OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES – DRAFT
December 9, 2024
6:00 PM AT THE HALIFAX TOWN OFFICE
CALL TO ORDER
Edee Edwards called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. Also present were Selectboard members Rhonda Ashcraft, Randy Pike, Tristan Roberts (remote). Highway Supervisor Mike Fournier was also present. Two candidates joined at various times.
CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
None.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Edwards made a motion to go into executive session for the purpose of interviewing Highway Maintenance Worker candidates per 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)(3). Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 3-0. Recording was stopped at 6:02 PM.
At 7:32 PM, the board came out of executive session. No decisions were made in executive session.
NEW BUSINESS
Edwards noted that the board interviewed two candidates and asked for feedback on them.
Ashcraft stated that we had one candidate that was really qualified. Pike said that both candidates had things to offer. Both were go-getters. One has a CDL now, the other will have one shortly. He stated that one candidate had more experience for the job at hand. Edwards added that in addition to agreeing with these statements, given that this is placed-based job, the candidate who lives in town offers that advantage to the town as well to make an offer to Greg Dekoschak. Fournier said Greg would be his recommendation, concurring that his residence in town and knowledge of the roads and job skills are benefits. Edwards further noted his history of safety consciousness as well as him seeming easy-going.
Edwards noted that Roberts had been present. He joined remotely and a little late, and he was not able to stay the full time, but was in the meeting for the bulk of the executive session. Christofferson was unable to attend.
Edwards talked about wages in the current job market and budget impact. Edwards suggested that something like $28 might be an offer to make, although this would have budget implications for the coming year.
Ashcraft and Pike felt this would put pressure on the town to increase wages further for others. Edwards offered an (inaccurate) amount that said a dollar/hour about our base would impact the budget only $1080 per year (accurate number would have been $2080). Edwards also stated she had intended to suggest $27/hour, not $28.
Pike had suggested earlier that he had been in favor of trying to go back to a 4-person road crew, but understood that board is here to fill the 5th position.
Pike made a motion to put a proposal out to Greg Dekoschak for $25.50/hour, amended to make this contingent upon positive reference checks. Ashcraft seconded and was amenable to the amendment.
Further discussion was held about base pay for new people, generous employee benefits, location benefits, and time-effort to hire. Fournier pointed out the previous employee would have been at $26 with the 4% increase. We don’t have to pay for CDL training.
Motion carried 3-0 to offer Greg Dekoschak the position at $25.50/hour contingent upon positive reference check.
HEARING OF VISITORS
None
ADJOURNMENT
Edwards made a motion to adjourn. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 3-0. It was 7:54 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Edee Edwards, Secretary Pro Tempore
Recording link: https://youtu.be/himAjFCZk6Y