Springfield Select Board Meeting - November 12, 2025

The Springfield Select Board met on November 12, 2025, to address a range of items including a major tax stabilization agreement for Image Tech Manufacturing, a funding request from the Springfield Farmers Market, appointments, infrastructure contracts, scheduling changes for the fire department, and preliminary budget presentations from town departments. Several votes were taken, and the board provided direction for upcoming budget workshops.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the regular select board meeting minutes from October 2025.
• Permits and Licenses: Unanimous approval was granted for: a special events permit for Eden Cider Company (for an event at the Gallery of the Fall), a second class liquor license for Max Convenience Stores LLC, and a catering permit for Black Rock Steakhouse Inc. (for the Festival of Lights on November 21st).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered on specific agenda items. At the meeting's close, a board member thanked all veterans for their service in recognition of Veterans Day (November 11).

Tax Stabilization Agreement for Image Tech Manufacturing Inc.

The board considered and unanimously approved a 10-year tax stabilization agreement (under VSA Title 24, Section 2741) for Image Tech Manufacturing Inc.'s expansion. Margie Smith, president of Image Tech, presented the company's plans: a new 40,000-square-foot facility at 36 Precision Drive (formerly ADI space), creation of 22 jobs (a 40% workforce increase), $4 million in equipment investments, and a new product line for large agricultural drones. The agreement stabilizes personal property taxes on equipment, phasing from 10% tax in year one to full taxation after 10 years. New equipment acquired during the 10-year period receives its own 10-year stabilization. Bob Foint from the Springfield Regional Development Corporation (SRDC) highlighted the partnership and noted the expansion's potential for further job growth. The board also authorized the chair to sign the agreement.

Springfield Farmers Market Budget Request

Susan Fogg, representing the Springfield Farmers Market (a 501(c)(4) charity), requested $11,500 in the FY2027 town budget for one-time expenses, including improved electronic payment capabilities (EBT), enhanced digital advertising, and replacement of worn equipment after 15 years. Fogg explained that all market proceeds after expenses are donated to local charities (e.g., Meals on Wheels, Family Center). Board members discussed the request, questioning why the market does not increase vendor fees (currently $15-20/week, far below regional averages) to cover costs. The board suggested considering a grant from the town's revolving loan fund as an alternative. No vote was taken; the request will be considered during the upcoming budget workshop process in December and January.

Municipal Project Manager Appointments

The board approved two municipal project manager appointments for stormwater projects:

• Callan Appleton (from the Madison Regional Corporation) as project manager for the Common stormwater structure grant project.
• Otis Monroe (from the Mount Central Regional Commission) as project manager for the Leland and Boynton Street stormwater project, replacing Logan McCool who left the organization. Both appointments were authorized by unanimous vote.

Wastewater Treatment Facility Engineering and Loan

The board approved a $37,200 professional services agreement with Aldrich and Elliott for a feasibility and planning study for the $6 million wastewater treatment facility 20-year update. The board also authorized signing the accompanying loan application, which is eligible for 50% subsidy and will be repaid over five years with potential roll into the larger construction loan. The vote was unanimous.

Appointment to Conservation Committee

Dave Rush was unanimously appointed to the Conservation Committee, with a term expiring March 2028.

Window Replacement at Public Works Garage

The board authorized the town manager to order replacement windows for the public works garage (estimated cost over $20,000, custom windows) once bids are received, due to broken and cracked windows and long delivery times. The final cost will be reported at the next meeting. The vote was unanimous.

MOU with Fire Union for Scheduling Change

Chief Stagner presented a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the fire union to change non-emergency transport staff scheduling from 8-hour shifts (Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm) to 12-hour shifts (3 days/week, 8am-8pm) on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday as a pilot through December 31 (when the current contract expires). The change aims to capture more calls that occur late in the day, increasing revenue and efficiency. Staff now work 36 hours/week with benefits unchanged, and overtime starts at 40 hours. The board discussed potential revenue impacts and the plan to eventually hire part-time per-diem staff for other days. The board unanimously confirmed the town manager's signing of the MOU.

Town Manager's Report: Bond Vote Information

Town Manager Jeff reported on the upcoming bond vote on November 18, 2025, for water and wastewater system improvements. He clarified that state law requires all registered voters to vote on the bonds, even though only ratepayers repay them. The total project cost is $13.5 million (water) and $3.15 million (wastewater), with significant subsidies and low-interest loans (0% for water, 2% for wastewater). The average ratepayer increase is estimated at $6/month for water and $4/month for wastewater. The board urged support for the bonds.

Budget Presentations

Senior Center: The center reported a 24% increase in attendance (now 40-50 visitors daily). The operating budget request is an increase of $125, plus the inclusion of previously separate fixed costs (health insurance, social security, workers' comp, retirement) that now shift into department budgets. No significant changes.

Public Works: Director Ben Mockett presented the budget, noting increases in salt prices (from $86/ton to $90.25/ton), equipment costs, and professional services (engineering for stormwater projects). The department stayed within its FY25 budget due to a mild winter. Key line items: increased advertising for hiring (33% increase), office supplies (75% increase due to printer replacement), and vehicle maintenance (50% increase due to aging fleet). The capital budget includes $325,000 for paving. Discussion included on-call pay for mechanics and the need for realistic budgeting for outside maintenance.

Police Department: Chief Stagner presented a budget that includes increases for staffing (moving two patrol positions from grants to the operating budget), vehicle replacement (brand new rotation for three cruisers), minor equipment (one additional taser to ensure spares), and a new community relations line item. A proposed School Resource Officer position (shared 50/50 with the school district) is included as $70,000 in revenue and corresponding expenses; the position would be backfilled by two part-time officers. The chief also requested approval for a fitness equipment purchase (delayed due to redesign bids). The board noted the need for a current vehicle list and further details on the school officer agreement.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous approval of minutes and three permits.
• Unanimous approval of the tax stabilization agreement for Image Tech Manufacturing.
• No action on Farmers Market request; referred to budget workshops.
• Unanimous approval of two municipal project manager appointments.
• Unanimous approval of the wastewater engineering agreement and loan application.
• Unanimous appointment of Dave Rush to the Conservation Committee.
• Unanimous authorization to order replacement windows for public works.
• Unanimous confirmation of the fire union MOU for 12-hour shifts.
• Budget presentations received; further workshops to be scheduled in December and January.