OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
March 17, 2026
6:00 PM AT THE HALIFAX TOWN OFFICE
CALL TO ORDER
Edee Edwards called the meeting to order at 6:00pm. Other Selectboard members present were Rhonda Ashcraft, Randy Pike and Lori Marchegiani. Members of the public present were Tom Fox, Mike Fournier, Nancy McCrea, Michael Gouin, Stephanie Pike and Emily Dow.
CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
Review a 1 sentence addition to the previously approved February 17, 2026 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes.
Add March 13, 2026 Selectboard Special Meeting Minutes to review.
Move hearing of visitors to the beginning of the meeting.
HEARING OF VISITORS
Tom Fox said Windham Regional Commission will have completed land use maps by Friday and will distribute copies. Windham Regional Commission will meet with the Planning Commission on April 28 and invite the Selectboard to attend.
EXECUTIVE SESSION for evaluation of employees / personnel matters
Edwards made a motion to go into EXECUTIVE SESSION for evaluation of employees / personnel matters under 1 VSA § 313 (a)(3) for the appointment or employment or evaluation of a public officer or employee. Marchegiani seconded. The motion carried 4-0. Recording was paused at 6:10PM.
Pike made a motion to come out of executive session, it was seconded by Ashcraft, it carried 4-0. Recording resumed at 6:57pm.
Pike noted that Mike Fournier’s phone number will be removed from the website to assist with redirecting people to call Road Commissioner, Lori Marchegiani.
Edwards asked the Road Commissioners to give a monthly report, which will be discussed as an agenda item during the first regular meeting of the month.
NEW BUSINESS
Board Reorganization
Marchegiani made a motion to elect Edee Edwards as Selectboard Chair. Ashcraft seconded. Edwards shared some concerns. The first is that the chair position requires a lot of time and some of that time conflicts with her regular full-time job. The second concern is trying to build the bench. Everyone is doing a lot already, but distributing the workload and training others is necessary. Edwards also asked for less pushback on holding additional meetings when needed; things pile up.. Edwards called a vote, motion carried 3-0-1, with Edwards abstaining.
Pike made a motion to nominate Karen Christofferson as Selectboard Vice Chair. Pike said things are moving smoothly and should continue with the current flow. Marchegiani seconded Edwards said she understood Christofferson would be willing to step down if someone else is willing to learn, as Christofferson briefly mentioned nominating another board member for the position. Christofferson has other roles and does a lot.. Motion carried 3–1 with Edwards opposing. In further explanation, Edwards again stated her desire to build the bench. Edwards tries not to add to the burden beyond Christofferson’s other work for the town, but Edwards needs more support at times and will continue to try to lean on others appropriately
Edwards made a motion that we use Deerfield Valley News as our newspaper of record. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
Selectboard meeting dates are held bi-monthly, on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, at 6:00pm at the Halifax Town Office. Marchegiani moved. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
Truck #6 2014 Pickup—head gasket blown
Prior to Town Meeting, information was shared that a town Truck #6 was sent to Twin State to repair the head gaskets and it is in process of being repaired.
OLD BUSINESS
Road Commissioner – sign VTrans mileage certification, Grant in Aid Letter of Intent and
related documentation
Edwards signed multiple documents and statements named as follows:
- Mileage statement that confirms there are no changes in the lengths of the Halifax roads.
- Letter of intent to participate in the FY27 Municipal Roads Grants and Aid Program.
- Certificate of Compliance for Town, Road and Bridge Standards and Network Inventories.
Edwards made a motion that we pass and adopt this town road and bridge standards for the Halifax town, according to the pages in the previously signed document. Pike seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
- Annual Financial Plan for Town Highways was signed.
- Municipal Highway Grant Application: The Road Commissioners will meet with Mike Fournier to assess which grants to apply for then bring it back to the board as an agenda item.
Grader refurbishment contract signing
There is not a contract to sign. Pike said prior to Town Meeting, Pike told Haven Brown the repair was passed at town meeting and is ready to schedule in late June/July. Brown will order the parts and give a 90-day notice and no paperwork is needed at this time.
Edwards made a motion that we refurbish the grader according to the specs that were given previously, approximately $107,000. Pike seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
NEW BUSINESS (continuation)
Overview/information regarding accident involving town truck
Pike said on Tuesday, February 24th around 9:15 am, he received a call from Christofferson saying there was an accident involving one of the town trucks and another vehicle at the intersection of Route 112 and Stowe Mountain Road and the police were called and appeared at the scene along with DOT. The town truck was not damaged and the driver was not injured. The other vehicle was damaged and the occupants were taken to the hospital for observation. Pike has yet to receive the next update.
Pike contacted VLCT and filled out the Auto Loss Notice/Accident Report for insurance purposes and has given the claim representative from VLCT more information as requested.
Appointments
Edwards made a motion to appoint Emily Dow as the Selectboard Secretary/Administrative Assistant. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
A follow-up appointment/check-in will be scheduled as a special meeting for paid appointments, in executive session. They are as follows: Selectboard Secretary, Animal Control Officer, Emergency Management Director and First Constable.
Edwards made a motion to appoint Jessica Cooney as the Planning and Zoning Secretary. Ashcraft seconded. Discussion during motion: Cooney started the position partway through the year and has been doing a great job and she wishes to continue. The budget has been increased because the Town Plan Update is a current project. Motion carried 4-0
Edwards made a motion to appoint Karen Christofferson and Lori Marchegiani as our Road Commissioners, with the following responsibilities in order; Christofferson as Grants and Marchegiani as Public Concerns. Ashcraft seconded. Discussion during motion: Edwards doesn’t see a need for an Executive Session for Road Commissioners. As stated earlier, they should communicate with the highway department and efficiently relay information to the board. Motion carried 4-0.
Edwards made a motion to appoint Kyle Farnsworth as the Animal Control Officer. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
Edwards made a motion to appoint Paul Blais as the Emergency Management Director. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
Edwards made a motion to appoint Kyle Farnsworth as the First Constable, with citation ticket responsibility. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
A Second Constable was removed in FY26 as the position is not necessary.
Tom Fox, Halifax Planning Commission, will not be able to fulfill a three-year term but can stay through the completion of the Town Plan or until the position is filled. Edwards sent a message to some people who may be candidates, but has yet to hear back. Edwards made a motion to appoint Tom Fox to the Halifax Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
Detlef Ronneburger is still interested and Tristan Roberts has yet to respond. Edwards made a motion to appoint Detlef Ronneburger as the DVFiber Halifax Representative for one year. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
Edwards made a motion to appoint Sue Kelly as the Tree Warden. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 4-0. Sue Kelly is interested in continuing as Tree Warden but has not responded to the Town Health Officer.
Stephan Chait is interested in continuing as the Windham Regional Commissioner and Peter Silverberg has yet to respond. Edwards made a motion to appoint Stephan Chait and Peter Silverberg as the Windham Regional Commissioners. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
Edwards made a motion to appoint Stephan Chait as the Formal Representative as the Windham Solid Waste Management Representatives. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 4-0. Pending response from Lewis Sumner as the alternate.
Andrew Rice spoke at Town Meeting expressing that things are going well with the Loan Review Committee. Allan Dancey has not responded. Edwards made a motion to appoint Andrew Rice and Allan Dacey as the Loan Review Committee. Ashcraft seconded. Edwards noted that people who have been in the same position for multiple years tend to continue on until they send notice that they aren’t interested. Motion carried 4-0.
Edwards made a motion to appoint Dennis Annear as the E-911 Coordinator. Ashcraft seconded. Annear said he was willing to continue. Motion carried 4-0.
During the Town Meeting, Ratana Minghella, who lives in close proximity, and Raven Torrey, through her mother, communicated interest to Edwards about the Recycling Coordinator role. Edwards will ask Torrey if she is interested in positions such as Green-Up Day, Windham Solid Waste Management Representative or other. Edwards made a motion to appoint Ratana Minghella as the Recycling Coordinator. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
Edwards made a motion to appoint Jessica Cooney as Green-Up Vermont. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
Sue Kelly has not responded with her interest in continuing as the Town Health Officer. Appointment nomination will be pending her response to continue as this position requires an annual report to the state as well as a three-year term.
Robert Leete who holds the positions of ADA Coordinator and Energy Conservation Officer has yet to respond to interest in continuing in the position. Edwards will contact him again.
Stephan Chait asked about the Town Health Officer position to ensure the correct information is reported in the Town Plan.
Paul Blais, Andrea Rand and Joan Corser are not interested in continuing with the Celebration Committee. Edwards said it may be related to the multi-day event as it requires much work. Ashcraft will be in contact with Patty Dow, with the Celebration Committee and ask about disbanding. The committee did not disband during a celebration year as there was indication of a repayment of $10,000 that was received a number of years prior. Edwards believes that the committee would be smoother as a volunteer-led effort, as it is, but in which they don’t have to comply with Open Meeting Law regulations if they disbanded.
Annual Notices need to be sent to the DVFiber, Tree Warden, Windham Regional Commission (full list) and Windham Solid Waste Management.
HEARING OF VISITORS
Nancy McCrea asked for opinion on sentence in the Town Plan as follows: The only town-owned or maintained public parking facility is located at the elementary school and Halifax town office. Edwards said someone was asked to move their vehicle from overnight usage, and it gets used during mud season as a carpool area. Edwards directed McCrea to the school board as it is on school property. Pike suggested that the school board could restrictions on the space. McCrea mentioned the non-working outside light which she will bring to the school board.
CORRESPONDENCE
Overweight permits granted: Dead River Company; Basin Brothers Trucking; Amerigas; Zaluzny Excavating Corporation.
Request for approval to add dry hydrant water supply for rural fire protection refill sites (town-owned bridge on Green River Road) will be on the April 7 regular meeting agenda.
Franklin Land Trust fundraiser hosting Deerfield Dirt Road Randonnée on Saturday, August 22, 2026
The board reviewed and appreciated seeing a new NEMRC Program spent-to-date through March 6, 2026 report from the Town Treasurer.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES
February 17, 2026 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes
Edwards added a sentence that states “(Note that the current board decided not to apply to receive new settlement funds (which we were told will revert to Vermont state)).” to the previously approved February 17, 2026 minutes.
Marchegiani made a motion to correct the February 17, 2026 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes by adding the sentence discussed. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
March 3, 2026 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes
Edwards made a motion to approve the minutes from March 3, 2026 Selectboard Regular Meeting, correcting Marchegiani’s last name spelling throughout the document. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
March 8, 2026 Selectboard Special Meeting Minutes
Pike made a motion to accept the minutes from March 8, 2026 Selectboard Special Meeting with a minor amendment. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
March 13, 2026 Selectboard Special Meeting Minutes
Edwards made a motion to accept the minutes from March 13, 2026 Selectboard Special Meeting as written with only removing the word “draft”. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
SELECTBOARD ORDER
The Selectboard orders were signed and Edwards read the aggregate amount for orders on March 17, 2026 for an order total of $9,704.35
ADJOURNMENT
Ashcraft made a motion to adjourn at 9:06pm. Marchegiani seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-0
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Dow
Halifax Administrative Assistant
Recording Link:
Part 1 https://youtu.be/J_ZiBw8vNPM, Part 2 https://youtu.be/Dr60cT4esPY
