Town of Halifax

The meeting agenda includes addressing public comments, potential approval of the January 20, 2026 meeting minutes, and reports from the Brockton Area Transit Authority (BAT) and Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA). Key discussions involve potential endorsements for adjustments and amendments to the FFY 2026-2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), specifically concerning the rehabilitation and renovation of the BAT Maintenance Facility. Furthermore, the agenda covers the development results from the TIP Readiness Day for the FFY 2027-2031 TIP, updates on the National Highway Freight Network corridors, and review and potential endorsement of proposed revisions to the Old Colony MPO Continuing, Cooperative, and Comprehensive (3C) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The meeting included discussions on a Common Victualler license application for Starbucks, which was unanimously accepted. The Board affirmed and approved several warrants and commitments, including payroll, vendor, school, and withholding payments, as well as ambulance commitments. Other actions included the approval of ambulance abatements for December 2025, the Animal Shelter Agreement with the Town of Lakeville, and the approval of two additional horse shows at Fieldstone Farms. The Interim Town Administrator provided updates on the initial budget review meetings, the Override Study Committee schedule, the start of Open Burning Season, progress on the new senior center construction, Youth and Recreation after-school programs, open positions on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Commission, the schedule for the new Town Administrator's start date, and transitions within the Conservation Agent and Building Commissioner roles. The Interim Town Administrator concluded with remarks thanking the Board and staff for their support.

The meeting commenced with the introduction of the new Town Administrator, Steven Solbo. Key discussions included a presentation by Jason Fraser regarding a Proposed Capital Project Stabilization Plan for Silver Lake, aimed at funding immediate and future capital maintenance needs without imposing a net cost to taxpayers initially, which was supported by the Finance and Operations Director. The Board also granted permission to Halifax Pride to use the Town Green on June 6, 2026, for their event. Furthermore, the Board unanimously voted to affirm a vendor warrant payment and approved several ambulance commitments. Permission was also unanimously granted to Brian Kling for Generations to use the Town Green for the "Fur Festival 2026" event in September 2026. The Board tabled the signing of the ALS Agreement with BID Plymouth pending further clarification from Chief Witham at the next meeting. The Town Administrator provided updates on weather-related issues, conference attendance, energy projects, potential EV charger rate adjustments, and upcoming Council on Aging training.

The meeting included the acceptance of the Adopt an Island Policy, which now requires adopting entities to demonstrate insurance coverage, submit a work proposal sketch, maintain watering/weeding during the growing season, prepare the island for winter, and allows for an 8x10 informational sign. The committee is following up on potential entities for adopting specific islands and inquiring about maintaining the planting in front of the Halifax Museum. Discussions also covered the successful holiday ornament distribution, the low helpfulness of High School volunteers compared to adult volunteers for that event, and feedback from a First Day Hike attended by 15 people and 3 dogs regarding hike pacing. Litter signs costing $620 were purchased and installed at town entrances. Planning was set for future events, including a talk on local dams and anadromous fish migration scheduled for March 11, a Children's nature walk and craft on September 26, 2026, and a Camp Ousamequin Walk on March 21, 2026. Spring Clean Up dates were set for May 2 and May 3.

The agenda for this meeting includes several key actions. The committee planned to adjourn to Executive Session to conduct strategy sessions for collective bargaining (HTA Grievance, Paraprofessionals) and to address the approval of executive session minutes from December 8, 2025. Under the Consent Agenda, approvals were scheduled for financials, warrants/bill schedules, grants, donations, awards, and specified field trips and flyers, including one for the South Shore Children's Chorus. New business items included the introduction of Stefani Hatton and discussion regarding the First Student Year 7 Option. Unfinished business involved a discussion on Full Regionalization. Administration reports covered updates from the Principal, Director of Finance and Operations, Assistant Superintendent (Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment), and the Superintendent (including the District Update 2026-2027 School Calendar). Various subcommittee reports were also scheduled.