OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES- DRAFT
May 19, 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 Rhonda Ashcraft, Randy Pike and Lori Marchegiani. Members of the public present were Paul Blais, Nancy McCrea, Stephan Chait, Mike McConnell and Emily Dow.
CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Local Emergency Management Plan (LEMP) for 2026
Blais shared an updated Local Emergency Management Plan (LEMP) and included municipal contracts. The plan designates the school as the primary shelter and has arrangements with VDART for assistance. The plan does not include the Halifax Community Hall as a warming shelter and further input is needed.
Pike made a motion to accept the Local Emergency Management Plan for 2026 as amended. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
Road Commissioners’ Report
GMP – Lucier / Thomas Hill
Green Mountain Power is continuing the rebuild projects on Lucier Road, Thomas Hill Road and Hale Road expecting to finish by June.
A traditional overhead rebuild on Route 112 will be in construction from June to September 30th; and requires a VTRANS permit.
Projects on Amidon Road and Pennel Hill are designed but will not start this year.
Per agreement with Green Mountain Power, all project roads will receive 4 inches of gravel: Jacksonville Stage Road is currently under construction; Tucker Road is complete; Deer Park, McMillan Road, Stowe Mountain Road, and Reed Hill Road still need to be graveled.
Road Commissioners’ Report
The Road Commissioners sent a letter to Wheeler Road resident Jeffrey Glaser regarding his concern. Edwards said there were prior discussions about possible reclassification of Wheeler Road. Marchegiani said, based on consultation with the town attorney, that Wheeler Road is a private road.
The Windham Regional Commission will re‑inventory town culverts, updating the 2024 inventory to include culverts installed by Green Mountain Power. The Road Erosion Inventory must be completed by 2027.
The 2026 Better Roads Project for Pike Road is scheduled for completion by September. The 2027 Better Roads Project granted $20,000 for work on Perry Road. Grants in Aid funding has not yet been assigned to a specific road.
Christofferson had a site visit with Dennis Annear on April 14 regarding his request to widen the narrow curve at the top of Pennel Hill for improved visibility. Edwards questioned whether the road may require reclassification. Pennel Hill was recently graded following washboarding; it was briefly mentioned that there’s a past suggestion from Fournier that the town purchase a Roller for compacting the road after grading.
Bids for Truck #1 repairs and the Branch Road Bridge project will be opened at the June 2 Regular Meeting.
Marchegiani provided updated findings on Wheeler Road as Glaser joined remotely. Measurements show the town‑maintained portion ends at 1056 feet from the center road; the culvert in question is at 1082 feet, outside the town‑maintained section. A site visit will be scheduled after Glaser reported that the original culvert spanned 100 feet, while the replacement culverts cover 40 feet, leaving an open ditch that did not previously exist.
GMP Searsburg Wind Turbine Project
Green Mountain Power reported that the Searsburg Wind Turbine Project will replace 11 existing turbines with new 3‑megawatt units. Some of the new turbines may be visible from certain locations in Halifax, similar to the existing ones. Chait said the project Review Committee at the Windham Regional Commission will hold a hearing process as the turbines are public utility.
Online meeting disruption protocols
Multiple recent Zoom‑bombing disruptions have affected Selectboard and committee meetings. Edwards recommended that the Selectboard Secretary, PC/ZBA Secretary, and Conservation Commission complete VLCT’s training on online public‑meeting disruptions. Edwards also suggested asking remote attendees to identify themselves before joining, though not required, to help reduce disruptive behavior. Beth Borisoff noted that meeting hosts can remove disruptive remote participants if necessary. While refusal to admit someone to a public meeting violates Open Meeting Law, Edwards stated that procedures and recourse should be established to address and mitigate future disruptions.
OLD BUSINESS
Select vendor for town garage boiler replacement
Lane Plumbing completed a site visit and submitted a revised boiler replacement bid of $23,152, including all labor, materials, boiler specifications, venting replacement, and circulator pumps. Dead River submitted an updated bid of $22,790, but their quote no longer includes circulator pumps, which are covered under a separate $4,000 bid.
Edwards made a motion to award the boiler‑replacement bid to Lane Plumbing for $23,152 and to improve heating efficiency at the town garage. Marchegiani seconded. During discussion, Mike McConnell noted that Dead River’s quote includes a three‑year $2.80/gal propane lock‑in and 200 free gallons on the first fill. Edwards responded that the town issues annual fuel bids, which may have better pricing. Chait said a propane buying club may have better pricing. In response to Chait’s question about the new boiler, Pike confirmed it uses a stainless‑steel heat exchanger with a multiple sealed combustion chamber. Edwards called for a vote, motion carried 4-0.
FY26 Q3 Budget Report follow up – Strategic Gravel Reserve
FY26 gravel budget is $215,000, with $169,000 spent as of Q3. Sand is $26,000 over budget, and Stone expenditures total $14,000 of the $52,000 budget. Other materials, including crushed stone and chlorine, are fluctuating above and below budget.
The Board agreed to purchase additional gravel to build a stockpile. Of the $45,000 remaining, Marchegiani will consult with Fournier to determine whether ordering $30,000 of gravel is feasible given available storage space and rising trucking costs.
Junk ordinance concern update – Hubbard Hill Road
A resident submitted a letter expressing junk‑ordinance concerns regarding a property on Hubbard Hill Road and noted that her offer of assistance to the homeowner was declined. Edwards reported that the property now has Casella roll‑offs on site, indicating possible progress. The Board has not issued a letter to the homeowner at this time due to the ongoing cleanup. Pike offered to speak with the homeowner to provide assistance.
HEARING OF VISITORS
Nancy McCrea sent a clarification statement, to be changed in previous meeting minutes and Edwards said her input be taken into consideration.
Stephan Chait asked for input from the board regarding the draft document presenting pavement versus dirt roads. Edwards said the document will be helpful in future planning.
CORRESPONDENCE
Michels ROW Permit 1325 McMillian Road – Driveway
A 15 inch by 30 feet culvert will be installed on the permanent driveway. Edwards signed the permit.
Brewster ROW Permits 195 Stowe Mountain Road – Driveway and farm barway
This property has been requested to subdivide through the Planning Commission. There aren’t permit requirements. The driveways to the house and farm barway are permanent. McCrea shared the frontage on town highway from the survey of the property. Edwards signed both permits.
Overweight Permits Granted: McElwain
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES
May 5, 2026 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes
Pike made a motion to accept the May 5, 2026 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes as amended. Marchegiani seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
SELECTBOARD ORDER
The Selectboard orders were signed and Edwards read the aggregate amount for order #22 on May 19, 2026 for an order total of $9,725.84
ADJOURNMENT
Ashcraft made a motion to adjourn at 8:21pm. Edwards seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Dow
Halifax Administrative Assistant
Recording Link: https://youtu.be/GNfhY0MiqZI
