OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
June 17, 2025
6:00 PM AT THE HALIFAX TOWN OFFICE
CALL TO ORDER
Edee Edwards called the meeting to order at 6:01pm. Other Selectboard members present were Karen Christofferson, Randy Pike, Rhonda Ashcraft and Lori Marchegiani. Members of the public present were Paul Blais, Nancy McCrea, David Allen (Casella), David Jones, Linda Huebner, Stephan Chait, Karin Larkin, Robert Leete, Pete Silverberg and Emily Dow.
CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
Correspondence: Sign contracts for the Windham Humane Society and Windham County Sheriff’s Office.
NEW BUSINESS
Appointment of Town Auditors
With two vacancies in the town auditor positions, Edwards reported that the elected individuals declined or are uninterested in the role. Edwards spoke with John Kirk, Halifax Community Club Treasurer, who is interested in the role.
Edwards made a motion to appoint John Kirk to the town auditor role. Pike seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
The position is a $1k paid appointment, with time reflected at about 15 hours per the previous year’s invoice, primarily in December and January. Ineligibility criteria include being a Selectboard member or spouse of a Selectboard member a Trustee of Public Funds. The position is held until the next Town Meeting where the voters may choose to eliminate or retain the position.
Christofferson described the elected auditor’s duty as primarily verifying cash receipts against bank statements. Town auditors are responsible for ensuring proper oversight of taxpayer funds.
Edwards noted there were no other candidates to nominate at this time.
Statewide exercise for emergencies October 22
Dennis Annear informed Edwards of a statewide Weather Emergency exercise taking place in southern Vermont. Towns interested in participating must sign up by June 30.
Paul Blais explained the event is a full-scale blizzard simulation, scheduled from 8am to 8pm, involving designated personnel such as Selectboard, EMD and Road Crew. The town may attend training sessions through Vermont Emergency Management in advance of the October 22 exercise.
Christofferson made a motion for the town to participate in the statewide blizzard exercise on October 22. Ashcraft seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
OLD BUSINESS
End of year budget review:
Christofferson shared the screen. Christofferson noted that the Town received the FEMA adjustment of $35,825.16 for Pike Road. Christofferson was advised by Treasurer that we need a revenue account to deposit it to. Edwards noted we may need a Special Meeting to discuss. No action taken.
Christofferson reported that the Treasurer has updated QuickBooks and the budget files through June 2025, reflecting current surplus/deficit positions.
Remaining expenses yet to be reflected in QuickBooks- totaling $131,760:
- June Selectboard orders
- Weekly highway and equipment orders
- Payroll taxes
- Health insurance
- VLCT insurance
Budget spreadsheet: Budget is cash-based; balance sheet split into:
- Town operations (left side): Deficit of $6,790
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- Pike Road grant for $35K: Received in the general fund, and has yet to be allocated to a reserve fund or other.
- Highway department $14k wing expense (included in remaining June expenses)
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- Self-funded operations (right side, pg. 17 of Town Meeting Book): Surplus of $235,173
- Generated from resurfacing grants, zoning and tax sales.
- Misc. Fund: $86k, from school refunds and GMP lease payment, and partially used to cover town garage roof cost.
Recycling, highway dept. trash, organic waste bid review and possible bid award
Edwards shared the invitation to Bid spreadsheet results for Recycling and Trash services. There are four bidders.
Cost estimates and considerations:
- Edwards compared the bids using standardized assumptions based on prior year data, estimating the cost of maintaining current services at $37k.
- To maintain current services of municipal solid waste and recycling, Casella was the only vendor providing of these existing services.
- Overall estimates of staying with Casella ranged from $24k to $33k per year
- Dave Allen, of Casella shared some revised calculations based on different quantities. He offered the option to just honor the fees for the first year and review this again.
Discussion:
- WSWMD membership provides benefits such as hazardous waste drop-off and solar revenue (from landfill closure collaboration).
- Stephan Chait commented that compost services originated from mandates to separate food waste and trash in efforts to reduce methane gas creation.
- Edwards mentioned a local resident’s haul service but would need further discussion.
- Recycling and trash bid is for three years.
- The board decided to continue with Casella, the current provider.
- Compostable waste will not be added at this time; further discussion may take place if service changes are proposed.
Edwards made a motion to award a one-year contract with Casella Waste for municipal solid waste for $1,980 and single-stream recycling with a haul rate of $422 and $225 per ton. (once calculation estimated $24,080.00 annually). Marchegiani seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
GMP- Zero Outage Initiative road closures and communication
The Selectboard signed the GMP lease agreement in May, allowing GMP to park equipment and vehicles in designated areas at the town garage. Some items are currently parked outside of those areas.
On June 4th, Tim Jones (GMP) informed Christofferson that underground work on Tucker Road had begun. Unexpected ledge was found on the planned route, prompting a request for flexibility to adjust the utility right-of-way as needed, in attempts to prevent multiple cross-road lines.
Christofferson reminded Jones of ongoing culvert work, impacts from recent rain, mud and water, and the importance of advance notice to the Fire Department and residents regarding road closures.
Christofferson requested and received GMP commitments:
- Send weekly work plan
- Tucker Road is complete; Green River Road is next
- Posting proper road closure signage and notify the highway department
- Ensure all GMP vehicles/equipment are parked in designated areas
Stephan Chait recommended placing road closed signage at the start of Deer Park Road to allow drivers alternate routing.
Hatch School Structure update
Christofferson confirmed with Fitzpatrick the box culvert has been constructed, and weather permitting, work will begin on July 14th, requiring a full road closure for two weeks.
Beaver Deceiver Removal: The landowner, Diana Todd, whose private installer placed the device, will be contacted regarding removal prior to project start.
Marchegiani will follow up with Ron Bell, who is collaborating with Scott Jensen, on the steam profile.
To be posted on Halifax Website (and shared on Front Porch Forum)
- Continued work on Tucker Road
- Active cutting on Deer Park Road
- Hatch School Road culvert work begins July 14th, with full road closure
Moving Town of Halifax sign
Marchegiani and Ashcraft inspected the Halifax sign and determined the front is salvageable, requiring light sanding and paint, but a new blackboard and posts are needed.
Placement Options:
Top priority is removing the sign from the triangle. If placed temporarily, repairs should follow a clear timeline to ensure its displayed again soon, especially for 251 Club members and travelers.
Considerations:
- If hiring someone to build the backboard and posts, the board should review the purchasing policy and approve the project budget.
- If installed on private property, an easement must be secured.
- Community Hall, a private entity, is not interested in hosting the sign.
- Edwards emphasized immediate action on finding a temporary location, suggesting a followup with the school and Community Club.
Temporary placement will be considered opposite the old town garage which has been torn down.
A public notice will be posted on the Halifax website detailing the sign’s removal, repair process, and future location.
Edwards made a motion to authorize Marchegiani to spend up to $1k for sign restoration for the Town of Halifax sign. Pike seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
Commodity bids update
Christofferson sent out bid packages on June 16th and placed an ad in the Deerfield Valley News. The new bid date is July 1st.
Bid groups:
- Group 1: Gravel, winter sand, and stone
- Group 2: Heating oil and diesel fuel
- Salt bids: Procured through a state bid process, also due by July 1st.
ROW Permit Process with multiple parties involved
Edwards reported no update yet from the town attorney.
Edwards attempted to contact Rossetti by phone but was unable to leave a message due to a full voicemail box. She will send a letter requesting Rossetti to contact GMP directly.
Stephan Chait will also reach out to Rossetti to encourage communication with Edwards.
HEARING OF VISITORS
Stephan Chait raised concerns about Josh Road widening, stating it alters a historic aspect of the town and may impact its rural character. The work is being done under the Better Back Roads Grant work.
Christofferson explained that Halifax dirt roads, including Josh Road, face challenging geography and slope issues. Road improvements are being made to comply with water management standards. Chait confirmed the compliance to Act 64 requirements.
CORRESPONDENCE
DVFiber– David Jones advised the board to delay outreach to Attorney Fisher for one week, as DVFiber is currently undergoing internal deliberations and needs time to determine how best to respond to Fisher’s inquiry.
Windham Regional Commission– The Windham Regional Commission (WRC) has scheduled two public hearings for the updated regional plan:
- July 22 at 12:00 p.m.
- July 24 at 6:00 p.m. (Both held at the WRC office in Brattleboro and accessible via Zoom)
Edwards will post meeting access instructions.
The plan update—developed over the past few years—will be primarily online in format. It does not yet include compliance with Act 181 (2024 legislation). The WRC will have approximately 18 months to incorporate those requirements during the next renewal cycle.
The Humane Society– The Humane Society contract, which authorizes them to shelter animals through the Animal Control Officer (ACO), has been renewed. While this agreement has been signed in the past, services increased by 15% compared to the previous year.
- New contract amount: $442
- Payment due: 120 days from the contract date
- A new, legible copy will be mailed, as the original is hard to read
- Edwards will sign the contract tonight and return the updated contract
Sheriff County Office– The Town renewed its contract with the County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services.
- Contract total: $11,700
- Monthly payment: $975
- Hourly rate: $75 per deputy
- Service cap: Fewer than 2,000 hours annually
- Goal: Maintain service level at under 13 hours per month
Authorized Personnel:
- Selectboard Chair (previously authorized)
- Town Constable (to be newly authorized)
- Highway Supervisor
- A list will be completed to formally authorize individuals to initiate services under the agreement.
Halifax Closed Landfill– The 2025 Inspection Report for the Halifax closed landfill recommends that the sitebe brushhogged again. The town will contact Saladino Maintenance to perform the work.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES
June 3, 2025 meeting minute approval is pushed to the next regular meeting.
Marchegiani made a motion to accept the minutes from June 11, 2025 as written. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 4-0-1 Christofferson abstention.
SELECTBOARD ORDER
The Selectboard orders were signed and Edwards read the aggregate amount for orders on June 17, 2025 for an order total of $17,387.88.
ADJOURNMENT
Ashcraft made a motion to adjourn at 8:54pm.
Marchegiani seconded.
Motion carried 5-0
8:54pm Recording stopped
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Dow
Halifax Administrative Assistant
Recording link:
https://youtu.be/feH5wmqvvVE