Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Selectboard members Lewis Sumner and Mitchell Green were present; Brad Rafus was not able to attend. Ray Combs, Stephan Chait, Marilyn Allen, Lesley Pollitt, and Robbin Gabriel were also in attendance.

Changes and/or Additions to Agenda

Lewis Sumner had an update on the 10070 Jacksonville Stage property situation.

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes

Mitch Green made a motion to approve the 12/5/17 regular meeting minutes as written. Sumner seconded the motion, which passed, 2-0.

Approval of the 12/11/17 special meeting minutes was postponed due to Brad Rafus’ absence.

New Business

Storm Repairs—Line of Credit
After speaking to Treasurer Patty Dow, Sumner said the Town could hold off on obtaining a line of credit to cover costs of repairing the late October storm damage to the roads. Winter weather has brought the work to a halt, with the major damage areas rebuilt, and State or Federal reimbursement funds should be available by the time construction resumes in the spring. Sumner told Stephan Chait the Town has paid for the work done thus far. Had they (contractors) been able to keep working, we probably wouldn’t have had enough, he added. We’ve been approved by the State, and the Governor has applied to the President for FEMA monies, but we haven’t heard a decision yet. Four of the eight projects are done, and blacktopping will be done in the spring. Ray Combs asked whether Stowe Mountain bridge, which sustained vehicular damage several months ago, had been paid for. Yes, answered Board members; a check was received from the insurance company.

10070 Jacksonville Stage
After the Selectboard sent a letter and a copy of the Town’s junk ordinance to property owners at 10070 Jacksonville Stage, Sumner had a call from one of the residents asking how many more vehicles need to be removed. To date, four have been taken off the lot, but some remain. Sumner and Green said the Halifax ordinance states “less than four” unregistered vehicles are allowed. Does the ordinance cover other items, such as furniture?, asked Chait. There is some wording, said Sumner and Green, but it’s rather vague. Sumner will advise the residents that no more than three unregistered vehicles can remain on the property.

Marilyn Allen initiated a discussion of the vehicles and equipment stored on property along Route 112, just before the Massachusetts line. Allen said more vehicles had been added, and asked if the State was aware of the collection, as letters from the Town have been ineffective. She took owner information from the Listers’ property cards and said she would call the State.

Executive Session
None held.

Old Business

None.

Other Business

None.

Hearing of Visitors

Collins Road is getting rough, said Combs, will it be repaved next year? Yes, responded Sumner.

The Town has been awarded a municipal planning grant. Has the necessary paperwork been done between the State and the Town?, asked Chait. Documents have been signed, said Sumner, and the first 40% of the funds should arrive in two to three weeks. The Planning Commission may begin working with Windham Regional Commission’s John Bennett in January.

Lesley Pollitt praised the highway department for their good work clearing the roads during the recent storm.

Sign Orders to the Treasurer

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

Correspondence

New correspondence was reviewed.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 7:44 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Robbin Gabriel
Selectboard Secretary