OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
October 29, 2024
6:00 PM AT THE HALIFAX TOWN OFFICE
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting of the Selectboard was called to order by Edee Edwards at 6:00 PM. Other Selectboard Members present were Tristan Roberts, Rhonda Ashcraft, Karen Christofferson and Randy Pike. Others present online or in person were Valli Thornton, Brad and Patty Dow, Keith, Vicki and Kaitlin Stone, Mike Fournier, Ben Barnett, Nancy McCrea, Marketa Psenickova, Cara Cheyette, Stephen Chait, and Stephanie Pike.
NEW BUSINESS
- Sign lease purchase agreement for F5500 (10 minutes-All)
Sign lease purchase agreement with a 5-year interest rate of 4.93%. First payment due October of 2025. Total cost of vehicle is $142,129.
Escrow charge of $500 was due to the vehicle not being put together until 2025. Allowed the flexibility for Viking company to conduct the finishing work on the vehicle when they are available.
Multiple documents explained by Patty, some need signatures for the purchase/loan of the vehicle.
Christofferson suggested documents be sent certified return receipt.
- Highway Department wage increases (30 minutes – All)
Edwards explained last year the wages were compared to other nearby road crews. Compared to the state we track reasonably well to the state average. Foreman and Supervisor typical hourly wage are $33.26, $33.25 respectively, the median was $32, mechanic $30.90, and $26.50 for typical road crew position.
Last year Halifax increases were between 11% wage to 24% for one who attained a new professional credential. These increases were delayed until late fall due the fact they would have put us over budget.
For the current year’s budget, we made a $5K adjustment to accommodate changes in the supervisor role versus the Road Commissioner role, plus 5% for general budget growth. However, we also hired a more experienced person at a higher wage for a vacancy. We have an opening again now.
An increase of 2.5% in Social Security was announced recently for next year.
Christofferson wants to support the road crew due to the importance of road maintenance to have a functioning town for taxpayers. There is concern about cutting taxes, but not with the road crew, we can cut elsewhere. Edwards reflected that when next year’s budget is set the board will have to start at the higher number again if we go over now.
Edwards asked the board to consider approving a bonus if we still have a 4-person road crew when snowstorms occur. Christofferson suggested using the some of the extra funds from not having a position filled for Mike Fournier to award a person who is deserving of extra because they went above and beyond.
Pike suggested that trying to function with only a 4-person crew might be feasible. Then if it is working use that surplus to provide bonuses. Mike Fournier remarked that a 4-person team could possibly burn out the current team during the winter months, and people might leave.
Since no one has applied yet, Edwards noted that we need to advertise differently, possibly using Indeed.
Keith Stone reflected that the influx of people due to Covid has increased work for the road crew. The priority of plowing is the bus route, and the school first, then secondary roads. A number of people expect their road to be cleared first, but this may not be done in a timely manner due to having one less person working.
Christofferson asked if there was a road clearing priority list. Fournier answered it is outlined in the winter road policy.
The wage increase proposal from Edwards assumed paying the highest end of the range for a new road crew member. She proposed a $1 an hour increase for everyone on the crew now except giving a $2 increase for a person making $24. $297,856 was the budgeted amount for road crew wages. A full year at this rate would be $301,600, but we do have the current gap with the empty position.
Christofferson calculated that Edwards’ proposal would increase the budget by about $6600 overall. She then proposed a $2 increase for all the road crew. This would create a difference of $14,000, with the new person not having the increase in wage. The new total road crew budget would be $307,840, a $9984 increase.
Pike suggested having the wage increase be a percentage. Edwards responded that she wants to be sure experience gets recognized, even if it was at other jobs.
Christofferson crunched the numbers for a 4% increase proposed by Pike. That would create a total amount of $302,848, difference is $4992. There is still one person under $25 per hour by four cents, that should be increased to $25/hour. A $2 increase for each road crew person would increase the budget close to $10,000. Christofferson asked where cuts could be made in the town budget to help fund the wage increase.
Roberts expressed concern about going over budget.
Christofferson moved to give all road crew a $2 wage increase, and to find ways to cut other budget items to accommodate. The motion was not seconded.
Pike proposed a 4% increase in wages, and increase the one person who has been on the road crew making less than $25 to now make $25 per hour, a $.04 increase, in the road crew seconded by Ashcraft. Motion carried 5-0.
Late in the meeting, when Mike Fournier realized we hadn’t stated it, Pike proposed an amendment to the wage increase to begin November 3rd seconded by Edwards. Motion carried 5-0.
- Review insurance options (20 minutes-All)
Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance increased 18% this year. We currently pay more than $13,000/month for the road crew insurance. Edwards saw that the planned and approved budget increase may broadly cover the increased insurance expense, as it showed a 15% increase from last year.
Pike discussed with the Marlboro road boss about their insurance. They use Acrisure (formerly Hickock and Boardman) who are also involved with VLCT. The town could contact Gail Lafond, Pike spoke to her about a possible plan. Gail shared that Marlboro has an HRA (Healthcare Reimbursement Account) that issues a debit card to use for deductibles. This system saved town of Marlboro about $20,000.
Edwards shared that the road crew had tried an HRA before and it was difficult to use. There are more logistics needing to be completed, and without an Administrative Assistant that creates a larger problem. There is concern about changing the plan and continuity of care.
Christofferson suggested that we gather some information for what is offered by Acrisure. The board does not want anything to be binding with Acrisure. Pike will pursue options with help from Roberts.
- Town Right of Way incursions and remediation (20 minutes) at:
- Fence in Right of Way: 358 Sprague Road
The fence will create an issue for plowing as it is in the roadway. The property owner contacted Mike Fournier before building, who said that he needed to contact the road commissioner. He spoke with Ashcraft who stated he needed to come to a meeting. He put up the fence without coming to a meeting.
Christofferson remarked that we don’t have a clear ordinance describing the town’s options in these situations. The board would like to consult with Bob Fisher to find out what we should do to inform property owners of regulations to work within a right of way. Christofferson and Edwards are scheduled to meet with him tomorrow morning for other issues as well.
Edwards remarked that informing property owners is very important, and if issues can be discussed early would help the board to be more efficient.
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- Road/Culvert change:201/202 Stark Mountain Road
The initial issue was brought up during an open meeting due to a number of complaints Fournier had received saying that the culvert placement created a dangerous situation that made an individual drive off the road to avoid hitting another vehicle. Pike and Ashcraft visited the site with Fournier and Stone on October 21, 2024. They confirmed that the culvert placement has created an unsafe transition in the road. Christofferson asked what it might cost if the town needs to remediate. Fournier and the road crew to correct the change they estimated it would take half a day, and material, costing about $2000.
The property owner sent an email expressing their concerns, and accusations. Edwards commented that the board needs to ensure all interested parties are informed and invited when there is an issue that concerns them. The intent of the board’s actions is to follow the law and meet the needs of the town. In addition, the board is required by law to discuss issues in open meetings.
Fournier remarked some of the content of the email stated that free culverts being given out is not accurate. They may have an old steel culvert that property owners can ask for. Any culvert work can be done by the town when they have time, but the owner must purchase the culvert and any materials needed.
HEARING OF VISITORS (10 minutes)
Cheyette asked if the property owner of Stark Mountain Road should have filled out a driveway permit. Conservation ensued about the updated driveway (right of way) permit forms.
Thornton wanted to discuss a property tax grievance. Edwards remarked that this was not something the Selectboard handled and the Listers should be contacted. She then asked about filing a petition on having taxes spread out over 2 payments. Edwards answered that Patty Dow should be contacted regarding how to go about creating a voter petition.
Fournier asked when the wage increase would occur. Edwards asked if the pay period starts on Sunday. The motion was amended (see above) to include a start date of November 3.
Pike announced a free concert Friday November 8th at Halifax Community Hall 3:30 to 7 pm.
Fournier asked Roberts if the town garage roof work was going to start soon. Roberts said the company had given him the impression that materials would be delivered soon. Roberts will contact the company to check in.
ADJOURNMENT
8:06 pm motion was made by Ashcraft to adjourn, seconded by Edwards, motion carried 5-0. At this point, the board realized the Zoom recording had inadvertently never been started.
Respectfully submitted, Stephanie Pike, Secretary Pro Tempore