OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES- DRAFT
October 20, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
Edee Edwards called the meeting to order at 6:00pm. Other Selectboard members present were Karen Christofferson, Randy Pike, Rhonda Ashcraft and Lori Marchegiani remotely. Members of the public present were Tom Fox,Stephan Chait, Ben Barnett, Caitlin Stone, Hunter Thompson (Public Utilities Department), Sarah Davis (Fidium), Joseph Bombardier, Michelle Ferreira, Thom Ferreira, and Emily Dow.
CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
None.
HEARING OF VISITORS
None wished to speak.
OLD BUSINESS
Update on health compliance & enforcement actions
The Board received a letter from Town Health Officer, Sue Kelly, stating that the septic system at F-199 Wheeler Road passed inspection and the project is complete. She discovered a curtain drain that is directing water away from the residence and poses no health hazard. Future property issues may require review under the Junk Ordinance; dog-related concerns cannot be addressed without a dog ordinance.
Town Plan Update and Next Steps
The Board received the Planning Commission’s report on proposed amendments to the 2027 Town Plan. The Commission concluded that the revisions reflect changes in the Halifax community and align more closely with the 14 Vermont State Planning Goals; that can be found through the YouTube recording or in the Town Plan Report.
https://youtu.be/H_091aYDdKU?si=60mRoruVI6mLHLdT
The Board set a public hearing for December 12, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. and directed that notice be publicly posted on November 25, 2026.
Fidium – Collins Road and FCC filing to replace copper
The Selectboard reviewed a permit application from Fidium to install underground conduit within an existing right-of-way crossing three properties on Collins Road. Davis explained that unbeknownst to Fidium, Green Mountain Power sold the poles to the private landowner; and has been told by Green Mountain Power that the conduit fits one utility rather than housing for multiple.
Following discussion of utility right-of-way requirements and easement documentation, the Board directed Fidium to obtain easements or other documentation verifying utility right-of-way rights for the affected properties and to submit a petition outlining the proposed work. The Board determined that the project would be reviewed at a warned public meeting once the required documentation is received. No permit approval was granted, and no further action was taken.
Josh Road/Trail Sign
Edwards said she was told about gravel that had been placed on Josh Road and Josh Trail without prior Selectboard approval. Edwards reached out to the Zoning Administrator but hadn’t heard back. Edwards visited the site and reviewed the work. She suggested a letter be sent to residents on Josh Road and Josh Trail advising that a right-of-way permit application is required before any work is undertaken, subject to Selectboard approval.
Christofferson suggested purchasing signage within budget on Class 4 roads and trails and will consult with the town attorney. Edwards shared a photo at the north end of Josh Road identifying the area as a trail for off-road use only.
NEW BUSINESS
Health Insurance for Highway Department
Edwards started by saying that, assuming no changes to coverage, the estimated monthly cost for the current Blue Cross Blue Shield Platinum Plan in 2027 is $16,801.68, an increase of 2.59% over the current monthly cost of $16,377.58. Based on this estimate, the annual cost is projected at $199,075.56, which is below the FY28 health insurance budget of $200,000.
Edwards noted that some surrounding towns pay 100% of employee health insurance premiums, while others require employee contributions. Edwards recommended continuing the current Blue Cross Blue Shield Platinum Plan with the Town paying 100% of premiums. Pike and Christofferson shared support for continuing with the current plan, noting that projected costs remain within the approved budget.
Edwards made a motion to continue on with Blue Cross Blue Shield Platinum Plan paying 100% of the premiums for the calendar year 2027. Christofferson seconded. During discussion, it was noted that if no plan or coverage changes are made, the policy will renew automatically in January. Pike said he would notify the Highway Department that the current plan will remain in place, and any proposed changes to the plan will be discussed with the highway department. Motion carried 5-0.
CORRESPONDENCE
ROW permit for 380 Smith Road (Ferreira plowing)
The Board reviewed a temporary use permit application from Ferreira for requesting the town snow plow at 380 Smith Road, located on a section of Smith Road that includes both Class 4 road and Trail. The Board discussed the Town’s policy that Class 4 roads and trails are not maintained by the Town and are the responsibility of the property owners.
In response to questions regarding reclassification of Smith Road from Class 4 to Class 3, the Board explained the petition process, including the option to submit a voter-signed petition and the requirement for a public hearing before any decision could be made. The Board noted that submission of a petition does not guarantee approval, as any decision must be made in the best interest of the Town.
The Board confirmed that, in emergency situations, first responders may coordinate with the road crew to obtain access to residences when necessary.
The Board amended Ferreira’s temporary use permit to authorize both snow plowing and the placement of surface gravel for road maintenance. The amended permit was approved.
NEW BUSINESS (continued)
Propane Quote Received from Nido
Christofferson made a motion to accept the Nido propane bid and request a contract for $1.80/gallon for propane. Marchegiani seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
FY27 budget with Highway portion first
Christofferson received full FY26 budget amounts from Patty Dow, previously met with Fournier, and explained her usual method of action on the new fiscal year budget. She shared the budget worksheet and has pre-entered two line items: FY26 Spend and January through March 2027.
- FY28 Salary portion of the budget is deferred; FY28 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) will be determined using FY27 COLA and current salary figures.
- Conference and Training: All Road Crew staff have CDL’s, most training is free. Level funded
- The estimated cost of Highway health insurance for July through December of FY28 is $16,801.68, showing a 3.5% increase.
- Life Insurance remains the same as the current quarterly payment.
- In response to Fournier’s question regarding a previous conversation about VLCT in that Edwards replied by saying VLCT cannot start their own insurance and free training is not guaranteed in following years.
- Retirement (VMERS): Confirm with Dow regarding percentage increase for next year. Annual increase to cover the deficit in this category. In the interim, prior year’s math used as a placeholder for current numbers.
- Uniforms: Level funded
- Hiring Costs/Drug Tests: Level funded
- Electricity: Based on estimated monthly bill of $300 (to account for higher months)
- Heating Oil: Line item is Zero; town uses Propane on new budget line
- Propane Heating: Using Nido’s Quote of $1.80 per gallon, Christofferson will ask for a contract. Propane uses .34 BTU’s more than oil. Potential future project: Town garage weatherization. FY28 Budget: $4,500.
- Communications (Phone): DVFiber covers Wi-Fi this year. Agenda item for November 3: DVFiber stated in the FCC they are currently removing all copper wires for landlines and has sent communication to affected homes. Note: prior year budget may have included internet. FY28 Budget: $1,200 for cell phone
- Building Repairs and maintenance: Level funded to prior years, pending discussion about reserve fund.
- Office cleaning and supplies: Level funded
- Trash Collection: Casella FY26 three year bid (3/6/25 Town Meeting). FY28 budget $2,412
- Sand: FY28 budget $126,653, calculated from the bid including 3% increase
- Salt: FY28 budget $47,133 showing 6.61% increase based on commodity pricing
- Gravel: FY27 budget decreased due to Green Mountain Power gravel replacement. FY28 budget $180K
- Stone, Crushed & Ditched: FY28 budget $52,313 based on usage of each type
- Chloride: Level funded
- Erosion control: FY28 budget $4000 based on prior two year average
- Cold patch & culverts: Level funded
- Road Signs: FY28 budget $3,500; includes annual road sign replacement rate in addition to 16 Class 4 roads in Halifax, priority roads can get signs first.
- Safety Gear: Level funded
- Highway Equipment and Financing: Christofferson will calculate the amounts
- Shop Supplies and tools: Level funded
- Equipment Repairs and Maintenance: Level funded; minding Grader popsicle sticks
The Board briefly discussed potential changes to plow routes and other highway operations in anticipation of having four large trucks and one smaller truck available for winter plowing and town work when the spare truck is not going to be replaced.
- Tires, Chains, and Plow/Grader Edges: Level funded, current bill received, Christofferson will confirm
- Diesel Fuel and Gasoline: Based on current fuel bid for FY28 winter and summer. Current fuel prices are $6/gallon, causing a $40K increase from previous locked-in bid pricing. Gasoline estimated at $750. FY28 budget $106,063
*Trash collection amount was entered in the line above as Edwards needed to locate the bid amount
CORRESPONDENCE (continued)
Certificate of Liability Insurance: Several companies sent it into the town for overweight permits.
Local Hazard Management Plan Grant available: Edwards informed the Board of a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan grant opportunity available through Vermont Emergency Management, with the next application period opening on August 20, 2029. The Board discussed pursuing the grant at a future date, noting that the Town Plan update is currently underway. An approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plan is required for FEMA funding eligibility. Edwards notified Blais of the Board’s decision to defer pursuing the grant at this time. No further action was taken.
Green Mountain Power Maps: Edwards asked Green Mountain Power for “as-built” maps to compare overhead lines on current maps for Collins Road.
Northwest Weather Service starting for Fall. Fournier has been notified.
State Ethics Commission: Added a Staff Attorney position to focus on municipal ethics and ethics advisory services have resumed and can accept ethics complaints and ethics advice requests.
Jacksonville Stage Road Paving: The Board was informed that paving on Jacksonville Stage Road is scheduled for October 30 and 31. Traffic control will be provided by Basin Brothers, and the road will remain open with possible delays during paving operations, except for emergency access. The Board directed that project information and travel advisories be communicated to the public through Mailchimp, the Town website, Front Porch Forum, and posted notices.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES
October 6, 2026 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes
Pike made a motion to accept the October 6, 2026 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes as amended. Edwards seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
Marchegiani left at 9:20pm
SELECTBOARD ORDER
The Selectboard orders were signed and Edwards read the aggregate amount for FY27 order #8 on October 20, 2026 for an order total of $14,345.45.
ADJOURNMENT
Ashcraft made a motion to adjourn at 9:33pm. Christofferson seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Dow
Halifax Administrative Assistant
Recording Link: https://youtu.be/H_091aYDdKU
