OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
October 7, 2025
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. Members of the public present were Stephan Chait, Stephanie Pike, Cara Cheyette, Hope Phelan, Linda Huebner, Jeff Glaser, Kaitlin Stone, Jessica Cooney, Kim Lehner, Chris Lehner and Emily Dow.
CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
Correspondence: ROW Permit- 1381 McMillan Road
NEW BUSINESS
Review Dog Control Ordinance from Committee
Edwards gave a brief history of the town’s dog ordinance with the town’s original 1998 dog ordinance repealed in 2016. The town is trying to create a new one based on the VLCT model. To guide this process, the Animal Control Committee was formed in August and distributed a three-question survey to residents, focusing on leash laws, barking, and potentially vicious dogs. With 200 responses, the majority supported regulating potentially vicious dogs, though feedback suggested that all concerning behaviors should be addressed in a single, unified ordinance. A special meeting will be held to review the proposed ordinance and gather public input, and if petitioned, the topic may be discussed at the March Town Meeting. Committee member Kim Lehner emphasized the ordinance’s goal of empowering the Animal Control Officer to respond effectively to complaints and incidents.
Voices of Hope closure
The Town of Halifax had been allocating its Opioid Settlement funds to Voices of Hope. However, following Voices of Hope’s closure on September 30, the group redirected its funds to residential treatment facilities. The Selectboard is not claiming new settlement funds expecting they will go to the state.
Computer or access for PC/ZBA Secretary
Existing town computers are not available. The listers have a computer they use on Wednesdays. Christofferson will collaborate with Blais to research Microsoft Surface computers, considering options for either the Listers or the PC/ZBA Secretary, with the intention of shared use by the secretary.
Update on EMD Preliminary Planning Session for Oct 22 Blizzard Test
The Blizzard Test is scheduled as an all-day training event, during which Blais will contact Selectboard members Annear, Farnsworth, and Fournier, all of whom would play key roles in a real blizzard emergency. Since this is a training exercise, it does not require a warned meeting. A preparatory meeting will be held before the October 22nd test to develop an action plan and establish a command center, ensuring that all involved personnel are ready and organized in the event of an actual emergency.
Set up first budget meetings
The first budget meeting will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025 at 6pm.
Town Report staffing
To improve the organization of the town report process, Edwards proposed creating a dedicated email address specifically for town report submissions. This would help streamline incoming funding requests and reduce duplicate information. Additionally, a clear schedule and timeline should be established to ensure all submissions are received on time for inclusion. Christofferson agreed to quarterback it.
OLD BUSINESS
Clark Road turnaround/Junk letter
Edwards suggested obtaining an easement, Pike clarified that one is unnecessary since the trail lies within the town’s right-of-way. Enforcement of the junk ordinance is currently limited, as the town constable lacks a ticket book. To address the situation, a letter will be sent to the property owners, and a site visit is scheduled for October 16, 2025, at 7:30 a.m. to evaluate the area and its specifications.
Salt Bids and Cargill De-icing quote
The Selectboard participated in the state salt bid process but the state has decided not to proceed further with it. Christofferson contacted three companies regarding salt procurement. Appalache LLC from Rochester, New York declined to bid due to uncertainty about the town’s current needs. Eastern Salt, based in Massachusetts and familiar with Vermont contracts, submitted a quote of $99.75 per ton for 450 tons. Cargill, a company previously used by the town, automatically submitted a bid of $98.25 per ton for the same quantity, up from last year’s price of $86.75 per ton.
Christofferson made a motion to accept the Cargill quote for $98.25 per ton for 450 tons. Marchegiani seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
7:15pm meeting recording disconnected from the Owl device and Edwards ran the meeting from her laptop.
Boiler Water Feed replacement and Dead River Service Agreement
The Town of Halifax is unable to choose a service plan until the boiler is repaired. Dead River has provided a quote of $1,200 for the repair.
Edwards made a motion to go with Dead River to replace the boiler water feed in the town garage heater system. Christofferson seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
Update 229 Wheeler Road Culvert Replacement
In July 2025, property owner Jeff Glaser experienced difficulty accessing his driveway due to frost heaves and culvert issues. He purchased two 15-foot culverts, which the town road crew installed, following proper ditching procedures in compliance with state specifications and the Clean Water Act. A site visit on September 24 confirmed this work.
During the visit, road commissioners determined that 229 Wheeler Road is on the private portion of the road, with the town’s responsibility ending at the neighbor’s downslope property line. Glaser later purchased two more culverts and requested further installation to improve ditching and driveway access. A Right-of-Way (ROW) Permit is required if the area falls within the town’s jurisdiction.
Although the town will continue plowing the road section as previously done, it was discovered that prior road work was mistakenly completed on a private road rather than a designated town road. Reclassifying a town highway is a complex process. The situation raises concerns about the town being asked to perform additional work on property it does not maintain, prompting a review with the town attorney to clarify property boundaries and the town’s responsibilities regarding private roads.
Closeout plan for GMP Zero Outage Initiative Work
There will be no further gravel to be laid this year and the road commissioner accepts public input on any post GMP Zero Outage Initiative issues prior to next Spring. The road crew continues to follow a grading schedule for the fall.
HEARING OF VISITORS
No visitors wished to speak.
CORRESPONDENCE
Federal funding & services notes- Suspension of RPC work under the Emergency Management Performance Grant & National Flood Insurance Program
There has been a suspension of work by the Windham Regional Commission under the Emergency Management Performance Grant and this may impact Paul Blais, EMD, by having less support from the Windham Regional Commission.
National Flood Insurance Program: Some services are suspended due to government closure. This impacts property owners who wish to purchase property that will need flood insurance.
DVFiber Annual Meeting
DVFiber conducted their annual audit and has their annual meeting to follow.
ROW Permit- Edwards 709 Hubbard Hill Road
Edwards recused herself from the discussion. Fournier had visited the site. The permit has been signed.
ROW Permit- 1381 McMillan Road
The board accepted and signed the permit conditionally for the property owner to include Exhibit A as well as missing information on the permit.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES
September 16, 2025 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes
Edwards made a motion to accept the meeting minutes from September 16, 2025. Pike seconded. Motion carried 4-0-1 Christofferson abstention.
September 18, 2025 Selectboard Emergency Meeting Minutes
Pike made a motion to accept the meeting minutes from September 18, 2025. Christofferson seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
SELECTBOARD ORDER
The Selectboard orders were signed and Edwards read the aggregate amount for orders on October 7, 2025 for an order total of $306,065.30.
ADJOURNMENT
Ashcraft made a motion to adjourn at 9:54pm. Lori seconded. Motion passed 5-0
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Dow
Halifax Administrative Assistant
Recording Link: https://youtu.be/_IGO34tJVkw
