Springfield Selectboard Meeting Summary – October 14, 2026

The Springfield Selectboard convened on October 14, 2026, with members Doug Johnston, Christy Moore, Chase, and Mike Schmidt present and one member absent. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and covered property enforcement updates, grant and loan authorizations, the library roof bid, capital project planning, and public comment. All votes were approved unanimously by the four attending members.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the September 28, 2026 regular meeting minutes as amended, removing a reference on page 3 (motion by Doug Johnston, seconded; unanimous).
• Added two items to the agenda without objection: an additional Budget Advisory Committee application and an update on properties and municipal action complaints.

Public Comments & Testimony

During the property update, residents raised concerns:

• Scott Nesler questioned whether the town would recover cleanup costs if 1012 Central is sold, asserting the town needs to be bolder in enforcement; the board responded that the lien remains attached to the property.
• Christina Jennings asked whether 104 Valley Street is in a flood zone and buildable, and whether new deadlines would be set. Officials explained portions are in the floodplain and that different legal standards apply now that the property is habitable.
• Serge Bowers asked why the owner could not be blocked from buying more rental properties given past issues in Brattleboro. Board members explained Dillon Rule limits and suggested civil action by citizens.
• Ronna reported her own property (22 Chester Road) cleanup progress and warned that a motel in Bellows Falls may be closed on Friday for fire-safety noncompliance; several unhoused people from 1012 Central were refusing the offered relocation.
• Nicole asked about the timeline for court action and whether an inspection could be escalated for safety. The board said it is pursuing a probate/civil action to determine ownership, which would allow enforcement.

In the formal public comment period:

• Cemetery Commissioner Ron Griffin, on behalf of the commission, reminded residents to remove personal items from graves before end-of-season cleanup, and praised student council volunteers for their work in the cemeteries.
• Barbara Schultz of the Springfield Trails and Rural Economy Committee criticized the I-91 re-route process for lacking meaningful communication with the committee and requested maps, consultation on trail barriers and signage, and inclusion in future decisions. She also reported that Apple Fest attracted 8,000 people and 150 vendors, with the highest vendor satisfaction ratings ever.

Discussion Items

• Property updates: The town manager met with the owner of 1012 Central, who may sell the property to an interested buyer; enforcement is paused to allow the transfer, but liens will be resolved at sale. An on-site inspection for another property was cancelled after the owner failed to appear, and the town is continuing legal efforts through its attorney. Cleanup promised for 104 Valley had not occurred.
• Vermont Historic Preservation Grant: The board endorsed a 2027 grant application for the Spencer Hollow School, a 50% match grant. The $10,000 local match was approved conditionally, first seeking eligible Eureka Schoolhouse public funds.
• State Equipment Loan Fund: The town manager was authorized to apply for a $150,000 loan at 2% interest for a new snow-removal truck for the 2027-28 budget; truck prices were cited at $308,000 (prior year), $325,000 (current), and projected $340,000 (next).
• Budget Advisory Committee: John Vaughn, Jim Fogg, Sharon Ayers, and new applicant Robert Lewis were approved as members.
• SRF loan: The board authorized a State Revolving Fund loan application (loan #372) for the Main Street sewer line replacement.
• Library roof: After a rebid, the board awarded the roof contract at a total bid price of roughly $174,000 and authorized an additional $40,000 from fund balance, subject to confirmation of a 20-year material warranty and 5-year workmanship warranty.
• Capital projects update (informational): The manager presented a 20-year wastewater treatment plant review (est. $30-35 million), including regionalization and PFAS/PFOA considerations; FEMA grant changes for the Weathersfield Dam (+$44,500) and Lake Street project (now about $857,000); a pedestrian bridge design review; and an unsuccessful Toonerville Trail grant application that will be resubmitted.
• Foundry Building feasibility study: The board approved $15,000 from the town economic development fund to study redevelopment of the foundry building for childcare, indoor track, and public use; full project cost is estimated at about $20 million.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the amended September 28 minutes.
• Approved the $10,000 match for the Vermont Historic Preservation Grant, conditioned on grant award and prior use of Eureka Schoolhouse funds.
• Authorized applying for a $150,000 State Equipment Loan Fund for a snow-removal truck.
• Approved four Budget Advisory Committee appointments.
• Authorized the SRF loan application for the Main Street sewer project.
• Awarded the library roof contract for about $174,000 and authorized $40,000 from fund balance.
• Approved $15,000 for the foundry building feasibility study.
• Unanimously voted to enter executive session to review a union contract.