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DRAFT Selectboard Meeting Minutes – March 18, 2025

ByTierney Farago
​​Selectboard Meeting Minutes​  
March 18th, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall Library 
 ​Call to order​ 
Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:34 pm.  
SELECTBOARD  
Gregg Herrin (Present)  
Kevin Marshia (Present, Left at 8:18pm)  
Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present)  
Paul Libby (Present) 
Curtis Chase (Present) 
TOWN EMPLOYEES  
Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)  
Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer)  
Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman) 
 Additions to the Agenda 
Gayle Durkee asked to add a secondary signer to the Town’s accounts, namely her assistant treasurer Kasey Peterson. This will ensure there is always a secondary check for all of the town’s finances. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to add Kasey Peterson as a secondary signer on the Town’s bank account; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed.  
 Conflict of Interest Disclosure 
Carrie Caouette-De Lallo let the Selectboard know that she is the applicant for the Village Greens request and would be abstaining from a vote. Gregg Herrin also mentioned that he is acquaintances with Mr. Maier, so he would be abstaining from a vote as well.  
Public Comments 
A public comment was read during the community nursing item.  
Approve Minutes from March 6, 2025 
The selectboard was unable to review the minutes. This item was tabled until the next meeting.  
Current Events and Updates 
A. Highway Update 
Rick Ackerman updated the Selectboard on a truck that was sent for repairs; the early assessment is that it may need a new transmission, and he was quoted $17,000 for it excluding labor. Rick will reach out for additional quotes to see if that may decrease the estimated price and will bring them to the next Selectboard meeting.  
B. Town Administrator Update: None 
C. Vacant Town Positions Interest 
This guest was not in attendance.  
Action Items 
A. Susan Elder: Forest and Parks Commission Grant and Forest Management Plan Next Steps 
Susan Elder and Kate Willard attended the meeting to discuss how to best notify residents of the grant the Forest and Parks Commission was recently awarded. Tierney will work with Susan to create a press release to post on social media and send to the Herald for publication.  Kate Willard brought up the need to take the next steps to adhere to the adopted Forest Management Plan. The selectboard agreed that it was best to reach out to the Orange County Forester to get on their books for a timber sale, expected to begin in 2027. Kevin Marshia made a motion to work with the Orange County Forester; Carrie Caouettte-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed.  
B. Kate McLean: Library Grant Contractors 
Kate McLean attended virtually to present the vendor information the library has gathered to move forward with installing an ADA accessible automatic door mechanism at Town Hall. This work is funded by a grant the library received to help upgrade the library to be ADA accessible. A mechanical box will be installed above the current right-hand entrance door at Town Hall, and two wireless buttons will be installed, inside and outside, to access the door. Because this is grant funded, this work would not be at the expense of the town and can be scheduled as soon as the Selectboard approves the work. Kate will notify the Town Administrator when the work can occur so residents can be informed. Kevin Marshia made a motion to approve the automatic doors; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed.  
C. Water and Sewer Rate Increase 
Gregg Herrin presented some of the price increase options he created based on the need to bring the water/sewer system out of a deficit. After some discussion of the history of the topic, the Selectboard felt that it was necessary to give additional time to notify residents of the coming increase in water and sewer fees, to be determined at a future Selectboard meeting. Inserts will be included in the bills that will go out in April, with the anticipated increase taking effect in the third quarter bills. No motion was made.  
D. Community Nurse Request for Proposal 
Before beginning, Gregg Herrin asked Tierney Farago to read a public comment regarding this item, as it was received the same day as the meeting. Carol Hall submitted a comment urging the Selectboard to consider all options before hiring a community nurse. The Selectboard considered the input.  The new Selectboard members were updated by Gregg Herrin on some of the history of the proposal for background so they can accurately vote on the topic. The Selectboard agreed to accept the proposal and begin writing an official contract for final signature at an upcoming Selectboard meeting.   Kevin Marshia made a motion to accept the proposal; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed.  
E. Chelsea Arts Collective Village Green Request 
The Cheslea Arts Collective would like to hold their Chelsea Arts on the Green Festival on August 30th from 10 am-3 pm. There were no previously scheduled conflicts for that day. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the Chelsea Arts on the Green Festival for August 30th from 10 am-3 pm; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo abstained, as she was the applicant. Motion passed.  
F. Jonathan Maier Highway Permit 
This item was tabled, as the Selectboard had additional questions on the scope of work being performed. No motion was made. 
G. Tad Boardman Contract for Excavation Work at Garage 
The Selectboard discussed the process of receiving and signing off on contracts for work that has already been done. This is generally done for contracts that were under the purchasing policy threshold and were done in between Selectboard meetings. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the contract for Tad Boardman; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed.  
H. Larry Pickett Contract for Hauling Sand 
Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to approve the contract for Larry Pickett; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed.  
I. Approve Orders 
Paul Libby made a motion to approve the orders; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed.  
Executive Session If Necessary 
Paul Libby mentioned that he had a personnel item for executive session. Gregg Herrin made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Tierney Farago to the conversation; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. The Selectboard entered executive session at 9:39pm. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to exit executive session; Curtis Chases seconded the motion. Executive session was ended at 10:11 pm. Gregg Herrin summarized that the Selectboard discussed personnel and no motions were made. 
 ​Adjournment​ 
Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 10:12 pm. 
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Selectboard Meeting Agenda – March 18, 2025

ByTierney Farago
Selectboard Meeting Agenda
March 18th, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall Library
Call to Order
Additions to the Agenda
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Public Comments
Approve Minutes from March 6, 2025
Current Events and Updates
A. Highway Update
B. Town Administrator Update
C. Tom Caffery: Vacant Town Positions Interest
Action Items
A. Susan Elder: Forest and Parks Commission Grant and Forest Management Plan Next Steps
B. Kate McLean: Library Grant Contractors
C. Water and Sewer Rate Increase
D. Community Nurse Request for Proposal
E. Chelsea Arts Collective Village Green Request
F. Jonathan Maier Highway Permit
G. Tad Boardman Contract for Excavation Work at Garage
H. Larry Pickett Contract for Hauling Sand
Approve Orders
Executive Session If Necessary
Adjournment
Links to join the Selectboard Meeting:     
https://meet.google.com/fwf-ayyb-acq
https://www.youtube.com/@chelseavtselectboardofficial/streams
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DRAFT Organizational Selectboard Meeting Minutes – March 6, 2025

ByTierney Farago
Organizational Selectboard Meeting Minutes
March 6th, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
Call to Order
Kevin Marshia called the meeting to order at 6:34 pm. 
SELECTBOARD 
Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present) 
Gregg Herrin (Present) 
Curtis Chase (Present) 
Kevin Marshia (Present)
Paul Libby (Present, Virtual)
TOWN EMPLOYEES 
Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) 
Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)
Additions to the Agenda
The Town Administrator added the approval of orders to the agenda.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: none
Public Comments
Tom Caffery attended the meeting virtually to express his interest in being appointed to the vacant Town Constable position and possibly the Health Officer and Animal Control Officer. He recounted his professional background in law enforcement, firefighting, animal control, and more. Kevin Marshia mentioned that they had spoken previously and would like to discuss Tom’s interest in more detail during the next regular Selectboard meeting on March 18th.
Approve Minutes from February 21st  
Approval of minutes was tabled until the next meeting to allow the new Selectboard ample time to review.
Agenda Items
A. Appointments for any Elected Vacancies
No candidates were appointed to any vacant positions at this time.
B. Select Chair and Vice Chair
The Selectboard discussed and agreed that having the two most senior members of the Selectboard as the Chair and Vice-Chair would be the best course of action. Kevin Marshia made a motion to appoint Gregg Herrin to the Selectboard Chair position; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to appoint Kevin Marshia to the Selectboard Vice-Chair position; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed.
C. Determine Meeting Rules of Procedure
Kevin Marshia made a motion to continue using Robert’s Rules of Order as a template for rules of procedure; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed.
D. Designate Meeting Dates, Times, and Location for Regular Meetings
The Selectboard discussed possibly moving the Selectboard meetings to every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, however, there would likely be conflicts with other meetings including the Library meetings. Kevin Marshia originally made a motion to accept the new meeting days, but withdrew the motion due to the conflict. They decided continuing with the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, eliminating the 5th Tuesday meetings, would be sufficient. Kevin Marshia made a motion to hold the Selectboard meetings on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month at 6:30 pm in the Town Hall Library or Town Hall when applicable; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed.
E. Designate Locations for Meeting Notices
The Selectboard found no reason to change the current posting locations for the agenda (post office bulletin board, Town Hall bulletin board, Will’s Store bulletin board, and online). Kevin Marshia made a motion to continue posting meeting notices to those locations; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed.
F. Determine Process for Calling Special and Emergency Meetings
The Selectboard briefly discussed the current process of following the VLCT protocols for calling special and emergency meetings. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to continue adhering to these protocols; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed.
G. Select Newspaper of Record for Public Notice
Kevin Marshia made a motion to continue using The Herald as the newspaper of record.; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed.
H. Determine Selectboard Organizational Processes for the Following
1. Designate member or members to sign orders/warrant on off-weeks: After some discussion on availability, Carrie volunteered to be the primary contact to sign orders, while Curtis will be secondary in the event that she is unable to sign. Kevin made a motion to have Carrie as the primary and Curtis as the secondary contact for orders; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed.
2. Determine agenda content and coordination: Kevin made a motion to continue the current process of having Tierney collect agenda items and minutes and send to the Selectboard for review; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed.
3. Approval of Village Greens Requests: Kevin Marshia made a motion to continue the current process of approving Village Greens requests; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed.
4. Approval of Roberts Gould Field Requests: Kevin Marshia made a motion to continue the current process of approving Roberts Gould Field requests; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed.
5. Designate whether Selectboard members want to have liaison appointments for Town Departments: Gregg Herrin proposed new streamlined liaison categories to help cut down on confusion and redundancy in the previous liaison appointments. After discussing what each category entailed, the Selectboard agreed on the primary and secondary liaisons for each field. Liaisons are as follows:
-Executive & Admin: 1st Gregg Herrin, 2nd Kevin Marshia
-Planning & Zoning: 1st Carrie Caouette-De Lallo, 2nd Gregg Herrin
-Health & Safety: 1st Carrie Caouette-De Lallo, 2nd Kevin Marshia
-Public Lands & Facilities: 1st Curtis Chase, 2nd Paul Libby
-Highway: 1st Paul Libby, 2nd Curtis Chase
-Transfer Station: 1st Paul Libby, 2nd Curtis Chase
-Water & Wastewater: 1st Kevin Marshia, 2nd Gregg Herrin
No motion required.
I. Approve Orders
Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to approve the orders; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Adjournment
Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 8:24 pm.

2025 Town Meeting Election Results

ByTierney Farago

Congratulations to Chelsea’s 2025 elected officials!

Town Clerk: Jen Chase

Selectboard 1 year of 3 year term: Carrie Caouette-De Lallo

Selectboard 2 year term: Paul Libby

Selectboard 3 year term: Curtis Chase

Treasurer and Deliquent Tax Collector: Gayle Durkee

Lister: Phyllis Hayward

Moderator: Emily Marshia

Trustee of the Public Money: David Bradshaw

Trustee of Public Library: None (not enough votes)

Cemetery Commissioner: None (not enough votes)

Thank you to everyone who voted and those who were able to make it to the Town Meeting!

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Organizational Selectboard Meeting – March 6, 2025

ByTierney Farago
Organizational Selectboard Meeting Agenda
March 6th, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
Call to order
Additions to the Agenda
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Public Comments
Approve Minutes from February 25th
Agenda Items
A. Appointments for any Elected Vacancies
B. Select Chair and Vice Chair
C. Determine Meeting Rules of Procedure
D. Designate Meeting Dates, Times, and Location for Regular Meetings
E. Designate Locations for Meeting Notices
F. Determine Process for Calling Special and Emergency Meetings
G. Select Newspaper of Record for Public Notice
1. Determine Selectboard Organizational Processes for the Following
2. Designate member or members to sign orders/warrant on off-weeks
3. Determine agenda content and coordination
4. Approval of Village Greens Requests
5. Approval of Roberts Gould Field Requests
6. Designate whether Selectboard members want to have liaison appointments for Town Departments
Adjournment
Links to join the Meeting:     
https://meet.google.com/fwf-ayyb-acq
https://www.youtube.com/@chelseavtselectboardofficial/streams

Informational Meeting Minutes – February 21, 2025

ByTierney Farago

To view the recorded meeting, click HERE.

Informational Town Meeting Agenda
February 21st, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
Call to Order
Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:34 pm. 
SELECTBOARD 
Kelly Lyford (Present) 
Gregg Herrin (Present) 
Leyna Hoyt (Absent) 
William Lyon (Present)
Kevin Marshia (Present, Virtual)
TOWN EMPLOYEES 
Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) 
Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer) 
Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)
Additions to the Agenda: None
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
Agenda Items
A. Budget Presentation by the Chelsea Selectboard
Gregg Herrin presented a slideshow of the budget highlights, including comparisons to last year’s budget and the expected changes for 2025. He also reviewed some of the ongoing projects around Town, including the Wastewater Plant upgrade and open hiring of several town employee positions. You can view the full presentation HERE.
B. Discuss Articles 1 and 2
Article 1 of the Town Warning includes the open seats for Town Office:
a. Town Moderator – one (1) year term;
b. Town Clerk – three (3) year term;
c. Treasurer – three (3) year term;
d. Delinquent Tax Collector – one (1) year term;
e. Selectboard – three (3) year term;
f. Selectboard – two (2) year term;
g. Selectboard – one (1) year of three (3) year term;
h. Lister –three (3) year term;
i. Trustees of the Public Library – one (1) year of a three (3) year term;
j. Trustee of Public Funds – three (3) year term;
k. Cemetery Commissioner –  five (5) year term

Nyla Whipple presented information regarding the Chelsea Health Center’s request for tax exemption, which is Article 2 on the Town Warning. She discussed the services that the Health Center regularly provides to both residents and non-residents, and how they give back to the community in general.
C. Introduction to Candidates
Several candidates were in attendance to introduce themselves to the public:
Jen Chase (Town Clerk candidate)
Katie Golden (Town Clerk candidate)
Paul Libby (2 year Selectboard term candidate)
Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (1 year of 3 year Selectboard term write-in candidate)
The candidates briefly gave their history in Chelsea and why they would like to serve in public office. The candidates fielded a few questions from other attendees regarding experience and what they enjoy about Chelsea.
Public Comments
The public had several questions, mainly pertaining to the process of voting and how they are meant to nominate write-in candidates; the Selectboard advised them that the Board of Civil Authority reviews and counts votes based on what is written on the ballot. It is acceptable if there is a spelling mistake on the name, as long as the voter’s intent is clear. Voters are advised to write as clearly as possible to ensure their vote is accepted. Other questions included why the Town uses both Australian ballot and a floor vote, and how that can be petitioned and changed in the future is the residents so choose.
Adjournment
William Lyon made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Kelly Lyford seconded the motion. motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 7:27 pm.
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Selectboard Meeting Minutes – February 18, 2025

ByTierney Farago
Selectboard Meeting Agenda
February 18th, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall Library
Call to Order
Kevin Marshia called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm. 
SELECTBOARD 
Kelly Lyford (Present) 
Gregg Herrin (Present) 
Leyna Hoyt (Present) 
William Lyon (Present)
Kevin Marshia (Present)
TOWN EMPLOYEES 
Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) 
Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer) 
Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)
Additions to the Agenda
The Town Administrator included an item related to a possible reimbursement for water/sewer for a resident. Their water was turned off mid-December but they were charged for the remainder of the month. The Selectboard discussed that if the water was turned off and the Town wasn’t notified, it would be the owner’s responsibility to pay the fees. If the water was turned off by the Town, however, it would make sense to reimburse them. Gayle will reach out to Mike Whipple to see if the Town shut off the water for the owner, and if he did, then their bill can be reimbursed.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
Public Comments: None
Approve Minutes from February 4, 2025
Kelly Lyford made a motion to approve the minutes from February 4th; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Current Events and Updates
A. Highway Update
Rick Ackerman gave an update on the highway department; sand is a little lower than he would like, but they’ve had to use significantly more sand due to the unseasonable winter weather. They’ve used quite a bit more than they have in recent years with the amount of snow and ice Chelsea has been experiencing. Larry Pickett will also scale back his work, so the Town Administrator will post the road crew position again to hopefully get additional help. The Selectboard also discussed the possibility of hiring if the candidate will be willing to train for the CDL license if they do not already have one.
B. Town Administrator Update
The Town Administrator gave updates on several items:1. Security Cameras: Green Mountain Security has been setting up security cameras at Town Hall and the Town Garage recently. They should be wrapped up within the next few weeks. Kevin suggested notifying the public of why the cameras are being set up while also making it clear that they will be recorded while on the premises. The Town Administrator will post on social media so the public is aware, and signs will also be posted on the property for transparency. 2. Several remaining FEMA cases have been obligated, and the Town is now just waiting for the state to draw those funds down to the accounts. The last cases that will stay open are tied to the engineering projects for Edwards Rd, Doyle Rd, and the Maple Ave bridge.
Action Items
A. Water and Sewer Rate Increase
Gregg Herrin gave an update on where he was at regarding the numbers for the water and sewer rate increase proposal. He has been working with Gayle to figure out some missing information and they are waiting to get some answers regarding funds in/out. Once they have the remaining information, they will be able to present accurate rate increase proposals for the Selectboard to deliberate. No motion was made.
B. Community Nurse Request for Proposal Opening
The Selectboard opened a sealed bid for the community nurse contract. The bid was from Jodi Hoyt proposing a year long contract for community nurse services for 12 hours weekly, totaling $30,576, not including mileage and supplies. The Selectboard had questions regarding how the mileage is calculated, what supplies would be required, and how much the community nurse grant might cover, among other questions. Further information from Jodi was needed for clarity before a decision is made, so the Town Administrator will reach out with the written questions and come back to the Selectboard with answers and further discussion. No motion was made.
C. Susan Knapp: Free Library Donation for Village Greens
Susan Knapp attended the meeting to pitch a free little library to the Selectboard. She would like to create and fund a little library to install at one of the village greens so that residents can take and leave books as they would like. The Selectboard has questions pertaining to what it would look like and who would maintain it; Susan said she would work with a handyman to build the structure, and she would maintain the library. The Selectboard wants to check with several other entities including the Forest and Parks commission, the Town library, and the zoning administrator to make sure that it would be possible to do. The Town Administrator will reach out to everyone and see if there are any possible issues with accepting this generous donation. No motion was made.
D. Approve Orders
Leyna Hoyt made a motion to approve the orders; William Lyon seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Executive Session If Necessary: None
Adjournment
Leyna Hoyt made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion Passed. The meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm.

Informational Meeting Prior to Town Meeting Day Agenda – February 21, 2025

ByTierney Farago
Informational Town Meeting Agenda
February 21st, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
Call to order
Additions to the Agenda
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Agenda Items
A. Budget Presentation by the Chelsea Selectboard
B. Discuss Articles 1 and 2
C. Introduction to Candidates
Public Comments
Adjournment
Links to join the Meeting:     
https://meet.google.com/fwf-ayyb-acq
https://www.youtube.com/@chelseavtselectboardofficial/streams