The meeting’s most pressing matter was the board’s decision to move forward with the sale of a tax-foreclosed property on Ocean Avenue. This decision was shaped by a new Massachusetts law, effective November 1, 2024, which requires municipalities to decide within 44 days of a foreclosure judgment whether to retain or sell such properties. This change follows a Supreme Court decision in Minnesota, mandating that any surplus from a sale be returned to former owners, instead of municipalities retaining full equity as had been the practice in 13 states.

Attorney Capa and Treasurer Linda McCarthy led the discussion, emphasizing the urgency imposed by the new legislation. The board expressed concerns about the financial implications of retaining the property, particularly regarding insurance and cleanup costs.

With a deadline of December 26, 2023, looming, the board agreed to sell the property, contingent upon no viable interest from town departments, which were given a brief window to express interest. The motion to sell was seconded and passed unanimously, with plans for a follow-up Zoom meeting to finalize the decision.

In another discussion, the board addressed the accreditation and workload of the Veterans Service Officer (VSO) in Halifax. The VSO stressed the need for increased hours to maintain accreditation, which is important for assisting veterans with healthcare claims. Currently, the VSO is in a grace period, allowing him to serve veterans without full accreditation, but an increase in hours is needed to secure this status and continue providing essential services. The board considered increasing the VSO’s hours to 20 per week, highlighting the disparity in resources compared to neighboring towns and the potential for regional collaboration.

The meeting also revisited ongoing safety issues at a problematic intersection that recently witnessed a four-car pile-up. Board members expressed frustration over the lack of progress in addressing these issues, describing the intersection as a “ticking time bomb” due to high-speed collisions. Concerns were raised about reallocating American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds from the intersection project to another project, the highway barn roof. It was emphasized that safety at the intersection should remain a priority, with calls for updates from the Highway Department on improvement plans.

In addition, the board reflected on the record attendance at a recent town meeting, commending the town clerk and facilities team for managing the large turnout efficiently. A proposal was made to create a resolution for the upcoming town meeting, focusing on overturning a specific MBTA-related law. The meeting also highlighted the town’s receipt of a $125,000 grant for regionalization efforts with Kingston, contingent upon compliance with state laws.

Community engagement was another focal point, with discussions on expanding recreational opportunities beyond traditional sports. A new candidate, Alexandra Baron, introduced herself for a position on the Youth and Recreation Committee, sharing her experiences and aspirations for inclusive community programs. The board recognized her contributions and expressed interest in enhancing Halifax’s recreational offerings.