OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
February 10, 2025
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 and Karen Christofferson. Highway Supervisor Mike Fournier was present. Two candidates were expected to join at various times.
CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
Fournier asked for time during Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Edwards made a motion to go into executive session for the purpose of interviewing Highway Maintenance Worker candidates and for also evaluation of employees per 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)(3). Christofferson seconded. Motion carried 4-0. Recording was stopped at 6:02 PM.
At 7:46 PM, the Selectboard came out of executive session. No decisions were made in Executive Session.
Travis Stone joined the meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Edwards noted that the Selectboard interviewed one candidate. The other candidate did not show up. There will be new business and follow-up.
Edwards noted two familial relationships between the candidate interviewed during Executive Session, Travis Stone, and members of the Highway Team. Edwards further mentioned a section on nepotism in the Town’s personnel policy and that small towns can implement additional reporting links. For example, a dotted line reporting relationship could be made to Road Commissioners.
Edwards invited comments from the Selectboard regarding the candidate.
Pike stated that he knows TStone and has only heard good things about him and that he is a good worker. Ashcraft noted that he was very qualified. Christofferson stated she was impressed with the time he has already worked for the Town on a fill-in basis and that he seemed a good fit on the team. He already has his CDL-A.
Edwards asked the Selectboard to confirm that they had no conflict-of-interest concerns with hiring the candidate in terms of making a decision. There were none.
Edwards further stated that she knew TStone had worked in snow and mud conditions and may need training on operating the grader or other seasonal activities. She wasn’t concerned about his being willing to do OT because he was already working OT in his current position. She noted his ability to maintain his vehicles.
Edwards asked if the Selectboard was ready to make a decision.
Christofferson moved to offer candidate $26.75 per hour plus benefits with the motion contingent upon completing drug testing and reference checks. Christofferson noted that reference checks would not be made until TStone accepted the Town’s offer.
Ashcraft seconded. Edwards asked if there was any further discussion.
Pike made a motion amending the offer to $26.50 per hour. Ashcraft seconded the amendment. Christofferson and Pike calculated the annual difference in salary at both $26.50 and $26.75 per hour. The annual difference was $520.00 calculated as ($26.50 x 40) x 52 = $55,120 versus ($26.75 x 40) x 52 = $$55,640. A discussion ensued with Randy noting the new employee with a one-year probation period. Edwards asked if the Selectboard should vote on the amendment first.
Edwards explained her view that $26.50 doesn’t save the town enough for her to vote for the amendment. Edwards further noted that we are trying to build a team and that we don’t want to keep doing this. Christofferson asked how long the timing for TStone’s review and stated that she didn’t want him to have to wait 18 months for a review. Edee said the reviews can be done in July but that we have been waiting until September/October.
Edwards asked for a vote of the amendment. Two voted in in favor (Pike & Ashcraft), which meant we would not be able to proceed with only 4 members present. To proceed with discussion on the original motion, Pike withdrew his amendment request.
Edwards asked for further discussion. There being none, she noted there was a motion to offer $26.75 contingent upon drug testing and reference checks. Rhonda asked about physicals. TStone noted he has his DOT card and is tested for eyesight, hearing and blood pressure.
Edwards asked for a vote. The vote was 4-0 to make the offer at $26.75
Edwards made a verbal offer to TStone and said that a written offer would follow. Edwards noted that she would be away from Feb 13-17. Edwards asked TStone to call her with his decision. A brief discussion regarding the probationary period ensued.
TStone left the meeting at 8:15pm.
Edwards noted that a personnel matter had been discussed in Executive Session and offered Selectboard support. While not necessary for the full board, Pike & Christofferson volunteered to meet with employee at the Town Garage on Feb 14th at 7:00am.
MFournier left the meeting.
HEARING OF VISITORS
None
ADJOURNMENT
Edwards made a motion to adjourn. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 4-0. It was 8:16pm and recording stopped.
Respectfully submitted by Karen Christofferson, Secretary Pro Tempore
Recording link: https://youtu.be/c_Mo21Xh73w