OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES- DRAFT
August 4, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
Edee Edwards called the meeting to order at 6:00pm. Other Selectboard members present were Karen Christofferson, Randy Pike, Lori Marchegiani and Rhonda Ashcraft. Members of the public present were Nancy McCrea, Stephan Chait, Michael Miller, Joseph Bombardier, John LaFlamme David Towler and Emily Dow.
CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
None.
OLD BUSINESS
Update on new boiler installation and propane tank install
Marchegiani updated that Lane removed the old oil burner and installed the new boiler earlier in the week. The Board approved paying 50% of the propane tank cost so NIDOS can deliver the tank, after which Lane will complete the hookup. Grant eligibility for the tank purchase remains uncertain, but the project will move forward.
Other updates:
- Branch Bridge work is expected to begin around August 13 with one‑lane traffic during the two‑week project, and notices will be posted on the Town website and Front Porch Forum.
- DVFiber will switch the Town’s phone and internet service on the same date.
- Eastern Salt will send updated pricing within one to two weeks.
FY25 Audit update and timeline
The Board received a draft FY25 audit and noted continued revisions requiring additional signatures. Marchegiani and Dow are reviewing the updated documents and will follow up with the auditor to resolve outstanding questions. Once the final audit is issued, the Town will post it on the website and notify voters at the next meeting; and the auditor will present findings at a later date. Required audit materials will be incorporated into next year’s annual report.
Ticket-book enforcement
Edwards brought awareness to the board about ticket book enforcement; and agreed to begin preparing for ordinance citation capability. Marchegiani is coordinating with the State to obtain four ticket books and will meet with Constable Kyle to review enforcement training and applicable ordinances. The Board agreed that, once enforcement begins, the Town will issue public notice outlining warning procedures and penalties.
Forest Fire Warden follow up
- Ratify appointment of Dennis Annear:
The Board reviewed the July 1, 2026 statutory changes requiring towns to appoint a Forest Fire Warden. Since Halifax is served by a private fire company, the Board may appoint a warden rather than defaulting to the fire chief. The warden may appoint deputies; and updated reporting and burn‑permit procedures to comply with state requirements.
Edwards made a motion to ratify the appointment of Dennis Annear as the Town of Halifax’s Forest Fire Warden. Marchegiani seconded. Discussion during motion: Annear’s qualifications were noted. Members acknowledged concerns about potential future costs but agreed the Town must have a warden under state law. The Board will work with Annear to establish burn‑permit procedures, public communication, and operational steps while the fire company remains the primary responder for fire incidents. Motion carried 4-0.
- Steps to operationalize:
The Board reviewed initial steps to operationalize the Forest Fire Warden system.
- State burn‑permit forms are available, and Annear will determine which form to use.
- The Town will update the website with permit instructions once contact information is finalized.
- The fire company plans to install an exterior permit box at the station; Annear has provided a text contact for permit requests. The Board confirmed that verbal permits may still be issued if documented noting that a record‑keeping process must be established.
- The Board agreed to continue partnering with the fire company to finalize procedures and support Annear during initial setup.
- Discuss expenditures & salary request:
The Board reviewed statutory requirements for setting a stipend for the Forest Fire Warden. Members discussed funding options, including permit fees, adding a budget line item at Town Meeting, or providing no stipend. VLCT compensation data was reviewed to understand how other municipalities structure stipends.
Halifax has never budgeted for this position and workload remains uncertain; the Board agreed it could not set a salary at this meeting. The Board will continue gathering information on duties, reporting requirements, and equipment needs—including a request for a computer—and will revisit compensation once responsibilities and time commitments are better defined.
- Halifax delegation August 8:
The Board received comments from Rep. Emily Carris Duncan regarding jurisdiction, authority, and broader implications of the new forest fire warden statute; including uncertainty about whether the law leads towns toward town-run fire companies. The board will continue working with legislators and VLCT to get clarification.
Board members supported creating a subcommittee to meet with Annear, as the Forest Fire Warden, to continue developing operational and budget recommendations. The Board agreed to cover short‑term expenses such as mileage and to gather additional information on insurance implications and reporting requirements.
NEW BUSINESS
Deerfield River Advisory Committee appointment
The Board received a request to appoint a representative to the Deerfield River Advisory Committee. David Towler confirmed his willingness to serve; Marchegiani available as an alternate. The Board deferred making the appointment and agreed to place the item under Old Business pending additional information on the committee’s scope and meeting schedule.
Municipal Planning Grant
The Planning Commission requested Selectboard authorization to apply for the FY27 Municipal Planning Grant to update the Town’s zoning regulations. The Board discussed the scope of the project, noted that Windham Regional Commission can prepare the grant application and serve as consultant under rural‑town provisions, and confirmed the Town’s 10% match requirement.
Edwards made a motion to approve going forward with the Municipal Planning Grant to update our zoning regulations for FY27. Pike seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
HEARING OF VISITORS
In response to Joseph Bombardier’s question about Wheeler Road, Edwards updated that we are waiting for the final septic testing to happen next week.
John LaFlamme requested permission to park an 18‑wheel truck near the recycling bins at the Town Garage for two nights per week during winter and spring. The Board discussed considerations including insurance, continued public access to recycling bins, and the existing Green Mountain Power lease on part of the property. The Board agreed to follow up with LaFlamme to gather contact information and determine whether written documentation is needed. The Board will also explore whether the Old Town Garage site may be a suitable alternative location.
Edwards made a motion that under 1 VSA § 313 (a) (3) for the appointment or employment or evaluation of a public officer or employee. Provided that we shall make a final decision to hire or appoint the public office or employee in the open meeting, and shall explain our reasons for its final decision during the open meeting, I would like to go into executive session. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
Executive Session for Jessica Cooney annual review
Edwards made a motion to come out of the Executive Session at 7:55pm. Randy seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
No decisions were made in executive session during Jessica Cooney’s annual review. The Board noted her strong performance and increased workload due to the Town Plan update. The Board agreed to provide her with additional website access tools and determined that previously budgeted computer equipment is no longer needed.
Marchegiani made a motion to increase Jessica Cooney’s pay from $20 to $22 an hour. Pike seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
CORRESPONDENCE
Branch Road Speeding: A resident requested increased law‑enforcement presence on Branch Road and a speed‑limit sign at the entrance. The Board will contact the Windham County Sheriff’s Office to request patrols and will consult the Road Commissioner regarding sign availability and future budgeting for replacements.
Audit Engagement Letter: The Board noted that the auditor requested a revised engagement letter signature. Edwards will follow up with the auditor to clarify the changes before signing.
Whitingham Plowing Request: Whitingham asked whether Halifax would consider plowing and sanding a short section of Collins Road. The Board agreed to schedule a joint discussion with Halifax’s Road Commissioner and Whitingham’s highway supervisor to review route logistics, costs, and potential stipends.
DVFiber Connectivity Project: The Board received the DVFiber ARPA‑funded project report and will place the item on the next meeting agenda.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES
July 21, 2026 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes
made a motion to accept the July 21, 2026 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes as amended. seconded. Motion carried 5-0
July 29, 2026 Selectboard Special Meeting Minutes
made a motion to accept the July 21, 2026 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes as amended. seconded. Motion carried 5-0
SELECTBOARD ORDER
The Selectboard orders were signed and Edwards read the aggregate amount for FY27 order #3 on August 4, 2026 for an order total of $17,214.44
ADJOURNMENT
Ashcraft made a motion to adjourn at 8:57pm. seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Dow
Halifax Administrative Assistant
Recording Link: https://youtu.be/bb_bwbeObDU
