Jessica Zeoli
Express correspondent
The Halifax Board of Selectmen met Tuesday night to discuss the pledge of an alcoholic license for Happy Dragon which is planning to open its doors the first week of November. The selectmen signed off on the pledge, all in favor of it.
Friends of HOPS met in front of the board in order to discuss the date for the upcoming 5k which they decided will be held on Sunday, May 20, 2018. There will only be a 5k for all ages, instead of also including the 1k for children which they have done previous years. The board discussed possible complications holding the event on a Sunday could bring, such as overcrowding of Plymouth Street since services at the church will occur around the same time, but briefly touched upon designated spots for the church and for the 5k event.
Along with the 5th annual 5k for HOPS, they have also discussed a possible brick fundraiser which will act as its final fundraising campaign. They are planning to work with Bricks ‘R’ Us, as well as interested sponsors or families in the town to create memorial bricks and multiple benches which would face in towards the playground located next to the library. It would act as a place for people to sit, as well as provide some sort of barrier and protection from drivers. Updates on this campaign will be provided in a meeting to follow on Nov. 20 at 7:30p.m.
Joy Blackwood, the superintendent for Silver Lake Public Schools, spoke to the board regarding a solar panel plan to be installed at the Middle School and High School to increase revenue. Although the project is still in its planning stage, the superintendent discussed teaming up with SOLEC, an energy company, to install a canopy of solar panels above the parking lots and possibly above bleachers. “The company has already looked over the High/Middle school property and estimates needing 4-5 months to create a serious plan and placement for these panels which would provide 2 megawatts of energy for the schools, the largest project in the state for school grounds,” stated Blackwood.
Special legislation is needed to lease the land to the solar company, which will be discussed in an upcoming school committee meeting Thursday, Nov. 9.
The board quickly approved the Boy Scout’s request to use the town green on Saturday, Nov. 18, for their bottle and can redemption fundraiser.
Paula Hatch met with the board to discuss possible funding for Special Education and proposed a stabilization fund which would allow remaining money from other expenses such as electric, to be transferred into this fund. Selectman Kim Roy stated how our current strategy is already working so well and that the remaining money may not even be significant enough to overpower the fees of that account, since it was stated by Blackwood that the remaining funds would only be about 2% of the school districts income. With this being said, the board declined this action but is still excited to see what future programs are to come for Silver Lake Middle and High School Special Education.
Site plans were changed in regard to the exterior remodeling of Dunkin Donuts located at 355 Plymouth Street, Halifax. It was stated that after the approval of the Department of Health, that seating is to be placed within the facility as well.
Plans to add speed limit signs for Hudson Street are in action pending approval of the Department of Safety that meets Wednesday night.
Summer Schmaling asked selectmen for their opinions regarding creating a position for a department head of maintenance for all schools of the Silver Lake district. Members of the public, as well as fellow custodians, discussed how the work would be too strenuous, as the position would require the up-keep of fourteen schools. The job raised questions about transportation for the person filling the position from building to building, as well as healthcare benefits, which directed the board to drop the suggestion.
The meeting ended with some great news — a new candidate for the open full-time position of Patrol Officer for Halifax. Michelle McRae was brought forth, where the members discussed her exceptional resume and agreed to bring her on board following her completion of the police academy, testing, and a physical and drug test. As Selectman Thomas Millias stated, “It’s nice to be presented with someone extremely qualified for the position.”
The next scheduled selectman’s meeting is for next Tuesday, Oct. 31.