OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
Town of Halifax, Vermont
SELECTBOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
March 5, 2019
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m. Selectboard members Lewis Sumner, Mitchell Green, and Bradley Rafus were present, as were Paul Blais and Robbin Gabriel.
Changes and/or Additions to Agenda
None.
New Business
Truck Bid Decision
Brad Rafus advised that of the two truck bids offered by Clark Truck Center, the first International bid does not meet specifications. The second International bid and the Patriot Motors Western Star bid meet specifications. Rafus recommended purchasing the Western Star, which is less expensive and has a better warranty program. Mitch Green made a motion to accept the Patriot Motors bid of $122,091 for a 2020 Western Star with trade-in. Lewis Sumner seconded the motion, which passed, 2-0-1, with Rafus abstaining.
Truck Equipment Bid Decision
Both truck equipment bids meet specifications, said Rafus. The H.P. Fairfield bid is $12,000 more than the Viking bid, so he recommended approving the Viking quote. We bought a body from them two years ago and are happy with it, he added. Sumner made a motion to approve the Viking Cives truck body and equipment package bid for $69,100. Green seconded the motion, which passed, 2-0-1, with Rafus abstaining. Rafus pointed out that the original bid was for $70,500, but choosing the less costly of two rear post options reduced that amount by $1,400.
Selectboard’s Order to Treasurer for Payment
The Selectboard’s Order to the Treasurer was reviewed and signed.
Executive Session
None held.
Hearing of Visitors
Paul Blais asked about plans to do road work on Pennel Hill Road. He said that some years ago a culvert was put in toward the upper end of the road, at a spot with an underground spring. Later that year heavy storms caused wash-out, and the culvert was not replaced. Blais wanted to know whether the upcoming roadwork included installing a culvert at that location. Work at that spot will be on our normal repair schedule, explained Rafus. The grant monies the Town will receive for Pennel Hill upgrades will be used to stone-line ditches and replace two under-sized culverts on the Route 112 end of the road. Rafus a French drain will be installed in the location Blais mentioned, as there is no good place to direct the water if a culvert is used. Rafus also told Blais the Town will be posting the roads for mud season soon.
There was some general conversation about Town Meeting, and Sumner thanked Blais for serving as Moderator.
Reorganization
At 6:20 p.m., Sumner recessed the meeting until ballot counting was completed. The meeting reconvened at 8:45 p.m. Brad Rafus nominated Lewis Sumner as Selectboard Chair. Mitch Green seconded the motion, which passed, 2-0-1, with Sumner abstaining. Brad Rafus nominated Mitch Green as Selectboard Vice-Chair. Sumner seconded the motion, which passed, 2-0-1, with Green abstaining.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Robbin Gabriel
Selectboard Secretary