OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES- DRAFT
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 Bombardier, Olga Peters (Deerfield Valley News), Craig Allen (ATG), Randy Clark (Allegiance Truck Centers), Sue Kelly (Town Health Officer) and Emily Dow.
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
The Selectboard opened 1 bridge repair bid. Per the bid specifications, the project to repair, via retention measures, the downstream wing wall/bridge abutment for Bridge No. 12 located at the intersection of Route 112 and Branch Road.
Bidder and bid details were read. Below is the final total bid:
- Neil H. Daniels, Inc. (DBA 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 3 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.
Keith Stone recommends purchasing a truck that can withstand steep terrain, is not an interstate truck, 46,000 rear axle rating and gear ratio of 530/532. It was noted that newer trucks will have higher numbers as engines have more power. Edwards noted that the town received a bid solicitation that they hadn’t seen prior.
Bidder and bid details were read. Below are the final total bids:
- ATG Patriot, Westminster, VT; 2027
- Western Star 47X $296,834
- Full quote price is pending 7-year warranty information
- Delivery timing: January 2027
- Trade-In offer: ???
- 2027 Cummins X15 565H $
- Full quote price is pending 7-year warranty information
- Delivery timing: January 2027
- Trade-In offer: ???
- MAC 505HP $
- Full quote price is pending 7-year warranty information
- Delivery timing: January 2027
- Trade-In offer: ???
- Western Star 47X $296,834
*Note for minute draft clarification: Are there multiple trucks for ATG Patriot? What info is most important to include here?
- Transeastern Truck Centers, Williston, VT; 2027 MACK Granite $313,540.05
- Full quote price is pending warranty information
- Delivery timing: Truck- 4 months, plow & body 18 months to 24 months
- No Trade-In offer
- Allegiance Truck Centers, Jericho, VT; 2027 International HX520 $320,263
- 5 year warranty $4,269; 7 year extended engine & after-treatment coverage $8,056
- 5 year extended vehicle coverage $6,262; 7 year extended vehicle coverage $7,825
- Delivery timing: February 2027
- Trade-In offer: $33,500
The Board agreed to have the funding department review the truck bid specifications before making a final decision. The vendor will provide additional pricing and financing details, including extended‑warranty costs, lease‑rate options, and bank‑versus‑dealer financing comparisons. Patty Dow will advise on payment timing and financing structure. The Board also requested confirmation of key vehicle specifications—horsepower, gear ratio, and torque—before continuing its review.
Wheeler Road – Health and Junk complaint
The Board reviewed a new health and junk complaint concerning a Wheeler Road property. Members noted that although the State Fire Marshal issued a fine following an inspection last year, conditions have since worsened. The Board agreed that a site inspection is required; a previous attempt was not completed due to scheduling conflicts.
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 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 state loan programs for septic repair as a potential resource for the property owner.
Cybersecurity Grant Program agreement
Edwards and Blais spoke 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 said the written protocol was prepared in response to concerns raised in an email to the full Board and read portions of her response to the board.
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 summarized Fisher’s written opinion, noting that he concurred with PACIF and VLCT that direct monetary gifts from residents to employees must cease, as they conflict with the Town’s personnel policy. 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 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.
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 outlining potential Right‑of‑Way impacts, Christofferson recommended identifying an alternative location for the outdoor unit.
Stephan Chait: The Conservation Commission applied to the Association of the Model Conservation Commissions for a tiny grant but was not 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. A list will be completed to formally authorize individuals to initiate services under the agreement.
Cael Scholarship applicant will be reviewed at the Cael Scholarship Award Committee meeting.
Glaser ROW Permit: The Board reviewed the Glaser Right‑of‑Way permit request, which proposes reconstructing the ditch to its original condition. The Zoning Board may need to confirm any road frontage to determine whether use of the Right‑of‑Way is permissible and whether the culvert meets required setbacks from neighboring properties. Edwards recommended that Glaser hire a single contractor to complete the full scope of work. Marchegiani and Pike will conduct a site visit to evaluate the permit specifications, and Christofferson will verify the setback dimensions.
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 $75,053.32
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
