OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD

TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES–DRAFT

July 16, 2024

6:00 PM AT THE HALIFAX TOWN OFFICE

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting of the Selectboard was called to order by Karen Kristoffersen at 6:00. Selectboard Members present were Karen Christofferson, Patrick McAllister, Rhonda Ashcraft, Edee Edwards (remote) and Tristan Roberts (remote). Others present were Stephanie Pike, Randy Pike, Mary Eggert, Merle Eggert, Nancy McRay, Diana Conway PLEASE COMPLETE.

CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA

Move Hearing of Guests and Visitors early in the agenda. Move Approval of Previous Minutes to the end of the agenda.

NEW BUSINESS

Set tax rate

The setting of new tax rates were discussed and the tax rates were disclosed, with FY 2024 rates given as a comparison:

The increase is due to increased municipal budget from $1,512,891 in FY 2024 to $2,014,893 in FY 2025 as discussed at the most recent Town Meeting and approved by voters. The Grand List value has changed only nominally.

Sheriff Mark Anderson: ACO coverage services; questions on escalation for issues

The Sheriff gave a summary of the history of animal control in Windham county. For the past 5 years the Sheriff has had a dedicated animal control officer. Animal control by the Sherriff’s office is limited to:

• Vicious animal control (e.g. dog bites)
• Quarantine/ monitoring of vicious animals
• At-large animal control
• Town Clerk animal registration support

All other issues are handled by the town animal control officer. Wildlife and Agriculture issues are handled by Fish and Wildlife, Animal Cruelty and Neglect is handled by law enforcement through the town’s law enforcement contract.

NOTE: At 6:24 the power flickered and the meeting was paused

Sherriff Anderson will follow up by email.

NOTE: at 6:43 Wifi was lost and the meeting continued without remote participants

Additional VTRANS Structures Grant, Hatch School Road

KAREN PLEASE ADD THIS

Special Town Meeting tasks

Special Town Meeting August 13 at Town Office. Informational meeting August 6^th at 9 AM at the town office and online. Finance Committee will provide information on equipment finance at the informational meeting.

• Newspaper—Warning (Legal Notice) by Aug 8
• Notifications via FPF, Mailchimp

Payback terms requested from Town Treasurer for borrowing from Scott Fund

Patrick speaking as a Trustee of Public Funds noted he had not received the request from the Treasurer. As to the terms of repayment, he noted it is up to the Selectboard to decide since the Scott Fund is at the discretion of the Town. Once the Treasurer is ready to return the funds, the the Trustees of Public Funds can provide the Selectboard with options based on actual fees and market values at the time.

Road closure for Halifax Celebration

Patrick made a motion to close Branch Road from the intersection of Jacksonville Stage Road to the community hall (intersection of Brook Road) from 11AM to midnight on August 24^th for the Halifax Celebration. Rhonda seconded, motion passes 3-0. Patty will send a letter to Branch Road residents and the fire department.

OLD BUSINESS

Administrative assistant job opening update

Job still open

Pay rates for: PC/ZBA Secretary; ACO; EMD

KAREN: PLEASE ADD IF DISCUSSED

Hazard Mitigation Grants

Karen shared the list of priorities that we may want to put forward for this grant, based on conversations with Mike, including:

• Bridge Road at Rte. 112
• Stark Mountain Road – Lower section
• Hubbard Hill Culvert
• Pave portion of:
  • Pennel Hill (22% grade)
  • Fowler Road 918% grade)

Need to apply by August 16, Karen recommends apply by 27 July. She will follow up with Windham County and Vtrans to discuss priorities and amounts available to determine best fit for the grant.

Two items were deferred until the next meeting:

• Open Meeting Law software notes
• Second mowing of landfill

HEARING OF VISITORS

Kyle Farnsworth – Windham County Humane Society has not received the signed contract and payment. He will ask them to re-send.

Randy Pike – Asked for status of garage roof. Bids to be opened on August 6.

Mary and Merle Eggert – An Ash tree in the town right of way is in danger of falling across the road and onto their property. The Tree Warden says it is dead. The highway department says it is hesitant to touch it for safety reasons. The Eggerts would like the town to help deal with it before it damages property or hurts someone. They are willing to work with the town to address it. The Road Commissioners will follow up with the highway department and tree warden and report back.

OTHER BUSINESS

Special Meeting July 22 6:30 AM at town garage to conduct employee reviews will be all executive session.

Karen distributed some information on heat stress.

CORRESPONDENCE

None

APPROVAL PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

Not approved, defer to next meeting:

June 18, 2024 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes

June 27, 2024 Selectboard Special Meeting Minutes

July 2, 2024 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes

SELECTBOARD ORDER

The Order was read totaling PLEASE INCLUDE

ADJOURNMENTHEARING OF VISITORS (10 minutes)

Patrick made a motion to adjourn at 7:33 pm, Rhonda seconded, passed 3-0

YOUTUBE

https://youtu.be/X9IB5t_eu2c (started about 20 minutes in; continued beyond loss of physical connection due to storm, with just remote participants, which is not part of the official meeting)