Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 8:02 a.m. Selectboard members Edee Edwards, Lewis Sumner, and Earl Holtz were present. Brad Rafus and Robbin Gabriel were also in attendance.

Changes and/or Additions to Agenda

None.

New Business

Sign Road Commissioner’s Orders
The Road Commissioner’s orders were reviewed and signed.

Other Business

Highway Department
Holden has one final task to complete at the Old County North bridge, so no date has been set for a project close-out meeting. Holtz said the town has received a bill for $77,000, which will be paid in October.

Rafus told the Board the containment tank is ready to be set in place, the permit for the salt shed addition has been issued, and the contractor will start setting piers on Thursday.

Sumner and Rafus described their time spent Wednesday with VTrans representative Steve Ovenden examining post-Irene repair work around town. Originally, Rafus had expected the review would include only the Hale Road and Deer Park bridges, but in fact the group took a look at all 46 projects. Ovenden praised the work and said Halifax was ahead of other towns with comparable damage. The way is now clear for the state to reimburse the town.

Edwards had two queries about the Winter Roads policy. The first concerned a reference to a state statute which, after discussion, the Board concluded could be removed. Secondly, she wanted to confirm that the clause permitting highway crew members to work a 14-hour stretch, followed by a six-hour rest period, was in conformance with existing labor law. Rafus said plowing is considered an emergency operation, and he gave some examples of similar practices followed by surrounding towns. Edwards will put the question to VLCT.

Continuing a discussion from earlier meetings about highway crew uniforms, Rafus said RIBCO Supply (R. I. Baker’s) has the best quality products for the price. He hasn’t been able to find a rental supplier willing to come to Halifax to outfit a five-man crew. Rafus advised having the town purchase shirts, vests, and jackets, then providing an allowance so the crew could buy pants. Footwear would also be provided by the town. He has been compiling some numbers, which he will give to the Board for consideration at the next meeting.

New Business (continued)

Administrative Assistant Discussion
At this point Rafus left the meeting. Sumner made a motion to go into executive session for a personnel discussion. Holtz seconded the motion, which passed 3-0. Gabriel turned off the recorder and left the room and executive session commenced at 8:48 a.m.

The Board came out of executive session at 10:00 a.m., with no decisions made. Gabriel returned to the meeting. Holtz made a motion to hire Gabriel as the Board’s administrative assistant for the remainder of the fiscal year at a $12,000 yearly stipend. Edwards seconded the motion, which passed, 3-0.

A special meeting was scheduled for Friday, October 3^rd, at 6:00 p.m. to discuss best methods of workload transfer.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 10:06 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Robbin Gabriel
Selectboard Secretary