OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES

January 15, 2025

2:00 PM AT THE HALIFAX TOWN OFFICE

CALL TO ORDER

Edee Edwards called the meeting to order at 2:01 PM, coming in remotely. Also present were Selectboard members Karen Christofferson in the office,  and Rhonda Ashcraft and Tristan Roberts both remote. Mary Brewster was invited into the meeting from the Town Office to speak, briefly.

CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA

Christofferson wanted to discuss audit software. Edwards wanted to review the upcoming agenda.

OLD BUSINESS

Town board of auditors appointment

Edwards noted she had a new possible auditor, Rhonda’s daughter-in-law, Kaylynn Ashcraft, and had also checked on ethics and position prohibitions VLCT. She had previously expected that Adam Morrow would not be eligible due to him being a spouse of Kathryn Shaifer, but this is not prohibited. There is also no prohibition of a Selectboard member’s daughter-in-law being appointed. Edwards noted some qualifications requested by Erin Lovern.

Discussions about conflicts of interest and the new state ethics law were held.  Roberts noted that the Town’s Conflict of Interest Policy adopted by the Selectboard is self-initiated in the first instance.  A member has to recuse themselves. The idea of doing a coin flip was discussed, versus obtaining information from people who know the candidates. Postponement of the appointment was also discussed, but the first auditor meeting is tomorrow.

Edwards noted that this is a paid position and we should do some due diligence. Roberts suggested that both auditor candidates could attend the first meeting and demonstrate contributions. Mary Brewster was invited into the meeting and asked to provide information about Morrow’s qualifications. She said he had his own business in Manhattan; he is meticulous, easy going and honorable. Ashcraft shared that K Ashcraft is a dental hygienist, is good with math, and is an ethical person. Ashcraft has a question about the number of hours needed for the role.

Roberts moved that we appoint Morrow to the vacant auditor position.  Christofferson seconded. Edwards noted that business owner experience gave her comfort. Motion carried 3-0. Ashcraft recused.

Edwards said the new ethics law would be on the next agenda.

Christofferson will circulate financing information for the John Deere loader in preparation for the next meeting of the board. 

Christofferson will also bring information from the professional auditor and a VLCT NEMRC specialist. We have a license already for the General Ledger accounting software.

Roberts dropped off the meeting at 2:33 PM. 

Edwards shared the draft agenda for the coming meeting, and the group edited it.

HEARING OF VISITORS

Nothing further.

ADJOURNMENT

Ashcraft made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Christofferson seconded. Motion carried 3-0 at 2:38 PM. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Edee Edwards, Secretary Pro Tempore

Recording link: https://youtu.be/uvg7ss1nuaA