July 20, 2023 Selectboard Special Meeting Minutes – APPROVED

OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD

TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT

SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES

July 20th, 2023

7:32 PM AT THE HALIFAX TOWN OFFICE

CALL TO ORDER

Pete Silverberg called the meeting to order at 7:32pm on July 20th, 2023. Selectboard members present Pete Silverberg, Edee Edwards, Karen Christofferson, and Tristan Roberts. Other people present or remote are David Jones, Sue Kelly, Mike Fournier, Patty Dow, and Alison Crossley.

CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA

OLD BUSINESS

  • Fiber internet staging location decision
    • Propose to use location adjacent to town garage for staging area as agreed upon by Mike Fournier & Josh (DVFiber).
    • Tristan makes motion to authorize DVFiber to coordinate with the Road Commissioner the use of an area adjacent to the town garage at 2044 Branch Road for the purpose of supporting DVFiber construction activities. Pete seconds. Passed 4-0.

NEW BUSINESS

  • Tax rate for FY24
    • Read through tax rate changes per division.
    • 10.25% increase in on the resident combined municipal and education rate, non-resident rate increase is 8.47%
    • Patty to send out mailing to each resident to notify
    • Edee makes motion to approve town tax rate read by Pete Silverberg. Pete seconds. Passed 4-0.
  • Tax Rate Mail stuffer: DVFiber, Ash Borer, Town email list
    • Tristan makes motion to approve language as circulated to selectboard for property tax mailing stuffer. Pete seconds. Passed 4-0.
  • Remedy for potential Open Meeting Law notice issue
    • Selectboard member and admin assistant required to review open meeting law as it pertains to emergency meeting requirements
    • Edee makes motion to ratify the decisions during the July 10th Emergency Selectboard meeting. Tristan seconded. Passed 4-0.
  • Storm damage summary
    • Mike Fournier documented 56 sites from mild to severe damage from flood, took photos for documentation.
    • VTrans came Friday, July 14th, to assess damage, noted two severe areas:
      • Vaughn Road, ¾ of a mile severe damage – estimate cost to fix ~100K
      • Pike Road culvert – estimate cost to fix ~10K
    • FEMA division supervisor for Windham County, David Zarnic, contacted Pete to discuss damage – David would like to coordinate meeting with Selectboard
      • Pete & Mike will contact David for FEMA requirements and see if available to meet for Selectboard Special Meeting – Thursday, July 27th at 6pm
    • Discuss FEMA reimbursements and contractor work
      • Mike and Pete will coordinate with David Zarnic to understand purchasing policy exceptions during emergency damage contracting.
      • Makes motion pending David Zarnic, Pete Silverberg, and Mike Fournier conversation to be had regarding bid process for flood damage and requirements for FEMA funding. Pete seconds. Passed 4-0.

OTHER BUSINESS

–        Finance Meeting postponed

  • Karen to contact VCLT to understand requirements about notifying when postponement is required.
  • Pete Silverberg plans to donate scanner to copy plot plans

HEARING OF VISITORS

  • None

SELECTBOARD ORDER

  • Treasury Order total: $84,071.25

CORRESPONDENCE

–        Liquor License requires more information collected before approval.

  • Contact resident requesting liquor license to discuss intent
  • Contact Zoning board to understand requirements of liquor license
  • Edee will contact VCLT to discuss Selectboard role in approving liquor license
  • Selectboard signed paperwork to give Andrew Rice authority to address delinquent dog licenses in Halifax.

ADJOURNMENT

Pete Silverberg adjourned at 12:41pm. Seconded by Edee Edwards. Passed 4-0.

YOUTUBE LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUpuURofgJQ