News

April 21, 2026, 6:30 pm at Chelsea Town Hall

I. CALL TO ORDER

Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 7:40pm.

SELECTBOARD
Gregg Herrin (Present)
Curtis Chase (Present)
Paul Libby (Present)
Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present)
Charles Peel (Present)

TOWN EMPLOYEES/OFFICIALS
Gaye Durkee (Town Treasurer)
Rick Ackerman (Road Foreperson)

PUBLIC IN ATTENDANCE
None

II. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
There were several additions to the agenda.

Charles Peel suggested a topic related to stakes being unexpectedly placed on the north common. It was identified that the stakes were related to tree planting, so no further discussion was warranted.

Charles Peel also noted that Chelsea Court and Hillside Homes are potentially interested in tying into the water system. Since these would involve multiple connections at the same time, there is a suggestion that we may be able to reduce the connection fee because of the shared costs of connecting multiple units at once.

Charles Peel also observed that there is currently no standard form for residents to request a water connection, and he intends to draft one for consideration.

Gayle Durkee indicated that she has received a Roberts Gould Field request. With the recent departure of the prior Town Administrator, the process for handling these types of requests will be revisited with the interim Town Administrator, Kasey Peterson upon her return to the office.

Gregg Herrin added an item related to finalizing paperwork for a previously approved line of credit.
Carrie Caouette-De Lallo indicated that she has some information to share regarding the transfer Station, to be covered later in the meeting.

III. CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE – NONE

IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS – NONE

V. APPROVE MINUTES FROM APRIL 7, 2026

Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to approve the minutes from the April 7, 2026 Selectboard meeting. Curtis Chase seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. The motion passed unanimously.

VI. DISCUSSION OF MINUTES FORMATTING

Charles Peel requested feedback regarding the level of detail he provided for the most recent meeting minutes. There was general consensus that the new format is a clear step in the right direction to make the minutes more comprehensive and more meaningful for people who couldn’t attend the meeting. Charles and Carrie will also seek feedback from The Herald to see what level of detail is helpful for their publishing needs.

VII. HIGHWAY UPDATE

Rick Ackerman indicated that the road crew will start grading tomorrow, and that there are a lot of clay boils this year. McCullough has started making material again, so we don’t have to haul it from Barre. McCullough currently has a lot of fines in the material, so the road crew is blending that with the other stone to create a better mixture.

Rick hasn’t heard anything else about the ten-wheeler yet, but is still expecting it to be ready in a September/October timeframe. He also still haven’t found a suitable chloride truck yet; the last option he looked into wanted a much higher bid than we offered.

Rick also noted that he had the garage office and break room painted last week, and that Culligan came and serviced the softener. There’s also a drain in Rick’s bay that isn’t flowing well, so Silloway is going to come see if they can clear it out.

Charles Peel asked whether Rick had talked to the Ambulance crew about possibly using Town garage space to store their extra ambulance as they get their new one.

VIII. TRACTOR PURCHASE

The barely-used tractor in Kentucky is still available for $140,000 including shipping, with no warranty. There is another option for $198,000 for an equivalent new tractor with a 3-year warranty. Given that the less expensive tractor has no warranty, that would not be a gamble worth having a trusted colleague inspect it.

Charles Peel made a motion to send Rick Ackerman to Campton, Kentucky by airplane, with an upper limit on travel expenses for flight, hotel, rental car, and food of $1,500. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Curtis Chase made the point that Rick should not to feel obligated to give a clean bill of health, and that the expense of investigating is acceptable even if the opportunity is a dead end. The motion passed unanimously.

IX. GRANTS UPDATE

Harry Falconer from TRORC reached out to Curtis Chase, and clarified that the deadline for MERP grants is December 31, and we could potentially get extensions if needed.

X. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATE – NONE

XI. APPROVE ORDERS

The orders include a bill from TRORC where the board is awaiting clarification about what the billed services include. There is not a specific due date indicate for the bill, so there does not appear to be any risk of penalties by waiting for more information before approving payment.

Charles Peel made a motion to accept orders except for Two Rivers while we await further information about services received. Paul Libby seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. The motion passed unanimously.

XII. SULLIVAN & POWERS CONTRACT 2026

The contract will Sullivan & Powers was already approved in a prior meeting, so Gayle Durkee just needed signatures to complete the document.

XIII. LINE OF CREDIT CONTRACT

As part of normal Town operations, the Town uses a line of credit to avoid cash-flow issues associated with the timing of tax collection being late in the year.

Paul Libby made a motion to accept resolution for maximum $375,000 for tax anticipation borrowing, and the rest of the contents of the resolution. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. The motion passed unanimously.

XIV. VERMONT STATE REVOLVING FUND LOAN

Charles Peel noted that he is still making efforts to try to centralize and compile all of the prior information about the wastewater plant improvements, which was not well-organized within our files previously. There was a question about whether there is a timing risk associated with delaying the approval of a loan associated with engineering work, and it was generally agreed that we are unlikely to have a feasible option other than moving ahead.

Charles Peel made a motion to approve Vermont State Revolving Fund load agreement for $83,400. Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Upon further discussion, it was noted that the motion should include wording to specify that this is for the wastewater system. Charles Peel amended his motion, to approve a Vermont State Revolving Fund load agreement for $83,400 for the wastewater system engineering. Curtis Chase seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. The motion passed unanimously.

XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION

There were personnel topics to discuss for executive session.

Charles Peel made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Gayle Durkee. Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Gregg Herrin noted that use of executive session to discuss personnel topics is allowed per 1 V.S.A. § 313(a). The motion passed unanimously.

Executive session began at 7:55 pm.

Paul Libby made a motion to exit executive session. Charles Peel seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. The motion passed unanimously.

Executive session ended at 8:16 pm. Gregg Herrin noted that there were two personnel topics discussed, with no action taken, and at no point did any non-board members influence the discussion.

XVI. PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION OF WINDSOR COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE DRAFT CONTRACT

A review of the proposed contract from Windsor County Sheriff’s Office raised some questions about things like the split of daytime and nighttime hours, obligations about written priority lists from the board, and monthly updates from the Sheriff’s office. It was suggested that in-person updates to the Town at future Selectboard meetings would be helpful for providing transparency about services and safety in general. No action was taken, but it was noted that a representative from the Windsor County Sheriff’s Office will be present for the May 5 Selectboard meeting.

XVII. YOUTH VOLUNTEERS AT TRANSFER STATION

Based on information from the Department of Labor, there are no apparent labor law restrictions that would prevent youth volunteers from helping at the transfer station with non-equipment based duties like helping townspeople unload their trash and recycling, tidying up any loose debris, etc. The Town does still need to make sure that the right waivers are in place, and volunteers would not be automatically accepted. Each individual who wishes to volunteer will be discussed and approved in future executive sessions.

XVIII. TRANSFER STATION INSPECTION FOLLOW-UP

As follow-up to a recent inspection of the transfer station, the Town is taking steps to ensure compliance. Part of that includes a company being scheduled in the coming week to pump and inspect the oil storage tank to ensure there are no leaks.

XIX. LIGHTING CONTRACT FOR MERP GRANT

All of the lighting in the public spaces in the Town Hall will be replaced, with the full cost being covered by MERP grant funds. There may be a few areas where we will need to refine decisions about specific conditions as the project advances (for example handling ceiling replacement below the balcony).

Charles Peel made a motion to approve Doug Scott’s contract to redo lighting in public spaces inside and outside Town Hall for $44,500 using MERP funds. Paul Libby seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. The motion passed unanimously.

XX. ADJOURNMENT

Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn. Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Gregg Herrin noted that the board should work proactively to schedule topics for the next several meetings, to ensure continued improvement on effective and efficient decision making. The motion passed unanimously.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm.

​​Selectboard meeting minutes​  

April 14, 2026, Immediately Following Board of Abatement Meeting, Chelsea Town Hall 

1.  ​Call to order​ 

Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 7:40pm.   
SELECTBOARD     
Gregg Herrin (Present)  
Curtis Chase (Present) 
Paul Libby (Present) 
Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present) 
Charles Peel (Present) 
TOWN EMPLOYEES/OFFICIALS     
Jen Chase (Town Clerk) 
Kasey Peterson (Grants Manager) 
PUBLIC IN ATTENDANCE 
None 

2.  Additions to the agenda: NONE 

3.  Conflict of interest disclosure: none 

4. Executive Session if necessary 

Paul Libby made a motion to enter executive session, inviting the Grants Administrator, to discuss personnel pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 313(A).  Curtis Chase seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 7:41pm 

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 8:37 PM. 

Gregg Herrin summarized that one personnel issue was discussed, and at no time did non-board members participate in or influence board decisions. 

Curtis Chase made a motion to formally accept Tierney Farago’s resignation, effective immediately upon her departure during the April 7 meeting.  Paul Libby seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously. 

Curtis Chase made a motion to expand Kasey Petersen’s current employment with the Town to include covering the duties of the Town Administrator in the interim, while the selectboard board evaluates the Town’s long-term needs of the position.  Charles Peel seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously. 

5.  ​Adjournment​ 

Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting ended at 8:38 pm.  

​​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