OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
February 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 Karen Christofferson, Rhonda Ashcraft, Randy Pike and Lori Marchegiani. Members of the public present were Tom Fox, Rebecca Wright, Kyle Farnsworth, Nancy McCrea, Stephan Chait, Pete Silverberg, Patrick McAllister, Doug Parkhurst, Marilou Parkhurst, Stephanie Pike and Emily Dow.
CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Town Plan Update Schedule
Tom Fox, Chair of the Halifax VT Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment, reported that the updated Town Plan, last readopted in 2019, is undergoing revisions, and expected to be finished this summer. Revisions are guided by the Windham Regional Commission (Matt Bachler), and include one new state planning goal. Once finalized by the Planning Commission (PC), the Selectboard needs to hold a hearing for approval. If the town votes on public questions for the Town Plan via Australian ballot, that will be the path for re-adoption. Otherwise, the Selectboard may be able to approve it.
Action items of import include researching how public questions, specifically on the town plan are voted (Edwards), and a recommendation that all Selectboard members review the 2019 Town Plan to prepare for the required update.
When asked, Edwards noted that the Animal Control Ordinance should only be included if approved. Stephan Chait emphasized that the Town Plan outlines long‑term goals for development, and does not need to contain every ordinance, though approval of the Town Plan every 8 years is necessary for eligibility for certain grants.
Guilford Gravel Grinder
For the past eight years, this bike race has passed through Halifax, but recent unsafe rider behavior—including speeding up to 50 mph, passing vehicles on both sides, and ignoring a Fire Company traffic director as a fire truck backed into the station—prompted the fire chief to request that the race no longer use town roads. Edwards said that VLCT advised restricting road use may require an ordinance and permit revisions. In response to the concerns, race organizers have proposed to adjust the route to avoid West Halifax and the town center, instead directing riders along Green River Road, Larabee, Old County and Deer Park Roads.
Christofferson asked if the race can have volunteers to staff dangerous sections, hills and turns to ensure safety. Marchegiani asked if the race has a winner which would make speeding an issue. In response to Christofferson’s question about town liability, Edwards noted that racers usually have to waive liability.
Edwards made a motion that we send the coordinators of the Guilford Gravel Grinder approval to run the race on this revised path, with the addition of asking for volunteers at several corners along the way to help slow things down and signage. Discussion during motion: Pike asked if the race needs approval or just give recommendations as it may be related to liability. Motion was amended.
Edwards made a motion that we respond to the Guildford Gravel Grinder people, saying the town continues to have concerns. Halifax would like to see signage, volunteers and staffing at dangerous intersections, and good communications. Pike seconded. Discussion during motion: Christofferson asked to have the date in order to be able to communicate with Green Mountain Power. Motion carries 5-0.
OLD BUSINESS
Sand & Salt Update
Due to the regional salt shortage, the town has had difficulty receiving materials. Marchegiani ordered three additional loads of salt; one shipment from Eastern Salt has arrived, with two more expected later in the week.
A preauthorized delivery of 1,000 cubic yards of sand has been received, which should be sufficient for the remainder of the season depending on weather conditions.
Dog Ordinance New Schedule
The Committee for Animal Control previously submitted a revised draft ordinance that removes provisions on dogs running at large and excessive barking, leaving the focus on potentially vicious dogs and rabies vaccination requirements. Edwards distributed the “Quick Guide to Ordinances” and “Ordinance Adoption”, that pertains to all local ordinances, and noted that, due to earlier townsfolk concerns, another discussion should be held on the updated version. She suggested that if the ordinance is petitioned, the timing should align with an August Selectboard meeting near the primaries to avoid needing a separate special meeting.
Rebecca Wright asked clarifying questions about the ordinance process including the survey mailing. She stated that she did not receive a postcard in the mail.
Edwards responded to Stephan Chait’s question about the meeting in August and that, if petitioned, it must be a warned special meeting. Chait asked if the ordinance has been compared to the state regulations. Edwards said the state has limited regulations, and since this ordinance is very common in towns and based on the VLCT attorney’s model, it should be aligned.
Tom Fox said in light of the ordinance training Edwards took, he would like to discuss a short-term rental ordinance in the future. Edwards shared material on ordinance enforcement training with Kyle Farnsworth and will work on getting a ticket book for the town to use.
Opioid Settlement charity designation
A previous Selectboard had approved receiving opioid settlement funds from a class action settlement. Voices of Hope, which had previously been Halifax’s recipient of these funds has closed and donated its remaining money to Divided Sky, a recovery‑support organization. Pike suggested directing future funds to Adult and Teen Challenge Vermont, which assists people recovering from alcohol and opioid use, though it is unclear whether the funds can be restricted to opioid‑specific services. Edwards and Pike will contact both organizations to gather more information. (Note that the current board decided not to apply to receive new settlement funds (which we were told will revert to Vermont state)).
Informational, Town Meeting, and Election Day Reminders
Reminder: The board, as well as others, will be counting votes after polls close. There will be a brief Selectboard meeting to sign the orders that evening at 6PM.
Informational meeting, February 24, at 6:00pm- Edwards will reach out to Paul Blais to set up recording capabilities. Postcards have been sent out. Town report will be picked up and brought to the town office once it’s ready.
HEARING OF VISITORS
Patrick McAllister and Stephanie Pike share appreciation to the board for holding meetings and their work.
Tom Fox reported that work on the FIRMS (updated FEMA flood maps)” is expected to be completed by late spring, after which the project will move into the appeals process. The materials are available online, though the format has changed, and the town is working with the Windham Regional Commission to ensure everything meets regulatory requirements.
Stephan Chait noted that earlier meetings included discussion about the costs and benefits of paving versus maintaining dirt roads, emphasizing that the environmental impacts extend beyond financial considerations. He said that this topic will be taken up at the next Conservation Commission meeting.
Kyle Farnsworth reported that town plowing—primarily from the grader—caused damage to his vehicle, several mailboxes, solar lights, plants, and created a significant drop in his driveway, all of which were outside the town right‑of‑way. He noted that he no longer plows across the road and hopes the damage was not retaliatory. According to Farnsworth, the grader pushed back snowbanks, went up his driveway, and struck his gate. Edwards said the next step is for Road Commissioner Marchegiani to speak with the road crew to understand what occurred that day.
CORRESPONDENCE
Windham County Lead Hazard Control
The Windham County Sheriff’s Office has a program in place for lead movement and hazard control and requested to be on an agenda for a brief overview of the program. Edwards said a meeting in April, or handouts during town meeting would suffice and they should also send the information to Andy Rice, who represents the Housing Rehabilitation Committee.
Christofferson said with the previous snowstorm, the diesel gelled and the road crew filled up their trucks for a total cost of $1,212.52. Christofferson contacted Dead River about the issue and a reimbursement check was sent out on February 10th.
Future webinar meeting from Argonne National Library on March 12 will show people how to use the data tools.
Windham Regional Commission will host a public meeting on March 17 at 6:00pm for ACT 250 Tier 3 and road rules.
Overweight Permit Granted: Lynde Well Drilling
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES
February 3, 2026 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes
Edwards made a motion to accept the February 3, 2026 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes as amended. Marchegiani seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
SELECTBOARD ORDER
The Selectboard orders were signed and Edwards read the aggregate amount for orders on February 17, 2026 for an order total of $4,224.47.
ADJOURNMENT
Ashcraft made a motion to adjourn at 8:00pm. Christofferson seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Dow
Halifax Administrative Assistant
Recording Link:
https://youtu.be/egRiro2INzg
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