Selectboard

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    DRAFT Selectboard Meeting Minutes – March 17, 2026

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Minutes
    March 17, 2026 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm.  
    SELECTBOARD    
    Gregg Herrin (Present) 
    Curtis Chase (Present)
    Paul Libby (Present)
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present)
    Charles Peel (Present)
    TOWN EMPLOYEES    
    Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)
    Jen Chase (Town Clerk)
    Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)
    Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer)
    Additions to the Agenda
    -Curb cut permit: The Selectboard reviewed a curb cut permit for Lou Maraget at 208 E Randolph Rd. Rick Ackerman had reviewed the permit and had no issue. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the permit; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
    Public Comments: None
    Approve minutes from february 17, 18, 24, 2026 and march 5, 2026
    Charles Peel made a motion to approve the February 17th meeting minutes; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the February 18th meeting minutes with changes from the Selectboard; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Charles Peel made a motion to approve the February 24th meeting minutes; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed, with Paul Libby abstaining due to his absence during the meeting.Charles Peel made a motion to approve the March 5th meeting minutes with one minor change, Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Introduction to Senator John Benson
    Senator John Benson attending the Selectboard meeting to introduce himself as the representative for Orange County, and to give an update on what projects he’s been working on in Montpelier. He gave an overview of the committees he is involved in (Committee on Health and Welfare, Committee on Institutions), and encouraged residents to reach out if they have questions or comments regarding state legislature.  Senator John Benson John.benson@vtleg.gov802-828-2228
    B. Highway Update
    Rick Ackerman updated the Selectboard, stating that mud season is slowly but surely arriving. The highway crew has 1,00-1,500 yards of stone stockpiled in preparation for the mud. Rick is still waiting on estimates on truck prices. He mentioned that he had seen a used tractor for sale in Kentucky for $135,900. The Selectboard discussed the prospect of getting a tractor, and asked that Rick and Gayle look into financing possibilities for the tractor.
    C. Town Administrator Update
    The Town Administrator shared information from the new contact at the Windsor County Sheriff’s Office, and the Selectboard discussed the need to have a contract renewal for police services. The Town Administrator and Selectboard liaisons for Health and Safety will reach out to Windsor County to secure a contract renewal. Charles Peel made a motion to preliminarily approve the Windsor County contract for 2026-2027, assuming they are offering the same services as described; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. The Town Administrator mentioned putting out the 2026 mowing RFP. The Selectboard discussed and agreed that the RFP should be put out so that a bid can be chosen at the next regular Selectboard meeting on April 7th. No motion required.
    Action Items
    A. United Church of Chelsea: Sewer Drainage Issue at 13 Church St
    Bob Aicher from the United Church of Chelsea attended the meeting to discuss a sewer issue that the church has been experiencing. The Church had recent renovations and discovered a sewer issue after it began to back up. Bob showed the Selectboard plans and photos for the lines, and believes the issue was caused during the placement of the water line. The Selectboard will rely on the water and sewer liaisons, Charles Peel and Gregg Herrin, to investigate the issue and work on a solution.
    B. Treasurer: Apply for Additional Line of Credit
    Gayle Durkee requested that the Selectboard allow her to apply for a line of credit for $375,000. Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the line of credit for $375,000, with the Selectboard as the authorized signer with the treasurer allowed to request advances from the line of credit; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    C. Constable and Animal Control Officer Vacancies
    Leyna Hoyt, Animal Control Officer, attended the meeting to discuss the status of animal cases in town. The amount of animal control cases has increased since she began working as the ACO, and it has become financially and personally difficult to continue the work. Leyna said she can tentatively continue working on cases that require follow-up, but ultimately would like to transition out of the position. The Selectboard thanked her for all of her work and will look into additional funding possibilities and more support from Windsor County for issuing tickets.
    Contracts and Selectboard Approvals
    A. Wastewater Plant Loan Agreement (Final Engineering)
    This item was tabled to allow for additional review of the contract.
    B. Annual Grants in Aid 2027 Letter of Intent Approval and Highway Financial Plan
    Charles Peel made a motion to sign the Grants in Aid Letter of Intent and Highway Financial Plan; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    C. State of Vermont: Town Road and Bridge Standards Update
    Charles Peel made a motion to approve and adopt the Town Road and Bridge Standards dated 1/21/26; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    D. Free Verse Farm Shop Liquor License Renewal
    Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the liquor license renewal for Free Verse Farm Shop; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    E. Approve Orders
    Charles Peel made a motion to approve the orders; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Charles Peel had questions regarding two orders, but still made a motion to approve them. Motion passed unanimously.
    Executive Session If Necessary
    Curtis Chase made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Tierney Farago, to discuss two Roberts Poor Fund requests and personnel pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 313(a); Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 9:37 pm. Charles Peel made a motion to exit executive session; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard exited executive session at 10:11 pm.
    A. Roberts Poor Fund Requests
    First request: Charles Peel made a motion to approve a Roberts Poor Fund request for $320; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Second request: Charles Peel made a motion to approve a Roberts Poor Fund request for a maximum of $500, pending receiving an invoice; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    B. Personnel Pursuant To 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)
    Gregg Herrin summarized that two personnel issues were discussed, with no motion made.
    Adjournment
    Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting ended at 10:13 pm.

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    Selectboard Meeting Agenda – March 17, 2026

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    March 17, 2026 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Additions to the Agenda
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Public Comments
    Approve Minutes From February 17, 18, 24, 2026 and March 5, 2026
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Introduction to Senator John Benson
    B. Highway Update
    C. Town Administrator Update
    Action Items
    A. United Church of Chelsea: Sewer Drainage Issue at 13 Church St
    B. Treasurer: Apply for Additional Line of Credit
    C. Constable and Animal Control Officer Vacancies
    Contracts and Selectboard Approvals
    A. Wastewater Plant Loan Agreement (Final Engineering)
    B. Annual Grants in Aid 2027 Letter of Intent Approval and Highway Financial Plan
    C. State of Vermont: Town Road and Bridge Standards Update
    D. Free Verse Farm Shop Liquor License Renewal
    E. Approve Orders
    Executive Session if Necessary
    A. Roberts Poor Fund Request
    B. Personnel Pursuant To 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)
    Adjournment
    VIRTUAL OPTION: To join the Selectboard Meeting virtually, please request a link to join from the Town Administrator at town.administrator@chelseavt.us, or by calling 802-625-2023.
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    DRAFT Organizational Selectboard Meeting Minutes – March 5, 2026

    ByTierney Farago
    Organizational Selectboard Meeting Minutes
    March 5th, 2026 7:00 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to order
    Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm.  
    SELECTBOARD    
    Gregg Herrin (Present) 
    Curtis Chase (Present)
    Paul Libby (Present)
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present)
    Charles Peel (Present)
    TOWN EMPLOYEES    
    Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)
    Jen Chase (Town Clerk)
    Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)
    Additions to the Agenda
    -Highway Update: Rick Ackerman attended the meeting with a pressing matter of securing a spot for the plow component of the next town truck purchase. He was able to get several quotes for plow packages and presented the Selectboard with the offer from Tenco for $133,399. The wait time is currently 8 months, and he believed it would be longer and possibly more expensive if the Town delayed agreeing to the price. After some discussion, the Selectboard decided it would be best to lock in the price now before the market might change. Paul Libby made a motion to accept the quote by Tenco; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

    -Highway Mileage Confirmation: A form from the state was issued to confirm the mileage of highway in Chelsea. No motion was needed after Rick confirmed the mileage from last year was correct.
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
    Public Comments: None
    Agenda Items
    A. Appointments for any Elected Vacancies
    No appointments were made.
    B. Select Chair and Vice Chair
    Charles Peel made a motion to appoint Gregg Herrin as chair and Curtis Chase as vice-chair; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    C. Determine Meeting Rules of Procedure
    Curtis Chase made a motion to keep the current meeting rules of procedure; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    D. Designate Meeting Dates, Times, and Location for Regular Meetings
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to have regular Selectboard meetings on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month at 6:30pm in Town Hall; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    E. Designate Locations for Meeting Notices
    Charles Peel made a motion to continue posting meeting notices on the bulletin boards outside of Town Hall, the post office, and Will’s Store; Curtis Chases seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    F. Determine Process for Calling Special and Emergency Meetings
    Curtis Chase made a motion to continue adhering to state statute regarding special and emergency meetings; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    F. Select Newspaper of Record for Public Notice
    Curtis Chase made a motion to continue using The White River Valley Herald as the newspaper for public notice; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    G. Determine Selectboard Organizational Processes for the Following

    1. Designate member or members to sign orders/warrant on off-weeks: Carrie Caouette-De Lallo will continue to be the designated member to sign orders on off weeks, with Curtis Chase as a back-up. Charles Peel volunteered to be the third option if it’s ever required.
    2. Determine agenda content and coordination: Agenda will be drafted and ready for Selectboard approval by the Thursday prior to a meeting. If items on the agenda are missing documentation, they will be tabled until everything has been submitted for the Selectboard’s review.
    3. Approval of Village Greens Requests: The Village Greens requests will continue to be approved administratively by the Town Administrator. 4. Approval of Roberts Gould Field Requests: The Roberts-Gould Field requests will continue to be approved administratively by the Town Administrator.
    5. Designate whether Selectboard members want to have liaison appointments for Town Departments: The Selectboard discussed the current liaisons and made a few adjustments to the original appointments. The new liaisons are as follows: 
    Category: Primary Liaison, Secondary Liaison
    Executive & Admin: Gregg Herrin, Curtis Chase
    Planning & Zoning: Charles Peel, Carrie Caouette-De Lallo
    Health & Safety: Carrie Caouette-De Lallo, Charles Peel
    Public Lands & Facilities: Curtis Chase, Paul Libby
    Highway: Paul Libby, Curtis Chase
    Transfer Station: Carrie Caouette-De Lallo, Curtis Chase
    Water & Wastewater: Charles Peel, Gregg Herrin
    Adjournment
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 8:59 pm.

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    Organizational Selectboard Meeting – March 5, 2026

    ByTierney Farago
    Organizational Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    March 5th, 2026 7:00 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Additions to the Agenda
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Public Comments
    Agenda Items
    A. Appointments for any Elected Vacancies
    B. Select Chair and Vice Chair
    C. Determine Meeting Rules of Procedure
    D. Designate Meeting Dates, Times, and Location for Regular Meetings
    E. Designate Locations for Meeting Notices
    F. Determine Process for Calling Special and Emergency Meetings
    G. Select Newspaper of Record for Public Notice
    H. Determine Selectboard Organizational Processes for the Following:
    -Designate member or members to sign orders/warrant on off-weeks
    -Determine agenda content and coordination
    -Approval of Village Greens Requests
    -Approval of Roberts Gould Field Requests
    -Designate whether Selectboard members want to have liaison appointments for Town Departments
    Adjournment
    VIRTUAL OPTION: To join the Selectboard Meeting virtually, please request a link to join from the Town Administrator at town.administrator@chelseavt.us, or by calling 802-625-2023.
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    Special Selectboard Meeting Minutes – February 24, 2026

    ByTierney Farago
    Special Selectboard Meeting Minutes
    February 24, 2026 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:33 pm.  
    SELECTBOARD    
    Gregg Herrin (Present) 
    Curtis Chase (Present)
    Paul Libby (Absent)
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present)
    Charles Peel (Present)
    TOWN EMPLOYEES    
    Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)
    Jen Chase (Town Clerk)
    Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer)
    Additions to the Agenda
    Gregg Herrin added an item to the agenda to briefly discuss an issue with the current use that affected the 2025 taxes while Gayle Durkee was present to explain.
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
    Public Comments: None
    Action Items
    A. TRORC Updated Vendor Contract: Storm Windows
    The Selectboard reviewed a new contract for storm windows in relation to the MERP Grant. The vendor that was originally selected for the work had pulled out and the second vendor was asked to do the work. After reading the contract, the Selectboard noted that the Town would be responsible for the measurement of the windows in Town Hall since the vendor is located out of state and would only be able to send the storm windows once they get the measurements back. The board members were all wary of measuring the windows due to any mistakes that might be made. They would prefer to use a vendor that is local and will personally measure the windows. The Town Administrator will reach out to Two Rivers to ask what the next steps are to continue with the storm window work. No motion required.
    B. Amend 2026 Town Meeting Warning
    The Selectboard corrected an error from the original Town Meeting warning; a vacant lister position was accidentally omitted from the warning, although it is present on the ballot. The Selectboard acknowledged the error and agreed to include the open position (1 year of a 3 year term), and corrected one grammatical error. The word “article” was corrected to “articles”. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to amend the Town Meeting warning to include the lister position and to correct a minor spelling error; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Executive Session If Necessary: None
    Adjournment
    Curtis Chase made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

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    Informational Meeting Minutes – February 18, 2026

    ByTierney Farago
    Informational Town Meeting Minutes
    February 18, 2026 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm.  
    SELECTBOARD    
    Gregg Herrin (Present) 
    Curtis Chase (Present)
    Paul Libby (Present)
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present)
    Charles Peel (Present)
    TOWN EMPLOYEES    
    Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)
    Jen Chase (Town Clerk)
    Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer)
    Susan Elder (Lister)
    Tom Swahn (Transfer Station Attendant)
    Additions to the Agenda: None
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
    Agenda Items
    A. Budget Presentation by the Chelsea Selectboard
    B. Discussion of Articles 1 and 2
    C. Introduction to Candidates
    D. Any Additional Town Meeting Topics
    Gregg Herrin opened the meeting by introducing the Selectboard members, as well as various town employees present at the meeting.

    Article 1: To elect the following offices:
    Town Moderator- one (1) year term; 
    Delinquent Tax Collector – one (1) year term;  
    Selectboard – one (2) year term;  
    Selectboard – one (3) year term;  
    Lister- one (3) year term;  
    Lister-one (1) year of (3) year term; 
    Trustees of the Public Library – one (3) year term;  
    Trustees of the Public Library – one (3) year term;  
    Trustee of Public Funds – one (3) year term;  
    Cemetery Commissioner – one (5) year term; 
    **A note was made that an additional lister position (1 year of a 3 year term) is available, but was omitted in error from the Town Meeting warning. This office will be on the ballot for residents.** 
     
    Gregg opened the floor for any candidates that wanted to introduce themselves to the public. The following candidates were present to introduce themselves and the office they are running for: 
    Gayle Durkee: delinquent tax collector (1 year term)  
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo: Selectboard (2 year term)  
    Marianne McCann: Selectboard (3 year term)  
    Charles Peel: Selectboard (3 year term)  
    Susan Elder: Lister (3 year term)  
    Chris Byrne: Trustee of the Public Library (3 year term)  
    Two additional candidates were absent from the meeting: 
    Amy Jones: Trustee of the Public Library (3 year term) 
    Edwin Coburn: Trustee of Public Funds (3 year term) 

    Article 2: Shall the voters of the Town of Chelsea adopt the Chelsea Zoning Bylaw as approved by the Select board on January 9, 2026?Charles Peel summarized the events of updating the zoning bylaws, noting that the planning commission has been working on the bylaw update for nearly two years. He thanks the planning commission for their time and service. He mentioned that most of the changes to the bylaw were to ensure it meets state statute and complies with the Town Plan that was approved last year. The draft bylaw was approved by the Selectboard on December 22nd and is available for review on chelseavt.org and a copy can be printed at the Town Administrator’s office if necessary upon request, prior to voting.
    Public Comments
    The public was encouraged to ask questions throughout the presentation. Topics included the service provided by Windsor County Sheriff’s Office, and how the Selectboard is rating the aging highway equipment.
    Adjournment
    Charles Peel made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 8:19 pm.

    2026 Town Meeting Selectboard UpdateDownload
    Community Nurse Statistics 2025Download
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    Special Selectboard Meeting Agenda – February 24, 2026

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    February 24, 2026 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Additions to the Agenda
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Public Comments
    Action Items
    A. TRORC Updated Vendor Contract: Storm Windows
    B. Amend 2026 Town Meeting Warning
    Executive Session If Necessary
    Adjournment
    VIRTUAL OPTION:To join the Selectboard Meeting virtually, please request a link to join from the Town Administrator at town.administrator@chelseavt.us, or by calling 802-625-2023.
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    Selectboard Meeting Minutes – February 17, 2026

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Minutes
    February 17, 2026 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:35 pm.  
    SELECTBOARD    
    Gregg Herrin (Present) 
    Curtis Chase (Present)
    Paul Libby (Present)
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present)
    Charles Peel (Present)
    TOWN EMPLOYEES    
    Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)
    Jen Chase (Town Clerk)
    Additions to the Agenda
    Paul Libby added the topic of an AV system for Town Hall, and Gregg Herrin suggested discussing it during the Town Administrator update.
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
    Public Comments: None
    Approve Minutes from February 3, 2026
    Paul Libby made a motion to approve the minutes from February 3rd; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Highway Updates
    Paul Libby informed the Selectboard that Ruben Hook accepted the full-time road crew position and his official start date is February 23rd. According to Rick, one of the trucks has an engine light on and is in the shop currently. He believes that there is enough salt and sand for the rest of winter.
    B. Town Administrator Update
    Paul Libby brought up the possibility of purchasing AV equipment for Town Hall for future events. The library generously allowed the Selectboard to borrow their speakers and microphone for the upcoming informational meeting, but he believes that the town should have separate equipment. Jen Chase has asked her colleagues who work with similar equipment for their suggestions, and Paul has reached out to Bill Smith from the church to gather more options.
    Action Items
    A. Appropriation Policy Review
    The Selectboard assessed the old social service appropriation petition policy, and Charles Peel presented his proposed changes to the policy. These changes included adjusting the due date of petitions and reports to the end of November, and clarified the process of submittal for applicants. Marianne McCann attended the meeting and brought up concerns about the non-profit status of applicants and what agencies are eligible per state statute. Charles Peel cited that the policy lists the statute that defines what is considered a social services, and notes that the appropriation requests will still go through Selectboard review. The Selectboard will continue to review the policy and will finalize changes at the next regular Selectboard meeting on March 17th.
    B. Town Moderator Appointment
    This item was removed, as the previously elected moderator will still be able to attend the Town Meeting. No appointment required.
    C. Wastewater Treatment Facility Engineering Contract Amendment
    The Selectboard reviewed a contract amendment for the wastewater facility upgrade. This amendment is necessary after discovering additional challenges from the pump station alternatives proposed by the engineering firm. Additional time and research will be required, so the contract amendment includes a $13, 910 allowance for that additional engineering. Charles Peel made a motion to approve the contract amendment; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    D. Approve Orders
    Paul Libby made a motion to approve the orders; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Executive Session If Necessary: None
    Adjournment
    Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 7:53 pm.

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    Selectboard Meeting Agenda – February 17, 2026

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    February 17, 2026 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Additions to the Agenda
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Public Comments
    Approve Minutes from February 3, 2026
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Highway Updates
    B. Town Administrator Update
    Action Items
    A. Appropriation Policy Review
    B. Town Moderator Appointment
    C. Wastewater Treatment Facility Engineering Contract Amendment
    D. Approve Orders
    Executive Session If Necessary
    Adjournment
    VIRTUAL OPTION: To join the Selectboard Meeting virtually, please request a link to join from the Town Administrator at town.administrator@chelseavt.us, or by calling 802-625-2023.