News

  • | |

    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.

  • 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
  • | |

    Special Selectboard Meeting Minutes – February 24, 2026

    ByTierney Farago
    Special Selectboard Meeting Minutes
    February 24, 2026 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:33 pm.  
    SELECTBOARD    
    Gregg Herrin (Present) 
    Curtis Chase (Present)
    Paul Libby (Absent)
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo (Present)
    Charles Peel (Present)
    TOWN EMPLOYEES    
    Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)
    Jen Chase (Town Clerk)
    Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer)
    Additions to the Agenda
    Gregg Herrin added an item to the agenda to briefly discuss an issue with the current use that affected the 2025 taxes while Gayle Durkee was present to explain.
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
    Public Comments: None
    Action Items
    A. TRORC Updated Vendor Contract: Storm Windows
    The Selectboard reviewed a new contract for storm windows in relation to the MERP Grant. The vendor that was originally selected for the work had pulled out and the second vendor was asked to do the work. After reading the contract, the Selectboard noted that the Town would be responsible for the measurement of the windows in Town Hall since the vendor is located out of state and would only be able to send the storm windows once they get the measurements back. The board members were all wary of measuring the windows due to any mistakes that might be made. They would prefer to use a vendor that is local and will personally measure the windows. The Town Administrator will reach out to Two Rivers to ask what the next steps are to continue with the storm window work. No motion required.
    B. Amend 2026 Town Meeting Warning
    The Selectboard corrected an error from the original Town Meeting warning; a vacant lister position was accidentally omitted from the warning, although it is present on the ballot. The Selectboard acknowledged the error and agreed to include the open position (1 year of a 3 year term), and corrected one grammatical error. The word “article” was corrected to “articles”. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to amend the Town Meeting warning to include the lister position and to correct a minor spelling error; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Executive Session If Necessary: None
    Adjournment
    Curtis Chase made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

  • | |

    Informational Meeting Minutes – February 18, 2026

    ByTierney Farago
    Informational Town Meeting Minutes
    February 18, 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)
    Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer)
    Susan Elder (Lister)
    Tom Swahn (Transfer Station Attendant)
    Additions to the Agenda: None
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
    Agenda Items
    A. Budget Presentation by the Chelsea Selectboard
    B. Discussion of Articles 1 and 2
    C. Introduction to Candidates
    D. Any Additional Town Meeting Topics
    Gregg Herrin opened the meeting by introducing the Selectboard members, as well as various town employees present at the meeting.

    Article 1: To elect the following offices:
    Town Moderator- one (1) year term; 
    Delinquent Tax Collector – one (1) year term;  
    Selectboard – one (2) year term;  
    Selectboard – one (3) year term;  
    Lister- one (3) year term;  
    Lister-one (1) year of (3) year term; 
    Trustees of the Public Library – one (3) year term;  
    Trustees of the Public Library – one (3) year term;  
    Trustee of Public Funds – one (3) year term;  
    Cemetery Commissioner – one (5) year term; 
    **A note was made that an additional lister position (1 year of a 3 year term) is available, but was omitted in error from the Town Meeting warning. This office will be on the ballot for residents.** 
     
    Gregg opened the floor for any candidates that wanted to introduce themselves to the public. The following candidates were present to introduce themselves and the office they are running for: 
    Gayle Durkee: delinquent tax collector (1 year term)  
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo: Selectboard (2 year term)  
    Marianne McCann: Selectboard (3 year term)  
    Charles Peel: Selectboard (3 year term)  
    Susan Elder: Lister (3 year term)  
    Chris Byrne: Trustee of the Public Library (3 year term)  
    Two additional candidates were absent from the meeting: 
    Amy Jones: Trustee of the Public Library (3 year term) 
    Edwin Coburn: Trustee of Public Funds (3 year term) 

    Article 2: Shall the voters of the Town of Chelsea adopt the Chelsea Zoning Bylaw as approved by the Select board on January 9, 2026?Charles Peel summarized the events of updating the zoning bylaws, noting that the planning commission has been working on the bylaw update for nearly two years. He thanks the planning commission for their time and service. He mentioned that most of the changes to the bylaw were to ensure it meets state statute and complies with the Town Plan that was approved last year. The draft bylaw was approved by the Selectboard on December 22nd and is available for review on chelseavt.org and a copy can be printed at the Town Administrator’s office if necessary upon request, prior to voting.
    Public Comments
    The public was encouraged to ask questions throughout the presentation. Topics included the service provided by Windsor County Sheriff’s Office, and how the Selectboard is rating the aging highway equipment.
    Adjournment
    Charles Peel made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 8:19 pm.

    2026 Town Meeting Selectboard UpdateDownload
    Community Nurse Statistics 2025Download
  • | |

    Special Selectboard Meeting Agenda – February 24, 2026

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    February 24, 2026 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Additions to the Agenda
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Public Comments
    Action Items
    A. TRORC Updated Vendor Contract: Storm Windows
    B. Amend 2026 Town Meeting Warning
    Executive Session If Necessary
    Adjournment
    VIRTUAL OPTION:To join the Selectboard Meeting virtually, please request a link to join from the Town Administrator at town.administrator@chelseavt.us, or by calling 802-625-2023.
  • | |

    Selectboard Meeting Minutes – February 17, 2026

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Minutes
    February 17, 2026 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall
    Call to Order
    Gregg Herrin called the meeting to order at 6:35 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)
    Additions to the Agenda
    Paul Libby added the topic of an AV system for Town Hall, and Gregg Herrin suggested discussing it during the Town Administrator update.
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
    Public Comments: None
    Approve Minutes from February 3, 2026
    Paul Libby made a motion to approve the minutes from February 3rd; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Highway Updates
    Paul Libby informed the Selectboard that Ruben Hook accepted the full-time road crew position and his official start date is February 23rd. According to Rick, one of the trucks has an engine light on and is in the shop currently. He believes that there is enough salt and sand for the rest of winter.
    B. Town Administrator Update
    Paul Libby brought up the possibility of purchasing AV equipment for Town Hall for future events. The library generously allowed the Selectboard to borrow their speakers and microphone for the upcoming informational meeting, but he believes that the town should have separate equipment. Jen Chase has asked her colleagues who work with similar equipment for their suggestions, and Paul has reached out to Bill Smith from the church to gather more options.
    Action Items
    A. Appropriation Policy Review
    The Selectboard assessed the old social service appropriation petition policy, and Charles Peel presented his proposed changes to the policy. These changes included adjusting the due date of petitions and reports to the end of November, and clarified the process of submittal for applicants. Marianne McCann attended the meeting and brought up concerns about the non-profit status of applicants and what agencies are eligible per state statute. Charles Peel cited that the policy lists the statute that defines what is considered a social services, and notes that the appropriation requests will still go through Selectboard review. The Selectboard will continue to review the policy and will finalize changes at the next regular Selectboard meeting on March 17th.
    B. Town Moderator Appointment
    This item was removed, as the previously elected moderator will still be able to attend the Town Meeting. No appointment required.
    C. Wastewater Treatment Facility Engineering Contract Amendment
    The Selectboard reviewed a contract amendment for the wastewater facility upgrade. This amendment is necessary after discovering additional challenges from the pump station alternatives proposed by the engineering firm. Additional time and research will be required, so the contract amendment includes a $13, 910 allowance for that additional engineering. Charles Peel made a motion to approve the contract amendment; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    D. Approve Orders
    Paul Libby made a motion to approve the orders; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Executive Session If Necessary: None
    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 7:53 pm.

  • | |

    Selectboard Meeting Agenda – February 17, 2026

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Agenda
    February 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 3, 2026
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Highway Updates
    B. Town Administrator Update
    Action Items
    A. Appropriation Policy Review
    B. Town Moderator Appointment
    C. Wastewater Treatment Facility Engineering Contract Amendment
    D. Approve Orders
    Executive Session If Necessary
    Adjournment
    VIRTUAL OPTION: To join the Selectboard Meeting virtually, please request a link to join from the Town Administrator at town.administrator@chelseavt.us, or by calling 802-625-2023.
  • | |

    Selectboard Meeting Minutes – February 3, 2026

    ByTierney Farago
    Selectboard Meeting Minutes
    February 3, 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    
    Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)
    Jen Chase (Town Clerk)
    Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman)
    Additions to the Agenda: None
    Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None
    Public Comments
    Andy Pomerantz attended the meeting to ask the Selectboard if they were interested in posting official town business on the Chelsea Listserv page. Andy mentioned that the Selectboard agreed to use the platform during a meeting back in 2023, however, it did not take off as originally expected. He wanted to know if the Town was still interested in using it as a platform for official town news. The Selectboard has no issue with adding regular updates to the Listserv as they are updated on other sites, but will make sure the Town and the library have access to the same platforms so that all Town news is consistent on social media for residents to view.

    Nick DeFriez attended the meeting to confirm that the Selectboard gave him permission to begin repairing the balcony chairs in Town Hall. They confirmed that he may move forward with the project and reach out if he needs help or places to store parts.
    Approve Minutes from January 6, January 9, and January 20, 2026
    Curtis Chase made a motion to approve the January 6th meeting minutes; Charles Peel seconded the motion. motion passed unanimously. Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to approve the January 9th special meeting minutes; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Paul Libby abstained due to being absent during the meeting. Motion passed. Paul Libby made a motion to approve the January 20th meeting minutes; Carrie Caouette-De Lallo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Current Events and Updates
    A. Highway Updates
    Truck body availability
    Next equipment order
    Salt and sand status
    Equipment inventory and planning

    Rick reached out to Tenco, another truck body company to see if they have a faster turnaround, but unfortunately the timeline is the same as Viking which is now expected to be done in the 3rd quarter of 2026. The other company would also be $20k more expensive. The Selectboard decided to continue waiting for Viking to finish the body of the truck since it was already previously approved. Rick stated that he was able to have 33.44 tons of salt trucked in from New Hampshire. He feels confident in how much salt and sand is currently left in the inventory. The Selectboard will look into ways to better store sand so the highway crew is not losing so much material to the elements when the top layer freezes. The Selectboard also discussed equipment prioritization and planning for future equipment purchases. Rick has been looking into used trucks to replace the aging chlorine truck, as it will be needed in the summer. The Selectboard agree it would be helpful to pre-approve an amount for Rick in case he comes across a truck that he has to purchase in between Selectboard meetings. Charles Peel made a motion to approve the purchase of a replacement chlorine truck for up to $25,000; Paul Libby seconded the motion.  Motion passed unanimously. 
    B. Town Administrator Update
    The Town Administrator updated the Selectboard that all reports have been sent to the printer, and proof of the Town Report is expected soon. She will update the Selectboard when the proof is received for final edits and review. The Town will notify residents when the reports have been received and given to the post office for distribution. A digital copy of the Town Report will be available on the Town’s website so residents can view it ahead of the informational meeting.
    Action Items
    A. Community Nurse Quarterly Report
    Jodi Hoyt presented a quarterly report update on the community nurse program. Jodi began working as the community nurse on October 1st, 2025, but not performing home visits until November 1st as she was obtaining the required insurance, and has been working on establishing the program and gaining clients. She stated that she has 22 active clients, and more than a dozen inactive (one time visit only) clients. She has been getting referrals through various hospitals as well as word of mouth from other residents. The nurse has also been coordinating through the Chelsea Neighbors Helping Neighbors program. A community nurse board has been created and accepts volunteers to help with administrative duties, donations, fundraising, and more. She has held two cardiovascular clinics and a vaccination clinic that brought in numerous residents and non-residents alike. She plans on organizing another clinic on Town Meeting Day (March 3rd) in the town library. Further information will be shared before the event. 
     B. Approve Orders
    Paul Libby made a motion to approve the orders; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Executive Session if necessary
    Charles Peel made a motion to enter executive session, inviting Tierney Farago and Rick Ackerman; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the Selectboard entered executive session at 8:11 pm. Curtis Chase made a motion to exit executive session; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed and the Selectboard exited executive session at 8:28 pm. Gregg Herrin stated that personnel was discussed and entertained a motion from the Selectboard. Paul Libby made a motion to extend the full-time road maintenance worker position to Ruben Hook at his current rate; Charles Peel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
    Adjournment
    Carrie Caouette-De Lallo made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Curtis Chase seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 8:29 pm.