OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES–DRAFT
March 8, 2026
4:00 PM AT THE HALIFAX TOWN OFFICE
CALL TO ORDER
Edee Edwards called the meeting to order at 4:00pm. Other Selectboard members present were Karen Christofferson, Rhonda Ashcraft, Randy Pike and Lori Marchegiani. Members of the public present were Kyle Farnsworth, Nancy McCrea, Michael Gouin, Kelsey Farnsworth and Katelyn Evans.
CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
A note was made that Karen Christofferson was going to post the roads for weight restrictions, via an online system connected to the state, as mud season is starting.
HEARING OF VISITORS
No one wished to speak at this juncture.
NEW BUSINESS
Open Meeting Law Complaints & Public Records Requests Response Procedures
Edwards noted that there are procedures that we must follow with various complaints. The Open Meeting Law complaints process and form are online under Selectboard > Correspondence at Halifaxvt.com.
When public records requests are made, we often have Patty Dow, Town Clerk, assist us with coordinating our response, said Edwards. Much information to help is on the Vermont League of Cities and Town’s website (VLCT), but there is a certain date by which we need to respond. We may ask for an extension to that timeframe or clarify the request, but we may not ask why the records are requested or retaliate for the request. There is a list of record types that are exempt from being shared, but we may need to state basic info about what is not being provided if something is exempt. We are not required to create new information that doesn’t exist.
McCrea asked if people were the subject of a request and whose emails were provided in a records request, were notified about that. Edwards said no, that is not something that is done, but we strive to let people know that their emails to us about town business do become a public record. McCrea also asked as a member of a town board, what to do with a public records request. Edwards restated that we can ask Patty Dow to help coordinate a response and get assistance with the process via VLCT, or town counsel, for example.
Ethics Violation Complaint Procedures
This is a newer law, and again there is a form to fill out on the website (same spot) if there is an ethical concern against various town officials. The requests get routed to the ethics liaison, which is Edwards at this point, via the HalifaxSecretary. We have not gone through the entire process with any complaints to date. The list of officers who are required to take training is broader than Edwards had understood initially, and some folks still need to complete required training. Edwards will work towards notifying or reminding them.
Executive Session for evaluation of employees / personnel matters
Edwards made a motion to go into executive session under 1 VSA § 313 (a) (3) [for] the appointment or employment or evaluation of a public officer or employee. Ashcraft seconded. The motion carried 5-0. Edwards set up breakout rooms online and the board stopped recording/audio/video as of 4:18 PM.
The board came out of executive session at 5:54 PM based on a motion by Christofferson, seconded by Ashcraft, which carried 5-0. Recording/Audio and Video was resumed.
No decisions were made in executive session.
Edwards said we discussed personnel matters, and she felt it would be beneficial for the board to meet with folks from the Highway Department, likely also in executive session. The board reviewed their availability and set a new special meeting on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 6:30 AM at the town garage.
Edwards discussed things in process with ethics, and public records request. Edwards will ask Kyle Farnsworth for more details on the ethics complaint, and if he wishes to pursue or rescind the complaint, he can follow up. Marchegiani will follow up on the public records request.
ADJOURNMENT
Ashcraft made a motion to adjourn at 6:03 pm. Marchegiani seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Edee Edwards
Secretary Pro Tem
Recording Link: https://youtu.be/IuFZ_in_p_U
