Springfield Select Board Meeting Summary

Date: November 26, 2025 | Time: 6:00 PM (opening) | Location: Town Hall / Zoom

The Springfield Select Board convened on November 26, 2025, to address several agenda items, including a petition regarding the property at 10-12 Central Street, a warrant article request from SAPA TV, a parade permit, and a first reading of an ordinance amendment. The meeting featured extensive public testimony and discussion on property nuisances and enforcement procedures.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of November 10, 2025: Motion to adopt the regular select board meeting minutes of November 10, 2025. Approved unanimously by roll call (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bob Fitzgo (13 Baker Road): Presented a signed letter requesting enforcement action on the 10-12 Central Street property. Noted the petition included approximately 38 signatures, mostly from North Springfield.
• Judy Small (6 Central Street): Described deplorable conditions at the property, including rotting garbage, stench, and pests. Expressed frustration that the owner, Will Hunter, has not addressed the issues despite previous requests.
• Mel Scherven (across from 12 Central Street): Discussed overflowing dumpsters, garbage spread by animals, and traffic safety concerns from on-street parking. Noted tenants had paid out-of-pocket for a dumpster but it is inadequate.
• Warren Richardson (Church Street): Urged the board to inspect the property immediately, describing the interior as unsafe and unsanitary. Questioned the timeline for action.
• Garrett Richardson (63 Breezy Hills): Expressed skepticism about the pace of town action and pledged to attend every meeting for updates.
• Jessica Martin (22 Baker Road): Clarified that under Vermont law, the property owner is responsible for conditions unless a property manager is appointed.
• Dave Church (across from 12 Central Street): Detailed the pattern of garbage accumulation and the small dumpster's inadequacy.
• Tamara Richardson (Church Street): Raised concern about possible leaking oil tanks on the property, asking about environmental enforcement.
• Kurt Abbey (27 Spooner Ave / 165 Spooner Ave): Provided historical information about underground oil tanks at the property, noting the owner had refused to address them.
• Kevin Paket (Executive Director, SAPA TV): Requested the board place SAPA TV on the town meeting warrant for $10,000 special appropriation. Explained declining revenues from cable surcharges and the need for voter-approved funding. Noted that SAPA TV provides valuable service including televising select board meetings.

Discussion Items

• 10-12 Central Street Property: The board received a petition from residents requesting inspection and enforcement under Chapters 8 (unsafe buildings) and 12 (nuisance) of Springfield's ordinances. Town Manager Jeff Mobus and Zoning Administrator Chuck Weiss (via Zoom) outlined the property's history and previous communications with owner Will Hunter. Town Attorney Steve Ankuda clarified the legal process: under Chapter 8, an initial investigation by the fire chief/health officer is required before appointing a formal inspection committee with a structural engineer. Under Chapter 12, the board can directly appoint an investigation committee. After public testimony and legal guidance, the board moved to appoint an inspection committee under Chapter 12 (nuisance) to inspect the property and report back. The committee will include the zoning administrator, fire chief (or deputy), and any others deemed necessary. The inspection was tentatively scheduled for December 2, 2025.
• SAPA TV Warrant Article: The board debated whether to place SAPA TV's $10,000 request on the town meeting warrant again. Member Fram expressed concern about setting a precedent by bypassing the standard petition process. Others argued the service is valuable and the voters should decide. A motion to place the article on the warrant passed 3-1-1 (Fram dissented). The board did not amend to make a permanent exception.
• Parade Permit: The Chamber of Commerce requested a parade permit for December 5, 2025, in conjunction with the Christmas tree lighting. Route from the fire station to Ballot Street. Approved unanimously.
• First Reading of Ordinance Amendment: The ordinance committee submitted a proposed amendment to Chapter 20, Article 3. The board set a public hearing for December 8, 2025, at 6:00 PM.

Key Outcomes

• Central Street Inspection Committee: Approved motion to appoint a Chapter 12 inspection committee (zoning administrator, fire chief/deputy) to inspect 10-12 Central Street for nuisances (trash, health hazards) and report back. Vote: unanimous (5-0).
• SAPA TV Warrant Article: Approved placing a $10,000 appropriation request for SAPA TV on the town meeting warrant. Vote: 3-1-1 (Chase, Schmidt, and Mobus in favor; Fram opposed; Morris abstained).
• Parade Permit: Approved for December 5, 2025, Chamber of Commerce parade. Vote: unanimous (5-0).
• Ordinance Amendment Public Hearing: Scheduled for December 8, 2025, at 6:00 PM for first reading of Chapter 20 amendment.

Next Regular Meeting: December 8, 2025.