HALIFAX - November 18 - The Halifax Board of Selectmen announced Tuesday they are seeking applicants for the Zoning Board of Appeals following the resignation of longtime member Peter Parcellin, creating a vacancy on a key town regulatory board.
The Full Story
At their November 18th meeting, Board Chair Jonathan Selig announced that Peter Parcellin, a longtime member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, had submitted his resignation. The board expressed gratitude for Parcellin’s years of dedicated service to the town before opening the search for his replacement.
“We want to thank Peter for his time. He was a longtime member of the ZBA and dedicated a lot of his energy and commitment to the town,” Selig said during the meeting.
The board is now accepting talent bank forms from residents interested in filling the vacancy. The Zoning Board of Appeals meets approximately once a month and handles critical decisions regarding zoning variances, special permits, and appeals of building inspector decisions. These determinations can significantly impact property development, business operations, and neighborhood character throughout Halifax.
Selig emphasized the importance of maintaining full board capacity. “It’s always more efficient when our boards are running at full capacity,” he said, encouraging residents with zoning experience to consider applying. However, the position is open to any interested resident willing to serve.
The board approved the acceptance of applications and will review candidates in the coming weeks to fill the position.
Holiday Planning and Community Events
The meeting’s agenda focused heavily on preparations for upcoming community events, particularly the annual Holidays in Halifax celebration. The board unanimously approved a request from the Holidays in Halifax Committee to use multiple town properties for the December 13th event, including Halifax Elementary School, Holmes Library, the Blacksmith Shop, the Schoolhouse, the Museum, and the Brockton Store.
“Mark your calendars from here to forever. It is always the second Saturday in December, like clockwork every year,” Selig said, noting that months of planning go into the annual celebration. The event will feature a tree lighting ceremony, a performance by the Halifax Elementary School Chorus, and various activities across the designated properties. A rain date has been scheduled for December 14th if weather forces a postponement.
In an important safety measure, all event activities will be concentrated on one side of the street to minimize foot traffic crossing and enhance safety, particularly for children.
New Adopt-an-Island Program Launched
The board approved a new Adopt-an-Island program proposed by Tina Palmer of the Halifax Beautification Committee. This initiative, which has proven successful in neighboring communities, allows businesses, families, or other groups to take responsibility for maintaining and decorating traffic islands throughout town.
The program aims to enhance the appearance of these highly visible locations at town centers while distributing maintenance responsibilities to volunteer community members. Participants would be responsible for keeping their adopted island clean, decorated, and well-maintained throughout the year.
Routine Business and Financial Matters
The board approved several routine financial warrants, including School Warrant number 43 for $154,766.12, Vendor Warrant number 44 for $299,760.86, and ambulance commitments totaling $44,540.30 for the period from October 27 to November 2. Additionally, they approved Payroll Warrant number 45 for $456,816.64, Vendor Warrant number 46 for $90,354.89, and Withholding Warrant number 47 for $163,225.99.
The board also approved ambulance abatements totaling $115,325.81 for August 2025, reflecting adjustments to billing for ambulance services.
Open Meeting Law Complaint Addressed
The board voted to authorize town counsel to file a response with the Attorney General’s Division of Open Government regarding an open meeting law complaint filed by Patrick Higgins on October 30, 2025. The complaint concerned the Board of Selectmen meeting held on October 21, 2025. Town legal counsel had reviewed the complaint and prepared a formal response for submission to the state.
Town Administrator Updates
Interim Town Administrator Robert Fennessy provided several important updates and reminders for residents. He announced that the Halifax Fire Department is offering an internship program for Silver Lake High School seniors, with applications due by December 1st. The program provides students interested in fire service and emergency medical services an opportunity to gain hands-on experience.
Fennessy also outlined holiday office closures, announcing that all town offices will close at noon on Wednesday, November 26th, and remain closed on Thursday, November 27th for Thanksgiving. He noted that curbside recycling collection will be delayed one day, moving to Friday that week.
The administrator reminded residents of the winter parking ban, which prohibits overnight on-street parking through March 31, 2026, to allow snow removal operations to proceed without obstruction.
Fennessy also provided an update on the Government Study Committee, which held a meeting the previous week to review comments and suggestions from town counsel. The committee is currently working with four members but is seeking two additional volunteers to reach full capacity. “It’s a great way to get involved and get to know how town government works,” Fennessy said, encouraging residents to submit talent bank applications.
Community Recognition
Fennessy noted that the fire department held a recognition ceremony earlier that evening, pinning firefighters and EMTs for years of service and celebrating recent academy graduations.
Chairman Selig also recognized the Halifax PTO for hosting a successful fundraising event on November 17th featuring the Harlem Wizards playing against school faculty. Selig, who served as a referee for the game, praised the organization for creating an enjoyable event that raised money for the school while entertaining children and families.
Why It Matters
The Zoning Board of Appeals vacancy represents a significant opportunity for resident involvement in local government. The ZBA makes critical decisions affecting property values, business development, and neighborhood character throughout Halifax. With the board currently operating below full capacity, filling this position quickly will ensure the town can efficiently process zoning-related applications and appeals. Residents with an interest in land use, building regulations, or community planning are encouraged to apply, as their service would directly impact how Halifax develops and grows in the coming years.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Affirm approval of School Warrant #43 ($154,766.12), Vendor Warrant #44 ($299,760.86), and Ambulance Commitments 10/27-11/2 ($44,540.30). Outcome: Approved. Vote: 2-0. (Timestamp: 0:02:00)
Motion: Approve Payroll Warrant #45 ($456,816.64), Vendor Warrant #46 ($90,354.89), and Withholding Warrant #47 ($163,225.99). Outcome: Approved. Vote: 2-0. (Timestamp: 0:02:57)
Motion: Allow Holidays in Halifax Committee to use Halifax Elementary School, Holmes Library, Blacksmith Shop, Schoolhouse, Museum, and Brockton Store for December 13th event. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 2-0. (Timestamp: 0:04:40)
Motion: Accept ambulance abatements for August 2025 totaling $115,325.81. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 2-0. (Timestamp: 0:05:50)
Motion: Allow Halifax Beautification Committee to run Adopt-an-Island program. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 2-0. (Timestamp: 0:07:20)
Motion: Approve Selectmen meeting minutes for October 17, October 21, and October 28, 2025. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 2-0. (Timestamp: 0:07:50)
Motion: Authorize town counsel to file response to Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Patrick Higgins regarding 10/21/25 meeting. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 2-0. (Timestamp: 0:08:10)
Motion: Adjourn meeting. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 2-0. (Timestamp: 0:13:30)
Public Comment
No public comment period was held during this meeting.
What’s Next
The Board of Selectmen will review talent bank applications for the Zoning Board of Appeals vacancy. The Holidays in Halifax celebration will take place on December 13th, with a rain date of December 14th. The Government Study Committee continues its work and seeks two additional volunteers. The Fire Department internship program application deadline for Silver Lake High School seniors is December 1st. Town offices will operate on a modified schedule for Thanksgiving, closing at noon on November 26th and remaining closed November 27th.
Full meeting available via Area 58 Community Access Channel.