Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Selectboard members Lewis Sumner and Mitchell Green were present; Bradley Rafus was unable to attend. Stephan Chait, Sue Kelly, Jason Ashcroft, Kathleen Ashcroft, Emily Blake (Deerfield Valley News), and Robbin Gabriel were also present. Ross Barnett stopped in near the end of the meeting.

Changes and/or Additions to Agenda

Lewis Sumner has information on federal government surplus purchasing.

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes

Mitch Green made a motion to approve the 5/2/17 regular meeting minutes as written. Lewis Sumner seconded the motion, which passed, 2-0.

New Business

Health Officer Recommendation
Sumner made a motion to recommend Sue Kelly as Halifax Town Health Officer. Green seconded the motion, which passed, 2-0. Kelly filled out the application to the State, and Sumner signed the document.

Cael Scholarships—Set Award Date
Sumner announced that the deadline for Don Cael scholarship applications was May 15^th. We will set a date to meet with the School Board for discussion, said Sumner, who suggested 6:45 on Tuesday, June 6^th, immediately before the regular Selectboard meeting. The secretary will confirm availability with School Board members.

Town Garage Roof
In Brad Rafus’ absence, this item was postponed until the June 6^th meeting.

Tour de Heifer Bike Ride in Halifax
The annual dirt roads will be held on June 4^th this year. Two rides—a 30-mile and a 60-mile—will go through Halifax. Riders will be traveling on Jacksonville Stage, Josh, Deer Park, Old County, Brook, Reed Hill, Butterfield, Green River, and Moss Hollow Roads. Stephen Chait asked what time the groups would be in Halifax. Sumner said he thought the riders started in West Brattleboro about 9:00 a.m.; they come through Halifax at various times during the day, depending on which ride group they are with and how fast they’re moving. Routes are the same as last year, and a copy of the route map is available in the Town Office for anyone interested.

Federal Surplus
Sumner made a motion to submit an application for eligibility to purchase federal surplus property. Green seconded the motion, which passed, 2-0. What do they sell?, asked Chait. All kinds of things, answered Sumner; generators, trucks, Jeeps, heavy equipment–whatever the federal government has that they don’t need.

Executive Session
None held.

Old Business

There will be an Act 46 informational meeting in the School gym on Tuesday, May 23^rd, at 7:00 p.m., Sumner reminded the meeting, and the special election vote takes place on Wednesday, May 31^st, 10:00 a..m. to 7:00 p.m. Sumner urged residents to attend the meeting to learn about the school merger process, and stressed the importance of voting on the issue. In response to a question from Chait, Sumner said details were posted on the town web site and bulletin boards, and had been published in the newspaper. Information is also available on the Windham Southwest Supervisory Union web site (http://www.windhamsw.k12.vt.us/). Readsboro, Stamford, and Halifax are all voting on the same day. Wilmington and Whitingham are holding two hearings. The vote was originally scheduled for early May, but had to be postponed until State approval was received.

Sumner told Green the paving quote requests had been mailed and posted; bids will be opened at the June 6^th Selectboard meeting.

We will be getting four loaner recycling bins from WSWMD, announced Sumner, two for regular use and two spares. After June 30^th, TAM, Inc. will be servicing the Town’s recycling bins.

Other Business

None.

Hearing of Visitors

Jason Ashcroft asked if Halifax has a Facebook page. Yes, he was told. He suggested posting information on the Act 46 school vote on the page, as a way of getting notice to more people.

Sign Orders to the Treasurer

The Selectboard’s Order to the Treasurer was reviewed and signed

Correspondence

Various pieces of correspondence were reviewed.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Robbin Gabriel
Selectboard Secretary