OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Springfield Select Board Meeting - April 29, 2026

Selectboard — Wednesday, April 29, 2026
BodySpringfield, Vermont
SessionSelectboard
DateWednesday, April 29, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:50:21

Transcript — Verbatim
0:16

So I'd like to call the uh town of Springfield Select Board meeting to order.

0:20

It is six o'clock, and I'd like to start off with a college movie.

0:27

I've pledged apply nice.

0:36

Under indivisible with liberty and judges for all.

0:42

Thank you, everyone for that.

0:48

Christy Morris.

0:49

Car Chase?

0:50

Michael Schmidt.

0:51

And recognizing the absence of Heather Frank.

0:55

She was going to attempt to call in, but she's traveling and travel delays have changed her schedule.

1:04

First order of business is to move into local control for purposes of tobacco license renewals.

1:09

And so I'll declare that we're in local control.

1:19

You want to read them?

1:20

You want me to?

1:21

Uh go ahead, Christy.

1:22

All right.

1:26

So we do have uh actually said it was for tobacco licenses, but they're looker licenses.

1:35

Yeah.

1:37

So I'll make sure that.

1:39

So what we have is um a first class liquor license for rusted roof LLC doing business as the Copper Fox on Main Street.

1:51

Um and then a third class license for the same establishment, rusted roof LLC doing business as the copper fox.

2:01

Then we have a first class liquor license for MG and J O L C doing business as the tavern, which is 109 front three, otherwise known as the Arkness House.

2:15

Uh we have a third class license for M G and J O L L C doing business.

2:23

And we have an outside consumption permit for M G and J O L L C doing business as a tavern.

2:30

And finally, we have a first class liquor license for the Springfield Elks Club Incorporated, doing business as the Springfield Elks Club 1560 Incorporated, a third class liquor license for the Springfield Elks Club doing business as the Springfield Elks Club 1560 Inc.

2:50

And finally, an outside consumption for the same establishment, Springfield Elfts Club Incorporated, doing business as the Springfield Elks Club 1560 Incorporated.

3:02

These uh repeats for all three establishments, and I would entertain a motion to approve.

3:07

I move that we approve all three of the establishments for their appropriate uh class licenses.

3:15

I'll second it.

3:18

Thank you, Monday.

3:19

Motion and seconded to approve the license applications for the three establishments.

3:28

Is there any board discussion surrounding each of those or any of those hearing seeing none?

3:36

Are there any comments from the audience?

3:38

Including Zoom participants.

3:43

I don't see any hands up or attempts to speak, so I'll call for the roll call.

3:47

Starting on my left is Doug Johnstley.

3:49

Aye.

3:51

Toward Chase.

3:52

Aye.

3:53

Mike Schmidt.

3:54

Aye.

3:54

That is four in the affirmative.

3:57

And so approved, recognized in the absence of the fact.

4:03

That concludes the local control portion of the agenda.

4:07

I'll move out of local control back into open session.

4:12

And the next order of business is to approve the two sets of minutes, the regular select board meeting minutes of April 13th, 2026, as well as the special select board meeting minutes of April 20th.

4:25

And I denoting a motion to approve those.

4:27

I'll move that we approve both of the minutes for the standard meeting and the special meeting.

4:42

Yep, we'll get there.

4:43

Okay.

4:44

We'll get it on the table first.

4:45

Okay.

4:45

I know.

4:46

Yeah.

4:47

So you would do the whole in a second.

4:49

I'll second it.

4:52

Okay, so you have a motion and seconded to approve the two sets of minutes.

4:56

One, the regular board meeting minutes of April 13th and a special board meeting minutes of April 20th.

5:02

Are there any questions corrections, errors, or omissions noted?

5:05

Doug Johnson.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety███████████████████████23%
Engineering And Infrastructure██████████████████████22%
Homelessness██████████████14%
Procedural████████████12%
Parks and Recreation██████6%
Public Engagement█████5%
Emergency Management Planning████4%
Fiscal Sustainability███3%
Local Control██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Springfield Select Board Meeting - April 29, 2026

The Springfield Select Board convened at 6:00 PM on April 29, 2026. Board members present: Doug Johnston, Christy Moore, Tara Chase, and Mike Schmidt. Heather Frank was absent due to travel delays. The meeting covered liquor license renewals, property complaints, paving decisions, emergency plan adoption, and more. Public comment was substantial, especially regarding conditions at 516 Spencer Hollow Road.

Consent Calendar

  • Liquor License Renewals: Approved all license renewals for three establishments: The Copper Fox (Rusted Roof LLC), The Tavern/Arkness House (MG&J LLC), and the Springfield Elks Club. All renewals passed unanimously (4-0-1).
  • Minutes Approval: Approved regular meeting minutes of April 13, 2026, and special meeting minutes of April 20, 2026, with noted corrections (spelling, attendance errors). Tara Chase abstained as she was absent for both meetings. Passed 3-0-1.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • 482 Severs Brook Road: Nearby resident Nicole expressed concern about worsening conditions at the property including a trailer used for shelter, lack of water/waste facilities, and increased traffic. She questioned the cleanup timeline and requested support from the town attorney.
  • 516 Spencer Hollow Road: Multiple residents spoke about a dangerous encampment at the property, including a person court-ordered to remain (ankle bracelet), multiple vehicles, drug-related activity, and an intimidating incident where a burly man blocked a car. Mark Bevis, Susan Ledger, and another resident described fear, lack of police presence, and inability to retrieve mail. They urged immediate action.
  • Other Public Comment: Dan highlighted sidewalk accessibility improvements using Jersey barriers and questioned the planned Wall Street one-way project, suggesting it might be too complex and should be reconsidered.

Discussion Items

  • Property Updates (78 Valley, 1012 Central, 482 Severs Brook, 516 Spencer Hollow):
    • 78 Valley: Town is acquiring ownership after paperwork signed; cleanup planned.
    • 1012 Central: Fire safety inspection conducted; 5-page report with violations; owner given time until May 25/26 for corrections. Garrett Richardson requested a copy of the report and expressed skepticism about timely repairs.
    • 482 Severs Brook: Attorney advised town to become a creditor by cleaning up personal property, then pursue probate. The occupant (who paid taxes cash) will be asked to remove personal items. Timeline unclear.
    • 516 Spencer Hollow: Person living in a car under court order; town coordinating with police and state's attorney to resolve. Health officer removed a camper. Residents reported fear, multiple cars, and alleged drug activity. Board acknowledged urgency but noted legal constraints.
  • Street Paving Project – Crown Point Road: Town Manager Scott reported that Crown Point reconstruction is too expensive ($663,000) for 2026 budget, which prioritizes other projects like Reservoir Road. Crown Point is recommended for 2027 with potential $200,000 paving grant. Short-term patching (hot mix) may be done but will not last. Discussion of RSMS update, challenges with asphalt prices, and underfunded state transportation budgets.
  • Local Emergency Management Plan Adoption: Presented by Fire Chief Paul Stagner. Plan includes updates for dam release scenarios. Mike noted backup command center at Harvest House (other side of river). Board adopted plan unanimously (4-0-1).
  • Bid Award for Landscape Maintenance: Three bids received; TJ Property Management LLC (lowest responsible bidder) recommended for summer 2026 mowing and trail maintenance (approx. 15 service dates). Contract authorized over concern about prior contractor dissatisfaction. Passed unanimously (4-0-1).
  • Permit Request – Tuna Bill Trail Event: New England Mainly Marathons approved for June 11, 2026 (5 AM to 4 PM). Event is a repeat; proper insurance held. Passed unanimously (4-0-1).
  • DPW Tanker Acquisition from Fire Department: Fire Department to surplus a tanker needing $13,000 in repairs; DPW will pay $25,000 total ($13K repairs + $12K vehicle) for use in dust control, pre-treatment, and bridge washing. Expected to provide 5-7 years more service. Board approved (4-0-1).
  • Financial Reports: Warrants and payroll approved.
  • Town Manager’s Report: Highlighted transportation funding gap in Montpelier; $33 million state shortfall risks losing $150 million federal matching. 18 temporary bridges and 17 closed bridges statewide.
  • Future Agenda Items: Ordinance committee update, ambulance service discussion, and scheduling of second May meeting (Memorial Day).

Key Outcomes

  • Votes Taken: All consent items, property updates (no votes), paving discussion (no vote), emergency plan adoption (4-0), landscape contract (4-0), trail permit (4-0), tanker acquisition (4-0).
  • Directives: Town Manager to pursue short-term patching on Crown Point Road; continue legal steps on 482 Severs Brook; coordinate with state's attorney on 516 Spencer Hollow issue; explore Wall Street one-way repeal with ordinance committee.
  • Next Steps: Update on property issues at next meeting; May 11 meeting will set date for May 25 (Memorial Day) alternate.
  • Executive Session: Held at 7:49 PM for a personnel interview (planning candidate). No action taken in open session.

Meeting Transcript

So I'd like to call the uh town of Springfield Select Board meeting to order. It is six o'clock, and I'd like to start off with a college movie. I've pledged apply nice. Under indivisible with liberty and judges for all. Thank you, everyone for that. Christy Morris. Car Chase? Michael Schmidt. And recognizing the absence of Heather Frank. She was going to attempt to call in, but she's traveling and travel delays have changed her schedule. First order of business is to move into local control for purposes of tobacco license renewals. And so I'll declare that we're in local control. You want to read them? You want me to? Uh go ahead, Christy. All right. So we do have uh actually said it was for tobacco licenses, but they're looker licenses. Yeah. So I'll make sure that. So what we have is um a first class liquor license for rusted roof LLC doing business as the Copper Fox on Main Street. Um and then a third class license for the same establishment, rusted roof LLC doing business as the copper fox. Then we have a first class liquor license for MG and J O L C doing business as the tavern, which is 109 front three, otherwise known as the Arkness House. Uh we have a third class license for M G and J O L L C doing business. And we have an outside consumption permit for M G and J O L L C doing business as a tavern. And finally, we have a first class liquor license for the Springfield Elks Club Incorporated, doing business as the Springfield Elks Club 1560 Incorporated, a third class liquor license for the Springfield Elks Club doing business as the Springfield Elks Club 1560 Inc. And finally, an outside consumption for the same establishment, Springfield Elfts Club Incorporated, doing business as the Springfield Elks Club 1560 Incorporated. These uh repeats for all three establishments, and I would entertain a motion to approve. I move that we approve all three of the establishments for their appropriate uh class licenses. I'll second it. Thank you, Monday. Motion and seconded to approve the license applications for the three establishments. Is there any board discussion surrounding each of those or any of those hearing seeing none? Are there any comments from the audience? Including Zoom participants. I don't see any hands up or attempts to speak, so I'll call for the roll call. Starting on my left is Doug Johnstley. Aye. Toward Chase. Aye. Mike Schmidt. Aye. That is four in the affirmative. And so approved, recognized in the absence of the fact. That concludes the local control portion of the agenda. I'll move out of local control back into open session. And the next order of business is to approve the two sets of minutes, the regular select board meeting minutes of April 13th, 2026, as well as the special select board meeting minutes of April 20th. And I denoting a motion to approve those. I'll move that we approve both of the minutes for the standard meeting and the special meeting. Yep, we'll get there. Okay.

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