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Selectboard Meeting Minutes – October 1, 2024

ByTierney Farago
Selectboard Meeting Agenda
October 1st, 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 (Present)
TOWN EMPLOYEES
Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)
Rick Ackerman (Highway Supervisor)
Additions to the Agenda
The Town Administrator added final signatures for a previously approved loan agreement for the Wastewater Plant upgrade project. The Selectboard had questions regarding the loan and what part of the earmarked funds would be used for the loan. The Town Administrator will follow up with the engineering firm to confirm.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
Public Comments
Frank Keene and Tim Courts attended the meeting to express their frustrations with the ongoing process of attempting to rebuild the pedestrian bridge. Mr. Keene obtained a petition from numerous residents to allow work to be conducted to rebuild the bridge. The Selectboard heard these concerns and are working diligently along with the Town Administrator to find the means to properly rebuild the bridge by following all rules and regulations required.
Approve Minutes from September 17th 2024
Gregg Herrin made a motion to approve the minutes from September 17th; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed with 5 votes in favor.
Current Events and Updates
A. Town Administrator Update
The Town Administrator updated the Selectboard on the first meeting regarding the engineering study for the wastewater plant upgrade. FEMA meetings are still occurring to wrap up the projects for emergency work done last year. There have also been ongoing talks with ANR regarding the pedestrian bridge replacement. Further clarification is needed.
B. Highway Update
Rick Ackerman gave an update on the Grants in Aid projects that were completed for several areas around town. All projects went smoothly. He will be working on gravel and sand for future road work. There have been no additional applications for the open road worker position.
C. Transfer Station
The Selectboard discussed revenue and expenditure numbers provided by the Treasurer regarding the transfer station data of trash and recyclables received. Based on past year totals, the transfer station is currently breaking even rather than being over-budget. It appears that implementing tickets and recycle stickers have been helping alleviate costs accrued for the transfer station.
D. Quarterly Library Update
Kezia Frayjo presented a quarterly update on the happenings of the library. Currently their budget is healthy and they recently received a $20,000 grant to help upgrade the library/Town Hall to be more ADA accessible. They have had great success with after school programs, summer programs, the book sale, and certifications for the librarian. Their challenges include space needs and shared resources currently. Kezia requested a motion to remove 50% of the balcony chairs in Town Hall so the remaining chairs can be refurbished and the balcony can be cleared for more storage for books. The Selectboard agreed to add the item to a future agenda to have proper warning for the public. Kezia will work with the Town Administrator to reach out to the fire inspectors about the plans and ensure it is acceptable from a fire safety perspective.
E. Community Nursing Forum
Several community members and a representative from First Branch Ambulance attended to show support for acquiring a community nurse for the town. Jodi Hoyt, community nurse for Tunbridge, gave a summary of the program for those that may not have been looped in during previous Selectboard meetings. The Selectboard discussed the possibility of cost-sharing with the Chelsea Health Center in order to be able to fund the position. The Health Center will internally discuss what they may be able to offer financially. The Selectboard also heard some comments from residents who are concerned about tax raises to pay for the nurse position. Kelly Lyford mentioned that a contract position rather than a Town employee model would be the best fit for the Town if it moving forward with acquiring a community nurse. This item will be added to the October 15th meeting agenda to discuss further.
Action Items
A. North Common Landscaping
The Town Administrator brought up the topic of landscaping updates for the north and south commons from the previous meeting. There are funds in the budget to pay for services to infill areas, aerate, fertilize, and otherwise tidy up the commons. It was also confirmed that the expected monetary threshold is low enough to proceed with accepting services from the current mowing contractor. Work would be done on the commons on days that do not interrupt any scheduled events. Due to the expected pricing of the services (approx. $2,400), the Selectboard did not need to make a motion and agreed to let the Town Administrator proceed with executing the contract.
B. Town Forest Management Plan
David Paganelli, Orange County Forester, attended virtually but was unable to stay to discuss the Forest Management Plan. Kate Willard stepped in to elaborate on the plan for the Selectboard. The Management Plan includes timber sales and a path to both preserve and prune the forest as recommended by the foresters. Jesse Kay made a motion to adopt the Town Forest Management Plan from 2023; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed with 5 votes in favor. The Town Administrator will follow up with the County Forrester to begin plans for following forest management.
C. Approve Orders
Leyna Hoyt made a motion to approve the orders; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed with 5 votes in favor.
Executive Session If Necessary: None
Adjournment
Leyna Hoyt made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed with 5 votes in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 pm.
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Selectboard Meeting Agenda – October 1, 2024

ByTierney Farago
Selectboard Meeting Agenda
October 1st, 2024 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
Call to Order
Additions to the Agenda
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Public Comments
Approve Minutes from September 17th 2024
Current Events and Updates
A. Town Administrator Update
B. Highway Update
C. Transfer Station
D. Quarterly Library Update
E. Community Nursing Forum
Action Items
A. North Common Landscaping
B. Town Forest Management Plan
C. 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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Selectboard Meeting Minutes – September 17, 2024

ByTierney Farago
Selectboard Meeting Agenda
September 17th, 2024 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
Call to Order
Kelly Lyford called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
SELECTBOARD
Kevin Marshia (Absent)
Kelly Lyford (Present)
Gregg Herrin (Present)
Leyna Hoyt (Present)
Jesse Kay (Present)
TOWN EMPLOYEES
Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)
Rick Ackerman (Highway Supervisor)
Additions to the Agenda
A request to use the Village Greens on October 31st from 4pm-7pm was received. The Selectboard only had a concern that if they move forward with landscaping in the North Common, the closure of the common may affect the event. The Selectboard asked to let the applicant, Chelsea Parker, know that this might be the case and the South Common may have to be used for the event. Leyna Hoyt made a motion to approve the event, but to notify the applicant that the event may need to be held on the South Common; Jesse Kay seconded the motion. Motion passed with 4 votes in favor.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
Public Comments
Resident Frank Keene attended to receive an update on the cemetery pedestrian bridge. The Town Administrator provided information regarding the liability issues of possibly rebuilding the bridge with private funds and allowing work to be done without a bidding process; this option was advised against by the legal team at the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT). The Town will continue to look for alternative options for rebuilding/replacing the bridge.
Approve Minutes from September 3rd 2024
Leyna Hoyt made a motion to approve the minutes from September 3rd; Jesse Kay seconded the motion. Motion passed with 3 votes in favor. Gregg Herrin abstained due to absence.
Current Events and Updates
A. Town Administrator Update
The Town Administrator gave a status update on the integration of Microsoft Teams for the Selectboard and town employees to use; login information has been sent out and the Selectboard will work with the Town Administrator to organize and access files as needed. Kelly Lyford also asked about the status of FEMA projects; FEMA continues to review projects and has upcoming meetings to discuss remaining items and closeout of a few cases.
B. Transfer Station
The Town Administrator presented some budgetary information and ticket numbers for the Town’s transfer station. Currently, the Town is breaking even on expenses to profit on the transfer station due to the punch cards and recycle stickers. The Selectboard requested more data from recent years to see if the amount of waste and recycle has increased or decreased at all due to the changes in process. The topic will be added to a future agenda to better understand the possible needs of the transfer station.
C. Town Plan Draft
Sydney Steinle with Two Rivers Ottaquechee Regional Commission attended the meeting to answer some retail zoning related questions that the Selectboard brought up in the last meeting. The Town Plan is adhering to all requirements of the state, but there are concerns about only having retail zoning in the village area, which is in a floodplain. Sydney suggesting speaking with her supervisors, as the regional mapping that is being drafted with Two Rivers may help alleviate those issues. The Town Administrator will reach out to Kevin Geiger and Peter Gregory with TRORC to discuss the regional mapping that may affect the Town Plan. The Selectboard will continue to review the draft Town Plan until they are satisfied with moving forward with the draft.
Action Items
A. North Common Landscaping
Jen Chase with the Forest and Parks Commission brought up landscaping maintenance in the North Common with the Selectboard. It was recommended to seed and fill in some divots in the North Common. The commission had gotten a preliminary quote from the current contract mowing company in order to present at the meeting. The Selectboard requested that the Town Administrator review what the current contract covers to ensure that it would be following the contract and the town purchasing policy. The item will be brought up at the next meeting for decision. No motion was made.
B. Town Forest Management Plan
The Selectboard discussed the Town Forest Management Plan previously sent by David Paganelli. Some of the plan still needs to be completed in order to fulfill the suggested plan. A timber sale was suggested by the Orange Country Forestry parks and forest department, which would also help the Town conduct the sale. Services would not be available until 2027, but the Town is encouraged to book for services soon. The Selectboard would like to discuss the topic further. No motion was made.
C. Town Hall Basement
The Town Administrator brought up the topic of mitigation work to be done on the Town Hall basement; Harry Falconer with the Two Rivers Ottaquechee Regional Commission needed to know what option the Town is leaning toward in order to submit the MERP grant application. After some discussion on the estimated pricing of the vapor barrier and concrete flooring with sump pump, the Selectboard agreed that it would be best to use the quote for the concrete basement flooring for the application. The Selectboard agreed that Mr. Falconer may proceed with the higher priced quote. No motion was made.  
 D. Signatures for Utility Agreement
VTrans suggested a utility agreement for future work on Vermont Route 110. This agreement allows VTrans to use their own contractors to perform adjustments to 9 manholes and 2 water valve boxes during their repaving project, with the Town paying for those adjustments. The Selectboard had some questions regarding the full scope of work and where the repaving will cover through the village. The Town Administrator will reach out to VTrans to discuss further before the Selectboard makes their decision. No motion was made.
E. Approve Orders
Leyna Hoyt made a motion to approve the orders; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed with 4 votes in favor.
Executive Session If Necessary: None
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 7:52 pm.
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Selectboard Meeting Agenda – September 17, 2024

ByTierney Farago
Selectboard Meeting Agenda
September 17th, 2024 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
Call to Order
Additions to the Agenda
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Public Comments
Approve Minutes from September 3rd 2024
Current Events and Updates
A. Town Administrator Update
B. Transfer Station
C. Town Plan Draft
Action Items
A. North Common Landscaping
B. Town Forest Management Plan
C. Town Hall Basement
D. Signatures for Utility Agreement
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

Town Health Officer Job Opening

ByTierney Farago

The Town of Chelsea is looking for a Town Health Officer. This position is mainly responsible for protecting the public from potential health hazards. Some of the other responsibilities are as listed:

  • Investigating potential health hazards and risks within a town or city.
  • Taking action to prevent, remove, or destroy public health hazards.
  • Enforcing health laws, rules, and permit conditions within the jurisdiction of the health officer
  • Taking action to lessen significant public health risks.
  • Investigating complaints, including those related to the sewage/septic systems, lead paint laws, and asbestos issues.
  • Following up on reported animal bites and working with animal control officer when needed.

This position reports to the Vermont Department of Health, with regular interaction with Town staff and the Town Administrator as needed. The Health Officer also receives a yearly stipend. If you are interested in this position, please reach out to the Town Administrator at 802-625-2023 or town.administrator@chelseavt.us

You can find the full scope of responsibilities and handbook on the state’s website here: https://www.healthvermont.gov/environment/town-health-officers

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Minutes of the Forest and Parks Commission – September 9, 2024

ByTierney Farago

Minutes of the Forest and Parks Commission
September 9, 2024
Chelsea Public Library
6:00 p.m.

Present: Jen Chase, Susan Elder, Andy Pomerantz, Linda Kuban, Erik Anderson, Lizzy
Amber, Marty Gratz (via zoom) and John Latham (via Zoom).

The minutes of the August 5, 2024 meeting were approved as submitted.
No public comments.
Jen Chase reported that she spoke to Ron Johnson to get a quote on the work needed
for the Commons including adding fill in low spots, fertilizing, seeding, aeration, etc. The
quote totals $2400. Jen is going to ask for a breakdown. Once finalized the group will
bring to the Board for approval. It is unknown whether this work needs to go in as an
RFP.

Susan Elder thanked Lizzie Amber for assistance in the purchase and delivery of trees
and shrubs for the pollinator garden. Erik Anderson said he thinks October 8th and 10th
would work as planting dates. He suggested that the older students be first to help with
digging and the younger classes be brought in afterwards for planting of bulbs and
watering, etc. Erik will look into the possibility of making benches in the school’s
workshop. Cost would be only materials. Susan will look into access to water and
promotion of the work day and will contact lot neighbors. The Amber family will supply
bark mulch. Lizzy and Susan will find a date for marking out the lot for tree planting.
Jen spoke to Russell at the Upper Valley Trails Alliance. It will cost $100 for
membership. State Agency of N.R. Orange Cty. forester Dave Paganelli suggested it is
a good organization to join. 7 acres of the town’s forest has been logged. The
selectboard knows it needs to move forward with the remainder but Paganelli will need
to develop a logging plan first and he is busy with several projects already. A logging
plan could also be done by a private firm. Once a logging plan is done, trail creation can
be planned.

Erik Anderson is interested in involving his class on the trail work and feels this is a
good fit for school participation. The sign work approved by the selectboard for the
Town forest may be another student woodworking project; such as a Town Forest sign,
a parking sign, and trail signs.

The next meeting will be held on October 7th at the Chelsea Public Library.

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Selectboard Meeting Minutes – September 3, 2024

ByTierney Farago
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
September 3rd, 2024 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
Call to Order
Kelly Lyford called the meeting to order at 6:31 pm.
SELECTBOARD
Kevin Marshia (Present)
Kelly Lyford (Present)
Gregg Herrin (Absent)
Leyna Hoyt (Present)
Jesse Kay (Present)
TOWN EMPLOYEES
Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)
Rick Ackerman (Highway Supervisor)
Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer)
Additions to the Agenda
Roberts-Gould Field Request: A request for the Robert-Gould Field was received for 9/8 and 9/15 at 8:00 am-4:00 pm for the Chelsea Senior Baseball games. Jesse Kay made a motion to approve the request; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed with 4 votes in favor.
Security Camera Upgrades: The Town Administrator asked for further clarification on security camera needs in order to draft a request for proposals. The Selectboard stated that at the moment, security cameras for Town Hall and the Town Garage would be required.
CD Funds: Gayle Durkee presented information on interest rates for a CD she would like to put funds into. The Selectboard verified that those funds would go back into the same line items when the CD matured. No official motion was needed.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
Public Comments: None
Approve Minutes from August 20th 2024
Jesse Kay made a motion to approve the minutes from the August 20th meeting; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed with 4 votes in favor.
Current Events and Updates
A. Town Administrator Update: None
B. ARPA Funds and CD Savings
The Town Treasurer discussed the finalized ARPA funding items that were sent to the Selectboard. Jesse Kay made a motion to allocate the ARPA funds into the line items as indicated by the Town Treasurer; Kelly Lyford seconded the motion. Motion passed with 4 votes in favor.
C. Health Officer Opening and Temporary Appointment
The Town Health Officer has resigned; Kevin Marshia has been named the interim Health Officer until a new one has been appointed. If any residents have questions or are interested in the position, please contact the Town Administrator for more information.
D. Community Nursing Forum
Kristin Barnum from Community Nurse Connection presented further information on possible models and funding options for a community nurse. There are several options that other towns in the state are using including municipalities funding and managing the nurse as well as non-profits or even fire/EMT managing the employee. The Selectboard asked further questions on Kristin’s knowledge of the success of other models for a community nurse. A forum regarding possibly acquiring a community nurse will be scheduled for a future agenda so the public can express their thoughts on the topic.
E. Town Plan Draft
The Selectboard briefly discussed a few concerns with the current Town Plan draft. Representatives from the Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission will be invited to the next Selectboard meeting to answer any questions the Selectboard may have.
F. Pedestrian Bridge
Frank Keene brought up the topic of possibly privately funding and building the reconstruction of the cemetery pedestrian bridge. The Selectboard considered his proposal and will investigate the legality and liability of moving forward with the project. FEMA is currently working with the Town to determine the eligibility of the project, so the Town will continue to iron out details of that project in terms of being reimbursed for damages from the flood.
Action Items
A. Town Truck Decision
The Selectboard discussed the truck options with Rick Ackerman. It was determined that the best option for the Town would be to proceed with ATG for the Freightliner build for a cab and chassis, and Viking Cives for the truck body. Leyna Hoyt made a motion to accept the cab bid from ATG and the body bid from Viking Cives, not to exceed $280,000; Jesse Kay seconded the motion. Motion passed with 4 votes in favor.
B. J.L Smith Excavation Contract
The Selectboard officially signed a contract for J.L Smith’s excavation services. No official motion was made, as the bid was previously accepted during the last Selectboard meeting.
C. MERP Town Projects: Town Hall and Town Garage
Harry Falconer from the Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission discussed the MERP Implementation Grant that aims to address high energy usage concerns within the town. Last year the state conducted an energy audit for the Town Hall and Town Garage, listing several areas that consumed a higher than average amount of energy. A grant for up to $500,000 is now available to towns that consume a higher amount of energy and Chelsea will qualify for the grant. The selectboard discussed the projects from the report they would like to move forward with; Harry will submit the grant funding application on behalf of the Town. Several projects were excluded due to logistics issues. Jesse Kay made a motion to have Harry submit the grant application for the Town; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed with 4 votes in favor.
D. Chelsea Line Rd Repair
Leyna Hoyt made the board aware of a complaint about a backed-up culvert on Chelsea Line Rd. It was determined that this repair is within the Road Foreman’s duties and he will begin the repairs and replacement when able. No official motion needed to be made. 
Approve Orders
Jesse Kay made a motion to approve the orders; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed with 4 votes in favor.
Executive Session If Necessary: None
Adjournment
Leyna Hoyt made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Jesse Kay seconded the motion. Motion passed with 4 votes in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 9:08 pm.
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Selectboard Meeting Agenda – September 3, 2024

ByTierney Farago
Selectboard Meeting Agenda
September 3rd, 2024 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
Call to Order
Additions to the Agenda
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Public Comments
Approve Minutes from August 20th 2024
Current Events and Updates
A. Town Administrator Update
B. ARPA Funds
C. Health Officer Opening and Temporary Appointment
D. Community Nursing Forum
E. Town Plan Draft
F. Pedestrian Bridge
Action Items
A. Town Truck Decision
B. J.L Smith Excavation Contract
C. MERP Town Projects: Town Hall and Town Garage
D. Chelsea Line Rd Repair
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