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Town of Chelsea asks RSU 12 to split school-owned parcel so town can build new office; board authorizes legal consultation
Summary
A Town of Chelsea presenter told the RSU 12 board the VA authorized splitting a parcel the district owns so the town can build a new town office and spend ARA funds by the end of 2026; the board voted to authorize district attorneys and the superintendent to pursue deed changes and consultation with VA counsel.
A presenter for the Town of Chelsea told the RSU 12 board the town has received an attorney’s permission from the Veterans Administration to proceed with breaking off a portion of school-owned land so the town can build a new town office and use ARPA/ARA funds before the end of 2026.
The presenter summarized the district’s prior agreement (the town would pay surveying costs and deed-change expenses while the board granted the parcel) and said the VA attorney’s written approval means the town can move forward if RSU 12 authorizes the necessary deed work. "I am asking this board to possibly take action to allow your attorney... to move forward with breaking that piece off," the presenter said.
Board members discussed background and logistics: prior approvals, deed covenants that historically limited land use to education, septic and well connections, and three design options under current engineering review (full renovation, renovation with addition, or demolish and build on the parceled piece). Michael Lemlin and other participants described prior mapping and efforts to avoid taking active play space when the parcel was originally considered.
Monique moved and a board member seconded a motion authorizing the superintendent and the district’s legal counsel to consult with the VA and the Bond Bank, complete deed-change steps and pursue required surveys and reimbursements. The chair called the vote; the motion passed by voice/Zoom assent.
The presenter said the town will provide cost estimates before further action and that the town’s select board is prepared to reimburse survey and deed costs consistent with the original agreement. The board asked the superintendent and counsel to coordinate next steps and to report back to the board with details from the engineers and legal review.
The board record shows no final construction decision; engineers will return design options and cost information for future board consideration.
