CONSERVATION COMMISSION of the TOWN OF HALIFAX
Regular Meeting, Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 6:30 PM
Remote Only
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7814490827?pwd=VWV4NEpIQm9yakd6WmU4ZGwvT1BmQT09&omn=84215112135
Meeting ID: 781 449 0827 Passcode: 234
One tap mobile +13052241968,,7814490827#,,,,*234# US
MINUTES
Attendees: Stephan Chait (Chair; SC), Laurel Copeland (Secretary; LC), Mary Horne (Member; MH), Nancy McCrae (NM; guest), Diana Conway (DC; guest), Linda Huebner (guest, LH),
Unable to attend: Dov Towler (Member; DT), Lesley Pollitt (Treasurer; LP)
CALL TO ORDER at 6:34 pm
HEARING OF VISITORS – LH mentioned that things are perking up regarding the triangle at Whitneyville Road and is likely to be an item in a month.
CHANGES AND/OR ADDITIONS TO AGENDA – None.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES – March 27, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes were approved unanimously by the members present.
NEW BUSINESS
Joining the Association of Vermont Conservation Commissions – membership ($50) is required by a town commission to apply for the small grants that are of interest to LH and CC members to fund preparation of a town park, and also of interest to leverage support for issues the CC puts to the State legislature. A motion to join was proposed and seconded then voted in unanimously.
Preparations for applying for and managing Grants – LC said that the Halifax Community Club would like to be the sponsor and receive and manage the funds; SC related that the Town of Halifax has a grants account that could also receive the funds and pay invoices.
Town Right of Way
Snow Plowing and Things in the Right of Way (ROW) – the roads have been widened over the past several years. Trees and other items in the ROW impede road management. Widening the roads has destroyed some historical structures and trees in the town. NM wondered about the Conservation Commission thoughts or position on the issue and that there is some protection for stone walls. LC commented that some stone walls on Hanson Road have been absorbed in the road which is widened only on the non-mailbox side. MH described a build-up of gravel plowed off the road and onto the edges and lawns which homeowners then need to rake back into the road. SC described contractors repairing Vaughn Road and moving stone walls then not restoring them; contracts could specify they have to restore stone walls they move. SC would like to approach the Halifax Historical Society on this topic. NM wondered if the roads will take 50 feet no matter what, regardless of yards, gardens, stone walls. SC noted that we should have an idea of what things should be protected. Act 64 stone-lined ditches exempt stone walls, but this is more of a town issue. LH mentioned that two households on their road noted more extensive damage from this past snow season.
Invasive Plants in the Right of Way – the ROW is on private property, but the town has the right to manage it, so this question can be brought to the Select Board per Town Clerk. NM mentioned that there is a statute that states that only the landowner and the town can cut plants in the ROW, so landowner’s permission should be sought; see Title 19: Highways, Chapter 9, subchapter 1 § 901. Removal of roadside growth.
Senate Bill S. 4 – An Act Relating to the Maintenance and Use of Legal Trails; under consideration. Currently a Legal Trail cannot serve as road frontage for a residence.
Election of Chair, Clerk, and Treasurer as required by Title 24, Chapter 118 section 4505 – Stephan Chait was elected chair, Laurel Copeland as clerk, and Lesley Pollitt as Treasurer.
OLD BUSINESS
Review of Zoning Permit Application Form – Tom Fox asked for comments and suggestions. Some members felt the form included needed items and that events have provided education for review. SC pointed out the form online and from T Fox still did not ask about enrollment in Value Use Appraisal (Current Use) and related issues. SC will bring these concerns back to the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Advocating for prohibiting bait hunting, hound hunting and trapping
Connecting with other Conservation Commissions – after joining AVCC we will connect on this topic
Recycling Workshop/Forum May 3, 2025, at Community Hall – DC said she will have flyers from Casella, the town’s current contractor for recycling bins at the Highway Department. Alex Lacy from WSWMD will talk about being a better recycler at 11 a.m.
Decision Regarding Proposed Campground – For the campground on Thurber Road, the Planning Commission was to send a letter to the landowner with conditions. NM believes the permit was approved based on 12 nights total maximum for all camp sites on a 262-acre parcel, where the maximum of 12 nights means a septic system is not required.
OTHER BUSINESS – None.
ADJOURNMENT at 7:37 pm.
Link to video recording https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/llEvNF55usgBvI8xIey2rIVhXjlHJVbjKutyVWkIUTcZKioVSnVcG35WFey44o4s.Sh4oPdMBYOeVQzdR
Passcode: t^8hY1Cw