Meeting Minutes

Town of Chelsea Selectboard Meeting (Draft)
January 12, 2023 – Chelsea Town Hall
Selectboard members present: Geoff Clayton, Chair, Kevin Marshia, Vice Chair, Kelly Lyford, William Lyon and Leyna Hoyt
Other Town employees present: Karen Lathrop, Town Clerk, Gayle Durkee, Treasurer, Marianne McCann, Town Report

1. Meeting called to order by Geoff Clayton at 6:32 pm
2. No Conflicts of interest
3. Changes to agenda: Geoff added executive session for Roberts Poor Fund, Gayle Durkee added Auditor’s Contract
4. No public comment
5. Approve minutes: Kevin has not had a chance to look at minutes. Tabled until next meeting.
   Added: Roberts Poor Fund Executive Session for fuel assistance
   Leyna Hoyt moved to enter into executive session at 6:37 for a Robert’s Poor Fund Request for fuel assistance, inviting the Clerk, Treasurer, and Ms Mccann to stay. Motion seconded by William Lyon. Motion passed by unanimous consent.
   Kevin moved to exit executive session at 6:49 pm with William Lyon seconding the motion. Motion passed by unanimous consent.
   Action: Kevin Marshia moved expenditure of $655.48 from Robert’s Poor Fund for fuel assistance with Kelly Lyford seconding the motion. Motion passed by unanimous consent.
   6:Executive Session for Personnel:
   Geoff stated there were three applications for the AA position and one for the Waste Water dept. There was discussion about the interview process and Geoff reported that Karen and Gayle were part of the interview team. There was discussion about the needs of the Waste Water Plant personnel and Highway.
   Lyena Hoyt moved to go into executive session at 6:56 pm for personnel inviting the Clerk and Treasurer to stay. William Lyon seconded the motion. Motion passed by unanimous consent.
   Kevin Marshia moved to exit executive session at 7:15 pm with William Lyon seconding the motion. Motion passed by unanimous consent.
   Action: Kelly Lyford and William Lyon will handle the interviews for the AA position. Geoff Clayton to contact Nolan LaFrancis to discuss the future status with Town.
6. Budget Discussion :
   Gayle explained the revenue side of the budget line by line and answered questions on Delinquent Tax Revenue for the year. There was a tax sale this year which brought up the revenue ($216,123.44) There had not been a tax sale since before Covid. They would now be resuming tax sales as they were not permitted the first two years of Covid. They normally budget for delinquent taxes that come in but are never sure of how much. It washes out under Delinquent Tax Collector under Delinquent Tax Collector Fees. 2023 budgeted at 10,000.00.
   Under State of VT Revenue: There was a brief discussion on civil fines, how they come in and the Sheriff’s Dept. 2023 budgeted at 150.00.
   The Board noted Current Use has gone down a lot. Gayle said many changes were made to current use last year. Gayle noted they should speak with Phyllis, one of our Listers for the changes that have affected Current Use and Real Estate. 2023 budgeted at 95,000.00.
   Board questioned whether we get Listers Education money. Gayle to speak with Phyllis about this line item and report to the Board.
   Under Service Fees Revenue, the Clerk gave the Board information on the revenue that comes from her office. She reported liquor licenses went up due to the Wagon Wheel and dog licenses continue to slack off since Covid. Board asked if a rabies clinic was still ongoing. Karen reported that she won’t know until January 30, 2023. If the vet does one, it will probably be only one day. They are not making money at it. Geoff said maybe there was grant as it was public saftely related. No changes made.
   Gayle went over Zoning and Planning Income. No changes made to it.
   Under Solid Waste: Geoff reported people are continuing dumping. He says if we up fees, more dumping will continue. He said probably should leave the revenue side as is right now. Board discussion on raising fees and how to do it as we are running a $10,000.00 deficit. Board discussion on how to show the deficit. Geoff said as a line item. Leyna offered to research it and come back to it. William agreed with Geoff’s line item idea. Under Solid waste revenue, $80,000.00. Gayle gave info on it and how it relates to any line of credit. Kevin asked about the grant. Gayle and Marianne explained it was for switches at the transfer station. Gayle states we can take out the line item after this year. Lowered metal revenue to $175.00.
   Under total other revenue, Gayle explained the line items for some reimbursements. She explained the reimbursement for mowing the Heath Field, and Recreation Field. Interest on Investment is what the interest rate on our General Fund. Robert’s Gould Field is reimbursed by Will Gilman by a fund he has for it. Kevin wanted to know if this was Town related? Gayle said it was the way it was set up when it went into place for reimbursement. The Town would pay the contractor and be rimbursed.
   Under expenses side of the budget:
   Selectboard Budget: Board discussed stipends, legal fees, advertising, and technology. Board stipend to stay the same. Board put Selectboard legal fees under General Fees at $3,000.00 to be reviewed at next meeting. Board noted advertising must go up due to positions needing to be filled. Set 2023 budget at $3,000.00. Marianne noted legal notices come out of that budget. Marianne McCann had zoom figures for the Board. Kevin had checked into them as well. 2023 budget for technology set at $ 2,500.00. Board noted there would be add on costs for cloud storage. Gayle has looked into quotes for laptop from Caulkins network. William Lyon gave the name of Chris McAndrew to get quotes from also. Board wants to ensure the technology we buy has enough graphics card to give quality to the meetings.
   AA Budget: Board discussion around how many hours AA position is. (16- 20/wk)The grant writer position, held by Kasey Peterson is rolled into the hours for AA. (8-10/wk) Kevin asked why payroll was so high. Karen stated it was amended up by $30,000 at Town Meeting last year. Board to come back to payroll at next meeting. Gayle noted there was an increase in rent due to new contract and a new copier lease was more expensive.
   Town Clerk Budget: Budget stayed the same except for increase to office equipment due to copier rental increase.
   Treasurer/Tax Collector Budget: Gayle went over her budget with the Board.
   Listers Budget: 2023 budget change Listers Office Equipment $1,150 for new copier contract.
   DRB/Zoning Budget: No changes
   Public Safety Budget: After much Board discussion a line item was added to Health Officer for expenses for 2023. $300.00. Geoff explained the position comes with more paperwork and trainings that must be completed. There was discussion about raising the Animal Control Officer Stipend. Leyna H. to research other towns. A line item from expenses was added. $300.00. Geoff reported the OCSD contract had already been signed.
   Town Hall Budget: Karen reported our custodian only works part time due to another full time position. She does not do outside maintenance. Mowing line up went up due to actual costs. 2023 budget $1,600.00. She noted that there was outside maintenance to do this next year. Supplies went up due to inflation. 2023 budget $2,500.00. Gayle added a line item for pellets for the boiler. 2023 budget $ – wait till Kasey comes in. Will need a line for pellet maintenance for the boiler. Kasey to be at the next meeting. Fuel Oil was increased due to cost increases 2023 budget $4,000.00.
   Solid Waste Budget: Board reviewed Budget. There was discussion in general about payroll budget. No decisions made on numbers for it. To be reviewed at a future meeting.
   Marianne reported that the Town had been awarded a grant for sewer upgrades from Peter Welch’s Office as part of Connunity Funding Grant in the Omnibus Bill passed earlier, but would require a Town Funding match that could not come out of ARPA Funds. More info to come. Board discussion on using the sinking fund for it. Marianne noted she sent reading to the Board about this. Kevin asked that the email be forwarded.
   Kevin noted the time was getting late and the Board decided to ask Rick Ackerman to the next meeting January 18, 2023 via Leyna Hoyt. Kevin noted that the Board had a walk through the Sewer plant with Mike Whipple on January 21, 2023 and should sit down as a Board after and discuss the Sewer budget. Geoff stated we need to get our water/sewer system squared away or we might lose our sovereignty of our system.
   Geoff asked for a motion to adjourn. Kevin Marshia moved to adjourn the meeting with William Lyon seconding the motion. The motion passed by unanimous consent. The meeting adjourned at 10:17 pm

Town of Chelsea Selectboard Meeting
January 7, 2023 – Chelsea Town Hall
Selectboard members present: Geoff Clayton, Kevin Marshia, Kelly Lyford, William Lyon and
Leyna Hoyt.
Other Town Employees present: Gayle Durkee, Treasurer, Karen Lathrop, Town Clerk,
Marianne McCann, Town Report
Others present: Chris Belcher- videographer

1. Meeting called to order by Geoff Clayton at 7:05 AM.\
2. No conflicts of interest
3. No changes to agenda
4. Leyna H. nominated Geoff Clayton for Chair with William L. seconding the nominations
   Vote was unanimous. William L. nominated Kevin Marshia, Vice Chair with Kelly L. seconding
   the nominations. Vote was unanimous
5. Kevin moved to adopt Roberts Rules of Order for meetings with William L. seconding the
   motion. Vote was unanimous.
6. William L moved to hold meetings at 6:30 on the first, third and possibly fifth Wednesday of
   the month with Kelly L seconding the motion. Vote was unanimous.
7. Board discussion on process for calling Special Meetings. Board noted they would follow the
   process set out in Vermont Statutes for calling Special & Emergency meetings
8. Board requested information on how to treat emails sent to them for public comment. Clerk
   stated historically, emails were read off to the Board and added most public comment comes
   from the floor from people attending. Town Clerk asked if there would be time limits and how
   many times a person may speak. Board discussion on length of public comments noting they
   wanted transparency, but general parameters should be set. Geoff to place on next agenda. No
   action taken.
9. William L. moved to continue using the White River Valley Herald as the Newspaper of
   choice with Leyna seconding the motion. Vote was unanimous.
10. Geoff started off with:
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    (F) designation of Selectboard to be liasons and it was determined that liasons should wait until
    another meetings so the Board knows where their expertise lies. Geoff then jumped back to the
    top of the agenda listing.
    A. Appoint AA or Selectboard Clerk. Town Clerk was asked if she would continue to take
    meeting notes until the AA position was filled. The Clerk responded yes.
    B. Designation of members to sign the orders/warrants on the off week. Kevin M. moved Kelly
    Lyford and Geoff Clayton be designees to sign warrants/orders on the off week. Vote was
    unanimous.
    C. Determining Agenda content and coordination. Geoff stated Chair of the Board created it and
    disseminated it to Board Members via email and they email back any items they would like
    added to it. Board decided to continue with the ongoing process.
    D. Approval of Village Greens Requests. Geoff explained most of the requests are done through
    the AA office. Marianne McCann stated she has given verbal permission in the past but the
    Board usually signed off on the requests.
    E. Approval of Roberts Gould Field Requests. Geoff explained again that most requests were
    done through Lou Maraget and the AA office and the Board signed them at meetings. They
    usually provide insurance coverage to use the fields.
    F. Board discussion on liaison positions but No action taken. To be taken up at another meeting.
    Discussion about next meeting time. It was decided that the Board would have a Special Meeting
    on January 12, 2023, Geoff to draft the agenda.
11. Town Clerk- Karen reported there are two contracts already signed off by the prior Board,
    the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and First Branch Ambulance.
12. Gayle stated she gave a printed budget to the new members. She said the Auditor has agreed
    to do the Audit but she had no paperwork for the Board to sign yet. Geoff said usually two
    people work on the budget, then presented it to others, otherwise Gayle would be continually
    explaining it to everyone. Kelly Lyford stated she wanted more transparency and felt everyone
    should understand the budget process before signing off. She wanted to know if the Board would
    do meetings for budget on the off weeks. No decision was made andGeoff stated they were
    running out of time. This was an unprecedented time. Gayle noted that there would have been
    meetings with Department Heads but no Board meant no meetings for the last month and a half.
13. Water/Sewer System Update. Geoff relayed he thought Mike was being stretched thin and
    we would need to budget more for the positions. Kevin M. explained he wanted to have a walkthrough Mike Whipple at the Sewer Plant and would check on that with Mike about the 21st
    3
    on a morning and stressed everyone should do the walk-through. Gayle requested someone from
    the Board reach out to Nolan LaFrancis to see if he was coming back as we could only hire a part
    time person until we knew whether Nolan was coming back. Leyna asked about coverage at the
    sewer plant. Marianne McCann said there was a link on the website for hours. No action taken.
    Geoff to put on next meeting agenda.
14. Marianne McCann gave a brief report on the Town Report and stated a timeline for it.
15. AA. Update- Town Clerk just the contracts Gayle had nothing more.
16. Executive Session for Human Resources. No executive session. Geoff felt that the Board
    should have interview times set up and Town Clerk to send additional information to the Board
    on who applied for AA and Sewer Plant. Kevin M. also noted that the Road Crew was still
    understaffed. Some discussion on the VLCT Municipal & Benefits Report. It was brought up the
    Town is underpaying employees by an average of $9.00/hour. Karen to send link to all Board
    Members. Geoff felt maybe it was time to go to salaried positions. Again, no action taken. To be
    on a future agenda for budget.
    Kevin M. thanked everyone n who kept the Town moving forward during this time.
17. Leyna H. moved to adjourn with William L. seconding the motion. Vote was unanimous.
    Meeting adjourned at 8:24 AM.

Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Minutes (Draft)
Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 7:31 PM at Chelsea Town Hall
Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Mark Whitney, Bruce Hook, Geoff Clayton, Merrill Whitney
Other Town Employees present: Karen Lathrop, Town Clerk, Gayle Durkee, Treasurer, Rick Ackerman,
Road Foreman.
Members of the Public: Cindy Allen, Emily Newman

1. Call Meeting to Order
   Meeting called to order at 7:31 pm by Levar Cole, Chair
2. Conflict of Interest disclosure
   None reported
3. Changes to agenda
   Cole added TRORC budget piece under Department Liaison Updates
4. Town Clerk
   Lathrop gave brief update to Board on election concerns as to whether write-ins on ballots might show up as overvote if voters did not stay within the box for the write-in candidate
5. Treasurer
   a. Budget Status- All areas okay but Highway Fuel is at 162% with fuel prices increasing. This led to a Board discussion on backup plan if fuel becomes scarce in the winter and needs are not met by suppliers. Concerns are high, as Fire and Ambulance pull from the same fuel tank. Rick states the tank is 1000 gallons and it is filled weekly. Bruce and Rick to create a plan for winter, Mark to speak with Tracy Simon, on emergency plan. Board position at this point is if fuel supplies run low this winter, Town won’t be doing business as usual. Discussion on prioritization/rationing of fuel assets. Rick states there is no
   issue with salt. Cargill stated supply should be fine.
   Gayle noted she paid all appropriations but not the Fire Dept as we collect their taxes. School taxes have to be paid (1.7 million). Over$ 687,000 of taxes are still outstanding. She has concerns there might not be enough money even with ARPA fund and a line of credit might be necessary, She noted the line credit is usually $ 450,000.
   Action Item: Geoff Clayton moves Gayle seek a line of credit for $300,00.00 to cover Town in the event not enough revenue comes in. Motion seconded by Levar Cole. Voted by unanimous consent of the Board.
   b. Orders- Question by Mark Whitney as to cost of Brake Cans on order. Discussion by Board
   and Rick as to cost, quality and warranty. Mark to check on costs at other supplier.
   Action Item: Mark moved to approve orders. Motion seconded by Geoff. Board voted approval by unanimous consent.
   Gayle presented new lease from Mullens for Treasurer/Admin Office. Lease increasing by
   $100.00/month. Cole noted it will be on the next agenda.
6. Department/Liaison Updates
   a. Bruce went over the questions asked of Rick on 10/22/2022 about Klondike Rd unpermitted excavation. No site plan, 48 hour notice was given verbally, no application submitted, there was a request by the land owner via phone call, which Rick could not reply to as lost cell number. Rick only spoke with Tad Boardman the morning of excavation.
   Cole noted that the Town a policy on work within the right of way has been in place since 2012, and there is also Statute on it. The Board expectations are for the process to be followed and the process was not followed. Merrill noted the person should get the paperwork from the Clerk’s Office or the Admin’s Office. Bruce stated everyone in this day and age knows permits are a requirement. Geoff shared the legal advice he received. The legal opinion was that the Town not to allow a line under a road as it creates a liability for the Town. Geoff not in favor of it. Mark noted there are other lines under the roads that pre-date this current Board but fell within the timeline of when the policy was put in place.
   Chair requested the Clerk to look through the records for permits. Merrill stated the applicant will claim he spoke with the Road Foreman and received permission. Road Foreman note many people work in the Right of Way without permits. Levar noted the discussion is about utility under the Town Right of Way in this issue. Geoff’s concern iTs still Town liability. Levar made it clear the permitting process needs to be done correctly not what past practice has been. Levar stated for the record that Town Policy and Statute
   were not followed and it must be followed in the future. Mark’s concern is equitable treatment for all.
   Road Foreman stated he knows going forward that State Statute must be followed.
   Board discussion on how to notify applicant of unpermitted work. Road Forman in favor of Board notification as they sign the permit. Levar noted when permits are granted the Road Foreman was the messenger so why wouldn’t he be the messenger for this.
   Cindy Allen asked questions about whether he would be able to even get a permit, what with the laywer’s advice. Levar stated as of now they want the road restored. Work was done on the road unpermitted and without the supervision of the Road Foreman. He noted the road has considerable settlement. The landowner has not submitted a permit so they haven’t ruled on it. She expressed concern that the Road Foreman would be out there again doing it all over. Mark noted the Road Foreman does not do the work. Merrill notd the Lawyer gave advice and shouldn’t the Board follow it.
   Levar stated to do that the Board would have to re-write a specific policy and rescind the current one. Geoff expressed concern and would like to see the applicants in the future sign a release from liability. Levar thinks that is already in our policy. There was a discussion on permits that come before the Board that have a necessity for a permit Levar to write letter to send to Admin Assistant to put on Letterhead.
   Action Item : Geoff moves to have the landowner remove the pipe (utility) and restore the road to its original condition. Motion seconded by Levar Cole. . Board voted approval by unanimous consent.
   Garage Structure passed over.
   Hook Road Guardrail still in progress, expected to be finished in a day. Discussion on guardrail parts.
   Pepper Road done
   Bobbinshop bridge guardrail was damaged. The Board discussion with Rick as to company liable, bridge damage, none. Discussion on permits to be on the roads. Mark stated it is a State permit. Clerk states it is the overweight permit. Not every trucker gets them if it is a one day delivery. The DOT would have to see it happen, then they would have to file a permit violation. Treasurer questioned whether the company liable should find a company to do the installation. Road Foreman said bridge needs heavier rails. Bruce, highway liaison, Rick and Gayle to work on that project together.
   Moved to Agenda Item 13 Human Resources – Executive Session before Merrill Whitney had to leave.
   Action Item: Levar moved to go into executive session for Hurman Resources (1 VSA 313 (a) 3) at 8:40 PM. Seconded by Geoff. Gayle Durkee invited to stay.
   Board exited executive session at 8:43 PM – No action taken Merrill Whitney left the meeting.
   Bruce continued to his Liaison report. Reported pipeline on Town Farm Road was rolled up. Levar concerns that they would need a permit to do that. Bruce also noted many people do work on the roads just to be nice. How would the Board deal with that. Is there Town liability for that? Board asked Road Foreman’s opinion. Rick stated they don’t really look at it. Bruce stated he needs an answer in order to answer people calling him. Levar’s thoughts- maybe consider that in the road plan being created.
   Geoff’s thoughts- if not changing the road structure it could be written in. Road Foreman concernwould that create a liability to the Road Foreman. Mark Whitney’s concern, liability through knowledge.
   Bruce to work on that for the Road Plan.
   Equipment Plan Update- Board looked at the plan submitted by Rick. Listing of equipment and projected replacement dates. Geoff to send a pic of it. Levar would like it on the December agenda.
   Levar moved up to
7. Public Comments
   Cindy Allen would like Board support for the newsletter, the Chelsea Spotlight. Stated other Towns support their newsletter. She asked for support so they can become a non-profit that is cost prohibited. The newsletter would come out twice a year. To file for a non-profit consists of many fees. She noted the Town has the rec committee under it’s umbrella. They are requesting being a line item in the budget or asked for an appropriation ($1000.00). She read their goals and content. Levar spoke to speech paid for by government. Geoff spoke to whether this could come under the Historical Society? Also if it was a Town Committee it would need a charter. There are options out there to do this. Cindy thanked the Board and it will be considered.
   Levar moved to Agenda Item 8.
   Budget Discussion for Highway as Rick was present. Rick noted he had a few items to share
   before the budget. He gave an update on the Beaver’s and Dam. Dam was taken out, Beavers left to go to Mize’s pond. One was relocated, one dispatched.
   Rick questioned how to input his hours for the Wastewater Plant. Levar stated for switching the flow chart. Levar asked if it was a daily event? Yes. Levar informed the Board that Rick has been doing it every day but stated John can do it also. Levar said they were covering their time for that. Rick says they have to come down on the weekends also and needs to know how to put in hours. Is it a 2 hour call in or hourly? Is it a total of 3 hours? Board feels it is an emergency situation and it should be the call in time and the other hour for a total of three. Just stay coordinated with Mike Whipple.
   Rick requested Board guidance on whether he should be doing the sidewalks and Town Hall steps. Board discussion on having John doing it. Rick stated John’s route is longer which is why he does it. Just does not want people coming back to him on it. Board backs him unanimously on it. Rick to follow the same process as he has but if they get extra custodian hours that might change. Rick brought up the sidewalk in front Haywards on North Common. Geoff stated he could speak with him. Brush needs to be cut back
   in order to get it plowed and salted.
   Rick asked if the Board wants him to chop the leaves up on the common. Board would like John to do that when he comes back from vacation. Hold off for a week. Rick also asked about the two dead trees.
   Mark is working on it.
   Board and Rick went through the Highway Budget. Rick said salaries dropped a little because there are only 3 full time and could cut back some. Overtime, depends on mud season. VEMERS is increasing,
   Gayle noted because it is going up to 5% until July and 5.25% after July. Rick stated up equipment repairs up as the equipment is getting older. Garage Technology is up due to protection plan for the laptop. Heating fuel/electricy. Propane has not gone up much. $5,000 heating. Last year was $4500.00 and two months to go. Gayle stated the Town was locked in at the price for the fuel.
   Rick stated we are at $60,000 for diesel some of the total amount spent was ambulance and fire Gayle said ambulance payed quarterly and the fire dept was annually. She noted equipment payments were less. Board wanted to know if the equipment repairs could be broken out if they need to see costs per vehicle.
   Rick reported McCulloughs told him material prices were going up fifty cents/yard and they may not have any sand left at the Barre pit. Board questioned where would they get it. Rick stated they would have to look around. Town usually gets 4,000 yards. He wants tostay at that amount. Average for Town is 3,7000. Manufactured sand is expensive. Washed screened is 18.25/yard. Total cost of sand would be 162.000.00. Mark states that just gives us an idea of what we will be looking at. Rick stated salt is the same. Town uses 200-230/tons. Last year was $73.94/ton. This year would be $86.00/ton. This year he said he has used 162 ton and has about 22 tons left with November and December to go. He said Cargill assured him there was no issue with obtaining salt.
   Levar asked about the guardrails. Rick stated there was a guardrail that was damaged last winter on Washington Turnpike that will have to be replace Levar told the Board if they had any questions about the budget to contact Bruce/Rick.
   Went back to agenda
   6 Depatment/Liaison
   b. Transfer Station- Geoff reported electric fence will go up in spring. There’s always an issue
   with the locks. Geoff could co-ordinate a key drop off.
   c. Water/Wastewater -Levar ran down the two week roster that Mike Whipple co-ordinated .
   he noted the Town still needed a long term plan if Nolan is not back in a couple a weeks. The State is being supportive. Mike/Tracy/ Levar would call the State if there was any issues and the Board notified as soon as possible.
   d. Public Safety- Levar asked Mark to hold off on the contracts.
   e. Grounds- Mowing Bid – Mark reported he had the old one from 2016 and it needed the
   three FEMA properties added to it and dates updated. Geoff had question about the old Battey property that Frank was mowing. Board said he has an easement to get to the other property. Mark stated Rick had it on it on his time card so it should go on the RFP. Board chose December 15, 2022 for date to submit by and December 20, 2022 bid opening at the Selectboard meeting.
   Action Item: Mark moved to approve the updated RFP for Town Property Maintenance Services with Geoff seconding the motion. Board voted to approve the motion.
   f. Administration- Health Insurance- Levar reported he looked at it from the standpoint of
   competitiveness that our people would appreciate it as everything is going up in cost. He asked Gayle her opinion. She reported the Town has always gone with the Platinum Plan. MVP is less Blue Cross is a little more. Board has asked for input from employees, but nothing has been forthcoming.
   Action item: Levar moved the Board choose the MVP Platinum Plan for the Town Health Insurance option with Mark seconding the motion. Board voted to approve the motion.
   Purchase Policy Amendment- Levar asked if it was read. Gayle said she read it. She wondered about the second part where there were purchases that were not normally used. Levar said the Town does not want employees to purchase using their own cards. That is the reason for the amendment. No one is using personal card.
   Action item: Levar moved to amend the Town of Chelsea Purchase Polciy. Change page 5. To
   exceptions/value services. The values in this section is hereby changed from $10,000.00 to $20,000.00.
   The second amendment to be the Town Treasurer/Administrative Assistant may use a purchase/debit card for purchases approved by the Selectboard, whether it be a recurring such as online subscription services or one time purchases both of which would include items and services unordinarily unable to procure without the purchase of a debit card. Approved by the Selectboard on this date. Geoff seconded the motion.
   Levar spoke with previous board members who had put the purchase policy in place and they said the $10,000.00 limit had just been picked out of the air. He noted that there were no bids for audit services so the Board would need to purchase them and they would cost significantly more than $10,000.00.
   Board voted to approve the motion.
8. a. Hiring for Administrative Assistant – Executive Session
   Action Item: Levar Cole moved to enter into executive session for Human Resources ( 1 VSA 313 (a) 3) at 10 PM and invited the Town Clerk and Treasurer to stay. Motion seconded by Mark Whitney. Board voted to approve the motion.
   Board exited executive session.at 10.03.PM
   Action- Levar to set up an interview.
   Levar adjourned the meeting to November 2, 2022 immediately following the BCA meeting.
   Meeting re-opened at November 2, 2022 at 7:30 PM
   Selectboard present: Levar Cole, Mark Whitney, Merrill Whitney, Geoff Clayton. Bruce came in at 7:39.
   Other Town Employees: Town Clerk
   Other persons present: Emily Betts Newman, Ed Kuban, Tracy Simon
   Levar called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM
9. Department/Liaison Updates
   d. Contracts -Public Safety Orange County Sheriff Department Contract & First Branch
   Ambulance Service.
   Action Item: Mark moved to approve the First Branch Ambulance Contract with Geoff seconding the motion. The Board voted approval of the motion.
   Levar noted for the Orange County Sheriff’s Dept Contract that the Sheriff has always crossed out section 5. It was not crossed off last time, and the Board does not see why it should be crossed out.
   Action Item: Mark moved to approve the Orange County Sheriff’s Dept Contract the sum not to exceed $12,500.00. Geoff seconded the motion. The Board voted approval of the motion.
   10.
   a: Village Greens/Roberts Gould Field Requests- None
   b: Art/Pellet Furnace Update – None
   c: FEMA Mapping comments. Tracy looked at the correspondence. She reported that they look at the watershed area. They review information, have a discovery phase and ask for comments. The map is on a secure server. This does not affect our Town and if it did, that would entail the Planning Board making a comment as it is their purview. They are looking at the Connecticut River but not the First Branch of it. Board thanked Tracy for her comments.
   Back Agenda item 6.
   d. Other Grants- Generator- Levar spoke with Kasey on the generator grant. The State
   Historical Preservation has no issue with burying the propane tank unless we hit ledge. She will call Dig Safe to have any lines marked. Still need to have a few electrical items that need to be completed. The big issue is the grant has to go in by November 15, 2022. Timeline is short. If we miss the window on the grant, it will still be a high priority ARPA item.
   Creamery Project- Levar reports the Creamery Grant is still a thorny issue. Conflicting
   reviews by two state entities. Kasey reported we can’t use Grants In Aid because it is a private property.
   The Board discussion included concerns about where the water contamination starts, water not coming off just Town Property, Brownfields, Cemetery Town Land, liability if Town work goes forward, improving private property with Town funds. Geoff states we have not made contaminated water at this point. We should avoid that at all costs for liability. Emily said the previous owner dumped all kinds of stuff at the Creamery. Geoff believes the Board should get an environmental lawyer’s opinion before going forward with this project. He believes the Road Foreman should not be speaking on the Town’s behalf about this project. Emily asked how long ago was this discovered. Geoff reported about three years ago. Board approved Levar to contact Kasey to call an environmental lawyer to get options.
   e. Audit – Levar reported now that the purchase policy is amended he would ask Gayle to call some companies and see if we can hire one as we did not receive any bids.
   Levar asked to go back to Mark and Bruce for updates. Mark to give an update on parts that came under 5b, Orders. And Bruce on Highways, as Levar had a voice mail on his phone.
   Mark reported he called Fleet Pride about brake cans. Fleet Pride said they do offer a neoprene reinforced brake can. That was still cheaper. The comparable brake can with the four year warranty at significantly lower price ( $56)/can) than the ones that had been ordered. The total bill for the Allegiance was $567.00. Board chose to go with the cheaper model . This company wants to work more with Municipalities. Board discussion on cost effectiveness for repairs, parts and best use of time of town employees. Bruce to discuss this with the Road Foreman Levar stated last night that Rick wanted the Board to contact the owner on Klondike Road about restoring the road. The Board made the accommodation and Levar would write the letter. Levar shared with the Board he received a voice mail from the landowner on Klondike Road saying Rick called him to speak about the unpermitted work within the right of way. He said he wanted to make it right and fix the hole in the road. Bruce said write the letter Mark said just smoothing out the road is not acceptable and reported what other Towns have done. Geoff said he wanted a laywer’s opinion. Board still wanted
   Levar to write the letter as agreed the night before. No one wanted to reconsider the motion made the night before.
   Board expressed that Bruce should have a conversation with Road Foreman about following the direction of the Board after they made an accommodation for him, so he would not have to speak with the landowner, as he said he did not want to be the messenger. Bruce asked if the letter to the landowner would be certified. Levar asked Karen what she has done. She
   replied registered letter with return receipt.
   Levar said he won’t answer the message but if he gets a phone call, he will tell the landowner a letter would be forthcoming.
   Merrill Whitney, noted that the Road Foreman was on Whitney Lyman Road the other day and filling rough spots with stone and did not feel it was necessary. Rick has been told to conserve diesel fuel and money at this point. Bruce reported work on Hook Rd was completed.
   Jump to Agenda Item 10
   f- Americans with Disabilities Act- Levar reported a person asked him about ATV’s again. He
   was told someone had a medical condition that makes him immobile and wants to ride an ATV as mobility device and the ADA says you have to make accommodations for that. He said he called VLCT about it and they said that because our Town does not have an ordinance. That if someone were to aske us for an accommodation, we would have to approve it by Federal Law. No one has made a request but Levar reported he did his due diligence and was letting the Board know. Merrill wanted to know if they needed a disabled plaque for it. Levar stated Federal Law says Towns have to assume a person has a
   disability.
   Merrill Whitney left.
   11.
   a. Administrative Assistant – Emily Newman wanted to know if she can put a proposal in to do some of the AA work. The Board said feel free to send in the proposal.
   b. Water/Wastewater Assistant Operator – Levar stated he wanted to re-advertise the position and put $25/hr negotiable and hours negotiable again. Karen asked how hours could be negotiable and Levar said there are some automation features that haven’t been used but could be utilized going forward. Board is in favor of going forward with this.
   Action Item: Levar moved to have himself to work with the AA/Gayle revise the
   advertisement out again with $25.00/hour negotiable and hours negotiable. Mark seconded the motion. Board voted to approve the motion.
   Added to Agenda- Levar let the Board know that TRORC dues for the year will be $2010. It is a line item in our budget.
10. Approve Minutes
    Action Items:
    Levar moved to approve the September 6, 2022 minutes. Seconded by Geoff. Board approved motion.
    Levar moved to approve the September 20, 2022 minutes as revised. Seconded by Geoff. Board
    approved motion.
    Levar moved to approve the September 24, 2022 Special Meeting minutes. Seconded by Geoff. Board
    moved to approve motion.
    Levar moved to approve the October 18, 2022 Special Meeting minutes. Seconded by Mark. Board
    moved to approve the motion.
    Adjourned 8:47 Pm

Chelsea Special Selectboard Meeting Minutes (Draft)
October 24, 2022 – 7 PM – Chelsea Town Hall
Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Mark Whitney, Merrill Whitney, Geoff Clayton, Bruce Hook
Other Town Employees present: Gayle Durkee, Treausrer

1. Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM
2. No changes to the agenda
3. No conflicts of interest to disclose
4. Department/Liaison for immediate action
   a. Cole gave an update on the Water/Wastewater Chief Operator and Cole’s meeting with
   Simon Operation Services (SOS). Cole met with Lane Simon, Nate Fredericks, and Duncan Cone from
   SOS along with Mike Whipple- emergency back-up for Chelsea Water/Wastewater operations, to seek
   options for staffing the water/wastwater facilities in the absence of the Chief Operator and Assistant
   Chief Operator. Whipple led the group for 3 hours, introducing /visiting all the water/wastewater
   facilities throughout Chelsea on October 24, 2022 beginning at 9:00AM.
   SOS will put together a proposal for the selectboard if they are able to assist.
   Cole will present whatever potential solutions are developed to the Selectboard
   b. Cole asked Hook to give an update on the unpermitted excavation of Klondike Road near 59
   Klondike Rd. that occurred on October 20, 2022. Hook explained part of Klondike Rd was excavated to
   lay pipe or conduit. Hook and the board noted there is a State Statute 19 VSA, Chapter 11 § 1111,
   “Permitted Use of the Right of Way” and a town policy referencing that statute covering requirements
   for individuals and organizations needing to excavate road for pipe, conduit, etc. Cole asked for a copy
   of the application and permit that was approved. Hook noted that the processes was not followed. Hook
   said he was told the Road Foreman gave verbal permission to the subcontractor doing the work the day
   the work commenced. Cole and Merrill Whitney noted that the Town Policy explicitly says the
   application is made by the landowner not the subcontractor and the decision is made by the
   selectboard. Mark Whitney explained the requirements for an application, approval, 48 hours notice,
   observation of backfilling or compaction, approval of materials etc. exist to provide reasonable
   assurance a permitted activity does not endanger public health and safety or decrease the integrity of
   the road.
   The Board had several questions for the Road Foreman who was not in attendance. The board asked
   Hook to get the answers to the questions and report back to the board next week. Hook agreed.
   Hook, Merrill Whitney, Mark Whitney, Clayton and Cole all expressed concern that the town policy and
   state statute were not followed and all were very concerned about the current condition of the road as
   it was sinking where it was excavated. Cole noted he checked out the site Saturday afternoon. Hook and
   Cole noted obvious settling the road that resulted in a large depression or rut across the road. Hook and
   Mark Whitney noted that if the policy was followed regarding 12 lifts mechanical compaction, the road
   might not have settled as much as it did in this short a period.
   Clayton expressed concern that since the Town is receiving a lot of state and federal money for roads
   and other projects, the town might be out of compliance with its oversight duties if the board allow
   events like this to be ignored. Clayton suggested that since the process was not followed, the town
   should seek legal advice, get an engineering analysis of the damage, and obtain an estimate for removal,
   repair, and remediation. Mark Whitney asked how the town is assured that the backfill or compaction
   met the requirements of the rules if there was no application or permit to reference. Hook said there is
   no assurance since the process was not followed.
   The Selctboard went into executive session to discuss legal options related to the excavation at 7:25 PM
   pr 1VSA 313(a)1 via unanimous vote on amotion made by Cole and seconded by Mark Whitney. The
   Board ended executive session at 8:05 PM. After executive session, the Board unanimously agreed to
   have the highway liaison, Bruce Hook, reach out for legal advice on what could and should be done
   regarding the excavation and report back to the Board at the next regular meeting on November 1,
   2022.
   There were no public comments.
   The Board meeting adjourned at 8:06 PM

10.18.2022 Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Minutes (draft)
Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at 7: 34 pm at Chelsea Town Hall
Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Bruce Hook, Mark Whitney, Geoff Clayton
Other Town Employees Present: Karen Lathrop (Town Clerk), Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer), Kasey
Peterson ( Grants Administrator & Administration)
Members of the public present: Robert Aicher, Andrea Zoe Aicher, David Bradshaw, Frank Keene, Mike
McCullough, Morton Bailey, Chase Ackerman and Marty Gratz.

1. Call Meeting to Order
   Meeting called to order by L. Cole at 7:34 pm.
2. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
   None
3. Changes to Agenda
   Emergent Roberts Poor Fund Request, Fema Letter, Mike McCullough water request extension- Board
   note prior approval of request and approves extension until November 1,2022.
4. Town Clerk – None
5. Town Treasurer – a. Sent report to Board, nothing significant in change
   b. Presented orders to Board – made misc’l expense line item for erosion
   control at Wastewater Plant and Beaver Dam. Levar signed contract for
   Brookfield Generator Maintenance Plan.
   Action item: Mark Whitney approved the orders as presented. Geoff seconded
   the motion. Board approved.
   Orders totaling:
   General $75,944.57
   Garage $10,515.85
   Water/Sewer $1,596.90
6. Department /Liaison Updates
   a. Highway: Bruce spoke with Rick Ackerman about guardrails for Hook Road
   and Transfer Station. Will save money by doing it in-house. Beaver dam has
   been taken care of, trappers were in on Friday, and tree being chewed will be
   down on Wednesday. Road Plan work is still being worked on to figure out what
   roads are the challenges and long-term goals. MRGP- Kasey Peterson read
   through it. Basically the Town will need to be on board with it for any grant aid
   and the Board agreed. Bruce to take lead on comments by October 24, 2022.
   Bruce spoke to the Town Garage having a structural issue as the corners are
   dropping and the Board will tour. Geoff stated the statute of limitations clock
   starts running. Bruce will take lead with Geoff supporting. Levar noted the Town
   will need to retain a Town Attorney. Kasey noted maybe a call to VLCT first to
   send them in the right direction.
   b. Transfer Station: Geoff read the letter for illegal trash dumping to Board
   which they accepted and Geoff will send the letter out. Geoff stated no time to
   put shed up. Geoff said made of metal, won’t keep a bear out. He will purchase
   from Town at cost. Board discussed electric fence.
   d. Town Hall – Kasey introduced Morton Bailey to answer Board questions
   about pellet boiler. Mr. Bailey spoke with the Fire Marshall and the Town will
   need to wall off the boiler with a 60-90 minute fire door. He assured the Board
   that the BTU’s were ample to ensure heating by zones. There might be a need
   for oil supplement to wood pellet on an extremely cold night but that would be
   minimal. Two of the furnaces downstairs will be blowers for the pellet stove and
   the main chimney will be us Kasey gave the Board the new quote (#161) of
   $45,700.00 which is actually less when the Efficiency Vermont incentives is less
   than the last quote. The Arts Council grant for this is $21,000.00 which leaves
   the Town Portion at $23,600.00. Levar noted the Board had approved this prior
   and the Board accepts the new quote and has no objection for them to start.
   e. Other: Beavers/damaged trees -Noted in Bruce’s earlier report
   f. Administrative Assistant: staffing/town report: Board discussed Marianne
   McCann organizing the Town Report remotely. Leva recommends this.
   Action item:Levar moved to offer Marianne McCann the job of putting the
   Town Report and its commensurate items that go in it remotely. Bruce
   seconded the motion. Board approved.
7. Public Comments: Marty Gratz said she would like to light the basketball court again this year with
   light as she had the year before if the Board had not objections. Boar had no objections. She also
   mentioned the sumac was growing back and she would like to take it out and replace it with ground
   cover. The Board’s concern was whether it would inhibit mowing. She would also like to plant perennials
   come spring. She noted that Susan Elder had spoken about grants earlier in the year for beautification of
   the commons. Would the Board consider memorial trees. Mark Whitney is putting a plan together on
   the trees, and it might be done in November Marty wanted to know what duties Fence Viewers have.
   Dave Bradshaw spoke up and said, they were to settle disputes between owners who have property
   sharing fences. She also mentioned she would like to help with repairs to broken windows in the Old
   Town Garage. Bruce will touch base with her on it. Levar thanked her for coming to the meeting and for
   her continued support.
8. Budget Discussions: Levar started the discussion with noting that the Town wanted to find out what
   they as a Board can do to support the entities and have open discussions about budget needs.
   Chase Ackerman gave a report in which he noted call volume increases, the need to find new
   dispatching co, as state police would not longer be dispatching for free. Also lack of personnel due to
   the low wages they are paying ( $13.25/hr) vs other services. He noted the 3 year contract with the
   Town ends in December and presented the Board with a new contract to look over. It is increasing by
   $9.00 per capita, up $10,000.00. The Board expressed concern at how low the wages were. They noted
   the everyone was having retention issues, even Town. The Board thanked him for coming to speak with
   them.
   Frank Keene gave a report on Highland Cemetery and the three smaller cemeteries. They will keep the
   same persons mowing, were able to paint the arch and roof in Highland and repair some stones. They
   will be level funding their budget request at $2,500.00.
   No TRORC representative
   Under Petition Requests, Bob Aicher reported for the Senior Center. He noted they saw a large increase
   in the costs to their 3 meals program, Meals on Wheels, Dine in, and Take out. Inflation is raising the
   cost of meals. Many volunteers but they have some paid staff. They would be looking to increase their
   petitioned amount to $3,000.00, which is a $500.00 increase. Levar noted the Board was thankful for
   their service.
   Dave Bradshaw represented the West Hill Cemetery. He too said costs are going up and they would be
   asking for $1600.00 to be budgeted for them this year.
   Fire Warden – none
9. Approve minutes:
   Action item: Levar moved to approve 10.04.2022 Meeting minutes with revisions. Geoff seconded the
   motion. Board approved.
   Action item: Levar moved to approve 9.20.2022 Special Meeting minutes with revisions. Bruce seconded
   the motion. Board approved.
   Levar will check on revisions to September 6 and September 20 were finished.
10. Administrative Assistant Report/Grants Administration :
    a. Karen reported two Village Greens requests. One for Chelsea Grange to do
    Trunk or Treat & one from First Branch Unified District to decorate the common.
    Both were approved and signed by Levar Cole.
    b. Hiring for Water/Wastewater -none
    c. Hiring for Administrative Asst – none
    d. Arts grant/Pellet Furnace- Kasey asked what kind of sound system the Board
    wanted. Board asked her to explore the options but something that was
    compatible with hearing aids. She also spoke to a Public Safety Sub Grant for
    the generator. Due by November 15, 2022 but most of the work was already
    completed for an earlier grant. Can be utilized for this one. Would not need a
    permit to bury the propane tank-she checked. Need an electrician to sign off on
    a report stating the building can accept the electrical load. Karen suggested Rick
    Allen.
    Creamery Project waiting on TRORC. No problem with Town Right of way. Geoff
    said Lou Maraget does not see any problem doing what needs to be done on
    school property. Kasey said culverts could be bought from Bob Button. Levar not
    the Board would need to be cognizant and do its due diligence so no conflict of
    interest was breached.
    It was also noted that grants for lighting need to be looked into. Also the
    handicap ramp. Kasey reported the clearance for the bathroom would need to
    be 60 inches which is a worry.
    Levar gave synopsis of the letter from FEMA. He would contact persons who
    contributed to the LHMP. The period to comment was 30 days, but federal
    rules say more time.
11. Employee Vacancies- Still have vacancies-no applications. Gayle noted the debit card came in and
    she can put the advertisement on Indeed.
    12 Elected and Appointed Vacancies – All vacancies still open
12. Executive Session -Not needed
13. Added Emergent Roberts Poor Fund Request- Levar Cole brought an emergent request before the
    Board for an $500.00 disbursement for a resident in need. Board approved.
    Mark Whitney approved the orders as presented. Geoff seconded the motion. Board approved.
14. Meeting Adjourned at 9:44 PM

Chelsea Special Selectboard Meeting Minutes (draft)
Tuesday, October 18, 2022, 7:00 pm, at Chelsea Town Hall
Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Mark Whitney, Bruce Hook, Geoff Clayton
Other Town Employees present: Karen Lathrop (Town Clerk)
Members of the public present: None

1. Meeting called to order at 7:03 PM by L. Cole
2. Conflicts of interest- None
3. Levar Cole moved to enter executive session for Human Resources per 1 VSA 313 (a)(3) with Karen
   Lathrop invited at 7:04 pm. Motion seconded by Bruce Hook. Board approved
   Levar Cole moved to exit executive session at 7:05 pm. Motion seconded by Bruce Hook. Board
   approved.
   Action: Levar to write a letter to Town Employee
4. Public Comments -None
5. Meeting adjourned at 7:06 pm

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.