News
Changes to Vermont Open Meeting Laws
There are some new changes to Vermont’s Open Meeting Law that go into effect beginning on July 1st, 2024. Please see the information below regarding these changes:
Transparency is an essential element of an open and democratic government. In Vermont, the Open Meeting Law ensures that meetings of governmental bodies remain accessible by declaring that “[a]ll meetings of a public body are declared to be open to the public at all times, except as provided in section 313 of this title.” 1 V.S.A. § 312(a). The Open Meeting Law, and its requirements, empower the public to play an effective role, not only as an active participant in government but as a check on it. The law is found in 1 V.S.A. §§ 310-314.
The Open Meeting Law has recently been updated to change with the times. In response to the sunsetting on July 1st of the temporary authority to allow local public bodies to meet remotely during the COVID pandemic, the Legislature passed, and the Governor signed into law, Act 133 (S.55). Act 133, which is effective July 1st of 2024, makes permanent the ability of some local and State public bodies (e.g. advisory bodies) to meet without designating a physical meeting location (i.e. remotely), while imposing upon others (non-advisory bodies) the requirement to record and post their meetings. These are just some of the highlights of the new law.
If you would like to read more about these changes, please see the overview from the Vermont League of Cities and Towns HERE.
Selectboard Meeting Agenda – July 2, 2024
| Selectboard Meeting Agenda |
| July 2nd, 2024 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall |
| I. Call to Order |
| II. Additions to the Agenda |
| III. Conflict of Interest Disclosure |
| IV. Public Comments |
| V. Approve Minutes from June 18th, 2024 |
| VI. Current Events and Updates |
| Presentation on Community Nursing from Jodi Hoyt |
| Press Release for Library Grant |
| Town Administrator Update |
| Town Hall Space Needs Update |
| Future Agenda Items: Budget Update Later in July |
| VII. Action Items |
| Town Garage Heating Fuel Contract |
| Village Green Request: Chintana Herrin, Outdoor Games & Ice Cream Social for Adults on July 18th |
| Town Administrator Signing and Purchasing Authority |
| Listers: Reappraisal |
| Approve Orders |
| VIII. Executive Session If Necessary |
| IX. Adjournment |
| Links to join the Selectboard Meeting: https://meet.google.com/fwf-ayyb-acq https://www.youtube.com/@ChelseaVTSelectboardOfficial/streams |
2023 Consumer Confidence Report
This report is a snapshot of the quality of the water that we provided in 2023. Included are the details about where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state standards. We are committed to providing you with information because informed customers are our best allies. This report is designed to inform you about the quality water and services we deliver to you every day. To learn more, please attend any of our regularly scheduled meetings which are held at Chelsea’s regular Selectboard meetings on the first and third Tuesday of every month at the Chelsea Town Hall.
The person who can answer questions is Mike Whipple Telephone: 802-685-7727 and/or Email: wschiefoperator@chelseavt.us
You can read the report here: 2023 Consumer Confidence Report
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – June 18, 2024
| Selectboard Meeting Minutes |
| June 18th, 2024 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall |
| Call to Order |
| Kevin Marshia called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. SELECTBOARD Kevin Marshia (Present) Kelly Lyford (Present) Gregg Herrin (Present) Leyna Hoyt (Present) Jesse Kay (Absent) TOWN EMPLOYEES Tierney Farago (Town Administrator) Rick Ackerman (Highway Supervisor) |
| Additions to the Agenda |
| Information on Vermont’s updated open meeting laws was discussed later in the meeting; Town committees will need to electronically record and post their meeting beginning July 1st among other updated rules. Highway Update item was added; Rick Ackerman gave a brief highway update. Rick talked about the new highway road position opening and the need for a new truck that will be bid on in the coming weeks. Some concerns on large rocks in the roads were brought up, prompting discussion on the topic of procedures on grading. |
| Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None |
| Public Comments |
| Carrie And Tim wanted an update on the process of fixing the pedestrian bridge near their home. Cheslea is working on the FEMA grants pertaining to the bridge, but debris is still at the site from the flood. The Selectboard asked Rick Ackerman if he could investigate the costs of getting the debris removed in the interim. |
| Approve Minutes from June 4th, 2024 |
| Leyna Hoyt made a motion to approve the June 4th minutes. Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed with four votes in favor. |
| Current Events and Updates |
| Horseshoe Pit Art Concern: Residents attended to give background to the history behind horseshoe art that was previously removed due to a concern brought by an anonymous source. Kelly Lyford made a motion to keep the horseshoe art where it was and to dedicate a plaque or sign explaining the history of the horseshoe art for the community to view; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed with four votes in favor. |
| Update from Windsor County Sheriff: Sheriff Ryan Palmer gave a brief update on the status of the police activity in Chelsea. The Selectboard asked some questions regarding the increase in police activity and the decrease in crime. Sheriff Palmer will continue to provide information regarding crime in the Town. |
| Quarterly Library Update: Kezia Frayjo gave a presentation regarding the library’s activity in terms of visitors, budget, and goals for the future. A quarterly update will be now be given for the Town’s benefit. |
| Health Center Update: Leyna Hoyt and Gregg Herrin discussed the space needs for the Town and Library and how the Health Center might be able to meet those needs. Furtherresearch and discussion is required to determine if the site would be suitable for the Town’s needs. |
| Action Items |
| Marty Gratz FEMA Elevation: Marty Gratz required the Town’s support in requesting a grant from FEMA for Hazard Mitigation. The Town would act as an intermediary in order to possibly obtain the grant funding so that Ms. Gratz’s home can be elevated to avoid future flood damage. The Selectboard discussed and determined that the grant would not pose a risk to the Town. Kelly Lyford made a motion to allow the Town Administrator to send a letter of interest on behalf of Ms. Gratz to begin this process; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed with four votes in favor. |
| Liquor Licenses: Hubble Shire Farm (277 VT-110): Renewal of the First Class Liquor License and Outside Consumption Licenses for Hubble Shire Farm. Kelly Lyford made a motion to approve the First Class Hotel Liquor License Renewal; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed with four votes in favor. Kelly Lyford made a motion to approve the Outside Consumption Liquor License Renewal; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed with four votes in favor. |
| Heath Field Use Request: Bill Smith: Use of the Heath Field for a Community Soccer Camp from 9:00 am-12:30 pm July 8th-11th. Leyna Hoyt made a motion to approve the use of Heath Field; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed with four votes in favor. |
| Village Greens Request: Bill Smith: Use of the Village Greens for a Community Patriotic Service from 8:30 am-12:30 pm June 20th. Leyna Hoyt made a motion to approve the use of the Village Green; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed with four votes in favor. |
| Johnathan Maier & Kezia Frayjo Access Permit: Highway Access Permit for 13 Stone Rd. Leyna Hoyt made a motion to approve the Highway Road Access Permit; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed with four votes in favor. |
| Treasurer: Joel Carminati Contract: This item was tabled for the next Selectboard meeting to obtain the physical contract. |
| Approve Orders Gregg Herrin made a motion to approve orders; Leyna Hoyt seconded the motion. Motion passed with four votes in favor. |
| Executive Session If Necessary: None |
| Adjournment Leyna Hoyt made a motion to adjourn; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed with four votes in favor and the meeting was adjourned at 8:49 pm. |
Agendas | News | Selectboard
Selectboard Meeting Agenda – June 18, 2024
| Selectboard Meeting Agenda |
| June 18th, 2024 6:30 pm Chelsea Town Hall |
| I. Call to Order |
| II. Additions to the Agenda |
| III. Conflict of Interest Disclosure |
| IV. Public Comments |
| V. Approve Minutes from June 4th, 2024 |
| VI. Current Events and Updates |
| Horseshoe Pit Art Concern |
| Update from Windsor County Sheriff |
| Quarterly Library Update |
| Health Center Update |
| VII. Action Items |
| Marty Gratz FEMA Elevation |
| Liquor Licenses: Hubble Shire Farm (277 VT-110) |
| Heath Field Use Request: Bill Smith |
| Village Greens Request: Bill Smith |
| Johnathan Maier & Kezia Frayjo Access Permit |
| Treasurer: Joel Carminati Contract |
| Approve Orders |
| VIII. Executive Session If Necessary |
| IX. Adjournment |
| Links to join the Selectboard Meeting: https://meet.google.com/fwf-ayyb-acq https://www.youtube.com/@ChelseaVTSelectboardOfficial/streams |
Job Opportunity: Full-Time Road Maintenance Worker
Road Maintenance Worker
Department: Town of Chelsea Highway Department
Status: 40 hrs per week, year-round and as needed weekends, and holidays – mostly in the winter. Salary: $22-$25 hourly
Job Summary: This Position is responsible for performing various duties in the maintenance of the Town of Chelsea Road System under the direction of the Road Foreman and the Selectboard.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
a. Performs daily work on the Roads as directed by the Road Foreman
b. Performs daily General Maintenance and review on Town Equipment to make sure everything is proper working order
c. Clear roads of snow and trees, brush, and sands roads after storms
d. Roadside Mowing and clearing brush and trees, clean up and repairs after storms
e. Replacement of culverts and ditch cleaning
f. Wash, clean, and perform preventive maintenance on equipment, including changing oil and greasing
g. Perform general housekeeping duties on a daily basis
h. Perform other related duties as assigned
Knowledge Required by this Position:
a. Knowledge of Town and Department Policies and procedures
b. Skills in troubleshooting, evaluation, and basic repairs of various types of job-related equipment
c. Skills in using hand and power tools
d. Skills in oral and written communication
Guidelines: Federal and State Environmental Regulations, Department policies and procedures, OSHA and VOSHA Safety rules and regulations. These guidelines are generally clear and specific. If there are any questions, ask the Road Foreman.
Contacts with the Public: Most of the contact with people is with road crew workers, but at times this may include contact with the public. These contacts are to be kind and courteous.
Physical Demands: The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, kneeling, or stooping. The employee must lift light and heavy objects, climb ladders and stairs, use tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity.
Work Environment: The work is performed on and around the Town of Chelsea road system. The employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, grease, machinery with moving parts, and inclement weather. The work requires protective devices such as goggles, gloves, etc.
Supervisory and Management Responsibilities: None – Employee will serve under the direction of the Road Foreman.
Minimum Qualifications:
a. High School Diploma or equivalent, with ability to read, write and communicate effectively.
b. Must possess a Valid Driver’s License.
c. Must possess a State of Vermont CDL Class B License with Air Brake endorsement.
d. Be available to work weekends and holidays.
e. Be available to respond within 30 minutes to a call out associated with the Town of Chelsea Road system emergency work: i.e. Summer heavy rainstorms, High windstorms, Snowstorms, etc.
f. Experience: At least 2 years of Road Experience and at least one year of plowing experience with plow and wing.
g. Must pass a drug screen test.
Discrimination Policy: The Town of Chelsea condemns racism and welcomes all persons regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age or disability and wants everyone to feel safe and welcome in our community. As a town, we formally condemn discrimination in all its forms, commit to fair and equal treatment of everyone in our community, and will strive to ensure all our actions, policies and operating procedures reflect this commitment.
How To Apply: Please fill out the Job Application listed on the website and send to the Town Administrator at town.administrator@chelseavt.us.
Request for Proposals – Engineering Services
Project Description – The Town of Chelsea had impacts to a number of critical transportation assets as the result of flooding during July 2023. The Town is seeking design engineering, permitting, right of way, utility, and construction phase services for six different locations as part of this proposal. It is important to note that these projects must be proposed, developed, constructed, invoiced, and accounted for separately in order to comply with FEMA Public Assistance requirements.
For full details on the scope of work and phases of construction click HERE.
The deadline for submissions is 12:00 PM Thursday, July 11, 2024.
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – June 4, 2024
Selectboard Meeting Agenda
4 June 2024
6:30 PM
Chelsea Town Hall
- Call meeting to order-Kelly Lyford called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
Selectboard
Kevin Marshia (Absent)
Kelly Lyford (Present)
Gregg Herrin (Present)
Leyna Hoyt (Absent)
Jesse Kay (Present)
Town Employees
Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)
Karen Lathrop (Town Clerk)
Gayle Durkee (Town Treasurer)
Rick Ackerman (Highway Supervisor)
- Additions to the Agenda
A highway access permit is required for Johnathan Maier. The Selectboard has agreed to put it on the June 18th Selectboard Meeting agenda. - Conflict of Interest Disclosure
No conflicts of interest. - Public Comments
Damian Hook had public comments regarding his experience with the Developmental Review Board and Zoning Administrator. Gregg Herrin will discuss his concerns further and communicate with the DRB. - Approve Minutes 7 May 2024
Jesse Kay made a motion to approve the minutes and Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed with three votes in favor. - Introduction of Tierney Farago – New Town Administrator
Tierney Farago was introduced as the new Town Administrator. The town website will be
updated with the following contact information:
Tierney Farago (Town Administrator)
Hours: Monday-Friday 8am -5pm (12pm-1pm lunch hour)
Address: 301 Vt Route 110, Chelsea, VT 05038
PO Box 266
Phone: 802-625-2023
- Treasurer
a. Budget Update: Discussion regarding the Town budget; this included concern on the high usage of the gravel budget. The Selectboard wanted to know if there was room for movement with other budget line items to compensate for this usage. They would also like to be aware of any possible areas in the budget that might become tight over the summer.
b. Joel Carminati Contract: Discussion was tabled until the next Selectboard meeting.
c. Water Sewer: Town Treasurer advised that notices were sent to residents that have not paid their water and/or sewer bills yet (due June 7th). The Selectboard requested the Treasurer and Town Administrator post notices to the resident’s door, giving them three-day notice prior to discontinuance of water service if non-payment continues. - Health Center Update
The Selectboard briefly discussed the viability of the Health Center for use of the Town employees or the Library. The Board plans to look into overall space needs for town offices and infrastructure requirements for the Library prior to moving forward with any decisions. - Forest and Parks Commission
Tabled for June 18th meeting. - Appoint 911 Coordinator
Jesse Kay made a motion to nominate Tierney Farago to be the Town’s 911 Coordinator; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed with three votes in favor. - FEMA – Mold Mediation
Kelly Lyford updated the public on her interaction with FEMA regarding funded for mold issues caused by the flood. FEMA has communicated that the Town should withdraw their application as they may not be approved for the grant and suggested other avenues of obtaining funding. The board agreed to withdraw the FEMA project for mold mitigation. - Approve Orders
Jesse Kay made a motion to approve orders; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed with three votes in favor. - Executive Session if Necessary
Executive session to discuss personnel matter. Jesse Kay made a motion to move to executive session; Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Selectboard went to executive session at 7:56 pm. They exited executive session at 8:35 pm. No action was taken. - Adjourn
Jesse made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Gregg Herrin seconded the motion. Motion passed with 3 votes in favor and the meeting was adjourned at 8:36 pm