OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES- DRAFT
April 11, 2026
7:00 PM AT THE HALIFAX TOWN OFFICE
CALL TO ORDER
Edee Edwards called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. Other Selectboard members present were Karen Christofferson, Rhonda Ashcraft, Randy Pike and Lori Marchegiani (remotely). Members of the public present were Stephan Chait, April Dupuis, Marian Cannedy, Nancy McCrea, Kaitlin Stone, Olga Peters, Joe Saladino, Mike Fournier, Dylan Saladino, Kimberly Tefft, McKenzie Ganzer, Leslie Pawlitt, and Emily Dow.
ID MINUTE TAKER
Secretary, Emily Dow will be taking minutes.
CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
- Setting the Stage
- Showing a webinar clip
- Hearing of Visitor
- Selectboard short term action steps
NEW BUSINESS
Special Meeting to discuss Selectboard response to Act 181 proposed changes
Setting the Stage & Showing a webinar clip
The meeting focused on drafting a letter to state representatives about Act 181, the 2024 law that significantly restructured Vermont’s Act 250 permitting system. The main concerns are the new Tier 3 jurisdiction—requiring Act 250 review in mapped natural resource areas—and the Road Rules, which trigger review based on road length.
Act 250 is shifting from size‑based triggers to a location‑based system across Tiers 1, 2, and 3. The newly created Land Use Review Board is responsible for developing Tier 3 rules, with updated drafts and maps expected in April and public engagement planned for May and June, as highlighted in a recent Windham Regional Commission webinar.
The Road Rule in Act 181 expands Act 250 jurisdiction for certain road construction to limit forest fragmentation and encourage development near existing roads. It applies when a single new road is longer than 800 feet or when the combined length of new roads and driveways exceeds 2,000 feet.
The Selectboard members are in agreement that Act 181 should be delayed at the very least.
Edwards showed two clips from a webinar that Windham Regional Commission hosted and a speaker from the Land Use Review Board talks about the Tier 3 and Road Rule portion. The first webinar clip Edwards showed is about Tier 3 and can be viewed in the meeting recording at 15:04 minutes and at the link here https://youtu.be/69OJJPBiI4I?si=XCAnuplTURQd-U6L&t=904
Christofferson and several residents expressed concerns that the new Act 250 and Act 181 rules may place added burdens on small towns and landowners, citing uncertainties in the state’s mapping process and how Tier 3 designations could affect the subdivision of large parcels and future development. Additional questions were raised regarding accessory on‑farm business regulations, potential municipal authority over livestock, and the possibility of reduced property values impacting local tax bases and town budgets.
Edwards noted that clearer guidance will be available once state mapping is complete and encouraged residents to submit letters to their state representatives and attend upcoming public meetings with the Land Use Review Board, which has posted a second draft map online and expects a third draft by the end of April.
Chait added that Act 181 may be delayed until 2030 and is intended to protect forests and sensitive ecological areas.
Christofferson stated that most components of the law will take effect on July 1 with the new legislative term, except for the Tier 3 and Road Rule provisions, and also reported that 57 members of the Rural Caucus of Vermont—including Halifax representative Emily Carris‑Duncan—have supported efforts to repeal Act 181.
Edwards showed a second clip talking about the Road Rule from the webinar and can be found at 42:45 minutes into the meeting and at this link: https://youtu.be/69OJJPBiI4I?si=B5ZpiXcjBwxY_FgW&t=2565
Edwards stated that Halifax should avoid building new roads because they increase taxes and add work for the Selectboard, noting that private roads can later become town responsibilities, as illustrated by the current Wheeler Road situation. Christofferson raised concerns that subdivision‑related road construction may be restricted under the legislation. Edwards added that Act 181 is designed to create a consistent statewide framework, especially for towns without zoning and for smaller municipalities with limited capacity, and noted that while Halifax will continue to have zoning, state law may override local regulations.
HEARING OF VISITORS
April Dupuis expressed support for repealing the act, stating that the government is overstepping homeowner property rights.
Member of the public spoke in favor of repealing the act.
Stephan Chait supported delaying action, emphasizing the need to review issues and gather public input. He noted that the intent of the act is to protect habitats and conservation areas.
Nancy McCrea supported repeal, stating that landowners should have control over how their land is used.
Member of the public supported repeal and stated that existing laws are sufficient.
McKenzie Ganzer supported repeal, stating that landowners and taxpayers should be able to decide how their land is used.
Dylan Saladino supported repeal, expressing the view that landowners should be able to do what they choose with their land.
Kaitlin Stone supported repeal, noting that subdivision costs are high and may make it difficult for future generations to remain in town.
Joe Saladino expressed support for repeal.
Mike Fournier expressed support for repeal.
Leslie Pawlitt supported delaying action, stating that more information is needed to fully understand the topic. She also highlighted aspects of Vermont’s process and conservation techniques that she appreciates.
In response to a question from a member of the public regarding how the act would support home building in Halifax, Edwards stated that the intention of Tier 1 in the law is to eliminate the need for Act 250. Edwards added that more community discussion is needed regarding the current housing situation.
Pike expressed support for repealing the act and supported sending the Selectboard’s letter to the state representative, though he noted uncertainty about whether it would be given consideration. He also feels there is a broader policy crisis rather than a housing crisis.
Christofferson, Ashcraft and Marchegiani support a repeal. Edwards supports a delay.
DRAFTING THE LETTER
The Selectboard took the time to review and make edits, corrections and additions to the letter and tailor it to the town of Halifax in support of opposing the Act 181. Please refer to the meeting recording or the Selectboard letter for the details.
SELECTBOARD SHORT TERM ACTION STEPS
Edwards reported a current situation in which acts of kindness toward town employees may conflict with the town’s employment and personnel policies. Edwards consulted VLCT for guidance and recommended further review. Edwards suggested meeting with Pike to discuss the matter before bringing it to the full board.
ADJOURNMENT
Ashcraft made a motion to adjourn at 9:56pm. Marchegiani seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Dow
Halifax Administrative Assistant
Recording Link: https://youtu.be/69OJJPBiI4I
