Jessica Zeoli
Express correspondent
The Town of Halifax met Monday, Nov. 20, at the Halifax Elementary School for a Special Town Meeting to discuss and vote on five articles. As is the custom in Halifax, the articles were chosen for action in random order
The first article to be heard was Article 5 which in part reads: “To see if the Town will vote to amend Chapter 236, Section 3 (Registration and Maintenance of Foreclosed Properties from the following: 9. ‘Owner’ means every person, entity, service company, property manager, or real estate broker who alone or severally with others has legal or equitable title to any property or has care, charge or control of any property in any capacity …” stated that foreclosed homes and their surrounding property are required to be maintained by banks or other financial institutions that hold the mortgage deed. The Attorney General’s office had recommended revisions of the description in the by-law in terms of who is the “owner” of the property. The town unanymously approved this change.
Next was Article 4, which stated a change in language of a law previously passed regarding the treasurer providing a list of delinquent taxpayers. The change of language would be the frequency the treasurer is required to provide that list, which was approved by the public to be a yearly list, and with the change in language may additionally be produced whenever the information was required by the town.
The next article voted was Article 3, regarding the Elderbus Revolving Fund. Previously, there was question whether donations were allowed to be transferred into this fund. Charlie Seelig, Town Administrator, stated “Donations are considered receipts. All receipts are in this fund, therefore the fund may receive these donations.” The crowd all chanted “yes” together which quickly approved this article.
Next, Article 1 was brought forth to be voted. Article 1 states that the money used from the town’s stabilization fund temporarily for the creation of a new playground through HOPS, Halifax Open Play Space, must be replaced after efficient fundraising and grants from the state have been received. The playground has disintegrated, causing a potential threat to children utilizing it. As a result of replacing the money from the stabilization fund, no funding from the town will be applied to the project. The public quickly approved this article following the Board of Selectmen’s expression of gratitude to the members of HOPS for all they have done to help the children of Halifax. This approval acted as the final step to begin this project.
The last article brought before the town was Article 2, which was voting to accept the State statute which gives permission for certain businesses to sell alcohol starting at 10 a.m. on Sundays, the last Monday in May, Christmas Day or the day folowing when Christmas occurs on Sunday. The town voted unanimously to accept the state statute. Currently establishments selling liquor in Halifax open at noon.