OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES- DRAFT
June 16, 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 Randy Pike, Lori Marchegiani and Rhonda Ashcraft. Members of the public present were Nancy McCrea, Stephan Chait, Stephanie Pike, Michael Miller, Jeffrey Glaser and Emily Dow.
CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
New Business: Grader refurbishment and financing update
NEW BUSINESS
Media response process & Meeting planning for future Act 181 recap
Edwards clarified that all media inquiries will be directed to the Chair, and the Board agreed to follow this practice. The Board will not issue additional comment on Act 181 unless the matter is formally taken up at a future meeting. Edwards asked whether to hold a follow‑up community conversation on Act 181, noting the town’s history with Act 250 and zoning issues and that Senator Hashim and other state representatives could participate. Pike and Marchegiani observed that public interest appears to have declined.
Edwards will post on Front Porch Forum to assess interest in a workshop on Act 181 or legislative updates. Further planning will depend on public response. Chait recommended structuring any session as an educational workshop, not a formal Selectboard meeting. Edwards also asked how actively the Board should monitor state legislation, noting the time commitment involved.
Handicap access improvement
The Board reviewed concerns about the lack of an ADA accessible entrance to the Town Office and confirmed that the school’s accessible entrance cannot be used during the school day due to locked interior doors.
With no current ADA Coordinator, the Board agreed to pursue interim solutions. Stephanie Pike informed the board that portable wheelchair ramps are a feasible option and Edwards will determine whether existing grant funds may be used for that purchase.
Randy Pike will present this topic to the School Board at the June 24 meeting to discuss coordination and building access. The Board will revisit next steps after receiving information from the School Board and grant administrators.
Building Community Through (Better) Public Engagement–program takeaways
Edwards reported attending a regional SVEDS public‑engagement training on improving accessibility, trust, and two‑way communication between residents and local government.
Presenters emphasized the importance of meeting residents where they are rather than relying solely on formal meetings, noting that effective engagement grows from trust, belonging, and personal connection.
Examples included informal community gatherings—such as ice cream socials or food‑centered events—that help build the “soft infrastructure” of neighbor‑to‑neighbor relationships.
Representatives from Guilford outlined their communication tools, including Front Porch Forum, local newspapers, the town website, annual reports, and online surveys, and shared examples of the “Guilford Guide”, recreational brochures, and their Emergency Response Zone system, where volunteer zone leads maintain familiarity with residents’ needs and available resources. Presenters also noted that rural towns often face cultural and economic participation barriers and encouraged municipalities to engage residents before conflicts arise.
Representatives from Putney described their community‑based approach to updating their Town Plan and addressing a contentious housing proposal, supported by the Vermont Council on Rural Development.
Edwards said these models may be useful as Halifax begins its own Town Plan update, and suggested the Board consider holding future community conversations—such as on Act 181 or legislative updates—outside the Town Office to improve accessibility and connection.
Court Hearing
Edwards reported that the scheduled foreclosure‑related court hearing concerning a property with a $3,126.99 town lien was canceled or postponed. Attorney Fisher advised the Board to revisit its position, noting the lien will expire without action and may require renewal or negotiation. The Board agreed to place the matter on a future agenda to determine next steps and any negotiation authority.
Plan timing of Highway Department Annual Reviews
The Board began planning for the Highway Department annual employee review meetings. The Board identified July 23, July 27, and July 29 at 6:00 a.m. as potential dates. The Road Commissioner will confirm staff availability and select the date that works best.
Road Commissioner’s Report
- Green Mountain Power (GMP) Road Work: Green Mountain Power’s road restoration work is progressing with completion expected between late June and mid‑July. Pre‑work has begun on Route 112, and a VT‑Alert may be issued once one‑lane traffic begins.
- Gravel Placement Progress: Gravel work continues on Jacksonville Stage Road, with Tucker, Deer Park, Stone Mountain, and County Roads completed and McMillan and Reed Hill underway. Chait asked if the town could obtain a total quantity of gravel applied by GMP. The Board agreed this information would be useful for public communication and long‑term records, and will request the data from the contractor.
- Truck #1 Purchase: Christofferson signed the retail order for the Western Star 49X that the board approved and finance options are underway.
- Whitneyville Triangle: Fournier observed a right-of-way encroachment at the triangle and conveyed that during the winter, plows may push back the encroachment. A letter may be sent to the homeowner.
- Pike Road Better Roads Project: Work on Pike Road is advancing: trees and stumps have been removed, ditching is underway, and stone installation will follow once ditching is complete.
- Boiler Replacement: The town is awaiting a start date from the contractor; coordination is ongoing with Lane Plumbing & Heating.
- Town Garage Water Pressure Tank: The garage’s water‑pressure tank is failing and must be replaced soon. The estimate is just under $1,500, but the repairs and maintenance budget is depleted, so the work will occur after July 1 when the new fiscal year begins.
- Jacksonville Stage Road Paving: Letters were sent to affected property owners notifying them that new pavement will extend up to Tucker Road.
- Pennel Hill Road: The road is developing significant washboarding due to heavy vehicle use, including trucks hauling material for nearby projects. Frequent grading is required to maintain drivability.
- Fire Chief’s Safety Concern: The board acknowledged the need to schedule a site visit to assess whether a formal highway layout process is required for the hazardous corner on Pennel Hill.
- Commodity Bids: Bids for gravel, stone, sand, and diesel have been issued and will be opened at the July 7 Selectboard meeting. Heating oil bids were not issued because the town is transitioning to propane with the new boiler.
- Propane Tank Decision: The commissioners discussed whether to purchase or rent a propane tank. Purchasing allows the town to solicit competitive bids annually; renting would lock the town into a single supplier. The Board leaned toward purchasing and will seek recommendations on tank size and installation requirements.
- Stark Mountain Road Permit Question: Edwards asked whether previously discussed work on Stark Mountain Road—believed to involve a culvert replacement—had been completed without a right‑of‑way permit. The Road Commissioner will verify whether the work occurred and whether proper permitting was followed, as prior unpermitted work had been an issue.
Grader Refurbishment and Financing
A discussion centered on the town’s plan to send the grader for refurbishment at Milton CAT. The grader was originally scheduled to leave at the end of June or early July, but the town needs it for Basin Brothers’ reclaiming work on Jacksonville Stage Road. After contacting the contractor, Basin Brothers agreed they could perform the reclaiming in late August or early September, allowing the grader to be sent out immediately if needed .
Sending the grader early will leave the town without a grader for 6–8 weeks, and some roads may become rough. The Board discussed notifying residents and confirmed that the refurbishment is still the most cost‑effective option.
The Board discussed sending the grader for refurbishment earlier than planned, coordinating with Basin Brothers’ reclaiming schedule, and confirming payment timing and cash availability with the Treasurer.
The fiscal year begins July 1 and tax revenue will not arrive immediately, the Board discussed how to pay Milton CAT if a deposit or early payment is required. Options include: Checking available cash with the Treasurer, Using the town’s line of credit, Borrowing under statutory authority and potentially using the Scott Fund for short‑term funding. The Road Commissioner will confirm payment terms with the contractor.
Regional Policing Agreement
The Board reviewed the Regional Policing Agreement materials, and the June 10 letter requesting that towns vote by July 15, 2026 on joining the Windham County Regional Law Enforcement Governance Council and appoint a Selectboard representative. The board confirmed receipt of the agreement and materials. Edwards summarized the Act 104 pilot program, which would establish a shared governance council to set service standards, develop a unified budget, and oversee regional law‑enforcement operations through June 30, 2034, with implementation beginning July 2027 for participating towns. The Board agreed more information is needed before deciding whether to participate and will invite Sheriff Anderson to the next meeting for questions.
OLD BUSINESS
Update on properties with health and safety issues
The Board received an update on the property with the septic system failure. The Health Officer has been in contact with the property owner; some repairs have been completed and additional work is scheduled. The Health Officer is maintaining communication with Edwards and neighboring property owners. This issue is progressing and remains the priority among the outstanding health and safety concerns.
Randy reported on the second property. He visited the site and observed continued cleanup, including reduced trash, mowing, and yard maintenance. A vehicle previously expected to be removed remains on site, but additional cleanup progress is evident. Randy has not yet spoken directly with the occupants but will continue attempts to make contact.
Cybersecurity Grant
Edwards described her continued difficulty with receiving clear guidance from administrators of the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program. Despite multiple requests, she has not received information on required agreements, next steps, or the process for transitioning the Town to a .gov domain; and has instead been sent general program materials and training invitations. Edwards expressed concern about the lack of town‑specific direction and the challenge of coordinating with the part‑time webmaster without concrete information. Paul may have attended technical sessions when forwarded by Edwards but has not been added to the program’s distribution list. Edwards will continue seeking a definitive update from the grant coordinators.
HEARING OF VISITORS
Chait commented on the prior meeting’s discussion regarding employee appreciation funds and expressed concern that the exchange between Board members affected the professionalism of the meeting. Chait encouraged the Board to address interpersonal conflicts outside of public session or, when appropriate, in executive session.
Chait also asked whether the Board plans to review the Town’s procurement/purchasing policy, noting it was last updated in 2016. Edwards acknowledged that several policy and ordinance updates are needed and stated that the Board has not yet set priorities for this work. The Board agreed that reviewing the procurement policy should be included when establishing upcoming policy‑review priorities.
Pike announced that a free acoustic concert by Matt Baird will be held at the Community Hall on Sunday, June 28 at 6:30 p.m. The event will be open to the public, and notice will be posted at the Town Office.
CORRESPONDENCE
Glaser ROW/Driveway Permit 229 Wheeler Road: The Board reviewed the updated permit application for 229 Wheeler Road. Edwards said she met with the applicant, Jeff Glaser, to revise the form with more detailed information regarding proposed work in the Town right‑of‑way, including installation of a culvert and potential placement of fill. Edwards recommended treating the application as new, given clarified property boundaries, and stated that a site visit is necessary for the Board to fully understand the proposed work.
The Board agreed to conduct a site visit on Friday, June 26 at 7:00 a.m. at 229 Wheeler Road. Edwards will bring a fresh permit form for on‑site clarification.
Glaser raised a question regarding the Town’s process for distributing road fill. The Board asked the Road Commissioner, Marchegiani, to confirm the current fill‑request procedure with Fournier and report back at or before the site visit. The Board will continue review of the permit following the site visit.
ARPA (SLFRP): The Board received notice that the Town has been formally deemed in compliance with reporting requirements for the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), formerly ARPA. Edwards noted that Christofferson and Dow devoted substantial time over several years to complete the final reporting.
FY25 Audit: The Board received a request for a letter from Fisher to the auditor, which has been completed. The Board has not yet received an estimated timeline for completion of the audit.
Windham Regional Commission Extended Town Plan Expiration Date: Recent legislation noted that any plan set to expire in 2026 or 2027 is automatically extended to December 31, 2027. This extension applies to Halifax’s Town Plan. Edwards will forward the information to the Planning Commission.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES
June 2, 2026 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes
Ashcraft made a motion to accept the June 2, 2026 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes as amended. Marchegiani seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
June 9, 2026 Selectboard Special Meeting Minutes
Pike made a motion to accept the June 9, 2026 Selectboard Special Meeting Minutes as amended. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
SELECTBOARD ORDER
The Selectboard orders were signed and Edwards read the aggregate amount for order #24 on June 16, 2026 for an order total of $31,596.35
ADJOURNMENT
Ashcraft made a motion to adjourn at 8:38pm. seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Dow
Halifax Administrative Assistant
Recording Link: https://youtu.be/iAkKf55X0SM
