OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
Town of Halifax, Vermont
SELECTBOARD SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
March 7, 2016
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. Selectboard members Lewis Sumner, Brad Rafus, and Mitchell Green were present, as were Stephan Chait, Arthur (Jesse) Ferland, John LaFlamme, and Robbin Gabriel.
Changes and/or Additions to Agenda
Brad Rafus requested discussion of a possible tractor with mower purchase.
New Business
Reorganization of Selectboard
Rafus nominated Lewis Sumner as Chairman of the Selectboard. Mitch Green seconded the motion, which passed, 2-0-1, with Sumner abstaining.
Rafus nominated Mitch Green as Vice Chair. Sumner seconded the motion, which passed, 2-0-1, with Green abstaining.
Sumner made a motion to change the Selectboard’s regular meeting start time from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. Rafus seconded the motion, which passed, 3-0.
Sumner explained that the change would allow Green time to get to meetings after his work day. The next Selectboard meeting will be held March 22nd, at 7:00 p.m. The Board will appoint town officials to fill expiring terms on that date.
Post Roads Notice
Sumner made a motion to post the roads for mud season, effectively immediately through May 15th. Green seconded the motion, which passed, 3-0.
Sumner said the signs may come down earlier than May 15th, as we are having an early spring and there is not much frost in the ground.
Tractor
Rafus told the meeting the town of Vernon has just purchased a new tractor and is offering their previous tractor with side-mount mower for sale, for $3,500. The tractor is 2WD, diesel, with a rebuilt motor and new tires. Rafus and Keith Stone examined the unit and found it to be in good condition. Stephan Chait asked what time of year the highway department did mowing. We usually start the second week in August, said Rafus, but if we have our own mower we can work as we have time.When we hire someone to mow we have to do it all at once. Sumner made a motion to purchase Vernon’s tractor/mower for $3,500. Green seconded the motion, which passed, 3-0. It’s in the budget; said Sumner. The town budgeted $4,500 for roadside mowing this year.
Hearing of Visitors
Stephan Chait advised the Board that he was interested in continuing to serve on the Planning Commission and Zoning Board. Both terms expire this month.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:17 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Robbin Gabriel
Selectboard Secretary