TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
SELECTBOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES—DRAFT
FEBRUARY 1, 2021
CALL TO ORDER:
Sumner called the meeting to order at 6:01 pm. Selectboard members present were Lewis Sumner, Tristan Roberts, Pete Silverberg, Cara Cheyette. Others in attendance in person or remotely were Edee Edwards, Bob Teree, Mike Fournier, David Jones, Doug and Marilou Parkhurst, Alison Crossley, and Raquel Smith.
CHANGES OR ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA:
Sumner added the Selectboard Admin Assistant appointment as an addition under New Business.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES:
Prior minutes were approved as written.
NEW BUSINESS:
Highway department
New truck bids were opened and read.
Sumner moved and Roberts seconded to refer the bids to Mike Fournier and Keith Stone to review in detail and report back to the Selectboard.
One bid was received by email. Cheyette asked if it should be considered in light of our purchasing policy. Discussion ensued. Silverberg said he would get the opinion of the town attorney, Bob Fisher.
The motion passed, 4-0.
Open position appointments: Selectboard and Admin Assistant
Two letters were received for the Selectboard opening, from Edee Edwards and Paul Blais. Sumner reported that Paul Blais had withdrawn his name from consideration. One application was received for the admin position, Roza Podlaski.
Roberts made a statement about his considerations for interviewing Selectboard candidates. Discussion ensued about the importance of respectful communication by Selectboard members and other appointed and elected positions.
Sumner moved and Silverberg seconded to go into executive session to interview both candidates. Motion passed 4-0.
Executive session ended at 7:07 p.m. with no decisions made.
Roberts moved and Silverberg seconded to appoint Edee Edwards to the Selectboard. Motion passed 4-0.
Sumner moved and Roberts seconded to appoint Roza Podlaski to the administrative assistant position. Motion passed 4-0.
Public record request procedures and obligations
Cheyette discussed some of the potential benefits of having a public records policy. She suggested that the Town Treasurer may have input on such a policy and we would want to consult with her. Roberts volunteered to forward the policy to Patty Dow for her to work with the board when she has time.
Updating job descriptions/policies
Roberts suggested the Road Commissioner and Supervisor positions should be a priority for review and update. Discussion ensued on priority for updating job descriptions, and process. The board asked Podlaski for assistance in working with Fournier and the board on that update.
OLD BUSINESS:
ARPA Funds Update
None.
Post Office update
None.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
HEARING OF VISITORS
Cheyette stated that new deadlines and dates would be issued for Town Meeting articles and nominations.
Discussion ensued about training Podlaski on the job.
In response to request from Fournier, Roberts moved and Silverberg seconded that the meeting go to executive session to discuss a personnel matter at the town garage. Executive session began at 7:42 p.m.
The Board came out at 7:58 p.m. with no decisions made.
Roberts moved and Cheyette seconded to adjourn at 8 p.m.
TREASURER’S ORDER FOR PAYMENT
Meeting recording:
Respectfully Submitted,
Tristan Roberts
For the Selectboard