TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Draft
December 7, 2021
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:00pm. Selectboard members present: Lewis Sumner, Pete Silverberg, Tristan Roberts, Earl Holtz and Cara Cheyette. Others in attendance: Mary Brewster, Edee Edwards, Mike Fournier and Andy Rice.
CHANGES OR ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
Andy Rice re work of constable, and Admin job description.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES
Approved November 16 and November 20 minutes as written, 4-0
(Roberts wasn’t yet present)
Approved December 4, 2021 minutes as written, 3-0
(Holtz abstained; Roberts wasn’t yet present)
NEW BUSINESS
Constable: Rice provided in-depth history and context for scope and limitations of constable’s authority, nature of his work, collaborations with other authorities and opportunity for some high level reporting.
Highway department:
New Truck: Fournier described problems that have plagued trucks. Motion made and seconded to start process of putting out a bid for a new truck. Motion passed, 5-0.
Guardrails. Motion made to accept $11,811 bid from Vermont Recreational Surfacing & Fencing to install 750 feet of guardrail on Green River Road using Town materials and company-supplied used but suitable material. Passed 5-0.
Raises: Motion made to give 3% percent raise at first of year. Passed 5-0.
Other topics discussed : crack sealing costs ($4,250/8-hour day = 2.5-4 lane miles, adding 7-9 years of life to road); personal time (new hires to accrue time based on the date of hire); cell phone and tablet; Better Road Grants; beavers.
Town Meeting logistics: No decision made. Will revisit in January.
OLD BUSINESS
ARPA Funds and Broadband.
Mask Policy: Motion made but not seconded to adopt a policy, not seconded. Discussion followed.
Post Office update.
OTHER BUSINESS
Form and substance of draft budget to be made available on website. Update: Available now here: https://halifaxvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Halifax-DRAFT-Budget-2022-2023-As-of-12-14-2021.xlsx
Admin Assistant job description, will be marked up for discussion at next meeting.
Fournier’s resignation from Cemetery Commission submitted via letter.
KAS test results: Town garage well showed slight, under limit, results of 1.5NG/L. Rafus and Phelan wells were non-detects.
HEARING OF VISITORS
None.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
None.
SELECTBOARD ORDER TO TREASURER FOR PAYMENT
CORRESPONDENCE
Overweight permit application: motion made to grant it, passed 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:19pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Cara Cheyette
For the Selectboard
Recording link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HArIvwTPPf8