News

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    Planning Commission Special Meeting Agenda – October 27, 2025

    ByTierney Farago

    Chelsea Planning Commission

    Notice of Special Meeting

    October 27th, 2025, at 7:45 PM in the Chelsea Town Hall

    The Chelsea Planning Commission will hold a Special Planning Commission Meeting on Monday October 27th, 2025 at 7:45 PM in the Chelsea Town Hall, located at 296 VT Route 110, Chelsea, VT 05038.

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

    Agenda

    7:45: Call to Order

    7:46: Additions or Deletions to the Meeting Agenda

    7:47: Public to be Heard

    7:50: Review Candidate’s Application for the Chelsea Zoning Administrator Position

    8:10: Decide the Next Chelsea Planning Commission Meeting Date

    8:15: Motion to Adjourn the Meeting

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    DRAFT Selectboard Meeting Minutes – October 21, 2025

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    October 21, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Link to recorded meeting: https://youtu.be/k8klII_xWnw
    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 
    Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)
    Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)
    Jen Chase (Town Clerk)
    Tom Swahn (Transfer Station Attendant)

    Gregg Herrin began the meeting by welcoming the new Selectboard member, Charles Peel, to the Selectboard. The board appreciates his willingness to step in to the role on behalf of his community.
    Additions to the Agenda
    -Baseball Batting Cage at Roberts-Gould Field: Lou Marraget AND Tim Carter submitted a request to rebuild a batting cage that was previously used at the Roberts-Gould field. They will be using the old net, suspending it on a cable system supported by four bracketed 6×8 pressure-treated posts. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the request to rebuild the batting cage in the same spot the original was placed; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    -Budget Timeline: Gregg Herrin added a quick review of the budget timeline to the agenda. The Selectboard discussed when items for the budget should be reviewed during meetings to wrap up the budget by the end of the year. No motion made.
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None, though Gregg Herrin disclosed that his wife is on the library board, and will make mention of this during the library budget review in future meetings.
    Public Comments: None
    Approve Minutes from October 7, 2025
    Paul Libby made a motion to approve the minutes from October 7th; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Charles Peel abstained. motion passed.
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Highway Update
    Rick Ackerman let the Selectboard know that the new truck chassis is in at Freightliner. He would like to pick the chassis up and store it at the Town Garage until the body is ready in spring or summer of 2026. He would also like to start looking into prices of new trucks for his six-wheeler. He will reach out to a few companies and get quotes on them. The pickup truck will also need some bodywork, and he will get that scheduled. The Selectboard discussed working on the budget and capital planning to have a better plan for replacing town assets in a timely manner.
    B. Town Administrator Update
    -Chelsea Business Chamber of Commerce: Charles Peel discussed interest from a local business to create a type of Chamber of Commerce for other business owners in Chelsea. While the Selectboard would support this endeavor and would be happy to push out information on it, they were unsure if the Town should have more of a role in the group past that.
    Action Items
    A. Frigid Frost Fighters: Beedle Rd Trail Request
    Rory Allen attended the meeting to get approval from the Selectboard to use Beedle Rd (a class 4 road) as a snowmobile trail. The Selectboard had a few questions regarding the maintenance of the trail, access, and any potential issues with private property. Rory is confident that there will be no issues and has already spoken to property owners for permission. The trail will be maintained by their group. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the use of Beedle Rd for a snowmobile trail; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    B. Solid Waste: Reducing Transfer Station Hours
    The transfer station attendants requested that the Selectboard approve them changing the hours of the transfer station from 8:00 am-3:45 pm to 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. Tom Swahn attended the meeting to answer any questions the Selectboard had about the change. There are very few people who come to the transfer station after 2:00 pm, so reducing the hours of trash drop-off will cut down on unnecessary staffing and Town expense. Tom suggested the new hours begin On December 6th so residents can be properly notified of the change. Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the new hours of 8:00 am to 2:00 pm; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Tom also discussed the possibility of changing the padlock on the transfer station gate, as they’ve been having issues of someone leaving the gate open outside of operating hours. He will look into getting a new padlock and keys.
    C. Chelsea Neighbors Helping Neighbors
    This item was tabled for a future meeting.
    D. Town Hall Facilities Agreement Draft Follow-Up
    Jen Chase discussed changes to the Town Hall rental agreement that should help streamline the process and reduce future issues with rentals. The Selectboard will review the changes more closely and suggest a few edits that could help with clarity. The item will be on the next agenda for final edits and approval.
    E. Liaison Re-assignments
    The Selectboard discussed appointing the vice-chair of the Selectboard, due to Kevin Marshia’s resignation. Curtis Chase volunteered to be the vice-chair. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo moved to nominate Curtis Chase as the vice-chair of the Selectboard; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. The Selectboard also made some minor changes to the liaison assignments in order to redistribute duties with the new member. No motion required.
    F. Approve Orders
    Paul Libby moved to approve the orders; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Charles Peel abstained. Motion passed.
    Executive Session if necessary
    A. Personnel Pursuant To 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)
    Charles Peel made a motion to enter executive session; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 9:30 pm. Paul Libby made a motion to exit executive session; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard exited executive session at 10:51 pm. Gregg Herrin explained that two personnel topics were discussed, but no action was taken.
    Adjournment
    Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard meeting adjourned at 10:51 pm.

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    Selectboard Meeting Agenda – October 21, 2025

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    October 21, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Additions to the Agenda
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Public Comments
    Approve Minutes from October 7, 2025
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Highway Update
    B. Town Administrator Update-Chelsea Business Chamber of Commerce
    Action Items
    A. Frigid Frost Fighters: Beedle Rd Trail Request
    B. Solid Waste: Reducing Transfer Station Hours
    C. Chelsea Neighbors Helping Neighbors
    D. Town Hall Facilities Agreement Draft Follow-Up
    E. Liaison Re-assignments
    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, pleas 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 – October 7, 2025

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Minutes
    October 7, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Link to recorded meeting: https://youtu.be/9UZnwITuFtg
    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)
    TOWN EMPLOYEES 
    Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)
    Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer)
    Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)
    Jen Chase (Town Clerk)
    Susan Elder (Lister)
    Additions to the Agenda
    -The Town Administrator had two items that were covered during the Town Administrator update, as they did not require official motions from the Selectboard.
    -Budget Preparation: Gregg Herrin added this item to the agenda to begin the conversation around the budget season, Town Report schedule, and how the Selectboard would like to view the budget in an easily digestible way. The Selectboard and Town employees will begin gathering information on the budget to bring to upcoming Selectboard meetings.
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
    Public Comments
    Rory Allen attended the meeting to discuss using Beedle Rd as a snowmobile trail for the frigid frost fighters club. The Selectboard agreed to put the item on the next agenda, as they believe it should be duly warned to the public before they decide.
    Approve Minutes from September 16, 2025
    Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the minutes from September 16, 2025; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Highway Update
    Rick Ackerman recapped that the paving for Upper Village Rd has been completed. The crew has been working on leaf blowing, hauling sand, and finishing up the Grants in Aid work from Bobbinshop Rd and Baraw Hill Rd. The Selectboard also discussed potential interest in the highway crew position and if the Town would be willing to cover the cost of a CDL license for a new hire.
    B. Town Administrator Update
    -Water Pipe Issue: Tierney Farago alerted the Selectboard to a potential urgent issue with a pipe leak in the water system at the Rte 110 bridge near Brookhaven. Mike Whipple, the water operator, has been attempting to narrow down a leak and is relatively confident that the leak is coming from that area. This leak poses issues as it goes under the riverbed. More information will be shared when the leak has been confirmed, and an action plan has been created. If deemed an emergency, the proper steps will be taken quickly and efficiently to fix the issue and keep the public informed of any potential water cutoffs.
    – Zoning Administrator Vacancy: Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission informed the Town Administrator that the current contracted ZA will be leaving TRORC on October 17th. They will still have someone else filling in the contract position until the ZA contract ends or is amended to continue.
    Action Items
    A. First Branch Middle School Scarecrows for North Common
    The First Branch Middle School reached out to ask if the Town would allow decorated scarecrows to be placed on the North Common for the community. Students will decorate the scarecrows, removing them within a few weeks for the season. The Selectboard saw no issue with the festive decorations and will allow them to install the scarecrows. No motion needed.
    B. Town Housing Study Municipal Grant and EPA Brownfield Grant
    The Selectboard further discussed the possibility of applying for the Housing Study grant (through the Municipal Planning Grant) and the EPA Brownfield grant. Ultimately, it was agreed that the deadline to apply for the housing study grant is too soon to be able to put together a comprehensive application that will fare well for a competitive grant. The Selectboard agree that it would be best to prepare to apply for the grant next year instead, to allow for a fully thought out application and supporting documents. Carrie will be meeting with Peter Gregory of TRORC, and can ask some additional questions regarding the Brownfield grant and if it would be beneficial to the Town. No motion made.
    C. Drafting Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission Questions
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo discussed potential questions regarding grants to bring to her meeting with Peter Gregory of Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission. The Selectboard brainstormed some related questions that Carrie will bring to TRORC, and then report back to the Selectboard with answers. No motion made.
    D. Treasurer/Administrator Office Lease Renewal
    The property owner renting a suite to the Town for the Town Treasurer and Town Administrator’s office submitted a lease agreement for 2026 for a one year term. The Selectboard required additional time to review the lease agreement and approve/sign during the next meeting if there are no further questions. No motion was made.
    E. Charlie Carrier Excavation Contract
    A contract for brush hogging services was presented. The total for the contract was $695, which requires the vendor to sign a service contract with the town. The contract did not require a motion, as it was well under the purchasing threshold for Selectboard approval. The contract was signed by the Selectboard.
     F. Approve Orders
    Paul Libby made a motion to approve the orders; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Executive Session
    A. Executive session to review selectboard candidate applications, pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)(3)
    Paul Libby made a motion to enter executive session to discuss the appointment of a new Selectboard member; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 8:22 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 9:35 pm. Gregg Herrin explained that the Selectboard evaluated four prospective candidates for the vacancy and entertained a motion to appoint the candidate best suited for the role. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to appoint Charles “Chuck” Peel as the new Selectboard member; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    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 9:37 pm.
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    Selectboard Meeting Agenda – October 7, 2025

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    October 7, 2025 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Additions to the Agenda
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Public Comments
    Approve Minutes from September 16, 2025
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Highway Update
    B. Town Administrator Update
    Action Items
    A. First Branch Middle School Scarecrows for North Common
    B. Town Housing Study Municipal Grant and EPA Brownfield Grant
    C. Drafting Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission Questions
    D. Treasurer/Administrator Office Lease Renewal
    E. Charlie Carrier Excavation Contract
     F. Approve Orders
    Executive Session
    A. Executive session to review selectboard candidate applications, pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)(3)
    Adjournment
    VIRTUAL OPTION: To join the Selectboard Meeting virtually, pleas request a link to join from the Town Administrator at town.administrator@chelseavt.us, or by calling 802-625-2023.
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    Chelsea Town Forest and Parks Commission Monday, October 6th, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. At the Chelsea Public Library

    ByJen Chase

    1. Approve August & September meeting minutes
    2. Additions to the Agenda
    3. Public Comments
    4. Greens Maintenance
    5. Tree Planting and Maintenance Grants
      a. Update
    6. Town Forest
      a. Next walkthrough with UVTA
      b. Hemenway property
    7. Pollinator Garden
      a. Update
    8. Adjourn.
      If you want to attend via Zoom call please email the group at chelsea-forest-parks@googlegroups.com

  • Sewer Main Work (Upper Village Rd): 9/22-9/25

    ByTierney Farago

    SEWER WORK NOTICE: Beginning tomorrow (Tuesday, 9/23) a contractor will be flushing the sewer main system along Upper Village Rd to VT Rte 110 until Thursday, 9/25. There should be little to no traffic delays, or any impacts to users in this area. Residents may see the contractor accessing the manhole covers in the area. In the event that you experience any issues, please contact Mike Whipple at the wastewater plant at 802-685-7727.

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    DRB Notice of Hearing: October 15, 2025

    ByTierney Farago

    CHELSEA DRB

    NOTICE OF HEARING

    CHELSEA TOWN HALL

    October 15, 2025

    6:30 PM

    A public hearing before the Development Review Board (DRB) of the Town of Chelsea, Vermont, will be held in the Town Hall on Wednesday October 15, 2025 at 6:30 PM to consider the following:

    1. Application #ZP25-16 by the Town of Chelsea, for a conditional use permit and variance of Flood Hazard Bylaws to replace a pedestrian bridge formerly located at the Riverside Cemetery, crossing the river to VT Rte 110. Structure will cross the river from parcel 007-009.000 to parcel 110-076.000 (owner Tim Courts).

    Copies of this application and related materials are available for inspection at the office of the Town Clerk in Chelsea, VT.

    Participation in this local proceeding is a prerequisite to the right to make any subsequent appeal.

    Kyle Hansen, Zoning Administrator