OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
October 27, 2025
7:00 AM AT 55 Whitneyville Road
CALL TO ORDER
Edee Edwards called the meeting to order at 7:04 AM. Other Selectboard members present were Karen Christofferson, Rhonda Ashcraft and Randy Pike. Lori Marchegiani was absent. Also present were Mike Fournier, Highway Supervisor, and members of the public Linda Huebner and Bettye Roberts.
CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
None.
OLD BUSINESS
Edwards stated that Attorney Fisher’s research did not find any road layout or other history that explained the genesis of the “cutoff” to Brook Road, but that Huebner’s deed clearly stated that the 55 Whitneyville Road property line begins at the end of the town rights of way for Whitneyville and Brook Road. Edwards read the relevant line from the deed: “Beginning at a point which marks the junction of the Brook Road, so-called, and the Whitneyville Road, so-called, highway rights of way, which marks the southerly corner of the premises herein;….”. Therefore, the board set this site visit to measure from the centerline of both roads twenty-five feet out to determine where the “triangle” ended.
After doing so, some short paint lines were made at that point, which is near where the current street signs are placed. The land currently used as a cutoff is not owned by the town, and the board agreed that they will do no more road maintenance (plowing or otherwise) on it.
Huebner noted that her interest has been to stop disruptive behavior such as drag racing and altercations in this area. Roberts agreed. Edwards and Christofferson stressed that citizens must report this by calling 911, which would allow for the dispatch of State Police, Windham County Sheriff, or other services.
To ensure the community is properly informed of the traffic pattern change, the board and Huebner agreed that a date of December 1, 2025 will be communicated. The end of Whitneyville Road will be assessed for a culvert extension and changes to the angle of access within the town right of way for convenience and safety, but that work cannot be done until conditions permit, which would be next year. In the meantime, longer vehicles might wish to turn around at the old town garage.
Edwards said that communications on the town website and through Front Porch Forum, and to the school bus company would be vital. She will consult with transportation experts at Windham Regional and VTRANS for other communication ideas and to try to get Google maps and GPS or other systems updated as needed.
HEARING OF VISITORS
Huebner stated she had probably missed the opportunity to move any plantings from the pollinator garden she had created, but might be placing boulders or benches in the former “cutoff” to reclaim her private property. Edwards and Fournier reminded her that fences cannot be placed in the town right of way per the Highway ordinance, even if a right of way application is put in. If the ground is not frozen, something like thin pole fiberglass markers might help guide motorists to remain on Whitneyville Road.
ADJOURNMENT
Ashcraft made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:39 AM. Pike seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Edee Edwards,
Secretary Pro Tempore
Because this was a site visit, no meeting recording was made.
