Selectboard

Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 21, 2022, 7:30 pm at Town Hall
Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Mark Whitney, Merrill Whitney, Geoff Clayton
Other Town Officials/Employees present: Marianne McCann (Administrative Assistant) (Herald), Gayle
Durkee (Treasurer), Karen Lathrop (Town Clerk)
Members of the public present: Kasey Peterson

1. Call Meeting to Order
   Meeting convened by Levar Cole at 7:35 pm.
2. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
   None.
3. Changes to the Agenda
   Add a couple items to Admin. Asst. Add Liquor license to Town Clerk section. Add Treasurer. Add
   Transfer Station.
4. Town Clerk
   Karen Lathrop presented a packet of information regarding dog licensing and dog violation complaints
   (tickets). The Animal Control Officer had requested information on the process of fines or penalties for
   dog owners who are not in compliance with the law. Lathrop presented ticket books and written steps
   to move forward with ticketing. Lathrop also presented a report listing 33 dogs that are unlicensed, and
   a copy of a “Second Notice” letter she is sending out to dog owners, showing license fees and delinquent
   fees. Lathrop stated we were very nice to people during Covid, and now no one wants to license their
   dog.
   Mark Whitney stated this is actually two issues. 1.The nuisance issue. 2. The license issue.
   Geoff Clayton stated the biggest concern is people who are not controlling their dogs. Problem animals
   are the highest priority. We should give out the tickets.
   Lathrop stated the Town Clerk is not enforcement. Someone needs to show the Animal Officer how to
   fill out the ticket. The ticket must be handed to the person, or certified mail. Animal Officer must appear
   in court. We need to have a certified copy of the ordinance.
   Board members mentioned instances of residents notifying Town Clerk of deceased dogs, and the
   deceased dogs remained on the unlicensed list. Cole summarized by stating there is no interest from the
   board to address the license issue at this point. Perhaps there is something we can do to help with
   record-keeping. The board will address the problem animals first. The license issue can be put on the
   agenda again.
   A liquor license request was received just this afternoon (June 21) for an event on June 25. A copy of the
   request was emailed to Selectboard members at 3:41 pm. Selectboard members did not see the
   information prior to the meeting. There was no motion made. There was no action taken.
5. Department/Liaison Updates
   Levar Cole stated Henry Cesari is not here, but we have been in contact, and I will relay what he told me.
   Cesari is still working to sell the truck. Allegiance is working with him. What about the engine light?
   Remember the board must approve any more expense for this truck. We should not be paying an
   invoice for an engine light.
   Cesari and Cole previously discussed sidewalk snow removal. As a town government, we are obligated
   by statute to maintain the sidewalk. We can make it a shared obligation. We must have an ordinance.
   We are required to meet the ADA sidewalk standard. We want to do that. Cesari will see if people can
   volunteer to do certain sections. Or, we will make changes in budgeting.
   Cole stated Cesari also mentioned that folks in town are upset about the lack of roadside mowing. He is
   aware that there is a petition to use ARPA money for roadside mowing. That would be a non-binding
   petition. If we use ARPA money for roadside mowing, the people in town that want big projects to get
   done, will have to know there will not be enough money left.
   Clayton stated we will be in the hole. I will not support anything but maintain our town and capital
   improvements. We cannot go into next year with a big deficit.
   Gayle Durkee stated Chelsea does not have any money left in the budget for heating fuel, diesel fuel, or
   gravel.
   Mark Whitney stated there are minor safety issues at some intersections. People can take care of these
   themselves.
   Clayton volunteered to weed whack at intersections, if necessary.
   Cole stated, given inflation, we do not know what the cost of roadside mowing will be. It will cost more
   this year. Also, availability of equipment is an issue.
   Re: Grant Writing and Administration
   Kasey Peterson Introduced herself to the board. Peterson briefly explained her grant application for the
   Town Hall. Peterson described a visit with Meeting House Restoration. The balcony needs to be cleaned
   out before an estimate could be given. A good idea for fundraising was given. People buy a chair. As a
   fundraiser, you buy a chair, you get your name on the chair for a donation. We might be able to match
   the grant that way. I’m not sure what else to work on.
   5a. Treasurer:
   Gayle Durkee stated we got locks for the Transfer Station. Combination and master key.
   Order Amounts totalling:
   Payroll 6-22 2,866.73
   6-15 6,149.18
   4,483.92
   6-8 3,324.39
   General Orders 6-22 28,118.24
   Highway 6-22 15,558.08
   Water/Sewer 6-22 1,251.40
   Library Payroll 6-15 1.177.94
   Accounts Payable 377.71
   Cole wondered if Cesari can call Allegiance and ask about the invoice amounts. Cole noted Cesari is
   looking for other providers that will be better able (closer and cheaper) to service vehicles for us.
   Re: Transfer Station
   Geoff Clayton stated the bears keep getting into the compost.
   Geoff Clayton moved that the Selectboard approve a cost of up to $750.00 for a shed to enclose the
   compost, with the understanding that Snook will be a second person approving the purchase. Levar
   Cole seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   Clayton briefly explained his idea of purchasing a metal shed for around $499 and materials needed to
   beef up the door to make it stronger. That’s the basis for the suggested amount of $750. Clayton and
   Snook will go and get one and install it.
   Mark Whitney requested that the Town Forrest be put on the agenda for the July 5th Selectboard
   Meeting.
6. Public Comments
   None.
7. Administrative Assistant
   Two Village Greens requests presented and signed. One for an event on 6-20-22. Another for an event
   on 7-3-22, a “God and Country Worship Service and Cookout” on the North Common.
   One Roberts Gould Field request presented and signed. Chelsea Flea Market parking set up and event on
   July 8 and July 9.
   Special Town Meeting Logistics: Cole stated the Town Hall set up is scheduled. McCann presented a
   draft warning for the informational hearing before the vote, which must be warned separately. Cole
   made changes. McCann will edit and re-present for approval to the board. Brief discussion about what
   date the notices should appear in the newspaper. The Informational Hearing on July 25 and the
   Australian Ballot vote on July 26 are posted on the town website calendar, and posted around town on
   the bulletin boards.
   ARPA citizen advisory committee debrief: McCann summarized the Public Input Meeting that was held
   on Tuesday, June 14 for the Selectboard. There were over 40 people in attendance. In this
   “brainstorming session”, the majority of the ideas presented were initial and vague. The organizers will
   have more meetings and then make a presentation to the Selectboard.
   A list of grant projects underway and grant applications pending, with amounts expected for matching
   funds was prepared for the Selectboard. McCann stated that when a grant opportunity came through
   the email, she was forwarding the information to the relevant people in Chelsea.
   Levar Cole moved to approve the orders. Mark Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed
   unanimously.
8. Approve minutes
   Levar Cole moved to approve the May 31, 2022 Selectboard Meeting Minutes. Geoff Clayton seconded
   the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   Levar Cole moved to approve the June 7, 2022 Selectboard Meeting Minutes. Geoff Clayton seconded
   the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   Levar Cole moved to approve the June 14, 2022 Special Selectboard Meeting Minutes. Geoff Clayton
   seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
9. Appointments
   None.
10. Executive Session for Human Resources.
    None. Cole noted that Mary Ellen Parkman might be able to fill in as a Zoning Administrator.
11. Adjourn
    Meeting adjourned at 8:58 pm.

Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 7, 2022, 7:30 pm at Chelsea Town Hall
Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Merrill Whitney, Mark Whitney, Geoff Clayton, Henry Cesari
Other Town Officials/Employees present: Marianne McCann (Administrative Assistant)(Herald)
Members of the Public present: Gregg Herrin

1. Call Meeting to Order
   Meeting convened by Levar Cole at 7:35 pm.
2. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
   None.
3. Changes to the Agenda
   Admin. Assistant adds a couple items. Geoff Clayton adds presenting information on the riverbank
   erosion near the horseshoe area under Hazard Mitigation.
4. Town Treasurer
   Orders presented.
5. Department Liaison Updates
   Re: Highway Dept. Henry Cesari stated no offers for the truck for sale have been received yet. Cesari
   proposed sending a letter out to Chelsea residents explaining the highway budget issues and what the
   Selectboard is doing to save money. Sample letter presented. Brief discussion about sample letter.
   Clayton suggested presenting a cost comparison between our highway dept. and other towns highway
   depts. Cole stated in the unlikely event that we have a surplus this year, we could carry a cost over into
   the next year. It’s likely we will have a deficit. Next year it will cost more. Clayton stated we need to
   clarify with Road Foreman re: grading. The Highway dept. needs to not be hesitant on grading.
   Henry Cesari moved to approve a letter to the Town of Chelsea regarding the Highway budget and a
   notice about the roadside mowing. Motion seconded by Mark Whitney. Motion passed unanimously.
   Action: Prepare letter on letterhead for signing Thursday night.
   Action: Henry Cesari will contact Road Foreman, making it clear that roads should be passable even if
   running a budget deficit.
   Discussion about gravel stockpile at the Town Garage.
   Re: White River Valley Consortium. Levar Cole reported the history and the state of the Consortium of
   the 14 towns in the White River Valley which are working together to apply for funding from the Federal
   Reserve. Cole stated the group’s vision for the current round of funding is housing. Vital Communities is
   doing all the legwork. Housing options are being investigated. Towns owning housing? Accessory
   dwelling units? Ways to reduce costs and make housing available? Workshop on June 30th. Goal for that
   meeting is to re-connect with Selectboards and organizations. If there is any interest, Cole will forward
   info.
   Re: Creamery/School Water Drain. Geoff Clayton stated he is waiting for copies of the deeds. The drain
   was made so long ago that there might not be easements in the deeds. Clayton stated the stark legal
   reality is that the Town does not own either parcel. The drain is on the school property and the Button
   property. Clayton stated water has been going under that building for 50 or 60 years. The issue is
   between Button and the school. Clayton stated there is no connection between the town and the
   Creamery and the drain. Henry Cesari stated the Selectboard does not have responsibility for this issue.
   The drain should continue somewhere and then flow into the river.
   Action: Clayton will contact Button. For hazard mitigation, flooding, maybe there is a grant available.
   Action: Drop this item from the agenda for now.
   Gregg Herrin stated he was interested in understanding the water drain issue. It was suggested Herrin
   could offer another opinion to Mr. Button.
   Re: Riverbank erosion at the Horseshoe/Sewer Plant. Geoff Clayton recommends shoring up the
   riverbank, likely with rip-rap. Clayton suggests maybe it’s a use of ARPA money.
   Gregg Herrin stated if adding rip-rap to protect that area, you might also want to look at where the
   water is directed from and where it will be directed to. The State will come up with a plan.
   Clayton stated that one thing that has changed over the years is that the horseshoe area has enlarged
   and bushes with roots that stabilize the bank have been removed. Clayton suggests this might be a use
   of ARPA money.
   Re: Grant Writing and Administration: Levar Cole spoke with Kasey Peterson. There is no feedback yet
   about the status of the Town Hall Grant. Cole suggested to the board that when we have Peterson do
   more work we pay her at the same rate. Cole seeks continued approval of the board to deal with further
   grant writing work. Kasey Peterson will attend the next Selectboard meeting at June 21. Bridge grant
   possibilities are being investigated.
6. Public Comments
   None.
7. Administrative Assistant Report
   Special Town Meeting: June 9th at 7pm at the Town Hall. Floor vote to decide if Chelsea will vote in the
   future by Australian Ballot. Town is prepared.
   ARPA citizen advisory group meeting date is Tuesday, June 14th at 7pm in the Town Hall. Action: Admin.
   Assistant will put on calendar on Chelsea website. Also, paper versions on bulletin boards.
   Downtown and Village Center Tax Credits: Kasey Peterson reviewed paperwork. Not for Municipal
   buildings. Potential money for private property owners in Downtown and Village Center areas. Deadline
   for application is July 1, 2022. Interested people should go to the Vermont Agency of Commerce and
   Community Development website for more information.
   Letter of Intent to Participate in the SFY23 Municipal Roads Grants-in-aid program was presented to the
   Selectboard to sign. Deadline to submit is June 24, 2022. This is for a multi-year project with
   hydrologically connected road segments. Action: Selectboard agreed and signed letter of intent.
   Prouty Map showing route through town has been distributed to Fire, Highway, and Police, as requested
   by Prouty. Prouty bicycle ride will be Friday July 8, 2022.
   A sample job description was presented to the Selectboard as a language example of a job that
   combined two departments into one job for one employee. Brief discussion about a Public Works
   Director and supervisory roles.
   Geoff Clayton stated The First Branch Ambulance and/or the Fire Department want to have a Fourth of
   July Parade. Clayton asked if they have to get a permit? How would we plan for this? Mark Whitney
   stated he went to the Tunbridge Memorial Day parade and chicken barbeque. Whitney expressed the
   view that Chelsea should be able to have a Fourth of July Parade. Clayton agreed. It was suggested to
   piggyback an event with the Chelsea Flea Market. It was suggested to have a dance in the Town Hall.
   Action: In general, the Selectboard supports these kind of community events. No specific plans.
8. Approve Minutes
   Approval of the May 31st Selectboard Meeting minutes moved to the next Selectboard meeting agenda.
9. Appointments
   None.
10. Executive Session
    Levar Cole moved to enter Executive Session for Human Resources at 8:45 pm, and inviting Marianne
    McCann into the Executive Session. Seconded by Mark Whitney. Motion passed unanimously.
    Geoff Clayton moved to exit Executive Session. Mark Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed
    unanimously.
    Afterwards, no action was taken.
11. Approve Orders
    Levar Cole moved to approve the orders, except for the over-payment of one employee. Henry Cesari
    seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Action: Cole noticed an error in the payment amount for one employee. Cole will talk to the Treasurer.
    All orders approved except that one order.
12. Adjourn
    Meeting adjourned at 9:21 pm.
    The next regularly scheduled Selectboard Meeting will be Tuesday, June 21st at 7:30 pm.
    The next regularly scheduled Water Department Meeting will be Tuesday, June 21st at 7 pm.

Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 31, 2022, 7:30 pm at Chelsea Town Hall
Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Mark Whitney, Geoff Clayton, Henry Cesari, Merrill Whitney
Other Town Officials/Employees present: Marianne McCann (Administrative Assistant) (Herald), Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman), Gayle Durkee (Treasurer)
Members of the public present: John Parker, Cindy Allen

1. Call Meeting to Order
   Meeting convened by Levar Cole, Chair, at 7:35 pm.
2. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
   None.
3. Changes to the Agenda
   Admin. Asst. will add items under her report. Geoff Clayton eliminated Creamery Drain report. This item
   will be moved to a future meeting.
4. Town Treasurer
   Gayle Durkee, Treasurer, presented the Town budget to date. Durkee stated the Town Hall is 124% of
   budget for heating oil. There are full tanks now. Diesel fuel is 97% of budget. Heating fuel for
   Town garage is 83% of budget. Gravel is 101% of budget. The price increases in these items have
   caused the high percentages of budget amounts being depleted early in the year. Durkee stated
   she expects increases in the cost of electricity and phone services.
   Treasurer reported on the Audit. There were no material deficiencies, no findings, no recommendations.
   There is nothing in particular to act on.
   Mark Whitney moved to approve the orders. Henry Cesari seconded the motion. Motion passed
   unanimously.
   Orders Totalling:
   Payroll: $8,087.63
   Payroll: $3,905.93
   Payroll, Library: $1,489.32
   General: $15,922.00
   Garage/Highway: $10,328.89
   Water/Sewer: $2,362.19
5. Department/Liaison Updates
   Levar Cole stated Doug Lyford was scheduled to report on the Transportation Advisory Committee work
   underway. Lyford couldn’t make it to this meeting. There is no report for now. Lyford’s main
   priorities are the drainage plan behind the Quick Stop and the Maple Ave. bridge.
   Merrill Whitney stated he spoke with the COO of the Water facility. COO was going to speak with
   employee. COO has not got back to me yet.
   Levar Cole stated he had a phone call with the water dept. employee. It is supposed to be a temporary
   position. If the employee feels he cannot do the job anymore, we will have to find someone else
   to do the work.
   Cindy Allen stated at one point FEMA had suggested that the parking lot be taken down to the original
   level, so that there would be more space around the sewer plant for the water to flow.
   Geoff Clayton stated the river bank needs stabilizing, maybe rip rap, near the Horseshoe area.
   Levar Cole stated we can look into these issues. We need a request in writing.
   Admin. Assistant stated she was researching hand dryers and toilets and installation costs for the Town
   Hall bathroom, per instructions from the Selectboard. Report on models chosen and plumbers
   and electricians called. A.A. reported plumbers are difficult to call and schedule, one is 2 months
   out with work scheduling. Hand dryer and electrician estimate is in the works.
   Geoff Clayton moved to allow work on toilet and hand dryer for the Town Hall bathroom to proceed,
   with a maximum cost of $1,500. For the dryer and the toilet, and not to exceed a combined
   maximum cost of $3,000. , with the Selectboard Chair managing the project with the
   Administrative Assistant. Mark Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   Henry Cesari stated, regarding the Highway budget, at the last meeting we directed the Highway Dept.
   NOT to do the roadside mowing as a cost cutting measure. Cesari suggested applying for an
   invasive species grant, which might allow us to pay for the roadside mowing. Could we direct
   the freelance grant writer to take a few hours and see what grants might be available?
   Henry Cesari stated, regarding the Highway budget, and selling the old truck, that he met with Dan from
   Allegiance, who had previously made an offer for the truck. Again, there is a potential offer for
   the truck of around $30,000. Do we want money now, or wait and possibly get more money
   later?
   Geoff Clayton moved to authorize Henry Cesari to sell the old truck with a floor of $30,000., and with
   the understanding that the preference is to get more money from the sale. Henry Cesari
   seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   Levar Cole stated the Greens upkeep was on the agenda because grass seeding needs to be done. Rick
   Ackerman stated the Highway Department has never done anything for the Green. The spot that
   needs seeding is on the end where the Farmer’s Market sets up. Board consensus is to wait for
   the Fall, with Levar Cole responsible for bringing this up later in the year.
   Levar Cole briefly stated the background of the White River Valley Consortium Working Communities
   Challenge. A group of towns worked together to get a grant. They did not get a grant in the last
   cycle. Now, there is some other grant money available. The main initiative now is affordable
   housing. Cole will give an update after June 6.
   Regarding the Recreation Committee and mowing the Rec. Fields. Selectboard asks if the Rec. Com. can
   mow those fields? Selectboard has considered a mowing contract for the whole town. John
   Parker stated previously the Rec. Com put the mowing out to bid. When the Town took it over,
   the Rec. Com. Pays the bills. The Rec. Com. would like input and to be involved. Cole asked why
   the Rec. Com. would make the final decision? Parker stated the Town took over the Treasury
   and the accounting, and we (Rec. Com.) just pay the bill. Clayton stated we have a Rec. Com. for
   a reason. Why doesn’t the Rec. Com just make a decision, and then it comes to us? Parker
   stated the Rec. Com. would be happy to do the bidding process. The Rec. Com. heard that the
   Town/Highway Dept. can’t keep doing it because they have too much to do. Clayton stated the
   Selectboard would not cut back on mowing fields where activities happen. The biggest
   discussion was about roadside mowing. And, one highway employee was absent for awhile.
   There is no problem with Rick doing the mowing, even with overtime, it still makes sense to
   have him do it. Clayton stated, if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. Mark Whitney asked if there could be
   a cost comparison between Highway Dept. mowing and an independent contractor mowing.
   Whitney would like to see some numbers.
6. Public Comments
   John Parker, speaking on behalf of the Recreation Committee, requested Selectboard approval to make
   two changes. The first one is to extend the lower parking lot on the south end of the area that is
   used for the ice rink, extending it towards the volleyball court. In the winter, everybody parks
   there. The grass does not come back. The Rec Com. would like to extend the gravel about ¾ of
   the length of the ice rink. Do we have to go through Zoning to do that? Selectboard suggests
   checking with Zoning, checking with Highway Dept. Mark Whitney asked if you pull the sod out,
   will you put down filter fabric and put gravel back in? Parker says yes.
   Geoff Clayton moved to approve the Recreation Department request upon other conditional zoning
   and flood zone regulations. Merrill Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed, with one
   absention, Levar Cole.
   John Parker, Recreation Committee, stated that before making any improvements anywhere, we want
   to make sure the Selectboard is okay with the project. People have requested an 8 foot hoop at
   the Basketball Court. The Rec. Com. seeks to place another pole with an 8 foot hoop at half
   court on the river side. Geoff Clayton stated, our hoop does not need to be jumped through.
   Selectboard agreed to approve this project.
   Cindy Allen stated there is a big structure at Stone Road and Hook Road. It looks like some big building is
   going in there. Action: check with Zoning Administrator.
   Cindy Allen stated the Kate Willard wanted to make sure she wasn’t supposed to be here to talk about
   the Town Forest Plan. Levar Cole stated we will take that up in late June or early July. We are
   waiting on the Forrester’s Report.
   Cindy Allen stated there will be a public input for ARPA money spending proposals meeting on June 14th.
   The citizen committee to gather public input is holding this event. Allen learned about it on
   social media. Brief discussion about notifying the public in ways other than social media.
   Geoff Clayton reported receiving another complaint about vendor accessibility at the Farmer’s Market.
   The complainer had stated other farmers markets policies are just to show up and pay the fee.
   Clayton reportedly told the complainer to just set up on the sidewalk. Cole stated for context,
   comments had been made before about alleged price protection at the Chelsea Farmer’s
   Market. Cole stated the Selectboard will keep this in mind because we approve the Market’s use
   of the Green.
7. Administrative Assistant Report
   Green Rental request from Rusty Dewees to do his MACK Truck the logger show on the Green. Report
   on letter received to the Selectboard. Village Greens policy states all programs must be free of
   charge and open to the public. Action: respond to Dewees letter and request more information.
   Weed Whacking Chervil request from Marty Gratz. Letter received requesting weed whacking the
   borders of the town lot behind the old garage, and if the town cannot do it, request is to allow
   her to hire someone to do the weed whacking. Rick Ackerman reported he already did the work.
   Initially he did not because he thought the Water Department employee would be doing the
   mowing there. Action: respond to Gratz letter stating the Town takes care of that lot, and if you
   do not think it sufficient, you can do it.
   Transfer Station Switch installation was completed last week. Pictures of new switches were taken this
   weekend. Grant completion paperwork is underway. Barney McRae requested an increase in
   the invoiced amount due to increased costs and having to drive here for two days to complete
   the job. McRae has submitted 2 invoices, one with the original amount, agreed upon in the
   grant agreement, and another one with an additional $534.60. Action: pay the larger bill. Submit
   grant paperwork requesting additional amount billed.
   AT&T cell tower – 60 Day Advance Notice, dated May 19th, 2022, received for a new location in Chelsea:
   16 Windswept Lane. Request from DRM is to have the Selectboard write a letter of
   recommendation to the PUC. If requested, DRM will make a presentation to the board about
   this new potential location. There was a balloon test on Tuesday, May 24th. The full Advance
   Notice is on the DRM website. A paper version was given to the Chair. Cole stated, as with the
   other AT&T cell tower proposed locations, the Selectboard will let the Planning Commission take
   the lead on public input and writing a letter. If this board needs to write a letter, then we will.
   Grant Opportunity email received. There is an application due by July 1, 2022. Downtown and Village
   Center Tax Credits. There is a webinar on June 2. A brief review looks like something KC
   Peterson or Doug Lyford would like to apply for. Action: Give paperwork/forward links to KC
   Peterson.
   Sidewalk Update: The State Access and Work Permit was sent in on 5-26-22. The next step is putting out
   an RFP.
8. Approve Minutes
   Levar Cole moved to approve the minutes of May 17, 2022. Geoff Clayton seconded the motion.
   Motion passed unanimously.
9. Appointments
   None.
10. Executive Session for Human Resources
    Levar Cole moved to enter into Executive Session for Human Resources, and inviting Marianne
    McCann into the Session, at 9:02 pm. Geoff Clayton seconded the motion. Motion passed
    unanimously.
    Levar Cole moved to exit Executive Session at 9:35 pm. Geoff Clayton seconded the motion. Motion
    passed unanimously.
    Afterwards, the Selectboard agreed Levar Cole will contact the temporary employee at the Water Sewer
    Plant.
    Roberts Poor Fund Request. There was a brief discussion. There were 2 requests. The balance is
    $80,000. Action: Distribute money from the fund.
11. Adjourn
    Meeting adjourned at 9:43 pm.
    The next regularly scheduled Selectboard meeting will be Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at 7:30 pm in the
    Chelsea Town Hall.

Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 17, 2022, 7:30 pm at Chelsea Town Hall
Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Geoff Clayton, Henry Cesari, Mark Whitney, Merrill Whitney
Other Town Officials/Employees present: Marianne McCann (Administrative Assistant)(Herald), Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)
Members of the public present: Robert Button

1. Call Meeting to Order
   Meeting convened by Levar Cole, Chair, at 7:32 pm.
2. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
   None.
3. Changes to the Agenda
   Administrative Assistant added a couple items under AA Report.
4. Treasurer
   Re: Budget Status: Levar Cole stated due to increasing costs we must do what we can to conserve oil. Town Treasurer has advised that there is not a locked in price for oil. The Town is subject to uncontrollable price increases for heating oil and diesel fuel. Cole stated we will burn through the heating fuel and diesel budget this year. Rick Ackerman stated there is not much you can cut back on, in terms of diesel fuel use at the Town Garage. Geoff Clayton stated we need to find ways to save money.
   Clayton mentioned there was a time when people were responsible for snow removal from sidewalks, not the town. Rick Ackerman stated that years ago, Don Yates and Whitey Adams did snow removal, after they left, people were walking in the road, and after that, the Town took responsibility for sidewalk snow removal. Clayton stated the Selectboard needs to present to the town that we could see a 50% increase in the road budget, just to keep the current services. Ackerman stated we use about 35 gallons of diesel each time we plow the sidewalks. Cole asked if we should consider rationing. Clayton suggested the possibility of getting a large tank and storing a quantity of diesel fuel. Action: Cesari will check with
   Road Foreman re: snow and sidewalks. Check with Treasurer to confirm locked into a fuel rate or not.
   Henry Cesari moved to approve the orders. Mark Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   Orders Totalling:
   General Orders $20,828.34
   Highway $28,127.40
   Water/Sewer $1,104.26
   Rec Department $170.00
   Payroll $7,302.08
   $9,105.57
   Library Payroll $2,299.86
   AIP $129.00
5. Department/Liaison Updates
   Mark Whitney stated re: the Town Forest Plan, that Kate Willard has reported that the inventory is completed. Willard requests to present the information to the board and requests a date. Cole re-stated the background on this request for the benefit of the new board members. A previous selectboard had cut trees, but never finished the Town Forest Plan. Then, Coronavirus. Now, finishing the Town Forest Plan, with David Paganelli. Cesari asked the purpose of the Town Forest Plan. Recreational? Or Financial plan? Are there different parcels? The Selectboard agreed to get a plan finished.
6. Public Comments
   Robert Button asked if the Town Forest Plan will necessitate cutting the ash trees. Rick Ackerman stated Levar and I were supposed to ride around and look at ash trees. Levar Cole stated we will do that. The Road Foreman and the Selectboard are in general agreement that the Town of Chelsea does not have many large ash trees near the roads that would be likely to fall into the roads in case the trees die. The ride around was to be an informal survey of ash trees at risk.
7. Administrative Assistant Report
   Re: Creamery/School water drain.
   Report on the existing conditions at the Creamery building water drain prepared by M. McCann presented to the board. Brief discussion about possible remedies for the flooding/repair of the drain. Robert Button stated problems and construction history of the drain. Geoff Clayton will be the “point person” on this project. Next steps might be: engineering firm, environmental impact assessment.
   Selectboard would like to avoid Federal entanglement.
   Re: Highway Dept: Mowing/Tractor Rental.
   Rick Ackerman, Road Foreman, requests clarification on mowing duties for the Highway Department. Who mows at the Sewer plant? Who mows at the town fields? All the town properties? (Town properties mowed include: Rec Field, Parks, Tennis Court, Chelsea sign on 113, Sewer Plant, 3 FEMA lots, pump station, Kennedy, water tank, and behind old garage.) Ackerman mowed last Friday. Ackerman incurred overtime pay by doing this. Ackerman proposed to the board he could mow on Fridays for the town, using the town equipment, for $20.00 per hour. Selectboard agreed in principal to the need for clarifying mowing duties, but had questions about budget issues and employment law. Ackerman
   suggested hiring another Road crew person, with that person mowing. There was a brief Human Resources discussion regarding the Road crew. Clayton suggested hiring a part time road crew person for plowing/mowing season. Seasonal workers with CDLs. Mowing contracts were discussed. The Town has budgeted for 3 full time road employees. The Town has 2 full time and 1 part time employee.
   Actions: Make a proposal for Human Resources for Highway Dept. Decide if Town is willing to pay Rick/John for the mowing, which may entail overtime. Henry will consult with Rick re: employee status.
   Rick can cut back on some mowing. If mowing runs into overtime, ok. But not 11 hours of overtime.
   Merrill will check with Nolan about sewer plant mowing.
   Re: Roadside mowing.
   Ackerman asks if Chelsea should eliminate roadside mowing. Usually, the Highway crew mows 2 passes on the whole town. Roadside mowing is for visibility and to keep brush down. Usually a tractor is rented for the month of July. If we will not be mowing, we should tell people early, so they can mow themselves, if desired. Mark Whitney stated fuel availability might be a factor.
   Action: No roadside mowing for now. Selectboard will revisit this issue.
   Re: Selling old truck. Cesari will check with Allegiance. There is an option for “Auction International”.
   Henry Cesari moved to approve the Application for Access to a Town Highway by Carl and Mary Jo Childs. Geoff Clayton seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   Re: Water Meters.
   Admin. Asst. informed the Selectboard about water meter research. A salesperson from FW Webb will come and make a presentation if desired. Action: Levar Cole requests a paper version of water meter research. Selectboard does not want a presentation. Three contrasting water bills from three properties were shared with the Selectboard to illustrate the vast difference in measured water useage and the same amount billed to all water customers. A water customer has made a request to remove one water bill from a house with 2 water bills and one meter. Robert Button commented that the old IGA building
   has 9 electric meters. The Selectboard agreed there is a need to make changes and will address these issues at the upcoming water department board meeting on June 21st.
   Re: Training Debriefs.
   Cannabis training is May 24th on Zoom. The DRB hearing is May 25th. Admin. Asst. will attend Zoom training and send a summary memo to Selectboard members.
   Re: ATV question letter.
   Admin Asst. informed Selectboard an email was received asking a question about ATVs. Action: Copy
   Mark Whitney on ATV email and response.
   Admin Asst. informed Selectboard about the need to provide more detailed information for the State Highway Access Permit for the Sidewalk Project. Part of the request is for a pedestrian detour plan to be utilized during construction. Action: Copy Levar Cole and Jeremy Hook on sidewalk plan.
   Geoff Clayton obtained the file with the documentation of approximate boundary lines of
   School/Town/Creamery and adjoining properties. Clayton will research the deeds and propose the next steps in the Creamery drain issue.
8. Executive Session for Human Resources
   Levar Cole moved to enter into Executive Session for Human Resources for Water/Wastewater and Highway, and inviting Marianne McCann into the Executive Session. Mark Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   Levar Cole moved to exit Executive Session at 10:12 pm. Mark Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   Afterwards, a decision was made to have Merrill Whitney contact the Water/Wastewater Chief Operator regarding meter readings and mowing at the sewer facility.
9. Approve Minutes
   Levar Cole moved to approve the minutes of May 3, 2022. Geoff Clayton seconded the motion.
   Motion passed unanimously.
10. Adjourn
    Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:15 pm.
    The next Selectboard meeting will be Tuesday, May 31st at 7:30 pm in the Chelsea Town Hall