HALIFAX SELECTBOARD

TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT

SELECTBOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES—DRAFT

FEBRUARY 25, 2023

CALL TO ORDER:

Sumner called the meeting to order at 10:00 am. Selectboard members present were Lewis Sumner, Pete Silverberg, Patrick McAllister, and Tirstan Roberts. Others in attendance in person or remotely were Roza Podlaski, Dave Meyer, Raleigh Brown, David Meyer, Peggy and Brad Rafus, Linda Lyon, Doug and Marilou Parkhurst, and Mike Fournier.

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES:

February 7, 2023 regular Selectboard meeting minutes motioned by Roberts to approve the amendment of changing “someone” to “a resident” under New Business. The motion was seconded by Silverberg, passed 4-0. 

CHANGES OR ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA:

None

NEW BUSINESS

Based on recent conversations about starting businesses in town, McAllister asked whether the town has a position on welcoming business or not. The Chair reminded the board that the Zoning and Planning Commission is in charge of business approvals and that the Selectboard has no official role but is in favor of people in Halifax being able to run businesses to make a living as long as all regulations are respected. It may be helpful to have a page on our website regarding starting businesses in Halifax and what steps people need to take. Residents Dave Meyer and Raleigh Brown stated that they are starting a Tier 1 Cannabis grow company at his home. Their neighbor is filing an appeal against it. They are waiting to hear back from the Zoning Board and are having Act 250 review it. The Selectboard recognized the frustration that the residents are experiencing but emphasized that it has no role in the process.

Two residents expressed concerned about the potential for PFAs in their well which is close to the closed Town landfill, and believe the Selectboard agreed to annual testing of the well which has not happened. The Fall report from KAS was referenced. Testing is State mandated and has been budgeted for the upcoming year. Any additional testing has been ad-hoc. The board discussed the need to create a plan for testing and will have KAS and possibly State experts advise us on the report findings and trends as input to a testing plan. The Selectboard will also look into additional funding sources given the issues with the sludge used to cap the landfill and residents concern about speed and direction of contamination. Silverberg will reach out to KAS and ask them to come to a future Selectboard meeting as a first step. The Selectboard acknowledged the unfortunate situation the residents are in and thanked them for raising the issue.

OLD BUSINESS

There will be a community meeting March 25 organized by BDCC to solicit ideas for projects for ARPA funds.

No new update on the town garage roof. At this time we are hoping the new municipal energy systems program can help us revamp that. They are stating there is up to $500,000 in grant funding available. Not sure if this is a matching grant or not yet. The program is just getting off the ground. Roberts and Silverberg are on the email list and monitoring that closely. If that program is not a fit then we may have to change course.

OTHER BUSINESS

None. 

HEARING OF VISITORS

EXECUTIVE SESSION

None. 

SELECTBOARD ORDER

The order was read and signed. 

SIGN OVERWEIGHT PERMITS

Overweight permits and driveway permits were signed.

Roberts motioned to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Silverberg. Passed 4-0. Meeting adjourned at 11:16 am.

Respectfully Submitted,

Roza Podlaski

For the Selectboard

Recording link:

February 25, 2023 Regular Selectbaord Meeting