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Chelsea Special Selectboard Meeting Minutes (Draft)
October 24, 2022 – 7 PM – Chelsea Town Hall
Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Mark Whitney, Merrill Whitney, Geoff Clayton, Bruce Hook
Other Town Employees present: Gayle Durkee, Treausrer

1. Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM
2. No changes to the agenda
3. No conflicts of interest to disclose
4. Department/Liaison for immediate action
   a. Cole gave an update on the Water/Wastewater Chief Operator and Cole’s meeting with
   Simon Operation Services (SOS). Cole met with Lane Simon, Nate Fredericks, and Duncan Cone from
   SOS along with Mike Whipple- emergency back-up for Chelsea Water/Wastewater operations, to seek
   options for staffing the water/wastwater facilities in the absence of the Chief Operator and Assistant
   Chief Operator. Whipple led the group for 3 hours, introducing /visiting all the water/wastewater
   facilities throughout Chelsea on October 24, 2022 beginning at 9:00AM.
   SOS will put together a proposal for the selectboard if they are able to assist.
   Cole will present whatever potential solutions are developed to the Selectboard
   b. Cole asked Hook to give an update on the unpermitted excavation of Klondike Road near 59
   Klondike Rd. that occurred on October 20, 2022. Hook explained part of Klondike Rd was excavated to
   lay pipe or conduit. Hook and the board noted there is a State Statute 19 VSA, Chapter 11 § 1111,
   “Permitted Use of the Right of Way” and a town policy referencing that statute covering requirements
   for individuals and organizations needing to excavate road for pipe, conduit, etc. Cole asked for a copy
   of the application and permit that was approved. Hook noted that the processes was not followed. Hook
   said he was told the Road Foreman gave verbal permission to the subcontractor doing the work the day
   the work commenced. Cole and Merrill Whitney noted that the Town Policy explicitly says the
   application is made by the landowner not the subcontractor and the decision is made by the
   selectboard. Mark Whitney explained the requirements for an application, approval, 48 hours notice,
   observation of backfilling or compaction, approval of materials etc. exist to provide reasonable
   assurance a permitted activity does not endanger public health and safety or decrease the integrity of
   the road.
   The Board had several questions for the Road Foreman who was not in attendance. The board asked
   Hook to get the answers to the questions and report back to the board next week. Hook agreed.
   Hook, Merrill Whitney, Mark Whitney, Clayton and Cole all expressed concern that the town policy and
   state statute were not followed and all were very concerned about the current condition of the road as
   it was sinking where it was excavated. Cole noted he checked out the site Saturday afternoon. Hook and
   Cole noted obvious settling the road that resulted in a large depression or rut across the road. Hook and
   Mark Whitney noted that if the policy was followed regarding 12 lifts mechanical compaction, the road
   might not have settled as much as it did in this short a period.
   Clayton expressed concern that since the Town is receiving a lot of state and federal money for roads
   and other projects, the town might be out of compliance with its oversight duties if the board allow
   events like this to be ignored. Clayton suggested that since the process was not followed, the town
   should seek legal advice, get an engineering analysis of the damage, and obtain an estimate for removal,
   repair, and remediation. Mark Whitney asked how the town is assured that the backfill or compaction
   met the requirements of the rules if there was no application or permit to reference. Hook said there is
   no assurance since the process was not followed.
   The Selctboard went into executive session to discuss legal options related to the excavation at 7:25 PM
   pr 1VSA 313(a)1 via unanimous vote on amotion made by Cole and seconded by Mark Whitney. The
   Board ended executive session at 8:05 PM. After executive session, the Board unanimously agreed to
   have the highway liaison, Bruce Hook, reach out for legal advice on what could and should be done
   regarding the excavation and report back to the Board at the next regular meeting on November 1,
   2022.
   There were no public comments.
   The Board meeting adjourned at 8:06 PM

10.18.2022 Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Minutes (draft)
Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at 7: 34 pm at Chelsea Town Hall
Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Bruce Hook, Mark Whitney, Geoff Clayton
Other Town Employees Present: Karen Lathrop (Town Clerk), Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer), Kasey
Peterson ( Grants Administrator & Administration)
Members of the public present: Robert Aicher, Andrea Zoe Aicher, David Bradshaw, Frank Keene, Mike
McCullough, Morton Bailey, Chase Ackerman and Marty Gratz.

1. Call Meeting to Order
   Meeting called to order by L. Cole at 7:34 pm.
2. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
   None
3. Changes to Agenda
   Emergent Roberts Poor Fund Request, Fema Letter, Mike McCullough water request extension- Board
   note prior approval of request and approves extension until November 1,2022.
4. Town Clerk – None
5. Town Treasurer – a. Sent report to Board, nothing significant in change
   b. Presented orders to Board – made misc’l expense line item for erosion
   control at Wastewater Plant and Beaver Dam. Levar signed contract for
   Brookfield Generator Maintenance Plan.
   Action item: Mark Whitney approved the orders as presented. Geoff seconded
   the motion. Board approved.
   Orders totaling:
   General $75,944.57
   Garage $10,515.85
   Water/Sewer $1,596.90
6. Department /Liaison Updates
   a. Highway: Bruce spoke with Rick Ackerman about guardrails for Hook Road
   and Transfer Station. Will save money by doing it in-house. Beaver dam has
   been taken care of, trappers were in on Friday, and tree being chewed will be
   down on Wednesday. Road Plan work is still being worked on to figure out what
   roads are the challenges and long-term goals. MRGP- Kasey Peterson read
   through it. Basically the Town will need to be on board with it for any grant aid
   and the Board agreed. Bruce to take lead on comments by October 24, 2022.
   Bruce spoke to the Town Garage having a structural issue as the corners are
   dropping and the Board will tour. Geoff stated the statute of limitations clock
   starts running. Bruce will take lead with Geoff supporting. Levar noted the Town
   will need to retain a Town Attorney. Kasey noted maybe a call to VLCT first to
   send them in the right direction.
   b. Transfer Station: Geoff read the letter for illegal trash dumping to Board
   which they accepted and Geoff will send the letter out. Geoff stated no time to
   put shed up. Geoff said made of metal, won’t keep a bear out. He will purchase
   from Town at cost. Board discussed electric fence.
   d. Town Hall – Kasey introduced Morton Bailey to answer Board questions
   about pellet boiler. Mr. Bailey spoke with the Fire Marshall and the Town will
   need to wall off the boiler with a 60-90 minute fire door. He assured the Board
   that the BTU’s were ample to ensure heating by zones. There might be a need
   for oil supplement to wood pellet on an extremely cold night but that would be
   minimal. Two of the furnaces downstairs will be blowers for the pellet stove and
   the main chimney will be us Kasey gave the Board the new quote (#161) of
   $45,700.00 which is actually less when the Efficiency Vermont incentives is less
   than the last quote. The Arts Council grant for this is $21,000.00 which leaves
   the Town Portion at $23,600.00. Levar noted the Board had approved this prior
   and the Board accepts the new quote and has no objection for them to start.
   e. Other: Beavers/damaged trees -Noted in Bruce’s earlier report
   f. Administrative Assistant: staffing/town report: Board discussed Marianne
   McCann organizing the Town Report remotely. Leva recommends this.
   Action item:Levar moved to offer Marianne McCann the job of putting the
   Town Report and its commensurate items that go in it remotely. Bruce
   seconded the motion. Board approved.
7. Public Comments: Marty Gratz said she would like to light the basketball court again this year with
   light as she had the year before if the Board had not objections. Boar had no objections. She also
   mentioned the sumac was growing back and she would like to take it out and replace it with ground
   cover. The Board’s concern was whether it would inhibit mowing. She would also like to plant perennials
   come spring. She noted that Susan Elder had spoken about grants earlier in the year for beautification of
   the commons. Would the Board consider memorial trees. Mark Whitney is putting a plan together on
   the trees, and it might be done in November Marty wanted to know what duties Fence Viewers have.
   Dave Bradshaw spoke up and said, they were to settle disputes between owners who have property
   sharing fences. She also mentioned she would like to help with repairs to broken windows in the Old
   Town Garage. Bruce will touch base with her on it. Levar thanked her for coming to the meeting and for
   her continued support.
8. Budget Discussions: Levar started the discussion with noting that the Town wanted to find out what
   they as a Board can do to support the entities and have open discussions about budget needs.
   Chase Ackerman gave a report in which he noted call volume increases, the need to find new
   dispatching co, as state police would not longer be dispatching for free. Also lack of personnel due to
   the low wages they are paying ( $13.25/hr) vs other services. He noted the 3 year contract with the
   Town ends in December and presented the Board with a new contract to look over. It is increasing by
   $9.00 per capita, up $10,000.00. The Board expressed concern at how low the wages were. They noted
   the everyone was having retention issues, even Town. The Board thanked him for coming to speak with
   them.
   Frank Keene gave a report on Highland Cemetery and the three smaller cemeteries. They will keep the
   same persons mowing, were able to paint the arch and roof in Highland and repair some stones. They
   will be level funding their budget request at $2,500.00.
   No TRORC representative
   Under Petition Requests, Bob Aicher reported for the Senior Center. He noted they saw a large increase
   in the costs to their 3 meals program, Meals on Wheels, Dine in, and Take out. Inflation is raising the
   cost of meals. Many volunteers but they have some paid staff. They would be looking to increase their
   petitioned amount to $3,000.00, which is a $500.00 increase. Levar noted the Board was thankful for
   their service.
   Dave Bradshaw represented the West Hill Cemetery. He too said costs are going up and they would be
   asking for $1600.00 to be budgeted for them this year.
   Fire Warden – none
9. Approve minutes:
   Action item: Levar moved to approve 10.04.2022 Meeting minutes with revisions. Geoff seconded the
   motion. Board approved.
   Action item: Levar moved to approve 9.20.2022 Special Meeting minutes with revisions. Bruce seconded
   the motion. Board approved.
   Levar will check on revisions to September 6 and September 20 were finished.
10. Administrative Assistant Report/Grants Administration :
    a. Karen reported two Village Greens requests. One for Chelsea Grange to do
    Trunk or Treat & one from First Branch Unified District to decorate the common.
    Both were approved and signed by Levar Cole.
    b. Hiring for Water/Wastewater -none
    c. Hiring for Administrative Asst – none
    d. Arts grant/Pellet Furnace- Kasey asked what kind of sound system the Board
    wanted. Board asked her to explore the options but something that was
    compatible with hearing aids. She also spoke to a Public Safety Sub Grant for
    the generator. Due by November 15, 2022 but most of the work was already
    completed for an earlier grant. Can be utilized for this one. Would not need a
    permit to bury the propane tank-she checked. Need an electrician to sign off on
    a report stating the building can accept the electrical load. Karen suggested Rick
    Allen.
    Creamery Project waiting on TRORC. No problem with Town Right of way. Geoff
    said Lou Maraget does not see any problem doing what needs to be done on
    school property. Kasey said culverts could be bought from Bob Button. Levar not
    the Board would need to be cognizant and do its due diligence so no conflict of
    interest was breached.
    It was also noted that grants for lighting need to be looked into. Also the
    handicap ramp. Kasey reported the clearance for the bathroom would need to
    be 60 inches which is a worry.
    Levar gave synopsis of the letter from FEMA. He would contact persons who
    contributed to the LHMP. The period to comment was 30 days, but federal
    rules say more time.
11. Employee Vacancies- Still have vacancies-no applications. Gayle noted the debit card came in and
    she can put the advertisement on Indeed.
    12 Elected and Appointed Vacancies – All vacancies still open
12. Executive Session -Not needed
13. Added Emergent Roberts Poor Fund Request- Levar Cole brought an emergent request before the
    Board for an $500.00 disbursement for a resident in need. Board approved.
    Mark Whitney approved the orders as presented. Geoff seconded the motion. Board approved.
14. Meeting Adjourned at 9:44 PM

Chelsea Special Selectboard Meeting Minutes (draft)
Tuesday, October 18, 2022, 7:00 pm, at Chelsea Town Hall
Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Mark Whitney, Bruce Hook, Geoff Clayton
Other Town Employees present: Karen Lathrop (Town Clerk)
Members of the public present: None

1. Meeting called to order at 7:03 PM by L. Cole
2. Conflicts of interest- None
3. Levar Cole moved to enter executive session for Human Resources per 1 VSA 313 (a)(3) with Karen
   Lathrop invited at 7:04 pm. Motion seconded by Bruce Hook. Board approved
   Levar Cole moved to exit executive session at 7:05 pm. Motion seconded by Bruce Hook. Board
   approved.
   Action: Levar to write a letter to Town Employee
4. Public Comments -None
5. Meeting adjourned at 7:06 pm

Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Minutes (Draft)
Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at 7:30 PM at Chelsea Town Hall
Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Geoffrey Clayton, Merrill Whitney, Bruce Hook
Other Town Employees Present: Gayle Durkee (Treasurer), Kasey Peterson (Grants Liaison),
Karen Lathrop, (Town Clerk)
Members of the Public: Clinton F. Rodger, Mark Richardson, Frank Keene, Douglas Stone

1. Call meeting to order
   Meeting called to order by Levar Cole at 7:30
2. Conflict of interest disclosure – None
3. Changes to the agenda – None
4. Town Clerk
   Board briefed on General Election. 937 voters, ballots were sent out, 66 back so far, full crew for
   election assistants plus one person to give breaks. Noted the Logic and Accuracy test will take
   place in the office, during the day and will send notices out to BCA.
5. Town Treasurer
   Budget submitted and hasn’t changed much. Highway is a little high due to repairs.
   Submitted orders, explained there was a $250.00 penalty due to increase in pay to Library Staff
   which requires her to now pay monthly to Federal Payment instead of quarterly.
   Gayle still researching the online payment plans available for payment of taxes.
6. Department/Liaison Updates
   Re: Highway – Bruce reported Rick said there will be logging up at Charlie Ladd’s and the log
   truck wont’ be able to make the swing onto Court Street and will need to use School Street which
   is one way.
   Geoff suggests notifying Orange County Sheriff’s Dept. and thinks the move should be done
   when court is not in session. Have a person block trafficBruce to coordinate with Rick
   Ackerman, Road Foreman.
   Bruce stated the Beavers out behind Marty Gratz’s place and there needs to be something done
   as water is backing up. There will need to be something done to prevent ice jams in the spring
   that would compromise our bridges and people’s property. Discussion on trapping but illegal to
   trap at this time.
   Summer truck tire bill will be costly. The truck with the belly grader is in for repairs for noise in
   the front end. needs some work. Check cleared on the truck sold and Rick would have a Road
   Plan in soon. Garage has been put on hold due to cold weather.
   Re: Transfer Station- Geoff stated he will send to the letter to the Board, as he did not bring it
   with him.
   Re: Waste/Water- Merrill stated has not spoken with Nolan since the last conversation on
   overtime. Levar stated Macaden Lyford had been called to read meters but he is not a Town
   employee. There are concerns about that, and the fact that MaCaden’s boss is receiving calls for
   requests for meter reading. Merrill to check with Nolan about that concern.
   Re: Health Officer – Geoff reported notices about Monkey Pox and some Covid related illness,
   but that it isn’t Covid and there is no vaccine and it is not covered by insurance.
   He stated there are issues up at Chelsea Court. He might have to get pictures Thursday if the
   Property Management company does not resolve it. Noted the Property Management company
   had threatened retaliation for complaints at the second property they manage. Could possibly be
   contacting the State. Has directed residents to contact a lawyer or go to the Law School for help.
   Levar asked if he needed support in the form of a letter. Geoff stated the Health Officer has
   more than enough authority and power granted to the position.
   Re: Animal Control – Geoff no issues to report lately.
   Re: Town Hall Building /Balconey– Kasey Peterson reported there was an issue with the south
   chimney and it would need to be lined and some bricks are decayed or gone. Masons are booking
   out a year in advance. Due to the issue a new plan was created. She showed the Board a new
   plan for the pellet furnace to heat the building. Stated that two of the old furnaces would used as
   blowers for the pellet furnace. The old quote of $42,000.00, updated quote 47,200.00 for ducting
   and concrete. That would be $5000.00 increase to the Town portion. Board said some of the
   money in the Town Hall Renovation Fund could be used but not all of it. Levar stated when this
   process started the Board had a vision of what this would encompass and it has morphed. Not all
   statements have proved true but they are looking at alternatives though. Bruce concerned that the
   back-up furnace would not be enough BTU’s to heat the library and the hall. Kasey said there
   would be enough. But she would double check Gayle asked what the annual maintenance fee
   would be. Kasey said old quote for maintenance was $500/year and it seemed low. Also, the
   inlet pipe for pellets that would come out of the side of the building would need to be kept free of
   snow. Kasey said Mort is trying to contact the Fire Marshall to ensure we have done all that is up
   to code. Board is stilling willing to commit with the new plan.
   Creamery BuildingWater Issue Update- The water comes across from the vet’s office and down
   off of the school property into a drop inlet and when it can’t handle the overflow, it goes through
   the Creamery building and out across the road to the river. With grants in aid money it can be
   fixed but the property is school property. Kasey unsure if we need permission or ask them to pay
   for part of it? Levar says we need a full Board approval. Geoff says to call Lou Maraget, but as it
   is an environmental issue the Board would just take action and notify people.
   Balconey Update – Kasey reported that the flats need to be moved and look at by a historian and
   everything needs to be moved out of the balcony before they can get a quote. Geoff will find
   some volunteers to help move flats.
   a. Town Hall building: window coverings, storage, balcony-Levar
7. Public Comments
   Oversight of town property-cemetery, bridges, etc. Clint stated the Board gave him the okay to
   use the bridge for snowmachines, He then spoke with Frank Keene about coming around the
   Brookhaven trail and the cemetery to cross the bridge. Spoke with the Boys Home, Tim Courts
   and then went to Frank Keene to sign the paperwork and Frank said no. Clint states Frank is
   using one issue to deal with another one. Mark Richardson asked if the Town of Chelsea has
   relinquished cemetery to the Commissioners? Levar said we would come back to that issue The
   second issue is Clint states that Frank stated that if Tim Ward did not get a bridge then he won’t
   sign it. Clint went to Treasurer of VAST because there is no money for a bridge. He feels he has
   done a lot of leg work and now nothing is coming of it. Levar said that the Cemetery
   Commissioners runs the Cemetery. Levar cited V.S.A. 18 ss . Mark Richardson said you can
   create Cemetery Commissioners and still retain control until you relinquish it. Clint wants to
   know how Town property can be used as leverage.
   Frank Keene was invited to make his comments. The bridge that was just replaced was rotten.
   Two years ago Frank and Clint had a conversation, about Clint speaking with the Boys Home
   and Senior Housing &Town and it sat for a year with nothing done. The bridge at that point was
   unsafe, and he told Clint, he was posting the bridge as unsafe and said the snowmobilers could
   come through his yard. This spring, Tim decided that something had to be done about the bridge.
   He claims he has tried to meet with Clint or Mark and they would not meet. Tim used an
   excavator on Frank’s side and the bridge was rotted through. Tim put in a new bridge. Looks
   great. He did not get any money for rebuilding it. VAST came down to talk with Tim. Informed
   him there was no money left this year but would be some next year. Tim received an email from
   VAST saying they didn’t want to buy the bridge, but would pay for half but they had demands.
   Demands were that he would be open certain times, to take care of the snowmobilers, Frank says
   he doesn’t think that you can do that but it doesn’t matter to him. He made it clear that the
   bridge is no longer an emergency and that snowmobilers can go to where they want. He said
   people using Brookhaven Trail a mess and Brookhaven closed the trail. So they can’t claim they
   have made a plan with Brookhaven. He doesn’t believe they went to talk with Senior Housing.
   So Frank made it clear to Clint that unless there was something in writing from VAST or that
   Tim was paid some money for the bridge, Frank felt it was unnecessary for the Snowmobilers to
   cross the cemetery. He also commented that many people do not like snowmobiles in the
   cemetery. He noted that Clint and Mark refuse to work with Tim, doesn’t know why and Tim has
   offered to meet with them. Just the other day he said Clint approached him to sign off on paper
   and Frank refused until Tim Ward gets some money for the bridge. Mark Richardson said there
   are two sides to a story and sometimes the truth is somewhere in the middle. He has never
   refused to meet with Tim Ward. The club has offered to meet. He said VAST has not outright
   refused him they said if they were going to put any money into the bridge,if it won’t bring
   snowmobilers to a service, they need to know how much the bar is going to be open.
   Levar says the Board is limited on what they can do. Geoff remarked that if you all remain
   divided you will see less services in VT. You need to work together and need to try and keep it
   more civil. We won’t have anything, because everyone is fighting. This hurts us as a Town. We
   need to work together. Clint states he is surprised the Town of Chelsea lets someone use Town
   Property to gain leverage over someone. Levar says if you have an allegation that someone is
   using Town Resources for private gains to take it to the State so they make an investigation.
   Frank also commented on the Beavers that are damming up the First Branch. He noticed that
   they were having a lot of wild animal around. He checked out where the beavers were building
   and he said it is a problem as it is well built and collecting. He has been flooded in the past due
   to ice jams. He spoke with Pat Ross, as he has worked with him before on river work around his
   property. Mr. Ross told Frank that the Town has to do what it needs to do. Levar said he has
   talked with the State and they don’t want anything in the river. This might be different as they
   are beavers and could be considered a nuisance. Frank spoke with Sheilagh, the lady next door,
   and asked if an excavator could go in, would you mind it, if they made you a better approach to
   the river. The Game Wardens haven’t done anything but looked. The beavers are now trying to
   chew down a foot and a half tree on Town Property. Kasey Peterson, offered to call people about
   it as she had done it when she worked for Brookfield. Board decided Kasey and Bruce would
   work on the Beaver Dam.
   Geoff also wanted to know if the Board would get someone had spoke to Rick about riprap the
   bank ( prior board approved) by the sewer plant and the horseshoe pits. Bruce said he would do it
   but doesn’t have a truck to put it in. Geoff said talked with Tad and he would do it but need a
   truck you can put stone in. Geoff said it has been waiting for almost three years.
   Re: Other Public Comments – Doug Stone said someone reported a person illegally riding in a
   field on Burger Road and he wanted the Board to know he had addressed it. He also thanked the
   Board for all their work on the Ordinance. Lastly he would like the Board to mark the Town
   Boundaries on the Class 4 Roads that border Vershire so four wheeler know where to stop. Levar
   said they would put it on the next agenda to be discussed.
8. Approve minutes: – Revisions to be made. Pass over
   a. 20 September 2022
   b. 6 September 2022
9. Administrative Assistant Report/Grants Administration:
   Re: Village Greens/Roberts- Field requests- no request yet, but one coming for next meeting
   Re: Hiring for water/wastewater – no applications sent in
   Re: Hiring for Administrative Assistant – no applications sent in
   Re: Update for 2023 budget planning/discussions (notification) – Karen said she emailed
   many of the people on the Budget Timeline and sent a draft of the letter to the Board.
   Levar said the Board doesn’t need to sign, just send from Admin. Send to appropriations.
   Geoff said there would be increases for First Branch Ambulance. Mark was trying to get
   a grant.
   The Library asked the Board to push back their budget. Levar said we just need to give
   them support/platform for their printed material
   Re: Arts grant/pellet furnace update
   Update on other grants Kasey- generator. She spoke to the Historical Preservation and the
   most important item is will our old wiring support a generator if it switches it. Karen
   suggested Rick Allen. Kasey also said if money were available that it would be a tough
   sell to get Historic Preservation to grant it because we are in the historic district. Karen
   stated try VLCT for grants. Karen concerned that power was necessary to run tabulator
   and we might need to come up with an emergency procedures for elections. Levar though
   Marianne and Tracy had someone check our building and suggests giving Tracy a call.
   There was discussion about where people will go in an emergency. Board requested
   Kasey speak with Tracy Simon
   Re: Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development Tour-Chelsea
   Levar stated White River Valley Consortium was able to get some Federal funding.
   Some people were going around to see if they could help with the housing issues in
   Vermont. Levar stated WRVC received around 200,00.00-300,00.00 for housing. Kasey
   and Levar attended. Geoff wanted to know why they weren’t around two years ago when
   we were tearing houses down for FEMA. Levar said he brought that up. Levar will let the
   Board know if a letter of support is needed.
   Geoff wants it on the record: “This is another example of the Government taking
   something and destroying it, then saying we have tax money we are going to pay you to
   rebuild it and create something that you had before, before we made an idiot PHD out of
   touch decision on what to do. Why do they pay us to destroy stuff in order t take our tax
   money to pay us to build the same stuff.
   Action: Merrill Whitney moved to approve orders. Bruce Hook secondrf the
   motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   General $4143.06
   Highway $24,283.85
   Water/Sewer $3616.41
10. Employee Vacancies -No Applications
11. Elected and Appointed office vacancies: None
12. Executive Session for Human Resources (1 VSA 313 (a)(3))
    Action: Levar Cole moved to enter executive session for Human Resources per 1 VSA
    313(a)(3) at 9.06 PM
    Action: Levar Cole moved to exit executive session at 9:22 PM
    Levar state there would be change to water staffing – A thank you letter to Mr. Hook for his
    work on the temporary water position as staff support to Mr. LaFrancis.
13. Meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM.
    The next regularly scheduled Selectboard meeting will be on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at 7:30
    pm at the Town Hall.

Chelsea Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 20, 2022, 7:30 pm at Chelsea Town Hall
Selectboard Members present: Levar Cole, Mark Whitney, Merrill Whitney, Bruce Hook
Other Town Employees present: Marianne McCann (Administrative Assistant)(Herald), Gayle Durkee (Treasurer), Rick Ackerman (Road Foreman), Nolan LaFrancis (COO Water System), Bernard Downing (Transfer Station Attendant).
Members of the public present: Heidi Chapman, Chris Byrne, Judy Libby, Andy Pomerantz, Kate Willard, Phillip Mulligan, Bob Frenier, Trudy Amber-Dowlin

1. Call Meeting to Order
   Meeting called to order by Levar Cole at 7:31 pm.
2. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
   None.
3. Changes to the Agenda
   AA requested the appointment of Town Moderator be moved forward in the meeting, if a candidate
   shows up as planned.
4. Supervisor Check-In
   Re: Transfer Station: Snook Downing stated concerns and opinions about stickers and pricing for
   residents and non-residents. Downing stated a ticket system might work. Action: discuss with Geoff
   Clayton.
   Re: Water System: Cole stated the Selectboard has hiring concerns and concerns about employee
   compensation. Cole stated the Selectboard has added a $4,000 signing bonus to the Assistant Chief
   Operator job ads. Nolan La Francis stated no problems or concerns at this time. About the hiring, if you
   can’t find help, you can’t find help.
   Re: Highway Dept: Rick Ackerman stated no labor concerns. Hook Road ditching project is underway and
   looking good. Truck will be sold tomorrow.
5. Town Clerk
   There are 3 Liquor License applications from the Wagon Wheel.
   Levar Cole moved to approve First Class Restaurant/Bar License (00230) for Wagon Wheel Bar and
   Grill. Mark Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   Levar Cole moved to approve Third Class Restaurant/Bar License (00233) for Wagon Wheel Bar and
   Grill. Merrill Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   Levar Cole moved to approve the Outside Consumption Permit (00234) for Wagon Wheel Bar and
   Grill. Bruce Hook seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
6. Town Treasurer
   Re: Budget: Durkee stated nothing drastic in budget. Hauling sand has been cut off. Nothing else until
   winter months. Orders presented. Request for Proposals for Audit updated and presented. Action: Place
   ad in Herald. Post full audit proposal on our website.
   Levar Cole moved to approve the RFP for Audit Services. Merrill Whitney seconded the motion.
   Motion passed unanimously.
   Re: Debit Card/Credit Card: Durkee proposed to have only one card with the Treasurer, no ATM
   withdrawals, standard point of sale limit of $2,500. Treasurer must be the primary signer. Admin. Asst.
   can have a card. Bank suggests a separate account with a balance of $2,500.
   Levar Cole moved to approve the debit card proposal, with the understanding that the proposed debit
   card restrictions will be amended to the Town of Chelsea purchasing policy. Mark Whitney seconded
   the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
   Mark Whitney moved to approve the orders. Merrill Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed
   unanimously.
   Orders Totalling:
   Payroll Town: 6,283.85
   Library: 3,617.65
   Town: 7,573.20
   General: 4,968.47
   Highway: 35,085.38
   Water/Sewer: 558.00
   Rec Dept.: 170.00
7. Department /Liaison Updates
   Highway: Bruce Hook reported the Truck will be sold tomorrow, the Old Town Garage will be painted by
   next week. The roof will be painted.
   Transfer Station: Geoff Clayton absent. Move to next agenda.
   Water/Wastewater: Nothing to report.
   Town Mowing RFP: Mark Whitney requests previous RFP language be checked in office files.
   Village Greens Maintenance Proposal: Mark Whitney requests extension of a couple Selectboard
   Meetings and then place back on agenda.
   Health Officer, Animal Control: Geoff Clayton absent. Move to next agenda.
   Zoning, AA, Planning Commission: Levar Cole requests date in October for Zoning Admin. 3 month
   employee review.
8. Use of ARPA money Discussion
   Proposal by Heidi Chapman to fund a quarterly newsletter, called Chelsea Spotlight, for 1 to 3 years for
   about $7,000. per year. Chapman stated the newsletter would be a paper newsletter, printed and
   mailed to everyone in Chelsea, and a digital online version. An 8 page dummy newsletter was presented.
   Proposal by Bob Frenier to fund a dental health center for $50,000.00 in ARPA funds for partial salaries
   for two dental care providers in the proposed new program’s first year. Chelsea Health Center’s dental
   partner, HealthHub, has been awarded $350,000 for two new dental trailers, one for adults, and one for
   school hygiene. The secondary request is for permission to locate the adult dental mobile unit on townowned land near the Old Town Garage for 3 -4 months per year.
   Proposal by Andy Pomerantz and Kate Willard to fund a trail system, or a planning effort for a trail
   system. Maybe have a committee. Potential trails discussed were downtown Chelsea to Rivendell Trail,
   trails through the Town Forest, and a proposed trail encircling the town of Chelsea.
   Question asked by Trudy Dowlin, does the Selectboard make the decision on it’s own?
   Levar Cole, answered yes. The Selectboard makes the final decision on ARPA money expenditures. The
   Selectboard has tried to solicit as many public ideas and proposals as possible. In the final analysis, we
   will make the decision. Our plan is to spend the money as best we can. We will leverage the Federal
   dollars as soon as we can. The Chelsea Selectboard has discussed the ARPA money in public meetings 8
   times in 2021, and 15 times in 2022, including a June 14th meeting that was a “brainstorming session”.
   Proposal by Phillip Mulligan for the Window Dressers program to build wood and plastic window inserts
   for the Town Clerk’s office at a cost of $495.01. We need to know by the end of the month. Mulligan
   also proposed an air loss and heat loss assessment on the Town Garage building using ARPA money as
   an energy focused project.
9. Public Comments
   None.
10. Approve Minutes
    Levar Cole read changes he had to the August 30 minutes and presented a written copy of the changes.
    Levar Cole moved to approve the Chelsea Selectboard Minutes of 30 August 2022 with the
    additions/corrections presented. Merrill Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
11. Administrative Assistant Report/ Grants Administration
    Levar Cole moved to approve the Highway Access Permit for Ruben Hook at 146 Hook Road. Mark
    Whitney seconded the motion. Motion passed with one abstention (Bruce Hook).
    A Roberts Gould Field request by the Chelsea Rec Committee was approved and signed for a soccer
    tournament on 9-25-22.
    A Roberts Gould Field request by First Branch Athletics was approved and signed for 5/6 soccer practice
    and games from Sept. 19 to October 28.
    Hiring for Water Dept and Admin. Asst: a $4,000 signing bonus was added to job ads posted on
    electronic water job boards. Admin Asst. job advertised in Herald. No candidates applied yet. Action:
    post Admin. Asst. job on Indeed, when possible with town debit card.
    Mark Whitney asked about the OWL and how can we do minutes with digital technology. Brief
    discussion re: minutes. How will we do minutes? Remote minutes? Remote Town Report? What parts of
    the Admin. Asst job can be done remotely?
    Scheduling for 2023 budget planning discussions: An updated version of last years schedule, with new
    dates presented to the board. Action: Send out email to all departments with dates.
    Arts Grant/ Pellet Furnace: Levar Cole reported to the Board on the changes and updates to the
    installation of the wood pellet furnace in the Town Hall. Inspection and Proposal for a new chimney liner
    from Chimney Savers was scheduled.
    Update on other Grants: none.
    Vermont Land Trust/Taylor-Putney Conservation Easement. Letter presented. Selectboard can respond
    if disagrees with analysis. Cole will respond for the Selectboard.
    Levar Cole stated, as a follow-up on the trail system plan by Kate Willard, that sometimes there is seed
    money by horse groups, for trail damage done by horses, in order for the horse groups to be allowed to
    go on the trails. Sometimes the horse groups come out and maintain the trails. Sometimes ATV groups
    come out and maintain the trails. We are working out what we can do for the community. The ATV folks
    were really interested and volunteered to do the work. Should we consider something like this for multi
    use trails? Who are these trails for? Foot trails? Bike trails? ATV trails? Horse trails? We have ATV
    volunteers who have already told us they would do the work. What can the board do to support you,
    Mark Whitney, in the activity of making a trail proposal, or a town forest proposal?
12. Appointments
    None.
13. Executive Session for Human Resources
    None.
14. Adjourn
    Meeting adjourned at 9:50 pm.
    The next regularly scheduled Chelsea Selectboard Meeting will be Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 7:30 in
    the Chelsea Town Hall.