OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES- DRAFT
September 16, 2025
6:00 PM AT THE HALIFAX TOWN OFFICE
The initial opening of the recorded Selectboard meeting, that included; call to order, changes and additions, and beginning of the Whitneyville Road discussion was interrupted by a Zoom Bombing and is unavailable for viewing.
CALL TO ORDER
Edee Edwards called the meeting to order at 6:00pm. Other Selectboard members present were Rhonda Ashcraft, Randy Pike and Lori Marchegiani. Members of the public present were Stephan Chait, Stephanie Pike, Nancy McCrea, Detlef Ronneburger (DVFiber), David Jones, Thomas Jones, Linda Huebner, Bob Leete, Charlie Smith, Adrian Dewinter and Emily Dow.
CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
New Business: Whitneyville Road cut through/spur/triangle moved to the beginning of the meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
Whitneyville Road cut through/spur/triangle: Christofferson and Attorney Fisher explored methods for researching land ownership, including analyzing historical maps and road layouts. The rightful ownership, whether by the town or homeowner, remains unresolved.
The Selectboard meeting resumed recording at 6:10pm.
Huebner proposed modifying the intersection triangle by expanding its tip and eliminating the cut-through. Pike emphasized the need to identify the original road design. Chait explained the cut-through was intended to enhance visibility and recommended adding a curb to further improve it.
NEW BUSINESS
Incident Report: Public Safety: While on a public trail, Edwards was alerted by a landowner about a person in a nearby vehicle off the trail who might need social services. Edwards reached out to the constable and Fire Chief, but the correct response in such cases is to contact 9-1-1.
Recent Site Visit: Stark Mtn/Phillips Hill/Stowe Mtn Rd
Stark Mountain Road: A resident has asked to remove the existing driveway culvert and install a new one across Stark Mountain Road to improve the transition between the driveway and the road surface.
Phillips Hill Road: Two landowners raised concerns about water runoff problems caused by a culvert situated beneath their driveways.
Stowe Mountain Road: Sharp rocks are currently protruding from the road, which has only undergone preliminary stone work from GMP projects. Although the Highway Department can compact the stones using water, doing so would require several visits throughout the week. Pike noted that the road remains unfinished and still needs an additional 2 inches of gravel.
The Selectboard plans a Special Meeting next week to conduct site visits at all locations. Edwards noted that GMP Closeout details are incomplete and recommended prioritizing roads needing 4 inches of gravel. Marchegiani, Christofferson, and Fournier will inspect the sites and follow up with GMP. In response to Chait’s concern, Pike will verify with Fournier that the gravel and crushed stone comply with state standards.
Possible further expenditures on updated website: Website upgrades, including a payment option, are underway. Marchegiani will reach out to Greg Youkov for an updated cost estimate, with mini-MERP funds available to help cover expenses. Efforts are also being made to better organize Selectboard Meeting Minutes online, such as by limiting years or reorganization, while all official legal records remain stored at the town office.
OLD BUSINESS
DVFiber in Halifax Update & eligibility with Ronneburger: The Selectboard received the DVFiber Annual Audit. Ronneburger reported that all five service areas in town are complete, though a few locations still require additional work due to delays. The project was designed to ensure service to all areas, but new construction and off-grid sites may pose challenges. While GMP transitioned lines to underground service and installed conduit for communication providers, DVFiber will not follow suit due to the added cost of modifying existing infrastructure.
Plans/Use for Old Town Garage Property Update: Ashcraft recused herself due to a conflict of interest involving a potential buyer. Christofferson consulted Attorney Fisher and confirmed that the Selectboard has the authority to sell town property through a sealed bid process, setting a minimum price and conditions, and awarding the sale to the highest bidder. The property may be sold “As Is.”
- Brownfields awards funding from the state to clean areas that have had contamination.
- Contact WRC and determine if private citizens are eligible for this support.
- Do Brownfields requirements apply when a buyer agrees to purchasing “As Is.”
- Fisher will be invited to a future Selectboard Executive Session to address this and also discuss the Whitneyville and Old Town Garage properties.
- Chait plans to meet with Sue Wester, a Brownfields Specialist at WRC, to clarify buyer-seller responsibilities and liability.
McMillan Road culvert and road drainage update: Since the site visit on (DATE), Road Commissioners, Marchegiani and Christofferson, notified a nearby homeowner that a driveway permit is necessary and instructed them to install a culvert to address a drainage problem.
Halifax Town Sign Placement Update: Marchegiani announced that the refurbished Halifax Town Sign has been completed and is scheduled for installation on September 17.
HEARING OF VISITORS
Stephan Chait:
- At an upcoming meeting, Chait plans to brief the Selectboard on the organizational structure and financial details of the Conservation Commission.
- Chait will continue to forward WRC communication to the Selectboard.
- WSWMD created a flyer with details on recycling and food waste, available in paper form at the town office. Compost disposal information is offered upon request and involves an annual fee. For those interested in learning more, WRC organizes educational events on composting.
CORRESPONDENCE
GMP Closeout: The Selectboard will receive the current status of all work sites. Specific roads will be prioritized to receive 4” of gravel and be completed prior to snowfall such as: school bus routes and roads that were first in the project. Marchegiani will contact Fournier about Reed Hill, Collins and Larrabee Roads that were completed before making the GMP agreement that includes the 4” of gravel. They will also assess fluidity and levelness between driveways and roads. Pike will review bid details, noting that shoulder material is typically included.
FCC License Renewed: The FCC license was renewed for a 10-year term following updates that included new equipment and the addition of a repeater.
Grant funding opportunities 2025:
- Municipal Planning Grant: The grant offers up to $30,000 with a required 10% contribution from the town. Eligible uses include zoning and town plan updates, subdivision bylaws, climate resilience efforts, housing development, state designation initiatives, Age Strong Projects, and Selectboard participation in capital planning and budgeting. WRC is available to assist the Selectboard. Applications are currently open, with a submission deadline of November 3, 2025 at 6 PM. Awards will be decided by December 2025, and all funded work must be completed by December 31, 2027.
- Community Renewal Grant/Building Communities Grant: This grant supports construction and capital improvement projects in areas such as recreation, economic development, human services, and education. It offers up to $25,000 with a required one-to-one cost share from the town. Available to municipalities and nonprofits, the grant information will be shared with the Community Club, Halifax Historical Society, and Fire Department for potential use. Applications are due by November 10, 2025.
- Safety Grant: This grant applies to the Fire Department and Highway Department.
- State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program: EMD Blais forwarded a grant opportunity to Edwards focused on cybersecurity enhancements, including training, implementing multi-factor authentication, and transitioning to a .gov domain. While the grant does not carry annual costs, details regarding total expenses and required town contributions remain unknown at this time.
- Opioid Settlement: This grant is available to towns with populations under 10,000 that have not initiated an opioid-related lawsuit. Municipalities have two options for handling settlement funds:
- Option 1: Redirect the funds to the state-run Opioid Abatement Fund.
- Option 2: Complete the EXK form to receive the funds directly, with the requirement that they be used strictly for opioid abatement and that detailed records of expenditures be maintained.
- Edwards noted that Halifax had been receiving settlement checks and forwarding them to Voices of Hope in Wilmington. However, the Selectboard decided to return the funds to the state, as the town currently has no direct use for them.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Edwards made a motion to enter executive session under 1 VSA 313(a)(3), through the employment or evaluation of a public officer or employee, provided that the public body shall make a final decision to hire or appoint a public officer or employee in an open meeting, and explain the reasons for its final decision during the open meeting. Nancy McCrea will join in the executive session. Pike seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
At 8:07pm Ashcraft made a motion to come out of executive session. Marchegiani seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPOINT PC/ZBA SECRETARY
No decisions were made in the executive session.
Edwards made a motion to appoint Jessica Cooney for the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment Secretary for the salary of $20 per hour. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES
September 2, 2025 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes
Pike made a motion to accept the September 2, 2024 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes as amended. Ashcraft seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
SELECTBOARD ORDER
The Selectboard orders were signed and Edwards read the aggregate amount for orders on September 16, 2025 for an order total of $5,664.78.
ADJOURNMENT
Ashcraft made a motion to adjourn at 8:50pm. Marchegiani seconded. Motion passed 4-0
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Dow
Halifax Administrative Assistant
Recording Link: https://youtu.be/emjumaCyWd
