Halifax Enforces Insurance Requirements for Vendors at Town Events
Decision impacts farmers markets, festivals as vendors must now provide individual coverage
HALIFAX - April 8 - The Halifax Board of Selectmen has voted unanimously to enforce a policy requiring all vendors at town events to carry their own insurance coverage and list the town as an additional insured.
The decision, made during the board's April 8 meeting, affects events held on town property including the town green, potentially limiting vendor participation at local farmers markets, festivals and other community gatherings due to the added cost.
"Our insurance provider was unable to attend the meeting, but they did reaffirm their recommendation to have policies for vendors and list the town as additional insured," Town Administrator Cody Haddad explains. "I did speak with Kingston's Town Administrator. Kingston follows that same practice as well."
The policy aims to protect the town from liability but raises concerns about the future of community events.
"My job is to bring it forward, to limit the risk to the town, and then ultimately the board's decision to comply with those recommendations from our insurance company or potentially open up the town to risk," Haddad says.
Event organizers express concern that the insurance requirement will significantly impact their ability to attract vendors. Linda Arnold, a resident, shares her perspective during the meeting.
"I've spoken to several insurance companies, and their feeling is they will cover our event. They will not cover the vendors, but they will cover the event, whether or not they're insured," Arnold says.
She adds, "I feel like we're basically being told that the town does not want any events on [the town green]."
Board Chair John Bruno quickly refutes this characterization.
"No way. What we're telling you is that the insurance company that insures the town gives us advice on what we should and shouldn't do," Bruno responds. "We're trying to follow the advice and that's what we're supposed to do."
The board acknowledges they're in a difficult position, trying to balance community access with liability concerns.
"It's a tough spot to be in. We're between a rock and a hard place," says Selectman Jonathan Selig. "You want to help our residents and give them access, but we also have to be responsible with the liability of the town."
Selectman Thomas Pratt suggests vendors look into one-day insurance policies, which might be more affordable depending on the type of vendor.
"Vendor insurance, as I mentioned a few minutes ago, can be fairly inexpensive depending on what you're doing," Pratt says. "One company that writes it on a consistent basis is a company called USLI, and they provide quotes same day, quickly over the phone."
Pratt explains that insurance costs likely vary based on the vendor type and associated risks.
"I think if you're, not to minimize it, but if you have a bouncy house and trampolines, that's probably has more exposure and a higher premium than somebody who's doing something different," he says.
Jeanne Kling, with the town's Fur Festival, expresses disappointment about the impact on their planned event.
"It changes the whole event, doesn't it?" Kling says.
Another resident, Chris Winiewicz, seeks clarification on whether the policy applies to all town property beyond just the town green.
"You kept talking about town green, but it's really all town property?" Winiewicz asks.
Bruno confirms the insurance requirement applies to all town property, not just the green.
Lori Costa-Cline asks for clarification on what constitutes a vendor under the policy.
"So a service, could that be someone who has an information table and is just handing out paper?" she asks.
Haddad responds that they would need to get specific clarification from the insurance company but suggests it would likely include "anyone set up at the event, not covered under the event insurance."
Despite the concerns, the board votes unanimously to enforce the requirement that all vendors have their own insurance coverage and list the town as an additional insured.
The board also addresses several other significant items during the meeting:
- Approval of a live entertainment permit for the Farmer's Market running from May 31 through October 18
- Provisional approval for Halifax Fireworks to use the town green on May 10, contingent on meeting insurance requirements
- Authorization to hire an assistant town accountant, a 30-hour-per-week library associate, and a building commissioner despite an ongoing hiring freeze
- Rescheduling of the next selectmen's meeting to April 29
- Review of the town meeting warrant, including removal of Article 1 and discussion of several petition articles
The town plans to conduct two budget forums in preparation for the upcoming town meeting, scheduled for a week from the meeting date and on May 5, to educate residents on the budget process and proposals for the upcoming year.