OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
September 2, 2025
6:00 PM AT THE HALIFAX TOWN OFFICE
CALL TO ORDER
Edee Edwards called the meeting to order at 6:00pm. Other Selectboard members present were Karen Christofferson, Rhonda Ashcraft, Randy Pike and Lori Marchegiani. Members of the public present were Stephan Chait, Stephanie Pike, Nancy McCrea, Mike Fournier, Tim Applebee, Bob Leete, Cara Cheyette, Lucy Henderson, Greg Youkov, Marshall Dix and Emily Dow.
CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Old Home Day parade invitation
An invitation was presented to the Selectboard, to also include their families and dogs, to walk in the Old Home Day parade.
1410 McMillan Road Discussion- drainage concerns
Tim Applebee raised a concern about water drainage washing out his driveway starting last fall/this spring. Marchegiani, Christofferson and Fournier (meeting with GMP and Applebee) identified two likely causes: a culvert (it has recently been replaced after GMP work with 18 inches as state specified rather than 15 inches as used prior) near his property, and a neighboring driveway lacking both a permit and a culvert. Fournier confirmed there’s no splash guard or splash rock to help manage the runoff at this culvert, but he thought that would not help.
To address the root cause of the drainage issues, the neighboring property owner must apply for a driveway permit, install a culvert, and have Fournier assess the site. If the culvert falls within the town’s right-of-way, the town will handle installation. Fournier also recommends cleaning the ditch that the existing culvert drains into and redirecting water flow—maintenance that is the responsibility of the property owner since it’s on private land.
Tim Applebee raised concerns about the road grade and the lack of an apron on his driveway. Pike explained that an apron could only be created by extending gravel to form a flat area, and recommended digging a water bar to redirect drainage. Applebee noted the washout has worsened, now measuring 3 inches deep compared to the previous 3 inches wide and 1 inch deep from Christofferson’s assessment. Pike attributed the increased damage to unusually heavy rainfall in early spring.
Statewide 2026 health insurance rate increases
Initial insurance rate increases in Vermont were proposed at 13.5% for Blue Cross Blue Shield and 7.5% for MVP. After review, the Green Mountain Care Board approved a reduced 4.4% increase for Blue Cross Blue Shield small group plans, which the Town of Halifax uses. VLCT noted that individual plan increases may vary. Edwards has MVP’s plan details from last year so the board can compare coverage and costs. Final rates from both providers are expected in late fall.
Review new town website update
Greg Youkov is updating the Halifax website to meet new security standards and improve accessibility. The upgrades include ADA compliance, a PHP update, and a new search feature that auto-suggests results and will be relocated to the top of the page as recommended by Edwards. Additional sorting categories will be introduced, and accessibility tools are now available on the homepage. The landing pages will stay unchanged for now.
Youkov confirmed that the Halifax website can support an online payment option through Hamer Enterprise, which uses its own external platform to process transactions. Users will be redirected to that platform, and all security and liability will be handled by the payment company. Youkov is seeking confirmation that Hamer Enterprise can be officially integrated, as it was not a feature included in the website upgrade package.
Youkov will host a training session with Dow, Edwards and Marchegiani.
CORRESPONDENCE
145 Thomas Hill Road – ROW Driveway permit
The Selectboard approved a revised permit for DVFiber to install conduit at a road crossing. Lucy Henderson also asked the board for approval to replace the driveway culvert at the same time and location. Fournier confirmed an 18-inch culvert is needed.
OLD BUSINESS
Town of Halifax sign refurbishment/placement update
Painting the sign is complete. After discussing placement with Laurel Copeland, Marchegiani determined the Community Hall area was too congested. Instead, the sign will be installed on the embankment to the left before the town garage road. It retains some original elements but now features a new back board, updated posts, and brighter colors, all in compliance with the town’s sign ordinance.
2014 F550 Truck Sale
Pike coordinated with Auctions International, who photographed the truck and will list it online through their timed auction map. The contract with Auctions International is valid for two years and can be used for future sales beyond this listing.
Counterweight quote for excavator
An initial quote of $9,860 to build a counterweight for the excavator was provided by a contractor sourced through Beauregard Equipment. Pike obtained a lower quote of $7,400 from Southern Vermont Fabrication. The counterweight will be painted in gloss black, though Fournier prefers CASE Yellow, which would incur an additional cost. The excavator is expected to be out of service for two days during the winter for installation.
Christofferson made a motion to use Southern Vermont Fabricators to create a counterweight for the excavator not to exceed $7900 to accommodate yellow paint. Ashcraft seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Update on State Road Salt RFP- Rebid Planned
VLCT notified that the state is rebidding the salt RFP, raising uncertainty about whether municipalities will receive their salt orders on time. In response, Christofferson will prepare a request for bid using the Town of Halifax’s $39,000 budget. The town estimates its annual salt usage at 450 tons.
HEARING OF VISITORS
Marshall Dix- GMP work in Wilmington: Marshall Dix stated GMP plans work in Wilmington. He wanted our Selectboard to share insights from Halifax’s experience. Fournier emphasized that any road damage caused by GMP must be restored to its original condition, including replacing 6 inches of gravel. Edwards highlighted the importance of clear communication, sequence of events and understanding the long-term nature of the project, noting that resident feedback and patience are valued.
Halifax has seen fewer power outages this past winter, indicating progress on the resiliency work. Road work updates are shared via Front Porch Forum and the town website. Christofferson noted that state utilities cannot notify first responders ahead of road work. As the project nears completion, Halifax is awaiting final dates for road closures and gravel replacement.
In preparation for potential tropical storms, Edwards stated GMP must ensure roads remain passable for emergency evacuation. Stephan Chait raised concerns about unfinished work on Jacksonville Stage Road, which is being completed in three phases. Christofferson confirmed GMP was directed to communicate with landowners before working on their properties.
Stephan Chait- Deer Park Road ditch stone: Chait expressed gratitude for the ditch stone work on Deer Park Road.
Cara Cheyette- Conflict of Interest: Cheyette proposed that when a board member has a conflict of interest during a discussion, they should sit with the audience to allow for open dialogue among the remaining board members. Christofferson noted she will consult the town attorney to clarify the proper recusal process. Edwards shared that several committee members are required to complete new conflict of interest training.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES
August 19, 2025 Selectboard Regular Meeting Minutes-DRAFT
Edwards made a motion to accept the August 19, 2025 Selectboard regular meeting minutes as corrected. Marchegiani seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
SELECTBOARD ORDER
The Selectboard orders were signed and Pike read the aggregate amount for orders on September 2, 2025 for an order total of $10,097.33.
ADJOURNMENT
Ashcraft made a motion to adjourn at 8:50pm
Pike seconded the motion
Motion passed 5-0
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Dow
Halifax Administrative Assistant
Recording Link:
