OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
May 5, 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 Karen Christofferson, Rhonda Ashcraft, Randy Pike and Lori Marchegiani (remote). Members of the public present were Nancy McCrea, Stephan Chait and Emily Dow.
CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
New Business: Appointment for the Town Health Officer
NEW BUSINESS
Website Halifax News section update
News items on the town website homepage should stay for one or two weeks after the deadline passes, then will be moved, archived or deleted according to records retention policies. Posts with greater lifespans and only tagged on Halifax News can be posted for one year. “Born-digital” records must comply with the Vermont Public Records Act and retention schedules.
Open Paving Bids
The Selectboard opened 3 paving bids. Per the bid specifications, the paving consists of both reclaim and new on Jacksonville Stage Road between the intersections of Branch Road to the Tucker Road intersection.
Bidder and bid details were read. Below are the final total bids:
- All States Construction, Sunderland, MA; Estimated project duration: September 15, 2026 to September 30, 2026.
- Reclaim $8,250 $7467? Based on other #’s below
- Bituminous Concrete Pavement $241,870.50
- Shoulder material $13,500
- Total bid amount $262,837.50
- Sunapee Paving (DBA Springfield Paving), Claremont, NH; Estimated project duration: June 15, 2026 to July 15, 2026
- Reclaim $22,000
- Bituminous Concrete Pavement $210,487.50
- Shoulder material $19,750
- Total bid amount $252,237.50
- Basin Brothers Winchester, VT; Estimated project duration: July 15, 2026 to September 15, 2026
- Reclaim $10,230
- Bituminous Concrete Pavement $225,058.75
- Shoulder material $15,900
- Total bid amount $251,188.75
Edwards made a motion to accept the bid from Basin Brothers for a total of $251,188.75. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
Class 4 Roadway- “Rules of Engagement” Access and Maintenance
The Board noted that the Halifax Highway Map identifies 14 Class 4 road segments totaling 5.75 miles, which the town is not required to maintain. Landowners may petition for reclassification, and the Selectboard may also initiate reclassification to a town road or trail.
Pent highways or blockades are not permitted, and no statute authorizing them is known. The town attorney recommended adding Class 4 road maintenance provisions to the highway ordinance, including defining landowner maintenance responsibilities and confirming that the town maintains bridges and culverts on Class 4 roads.
The Board discussed Right‑of‑Way permit requirements, noting that a permit is required for any maintenance activity, including plowing, and that the Board may set renewal frequency. Edwards stated she believes a policy exists regarding end‑to‑end access requirements for Class 4 roads.
Nancy McCrea referenced the September 3, 2024 Selectboard meeting (at minute 52:56) https://youtu.be/NdvoPWEO7Js?si=LiuWuA1UYI4PbgNz&t=3110. Regarding the Woodard Road Driveway permit discussion with Attorney Fisher stating Right-Of-Way information, details and statutes pertaining to landownership.
Bid opening date decisions for Truck #1 & Bridge (Branch @ RT112) Repairs
The Selectboard will be opening the bids for Truck #1 and the Bridge on June 2, 2026.
Town gift policy and staff appreciation
The town’s employee policy, last re‑adopted in 2014, permits only food and non‑alcoholic gifts and prohibits cash gifts. VLCT advised that accepting gifts is against policy, recommended contacting PACIF and distributing updated guidance to all stipend‑receiving employees, excluding elected officials, to reduce risk of bias. VLCT noted that allowable exceptions include department‑specific celebrations, paid time off granted by the Selectboard, and reasonable holiday gifts.
Christofferson questioned the purpose of anonymous donations and whether donors should be able to designate funds. Dow suggested adding a donation line item to the budget for equal distribution. Edwards highlighted ethics and financial‑oversight concerns. The Board will continue the discussion at a future meeting.
Junk ordinance concern – Hubbard Hill Road
The Board reviewed a complaint reporting excess trash bags and appliances outside a residence and within the Right‑of‑Way on Hubbard Hill Road. The Board noted that the Town Health Officer becomes involved when pollution is occurring. Members discussed that landlords are required to provide trash services, while homeowners manage their own disposal. The Board may inform the homeowner of the town’s junk ordinance and provide contacts for trash services.
In response to Pike’s question, Dow reported two prior enforcement outcomes: A bank‑resolved fine required payment before a property sale; An unpaid zoning violation was recorded in the land records and must be satisfied before transfer.
Stone requested that the record reflect the Board’s decision to proceed under a single junk ordinance and asked for consistent enforcement across all qualifying properties. Edwards will request a formal complaint letter from the reporting party and draft the ordinance notice to the homeowner.
Open Meeting Law/Public Records Request – Document Drafts – Guidance & training
Recent request by a member of the press to get a copy of the town plan, that is still in the draft process. In an email response, VLCT attorney Garrett Baxter said under 1 VSA 317(b) in regards to distributing draft records, the broad term includes any written or recorded information regardless of physical form or characteristics which is produced or acquired in the course of the public agency’s business. Christofferson will review the exemptions section from VLCT, as the town plan is a work in process and is “preliminary to policy, action or budget”, which classifies as exemptions.
Appointment for the Town Health Officer
Edwards made a motion to appoint Sue Kelly as the Town Health Officer for a three year term. Christofferson seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
OLD BUSINESS
Celebration Committee disbandment reimbursement and timing
The committee would like to reimburse the town for $10K as previously requested in an article during the town meeting of March 2020. Christofferson will ask the auditor the legal financial process of receiving these funds.
HEARING OF VISITORS
- Dennis Annear said there was no notice given to Halifax regarding the closure of Moss Hollow Road by Green Mountain Power for the work being done in Marlboro. Christofferson will contact Tim Jones from Green Mountain Power.
- Tom Fox confirmed tech availability for Matt Bachler’s presentation on May 12 at 7:00pm.
- Stephan Chait said Windham Solid Waste Management District has not received the appointment letter from the Selectboard for the WSWMD representative. Dow will notify WSWMD.
- Nancy McCrea said 19 VSA 301(4) gives the definition of Class 4 roads and 19 VSA 304(5) states that the Selectboard has the authority to finance.
NEW BUSINESS (continued)
FY26 Q3 Budget Status Report
Edwards asked for clarification on the bottom line showing a $1M deficit in total funds, which may show this based on how the report is generated and is unsure if this includes grants and self-funded accounts. Christofferson said the budget is a work in process with Dow and numbers are subject to change. Edwards shared findings in the budget to assess:
- Update the fire department property and casualty insurance budget line
- Stipend-employees should submit their hours before the fiscal year ends
- The town budget includes $2000 for performance based bonuses for the highway department.
Gravel Strategic Reserve
The town budgeted $215K for gravel and has currently spent $168,700K. Fournier suggested not purchasing more gravel as sand was overspent by $26K. Edwards suggested creating a strategic gravel reserve with the remaining amount as it was budgeted and contracted at a fixed price, of which current resource prices are very high.
This topic will continue at a future date as discussion was paused due to an incoming call from Jeffrey Glaser asking for a Wheeler Road status update. Christofferson will contact Attorney Fisher and this topic will be on a future agenda.
CORRESPONDENCE
Sign contract for Windham County Humane Society
The Humane society contract has been renewed. While this agreement has been signed in the past, services increased by 15% compared to the previous year. New clarifications include:
- If there is an issue of abuse, and the home has multiple animals, written agreement is required to remove them.
- $30 reclaim/impound fee
- The town may request an Annual Disposition Report
- Edwards will sign the contract tonight and return the updated contract
Ackerman ROW Permit 7652 Jacksonville Stage Road – Driveway
Culvert is not required. Edwards signed the permit.
Edwards received a call from the acting zoning administrator about a potential zoning violation on Old County Road and forwarded to Kyle Farnsworth.
Southern VT Economy Summit 5/12/2026 and Municipal Leaders Network 6/11/2026
Overweight permit granted: AS Clark. Subject to signature of landowner.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES
April 21, 2026 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes
Edwards made a motion that we approve the April 21, 2026 minutes as amended. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
SELECTBOARD ORDER
The Selectboard orders were signed and Edwards read the aggregate amount for order #21 on May 5, 2026 for an order total of $11,084.05
ADJOURNMENT
Ashcraft made a motion to adjourn at 9:25pm. Marchegiani seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Dow
Halifax Administrative Assistant
Recording Link: https://youtu.be/6vrMBtHeizQ
