OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES- DRAFT
September 15, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
Edee Edwards called the meeting to order at 6:00pm. Other Selectboard members present were Karen Christofferson, Randy Pike and Lori Marchegiani remotely. Members of the public present were Stephanie Pike, Kyle Farnsworth, Mike Fournier, Stephan Chait, Saraswati Khalsa, Joshua Drinkard, Michelle Ferreira, Thom Ferreira, Linda Huebner, Nancy McCrea, and Emily Dow.
CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
Old Business: Salt Bid
OLD BUSINESS
SB Admin laptop update
Christofferson updated that the new secretary laptop, including Adobe Acrobat, has been ordered at a total cost of $1,462.66. The town credit card twice rejected the purchase, so Patty Dow completed the order personally and will submit an invoice for reimbursement. It was noted that no data can be retrieved from the old laptop.
Rt 112/Branch Rd Bridge work completed
Work on the Rt. 112 Branch Road bridge was completed last week. Christofferson and Fournier conducted a site review with Renaud Brothers and confirmed the repair was completed successfully using 45 pounds of grout with no anticipated issues. The repair added rebar and expanded front footings without affecting hydraulics. The contractor recommended extending both wing walls in the future to reduce erosion. A protective sealer will be applied before winter. The Board noted that Grant BC2474 was approved to support project costs.
Fire warden Update
Christofferson and Pike met again with Dennis Annear to continue establishing the Forest Fire Warden process. Christofferson confirmed that the fire company will remain separate from the town. Annear will install a mailbox at the fire station to hold burn‑permit forms and will continue responding directly to residents when needed. Work is underway to identify a deputy and officer, and Annear is coordinating with the state to gain system access.
Annear recommended not accepting a stipend during the first year so the town can assess the administrative workload before setting compensation. Updated information will be posted on the town website.
Set date for highway and other wage discussions
Special Meeting set for September 22, 2026 at 6:00pm
Salt Bid
One bid was received from Eastern Salt quoted for $104.74 per ton. Cargill, which was used in the previous year at $98.25 per ton, had ongoing inventory problems and the town stopped using them. The town received three deliveries [*from Eastern Salt?] priced at $82.41 instead of $99.75 in error using prior year’s prices; resulting in a difference of $17.34, totaling 99 tons roughly $1700.
The board received an updated salt quote from Cargill on September 14 showing $104.74/ton. Eastern Salt is currently using Vermont’s negotiated pricing, showing a typical 5% price increase.
Christofferson made a motion to award the salt bid to Eastern Salt at the price of $104.74 per ton. With an estimated tonnage of 400 tons. Edwards seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
Capital Improvement Plan workshop readout
Edwards provided a readout from the Capital Improvement Plan workshop in Wilmington. The Board agreed that Halifax should begin developing a formal capital improvement plan to support long‑term, proactive planning rather than relying solely on annual, reactive budgeting. The workshop shows that the town already has core components in place—equipment schedules, insured asset lists, depreciation records, and bridge inventories—that can serve as the foundation for a multi‑year plan aligned with the Town Plan.
Edwards suggested using a 5‑year rolling plan as the practical planning range, with longer‑range projections used only for general guidance. Edwards will review the workshop materials and identify time for the Board to begin structured capital planning. Establishing a formal plan may improve access to financing tools for future emergencies or major infrastructure needs.
NEW BUSINESS
Whitneyville Road ROW permit and class 4 road conditions – background & set date for site visit here and on Pennel Hill
Edwards shared a history of other roads in Halifax such as Whitneyville Road was heavily affected during Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, prompting later townwide reviews of roads serving single properties. In 2015, the road was reclassified from Class 3 to Class 4 due to condition and limited use. In 2022, new owners informed the Selectboard they were satisfied with the road’s condition, and no upgrades were required. Recent construction has now triggered renewed review of access and right‑of‑way permitting.
The Board reviewed a right‑of‑way permit request for Whitneyville Road, a Class 4 road where construction has begun. The Board agreed that the permit cannot be acted on until a site visit is completed. The Highway Supervisor will inspect the location, and Board members will join to assess drainage, access, and safety conditions.
The Board confirmed that all required zoning and building permits must be verified by the Zoning Administrator before the right‑of‑way permit can be approved. The Board also determined that the Fire Chief must be notified so 911 addressing and SPAN information can be updated.
The applicants stated they are willing to sign a VLCT emergency‑access waiver, and the Board agreed this may be appropriate for a Class 4 road. The Board emphasized that this review concerns only the right‑of‑way permit, and no road reclassification is being considered at this time.
A site visit will be scheduled, after which the Board will make a final decision on the permit and any necessary conditions.
HEARING OF VISITORS
Tom Ferrer and Michelle Ferrer are new property owners in Halifax on Smith Road; with small discussion regarding the road conditions.
EXECUTIVE SESSION for Kyle Farnsworth Annual Review
Edwards made a motion that under 1 VSA § 313 (a) (3) for the appointment or employment or evaluation of a public officer or employee. Provided that we shall make a final decision to hire or appoint the public office or employee in the open meeting, and shall explain our reasons for its final decision during the open meeting. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
Edwards moved to come out of executive session. Marchegiani seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
Marchegiani dropped off around 8:15.
No decisions were made in the executive session. The board recognizes that the Animal Control Officer, Constable and Zoning Administrator are challenging and appreciate Farnsworth’s service. Training and enforcement capabilities are going to be in process.
CORRESPONDENCE
- Center for Solace thanked the board for the social service donation of $200.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES
Christofferson made a motion to accept the September 1, 2026 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes as amended. Pike seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
SELECTBOARD ORDER
The Selectboard orders were signed and Edwards read the aggregate amount for FY27 order #6 on September 15, 2026 for an order total of $18,681.71
ADJOURNMENT
Edwards made a motion to adjourn at 8:42pm. Pike seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Dow
Halifax Administrative Assistant
Recording Link: https://youtu.be/2-tuEX3GKdM
