Selectboard

Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Minutes (Draft)
Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at 7:30 PM at Chelsea Town Hall
Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Geoffrey Clayton, Merrill Whitney, Bruce Hook
Other Town Employees Present: Gayle Durkee (Treasurer), Kasey Peterson (Grants Liaison),
Karen Lathrop, (Town Clerk)
Members of the Public: Clinton F. Rodger, Mark Richardson, Frank Keene, Douglas Stone

1. Call meeting to order
   Meeting called to order by Levar Cole at 7:30
2. Conflict of interest disclosure – None
3. Changes to the agenda – None
4. Town Clerk
   Board briefed on General Election. 937 voters, ballots were sent out, 66 back so far, full crew for
   election assistants plus one person to give breaks. Noted the Logic and Accuracy test will take
   place in the office, during the day and will send notices out to BCA.
5. Town Treasurer
   Budget submitted and hasn’t changed much. Highway is a little high due to repairs.
   Submitted orders, explained there was a $250.00 penalty due to increase in pay to Library Staff
   which requires her to now pay monthly to Federal Payment instead of quarterly.
   Gayle still researching the online payment plans available for payment of taxes.
6. Department/Liaison Updates
   Re: Highway – Bruce reported Rick said there will be logging up at Charlie Ladd’s and the log
   truck wont’ be able to make the swing onto Court Street and will need to use School Street which
   is one way.
   Geoff suggests notifying Orange County Sheriff’s Dept. and thinks the move should be done
   when court is not in session. Have a person block trafficBruce to coordinate with Rick
   Ackerman, Road Foreman.
   Bruce stated the Beavers out behind Marty Gratz’s place and there needs to be something done
   as water is backing up. There will need to be something done to prevent ice jams in the spring
   that would compromise our bridges and people’s property. Discussion on trapping but illegal to
   trap at this time.
   Summer truck tire bill will be costly. The truck with the belly grader is in for repairs for noise in
   the front end. needs some work. Check cleared on the truck sold and Rick would have a Road
   Plan in soon. Garage has been put on hold due to cold weather.
   Re: Transfer Station- Geoff stated he will send to the letter to the Board, as he did not bring it
   with him.
   Re: Waste/Water- Merrill stated has not spoken with Nolan since the last conversation on
   overtime. Levar stated Macaden Lyford had been called to read meters but he is not a Town
   employee. There are concerns about that, and the fact that MaCaden’s boss is receiving calls for
   requests for meter reading. Merrill to check with Nolan about that concern.
   Re: Health Officer – Geoff reported notices about Monkey Pox and some Covid related illness,
   but that it isn’t Covid and there is no vaccine and it is not covered by insurance.
   He stated there are issues up at Chelsea Court. He might have to get pictures Thursday if the
   Property Management company does not resolve it. Noted the Property Management company
   had threatened retaliation for complaints at the second property they manage. Could possibly be
   contacting the State. Has directed residents to contact a lawyer or go to the Law School for help.
   Levar asked if he needed support in the form of a letter. Geoff stated the Health Officer has
   more than enough authority and power granted to the position.
   Re: Animal Control – Geoff no issues to report lately.
   Re: Town Hall Building /Balconey– Kasey Peterson reported there was an issue with the south
   chimney and it would need to be lined and some bricks are decayed or gone. Masons are booking
   out a year in advance. Due to the issue a new plan was created. She showed the Board a new
   plan for the pellet furnace to heat the building. Stated that two of the old furnaces would used as
   blowers for the pellet furnace. The old quote of $42,000.00, updated quote 47,200.00 for ducting
   and concrete. That would be $5000.00 increase to the Town portion. Board said some of the
   money in the Town Hall Renovation Fund could be used but not all of it. Levar stated when this
   process started the Board had a vision of what this would encompass and it has morphed. Not all
   statements have proved true but they are looking at alternatives though. Bruce concerned that the
   back-up furnace would not be enough BTU’s to heat the library and the hall. Kasey said there
   would be enough. But she would double check Gayle asked what the annual maintenance fee
   would be. Kasey said old quote for maintenance was $500/year and it seemed low. Also, the
   inlet pipe for pellets that would come out of the side of the building would need to be kept free of
   snow. Kasey said Mort is trying to contact the Fire Marshall to ensure we have done all that is up
   to code. Board is stilling willing to commit with the new plan.
   Creamery BuildingWater Issue Update- The water comes across from the vet’s office and down
   off of the school property into a drop inlet and when it can’t handle the overflow, it goes through
   the Creamery building and out across the road to the river. With grants in aid money it can be
   fixed but the property is school property. Kasey unsure if we need permission or ask them to pay
   for part of it? Levar says we need a full Board approval. Geoff says to call Lou Maraget, but as it
   is an environmental issue the Board would just take action and notify people.
   Balconey Update – Kasey reported that the flats need to be moved and look at by a historian and
   everything needs to be moved out of the balcony before they can get a quote. Geoff will find
   some volunteers to help move flats.
   a. Town Hall building: window coverings, storage, balcony-Levar
7. Public Comments
   Oversight of town property-cemetery, bridges, etc. Clint stated the Board gave him the okay to
   use the bridge for snowmachines, He then spoke with Frank Keene about coming around the
   Brookhaven trail and the cemetery to cross the bridge. Spoke with the Boys Home, Tim Courts
   and then went to Frank Keene to sign the paperwork and Frank said no. Clint states Frank is
   using one issue to deal with another one. Mark Richardson asked if the Town of Chelsea has
   relinquished cemetery to the Commissioners? Levar said we would come back to that issue The
   second issue is Clint states that Frank stated that if Tim Ward did not get a bridge then he won’t
   sign it. Clint went to Treasurer of VAST because there is no money for a bridge. He feels he has
   done a lot of leg work and now nothing is coming of it. Levar said that the Cemetery
   Commissioners runs the Cemetery. Levar cited V.S.A. 18 ss . Mark Richardson said you can
   create Cemetery Commissioners and still retain control until you relinquish it. Clint wants to
   know how Town property can be used as leverage.
   Frank Keene was invited to make his comments. The bridge that was just replaced was rotten.
   Two years ago Frank and Clint had a conversation, about Clint speaking with the Boys Home
   and Senior Housing &Town and it sat for a year with nothing done. The bridge at that point was
   unsafe, and he told Clint, he was posting the bridge as unsafe and said the snowmobilers could
   come through his yard. This spring, Tim decided that something had to be done about the bridge.
   He claims he has tried to meet with Clint or Mark and they would not meet. Tim used an
   excavator on Frank’s side and the bridge was rotted through. Tim put in a new bridge. Looks
   great. He did not get any money for rebuilding it. VAST came down to talk with Tim. Informed
   him there was no money left this year but would be some next year. Tim received an email from
   VAST saying they didn’t want to buy the bridge, but would pay for half but they had demands.
   Demands were that he would be open certain times, to take care of the snowmobilers, Frank says
   he doesn’t think that you can do that but it doesn’t matter to him. He made it clear that the
   bridge is no longer an emergency and that snowmobilers can go to where they want. He said
   people using Brookhaven Trail a mess and Brookhaven closed the trail. So they can’t claim they
   have made a plan with Brookhaven. He doesn’t believe they went to talk with Senior Housing.
   So Frank made it clear to Clint that unless there was something in writing from VAST or that
   Tim was paid some money for the bridge, Frank felt it was unnecessary for the Snowmobilers to
   cross the cemetery. He also commented that many people do not like snowmobiles in the
   cemetery. He noted that Clint and Mark refuse to work with Tim, doesn’t know why and Tim has
   offered to meet with them. Just the other day he said Clint approached him to sign off on paper
   and Frank refused until Tim Ward gets some money for the bridge. Mark Richardson said there
   are two sides to a story and sometimes the truth is somewhere in the middle. He has never
   refused to meet with Tim Ward. The club has offered to meet. He said VAST has not outright
   refused him they said if they were going to put any money into the bridge,if it won’t bring
   snowmobilers to a service, they need to know how much the bar is going to be open.
   Levar says the Board is limited on what they can do. Geoff remarked that if you all remain
   divided you will see less services in VT. You need to work together and need to try and keep it
   more civil. We won’t have anything, because everyone is fighting. This hurts us as a Town. We
   need to work together. Clint states he is surprised the Town of Chelsea lets someone use Town
   Property to gain leverage over someone. Levar says if you have an allegation that someone is
   using Town Resources for private gains to take it to the State so they make an investigation.
   Frank also commented on the Beavers that are damming up the First Branch. He noticed that
   they were having a lot of wild animal around. He checked out where the beavers were building
   and he said it is a problem as it is well built and collecting. He has been flooded in the past due
   to ice jams. He spoke with Pat Ross, as he has worked with him before on river work around his
   property. Mr. Ross told Frank that the Town has to do what it needs to do. Levar said he has
   talked with the State and they don’t want anything in the river. This might be different as they
   are beavers and could be considered a nuisance. Frank spoke with Sheilagh, the lady next door,
   and asked if an excavator could go in, would you mind it, if they made you a better approach to
   the river. The Game Wardens haven’t done anything but looked. The beavers are now trying to
   chew down a foot and a half tree on Town Property. Kasey Peterson, offered to call people about
   it as she had done it when she worked for Brookfield. Board decided Kasey and Bruce would
   work on the Beaver Dam.
   Geoff also wanted to know if the Board would get someone had spoke to Rick about riprap the
   bank ( prior board approved) by the sewer plant and the horseshoe pits. Bruce said he would do it
   but doesn’t have a truck to put it in. Geoff said talked with Tad and he would do it but need a
   truck you can put stone in. Geoff said it has been waiting for almost three years.
   Re: Other Public Comments – Doug Stone said someone reported a person illegally riding in a
   field on Burger Road and he wanted the Board to know he had addressed it. He also thanked the
   Board for all their work on the Ordinance. Lastly he would like the Board to mark the Town
   Boundaries on the Class 4 Roads that border Vershire so four wheeler know where to stop. Levar
   said they would put it on the next agenda to be discussed.
8. Approve minutes: – Revisions to be made. Pass over
   a. 20 September 2022
   b. 6 September 2022
9. Administrative Assistant Report/Grants Administration:
   Re: Village Greens/Roberts- Field requests- no request yet, but one coming for next meeting
   Re: Hiring for water/wastewater – no applications sent in
   Re: Hiring for Administrative Assistant – no applications sent in
   Re: Update for 2023 budget planning/discussions (notification) – Karen said she emailed
   many of the people on the Budget Timeline and sent a draft of the letter to the Board.
   Levar said the Board doesn’t need to sign, just send from Admin. Send to appropriations.
   Geoff said there would be increases for First Branch Ambulance. Mark was trying to get
   a grant.
   The Library asked the Board to push back their budget. Levar said we just need to give
   them support/platform for their printed material
   Re: Arts grant/pellet furnace update
   Update on other grants Kasey- generator. She spoke to the Historical Preservation and the
   most important item is will our old wiring support a generator if it switches it. Karen
   suggested Rick Allen. Kasey also said if money were available that it would be a tough
   sell to get Historic Preservation to grant it because we are in the historic district. Karen
   stated try VLCT for grants. Karen concerned that power was necessary to run tabulator
   and we might need to come up with an emergency procedures for elections. Levar though
   Marianne and Tracy had someone check our building and suggests giving Tracy a call.
   There was discussion about where people will go in an emergency. Board requested
   Kasey speak with Tracy Simon
   Re: Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development Tour-Chelsea
   Levar stated White River Valley Consortium was able to get some Federal funding.
   Some people were going around to see if they could help with the housing issues in
   Vermont. Levar stated WRVC received around 200,00.00-300,00.00 for housing. Kasey
   and Levar attended. Geoff wanted to know why they weren’t around two years ago when
   we were tearing houses down for FEMA. Levar said he brought that up. Levar will let the
   Board know if a letter of support is needed.
   Geoff wants it on the record: “This is another example of the Government taking
   something and destroying it, then saying we have tax money we are going to pay you to
   rebuild it and create something that you had before, before we made an idiot PHD out of
   touch decision on what to do. Why do they pay us to destroy stuff in order t take our tax
   money to pay us to build the same stuff.
   Action: Merrill Whitney moved to approve orders. Bruce Hook secondrf the
   motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   General $4143.06
   Highway $24,283.85
   Water/Sewer $3616.41
10. Employee Vacancies -No Applications
11. Elected and Appointed office vacancies: None
12. Executive Session for Human Resources (1 VSA 313 (a)(3))
    Action: Levar Cole moved to enter executive session for Human Resources per 1 VSA
    313(a)(3) at 9.06 PM
    Action: Levar Cole moved to exit executive session at 9:22 PM
    Levar state there would be change to water staffing – A thank you letter to Mr. Hook for his
    work on the temporary water position as staff support to Mr. LaFrancis.
13. Meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM.
    The next regularly scheduled Selectboard meeting will be on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at 7:30
    pm at the Town Hall.

Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 20, 2022, 7:30 pm at Chelsea Town Hall
Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Mark Whitney, Merrill Whitney, Bruce Hook
Other Town Employees present: Marianne McCann (Administrative Assistant)(Herald), Gayle Durkee (Treasurer), Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman), Nolan LaFrancis (COO Water System), Bernard Downing (Transfer Station Attendant).
Members of the public present: Heidi Chapman, Chris Byrne, Judy Libby, Andy Pomerantz, Kate Willard, Phillip Mulligan, Bob Frenier, Trudy Amber-Dowlin

1. Call Meeting to Order
   Meeting called to order by Levar Cole at 7:31 pm.
2. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
   None.
3. Changes to the Agenda
   AA requested the appointment of Town Moderator be moved forward in the meeting, if a candidate
   shows up as planned.
4. Supervisor Check-In
   Re: Transfer Station: Snook Downing stated concerns and opinions about stickers and pricing for
   residents and non-residents. Downing stated a ticket system might work. Action: discuss with Geoff
   Clayton.
   Re: Water System: Cole stated the Selectboard has hiring concerns and concerns about employee
   compensation. Cole stated the Selectboard has added a $4,000 signing bonus to the Assistant Chief
   Operator job ads. Nolan La Francis stated no problems or concerns at this time. About the hiring, if you
   can’t find help, you can’t find help.
   Re: Highway Dept: Rick Ackerman stated no labor concerns. Hook Road ditching project is underway and
   looking good. Truck will be sold tomorrow.
5. Town Clerk
   There are 3 Liquor License applications from the Wagon Wheel.
   Levar Cole moved to approve First Class Restaurant/Bar License (00230) for Wagon Wheel Bar and
   Grill. Mark Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   Levar Cole moved to approve Third Class Restaurant/Bar License (00233) for Wagon Wheel Bar and
   Grill. Merrill Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   Levar Cole moved to approve the Outside Consumption Permit (00234) for Wagon Wheel Bar and
   Grill. Bruce Hook seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
6. Town Treasurer
   Re: Budget: Durkee stated nothing drastic in budget. Hauling sand has been cut off. Nothing else until
   winter months. Orders presented. Request for Proposals for Audit updated and presented. Action: Place
   ad in Herald. Post full audit proposal on our website.
   Levar Cole moved to approve the RFP for Audit Services. Merrill Whitney seconded the motion.
   Motion passed unanimously.
   Re: Debit Card/Credit Card: Durkee proposed to have only one card with the Treasurer, no ATM
   withdrawals, standard point of sale limit of $2,500. Treasurer must be the primary signer. Admin. Asst.
   can have a card. Bank suggests a separate account with a balance of $2,500.
   Levar Cole moved to approve the debit card proposal, with the understanding that the proposed debit
   card restrictions will be amended to the Town of Chelsea purchasing policy. Mark Whitney seconded
   the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   Mark Whitney moved to approve the orders. Merrill Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed
   unanimously.
   Orders Totalling:
   Payroll Town: 6,283.85
   Library: 3,617.65
   Town: 7,573.20
   General: 4,968.47
   Highway: 35,085.38
   Water/Sewer: 558.00
   Rec Dept.: 170.00
7. Department /Liaison Updates
   Highway: Bruce Hook reported the Truck will be sold tomorrow, the Old Town Garage will be painted by
   next week. The roof will be painted.
   Transfer Station: Geoff Clayton absent. Move to next agenda.
   Water/Wastewater: Nothing to report.
   Town Mowing RFP: Mark Whitney requests previous RFP language be checked in office files.
   Village Greens Maintenance Proposal: Mark Whitney requests extension of a couple Selectboard
   Meetings and then place back on agenda.
   Health Officer, Animal Control: Geoff Clayton absent. Move to next agenda.
   Zoning, AA, Planning Commission: Levar Cole requests date in October for Zoning Admin. 3 month
   employee review.
8. Use of ARPA money Discussion
   Proposal by Heidi Chapman to fund a quarterly newsletter, called Chelsea Spotlight, for 1 to 3 years for
   about $7,000. per year. Chapman stated the newsletter would be a paper newsletter, printed and
   mailed to everyone in Chelsea, and a digital online version. An 8 page dummy newsletter was presented.
   Proposal by Bob Frenier to fund a dental health center for $50,000.00 in ARPA funds for partial salaries
   for two dental care providers in the proposed new program’s first year. Chelsea Health Center’s dental
   partner, HealthHub, has been awarded $350,000 for two new dental trailers, one for adults, and one for
   school hygiene. The secondary request is for permission to locate the adult dental mobile unit on townowned land near the Old Town Garage for 3 -4 months per year.
   Proposal by Andy Pomerantz and Kate Willard to fund a trail system, or a planning effort for a trail
   system. Maybe have a committee. Potential trails discussed were downtown Chelsea to Rivendell Trail,
   trails through the Town Forest, and a proposed trail encircling the town of Chelsea.
   Question asked by Trudy Dowlin, does the Selectboard make the decision on it’s own?
   Levar Cole, answered yes. The Selectboard makes the final decision on ARPA money expenditures. The
   Selectboard has tried to solicit as many public ideas and proposals as possible. In the final analysis, we
   will make the decision. Our plan is to spend the money as best we can. We will leverage the Federal
   dollars as soon as we can. The Chelsea Selectboard has discussed the ARPA money in public meetings 8
   times in 2021, and 15 times in 2022, including a June 14th meeting that was a “brainstorming session”.
   Proposal by Phillip Mulligan for the Window Dressers program to build wood and plastic window inserts
   for the Town Clerk’s office at a cost of $495.01. We need to know by the end of the month. Mulligan
   also proposed an air loss and heat loss assessment on the Town Garage building using ARPA money as
   an energy focused project.
9. Public Comments
   None.
10. Approve Minutes
    Levar Cole read changes he had to the August 30 minutes and presented a written copy of the changes.
    Levar Cole moved to approve the Chelsea Selectboard Minutes of 30 August 2022 with the
    additions/corrections presented. Merrill Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
11. Administrative Assistant Report/ Grants Administration
    Levar Cole moved to approve the Highway Access Permit for Ruben Hook at 146 Hook Road. Mark
    Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed with one abstention (Bruce Hook).
    A Roberts Gould Field request by the Chelsea Rec Committee was approved and signed for a soccer
    tournament on 9-25-22.
    A Roberts Gould Field request by First Branch Athletics was approved and signed for 5/6 soccer practice
    and games from Sept. 19 to October 28.
    Hiring for Water Dept and Admin. Asst: a $4,000 signing bonus was added to job ads posted on
    electronic water job boards. Admin Asst. job advertised in Herald. No candidates applied yet. Action:
    post Admin. Asst. job on Indeed, when possible with town debit card.
    Mark Whitney asked about the OWL and how can we do minutes with digital technology. Brief
    discussion re: minutes. How will we do minutes? Remote minutes? Remote Town Report? What parts of
    the Admin. Asst job can be done remotely?
    Scheduling for 2023 budget planning discussions: An updated version of last years schedule, with new
    dates presented to the board. Action: Send out email to all departments with dates.
    Arts Grant/ Pellet Furnace: Levar Cole reported to the Board on the changes and updates to the
    installation of the wood pellet furnace in the Town Hall. Inspection and Proposal for a new chimney liner
    from Chimney Savers was scheduled.
    Update on other Grants: none.
    Vermont Land Trust/Taylor-Putney Conservation Easement. Letter presented. Selectboard can respond
    if disagrees with analysis. Cole will respond for the Selectboard.
    Levar Cole stated, as a follow-up on the trail system plan by Kate Willard, that sometimes there is seed
    money by horse groups, for trail damage done by horses, in order for the horse groups to be allowed to
    go on the trails. Sometimes the horse groups come out and maintain the trails. Sometimes ATV groups
    come out and maintain the trails. We are working out what we can do for the community. The ATV folks
    were really interested and volunteered to do the work. Should we consider something like this for multi
    use trails? Who are these trails for? Foot trails? Bike trails? ATV trails? Horse trails? We have ATV
    volunteers who have already told us they would do the work. What can the board do to support you,
    Mark Whitney, in the activity of making a trail proposal, or a town forest proposal?
12. Appointments
    None.
13. Executive Session for Human Resources
    None.
14. Adjourn
    Meeting adjourned at 9:50 pm.
    The next regularly scheduled Chelsea Selectboard Meeting will be Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 7:30 in
    the Chelsea Town Hall.

Chelsea Selectboard Special Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 20, 2022, 6:30 pm at Chelsea Town Hall
Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Mark Whitney, Merrill Whitney, Bruce Hook
Other Town Employees present: Marianne McCann (Administrative Assistant)(Herald)
Members of the public present: Martin Prevost (DLL), Patrick Ross (DLL), Nick Zigelbaum

1. Call meeting to order
   Meeting called to order by Levar Cole at 6:34 pm.
2. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
   None.
3. Changes to the agenda
   None.
4. Discussion of liquor control and violations
   Patrick Ross, Investigator in the Office of Compliance and Enforcement for the Vermont Department of
   Liquor and Lottery, stated he was here to discuss liquor control information and he invited Martin
   Prevost, Director of Licensing to attend.
   Patrick Ross stated he looked into 3 incidents. An application by Pear Ridge Productions/Adventure
   Dinners was for an event that was scheduled to take place on September 3, 2022. The application was
   dated August 30, 2022. Ross does not know the status of that event.
   An application by Pear Ridge Productions/Adventure Dinners was for an event scheduled for June 25,
5. The application was dated June 21, 2022. There was no actioning on that. No permit.
   An application by Pear Ridge Productions/Adventure Dinners was for an event scheduled for July 22,
6. The application was dated July 6, 2022. Chelsea Selectboard disapproved the permit on July 19,
7. The event was supposed to be attended by 60 people. The licensee conducted the event without a
   proper permit. The licensee was ticketed.
   There was another event, later than that, where there were screenshots of drinking in a field.
   The licensee has been ticketed. Since then, Pear Ridge Productions/Adventure Dinners did not apply for
   a license, but called the Director because they thought they were not going to get approval. Licensee
   was going to advertise bring your own beer. They can do whatever they want. The one she called on was
   a pig roast event. She was told food only. There are no other outstanding complaints about the licensee.
   There is no record with our office about Babe’s Bar.
   Levar Cole, Chair, asked should the Selectboard be concerned with problems, or should we rubber
   stamp things? The Town Clerk has informed liquor license applicants that the application must be on the
   agenda at a regularly scheduled Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard has always asked about recent
   violations.
   Patrick Ross stated according to statute, as long as it has to be warned. Your town does that. Generally,
   earlier is better. It (application) has to be received in our office by 5 days before the event. Under
   certain circumstances, we will act on something under 5 days. It must be on the application form. It
   must be warned. The Selectboard makes the deny or approve decision. Get it in early is always the best
   thing. Even though they (licensee) apply, and you (Selectboard) approve, we (DLL) still have to approve
   the application. Towns do different things. Per statute, it has to be a duly warned meeting.
   Mark Whitney stated I want to make sure we are doing what we are supposed to do. There are not a ton
   of events that happen in Chelsea. The company that does these dinners, they have them forecasted out
   a year. Is there such a thing as applying too far ahead?
   Martin Prevost stated within a year. Larger events might have to be further reviewed. The Selectboard
   can call the Department and check on the licensee. Feel free to reach out to us. Under FOIA it’s
   accessible. With local licensees (like bars or restaurants) you will get notices of violations on the
   application. The numbers are on the website.
   Mark Whitney asked, if we find violations, what are our best practices?
   Ross stated If emergency, call 911. State Police. Other than that, call me on my cell phone. We will
   investigate anything that is brought before us.
   Mark Whitney asked, is that the right thing to do, issuing a permit after a violation?
   Ross stated you would have to talk to your Town Attorney. If there is a licensee that continues to do
   things wrong, you need to contact your Town Attorney. The State does not enforce BYOB.
   Nick Ziegelbaum stated those 3 events took place at my place. I understand the authority of the control
   board. Adventure Dinners tried to host an event in June and applied too late. We still did the event and
   paid the fine. They paid for the event on July 21st that was denied. They do not know if they are going to
   get denied. It’s unclear whether the board will approve or deny. It’s a huge loss of revenue to do a BYOB
   event.
   Ross stated there is no answer, other than get it in and get it approved well ahead of time. As far as how
   long the disapproval would last, the attorney would have to be involved. The corrective plan is applying
   with enough time.
   Mark Whitney stated there was an email sent where they did not apologize and they said they would try
   not to do that again. Whitney stated this is a transgression of knowledge.
   Nick Ziegelbaum stated all the food was purchased.
   Investigator Patrick Ross stated you can only do that so many times.
   Nick Ziegelbaum stated the decision now is not do we apply early or late. But now, the decision is do we
   apply at all. I’m the representative.
   Martin Prevost stated we cannot take action on something that has not taken place. The State cannot
   take action until this board has taken action. The board sanctioned the caterer. The caterer took the
   sanction. Our board thought that appropriate. We would not deny a permit moving forward.
   Investigator Ross took the action of issuing a monetary ticket. That is corrective action. It is progress in
   our eyes that the applicant called us. My suggestion to you is get the application in as soon as you can.
   We accept applications only online now. If the Selectboard approves and sends it to us, there is not
   enough evidence to deny it.
   Nick Ziegelbaum stated he is representing Kate MacLean as well. What is the timeline for us putting stuff
   on the agenda? A month?
   Cole stated the agendas usually are finalized the Friday before a Selectboard meeting on the following
   Tuesday. Usually, Thursday noon is the deadline.
   Nick Ziegelbaum asked will you deny the next permit if it is submitted in time? We can jump through
   hoops, but what are they?
   Ross stated we invite anyone who needs to fall under general operations to apply for a permit.
   Nick Ziegelbaum asked can we apply for multiple days?
   Ross stated Saturday and Sunday are okay, one day as a back-up date.
8. Public Comments
   None.
9. Adjourn
   Special Selectboard meeting adjourned at 7:09 pm.

Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 6, 2022, 7:30 pm at Chelsea Town Hall
Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Mark Whitney, Merrill Whitney, Geoff Clayton, Bruce Hook
Other Town Employees present: Marianne McCann (Administrative Assistant)(Herald), Gayle Durkee
(Treasurer), Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman).
Members of the public present: Gregg Herrin

1. Call Meeting to Order
   Meeting called to order at 7:33 pm by Levar Cole.
2. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
   None.
3. Changes to the Agenda
   Geoff Clayton will add a couple things. Admin. Asst. will add a couple things: letters received.
4. Town Clerk
   Town Clerk is not in attendance. Liquor License request for event date 9-3-22 presented. Cole asked,
   since event date has passed, do we need to take action? No action taken.
5. Town Treasurer
   Gayle Durkee stated there are no drastic changes in the budget. Cole asked if there are any drastic
   windfalls? No. Durkee stated the Canon copier lease is up. There is a quote for the same copier package.
   Can we go ahead and lease a new one for a 5 year contract? Similar to the last one. Action: Selectboard
   has no objection. Proceed.
   Gayle Durkee stated we have an updated RFP for auditor services. Last year it was around $10,000. This
   year it might be more, possibly $16,000 or $18,000. Action: Selectboard will make a decision at the next
   meeting, Sept. 20. Send the RFP to Selectboard. Add ARPA money and the single audit threshold into the
   RFP information.
6. Department/Liaisons Updates
   Re: Highway: Truck Sale: Ready to sign a contract with Auctions International for the sale of the 2012
   International truck. Contract not sent in yet, due to possible interest from Craigslist ad. Contract would
   be exclusive sales opportunity to Auctions International. Wait and see if Craigslist sale is arranged.
   Re: Old Town Garage: Bruce Hook stated he has received many comments on the need to paint the
   roof. Hook will know more about the project details this week, because Ward wants to paint it the
   following week.
   Re: Highway Access Permit: Ruben Hook has requested a Highway Access Permit. Rick Ackerman stated
   he has looked at the location, it’s all fine, but he has not signed the form yet. Selectboard requested
   Ackerman sign the form and it will be placed on the next agenda, Sept. 20.
   Re: Hook Road Ditching Project: Ackerman stated on Monday we will start on the Hook Road Grants in
   Aid program. Tad Boardman has been contacted regarding using his excavator. This is routine work. We
   are all set. Will there be any road closings? Yes, when we do the culverts. Ackerman usually notifies the
   fire and ambulance departments for road closings.
   Re: Transfer Station: Clayton stated he has researched stickers. The general cost would be between 75
   cents and $1.25 each to get the stickers. The name and the year would be printed. One color. Simple.
   We could start this program in January. Selectboard must decide about surcharges. Selectboard must
   consult with Snook and do advertising in advance of instituting the sticker program. Non residents
   would pay for stickers. Residents would get free stickers. This is a discussion, no decisions have been
   made. Clayton suggests charging $50. for non-resident stickers. Unless, the transfer station charges for
   recycling.
   Cole stated he does not want it to seem like we are taking money that we don’t have to take. Nonprofits do not pay for trash. What about community organizations? This is something to talk about.
   There are different issues. Recycling costs a lot. Now there are fuel surcharges. Only one company is
   interested in doing the service for the Town. Perhaps one thing will not solve all our problems at the
   Transfer Station.
   Re: Bear Mitigation: Clayton stated he is starting on the shed this week.
   Re: Letter to Illegal Dumpers: Clayton stated he wrote a draft of a proposed letter to illegal dumpers.
   Clayton read the draft out loud. Clayton will make changes and we can sign at the next meeting.
   Re: Water/Wastewater: Merrill Whitney stated he has not talked to Nolan.
   Re: Town Mowing Cost Estimate: Mark Whitney contacted Brian Farnham and Jeremy Farnham. Brian
   did not return the info. Jeremy did return the info. Mark Whitney read aloud the dollar amounts quoted
   per piece of land mowed. (There are numerous separate pieces of lawn to be mowed throughout
   Chelsea. Each had a separate price quote.) Mark Whitney reported that Jeremy Farnham would love to
   work for Chelsea, and he could maybe do sidewalk plowing. Cole stated ordinarily we would put out an
   RFP. Cole stated we would have to work out the cost from the Highway budget and compare. Mark
   Whitney can check in and write up an RFP and go from there. Clayton stated he knew two kids
   interested in mowing. Whitney stated Brian and Jeremy both mentioned that to set foot on a town
   property, you have to carry a million dollar insurance policy.
   Re: Admin. Asst./Elected Town Officers: Levar Cole stated the Selectboard is not supervising the elected
   town officers.
7. Public Comments
   Cole stated Kate MacLean was on the agenda. She had called about a Liquor License. Kate MacLean is
   not here.
8. Approve Minutes
   Levar Cole moved to approve the minutes of August 16, 2022. Merrill Whitney seconded the motion.
   Motion passed unanimously.
9. Administrative Assistant Report/Grants Administration
   Re: Hiring for Water/Wastewater job: AA reported ads up in two water oriented electronic job boards,
   Vermont Rural Water Association, and National Rural Water Association. No applicants to date. Cole
   suggests a $4,000. Signing bonus for water job. Action: Add the $4,000 signing bonus into existing ads.
   Can we change the ads if there is a person who is certified? Clayton suggested making the job a
   contracted position. Cole stated we can start talking about contract commitments. Mark Whitney stated
   the contract route would sell it as paid on the job training.
   Re: Scheduling for 2023 Budget Planning /Discussion: AA can make up a schedule fitting all
   departments into the regular Selectboard Meetings throughout the fall. Cole stated last year we booked
   everyone. We hope to start this process in mid October. Action: Re-do last year’s calendar with current
   dates.
   Re: Cultural Arts Grants: Cole recommends we proceed. Cole is not concerned about moisture. The
   other concern is the State will come in and tell us what to do about fuel. We can do this on our own
   terms now. In the future, there could be legislation about new construction or no use of non-renewable
   combustible fuels. Clayton stated the State of Vermont is pushing electric. The State wants no
   combustion at all. Whitney stated oil burning is back up heat. Wood pellet would be primary heat. Cole
   stated we wanted shared risk with the State. We got it. We got the grant. We are in a lot better place
   than I thought we would be. I have no objections. Selectboard agreed. Cole signed the grant agreement.
   Re: Phillip Mulligan/Window Dressers request to be on the agenda for Sept. 20 meeting: Action:
   Selectboard will not respond. Window Dressers will not be on agenda again. Mulligan can speak on
   public comments.
   Re: TRORC Services Survey: Paper version presented to Selectboard. Action: Selectboard declined to
   participate. Cole stated I am waiting for a response from the Department of Justice, that I sent more
   than a year ago, regarding policing, when we had a problem with the town police. I asked for basic
   community pamphlets and brochures for the citizens and senior citizens about what they could do to
   remain safe.
   Levar Cole moved to approve the orders. Mark Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed
   unanimously.
   Orders totalling:
   General: $28,427.77
   Highway: $10,970.99
   Water/Sewer: $2,725.18
10. Appointments
    None.
11. Executive Session for Human Resources
    Executive Session not necessary. Instead, a Human Resources discussion. Action: Administration
    Assistant will put an ad out for the AA position.
    A credit card is required for online hiring services, like Indeed. The Selectboard is in agreement there is a
    need for a town credit card. The problem is, we cannot make a mistake. We can have town people
    authorized. Cole suggests making a town credit card policy. Keep it to a minimum. Clayton stated we are
    already in a relationship with a bank. Clayton recommends not bringing on another credit card company
    to complicate the mix. There are more cyber security concerns with Visa and Mastercard. Cole stated we
    will check with Mascoma. Cole will check with Gayle and report back next meeting. Chelsea needs a
    credit card policy.
    Action: Selectboard agreed Cole will decide on overseeing an ad for the AA position. Selectboard agreed
    to move Kasey Peterson/Grants Administrator to $20. per hour. Selectboard agreed Levar Cole and Mark
    Whitney will be candidate interviewers. Selectboard agreed to advertise the pay rate for AA position at
    $25.00 per hour. Action: Re-type ad.
12. Adjourn
    Meeting adjourned at 9:37 pm.
    The next regularly scheduled Selectboard meeting will be Tuesday, September 20, 2022, 7:30 pm at the
    Town Hall.