HALIFAX SELECTBOARD

TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT

SELECTBOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES—APPROVED

June 21, 2022

CALL TO ORDER:

Sumner called the meeting to order at 6:15 pm. Selectboard members present were, Lewis Sumner, Paul Blais, Patrick McAllister and Tristan Roberts. Others in attendance in person or remotely were David Jones, Aaron Bahbovish, Raquel Smith, Stephen Chait, Tina Blais, Linda Lyon, Robin Gabriel, Stephan Chait, Dan Teree, Craig Allen, Marketa Psencikova, Robert Leete, Duane Fletcher, Brad and Peggy Rafus, Ben Barnett, Patricia Dow, and Mike Fournier.

CHANGES OR ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA:

• Recycling Bins
• Selectboard Order 

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES:

Cannot approve minutes at this time, was left off agenda.

NEW BUSINESS: 

Open Bid for Gravel Sand and Blacktopping-

Bids opened and read. Spreadsheet screen-shared to compare bids. 

Sumner motioned to go with Renaud for Sand, Crushed stone and Ditch Stone, Roberts seconded. Passed (5-0).

No decision made for gravel. Fournier will reach out to the other bidders asking if they will offer gravel at a price closer to our budget or we will have to re-bid at a lower quantity. 

Highway Employees Cost of Living-

Sumner motioned for wage increase 5% starting July 1st to compensate for rising cost of living and reflect competitive wages in VT. (Passed 5-0) 

Tax Sales Update-

A lot of interest for properties in tax sale. If someone provides a bank check if more than the highest bid. The differences that are in excess of bids then the delinquent tax collector will create an accounting sheet to be on the next treasurer’s order in July after the tax sale. This way it will go through an approval process with the Selectboard’s Order.

Juneteenth as a paid holiday-

Update Paid Holiday List to Consider Adding Juneteenth:

Last year the federal government recognized Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Sumner motioned to make it a paid holiday. (Passed 5-0)

Rafus ROW and Zoning Violations-

There are 15 days for residents to appeal zoning permits if approved. Zoning permit was approved with no appeal during that period. Complaints pertaining to zoning violations should go to ZBA. 

OLD BUSINESS

ARPA Funds –

Jones discussed options for ARPA use of DV FIber broadband funds. He came up with roughly 70k, assuming BDCC will match our funds so we will only have to come up with half of that amount. We assume that 10% are eligible and not everyone who is eligible will use it. He discussed estimated conduit and installation costs. Decision needs to be made by September in order to receive matching funds. DV fiber will survey and provide detailed specifications for each home and the best location for conduit. 

OTHER BUSINESS

Recycling Bins-

Need better surveillance technology or limit access to the dump. Podlaski will take a look at contamination costs we have been paying in the past and will report at the next Selectboard meeting. 

Bid for black top will be placed in the paper and opened at the next Selectboard meeting on July 5th. 

HEARING OF VISITORS

Sheriff is coming tomorrow to f/u the situation yesterday regarding flags in town. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.

SELECTBOARD’S ORDER

Lewis read Selectboard’s order.

OVERWEIGHT PERMIT

None. 

Sumner motioned to adjourn the meeting, Passed 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 8:21 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Roza Podlaski

For the Selectboard

Recording link:

June 21, 2022 Regular Selectboard Meeting Minutes