News

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DRINKING WATER WARNING: August 16, 2024

ByTierney Farago

UPDATE: This boil water notice has been lifted as of August 19th.

Chelsea Water System WSID 5638
BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING

Due to the need for system repair of a valve and hydrant on South Park Street next to the school, a section of the system needs to be depressurized. Federal and State regulations require the system to issue a Boil Water Notice when depressurization happens to make a repair because there is a strong possibility that your drinking water supply may become contaminated on the way to the tap. This situation presents a significant health risk to users of the Chelsea Water System within the depressurized area. Starting at Barn on Friday 8/16/2024 the Chelsea Water System is issuing a Boil Water Notice for users on South Park Street and Highland Avenue. There will be a disruption to your service for several hours and once service is resumed, customers on those streets will be under a Boil Water Notice until we are able to get results back from the lab that show there is no presence of Coliform bacteria in the system.

What should I do?
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST.
Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.
Coliforms are bacteria which are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other; potentially ­harmful, bacteria may be present. When a water system is experiencing fluctuations in water pressure the possibility exists for bacteria and other harmful organisms to enter the water distribution system and contaminate your drinking water supply.
People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1 (800) 426-4791.

What happened? What is being done?
This Boil Water Notice will remain in effect until the water system maintenance/repair is complete and the system is able to demonstrate that the quality and quantity of the drinking water meets State and Federal drinking water standards.
We will inform you when the necessary system maintenance/repair has been completed and tests show no bacteria present in the drinking water supply. We anticipate finishing the repair on Friday 8/16/2024, but will not have lab results until Tuesday 8/20/2024. We are not able to lift the Boil Water Notice until we have those results that show no presence of Coliform bacteria.

For more information, please contact Mike Whipple at 802-685-7727 or wschiefoperator@chelseavt.us
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

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Selectboard Meeting Minutes – August 6, 2024

ByTierney Farago
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
August 6th, 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
A highway permit for a curb cut for 21 Richardson Hill was brought to the selectboard’s attention, however, they confirmed that curb cut permits will be required to be noticed on the agenda. This item will be moved to the next Selectboard meeting on August 20th.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
Public Comments
Nick De Friez brought up the topic of the balcony chairs in Town Hall and room for storage for the book sale. He wanted to know more information on the number of chairs allowed on the balcony per the fire inspection conducted last year. The Selectboard briefly discussed the possible options for restoring the chairs; the Town Administrator will look into finding the previous fire inspection report to determine what the next steps are to restore the balcony seats.  
Approve Minutes from July 30th, 2024
The Selectboard was unable to review the minutes from the July 30th meeting before this meeting, so the topic has been tabled for future approval during the August 20th meeting.
Current Events and Updates
-Highway Update
Rick Ackerman did not have a highway update but attended to help review the truck bids.
-Town Administrator Update
Tierney Farago discussed possible town community events with the Selectboard. One suggested idea was to host a community event for residents to attend and have an open forum, however, the Selectboard would prefer to have events where the residents do not feel pressured to bring up issues that the town may not be able to fix or address immediately. Further planning will be required for any type of community-wide events.
Action Items
-26 O’Donnell Rd Highway Curb Cut Permit
A highway curb cut permit for 26 O’Donnell Rd was brought to the Selectboard. Rick Ackerman found no issue with the scope of work. Jesse Kay made a motion to approve the highway permit for 26 O’Donnell Rd; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed with 5 votes in favor.
-Pedestrian Bridge Debris
Tierney Farago presented the two options for debris removal to the Selectboard. One party was not able to send in a quote for fees the Town would be responsible for before a determination was made, and the other interested party (Robert Button) offered to clean up the debris and in exchange the town can negotiate to use his mower for various areas within town. Jesse Kay made a motion to allow Robert Button to remove the cemetery bridge debris; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed with 5 votes in favor.
-Sealed Bids: Town Truck
Sealed bids for the town truck were opened and discussed by the Selectboard. Due to the amount of information that must be reviewed by both the Selectboard and the Road Foreman in each bid package, the Town Administrator will send digital copies of the bids for further review by the Selectboard, and the vote for a town truck will be added to the next meeting.
Approve Orders
Kelly Lyford moved to approve the orders; Jesse Kay seconded the motion. Motion passed with 5 votes in favor.
Executive Session If Necessary
Jesse Kay made a motion to enter executive session and invite Tierney Farago; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. The Selectboard entered executive session to discuss personnel at 7:49 pm. Jesse Kay made a motion to exit executive session; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed with 5 votes in favor. The Selectboard exited executive session at 8:14 pm. No action was taken.
Adjournment
Leyna Hoyt made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed with 5 votes in favor.

Animal Control Officer Vacancy

ByTierney Farago

The Town of Chelsea has an open position for an animal control officer. Please see the job description below for more information.

WANTED: ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Animal Control Officer (ACO) is appointed by the Selectboard to administer and enforce The Town of Chelsea Dog Ordinance in conjunction with applicable State Statutes. The ACO responds to citizen complaints, handles animals in a humane and responsible manner, maintains incident records, and provides support to animal owners regarding licensing.

COMPENSATION

This is a part-time position compensated at an annual stipend of $500.00 (expenses covered include mileage reimbursement & boarding fees for impounded animals to cover the cost of food/shelter).

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The ACO shall have the following specific duties:

  • Respond to complaints about any dog in violation of the Ordinance within the Town of Chelsea.
  • When possible and/or appropriate, apprehend and transport animals in a safe and humane manner to a shelter or for impoundment in ACO care.
  • Issue warnings and citations for violations of the Ordinance and conduct follow-up visits as necessary.
  • Seek opportunities to educate animal owners about the Ordinance and its impact on both animal and owner in the community.
  • Coordinate with Town Clerk’s office for the verification of vaccinations & license status.
  • Work independently, receiving general supervision from the Selectboard.
  • Create and maintain records of each individual incident. Incident report copies must be submitted to the Town Clerk within seven (7) calendar days of incident for filing purposes to remain in compliance with the Town Office Records Retention Schedule.

QUALIFICATIONS, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

  • No minimum level of education is required; however, a thorough knowledge of the Ordinance as well as applicable State statutes will be necessary.
  • Good interpersonal skills with the public.
  • Knowledge of animal behavior and skill in safely handling animals highly preferred.
  • Valid driver’s license required. Reliable vehicle in which to respond to complaints and, if appropriate, transport animals.
  • Basic computer skills and record keeping are preferred.

Please contact the Town Administrator for more information or to express your interest in this position. Phone: 802-625-2023 | Email: town.administrator@chelseavt.us

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Selectboard Meeting Agenda August 6, 2024

ByTierney Farago
Selectboard Meeting Agenda
August 6th, 2024 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
Call to Order
Additions to the Agenda
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Public Comments
Approve Minutes from July 30th, 2024
Current Events and Updates
Highway Update
Town Administrator Update
Action Items
-26 O’Donnell Rd Highway Curb Cut Permit
-Pedestrian Bridge Debris
-Sealed Bids: Town Truck
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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Chelsea Planning Commission Notice of Public Hearing August 8, 2024

ByTierney Farago

On the Draft Chelsea Town Plan August 8th at 6:30 pm at the Chelsea Library publicly and virtually.

The Chelsea Planning Commission will be holding a hearing on the Draft Town Plan at 6:30 pm on August 8th at the Chelsea Library, 296 VT-110 ,Chelsea, VT and via Google Meets 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 Planning Commission can consider these as it makes it’s final revisions prior to sending to the Selectboard. The proposed Town Plan will replace the current Town Plan in it’s entirety. Copies of the draft can be found at the Town Hall during business hours. Comments may be mailed to the attention of the Planning Commission at PO 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

To view the draft Town Plan, please click HERE.

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Selectboard Meeting Agenda – July 30, 2024

ByTierney Farago
Selectboard Meeting Agenda
July 30th, 2024 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
Call to Order
Additions to the Agenda
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Public Comments
Approve Minutes from July 16th, 2024
Current Events and Updates
Highway Update
Town Administrator Update
-Animal Control Officer Opening
Water and Wastewater Update
Treasurer: Budget Update
Action Items
Wastewater Plant: Approval of Rotor Upgrade and Labor
Treasurer: Approval of Tax Rates
Treasurer: Carminati and Bullard Contracts
Mitigation Pre-application: Pedestrian Bridge Town Hall Basement
Microsoft Teams Integration
Treasurer and Town Administrator Training: UVM Vermont Local Government Institute
Pedestrian Bridge Debris
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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MANDATORY Water Line Survey

ByTierney Farago

The State of Vermont requires the residents of Chelsea using town water to fill out a quick survey regarding the water service line material in their homes. This survey is integral to helping us identify any lead sources in our water and only requires you to visually verify the type of material your water line is made of and enter that information online along with your address. Currently 101 residents have not completed this survey, and the alternative to the survey is a manual inventory involving representatives coming to your home to verify the material. We would like to avoid this inconvenience to you if possible!

Please follow the link below to complete the survey and share with your neighbors so that ALL residents fill out the survey. If you or someone you know does not have access to internet, please reach out to the Town Administrator at 802-625-2023 to help fill out the information for you. https://airtable.com/app6OfY4820Or8ndV/shrAALw8afF9Jb9FI