News

  • 2026 Election Results and Annual Town Meeting Minutes (Draft)

    ByTierney Farago
    2026 Election ResultsDownload

    Town of Chelsea Annual Meeting

    March 3, 2026

    • Participation: 77 voters in attendance
    • Emily Marshia, Moderator, called the meeting to order at 10:09 am
    • An announcement was made to clarify that there was no Article 3
    • Article 4.  Shall the Town voters authorize the expenditures for the not-for-profit service agencies as recommended by the Selectboard in the amount of $17,040.00 as shown in the 2026 Budget?
      • The motion was made by Gregg Herrin
      • Seconded by Curtis Chase
      • No discussion
      • Motion passed as written
    • Article 5.  To see if the voters shall approve the total fund expenditures of $1,776,417 of which $1,328,833 shall be raised by taxes and $447,584 by non-tax revenue.
      • The motion was made by Gregg Herrin
      • Seconded by Curtis Chase
      • Additional discussion from the board:
        • The selectboard began with introductions, noting their roles as liaisons in different areas of town business, and discussing their philosophy on how they believe the board should function
        • Gregg Herrin, Chair began the overview of the distribution of town resident taxes
        • Curtis Chase, co-chair gave an overview of the ongoing MERP grant, discussing the basement waterproofing work, weatherization, and lighting upgrades
        • Charles Peel gave an overview of the changes found in the proposed zoning bylaw update, noting that it included improved readability, updated compliance with the town plan and state statutes, and a relaxation in permit thresholds for small projects like sheds 
        • Gregg Herrin thanked Frank Keene for his work on the pedestrian bridge
        • Gregg Herrin noted that there was a water and wastewater fee increase planned for the next few years to balance the cost of the systems
        • Paul Libby covered the transfer station, discussed how the board was looking for a solution to the budget deficit, and solicited the input of residents
        • Carrie Caouette-De Lallo gave an overview of the town nurse program that started last October and is now being supervised by First Branch Ambulance.  She also discussed the contract with Windsor County Sheriff’s Department – that contract expires soon and will likely be extended though they support returning to Orange County Sheriff if/when that makes sense 
        • Curtis Chase gave an overview of the work of the Forest & Parks Commission which is finishing up work on 2 tree grants, working on Greens maintenance, trails, and walkability in town.  He also mentioned the work that the Recreation Committee had put in to have the basketball court resurfaced and painted so that it could also be used for pickleball
        • Paul Libby covered the highway budget update noting that coming up with a replacement plan and schedule for all town highway equipment was a big focus so that they could avoid unplanned repair and replacement costs.  He also thanked Rick, John, and Ruben
        • Charles Peel discussed the effort to update many of the town policies since most have not been updated recently.  He made another plea for more public input during this process
        • Gregg Herrin emphasized the goal of planning for the future and future boards as well as transparency throughout their process
        • He summarized that while the total budget was slightly less than last year, it was offset by having less surplus funds than last year.  The highway budget increased slightly due to higher materials costs and long-term equipment planning
        • Another plea was made for increased public input, thanks was given to those who have participated as well the other board members
      • Additional discussion from the public:
        • Nyra Whipple noted that the Chelsea Health Center had donated $10,000 to help to offset their waived property taxes. 
        • Linda Kuban asked about whether the town had a reappraisal budget and if it was on the schedule.  She said that it should be a top priority.
        • Gayle Durkee, treasurer, responded that money had been put aside for the reappraisal already and it was in the budget
        • Frank Keene noted that there was an error in the cemetery commission budget and it should be level
        • Nick Zigelbaum asked further questions about the reappraisal and CLA and if we could get the reappraisal done sooner
        • Gayle Durkee said that the state was slow and that the listers should have more information
        • Linda Kuban stated that she believed that the last appraisal took 2.5 years.
        • Gregg Herrin responded saying that he believed that the reappraisal shouldn’t greatly change the tax bill per person compared to what they are now
        • Moderator interjected to keep people on topic and request that more solid information was shared vs. speculation
        • Curtis Chase noted that properties with similar assessed values in different towns might not be practical equals
        • Charles Peel noted that Tunbridge has more parcels than Chelsea which could add to the appearance of unequal tax burdens between towns
        • Kate Willard commented that the CLA can affect what towns get back from the state for education
        • Nick Zigelbaum asked the board to prioritize a conversation with the school on the effects of reappraisal, CLA, and taxes
        • Gregg Herrin said that the board would try to get more info
        • Moderator noted that there was an open position for lister and moved the conversation along
      • Motion passed as written
    • Article 6.  To see if voters shall place their tax bills in the hands of the town treasurer for collection.
      • The motion was made by Chris Byrne
      • Seconded by Richard Stephenson
      • There was no discussion
      • Motion passes as written
    • Article 7.  To see if the voters shall establish a due date of November 2, 2026 for payment of town and state education taxes, establish a penalty of 8% for taxes not paid or postmarked by the due date, and establish a monthly simple interest charge of 1% for taxes unpaid after the due date. 
      • The motion was made by Linda Kuban
      • Seconded by Richard Stephenson
      • Public discussion:
        • Taylor Katz asked if the town has considered switching to 2 tax payments per year
        • Gayle Durkee said that has been brought up in the past but never voted on.  She also said that people can and do make multiple payments now if they want to 
        • Charles Peel noted the new postmark change at the post office means that you will need to go in and request a postmark if you need one. 
        • Nick Zigelbaum asked if corrected and reissued tax bills could get an extension
        • Gayle Durkee stated that the tax bill changes were usually caused by the state and thinks that there is a 30 day extension
      • Motion passed as written
    • Article 8.  To transact any other nonbinding business to come before the voters.
      • Linda Kuban thanked the board and hoped that they would continue their work together
      • Frank Keene requested that the town lower the number of members on the cemetery board after Steve Knudsen did not run for reelection
      • Helen Heslop made a request for a speaker to be placed in the back of the room for future town meetings
      • Kate MacLean asked if there were any state representatives present that could provide any updates – there were none present
      • Taylor Katz requested additional information from others about the town nurse
      • Ann Carroll, veterinarian in town, had positive town nurse feedback based on a rabies incident
      • Chase Ackerman, First Branch Ambulance, provided an update on the resources that the town nurse provides
      • Carrie Caouette-De Lallo expressed appreciation for her fellow board members as well as Chintana Herrin and all of those who have come to meetings
      • Emily Marshia commented on the love that we all share for Chelsea and how important that makes it for us to come to town meeting
    • Adjournment
      • The motion was made by Gregg Herrin
      • Seconded by Curtis Chase
      • Meeting adjourned at 11:29 am
  • |

    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.

  • |

    DRAFT DRB Hearing Minutes – March 18, 2026

    ByTierney Farago

    Chelsea, Vermont, Development Review Board

    Meeting Minutes March 18, 2026

    Members Present: Johanna Welch (Chair), Ed Kuban (Vice-Chair), Patty Swahn (Clerk), Chuck Peel, Jennifer Chase

    Others Present: Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Selectboard Liaison)

    Johanna opened the meeting at 6:30 pm. The organizational meeting began with a recap of general procedures, a reminder that the zoning bylaws were updated, and a brief discussion of changes to the bylaws and how they may impact development review.

    Chair Selection: The DRB unanimously voted to re-elect Johanna Welch to be its Chair.

    Vice-Chair Selection: The DRB unanimously voted to re-elect Ed Kuban to be its Vice-Chair.

    Clerk Selection: The DRB unanimously voted to elect Patty Swahn to be its Clerk and acknowledged that this role will primarily be performed by the Zoning Administrator.

    Meeting Times: The DRB unanimously voted to hold meetings on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 6:30 PM as needed.

    The meeting was adjourned around 7:00 pm

    Submitted by,

    Patty Swahn, DRB Clerk

  • | |

    DRAFT Selectboard Meeting Minutes – March 17, 2026

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Minutes
    March 17, 2026 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)
    Jen Chase (Town Clerk)
    Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)
    Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer)
    Additions to the Agenda
    -Curb cut permit: The Selectboard reviewed a curb cut permit for Lou Maraget at 208 E Randolph Rd. Rick Ackerman had reviewed the permit and had no issue. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the permit; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
    Public Comments: None
    Approve minutes from february 17, 18, 24, 2026 and march 5, 2026
    Charles Peel made a motion to approve the February 17th meeting minutes; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the February 18th meeting minutes with changes from the Selectboard; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Charles Peel made a motion to approve the February 24th meeting minutes; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed, with Paul Libby abstaining due to his absence during the meeting.Charles Peel made a motion to approve the March 5th meeting minutes with one minor change, Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Introduction to Senator John Benson
    Senator John Benson attending the Selectboard meeting to introduce himself as the representative for Orange County, and to give an update on what projects he’s been working on in Montpelier. He gave an overview of the committees he is involved in (Committee on Health and Welfare, Committee on Institutions), and encouraged residents to reach out if they have questions or comments regarding state legislature.  Senator John Benson John.benson@vtleg.gov802-828-2228
    B. Highway Update
    Rick Ackerman updated the Selectboard, stating that mud season is slowly but surely arriving. The highway crew has 1,00-1,500 yards of stone stockpiled in preparation for the mud. Rick is still waiting on estimates on truck prices. He mentioned that he had seen a used tractor for sale in Kentucky for $135,900. The Selectboard discussed the prospect of getting a tractor, and asked that Rick and Gayle look into financing possibilities for the tractor.
    C. Town Administrator Update
    The Town Administrator shared information from the new contact at the Windsor County Sheriff’s Office, and the Selectboard discussed the need to have a contract renewal for police services. The Town Administrator and Selectboard liaisons for Health and Safety will reach out to Windsor County to secure a contract renewal. Charles Peel made a motion to preliminarily approve the Windsor County contract for 2026-2027, assuming they are offering the same services as described; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. The Town Administrator mentioned putting out the 2026 mowing RFP. The Selectboard discussed and agreed that the RFP should be put out so that a bid can be chosen at the next regular Selectboard meeting on April 7th. No motion required.
    Action Items
    A. United Church of Chelsea: Sewer Drainage Issue at 13 Church St
    Bob Aicher from the United Church of Chelsea attended the meeting to discuss a sewer issue that the church has been experiencing. The Church had recent renovations and discovered a sewer issue after it began to back up. Bob showed the Selectboard plans and photos for the lines, and believes the issue was caused during the placement of the water line. The Selectboard will rely on the water and sewer liaisons, Charles Peel and Gregg Herrin, to investigate the issue and work on a solution.
    B. Treasurer: Apply for Additional Line of Credit
    Gayle Durkee requested that the Selectboard allow her to apply for a line of credit for $375,000. Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the line of credit for $375,000, with the Selectboard as the authorized signer with the treasurer allowed to request advances from the line of credit; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    C. Constable and Animal Control Officer Vacancies
    Leyna Hoyt, Animal Control Officer, attended the meeting to discuss the status of animal cases in town. The amount of animal control cases has increased since she began working as the ACO, and it has become financially and personally difficult to continue the work. Leyna said she can tentatively continue working on cases that require follow-up, but ultimately would like to transition out of the position. The Selectboard thanked her for all of her work and will look into additional funding possibilities and more support from Windsor County for issuing tickets.
    Contracts and Selectboard Approvals
    A. Wastewater Plant Loan Agreement (Final Engineering)
    This item was tabled to allow for additional review of the contract.
    B. Annual Grants in Aid 2027 Letter of Intent Approval and Highway Financial Plan
    Charles Peel made a motion to sign the Grants in Aid Letter of Intent and Highway Financial Plan; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    C. State of Vermont: Town Road and Bridge Standards Update
    Charles Peel made a motion to approve and adopt the Town Road and Bridge Standards dated 1/21/26; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    D. Free Verse Farm Shop Liquor License Renewal
    Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the liquor license renewal for Free Verse Farm Shop; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    E. Approve Orders
    Charles Peel made a motion to approve the orders; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Charles Peel had questions regarding two orders, but still made a motion to approve them. Motion passed unanimously.
    Executive Session If Necessary
    Curtis Chase made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Tierney Farago, to discuss two Roberts Poor Fund requests and personnel pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 313(a); Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 9:37 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 10:11 pm.
    A. Roberts Poor Fund Requests
    First request: Charles Peel made a motion to approve a Roberts Poor Fund request for $320; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Second request: Charles Peel made a motion to approve a Roberts Poor Fund request for a maximum of $500, pending receiving an invoice; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    B. Personnel Pursuant To 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)
    Gregg Herrin summarized that two personnel issues were discussed, with no motion made.
    Adjournment
    Paul Libby made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting ended at 10:13 pm.

  • | |

    Selectboard Meeting Agenda – March 17, 2026

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    March 17, 2026 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Additions to the Agenda
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Public Comments
    Approve Minutes From February 17, 18, 24, 2026 and March 5, 2026
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Introduction to Senator John Benson
    B. Highway Update
    C. Town Administrator Update
    Action Items
    A. United Church of Chelsea: Sewer Drainage Issue at 13 Church St
    B. Treasurer: Apply for Additional Line of Credit
    C. Constable and Animal Control Officer Vacancies
    Contracts and Selectboard Approvals
    A. Wastewater Plant Loan Agreement (Final Engineering)
    B. Annual Grants in Aid 2027 Letter of Intent Approval and Highway Financial Plan
    C. State of Vermont: Town Road and Bridge Standards Update
    D. Free Verse Farm Shop Liquor License Renewal
    E. Approve Orders
    Executive Session if Necessary
    A. Roberts Poor Fund Request
    B. 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.
  • | |

    DRAFT Organizational Selectboard Meeting Minutes – March 5, 2026

    ByTierney Farago
    Organizational Selectboard Meeting Minutes
    March 5th, 2026 7:00 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to order
    Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 7:02 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)
    Jen Chase (Town Clerk)
    Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)
    Additions to the Agenda
    -Highway Update: Rick Ackerman attended the meeting with a pressing matter of securing a spot for the plow component of the next town truck purchase. He was able to get several quotes for plow packages and presented the Selectboard with the offer from Tenco for $133,399. The wait time is currently 8 months, and he believed it would be longer and possibly more expensive if the Town delayed agreeing to the price. After some discussion, the Selectboard decided it would be best to lock in the price now before the market might change. Paul Libby made a motion to accept the quote by Tenco; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

    -Highway Mileage Confirmation: A form from the state was issued to confirm the mileage of highway in Chelsea. No motion was needed after Rick confirmed the mileage from last year was correct.
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
    Public Comments: None
    Agenda Items
    A. Appointments for any Elected Vacancies
    No appointments were made.
    B. Select Chair and Vice Chair
    Charles Peel made a motion to appoint Gregg Herrin as chair and Curtis Chase as vice-chair; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    C. Determine Meeting Rules of Procedure
    Curtis Chase made a motion to keep the current meeting rules of procedure; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    D. Designate Meeting Dates, Times, and Location for Regular Meetings
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to have regular Selectboard meetings on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month at 6:30pm in Town Hall; Paul Libby seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    E. Designate Locations for Meeting Notices
    Charles Peel made a motion to continue posting meeting notices on the bulletin boards outside of Town Hall, the post office, and Will’s Store; Curtis Chases seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    F. Determine Process for Calling Special and Emergency Meetings
    Curtis Chase made a motion to continue adhering to state statute regarding special and emergency meetings; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    F. Select Newspaper of Record for Public Notice
    Curtis Chase made a motion to continue using The White River Valley Herald as the newspaper for public notice; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    G. Determine Selectboard Organizational Processes for the Following

    1. Designate member or members to sign orders/warrant on off-weeks: Carrie Caouette-De Lallo will continue to be the designated member to sign orders on off weeks, with Curtis Chase as a back-up. Charles Peel volunteered to be the third option if it’s ever required.
    2. Determine agenda content and coordination: Agenda will be drafted and ready for Selectboard approval by the Thursday prior to a meeting. If items on the agenda are missing documentation, they will be tabled until everything has been submitted for the Selectboard’s review.
    3. Approval of Village Greens Requests: The Village Greens requests will continue to be approved administratively by the Town Administrator. 4. Approval of Roberts Gould Field Requests: The Roberts-Gould Field requests will continue to be approved administratively by the Town Administrator.
    5. Designate whether Selectboard members want to have liaison appointments for Town Departments: The Selectboard discussed the current liaisons and made a few adjustments to the original appointments. The new liaisons are as follows: 
    Category: Primary Liaison, Secondary Liaison
    Executive & Admin: Gregg Herrin, Curtis Chase
    Planning & Zoning: Charles Peel, Carrie Caouette-De Lallo
    Health & Safety: Carrie Caouette-De Lallo, Charles Peel
    Public Lands & Facilities: Curtis Chase, Paul Libby
    Highway: Paul Libby, Curtis Chase
    Transfer Station: Carrie Caouette-De Lallo, Curtis Chase
    Water & Wastewater: Charles Peel, Gregg Herrin
    Adjournment
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 8:59 pm.

  • | |

    Organizational Selectboard Meeting – March 5, 2026

    ByTierney Farago
    Organizational Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    March 5th, 2026 7:00 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Additions to the Agenda
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Public Comments
    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
    H. Determine Selectboard Organizational Processes for the Following:
    -Designate member or members to sign orders/warrant on off-weeks
    -Determine agenda content and coordination
    -Approval of Village Greens Requests
    -Approval of Roberts Gould Field Requests
    -Designate whether Selectboard members want to have liaison appointments for Town Departments
    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.