Springfield Select Board Regular Meeting - September 17, 2026

Springfield Select Board Regular Meeting - September 17, 2026

The Springfield Select Board held a regular meeting on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and adoption of the August 10, 2026, meeting minutes (amended for a correction regarding Green Street). The board addressed a wide range of new business, including property updates, a stormwater mitigation project, environmental cleanup, road concerns, appropriations policies, contract awards, vehicle purchases, technology upgrades, and appointments. Several members of the public provided comments on various agenda items.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ronda Lofton, owner of 22 Chester Road, spoke in support of a new payment plan for delinquent taxes and utilities. She explained her circumstances, including her previous owner’s failure to pay, and expressed willingness to pay $200 per week toward taxes. She also reported cleanup progress at the property and requested assistance from organizations. The board encouraged her to file for homestead exemption.
• An audience member (unidentified) noted that the sidewalk in Collins Park is in deplorable condition and urged the board to include sidewalk replacement as part of the stormwater project.
• A resident living near Cherry Hill and Front Street reported flooding issues and drainage problems in the area, noting that existing dry wells fill up quickly. He requested that the stormwater project address runoff from upper areas.
• Dan Scheib raised a question about the Wall Street wall repair and the status of a pedestrian right-of-way (stairway). He also commented on traffic signage on Wall Street, citing confusion between the ordinance and posted signs due to construction.
• Sharon inquired about the status of dumping at the water tower and requested that trucks on Herrick Street slow down for safety.
• Garrett Richardson expressed satisfaction with the progress at 78 Valley Street, noting that the property has been vacated and cleaned up.

Discussion Items

• Updates on Properties with Municipal Actions and Complaints: The town manager reported on several properties: 78 Valley Street (now owned by the town, options to be considered in budget process), 12 Central Street (two abandoned trailers being removed, working with property owner), Seaversbrook (482 Seaversbrook) - a family member claiming ownership has not filed probate; the board may initiate probate if no progress. Also discussed 7 School Street and 22 Chester Road, where new owners assumed properties with delinquent balances from prior owners. The board discussed offering a payment plan as an exception to normal policy.
• Collins Park Stormwater Mitigation Project (Alternative Analysis Presentation): Chris from the engineering firm presented four alternatives for a subsurface infiltration chamber to reduce stormwater runoff from Cherry Hill and Summer Hill. Alternatives considered: along Cherry Hill (Alt 2), in the parking lot (Alt 3), near the playground (Alt 4), and in the ball field (Alt 5). Factors included cost (low, moderate, high), disruption, long-term maintenance, and potential for additional improvements (sidewalk, parking lot). The board discussed directing staff to proceed with Alternative 3 (parking lot) as primary and Alternative 2 as backup if ledge is encountered. The project is 80% federal, 20% local match. A motion to select Alternative 3 with Alternative 2 as secondary was passed unanimously.
• 100 River Street Environmental Cleanup Presentation: David Johnson presented the analysis of cleanup alternatives for PCB contamination at the former manufacturing property. The selected alternative is encapsulation (covering impacted materials) rather than removal, due to lower cost and less disruption to tenants. The public comment period ends October 2, 2026. The project is funded through the Mount Ascutney Regional Commission (not a town appropriation). No board action required.
• Eureka Road Conversion Concerns: The town manager explained that a portion of Eureka Road was converted from paved to gravel as a cost-effective decision based on the condition of the road and typical road surfaces in the area. A resident (Mr. Kemp) had expressed concerns in writing. The board took no action but acknowledged the issue.
• Adoption of 2027 Annual Meeting Special Appropriations Policies: The board adopted two policies (one for agencies defined by 24 V.S.A. §2691, one for others) for the 2027 town meeting. These policies, unchanged from prior years, set the process for organizations to request funding. The motion passed unanimously.
• Contract Award for Wall Street Wall Repair (Phase 1): The board awarded a contract to Neil Daniels Inc. in the amount of $137,875 for phase 1 of the wall repair. Work is expected to begin late September 2026 and be completed by early November. Funding will come from the town's reserve fund for retaining walls. The motion passed unanimously.
• Contract for Cemetery Sexton Services: The board authorized formalizing burial services with Davis Memorial Chapel, including a fee schedule with modest increases ($100 for urn burials on weekdays, $350 on Saturdays). The cemetery commission will ratify at its October meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
• Memorandum of Understanding with United Federation of Police Officers (UFPO) Local 401: The board approved a two-year contract (Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2027) with 3.75% COLA in year 1 and 4.5% in year 2, plus enhanced vision/dental benefits and updated language for specialty assignments. The MOU was adopted by unanimous vote.
• Department of Public Works Vehicle Purchase: Authorized purchase of two Ford F-350 trucks (one with snow plow and brine treatment equipment) for a total of $71,856, funded from the equipment replacement fund. The motion passed unanimously.
• Event Permit for Twilight Trail – New England 776 Marathons: Approved a one-day event on June 11, 2027, from 6:00 AM to 1:30 PM, sponsored by the Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation. The motion passed unanimously.
• Additional Appropriation for Technology Reserve Fund and Emergency Purchase Authorization: The board approved $25,000 for a new police department server (emergency replacement) and $25,000 for critical SCADA system upgrades for water/wastewater to address cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Funds will be transferred from fund balance. The motion passed unanimously.
• Appointments: The board confirmed the following appointments: Austin Ford as Planning and Zoning Administrator (effective September 1, 2026); Maressa Neelson to the Inclusion Committee; and Joe Malwani and Charlotte Osterman to the Planning Commission. The motion passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Approved payment plan option for 7 School Street and 22 Chester Road as a select board exception (5-0).
• Selected Alternative 3 (parking lot) as primary and Alternative 2 as secondary for the Collins Park stormwater project, moving to the next design phase (5-0).
• Adopted 2027 Special Appropriations Policies (5-0).
• Awarded Wall Street wall repair contract to Neil Daniels Inc. for $137,875 (5-0).
• Authorized cemetery sexton services agreement with Davis Memorial Chapel (5-0).
• Approved police union MOU for Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2027 (5-0).
• Authorized purchase of two Ford F-350s for $71,856 (5-0).
• Approved event permit for Twilight Trail on June 11, 2027 (5-0).
• Approved emergency technology purchases totaling $25,000 for police server and $25,000 for SCADA upgrades (5-0).
• Confirmed appointments of four officials (5-0).
• Adopted August 10, 2026, minutes as amended (5-0).