OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES- DRAFT
August 18, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
Edee Edwards called the meeting to order at 6:01pm. Other Selectboard members present were Randy Pike, Karen Christofferson, Rhonda Ashcraft, and Lori Marchegiani joining remotely. Members of the public present were Nancy McCrea, Stephan Chait, David Jones, Doug Parkhurst, Marilou Parkhurst, Stephanie Pike, Michael Miller, Christopher Curtis, and Emily Dow.
CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
- Old Business: Forest Fire Warden; change to the process and designate two people; no meeting has occurred yet.
- Old Business: Deerfield River Advisory discussion pending Christopher Curtis’ attendance.
HEARING OF VISITORS
No visitors wished to speak.
NEW BUSINESS
Consolidated Communications/Fidium – phone line repair issues
The Board discussed ongoing issues of Consolidated/Fidium copper phone lines, including a month-long outage at the Town Garage; and similar problems reported by residents and first responders. Public safety is critical; residents should always be able to dial 911. Many residents have switched to DVFiber for phone service; but the town office and a few residents use Consolidated.
David Jones previously outlined potential actions Halifax could take through various entities. The Board agreed to pursue these options and ask Halifax’s DVFiber representatives (Ronneburger and Roberts) to bring the following concepts to DVFiber leadership for consideration:
- Voice‑only service: Evaluate whether DVFiber could offer a low‑cost, voice‑only plan for residents who do not want or cannot afford internet service.
- Battery backup support: Promote existing DVFiber battery units and explore expanded backup options for residents.
- Home energy storage: Initiate conversations with Green Mountain Power and Jacksonville Electric about potential programs for home energy storage systems, especially for medically vulnerable residents.
- Federal subsidy coordination: Monitor federal subsidy programs and coordinate with the Public Service Commission, Vermont Council for Broadband, and VCUDA.
Christofferson will send a formal email to Representatives Wendy Harrison, Nader Hashim, and Emily Carris-Duncan requesting clarification on actions taken with the Public Utilities Commission regarding Consolidated’s failure to maintain basic phone service and 911 reliability.
David Jones will provide additional guidance to Halifax’s DVFiber representatives.
Halifax Connectivity Program Wrap Up
David Jones provided a summary of the Halifax Connectivity Program. The town contributed $50,000 in SLFRF/ARPA funds to DVFiber to support last‑mile connections for residents identified as priority locations, including first responders, teachers, students, and seniors. Jones surveyed approximately 60 properties and coordinated conduit assessments and installations. Most sites did not require new conduit. Saladino Construction completed the contracted conduit work under previously bid pricing.
DVFiber has spent approximately $46,500 of the allocated funds, with no remaining pending requests for conduit work.
Board members discussed potential uses of the remaining funds and agreed that the final contribution did not include a return‑of‑funds provision. The Board agreed with Jones’s recommendation to leave the remaining $3,500 balance with DVFiber and request that DVFiber apply it toward beneficial public‑interest installations.
The Board determined that no formal vote was required. David Jones will notify DVFiber of the Board’s conclusion once the minutes are published.
FY25 Audit receipt
Batchelder is on vacation and will join the board to discuss the findings at the September 1 meeting. The audit report will be posted on the town website.
FY26 Audit scheduling commitment
The Board reviewed FY26 audit planning and confirmed the estimated audit cost of $26,500 provided by Batchelder Associates. This amount is less than the prior year’s budgeted figure and aligns with current audit reserve planning. FY26 audit work should begin in November to ensure completion before Town Meeting. Last year’s delays were caused by the Town simultaneously conducting a major audit and transitioning from QuickBooks to NEMREC.
The Board agreed that continuity with Batchelder Associates is important for FY26 due to their familiarity with the town’s systems and processes.
Edwards made a motion that the Board engage with Batchelder Associates for the FY26 audit to commence in November. Christofferson seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
OLD BUSINESS
Deerfield River Advisory Committee
The Board reviewed the request for Halifax to participate in the Deerfield River Advisory Committee. Background materials and prior Selectboard support for the study were noted. Chris Curtis, VP of the all-volunteer Deerfield River Watershed Association, attended to explain the purpose of the wild and scenic river study, emphasizing that it is informational only and does not obligate the town to support any future designation. He clarified that the study does not affect private property rights, land use, hunting access, or existing dams, and that any future designation would require multiple years of additional process and approvals.
Board members discussed recent concerns related to land use regulationand state legislation (Act 181). Ultimately, they agreed that participation in the study would ensure Halifax remains informed and represented. Curtis confirmed that several neighboring towns and regional organizations already have representatives.
Edwards made a motion to nominate Dov Towler as Halifax’s representative to the Deerfield River Advisory Committee and Stephen Chait as alternate. Christofferson seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
Forest Fire Warden changes
Edwards noted that a meeting with Dennis Annear and two board members to discuss the position expenses had been cancelled due to timing challenges. Several members had continued to do individual research. The board formally designated Christofferson and Pike to hold preliminary discussions with Chief Annear and bring that back for a board decision.
Ethics training
Edwards has set up group ethic training with individuals who are required to take the state training, but who have not yet done so. Others in roles which must follow the law have been invited as well, optionally. It is August 27 at 7 PM, here in the office.
CORRESPONDENCE
The Lehner ROW/Driveway Permit on 127 Cannon Road was signed without conditions.
Edwards reminded the group of an upcoming SeVEDs Capital Planning Workshop in Wilmington on September 11. Edwards is attending; Christofferson intends to as well. Marchegiani forwarded similar material from a road foreman’s workshop.
VLCT Town Fair (Oct 7) and Annual Meeting (Oct 6 Zoom) is in South Burlington again. Edwards is planning to attend this also and will expense her travel, and encouraged others to consider this.
Guilford is spearheading an effort to look at Regional Cooperation on Highway Recruitment, Training, and Retention. Edwards and Ashcraft will attend via a Zoom meeting.
Christofferson discussed two invoicing disputes with Consolidated when we don’t have phone service and Dead River Delivery of oil beyond their contracted date. She will follow up.
Edwards noted that we can nominate a local leader to attend Vt. Community Leadership Summit (Oct 6 in Castleton) for no charge. Deadline to make a nomination is September 28.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES
Pike made a motion to accept the August 4, 2026 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes as amended. Marchegiani seconded. Motion carried 4-0-1 with Christofferson abstaining.
SELECTBOARD ORDER
The Selectboard orders were signed and Edwards read the aggregate amount for FY27 order #4 on August 18, 2026 for an order total of $14,089.64.
ADJOURNMENT
Ashcraft made a motion to adjourn at 8:27pm. Pike seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Dow
Halifax Administrative Assistant
Recording Link: https://youtu.be/58XgvRO9jZM
