June 2, 2026 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes

OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD

TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

June 2, 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, Karen Christofferson, Lori Marchegiani and Rhonda Ashcraft joined the meeting shortly after bridge bid opening. Members of the public present were Nancy McCrea, Stephan Chait, Michael Miller, David Jones, Joseph and Melissa Bombardier, Beth Borisoff, Olga Peters (Deerfield Valley News), Craig Allen (ATG), Randy Clark (Allegiance Truck Centers), Sue Kelly (Town Health Officer) and Emily Dow. Chris Lehner arrived late.

CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA

New Business: Move bid opening for the bridge repair to the beginning. 

NEW BUSINESS

Bid Opening: Bridge @ Branch/Rte 112) Repair Invitations to bid were sent to three firms. Only one bid was received.  The Selectboard opened the single bridge repair bid received. Per the bid specifications, the project to repair the crack and add subfooting and other reinforcing measures  to the downstreamNortheast wing wall/bridge abutment for Bridge No. 12, located at the intersection of Route 112 and Branch Road. One lane of the bridge may need to be closed as a staging area during the work. We will reverify that there is no work in the river and no permits needed

We may be getting a grant for this bridge project; $30K was also budgeted last year for the reserve fund in addition to the money in the fund previously.Bidder and bid details were read. Below is the final total bid:

1. Neil H. Daniels, Inc. (aka Renaud Brothers), Ascutney, VT; Estimated project timing: September 1, 2026 to October 1, 2026. Total bid amount $72,850

Christofferson made a motion to accept the bid from Neil H. Daniels for $72,850; for work on the Route 112 bridge with dates from September 1, 2026 to on or about October 1, 2026. Marchegiani seconded. Motion carried 4-0.

Bid Opening: Truck #1 Replacement

The Selectboard opened three truck replacement bids with prices ranging from $313,542 to $320,263. Per the bid specifications, the Town of Halifax is accepting quotes for a Turnkey 50000 GVW Tandem Truck.  A discussion ensued as to the difficulty involved in defining specifications as the intent of the Selectboard was to secure pricing quotes for vehicles already on the lot in order to speed delivery times.  The bid process instructions asked prospective bidders to provide specification sheets for all applicable vehicles in their inventory.

Christofferson noted that prior to the meeting, Keith Stone recommended purchasing a truck that can withstand steep terrain, is not an interstate truck, 46k rear axle rating and gear ratio of 530/532. It was also noted that the 2027 model year will add a ~$30K cost for new emissions systems. Edwards noted that the town received a bid package request (Patriot Hill Group out of CT) that they hadn’t seen prior to this evening. 

Bidder and bid details were read. Below are the final total bids:

1. ATG Patriot, Westminster, VT; 

1. 2027 Western Star 47X $319,334 ($296,834 base + $22,500 Viking upgrade.)
2. 525 HP; 456 gear ratio, 46k rear axle
3. Full quote price is pending warranty information as we did not specify the 7-year time frame and specifications.
4. Delivery timing: January 2027 
5. Trade-In offer: $50,000.00
6. [Pricing included Viking package of $114K for plow and dump body as requested in the specification, but a separate quote was given for a more robust package similar to our usual specifications at $136,500.]

1. TransEastern Truck Centers, Williston, VT

1. 2027 Mack Granite $313,540.00
2. 505 HP; 586 Gear Ratio; 40K Rear Axle
3. Full quote price is pending 7-year warranty information
4. Delivery timing: Chassis 4 Months; Plow & Body: 18 months to 24 months
5. Trade-In offer: None received

1. Allegiance Truck Centers, Jericho, VT

1. 2027 International HX 520 $320,263
2. Cummins X15 565HP; 529 Gear Ratio; 40K GVW Rear Axle. With Option to go to 46K Rear Axle

1. 5 year warranty $4,269; 5 year extended engine & after-treatment coverage $6,262 
2. 7 year extended vehicle coverage $7,825

1. Delivery timing: February 2027 

1. Trade-In offer: $33,500.00 

The Board agreed to have Mike, Keith and Randy review the truck bid detailed specifications and to provide a recommendation. The Selectboard recognized this may require a special meeting to discuss before making a final decision. Christofferson added that she and Patty Dow will work together to get financing package details from the dealer once it is selected and M&T bank, respectively. 

 Wheeler Road – Health and Junk complaint 

The Board reviewed a health and junk complaint concerning a Wheeler Road property. Members noted that although the State Fire Marshal  inspection had been completed and was deemed fine at the same site last year, but conditions have since worsened. The Board agreed that a site inspection is required; a previous attempt was not completed due to scheduling conflicts.

A neighbor, Joseph Bombardier, reported three ongoing issues observed over the past three years: Suspected septic failure, gray water discharge onto the ground, and trash accumulation attracting bears. 

He noted that neighbors removed three dump‑truck loads of trash with the tenant’s consent. The tenant is not the property owner, and the owner has been unresponsive to repair requests despite receiving detailed photographic documentation.

The Board reviewed jurisdictional responsibilities. Septic enforcement lies with the State. If the Health Officer determines the situation constitutes a public health hazard, the Selectboard will act as the local Board of Health, issue a health order, and forward documentation to the Vermont Department of Health. The Board also recommended that neighbors notify the State Game Warden due to bear activity linked to trash.

The Board directed the Health Officer to conduct an inspection as soon as possible. A Selectboard member may attend, and the Sheriff may be present if safety concerns arise. A Board member may also observe the property from an adjacent parcel with permission. The Board discussed a local 3-town Housing Rehabilitation loan program for septic repair as a potential resource for the property owner.

 Cybersecurity Grant Program agreement 

Edwards reviewed a conversation that she and Paul Blais had with grant coordinators regarding the FEMA‑funded State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program. The program would transition the Town website to a .gov domain and implement multi‑factor authentication along with cybersecurity training. The application will be completed and submitted. 

 Appoint voting member for VLCT Member Meeting 6/22, 3 PM

VLCT is amending bylaws to allow VLCT to offer health plans and other changes. An appointed member will attend the meeting in order to vote. 

Christofferson made a motion to appoint Pike as voting member and Edwards as alternate. Marchegiani seconded. Motion carried 5-0. 

 Cael Scholarship logistics with School board 

Cael Scholarship applications can be picked up at the town office. Ashcraft will coordinate the meeting with the school board. 

 Meeting coordination – protocol request 

The Board discussed meeting‑coordination protocol. Edwards clarified procedures for scheduling special and non‑regular meetings, confirming that all Board members must receive notice and that meetings should be scheduled with the expectation of a quorum. She noted that any Board member may call a meeting and that she may postpone or cancel a meeting when essential participants are unavailable or when the Board cannot reasonably advance Town business, while safety‑related matters may proceed without full attendance.

Edwards said that agenda prioritization is a shared responsibility and committed to improving communication around scheduling. In response to the prompt for this topic, Christofferson asked what precipitated the need for the protocol discussion, Edwards said the written protocol was prepared in response to concerns a Board Member raised during Agenda preparation. Christofferson registered her unhappiness at the unwarranted implications and and read her full email response to Edwards disputing the implied allegations for the benefit of the full board. Edwards noted that she had not seen the email Christofferson read.

Pike noted he thought the Edwards protocol email for meeting preparation helped him to understand the process of meeting set up and follow through.  Members reviewed recent scheduling issues, including the postponement of a special meeting, and confirmed that the meeting had been canceled due to availability conflicts. The Board agreed to improve communication practices and avoid assumptions regarding member intent.

The Board also reviewed the status of the right‑of‑way matter, including prior site visits, measurements, and the resident’s concerns. Members discussed whether additional meetings or full‑board site attendance were necessary and considered how to balance efficiency with transparency. No additional action was taken.

The Board concluded that the discussion was productive and agreed to move forward with clearer communication practices.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Town gift policy and staff appreciation 

The Board continued its review of the Town Gift Policy and staff‑appreciation practices. Edwards reported that PACIF recommended seeking legal guidance on resident‑initiated monetary gifts directed to the Highway Department. She provided Attorney Fisher with full background materials so he could evaluate the issue.

Christofferson read Fisher’s email to the Selectboard in its entirety, noting that he concurred with PACIF and VLCT that direct monetary gifts from residents to employees conflict with the Town’s personnel policy, and must cease if they were occurring. Christofferson questioned Edwards as to why Fisher felt it necessary to include it because the phrase implied that people were acting in a manner that could be construed as wrong, and that such actions may continue to be in process. Christofferson objected vigorously to this implied allegation. Christofferson continued reading the email. In summary, Fisher advised that residents may make restricted donations to the Town, provided the Selectboard votes to accept them, the funds are deposited by the Treasurer, and all accounting follows standard municipal audit procedures, including payroll processing and W‑2 reporting for any bonus payments. He confirmed that restricted gifts to municipalities are permissible when properly tracked.

Christofferson reiterated that donations must be made to the Town, deposited and audited through standard processes, and reported in the annual Town Report. She emphasized that donor anonymity must be preserved and that Highway Department employees should not know donor identities or amounts. She noted that the Town already maintains a Highway Department bonus account, with $2,000 budgeted for FY27, which could receive such restricted gifts. Pike agreed that Fisher’s opinion confirms the Town may accept restricted donations for departmental bonus purposes when proper procedures are followed.

Christofferson moved to work with Patty Dow to accept the funds and deposit them into the existing FY27 Highway Department bonus account. Marchegiani seconded.  

Following discussion, the Board agreed that equal distribution within the designated department is appropriate for this instance. Members also agreed that the Selectboard must evaluate each restricted gift individually and may decline gifts that raise ethical concerns or do not meet Town standards. Christofferson said she would ask Dow to provide an accounting of all donations for Board review.

Board members noted that general staff‑appreciation efforts—such as annual luncheons—remain appropriate and should continue. The Board acknowledged differing perspectives on resident donations but agreed that Fisher’s recommended process provides a transparent, compliant mechanism for handling such contributions when they arise.

Christofferson made a motion to accept the guidance from the attorney on June 1, 2026, and to work to implement the process described within it and work with the Treasurer. Marchegiani seconded. Motion carried 5-0. 

 

Hubbard Hill Junk Ordinance Update

At the previous meeting, Pike volunteered to have a discussion with the homeowner, who is a cousin of Pike, regarding trash removal. Since that discussion, roll‑off containers have been delivered, cleanup work has begun, arrangements have been made to remove the junk car and metal, and a resident brought one load to the dump. 

 

HEARING OF VISITORS 

David Jones: The community club is eligible for a grant to install a mini‑split system. The proposed outdoor unit would extend two feet into the Brook Road Right‑of‑Way and require protective stanchions, although existing Right‑of‑Way permits do not cover this type of installation. After reviewing the email Christofferson had provided to Jones outlining potential Right‑of‑Way impacts, Christofferson recommended identifying an alternative location for the outdoor unit and noted that she had provided the information to Jones in an email some days prior to the meeting. Christofferson further noted that placement in or near the RoW exposed the Town plows to possibly hitting the stanchions and outdoor unit during snow season and exposed traffic and pedestrians to walking in the road during the rest of the year. Pike concurred. Jones said he would go back to their contractor to ask about the ability to place the outdoor unit away from the Town RoW.

 Stephan Chait: The Conservation Commission updated the Selectboard saying that they had applied to the Association of the Model Conservation Commissions for a tiny grant but was not selected as a recipient. 

 CORRESPONDENCE 

Sign contract for Windham County Sheriff’s Office: The Town renewed its contract with the County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services; contract amount increased by 11% for a total of $13,000 at $75/hour per deputy. Reassigned all previously authorized personnel: Selectboard Chair, Town Constable and Highway Supervisor; and added Dennis Annear. Edwards will complete the list to formally authorize individuals to initiate services under the agreement. Edwards will sign and return the agreement.

 Cael Scholarship applications will be reviewed at the Cael Scholarship Award Committee meeting. 

 Glaser ROW Permit: The Board reviewed the Glaser Right‑of‑Way permit application, which proposes reconstructing the ditch to its original condition. The Board may need to re-confirm road frontage to determine how much frontage on the Town Road is involved and whether the use of the Right‑of‑Way is permissible and whether the culvert meets required setbacks from neighboring properties. Christofferson disputed the need for a Selectboard site visit given the time already spent by Road Commissioners, Road Supervisor and conversations with Town Attorney. Christofferson further noted for the record that Marchegiani and Christofferson had previously sent a letter to Mr. Glaser following a second conversation with Attorney Fisher along with a detailed schematic.  This correspondence had been provided to the Selectboard. Pike stated that he felt a site visit would be useful because it would help us all to get a more complete picture to understand his permit request. Christofferson further noted that she did not believe that Fournier needed to attend any subsequent site visit given the number of site visits he has already made. Edwards noted that if a RoW permit is granted in the future, Glaser might better hire a single contractor to complete the full scope of work. Edwards then read the main points in the RoW permit in hand. Christofferson and Pike objected to certain language contained in the RoW application.  Edwards will meet with Mr. Glaser to refine the permit application, and Christofferson will contact the Zoning Administrator to find out if there are any setback requirements. 

 

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

May 19, 2026 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes

Edwards made a motion to accept the May 19, 2026 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes as amended. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 4-0-1 Christofferson abstention. 

SELECTBOARD ORDER

The Selectboard orders were signed and Edwards read the aggregate amount for order #23 on June 2, 2026 for an order total of $7,053.32

ADJOURNMENT

Ashcraft made a motion to adjourn at 9:48pm. Pike seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0.

Respectfully submitted, 

Emily Dow

Halifax Administrative Assistant 

Recording Link: https://youtu.be/xY8heB7we5M