Town of Halifax, Vermont
MINUTES
December 15, 2009
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:31 PM. Board members in attendance were John LaFlamme and Lewis Sumner. Board member Mitchell Green was absent. Others in attendance were Margo Avakian, Brad Rafus, Christina Moore, Andrew Rice, Malcolm Sumner, and Board Secretary Phyllis Evanuk.
Approval of Minutes
Mr. Sumner moved to accept the minutes of the December 1, 2009 meeting as written.
Mr. LaFlamme seconded the motion.
The motion carried 2-0, and the minutes were approved.
New Business
Ø Malcolm Sumner was in attendance to request approval to apply for a grant from the state for the purchase of brush fire fighting equipment. He advised that the grant would pay 50% of the cost. The equipment to be purchased is 6 one hundred foot lengths of forestry hose, 6 helmets, and 6 pairs of safety glasses. The cost to the town would be $455.94.
Mr. LaFlamme moved to support the Fire Warden’s request and authorize payment of $455.94, ½ the grant amount.
Mr. Sumner seconded the motion, which carried 2-0.
Ø Mr. LaFlamme asked if there were any additional comments from the public regarding the Whitingham Aldrich road matter. Hearing none he advised that the Board would present a letter to the Whitingham Selectboard at the public hearing on December 16th, and advise them of the concerns that Halifax residents have regarding discontinuance of a portion of Aldrich Road.
Hearing of Visitors
Ø Christina Moore was in attendance to announce her resignation from the Planning Commission and from the ZBA. She advised that her commitment to and involvement in the EMS program and the required training that is necessary leaves her no time to devote to the two boards. She further advised that she had tried to recruit a replacement but could find no one willing to step in. As requested, she submitted a written resignation.
Ø Mrs. Moore presented on behalf of the Constable the invoices for the grant for radios.
Ø Mrs. Moore inquired about the budget procedure to be followed this year for requesting money from the Town for Halifax EMS.
The Board advised that it should be done the same as last year, with a separate article on the warning.
Ø Mr. Rice arrived during the meeting and advised that he had some revised paperwork for the grant that he wanted to submit.
Ø Mr. Rice advised that in regard to a matter involving dogs killing livestock, he had located the owner of the dogs but he is doubtful that the owner would be financially responsible. He therefore requested that the Board pay the amount of the losses from the dog license funds, which he advised are for such a purpose. A statement of the monetary losses was submitted.
Ø Ms. Evanuk advised the Board that both she as Secretary to the Planning Commission and Town Treasurer Patty Dow were looking for direction in processing subdivision application fees. She noted that there are significant costs associated with legal notices and filings in the land records, and she would like to have a standard procedure for getting this money into the general fund.
Mr. LaFlamme moved to put the $100 subdivision application fee into the General Fund.
Mr. Sumner seconded the motion, which carried 2-0.
Old Business
None
Other Business
Ø Mr. Rafus advised that there was a spot in the middle of the Reed Hill Road bridge where the asphalt is lifting. He has spoken with the contractor who advised that it will be taken care of in the spring. He advised that it might have been a spot in the mix that caused it, which happens. The area is not in a place where vehicles will be impacted by it.
Communications/Mail
The Board read the letter of resignation from Christina Moore.
Mr. LaFlamme moved to regretfully accept the resignation from the Planning Commission and the ZBA, and to send a letter of appreciation.
Mr. Sumner seconded the motion, which carried 2-0.
The mail was reviewed and appropriately filed.
Selectmen’s Order to Town Treasurer for bill payment
The order for payment of bills was completed and signed.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:54 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Phyllis H. Evanuk
Secretary