OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES- DRAFT
July 7, 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, Randy Pike, Lori Marchegiani and Rhonda Ashcraft. Members of the public present were Nancy McCrea, Stephan Chait, Dawn Kazokas, Mike Fournier, Michael Miller, Olga Peters (Deerfield Valley News), Jeffrey Glaser and Emily Dow.
CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
New Business: Act 162 Discussion (Christofferson and Annear)
New Business: Radio Frequency Discussion (Edwards)
Old Business: Regional Policing- Sheriff Anderson may be present
NEW BUSINESS
Bid opening—diesel/fuel; sand/gravel/stone
Summer and Winter Diesel Fuel: Invitations to bid were sent to four firms; two bids received.
Bidder and bid details were read. Below are the final total bids:
- Robert’s Energy (Barrows and Fisher Oil) supplied an Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) with index pricing.
- Clear-diesel (on-road) $3.9178; Total $34,280.75
- Red-dyed (off-road diesel) $3.9273; Total $____
- Summer and Winter fuel price differential is unknown. Winter months fuel will be ordered based on fuel type needed. Delivered price is unknown
- Nido’s
-
- Summer Diesel Fuel: 8,750 gallons at $3.75; Total $32,812.50
- Winter Diesel Fuel: 8,750 gallons at $3.99; Total $34,912.50
Pike made a motion to award the Diesel Fuel bid to Nido’s at the fixed price of $3.75/gal for Summer diesel and $3.99/gal for Winter diesel. Edwards seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
Edwards noted that a 20% budget cut for FY27 was made to $60,000 for Diesel Fuel; diesel fuel cost projections are $67,725.
Sand, Gravel and Stone: Invitations to bid were sent to eight or more firms; 6 bids received. Per the bid specifications, the Town of Halifax is accepting quotes for three quarter inch crushed gravel, winter sand and crushed stone; and four to eight inch ditch stone.
Cersosimo Industries (Brattleboro, VT)
- Crushed gravel and winter sand: No bids were sent
- Crushed Stone and Ditch Stone bids were submitted with the same pricing:
- 500 cubic yards; $39.13/cubic yard delivered; Total delivery price $19,565
- FOB $23.50/cubic yard
- Note: Due to volatility in diesel prices, a 15% fuel surcharge may be added to all deliveries.
SB Denison Excavating (Greenfield, MA)
- Crushed gravel, winter sand and stone: No bids were sent
- Ditch Stone: FOB $22 per cubic yard; Delivery price N/A
All States Material (AKA Mitchell Materials) (Sunderland, MA)
- Gravel: 5,200 cubic yards; $32.475/cubic yards delivered; Total delivery price $168,870
- Winter Sand: 4,500 cubic yards; $28.145/cubic yards; Total delivery price $126,652.50
- Crushed Stone: 500 cubic yards; $41.25/cubic yard; Total delivery price $20,625
- Ditch Stone: $43.50 per yard, as needed.
Zaluzny Excavating (Vernon, VT)
- Gravel: 5,200 cubic yards; $31.45/cubic yards delivered; Total delivery price $163,540
- FOB $20 per cubic yard; Total cost $104,000
- Winter Sand: 4,500 cubic yards; $27.25/cubic yards delivered; Total delivery price $122,625
- FOB $18.18 per cubic yard
- Crushed Stone: 500 cubic yards; $38.25/cubic yards delivered; Total delivery price $19,125
- FOB $26 per cubic yard
- Ditch Stone: $38.25 per yard, as needed.
- FOB $26 per cubic yard
Northeast Paving (Northfield, MA)
- Gravel: 5,200 cubic yards; $45/cubic yards delivered; Total delivery price $234,000
- FOB $30 per cubic yard; Total cost $156,000
- Winter Sand: 4,500 cubic yards; FOB $33 per cubic yard; Total cost $48,500
- Crushed Stone: 500 cubic yards; $48/cubic yards delivered; Total delivery price $24,000
- FOB $33 per cubic yard; Total cost $16,500
- Ditch Stone: 500 cubic yards; $51/cubic yards delivered; Total delivery price $24,000
- FOB $36 per cubic yard; Total cost $16,500
Cerreta Excavation (Shaftsbury, VT)
- Gravel: 5,200 cubic yards; $35.50/cubic yard; Total delivery price $184,600
- FOB $20 per cubic yard; Total cost $104,000
- Winter Sand: 4,500 cubic yards; $37.50/per cubic yard; Total delivery price $168,750
- FOB $22 per cubic yard; Total cost $99,000
- Crushed Stone: 500 cubic yards; $39.50/cubic yard; Total delivery price $19,750
- FOB $24 per cubic yard; Total cost $12,000
- Ditch Stone: 500 cubic yards; $37.50/cubic yard; Total delivery price $
- FOB $22 per cubic yard; as needed
Discussion following the bid opening consisted of reviewing the price differences, commodities and offerings between the companies.
Edwards made a motion to accept the bid for 3/4in crushed gravel to Zaluzny Excavating for $31.45 per cubic yard. Marchegiani seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
Christofferson made a motion to accept the bid for 3/4in winter sand to All States Materials for $21.145 per cubic yard. Marchegiani seconded. Motion carried 4-0-1 Edwards opposed.
Pike made a motion to accept the bid for 3/4in crushed stone to Zaluzny Excavating for $38.25 per cubic yard. Marchegiani seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
Edwards made a motion to accept the bid for 4in-8in ditch stone to Cerreta Excavation for $37.50 per cubic yard. Marchegiani seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
Act 162: Forest Fire Warden Appointment Change
The board reviewed Act 162, which shifts forest fire warden appointments to fire chiefs and supersedes Halifax’s March 31, 2025 appointment of Malcolm Sumner, who may now only serve as Deputy Warden. Due to new reporting, permitting, and compensation requirements and the lack of prior notification, the board agreed not to submit the state’s personnel form until clarification is received. The board will contact Commissioner Danielle Pitsko, VLCT advocacy staff, and Representative Emily Carris Duncan regarding the law’s impacts on small towns and will follow up with Malcolm Sumner about his status under the revised statute.
The board agreed to move forward with Belchertown’s radio‑frequency request once Fire Chief Mike verifies the channel, and will sign the concurrence letter only if no interference issues are identified.
The board noted that the dry hydrant grant is still pending and that a site visit is required for the Pendle Hill road straightening project. The town attorney advised that a road dedication or layout would only be needed if work extends outside the existing right‑of‑way. Mike and Dennis will attend the site visit once scheduled.
Road Commissioner’s Report
- Phase 2 of the Deer Park Road ditching project began July 7 as part of the Clean Water Act erosion‑control work. A portion of Deer Park Road near Deer Park Pond will be closed to through‑traffic during work hours July 7–9 and July 13–16, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The project includes constructing stone and grass ditches, removing berms, and replacing one 18‑inch culvert.
- Christofferson was authorized to sign the newly approved Perry Road Clean Water grant, totaling approximately $25,000 with a $5,000 town match.
- The Branch Road structure grant has been awarded and signed. Work is scheduled to begin in early September. The contractor has submitted the required insurance certificate. The grant amount is $76,500, with the approved bid at $72,850.
- That updated town highway maps have been printed by Windham Regional Commission. Two copies—one for the town garage and one for the Selectboard—will be delivered.
- The board received a status update that Pike Road is now complete, including final culvert work. Green Mountain Power has finished its work within Halifax.
- The grader has been delivered to the vendor for refurbishment, and the town will receive updates as work progresses.
OLD BUSINESS
Regional Policing Agreement
The board reviewed the regional policing pilot and determined that Halifax cannot participate in the first round due to the required time commitment for a Selectboard representative on the governance council. The board expressed general support for the concept but agreed not to join at this stage, and Edwards will report this decision to the Sheriff’s Office.
Highway employee appreciation donation
The board opened and reviewed the Treasurer’s sealed highway employee appreciation donation materials, confirming receipt of $1,830 in anonymous cash donations from nine envelopes and the disbursement of funds through payroll in accordance with required policy and Attorney Fisher’s guidance. The Treasurer deposited the funds and issued checks dated June 30 for distribution during upcoming highway employee reviews. The board verified that all policy requirements—anonymity, routing through the Treasurer, and payroll tax deductions—were followed and signed the Selectboard order documenting acceptance of the gift and the audit trail.
Highway reviews process
The board agreed to reschedule the highway employee reviews and will coordinate new dates with the Road Commissioner, with July 27 or July 29 as the preferred options. The board will request that the Road Commissioner provide written evaluations in advance and will meet with him first before conducting individual employee reviews.
Halifax Closed landfill Update- Inspection, Certification, PFC Test Results, Mowing
Edwards received the annual closed‑landfill inspection update and noted that the site passed inspection, PFAS test results were consistent with prior years, and the state has converted the landfill’s certification to a perpetual authorization. The inspection and well‑testing reports on the town website. The board reviewed mowing options for 2026 and approved the single‑cut option at $1,200 with Saladino Property Maintenance, consistent with prior practice. Edwards will sign and return the mowing agreement.
HEARING OF VISITORS
Stephan Chait asked to be provided with the road‑mileage data — The board will supply paved and unpaved mileage figures from the town report after meeting with the Road Commissioner.
Nancy McCrea noted that the Planning Commission’s draft of the town plan is nearly complete, with final adjustments underway and a digital version available.
CORRESPONDENCE
Glaser ROW (Driveway) Permit-229 Wheeler Road
The board reviewed and approved the permit application for culvert work at 229 Wheeler Road, confirming that the proposed 40‑foot culvert extension is entirely on private property. After a site visit to verify boundaries and drainage, the board added a condition requiring that drainage continue to function properly for the town roadway. The board signed the permit, will provide a copy to the applicant, and will record it in the land records. The board also agreed that the property owner may request additional fill from the town if needed.
Christofferson ROW (Driveway) Permit- 61 Cannon Road
The board reviewed and approved the right‑of‑way permit submitted by Christopherson for culvert work on Cannon Road, which includes removing gravel previously placed in the town right‑of‑way and replacing an undersized culvert. Christopherson clarified that she completed the initial gravel‑removal work herself but will request that the Road Crew handle the culvert replacement due to nearby electrical utilities. The board updated the permit form to reflect this, confirmed the Road Commissioner has reviewed the request, and approved the permit with no additional conditions, noting the work will likely occur next year.
Windham County Superior Court 250th Celebration
The board received notice of the Windham County Superior Court’s 250th celebration; members were notified, and no board action was taken.
Land Use Review Board Windham Region Public Meeting
The board noted the upcoming public meeting of the Windham Region Land Use Review Board regarding the regional plan and its relevance to town plan conformity.
Members briefly discussed regional planning topics, including housing tiers and potential data‑center impacts, but agreed the board is not prepared to engage formally at this time.
Olga Peters (Deerfield Valley News): Edwards confirmed Halifax’s annual policing contract with the Windham County Sheriff’s Department, budgeting 173 hours per year at $75/hour. In discussing the regional Governance Council, the board decided not to participate in the first round due to time constraints and ongoing local priorities such as ordinance and policy updates, while noting continued support for regional collaboration in general.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES
June 16, 2026 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes
Edwards made a motion to accept the June 16, 2026 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes as edited. Pike seconded. Motion carried 4-0-1 Christofferson abstention.
June 26, 2026 Selectboard Special Meeting Minutes (Site Visit)
Edwards made a motion to accept the June 26, 2026 Selectboard Special Meeting Minutes as amended. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 4-0-1 Christofferson abstention.
June 29, 2025 Cael Scholarship Special Meeting Minutes
Pike made a motion to accept the June 29, 2025 Cael Scholarship Special Meeting Minutes as written. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 3-0-2 Christofferson and Edwards abstention.
SELECTBOARD ORDER
The Selectboard orders were signed and Edwards read the aggregate amount for order #25 on July 7, 2026 for an order total of $104,128.77
The Selectboard orders were signed and Edwards read the aggregate amount for FY27 order #1 on July 7, 2026 for an order total of $76,051.23
ADJOURNMENT
Ashcraft made a motion to adjourn at 10:07pm. Marchegiani seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Dow
Halifax Administrative Assistant
Recording Link: https://youtu.be/FTAaPVa7foc
