OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
Town of Halifax, Vermont
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
February 4, 2014
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:33 pm. Board members in attendance were Lewis Sumner, Earl Holtz, and Edee Edwards. Others in attendance were Jessica Bruno, Margo Avakian, Ray Combs, Greg Marguet, and Bob Spencer (Windham Solid Waste Management).
Approval of Minutes
Edwards made a motion to accept the 1/18/14 Special meeting minutes as corrected. Holtz seconded the motion, which passed 3-0-0.
Holtz made a motion to accept the 1/21/14 Regular meeting minutes as corrected. Edwards seconded the motion, which passed 3-0-0.
Holtz made a motion to accept the 1/25/14 Special meeting minutes as written. Sumner seconded the motion, which passed 3-0-0.
Sumner made a motion to accept the 1/27/14 Regular meeting minutes as written. Holtz seconded the motion, which passed 3-0-0.
Sumner made a motion to accept the 1/28/14 Special meeting minutes as corrected. Holtz seconded the motion, which passed 3-0-0.
New Business
Universal Recycling- Windham Solid Waste Management
Bob Spencer from Windham Solid Waste Management discussed the new universal recycling law (Act 148). A timeline and additional information can be found attached.
The group discussed considering a food compost operation on the closed landfill. Spencer explained that a small food waste composting permit is required and he can assist with the permit process if the town decides to pursue that. An operator certification course would also be needed.
Spencer reported that the district has not made a decision to remove recycling bins yet.
Hearing of Visitors
No additional comments were made.
Old Business
Old County North Bridge Bids
The Selectboard has not heard back from Holden Engineering regarding the bids. The bids came in much higher than expected so the budget has been adjusted accordingly but they are concerned about the cost. Edwards contacted VLCT about bonding (chapter 17 of municipal handbook) but timing is a challenge.
CDBG Proposal Review
Edwards received an email from WRC that indicated that they can’t do CDBG applications at no cost anymore. In the future, they will have to hire someone to put them together. The town will need a public hearing before the application is submitted. The Selectboard will look for a volunteer to push the grant through- perhaps the Co-EMD’s should take charge should the grant be awarded. The Planning Commission should also be involved.
The Selectboard took a break at 7:48pm and returned at 7:50pm.
Municipal Planning Grant Contracting
The Planning Commission and the WRC proposed a contract for grant administration, evaluation and update of zoning regulations, update maps, help manage public education and involvement etc.
Sumner made a motion to sign the contract for updating the Halifax Zoning Bylaws with Windham Regional Commission not to exceed $7,800. Holtz seconded the motion, which passed 3-0-0.
Administrative Assistant Duties
The Selectboard discussed potential duties of an administrative assistant in preparation for town meeting.
-Highway time tickets and tracking
-Preparing orders in advance of meeting
-Write grants
-Basic legal and research
-Tracking and analysis of Selectboard and Highway budget
-Attend Selectboard meetings
-Scheduling of meetings
-Help with town report and budgets
-Purchasing assistance (PO’s, RFQ’s, Bids etc)
-Policy review and writing
-Attend regional meetings when Selectboard can’t attend
-Basic project planning
Other Business
Liaison Reports
Holtz reported that he went with Rafus to find a laptop and set it up. The EOC is set up with three laptops connected to the printer.
The Selecboard agreed that the EMD’s should not pursue gathering a database of resident data as it is not a priority now. The EMD’s should go ahead with VT Alert training. They received a letter regarding state assistance after a natural disaster and we need to make sure we go through and follow up on the items that need to be addressed (update the Hazard Mitigation Plan and LEOP). It was also noted that the EMD’s need to tell them when they need to put something on the agenda so they can discuss it.
Sumner noted that all of the trucks are back in order and are getting ready for the storm.
Edwards reported that Halifax won the Deer Park bridge appeal and will be compensated $18,577.50). Moore is confident we should have the payment by the end of the fiscal year.
Edwards reported that she did not receive any information from the Planning Commission regarding a letter to VTel. The VTel representative listed in the project package no longer works there, so any feedback can be forwarded to Kane Smart. The town will be notified when VTel submits the application to the public service board. The public will then have 21 days to make comments.
Other Business
Edwards reported that they received a VLCT alert. July 1, 2014 is the expiration date for the prohibition of bylaws regulating communications facilities. Law H693 would repeal the end date. If it passes, all future telecommunications can go through the streamlined process.
Holtz reported that a bulletin board has been set up at Halifax Center.
Edwards reported that the Selectboard will need to make an appointment for the Whitingham Public Library Trustee position. The position will then be on the ballot next year. The trustees will make a recommendation to the town.
Sumner made a motion to renew the maintenance agreement for the emergency generators for one year with Powers Generator Service LLC for $740. Edwards seconded the motion, which passed 3-0-0.
Future Agenda Items
-Old County North Bridge
-CDBG Proposal
-Library
The Selectboard discussed writing up a formal agreement with the fire department regarding the EOC space.
Edwards received an email from Nick and Maggie Bartenhagen regarding the WRC meeting about the VTel project. The WRC committee deferred to the town.
Correspondence
The mail was reviewed and 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 9:30pm
Respectfully submitted,
Jessica Bruno
Selectboard Secretary