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    DRAFT Special Selectboard Meeting Minutes – December 22, 2025

    ByTierney Farago
    Special Selectboard Meeting Minutes
    December 22, 2025 5:00 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm.  
    SELECTBOARD    
    Gregg Herrin (Present) 
    Curtis Chase (Present)
    Paul Libby (Present)
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present)
    Charles Peel (Present)
    TOWN EMPLOYEES    
    Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)
    Additions to the Agenda: None
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Charles Peel disclosed that he is on the Development Review Board, and Gregg Herrin disclosed that he is on the Planning Commission.
    Public Comments
    Kate Willard, Ben Canonica, and Zeb Allen attended the meeting to discuss ash trees with the Selectboard. An inventory of the trees was sent to the Town to begin discussing a potential plan to remove the trees. According to Ben, other towns like Strafford and Corinth have made efforts to remove ash trees that have been affected by the emerald ash borer, which destroys the trees and presents a potential hazard near roadways and right of ways. The Selectboard inquired if there are any grants to help towns pay for the removal of these trees, but the group was unsure. The Selectboard will keep the information in mind as they move into the new year and can dedicate more time to assessing the issue.
    Action Items
    A. Zoning Bylaw Review
    The Selectboard reviewed the draft of the zoning bylaws as written by the planning commission with the help of Two Rivers-Ottaquechee Regional Commission. They discussed several comments and edits they wanted to propose, including many spelling, grammar, and formatting changes as well as some content changes. Those changes mainly related to the consistency of wording (ex. “zoning permit” vs “administrative permit”) and the types of permits allowed in zoning areas like the conservation area. The Selectboard agreed to limit additional uses in the conservation area in the interest of preserving the Town’s limited zoning area. There were various discussions regarding the permitting process and the Development Review Board’s (DRB) role in certain uses and types of construction. After reviewing the content of the bylaws, the Selectboard accepted the changes discussed to create the updated draft, which will be the version highlighted at the upcoming zoning bylaw hearing.

    -Charles Peel made a motion to approve the Selectboard’s edits of the bylaws as discussed, pending minor font and header changes; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    -Charles Peel made a motion to approve the draft of the zoning map; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

    The Selectboard discussed the date of the zoning bylaw hearing, which is required so the article can be included in the Town Meeting Warning so the public can vote on the adopted bylaws. . The hearing will be held on January 9th, 2026, at 6:30 pm. A special Selectboard meeting will be held directly after the hearing at 7:00 pm to move to approve or deny the draft zoning bylaws. Copies of the Selectboard’s draft of the zoning bylaws will be available online on the Town’s website, as well as at the Town Clerk’s office for the public to request.
    Executive Session If Necessary: None
    Adjournment
    Curtis Chase made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 8:19 pm.

    Zoning Bylaws Draft – Planning Commission Version (12/8/2025)

    DRAFT_CHELSEA-ZONING-BYLAW_Transmittal CopyDownload
    DRAFT_CHELSEA-ZONING-MAP_Transmittal CopyDownload
    Planning Commission Report_Chelsea Zoning Bylaws_2025Download

    Zoning Bylaw Draft – Selectboard Version (12/22/2025)

    DRAFT_CHELSEA-ZONING-BYLAW_Public Hearing Copy Approved 12.22.25Download
    DRAFT_CHELSEA-ZONING-MAP_Transmittal CopyDownload
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    Notice of Public Hearing: Chelsea Zoning Bylaws

    ByTierney Farago

    Chelsea Selectboard

     Notice of Public Hearing

    January 9, 2026, at 6:30 pm in Town Hall

    The Chelsea Selectboard will hold a public hearing on revisions to the Chelsea Zoning Bylaw on January 9, 2026, at 6:30 pm at the Chelsea Town Hall (296 VT Rte 110, Chelsea, VT 05038). There will be a virtual meeting option for this hearing using the virtual meeting option given below.

    The purpose of this hearing is to take public comments on the draft revisions to the Chelsea Zoning Bylaw. The draft Chelsea Zoning Bylaw will replace the current Chelsea Zoning Bylaw in its entirety. The Chelsea Zoning Bylaw is meant to further the purposes of the Town Plan and Vermont’s planning goals enumerated in 24 V.S.A. § 4302.

    The Chelsea Zoning Bylaw covers all of the land within the Town of Chelsea.

    Copies can be found at the Chelsea Town Clerk’s office during normal business hours or on the Town’s website: https://www.chelseavt.org/zoning-applications-and-bylaws/. Comments may be directed to the Town Administrator, at PO Box 266, Chelsea VT 05038, or emailed to town.administrator@chelseavt.us.

    Below is a summary of the Chelsea Zoning Bylaw’s sections:

    1. Authority & Purpose
    2. Administration, Enforcement, & Appeals
    3. General Regulations
    4. Zoning District Regulations
    5. Specific Regulations
    6. Definitions

    Virtual Meeting Information

    https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZjZkYjM5MTgtYTQ3Yy00NTlmLWFkOWQtM2Y2NmVjYzFkNTc2%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%226c55ea33-c13f-478a-a4e5-2a6d9d85978b%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%229810606c-6157-4407-a7da-d68d066893ea%22%7d

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    Special Selectboard Meeting Agenda – December 22, 2025

    ByTierney Farago
    Special Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    December 22, 2025 5:00 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Additions to the Agenda
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Public Comments
    Action Items
    Zoning Bylaw Review
    Executive Session if necessary
    Adjournment
    VIRTUAL OPTION: To join the Selectboard Meeting virtually, please request a link to join from the Town Administrator at town.administrator@chelseavt.us, or by calling 802-625-2023.
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    DRAFT Selectboard Meeting Minutes – December 16, 2025

    ByTierney Farago
    ​​Selectboard Meeting Minutes​  
    December 16, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall 
     ​Call to Order​ 
    Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm.  
    SELECTBOARD    
    Gregg Herrin (Present) 
    Curtis Chase (Present)   
    Paul Libby (Present)   
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present)   
    Charles Peel (Present)   
    TOWN EMPLOYEES    
    Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)   
    Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer)   
    Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman) 
    Additions to the Agenda 
    -Cargill Salt: The Town Administrator presented a salt quote letter from Cargill to the Selectboard. The price of salt recently went up, so the informal quote lists salt at $108.75 per ton. Cargill needs to deliver salt before the end of the year, and the estimated tonnage was 275. Paul Libby made a motion to not exceed $30,000 in salt for this delivery; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.  
    -Audit RFP Opening: Two proposals were received for the 2025 audit. Gregg Herrin opened them and read the following amounts for the contracts: Batchelder Associates, P.C proposed a contract for a total of $20,250, and Sullivan, Powers & Company proposed a contract of $22,000. The Selectboard requested that they have additional time to review the full proposal packets and would look to Gyle Durkee to make an official recommendation at the next regular Selectboard meeting on January 6th, 2026. No motion made.  
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure 
    Gregg Herrin disclosed that his spouse is on the library board. Curtis Chase disclosed that his spouse is the Town Clerk. Charles Peel disclosed that he is a member of the Development Review Board.  
    Public Comments: None 
    Approve minutes from november 18, 2025 and december 9, 2025 
    Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the November 18th meeting minutes; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the December 9th meeting minutes; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.  
    Current Events and Updates 
    A. Highway Update 
    Rick Ackerman updated the Selectboard that he had been having additional troubles with his truck but had taken it to be looked over. He also informed them that the gravel pit will close for the winter on Friday.  
    B. Town Administrator Update 
    The Selectboard and Town Administrator review the Town Report status and the timelines for submittals to get the report finalized and published.  
    Action Items 
    A. 2026 Budget Review 
    The Selectboard continued their review of the 2026 budget, covering all departments and making adjustments to line items as needed. The budget is nearly complete, with potential final YTD numbers and revisions anticipated for the January 6th meeting. During the budget conversation, the Selectboard determined that an increase in the price of recycling tickets would be required to begin making up for the deficit currently present in the transfer station budget. Curtis Chase made a motion to increase the price of recycle tickets to $50 for 2026; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. This price increase will begin on January 1st, 2026.  
    B. Zoning Bylaw Review 
    Tabled.  
    C. MERP Contracts: Interior Storm Windows, Building Envelope, and Window Repairs 
    Tabled. 
    D. Avery Work Contract 
    Tabled. 
    E. Kingsbury Work Contract 
    A $4,000 contract for sewer line cleanout was presented for signatures. No motion required.  
    F. Approve Orders 
    Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the orders; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.  
    Executive Session If Necessary 
    A. Personnel Pursuant To 1 V.S.A. § 313(a) 
    -Paul Libby made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Tierney Farago and Rick Ackerman; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 6:48 pm. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to exit executive session; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard exited executive session at 7:10 pm. Gregg Herrin summarized that the Selectboard discussed personnel and no motion was made. 

    -Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to enter executive session; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 9:23 pm. Charles Peel made a motion to exit executive session; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard exited executive session at 10:04 pm.  
    The Selectboard made the following motions:  
    1. Curtis Chase made a motion to adjust the 2026 compensations which will be reflected in the budget; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. 
    2. Charles Peel made a motion to approve and immediately distribute the 2025 holiday bonuses; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.  
    Adjournment​ 
    Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 10:26 pm.  

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    Selectboard Meeting Minutes – December 9, 2025

    ByTierney Farago
    ​​Selectboard Meeting Agenda​  
    December 9, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall 
     ​Call to Order​ 
    Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:37 pm. 
    SELECTBOARD   
    Gregg Herrin (Present)   
    Curtis Chase (Present)  
    Paul Libby (Present)   
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present)  
    Charles Peel (Present)  
    TOWN EMPLOYEES   
    Tierney Farago (Town Administrator, Virtual)  
    Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer)  
    Additions to the Agenda: None 
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure 
    Gregg Herrin disclosed that his spouse is on the library board. Curtis Chase disclosed that his spouse is the Town Clerk.  
    Public Comments 
    Tim Courts attended the meeting to ask questions regarding the transfer station budget. The item was discussed in the Budget Review portion of the meeting.  
    Action Items 
    A. 2026 Budget Review 
    The Selectboard continued to review the 2026 budget. The Chelsea Public Library Board reduced their appropriation by $15,000.00 to account for surplus remaining from prior years.  The Selectboard reflected the reduction to $50,000.00 in the draft budget. The transfer station was also discussed, as expenses are still outweighing revenue. The Selectboard considered several different options including a new sticker system for bags, as well as increasing tickets and recycling sticker fees to get closer to breaking even for the department. The board agreed that they would proceed with the budget with the agreement that revenue should support the expense of the Transfer Station and aims to zero out the budget.  The Board acknowledged that this would be a difficult undertaking and would require adjustments throughout the 2026 calendar year to balance the Transfer Station budget. The board then reviewed the overall budget and made some adjustments in several categories based on information from the treasurer. The board will continue to review the proposed budget at the next Selectboard meeting on December 16th.    
    Executive Session if necessary 
    -Curtis Chase made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Tierney Farago and Gayle Durkee; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 9:41 pm. Charles Peel made a motion to exit executive session; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard exited executive session at 9:54 pm. Gregg Herrin summarized that the Selectboard discussed a Roberts Poor Fund request presented at the December 2, 2025 meeting, and approved the provided financial specifics unanimously.  
    -Charles Peel made a motion to enter executive session; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 9:55 pm. Charles Peel made a motion to exit executive session; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard exited executive session at 10:18 pm. Gregg Herrin stated that the Selectboard discussed and approved 2026 salary increases but will confirm with Gayle what taxes are associated to give a final number to be included in the budget. The Selectboard also discussed yearly bonuses for Town employees. Charles Peel made a motion to allocate the previously appropriated 2025 salary increase funds to be used for salary bonuses not to exceed the previously approved amount; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. 
    Adjournment​ 
    Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 10:20 pm. 

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    Selectboard Meeting Agenda – December 16, 2025

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    December 16, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Additions to the Agenda
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Public Comments
    Approve Minutes from November 18, 2025 and December 9, 2025
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Highway Update
    B. Town Administrator Update
    Action Items
    A. 2026 Budget Review
    B. Zoning Bylaw Review
    C. MERP Contracts: Interior Storm Windows, Building Envelope, and Window Repairs
    D. Avery Work Contract
    E. Kingsbury Work Contract
    F. Approve Orders
    Executive Session if necessary
    A. Personnel Pursuant To 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)
    Adjournment
    VIRTUAL OPTION: To join the Selectboard Meeting virtually, please request a link to join from the Town Administrator at town.administrator@chelseavt.us, or by calling 802-625-2023.
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    Special Selectboard Meeting – December 9, 2025

    ByTierney Farago
    Special Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    December 9, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Additions to the Agenda
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Public Comments
    Action Items
    A. 2026 Budget Review
    Executive Session If Necessary
    Adjournment
    VIRTUAL OPTION: To join the Selectboard Meeting virtually, please request a link to join from the Town Administrator at town.administrator@chelseavt.us, or by calling 802-625-2023.
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    Selectboard Meeting Minutes – December 2, 2025

    ByTierney Farago
    ​​Selectboard Meeting Agenda​  
    December 2, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall 
     ​Call to Order​ 
    Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:31 pm. 
    SELECTBOARD  
    Gregg Herrin (Present)  
    Curtis Chase (Present) 
    Paul Libby (Present)  
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present) 
    Charles Peel (Present) 
    TOWN EMPLOYEES  
    Tierney Farago (Town Administrator, Virtual) 
    Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer) 
    Jen Chase (Town Clerk) 
    Additions to the Agenda: None 
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure 
    Gregg Herrin disclosed that his spouse is on the library board. Curtis Chase disclosed that his spouse is the Town Clerk and would recuse himself from any motions regarding the Town Clerk’s office or salary compensation.  
     Public Comments 
    -Bob Harrington attended the meeting to request special accommodation to use an ATV on the class 4 road section of Jenkins Brook Rd. He is handicapped and would like touse the road to get to a hunting area that he is currently unable to access using his truck. The Selectboard will work with the Town Administrator to understand any legal requirements and revisit this topic once more information is known.  
    -Marianne McCann had commentary regarding the wording of the minutes from the previous meeting in which the Selectboard discussed her suggestions for an amendment to the social service appropriations policy. The Selectboard will review the draft minutes and the recording to ensure the minutes accurately reflect the content of the meeting.  
     Approve Minutes from November 18, 2025 
    This item was tabled for further review until the next regular Selectboard meeting pending review of Marianne McCann’s concerns. 
    Current Events and Updates 
    A. Highway Update 
    The highway crew was out plowing during the meeting due to heavy snowfall. The Town Administrator informed the Selectboard that the seasonal crew hire was drug tested and should be ready to begin working soon.    
    B. Town Administrator Update 
    Tierney Farago outlined the timeline for sending the Town Report to the printer and suggested that we have preliminary drafts of budget reports submitted by December 12th so that we could review them at the next meeting. 
    Action Items 
    A. First Branch Ambulance Budget and Community Nurse 
    Chase Ackerman discussed the community nurse MOU draft with the Selectboard. He will remove the clause citing 10 hours maximum and instead agree to “not exceed $20,000” as previously agreed upon. The Chelsea Health Center will submit $5,000 each quarter to help pay for the community nurse services. The Town of Chelsea will submit its portion, also $5000, of the payment for the community nurse  on the same quarterly schedule as the Health Center. He also mentioned that the contract for First Branch is expiring soon and would bring a new 3 year contract soon. He informed the Selectboard that the pricing will increase from $42 per capita to $47 per capita; this will be reflected in the new contract for services. He also inquired about using Town space to store a new ambulance; the Selectboard will work with Rick Ackerman to find a suitable spot for storage if possible.  
    B. 2026 Budget Review 
    The Selectboard discussed various budget related items, including capital improvements, organization for the budget, and the timeline and process for the Town Report. No motions made.  
    C. Approve Orders 
    Paul Libby made a motion to approve the orders; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.  
    Executive Session If Necessary 
    A. Roberts-Poor Fund Request 
    Charles Peel made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Tierney Farago, Gayle Durkee, and the party making the request; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 7:30 pm. Paul Libby made a motion to exit executive session; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously, and the Selectboard exited executive session at 8:12 pm. 
    B. Personnel Pursuant To 1 V.S.A. § 313(a) 
    Paul Libby made a motion to enter executive session; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 8:15 pm. Charles Peel made a motion to exit executive session; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously, and the Selectboard exited executive session at 11:56 pm. The Selectboard discussed employee salary benchmarks and agreed upon bonus allocations, which will fall within the budgeted amount which was within the approved amount from the 2025 budget.  
     Adjournment​ 
    Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Carrie Caouette–De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 11:57 pm. 
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    Chelsea Planning Commission Special Meeting Agenda – December 8, 2025

    ByTierney Farago

    Chelsea Planning Commission

    Notice of Special Meeting

    December 8th, 2025, at 6:00 PM

    The Chelsea Planning Commission will hold a Special Planning Commission Meeting on Monday December 8th, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Chelsea Town Hall, located at 296 VT Route 110, Chelsea, VT 05038. Attendees may also attend the meeting virtually using the Zoom link below.

    This meeting is open to the public. Please note that the times given in the Agenda below are subject to change.

    Agenda

    6:00: Call to Order

    6:01: Additions or Deletions to the Meeting Agenda

    6:02: Review and Vote on September 8th and October 27th Chelsea Planning Commission Meeting Minutes

    6:03: Public to be Heard

    6:05: Continue Discussion of Revisions to the Draft Chelsea Bylaws and Vote to Transmit the Amended Draft to the Chelsea Selectboard

    7:45: Review and Edit the Reporting Form

    8:00: Motion to Adjourn the Meeting

    Zoom Meeting Information https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89781031243?pwd=xaq6HvzHgw62tb5fqby7ejloHpUpQy.1

    Meeting ID: 897 8103 1243 Passcode: 773063

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    Join instructions https://us06web.zoom.us/meetings/89781031243/invitations?signature=DpQMmtF8Cdlndb-isGmAL7YsZoEq1vOkk3DfGklQPQY