News

  • Town Administrator Hours

    ByKasey Peterson

    Due to unexpected personnel changes, Town Administrator hours will be limited during the weeks of 13 – 17 April and 20 – 24 April.
    If you need assistance, please leave a message at 802-625-2023 or email town.administrator@chelseavt.us and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

    We apologize for the inconvenience.  

  • |

    Board of Abatement Meeting & Hearing Draft Minutes

    ByJen Chase

    Board of Abatement Meeting & Hearing Draft Minutes

    April 14, 2026 at 6:30 PM at the Chelsea Town Hall

    Board of Abatement members present: Joe Spinella (JP), Emily Marshia (JP), Curtis Chase (SB), Gregg Herrin (SB), Phyllis Hayward (Lister), Susan Elder (Lister), Tracy Simon (JP), Paul Libby (SB), Charles Peel (SB), Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (SB), Jennifer Chase (TC)

    Appellants present: None

    Public present: Kasey Peterson

    1. Meeting called to order by Joe Spinella at 6:37pm
    2. Additions to Agenda: none 
    3. Public Comments: none
    4. Conflict of Interest Disclosure: none
    5. Elect Chair, if necessary
      1. Phyllis made a motion to nominate Joe Spinella as chair, Tracy seconded.  The motion passed.
    6. Rules of Procedure
      1. The abatement procedure was discussed and clarified.  Packets were provided to the board with application documents and statues.  
    7. Abatement Hearing for Parcel 076-003.000, 7 North Common, Snyder, K.
      1. Abatements were requested for property tax and water/sewer bill
      2. The board reviewed documents and discussed which statutory category the requests fell under.  
      3. The board discussed the status of the house as a having rental apartments and if there was the necessary permitting, how rental income factored into the income worksheet, how many water hookups were present, and if the water/sewer issue had been fixed.  
      4. Because the appellant was not present, many questions were left unanswered.  The board expressed confusion over some inconsistencies in the worksheets and additional information that was not provided.  
      5. The board discussed sources that the appellant could reach out to for assistance, such as SNAP, Capstone, social workers, and the town nurse.  The board recognized that they could not request assistance for her, but they could work to provide contact information and suggestions.  
      6. Concerns were expressed about the water being shut off or the property going up for tax sale if an abatement was not granted but there were also concerns about the lack of information provided and the appellant not providing a plan for future expenses as well as not setting up a payment plan with the treasurer or filing for homestead status.
      7. Joe asked if someone was ready to make a motion or if discussion should continue.
      8. Tracy made a motion to deny the request for water/sewer and tax abatement based on a lack of clear evidence of a need, Gregg seconded.  The motion passed
    8. Emily made a motion to adjourn, Charles seconded, meeting was adjourned at 7:37 pm
  • | |

    DRAFT Selectboard Meeting Minutes – April 7, 2026

    ByCurtis Chase
    ​​Selectboard meeting minutes​  
    April 7, 2026, 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall 
     ​Call To Order​ 
    Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.   
    SELECTBOARD     
    Gregg Herrin (Present)  
    Curtis Chase (Present) 
    Paul Libby (Present) 
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present) 
    Charles Peel (Present) 
    TOWN EMPLOYEES/OFFICIALS     
    Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) 
    Jen Chase (Town Clerk) 
    Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman) 
    Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer) 
    Kasey Peterson (Grants Manager) 
    Bernard “Snook” Downing (Transfer Station Attendant) 
    PUBLIC IN ATTENDANCE 
    Frank Keene 
    Russell Noel 
    Rosemary Noel 
    Bob Aicher 
    Tom Swahn 
    Attorney Mascoma (not identified by name and not on camera) 
     Additions To The Agenda 
    -Wastewater Loan Agreement: Tabled to April 21, 2026, Selectboard meeting to allow time for thorough review of the full suite of project documentation prior to committing to borrowing funds.  
     Conflict Of Interest Disclosure: None 
    Public Comments:  
    -Frank Keene asked if the Selectboard had any ability to assist with a right-of-way dispute between he and a neighbor.  The Selectboard explained that the Town cannot become involved in property disputes between neighbors. 

    -Bob Aicher arrived mid-meeting with more documentation about his proposal for the Chelsea Congregational Church’s sewer line work.  He gave the Town Administrator a copy of the documents and provided Charles Peel with his contact information so that they could discuss the project in advance of warning the project for another Selectboard meeting. 
     Approve Minutes from March 17, 2026 
    Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the March 17, 2026, meeting minutes.  Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion.  There was no further discussion.  The motion passed unanimously.   
     Current Events And Updates 
    Highway Update 
    Rick Ackerman updated the Selectboard, stating that mud season has been ok so far.  We have a new source of gravel that is high quality but takes in excess of an hour round trip to truck.  Diesel is very expensive right now so we are hoping that McCullough’s is going to crush soon.  Rick noted that he saw a crusher delivered before the meeting.  Rick and Gayle have been working on interest rates for a tractor loan and Rick has identified a tractor with mower attachments sufficient for our needs in Kentucky that he would like to investigate further.  If we opted to purchase it, payments would be approximately $24,000.00 per year.  We presently pay approximately $18,000.00 per year to rent a tractor for mowing.  Rick has been discussing the possibility of sharing equipment with Washington and indicated that Washington may purchase an excavator and would be open to exchanging equipment during the summer to avoid both towns renting or buying both pieces of equipment.  The Selectboard asked Rick to investigate the tractor in Kentucky and advised that it would be warned for the upcoming meeting if it looked promising.  Rick also informed the Selectboard that he has found a promising replacement for the chloride truck but would like to find out more information about its reserve price before bidding and tying up the funds allocated by the Board.  
    Town Administrator Update No update provided.  
    Grants Manager Update 
    Maple Avenue Bride Engineering Grant – This grant is in progress but must be completed before December 31st.  In order to complete the preliminary engineering, the Board needs to select a temporary bridge for access to the West side of the First Branch during bridge construction.  In prior meetings, the Board discussed the possibility of routing the bridge to the South along the West side of the First Branch.  This would require easements/permission from landowners.  In order to complete the preliminary engineering, Stantec needs the Town to pick any solution.  The chosen solution doesn’t bind the Town in the future and if the Board chose to move forward with engineering based on a temporary bridge, the Town could pursue the less costly road option should the project move forward in the future.  Nothing is preventing the Town from discussing the easement possibilities with landowners now. Municipal Energy Resilience Project (MERP) Grants – Kasey is concerned that there are too many projects in process and waiting to start for there to be any possibility of finishing the projects before the grant deadline on June 30th.Hi  Unsure if extensions are available but will inquire with BGS rather than TRORC.  Items which remain uninitiated include: ADA ramp at Town Hall, heat pumps, solar panels at the Town Garage.  The Selectboard clarified that the Town does not plan to pursue heat pumps or solar panels.  Kasey will reach out to be sure that progress is being made on the ramp.  The Board asked if there were updates on the interior storm window bid process.  The Town Administrator had no update.  Kasey agreed to reach out on this as well. FEMA Highway Grant – The Town has to have easements to complete the work on Doyle and Edwards roads in order to get permits to complete the work.  Kasey agreed to work with Paul and Chuck to get clarity on the process.  We can start conversations about the easements with landowners in anticipation that we will have clarity to draft easements soon.  Engineering costs are very different between Stantec and FEMA.  Kasey is unsure how we will close the gap. 
     Action Items 
    8 Riverside Drive Water Pressure 
    Russell Noel attended the meeting to discuss ongoing but worsening water pressure issues at his home on Riverside Drive.  He informed the Board that the house has had low water pressure for years but that the situation has worsened to the point that he cannot use the washing machine and other water sources simultaneously.  Russell requested that the Town put a curb stop on his property and the Board informed him that the Water and Sewer Ordinance does not allow the Town to install additional curb stops deeper into owner’s land.  The Board explained that the Ordinance provides that the Town is responsible for repairs from the curb stop to the main and that homeowners are responsible from the curb stop to their homes.  Russell refused to allow an excavator to dig up the water line and stated that he would dig up the water line this evening.  The Board informed him that Mike Whipple needed to be present for work on the water system and that if he caused damage that he would be liable for the repair.  No motions were made.  
    Coordination with State of Vermont on 250th Independence Day Events  
    The State of Vermont asked the Town several months ago to name a delegate to the 250th Anniversary Commission.  The request never made it onto a warned agenda.  Will Gilman has been spearheading our local events.  Curtis Chase made a motion to appoint Will Gilman to the State of Vermont 250th Commission.  Paul Libby seconded the motion.  There was no further discussion.  The motion passed unanimously. 
    Transfer Station Hours of Operation Snook Downing attended the meeting to discuss closing procedures at the Transfer Station.  The posted hours of operation on the gate are 8:00 AM to 1:45 PM. Snook is paid to work at the Transfer Station until 2:00 PM but uses the last 15 minutes of the day to clean up the station and compact trash and recycling for hauling.  Because it takes several cycles of compacting to ensure that the haulers do not leave a mess, Snook closes the gate at 1:45.  The Board acknowledged the need for closing time during the budgeted hours of operation and asked the Town Administrator to ensure that all posted times match those posted on the gate. 

    Social Service Appropriation Petition Policy The Board revisited the draft policy and discussed the wording of the Clerk’s review timeline.  The Board edited the policy to be clear that petitions are accepted/received by the Clerk during her posted business hours.  Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to adopt the revised Social Service Appropriation Petition Policy.  Curtis Chase seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously without further discussion. 

    Development Review Board Appointments Curtis Chase asked what the process is for making appointments to Town boards.  The Board agreed to revisit but suggested that appointments to boards should become part of the organizational meeting lineup in future years.  Charles Peel made a motion to appoint Johanna Welch to a three-year term, Patty Swahn to a two-year term, Ed Kuban to a three-year term, and Carrie Caouette-De Lallo to a lifetime position as an alternate member of the DRB.  Curtis Chase seconded.  The motion passed unanimously without further discussion.  
     Contracts And Selectboard Approvals 
    Approve Orders The Board reviewed the orders throughout the meeting individually.  Charles Peel made a motion to approve orders.  Paul Libby seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously without further discussion.  Mowing Bid Review 
    The Board opened the sealed bids for mowing in Chelsea.  There was one bid from RonJohn’s Mowing.  Absent further bids to consider after completing the required RFP process, Curtis Chase moved to approve the bid received.  Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously without further discussion. 
    Executive Session If Necessary 
    Paul Libby made a motion to enter executive session, inviting the Town Administrator, to discuss personnel pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 313(A).  Charles Peel seconded the motion. Charles Peel abstained and the motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 9:26 PM. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to exit executive session. Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard exited executive session at 10:45 PM.  
    Personnel Pursuant To 1 V.S.A. § 313(a) 
    Gregg Herrin summarized that one personnel issue was discussed, with no motion made. The Town Administrator resigned her position effective immediately and departed the meeting prior to its conclusion.  Prior to her departure, the Town Administrator closed the computer that was recording the meeting, causing the recording to stop.  As a result, two recordings have been merged together for the single audio file with muted space edited out for brevity.  The Selectboard accepted her resignation.  No motion was made. 
     ​Adjournment​ 
    Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting ended at 10:45 pm.  

    Selectboard Meeting Audio Recording

  • | |

    Selectboard Meeting Agenda – April 7, 2026

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    April 7, 2026 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Additions to the Agenda
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Public Comments
    Approve Minutes from March 17, 2026
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Highway Update
    B. Town Administrator Update
    Action Items
    A. Grants Manager Update:
    1. FEMA Maple St Bridge Engineering
    2. MERP Grant Concerns
    B. 8 Riverside Dr Water Leak Issue
    C. 250th Anniversary 4th of July Celebration
    D. Transfer Station Hours of Operation
    Contracts and Selectboard Approvals
    A. Mowing RFP Sealed Bid Opening
    B. DRB Appointments
    C. Finalize Social Service Appropriation Petition Policy
    D. Approve Orders
    Executive Session If Necessary
    Adjournment
    VIRTUAL OPTION: To join the Selectboard Meeting virtually, please request a link to join from the Town Administrator at town.administrator@chelseavt.us, or by calling 802-625-2023.
  • |

    Job Opening: Transfer Station Attendant

    ByTierney Farago

    JOB SUMMARY
    Performs routine work of a semi-skilled nature in operating the Town transfer station/recycling facility.

    Hourly Salary: $18.00

    SUPERVISION RECEIVED
    Activities conducted with considerable operational independence under the general supervision of the Town Administrator who evaluates work by observation and response from the public. Reports to the Town Administrator for time off requests, sick time requests and requests for any class registration. Consults with the Selectboard on a monthly basis for updates, large expenditures and policy changes.

    EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
    ( The listed examples are illustrative only, and may not include all duties found in this position)

    1. Knows, understands, and implements the solid waste/recycling facility operating rules and procedures, including those of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Solid Waste Management and Prevention Division and Federal Environmental Protection Agency
    2. Ensures access to the solid waste/recycling facility. Conducts visual inspection of loads as needed to prevent disposal of prohibited materials.
    3. Assists users in the appropriate disposal of refuse; answers questions from users. Instructs new residents in the proper use of the facility.
    4. Maintains the cleanliness and neatness of the facility, using brooms, rakes, shovels, and weed whackers as necessary.
    5. Maintains the recycling area and insures the proper disposal of recycled materials.
    6. Charges and collects fees set by Selectboard from users and submits fees to the Treasurer’s Office.
    7. Submits weekly payroll sheet to Treasurer’s Office. Submits all receipts to Treasurer’s Office.
    8. Uses trash compactor in course of duties in order to condense waste materials and recyclables to maximize loads.
    9. Takes responsibility to handle situations such as; contacting Waste Management to pick up sooner, if container is full. Contacts other vendors as needed for pickup of tires, metal, oil and foodscraps.
    10. Ensures facility is locked when closed.

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
    Knowledge of methods, materials, and equipment used in municipal solid waste/recycling operations, knowledge of safety precautions common to machinery, and equipment utilized in the solid
    waste/recycling industry; knowledge of State and Federal regulations and procedures pertaining to solid waste/recycling disposal; knowledge of weights. Skill in the use of trash compactors; skill in basic math computations. Ability to communicate effectively; ability to establish good community relations; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with fellow employees and the public.

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
    High school diploma or equivalent. Some experience in transfer station/recycling operations; OR any equivalent combination of education and experience which demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills and abilities AND possession of a Valid Vermont Driver’s License.

    PHYSICAL EXERTION/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
    There are physical demands to this job that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    EQUAL OPPORTUNITY DISCLOSURE
    The Town of Chelsea is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of this municipality to provide equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, place of birth, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, physical or mental condition, HIV status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other category protected by state or federal law. No question is asked on this application or during the application process for the purpose of excluding any applicant due to the aforementioned protected categories or other category protected by state or federal law.