The most significant item on the agenda was the appointment of members to the Town Government Study Committee. This committee aims to assess Halifax’s operations and governance structure. After interviewing candidates, the board appointed five members: Joshua Curtis, Mary Graines, Sandy Nolan, Carrie Sers, and Walters. Curtis, a retired military veteran, emphasized his experience in collaboration and conflict resolution, while Sers highlighted her background in corporate communications and her love for Halifax’s small community feel.

The board stressed the importance of the committee’s role in evaluating potential changes to the town’s governance, including the possibility of transitioning some elected positions to appointed ones. Both Curtis and Sers demonstrated a strong commitment to effective communication and thoughtful engagement, acknowledging the need for patience and collaboration in their work. The committee’s flexibility in scheduling meetings and the emphasis on an open-minded approach were also discussed, with a motion to appoint the five candidates receiving unanimous support.

In addition to committee appointments, the board delved into the Community Preservation Act (CPA), which has implications for town funding and development. The CPA, enacted in 2000, involves an assessment that local taxpayers contribute, supplemented by state matching funds. The board emphasized that adopting the CPA would not increase residents’ tax bills but would allocate funds into three categories: parks and recreation, affordable housing, and historical preservation.

The chairman noted that many residents are unaware of the CPA’s benefits, highlighting missed funding opportunities for Halifax compared to surrounding towns. Examples included potential renovations for the structurally unsound blacksmith shop and improvements to the playground, as well as leveraging CPA funds for additional state and federal grants to address housing needs. Concerns about financial constraints and school budget cuts were acknowledged, with discussions on capping the housing allocation under the CPA to alleviate fears of unwanted developments.

The board also considered the establishment of housing and conservation trusts to facilitate swift land acquisitions without requiring town meeting votes. This approach was seen as a way to act quickly on available properties, balancing immediate needs with long-term goals. However, questions about the control and management of funds within these trusts were raised, emphasizing the community’s desire for oversight and the possibility of revoking funds if necessary.

Public safety was another topic, particularly regarding dog aggression and littering laws. The board addressed a dog-related issue involving Mr. McEr, who presented plans for training his dog to mitigate aggression concerns. McEr assured the board that training would begin in the first week of November and that he was taking all necessary precautions to prevent incidents, emphasizing the importance of public safety.

The Police Chief introduced Walter Peterson, a candidate for appointment as a special police officer. Peterson, with a background in community policing, expressed a desire to return to law enforcement and emphasized his approach to conflict resolution through kindness and understanding. The board supported his candidacy, appointing him for a term ending in June 2025.

The Chief also discussed potential bylaw changes regarding littering and trespassing, particularly at the beach. He noted that the town already possesses robust state laws concerning these matters and suggested that additional bylaws might be unnecessary. The Chief emphasized the importance of clear communication and enforcement of existing laws to address littering and trespassing issues effectively.

Further discussions centered on local laws regarding dog licensing, littering, and trespassing. The board recognized the need for better enforcement mechanisms and public awareness to ensure compliance with ordinances. Suggestions included installing signage to discourage littering and considering a “carry in, carry out” policy similar to state and national parks to reduce litter in public spaces.

The beautification committee’s fall cleanup week initiative and preparations for a public hearing regarding MBTA housing proposals were also discussed, with an emphasis on ongoing communication with state representatives to address community concerns.