OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES- DRAFT
April 7, 2026
6:00 PM AT THE HALIFAX TOWN OFFICE
CALL TO ORDER
Edee Edwards called the meeting to order at 6:00pm. Other Selectboard members present were Karen Christofferson, Rhonda Ashcraft, Randy Pike and Lori Marchegiani. Members of the public present were Stephan Chait, Jessica Cooney, Michael Gouin, Stephanie Pike, Cara Cheyette, Mike and Emily Dow.
CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Halifax Fire Company–Dry hydrant(s) on Green River Rd bridge(s)
The Halifax Fire Company is interested in putting dry hydrants on the Green River Road bridges but further detail has not been shared and the bridge that will be used needs to be confirmed. Annear has not responded and Edwards will reach out again.
Highway equipment & payroll procedure
Edwards does not wish to take on this role but is a secondary. Someone is assigned at the beginning of the new term to sign the highway equipment and payroll. Marchegiani offered to take on the role and is a good fit considering being a Road Commissioner.
Christofferson made a motion to make Marchegiani the primary for signing highway equipment and payroll orders weekly and Edwards as the secondary. Ashcraft seconded. 3-0-1 Marchegiani abstention.
Act 181 current legislative proposed changes
Act 181, signed in 2024, changes land‑use rules for development in Vermont and has raised concerns for small towns. Two major elements are driving discussion: the Road Rule, which triggers Act 250 review for roads over 800 feet or driveways over 2,000 feet, and Tier 3, which more broadly expands Act 250 oversight. Small towns worry these thresholds could make it harder for landowners to build on or subdivide their own property.
The Legislature is considering delaying implementation until 2030 to allow more discussion. Like many towns, the Halifax Selectboard may submit a letter to state senators supporting the delay. Edwards noted the need to understand specific implications for Halifax and encouraged local input.
Christofferson shared information about holding a joint meeting with the Windham Regional Commission and the Planning Commission to discuss Act 181. She expressed concern that the law could prevent landowners from subdividing their property, reducing land value and raising basic land‑rights issues.
Understanding scenarios:
- A resident would like to build on their land and may be restricted due to the Act 181.
- Corral development in certain areas such as triggering a review of the campground in ways of high traffic on the roads per Act 250.
- Subdivision across from Halifax Falls each have private bridges: What are the effects of this Act if the bridges get destroyed during a tropical storm/other?
- Christofferson asked, hypothetically, what happens if Act 181 is halted but a landowner builds a private road and the town later denies a related structure; Edwards said Planning and Zoning would guide decisions based on zoning regulations.
- Existing logging roads and Class 4 roads are also tied into the new regulatory framework.
Stephan Chait said the Windham Regional Commission can explain Act 181’s details, including how it affects housing, water and sewer, updated housing standards, the road rule, conservation areas, and forestland. One intent of the act is to prevent forest fragmentation and protect habitat connectivity. Tier 3 remains the most controversial because many landowners feel it infringes on property rights. Halifax’s maps are still being developed, so final land‑area designations may change.
Mike McConnell outlined the tiers: Tier 1A includes towns like Brattleboro and Bellows Falls with water, sewer, zoning, and subdivision bylaws; Tier 1B includes towns with zoning and subdivision but without water and sewer; Tier 2 covers most of Vermont and may see little change; Tier 3 includes areas with significant ecological or conservation constraints, though many maps are still in progress. The Windham Regional Commission and towns draft the maps, and the Land Use Review Board approves them.
Pike noted that VLCT is pushing for a delay and supports pausing implementation due to many unknowns. Christofferson and Marchegiani will draft a letter to state representatives. Residents are encouraged to contact their senators and representatives to share their input.
Liquor License Renewal (Basecamp)
This is to approve a liquor license renewal for Basecamp at 3542 VT RT 112. There are no concerns for continuing with the license.
Edwards made a motion to sign two liquor license renewals for Basecamp. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 5-0 Marchegiani remotely.
Road Commissioner’s Report
Update on MERP Grant for Garage Boiler
Windham Regional Commission sent out bids and received two quotes for a new boiler replacement at the town garage. .
Lane Plumbing’s quote includes five zones, removal of the hot‑water tank, and installation of a BTU combination boiler for $17,338.71. The boiler prioritizes hot water based on usage, and Pike noted it should function properly if the road crew’s hot‑water use is not excessive. Lane Plumbing did not conduct a site visit. During Dead River’s site visit, Fournier agreed to bury the feed lines from the tanks to the boiler, and he may do the same for Lane Plumbing if needed. The current Nido tank must be removed; McConnell noted there are two tanks—one for the town garage and one for emergency services.
Dead River’s quote includes four zones, installation of a company tank, and a bid of $22,790. Their fixed‑price propane offer at $2.19/gal expired on 12/31/2025. Chait suggested having one company manage the entire system, including burying feed lines, for easier oversight. Edwards noted the cost difference depends on whether the town or the company buries the lines; Dead River’s quote reflects this, while Lane Plumbing’s does not.
Action Item: Ensure that a company representative, who is fit for overseeing and inspecting the work performed by the town by digging the trench for the propane line, is on site.
Pike noted that if the town switches fuel companies in future bids, the new company will install its own tanks. The current tank is owned by Nido, and the amount of remaining oil is unknown. Edwards recalled confusion last year with Dead River involving extra payments that resulted in a credit. Although the town garage does not currently use propane, Dead River supplies it.
Pike favors the Lane Plumbing quote because it includes hot water and provides full service. The age and replacement history of the existing hot‑water tank are unknown. Marchegiani recommended having Lane Plumbing conduct a site visit and update the quote for accuracy. McConnell said envelope improvements were approved but the boiler is the priority; remaining funds could go toward ADA compliance, and a previous site visit suggested a metal ramp that can slide closed for easier snow removal.
Lane Plumbing does not supply propane, so a separate provider will be needed. The grant allows high‑efficiency propane systems. Chait asked about a multi‑year contract, though pricing volatility may make that difficult.
The board favors using Dead River and will confirm whether the quote is still valid, as part of it has expired. Christofferson is verifying that the town’s responsibility is limited to digging and backfilling the trench, not installing the feed line. Cara Cheyette asked how companies handle annual tank swaps under the bid system and suggested contacting Nido or Suburban for clarification.
Salt bid process 2027
VTRANS notified towns in March 2026 to begin their salt‑bid process early due to a statewide salt shortage. Pike reported that Fournier said the salt‑shed’s cement floor must be repaired before new salt deliveries, since salt deteriorates cement. Marchegiani added that Eastern Salt confirmed Halifax will not receive salt before Fall because of fuel uncertainty and other ongoing issues.
VTRANS Spring Packet
2027 Municipal Highway Grant Application – Structures Grant for Branch Road @ Route 112
Christofferson is seeking authorization to sign the grant paperwork so it can be completed using the current project estimate and then put out to bid. The repair will involve drilling and doweling the wing walls, filling the crack with concrete, and adding a new concrete face to the wing wall.
Edwards made a motion for Christofferson to turn in the grant application for structures grant for Branch Road on Route 112 for the structure that’s failing. Pike seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
2027 Municipal Highways Grant Application – Paving (Shim & Overlay maintenance)
This grant covers paving shim and overlay work and is part of the annual Better Roads Grant the town applies for each spring. VTRANS indicated Halifax is unlikely to receive this year’s award due to recent prior grants but will keep the town in the queue. Edwards reminded the board that overall grant funding will be reduced because of the Transportation Bill.
Edwards made a motion that Christofferson put in the municipal highway grant application for shim and overlay paving. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
Road Commissioner report notes:
- The road crew has transitioned to working four ten-hour days.
- Truck #6 has been picked up from the head‑gasket repairs. Edwards noted that Fournier used his personal vehicle during the repair period and requested mileage reimbursement. Although this hasn’t been standard practice, the issue may need future review since Truck #6 is not scheduled for replacement, and the goal is to limit personal‑vehicle use and rely more on the one‑ton truck instead.
- Christofferson and Marchegiani will compile a “pre-winter storm” list of notices and suggestions for the road crew; including a pre-Winter conversation about snowplows and rocks resulting in resident yards per recent complaint.
- During mud season, nearby towns use “Road Closed – Residents Only” signs to limit through‑traffic and reduce road damage. Halifax hasn’t used these signs for two years due to a past conflict involving a heavy delivery that couldn’t get through. Fourier notes the signs are effective and that Halifax is seeing more traffic because surrounding towns use them. Christofferson suggests metal reflective signs that specify mud‑season restrictions, though past vandalism is a concern. Edwards recommends using “Local Traffic Only” instead. The discussion will be revisited during the next budget season.
- Fournier told Pike there is $30k left in the gravel budget and he is trying to conserve it. Edwards suggested adding the remaining funds to a gravel reserve for emergencies, which will be placed on a future agenda.
Truck #1 Replacement- Specs preparation and bid process
Pike met with Fournier and received spec sheets for the chassis and body from recent repairs. Fournier explained that truck purchases generally fall into three categories: custom‑order, spec trucks, and turnkey trucks. He recommends moving forward with a spec truck, which has a 6–9 month lead time, compared to 18–24 months for a custom order. Pike and Christofferson will work to send out bids as soon as possible so the truck can be delivered before winter.
Halifax Center Bulletin Board
After the last meeting, the bulletin board at Halifax Center was found broken on the ground. The board had not discussed it beforehand, and Edwards arranged for its replacement. It appears the damage was caused by a vehicle driving over it, and someone reported saying it was ran over. Edwards emphasized that such behavior is unacceptable and noted that vandalism can be reported as a non‑emergency.
Several residents volunteered to build a new board. Pete Silverberg and Gary Rand are preparing the roof materials and plan to set the posts by Friday. Edwards raised the question of compensating them for material costs. Landowner David Brewster approved reinstalling the board in its original location on his property; Edwards prefers written confirmation, and the site must also be checked for right‑of‑way compliance. DigSafe has been contacted. Rand was asked to wait until after this meeting, and Edwards suggested the town cover material expenses. The new board will be 4 feet wide and 7 feet tall with a small roof. Howard Smith, who built the original board at no cost, supports others taking on this rebuild. Rand also proposed installing a protective post in front of the board for about $50. The project has cost about $250 so far, with Silverberg and Rand using some on‑hand materials.
Edwards made a motion that we reimburse Gary Rand and Peter Silberberg not to exceed $350 to cover the cost of the materials for the bulletin board. Christofferson seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
A Right-of-Way permit is unnecessary as while the board is in the right-of-way, the board has the landowner’s permission to use that location. The mailboxes are in the same location and it’s unknown if there is a right-of-way permit.
OLD BUSINESS
Guilford Gravel Grinder follow-up
The Guilford Gravel Grinder will no longer be held in Halifax and will not be held again.
Class 2 Paving Grant (P02264): Select date to open bids
Christofferson suggested a turnaround time of 45 days or less, and the notice will need to be published in a newspaper of record. The board plans to open bids on May 5, 2026. The grant is intended to pave a currently unpaved section of road. Edwards expressed concern that geopolitical conditions may increase costs, reducing how much paving can be completed. The board hopes to pave 1,300 feet of unpaved road to the end of Tucker Road, but higher bids could reduce the final footage.
Tucker Road is being considered because it is the last remaining Class 2 unpaved road, is heavily used as a turnaround point for town trucks, sees high traffic, and becomes muddy, raising environmental concerns. The broader question is how to balance paving needs with maintaining dirt roads.
Edwards noted that during a March 18, 2025 meeting, the board agreed that any paving of unpaved roads should involve full board discussion. At the July 15, 2025 meeting, the board briefly addressed signing the Class 2 road grant paperwork, and Edwards felt the process was rushed. Christofferson said paved‑road planning should be incorporated into the town plan. Edwards added that some unpaved stretches may need regional consideration, such as evacuation routes during tropical storms.
Homeowners along the section to be paved toward Tucker Road will be notified, and partial road closures may be required.
Celebration Committee
There was previous discussion about disbanding the Celebration Committee. Ashcraft spoke with Patty Dow, who confirmed that all committee members were volunteers. Dow will coordinate returning the remaining $10,000 in past appropriations to the town. Edwards noted that formally tying a committee to the town can create complications for small communities, including tax‑ID requirements, Open Meeting Law obligations, and financial oversight.
The committee was originally convened on November 5, 2019, and at that time had received $5,000 in prior years, some of which had been repaid. Audits in 2021 and 2022 showed a balance of $16,000–$17,000. All necessary information has been provided to the auditor, and the fund can now be closed with the remaining balance transferred back to the town. The board will confirm the total amount of taxpayer funds that were allocated to the committee.
The Selectboard is not formally disbanding the committee until the financial issues are fully resolved and guidance is received from VLCT.
Appointments
DVFiber Alternate
Edwards made a motion to appoint Tristan Roberts as the DVFiber Alternate. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
Energy Coordinator
The Energy Coordinator assists with energy audits and Mini MERP grants and how the town can conserve energy. Robert Leete, the current position holder has not responded to confirm continuation with the appointment. Edwards made a motion to nominate Tristan Roberts as the Energy Coordinator. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
Current outstanding town appointments are ADA Coordinator (Robert Leete has yet to respond), and Town Health Officer (Sue Kelly has yet to respond).
HEARING OF VISITORS
Stephan Chait reported that the Conservation Commission, as a member of the Association of Vermont Conservation Commissions, is eligible to apply for a Tiny Grant. The commission is requesting $780 to support the removal of Japanese knotweed along Deer Park Road, with approval already secured from the landowner. If the grant is awarded, Dow will assist with managing the grant account.
Chait informed the board that during the Conservation Commission’s March 26 meeting, an individual named Scott was not admitted to the remote portion of the meeting because the commission wanted to avoid potential adolescent behavior. Edwards will seek guidance from VLCT, which has updated information on how such situations should be handled.
Chait prepared a two‑page report titled The Quantitative and Qualitative Advantages and Disadvantages of Paved and Dirt Roads and offered to share it with the board. He noted that the cost and maintenance differences between the two road types are significant, and the topic is complex enough to warrant further discussion.
Nancy McCrea noted that some past Planning Commission minutes are not appearing on the town website. Emily Dow explained that this is a known issue related to the transition to the new website, where some title links did not transfer smoothly. She continues to work on correcting the problem periodically.
CORRESPONDENCE
Update local emergency plan and invite Laurel Copeland as the Community Club is set up to host as a warming facility.
Right-of-Way use permit to add gravel to the driveway was submitted and will be discussed at the next regular meeting.
Overweight Permits
Overweight permits granted: QXO, Inc; Consolidated Communications: Beacon Sales Acquisition; Precast Concrete Products, Barrett Trucking Company.
Events–SEOC-FIFA & 250th WCSO support offer
The State Emergency Operations Center noted that the upcoming FIFA World Cup events in Massachusetts may lead to increased regional traffic.
The Windham County Sheriff’s Office has offered support to any towns planning activities for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Halifax has not historically participated in July 4th celebrations.
Windham Regional Commission offered technical assistance related to FY26. Edwards made a motion that we sign the technical assistance request for Grants and Aid, allowing the Windham Regional Commission to support the town. The cost would be taken from grant funding. Pike seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES
March 17, 2026 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes
Pike made a motion that we approve the March 17, 2026 minutes as amended. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carries 4-0-1 Christofferson abstention.
SELECTBOARD ORDER
The Selectboard orders were signed and Edwards read the aggregate amount for order #19 on April 7, 2026 for an order total of $28,812.21
ADJOURNMENT
Ashcraft made a motion to adjourn at 9:48pm. Christofferson seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-0
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Dow
Halifax Administrative Assistant
Recording Link: https://youtu.be/V_dCX9ZS3z4
