Halifax Select Board Interviews Potential New Town Counsel
Board sets Special Town Meeting date December 16 to consider MBTA Communities zoning
HALIFAX, MA - August 26 - The Halifax Select Board interviewed representatives from two law firms Monday night as potential new town counsel, discussing approaches to municipal law, board training and town meeting management.
Clifford & Kenny and Mead, Talerman & Costa presented their qualifications and services to the board, highlighting their experience in municipal law and strategies for serving towns like Halifax.
John Clifford of Clifford & Kenny emphasized the firm's expertise in labor law and land use issues. "We're a labor council. That's really the bulk of our business," Clifford said. He noted their selective approach to taking on town counsel work.
Jay Talerman of Mead, Talerman & Costa highlighted their collaborative approach and flat fee arrangements. "We wanted to create a system where we were part of your team, if you wanted someone who would be part of your team, and find a way to do that without breaking the bank," Talerman explained.
Both firms discussed their capacity to provide training for town boards and committees on topics such as open meeting law, public records and zoning regulations. This aligns with Halifax's goal to better educate volunteer board members, especially in technical areas like conservation and zoning.
Select Board Chair John Bruno expressed the town's desire for more comprehensive training, saying, "We're requiring anybody that we appoint to take at least a minimum amount of education in their specific area."
The board inquired about each firm's capacity to take on Halifax as a client and potential challenges in transitioning from the current town counsel. Both firms assured the board of their ability to handle the transition smoothly.
Questions were raised about in-person versus remote attendance at meetings. Kate Feodoroff of Mead, Talerman & Costa stated, "We're gonna take our cues from you all," indicating flexibility in meeting formats.
The board discussed the importance of having town counsel present at town meetings. Both firms emphasized their commitment to attending these crucial events and providing guidance as needed.
Halifax's current legal needs focus more on zoning and land use than labor issues, according to board members. This information may factor into the final decision on which firm to select.
The Select Board did not make an immediate decision following the interviews. Board members plan to check references and may make a decision in the near future.
Town Administrator Cody Haddad said he has spoken with administrators from other towns that use Mead, Talerman & Costa, and planned to reach out to towns using Clifford & Kenny. Board member Jonathan Selig said he has spoken with officials in East Bridgewater and Rockland about Clifford & Kenny. Both had only heard positive reviews.
The following evening, August 27, the Halifax Select Board scheduled a special town meeting for Dec. 16 to address MBTA zoning requirements and other zoning changes. The town must comply with state MBTA zoning regulations by the end of the year, according to guidance from the state.
"It's unfortunate we have to wait until practically the 11th hour to hold the special town meeting, but it was beyond our control," said Chair John Bruno. "We do have to make a vote. If we want to stay in compliance with the MBTA, we have to make some sort of a vote by the end of the year."
The zoning by-law committee has been working on both the MBTA zoning requirements and a comprehensive review of the town's entire zoning by-law. Bruno praised the committee's efforts, saying, "I really can't say enough about that group. They're fantastic."
The board had initially hoped to hold the meeting earlier, but delays in receiving feedback from the state pushed the date to December. The state took approximately 97 days to review the town's preliminary proposal.
In other business, the board approved an agreement with National Grid to install four level 3 electric vehicle charging stations in Halifax. The fast-charging stations, valued at $296,000, will be fully funded by National Grid and located near HOPS Playground.
Town Administrator Cody Haddad explained that level 3 chargers can charge a vehicle to three-quarters capacity in 45 minutes to an hour, significantly faster than the level 2 chargers currently at Town Hall.
The town will charge users for electricity costs but cannot make a profit on energy sales under Massachusetts law. Haddad noted that the town's new energy contracts provide lower rates than most residential customers pay, making the charging stations a bargain for residents.
Board member Jonathan Selig praised the town's energy manager, Kathy Stanley, for her work on this project and other energy initiatives. "Kathy's been fantastic," Selig said. "The amount of money that she's saved our town while pushing us to more carbon-friendly stuff is fantastic."
The board also discussed a follow-up to a recent dog hearing involving Tabor McSherry's dog, Cassius. Some board members felt McSherry's response to the hearing's requirements was insufficient.
Board member Tom Pratt said, "I'm not sure that the seriousness of the events is taken into consideration here with his response. I think this is a little weak, a little half-efforted, and I'd like more information and more detail as to the recommendations."
The board decided to request a more detailed plan from McSherry regarding dog restraints and training, and may ask him to appear before the board again.
In other updates, Haddad mentioned ongoing work on several grant applications, including funding for a government study committee, an updated master plan, and digitization of town documents. He also announced that interviews for a new conservation agent, to be shared with Bridgewater, would take place soon.
The meeting concluded with a reminder about the upcoming start of the school year and a notice about aerial spraying for mosquitoes in response to elevated risk levels of EEE in Halifax.