Town of Halifax, Vermont
MINUTES
April 8, 2009
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:07 PM. Members in attendance were Howard Alboum, Brian McNeice, Frank Maltese, Paul Placentino, William Pusey, and Craig Stone. Board members Christina Moore, Norman Fajans and Sirean LaFlamme were absent. Others in attendance were William Oglesby, Margo Avakian, and Secretary Phyllis Evanuk.
Vice Chair Howard Alboum conducted the meeting in the absence of the Chair.
Approval of Minutes
Mr. Maltese moved to approve the minutes of the March 11, 2009 meeting as written.
Mr. Pusey seconded the motion.
The motion carried 6-0.
New Business
1. A letter from William Oglesby was reviewed by the members. Mr. Oglesby advised that in perusing the land records and property transfer records he had discovered some discrepancies regarding length of time of ownership stated on property transfer declarations. He advised that the Land Gains Tax is designed to discourage quick flipping of property by having a higher tax rate when it has been only held a short time. This translates to improper taxes being charged if the stated length of ownership is not accurate. He advised that he had contacted the state tax department but has heard nothing more. He suggested that the Planning Commission might have more success, and that if it was not in their purview they would know who was the proper person or board to follow up.
It was suggested that as this was a property related situation the Listers might be the ones to contact, although state taxes are not in their purview either.
After a short discussion it was decided that the letter should be sent with a cover letter to those who might be in a better position to address the matter. Mr. Stone advised that the concern of the Planning Commission would only be if a subdivision was affected.
Mr. Maltese moved to accept the letter from William Oglesby and to forward it with a cover letter to the following: Secretary of State, Town Attorney, Selectboard, Attorney General, Town Clerk, and State Department of Taxes.
Mr. McNeice seconded the motion.
The motion carried 6-0.
2. Re-adoption of Town Plan
The information obtained by Mr. Fajans and Mr. McNeice offer different procedures for re-adopting the town plan. The VLCT advised that a letter of recommendation from the Planning Commission is all that is needed from them and the Selectboard would hold the public hearing and place an article on the warning for the next town meeting. Windham Regional Commission advised that the entire process must be followed as if it were a new town plan. Mr. McNeice advised that when he spoke with WRC about this discrepancy they advised they would get back to him and have not. He advised he will contact them again and let the secretary know the results.
After a short discussion of the dilemma the Board agreed that they could recommend re-adoption to the Selectboard and if further information becomes available it will be forwarded to them.
Mr. Pusey moved to send a recommendation to the Selectboard to re-adopt the 2004 Town Plan.
Mr. McNeice seconded the motion.
The motion carried 5-0 1, with Mr. Maltese abstaining.
The Commissioners will plan on working on the new plan starting next meeting, when they will hopefully have a definite answer to the procedure for re-adoption.
They will also consider reorganization as there is now a change in membership.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Phyllis H. Evanuk
Secretary