events and Updates
A. Highway Update
B. Town Administrator Update
C. Town Report Schedule
Action Items
A. Administrative Budget (Treasurer, Admin, Listers, ZA)
B. Highway Budget
C. Proposed Orange County Police Contract Review
D. Forest and Parks Commission Grant Application for Trees
E. Contract for Martinea Electric
F. Contract for Adam Stone Trucking
G. Signatures for MERP Grant Acceptance
H. 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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DRAFT Selectboard Meeting Minutes – November 6, 2024

ByTierney Farago
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
November 6th, 2024 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 until 8:31 pm)
Leyna Hoyt (Present)
Jesse Kay (Present)
TOWN EMPLOYEES
Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)
Rick Ackerman (Highway Supervisor)
Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer)
Additions to the Agenda: None
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
Public Comments
Frank Keene attended to inquire about the status of the pedestrian bridge project; this was addressed during the town administrator update.
Approve Minutes from October 15, 2024
Leyna Hoyt made a motion to approve the minutes from October 15, 2024; Jesse Kay seconded the motion. Motion was approved with 5 votes in favor.
Current Events and Updates
A. Highway Update
Rick Ackerman reported on highway happenings including replacement of culverts, status of gravel/sand, and a possible candidate for the open road worker position. He will advise the candidate to submit an application as provided by the Town Administrator.
B. Town Administrator Update
The Town Administrator updated the Selectboard with a few items; the pedestrian bridge project is currently being worked on by the Town, Vermont Emergency Management, and the Agency of Natural Resources. Currently the Town is waiting for responses from the other agencies for next steps. The wastewater facility engineering contract is now at 30% completion and is awaiting comments from the Agency of Natural Resources. The engineering contract for the FEMA projects has been fully executed and will now begin.
C. Community Nurse
Judy Libby attended the meeting to convey to the Selectboard that the Chelsea Health Center is willing to contribute ½ to ¾ of the price of a community nursing program if the Town will approve of the contract position. The Selectboard discussed the viability and responsibility of the position; there were some concerns that it may not be the Town’s place to be the executor of the program. In addition to this concern, the topic of funding was another factor. Mrs. Libby assured the Selectboard that the Health Center is more than happy to contribute funding if it means that the community nurse will be approved. Jesse Kay made a motion to approve the Town Administrator to put out a request for proposals for a community nurse for one year at 12 hours a week, with the expectation that the Chelsea Health Center will pay for at least 50% of the contract when awarded; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. The motion passed with a majority of 3 votes in favor.
Action Items
A. Administrative Budget (Treasurer, Admin, Listers, ZA)
The Town Administrator presented the proposed budget for the administrative division that includes the Town Administrator, Town Treasurer, Grant Administrator (formerly Administrative Assistant), Listers, Delinquent Tax Collector, and the Zoning Administrator/DRB. Several budget line items were requested to be increased including the Town Administrator salary, retirement, healthcare, etc., as they were all previously $0 for 2024. The Selectboard also discussed what the cost-of-living increase for the year might be. Items that were decreased included supplies and publication budgets for the zoning administrator, as the funds were barely used during 2024.  The Selectboard would also like further clarification on a few items including the Zoning Administrator salary increase, as well as the possible increases in cost-of-living expenses; the Treasurer and Administrator will research and report back at the next meeting. No motion was made.
B. Health Insurance
Gayle Durkee presented the comparison of MVP and Blue Cross Blue Shield for employee health insurance, with BCBS being higher by nearly $10. Kelly Lyford was concerned that MVP may be leaving Vermont, so the Treasurer and Town Administrator will investigate if the service is going away and see if the Town will need to switch anyway.
C. VTrans Utility Agreement
The VTrans Utility Agreement was previously discussed in a Selectboard meeting; this agreement is to pay VTrans for the use their contractor to perform adjustments to manholes and water valve boxes in Town as opposed to the Town having to hire an additional contractor. Jesse Kay made a motion to approve the utility agreement; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed with 4 votes in favor.
D. 215 Williamstown Rd Highway Permit
Jesse Kay made a motion to approve a culvert permit for 215 Williamstown Rd; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed with 4 votes in favor.
E. Contract for NEMRC Reappraisal
The proposal from NEMRC was previously approved in another meeting. The Selectboard signed the official contract for the reappraisal.
F. Contract for Martinea Electric
This item was tabled to gather more information on the contract.
G. Contract for Adam Stone Trucking
This item was tabled to gather more information on the contract.
H. Contract for Brookfield Service
This contract is for servicing the generator at the wastewater plant for 2025. Leyna Hoyt made a motion to approve the contract; Jesse Kay seconded the motion. Motion passed with 4 votes in favor.
I. Approve Orders
Leyna Hoyt made a motion to approve the orders; Jesse Kay seconded the motion. Motion was approved with 4 votes in favor.
Executive Session If Necessary: Personnel Matter
Leyna Hoyt made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Tierney Farago to join; Jesse Kay seconded the motion. The Selectboard entered executive session at 8:39 pm to discuss personnel. Leyna Hoyt made a motion to exit executive session; Jesse Kay seconded the motion. The Selectboard exited executive session at 8:56 pm. Jesse Kay made a motion for Leyna Hoyt and Tierney Farago to discuss negotiations for light maintenance, snow blowing, and other duties in Town with a potential candidate; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed with 4 votes in favor.
Adjournment
Leyna Hoyt made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Jesse Kay seconded the motion. Motion passed with 4 votes in favor.
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Forest and Parks Commission Agenda – November 4, 2024

ByTierney Farago
  1. Approve Oct. 7, 2024 meeting minutes
  2. Public Comments
  3. Commons
    a. Provide recommendations to SB – update
  4. Pollinator Project status
    a. update
  5. Town Forest
    a. Upper Valley Trails Alliance
    b. Forest Management Plan
  6. Legal Trails
  7. Playground Lights
  8. New Grant Opportunities
  9. Adjourn.
    If you want to attend via Zoom call please email the group at
    chelsea-forest-parks@googlegroups.com
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Selectboard Meeting Minutes – October 15, 2024

ByTierney Farago
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
October 15th, 2024 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
Call to Order
Kevin Marshia called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
SELECTBOARD
Kevin Marshia (Present until 8:00 pm)
Kelly Lyford (Present)
Gregg Herrin (Present)
Leyna Hoyt (Present)
Jesse Kay (Present)
TOWN EMPLOYEES
Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)
Rick Ackerman (Highway Supervisor)
Kasey Peterson (Grants Administrator)
Phyllis Hayward (Lister)
Susan Elder (Lister)
Frank Keene (Cemetery Commissioner)
Additions to the Agenda: None
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
Public Comments: None
Approve Minutes From October 1st 2024
Leyna Hoyt made a motion to approve the minutes from October 1st; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed with five votes in favor.
Current Events and Updates
A. Draft Town Plan/Regional Plan
Peter Gregory from the Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission attended the meeting to discuss the changing regional plan as it applies to Chelsea’s draft Town Plan. The Selectboard’s main concerns were regarding the change for principal retail to be only within the village center. Peter discussed the reasoning for the zoning changes, as well as the need for updating floodplains throughout the state. He will continue to work with Chelsea and other towns facing the same issues as they continue to update the regional plan. He recommended continuing with the current draft Town Plan so that Chelsea has one in place and has the ability to amend the plan in the future. The Selectboard agreed to move forward with the draft and set a date for the public hearing. Jesse Kay made a motion to schedule the Draft Town Plan hearing for November 19th; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed with five votes in favor.
B. Pedestrian Bridge
Frank Keene presented specifications on the proposed bridge rebuild. Ben Rose from the Vermont Emergency Management department was in attendance to speak on the FEMA aspect of the project. He mentioned that moving forward with FEMA on the project can result in the Town using the funds for alternate projects after they cost it out. The Selectboard has considered the options and would like to move forward with the project in FEMA while Mr. Keene works on the bridge. Jesse Kay made a motion to move ahead with the pedestrian bridge; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed with five votes in favor.
C. Lister: Reappraisal
Phyllis Hayward and Susan Elder brought to the Selectboard’s attention two corrections that needed to be made on the Grand List. They submitted the corrections to the Selectboard for approval and signatures. No official motion was made for this approval. They also made a recommendation for the Request for Proposals made for the Town’s reappraisal; NEMRC had the preferred proposal of $91,560.00 for the reappraisal to be conducted from 2027-2029. Jesse Kay made a motion to approve the bid from NEMRC for $91,560.00; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed with five votes in favor.
D. Highway Update
Rick Ackerman provided the Selectboard with a salt invoice to be signed by a Selectboard member. Snow blowing for the town was discussed; Rick will speak with another employee to see if they would be willing to snow blow this winter if another road worker is not hired. He mentioned that we will be needing gravel as well. He also discussed the issue of trash at a home that is no longer occupied; he will be picking up the trash bags and taking them to the transfer station for disposal. In regards to the open road worker position, the Town Administrator will advertise on additional sites and the Selectboard agreed that it would be best to open the position for part-time/seasonal and full-time to attract more candidates.
E. Town Administrator Update
The Town Administrator reported that a meeting with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns regarding insurance for the pedestrian bridge was rescheduled.
F. Myers/Casella Trash Prices
The Town Administrator presented the current prices for trash collection from Myers and Casella. Casella is about $10 more each month than Myers. The Town Administrator will reach out to Casella and see if there is any way to get the price down below Myers.
Action Items
A. Approve Orders
Jesse Kay moved to approve the orders; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed with four votes in favor. (Kevin Marshia had to leave the meeting early).
Executive Session If Necessary: None
Adjournment
**Before adjournment the Selectboard discussed the next meeting; it was decided that there would be no meeting on October 29th. The November 5th meeting will also be moved to Wednesday, November 6th due to Election Day.**
Jesse Kay moved to adjourn the meeting; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed with four votes in favor. The Meeting was adjourned at 8:28 pm.