OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES- DRAFT
October 6, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
Karen Christofferson called the meeting to order at 6:00pm. Other Selectboard members present were Randy Pike, Rhonda Ashcraft and Edee Edwards & Lori Marchegiani remotely. Members of the public present were Stephanie Pike, Sue Kelly, Melissa Bombardier, Cara Cheyette and Emily Dow.
CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
New Business: Grader delivery certificate signature
OLD BUSINESS
Clark Road Cleanup Needed
The Selectboard and Farnsworth previously visited the site and it is in need of current cleanup with a camper and trucks now at the location. Pike and Ashcraft will revisit the site to assess the additions and speak with the homeowner.
Emergency Management Readiness Update
Dennis Annear had informed Christofferson that Rescue Inc. annual budget increase is 5% and will have a three-year contract; noting the amounts are determined annually. Annear would like to have future discussion regarding increasing service area coverage.
Christofferson made a motion to appoint Dennis Annear as the official representative to the town. Edwards seconded. Motion carried 5-0
Annear attended the first REMC meeting in Newfane; he told Christofferson the importance of the town including large-scale emergencies in the town planning process. The threshold for federal support is proposed to change from $1M to $4M in damages needed before receiving disaster is declared. Edwards reminded the board that a floor vote was taken the year prior to fund this disaster account with $30K in preparation for disasters.
Update on compliance & enforcement actions
Edwards updated that Wheeler Road is not yet able to be tested, and is getting additional help from town council.
Pike updated that Hubbard Hill previously had a trash and bear situation, of which cleanup progress was made. Pike and Ashcraft visited the residence on the prior Wednesday to see much cleanup was done with only a little left along with the car being removed and scrap metal due to be taken care of. Edwards will draft a thank you letter.
Regional Road Crew Recruiting and Retention update
Edwards gave an update on a regional road crew recruitment and retention initiative led by Guilford. The group identified existing workforce development and training resources that towns can better utilize and discussed collaborative strategies to recruit and retain employees. Participants shared successful hiring and training practices, including hiring employees without a CDL and providing training after employment. No Board action was taken.
VLCT Annual Meeting update
Edee Edwards attended the Vermont League of Cities and Towns Annual Meeting, where policy priorities for the coming two years were approved and board members were elected. The meeting provided information on legislative and municipal issues of interest to local governments. No Board action was taken.
NEW BUSINESS
Dog Licensure Warrant
The Board signed a warrant that allows the Animal Control Officer to visit the dog owners to ensure their dogs will be licensed. The current list for Halifax reports 7 animals however, there may be additional unregistered dogs.
Halloween Branch Road Closure for Trunk or Treat
Dennis Annear has requested [in email] for a road closure for Trunk or Treat on Halloween (Saturday, October 31) on Branch Road from the West end of the school parking lot to the Brook Road intersection from 4:30pm to 8:00pm. Annear noted the prior year was a success except for the dangers of cars passing. In response to Annear’s request for Sheriff presence to enforce the road closure, Edwards can make the request but no guarantees as the timing is on a weekend holiday.
Edwards made a motion to close Branch Road from the West end of the school parking lot to the Brook Road intersection on Saturday, October 31 from 4:30pm to 8:00pm. Ashcraft seconded. Signage and notice needs were briefly discussed during motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Fidium – Collins Road Project
Fidium submitted a Right-of-Way request form on Collins Road for underground work parallel to the road; but did not have the homeowner listed. Edwards contacted the contractor and asked to attend this Selectboard meeting as the work plans will cross another homeowner’s land and needs permission. A picture of the location showing the project was shared with the board. Edwards emphasized that the town should develop a standard application process for utility work that requires access across private property. The board will consult legal counsel and review existing utility rights and prior work before taking any action.
VLCT / PACIF / VERB Negotiations
The Town of Halifax uses VLCT’s PACIF and VERB Trusts; both trusts are working to function more independently rather than under VLCT. As a result, there may be policy, price, or training changes in the years following. More information can be found on the VLCT website.
Rescue Inc. Service Update
This was covered in the Emergency Management Readiness Update.
Resident request for signage on Josh Road
New resident on Josh Road has requested [through email to Marchegiani] signage for the bottom of Josh Road indicating “No Outlet” as there are delivery trucks and cars following GPS showing it’s a passable road; rather it’s a Class 4 Trail.
Cara Cheyette would like Hall Road to be considered to have a No Outlet sign as well, however, believes that if a road is a pathway, that it cannot be a “No Outlet”. Edwards clarified by saying the signage request type should be clearly indicated if it is a public right of way in that it is not passable or unmaintained. Christofferson will talk to Fournier about clarifying the type and purchasing road signs, using the approved budget; for Josh Road, Whitneyville Road & Hall Road.
HEARING OF VISITORS
Cara Cheyette noted the URL on the Agenda for this meeting was not hyperlinked. Board members acknowledged this. Cheyette commented on workload distribution among board members and encouraged sharing responsibilities when possible. Christofferson acknowledged the comment and indicated there is additional background regarding current workloads.
Edwards said new residents on Smith Road emailed her earlier that afternoon regarding the town plowing this Class 4 road; however, there are factors such as turnaround to consider. Edwards will confirm the resident spoke to Fournier about the town continuing plowing. Pike recalls the new residents attending the prior meeting to which it was stated that the town does not plow that road as it is not a town maintained road and it would need to be discussed in a meeting. Edwards clarified the residents [in email] are inquiring about the hearing process to discuss town plowing.
CORRESPONDENCE
- Blue Cross Blue Shield information was put into board mailboxes.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES
September 29, 2026 Selectboard Special Meeting Minutes
Pike made a motion to accept the September 29, 2026 Selectboard Special Meeting Minutes as amended. Christofferson seconded. Motion carried 3-0-2 Ashcraft and Marchegiaini abstention.
September 15, 2026 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes
Edwards made a motion to accept the September 15, 2026 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes as amended. Pike seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
Ashcraft left the meeting at 7:45pm.
September 22, 2026 Selectboard Special Meeting Minutes
Pike made a motion to accept the September 22, 2026 Selectboard Special Meeting Minutes as amended. Edwards seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
Grader delivery certificate signature
The Board reviewed the final grader refurbishment cost of $139,774.82, confirmed it was within previously approved funding, and discussed warranty documentation. The Board verified the refurbished grader includes a five-year/6,000-hour warranty.
Christofferson made a motion to authorize Pike to sign on the town’s behalf the criteria certified component program for the refurbished grader. Marchegiani seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
SELECTBOARD ORDER
The Selectboard orders were signed and Edwards read the aggregate amount for FY27 order #7 on October 6, 2026 for an order total of $97,289.07
ADJOURNMENT
Edwards made a motion to adjourn at 8:34pm. Pike seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Dow
Halifax Administrative Assistant
Recording Link:
