News

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Selectboard Meeting Minutes – July 16, 2024

ByTierney Farago
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
July 16th, 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)
Leyna Hoyt (Present)
Jesse Kay (Present)
TOWN EMPLOYEES
Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)
Rick Ackerman (Highway Supervisor)
Additions to the Agenda
Signature for annual Grants In Aid acceptance was added. The annual grant was sent in this week for signature acknowledgement from the Selectboard. Leyna Hoyt made a motion to sign the grant acknowledgement for the Town to move forward with Grants in Aid; Jesse Kay seconded the motion. Motion passed with 4 votes in favor.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
Public Comments: None
Approve Minutes from July 2nd, 2024
Gregg Herrin made a motion to approve the July 2nd minutes; Leyna Hoyt  seconded the motion. Motion passed with 5 votes in favor.
Current Events and Updates
Highway Update
Rick Ackerman updated the board on the status of gravel and sand. The bids for the new town truck are out and he is waiting for bids back now. The town has received one application for a new road maintenance worker. Roadside mowing is currently being conducted while the town has access to a mower.
Town Administrator Update
Tierney Farago gave a brief update on FEMA progress. The Town is trying to wrap up the process in order for FEMA to fund the various long-term projects for repair and mitigation.  
action items
FEMA Engineering Contracts
–Stantec
–East Engineering
* Gregg Herrin received an emergency call and was excused from the meeting for the rest of the night. The Selectboard discussed the proposals received from East Engineering and Stantec. Based on the grading scale completed by each Selectboard member, Stantec ranked higher at 291 vs East Engineering’s 255. The board discussed a few questions they had including timelines and flexibility. The Selectboard thanked the representatives for their time and proceeded to a motion. Jesse Kay made a motion to accept the proposal from Stantec; Kelly Lyford seconded the motion. The motion passed with 4 votes in favor.
Listers: Approval of Reappraisal RFP
The listers submitted a draft Request for Proposal for the townwide reappraisal for the Selectboard’s approval. Kelly Lyford made a motion to approve the listers to move forward with their request for proposal; Jesse Kay  seconded the motion. Motion passed with 4 votes in favor.
Treasurer: Approval of Tax Rates
This item was tabled until the remaining items needed are received by the treasurer. No action was taken.
Bench Donation from Chelsea Arts Collective
Carrie from the Chelsea Arts Collective wanted to see if the Selectboard would accept a donation of a bench (possibly a picnic table) from the Arts Collective. The Selectboard was appreciative of this generous donation. Jesse Kay made a motion to accept the donation of a bench or picnic table from the Arts Collective; Kelly Lyford seconded the motion. The motion passed with 4 votes in favor.
Arts on the Green North Common Road Closure
Carrie from the Chelsea Arts Collective brought up the possibly of closing off the North Common Road for the Arts on the Green celebration in August. The Selectboard had questions on why this would be needed and if there is a suitable alternative that would not impede traffic for the community. More information was needed, so further discussion will be had on the needs of the event. No action was taken.
Approve Orders
A note from the Treasurer regarding the increase of prices for bulk item pick-up was briefly discussed. The Town Administrator will compare vendor pricing of these items to ensure the town is getting the best deal.During discussion of the orders, Kelly Lyford questioned one of the line items for reimbursement. Seeking further clarification on why a purchase for bearings for the wastewater facility was being reimbursed to a Town employee, it was agreed that the Selectboard would approve the orders contingent upon the explanation.  Jesse Kay made a motion to approve the orders, contingent upon getting further clarification on a reimbursement line item; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. The motion passed with 4 votes in favor.
Executive Session If Necessary
Jesse Kay made a motion to move to executive session and invite Tierney Farago; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. The Selectboard entered executive session at 7:58. Leyna Hoyt made a motion to adjourn executive session; Jesse Kay seconded the motion. Motion passed with 4 votes in favor and executive session ended at 8:11 pm.

Action: The selectboard will speak with personnel regarding their concerns.
Adjournment
Leyna Hoyt made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Jesse Kay seconded the motion. Motion passed with 4 votes in favor and the meeting was adjourned at 8:12 pm.
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Selectboard Meeting Agenda – July 16, 2024

ByTierney Farago
Selectboard Meeting Agenda
July 16th, 2024 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
Call to Order
Additions to the Agenda
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Public Comments
Approve Minutes from July 2nd, 2024
Current Events and Updates
Highway Update
Town Administrator Update
Action Items
FEMA Engineering Contracts
-Stantec
-East Engineering
Listers: Approval of Reappraisal RFP
Treasurer: Approval of Tax Rates
Bench Donation from Chelsea Arts Collective
Arts on the Green North Common Road Closure
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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Accepting Sealed Bids For: 10 Wheeler Cab & Chassis and 10 Wheeler Dump Body Plow

ByTierney Farago

The Town of Chelsea intends to purchase one (1) new, unused 66,000 GVW truck cab and chassis, and one (1) all season dump body, snowplow, and wing. Please see the bidding instruction below for more information. For further questions, please contact Rick Ackerman at 802-685-4302.

10 Wheeler Cab & Chassis Sealed Bidding

10 Wheeler Dump Body Plow Sealed Bidding

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Selectboard Meeting Minutes – July 2, 2024

ByTierney Farago
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
July 2nd, 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 (Absent)
Gregg Herrin (Present)
Leyna Hoyt (Absent)
Jesse Kay (Present)
TOWN EMPLOYEES
Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)
Rick Ackerman (Highway Supervisor)
Additions to the Agenda
Two field requests were added to Action Items. Highway update item was added: Rick Ackerman gave an update on the status of a new Town truck and the open road worker job position.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
Public Comments
Neil Hochstedler brought in samples for weather window inserts from Window Dressers for Town Hall. Quotes have been sent to the Selectboard and they would like to see the inserts in person; there are a few locations in Town that are currently using the inserts.

Frank Keene brought up an issue with downed trees in the river behind his home. The Selectboard will find out how to get the debris removed and if it is within their jurisdiction to remove anything from the river. Frank also spoke on the issue of speeding on Maple Ave. There have been cars spotted speeding through the area but there are currently no speed signs posted. The Selectboard will research the traffic ordinance for Maple Ave and getting a sign posted in order for the police department to conduct traffic stops.
Approve Minutes from June 18th, 2024
Jesse Kay made a motion to approve the June 18th minutes; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed with 3 votes in favor.
Current Events and Updates
Presentation on Community Nursing from Jodi Hoyt: Jodi Hoyt and Kristin Barnum presented on the benefits of the Town employing a Community Nurse. This position would administer aid to the residents of Chelsea by supporting them in their health care needs and connecting them with the resources required. Several residents and non-residents of Chelsea were in attendance to support this program. The Selectboard will continue to work with Jodi to determine if this would be a viable program for the Town.
Press Release for Forest and Parks Commission Grant: (Corrected from Library Grant) The Forest and Parks Commission received a $3,000 grant to create a flowering tree lot on the former Babcock/Lyon property at 12 Maple Ave. For the full press release detailing the program, please click HERE.
Town Administrator Update: The Town Administrator gave a brief update on the progress of the Town’s FEMA applications.The Town is still working with FEMA and engineering firms to begin permanent work on various areas affected by the 2023 flood.
Town Hall Space Needs Update: The Town Administrator is currently working on the dimensions of Town Hall and what employees would require should the Town acquire another property.
Future Agenda Items: Budget Update Later in July: The Town Treasurer will provide a budget update at the end of July.
Action Items
Town Garage Heating Fuel Contract: The Selectboard reviewed the heating fuel contract for the Town garage. Jesse Kay made a motion to choose option 2 and approve the contract; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed with 3 votes in favor.
Town Administrator Signing and Purchasing Authority: This item will be moved to a future agenda item to assess what the Town Administrator will be able to sign for and purchase.
Listers: Reappraisal: Phyllis Hayward presented information on the Reappraisal order from the state to the Selectboard. The Selectboard chair signed paperwork acknowledging that the Town of Chelsea has received the reappraisal order and will comply. The listers will be putting out a Request for Proposal for officials to conduct the reappraisal. No formal action was taken.
(Agenda Addition) Chelsea Flea Market Parking: Jesse Kay made a motion to approve the request to use the Roberts-Gould Field for Flea Market parking from July 12th at 4:00 pm to July 13th at 6:00pm; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed with 3 votes in favor.
(Agenda Addition) Chelsea Library Outdoor Games & Ice Cream Social for Adults: Jesse Kay made a motion to approve the request to use the Village Greens for an ice cream social on July 18th from 5:30 pm-8:30pm; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed with 3 votes in favor.
Approve Orders: Jesse Kay made a motion to approve the orders; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed with 3 votes in favor.
Executive Session If Necessary: None
Adjournment: Jesse Kay made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed with 3 votes in favor and the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 pm.
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Press Release: Forest and Parks Commission Grant Award

ByTierney Farago

The Chelsea Forest and Parks Commission received a grant from the Vermont
Community Foundation to create a Pollinator garden on one of the vacant FEMA
properties in downtown Chelsea for community use.

The $3,000 received from the Vermont Community Foundation’s Spark Connecting
Community grant program will help to create a flowering tree lot on the former
Babcock/Lyon property at 12 Maple Avenue.

The Spark Connecting Community Grant program puts building and nurturing
communities front and center. The Foundation aims to support the work happening
throughout Vermont’s 251 towns that build social capital. These grants – where a small
amount can make a big difference– are intended to light the spark that keeps
Vermonters healthy and happy.

The plan is to plant crabapple trees adding spring flowering bulbs at the base of each
tree, install bird and butterfly houses and have benches and other places for people to
sit. The transformation of an empty lot into a relaxing, beautiful garden for the
community and encouraging pollinators and birdlife is the goal. The Parks and Forest
Commission encourages everyone to be part of the planning, design, and implantation
of the project. The project will include a “kick-off” informational session for the
community and integrate the project into the local school curriculum on the importance
of pollinators. The project will also collaborate with the “Youth Wellbeing Project”
through SafeArt Summer camps. The theme for the summer camps this year is “Crafts
and Connection”. The Forest and Parks Commission can be contacted through their
email of chelsea-forest-parks@googlegroups.com and the group meets the first Monday
of every month at the Chelsea Library at 6:00. All are welcome to attend.

The Vermont Community Foundation inspires giving and brings people and resources
together to make a difference in Vermont. A family of hundreds of funds and
foundations, we provide the advice, investment vehicles, and back-office expertise that
make it easy for the people who care about Vermont to find and fund the causes they
love. The heart of the Community Foundation’s work is closing the opportunity gap –
the divide that leaves too many Vermonters struggling to get ahead, no matter how hard
they work. We are aligning our time, energy, and discretionary resources on efforts that
provide access to early care and learning, pathways to college and career training,
support for youth and families, and community and economic vitality. We envision
Vermont at its best – where everyone has the opportunity to build a bright, secure
future. Visit vermontcf.org or call 802-388-3355 for more information.

Changes to Vermont Open Meeting Laws

ByKasey Peterson

There are some new changes to Vermont’s Open Meeting Law that go into effect beginning on July 1st, 2024. Please see the information below regarding these changes:

Transparency is an essential element of an open and democratic government. In Vermont, the Open Meeting Law ensures that meetings of governmental bodies remain accessible by declaring that “[a]ll meetings of a public body are declared to be open to the public at all times, except as provided in section 313 of this title.” 1 V.S.A. § 312(a). The Open Meeting Law, and its requirements, empower the public to play an effective role, not only as an active participant in government but as a check on it. The law is found in 1 V.S.A. §§ 310-314. 

The Open Meeting Law has recently been updated to change with the times. In response to the sunsetting on July 1st of the temporary authority to allow local public bodies to meet remotely during the COVID pandemic, the Legislature passed, and the Governor signed into law, Act 133 (S.55). Act 133, which is effective July 1st of 2024, makes permanent the ability of some local and State public bodies (e.g. advisory bodies) to meet without designating a physical meeting location (i.e. remotely), while imposing upon others (non-advisory bodies) the requirement to record and post their meetings. These are just some of the highlights of the new law. 

If you would like to read more about these changes, please see the overview from the Vermont League of Cities and Towns HERE.

Open Meeting Law Complaint Form

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Selectboard Meeting Agenda – July 2, 2024

ByKasey Peterson
Selectboard Meeting Agenda
July 2nd, 2024 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
I. Call to Order
II. Additions to the Agenda
III. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
IV. Public Comments
V. Approve Minutes from June 18th, 2024
VI. Current Events and Updates
Presentation on Community Nursing from Jodi Hoyt
Press Release for Library Grant
Town Administrator Update
Town Hall Space Needs Update
Future Agenda Items: Budget Update Later in July
VII. Action Items
Town Garage Heating Fuel Contract
Village Green Request: Chintana Herrin, Outdoor Games & Ice Cream Social for Adults on July 18th
Town Administrator Signing and Purchasing Authority
Listers: Reappraisal
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

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2023 Consumer Confidence Report

ByKasey Peterson

This report is a snapshot of the quality of the water that we provided in 2023. 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: 2023 Consumer Confidence Report