SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – It is budget season in towns across Vermont, and the agenda of the most recent Springfield Selectboard was proof. On Monday, Oct. 26, the selectboard reviewed the capital budget, the proposed debt schedule, the equipment replacement schedule, and the proposed library budget.
Two of the major, grant-funded projects pending FEMA decisions are the Weathersfield Dam project and the Lincoln Street erosion mitigation project. Town Manager Scott Pickup reported that the Weathersfield Dam project is pending a request for an additional $445,000 beyond the original match. Lincoln Street’s infrastructure repair has a revised project estimate of $837,000.
Pickup told the board that the Wall Street project is seeking a $60,000 Better Roads grant to offset some of the costs required to complete the next phase. The total cost could be $200,000-$300,000 or more, according to Pickup. He said the town is considering coordinating the wall, utility relocation, and parking lot improvements with a $200,000 Downtown Transportation Fund grant. The grant is time-sensitive, and Pickup reported that the relevant departments are working on gathering updated costs.
Pickup also outlined the status and costs of improvement projects currently being evaluated or in the process of applying for grant funding. These included the potential repair or possible closure of the pedestrian bridge, upgrades to water and sewer systems, sidewalk repairs near Elm Hill Elementary, and the Route 11 water line relocation project, which is fully reimbursable by the state.
The ongoing issues with a number of Springfield properties facing municipal actions were once again on the evening’s agenda, with little news to report. Board member Doug Johnston noted that campers and trash were still present at 10-12 Central Street.
Board member Mike Schmitt requested that the town address the neglected, town-owned properties on Valley Street. Pickup said he would arrange for mowing and cleanup at the locations. Hazard mitigation of the property at 482 Seavers Brook Road has been discussed with the town attorney, however, repeated efforts by Pickup and the town health officer to schedule an inspection have been unsuccessful so far.
Once again, residents expressed frustration at the slow pace at which these properties were being cleaned. At one point, Pickup stated, “The law is very difficult for us in terms of process. It’s not impossible, but it is difficult, [and] it takes time. We are doing the best we can with the resources that we have, and we are as frustrated as anybody else.”
“I would love to spend time on 100 other things,” Pickup continued. “We have a 30-some-odd project list of capital projects, and I can guarantee you I’m spending more time on these four properties than I’m spending on 30 capital projects worth millions of dollars.”
Additionally, the board authorized Pickup to sign an agreement with Dufresne Group, in the amount of $111,650, to update water utilities near the Exit 7 bridge. Pickup said, “Before the rest of the Exit 7 bridge and associated work can begin, the state has water utilities which need to be updated. The agreement is fully reimbursed by the state, and after the project is bid, the town will have three new commercial customers for water service.”
Other project updates were discussed during the manager’s report, including the Clinton Street project, where, Pickup reported, new hydrants were expected to be delivered and installed by the week of the meeting, with sidewalk restoration planned after that.
Ending on a brighter note, Pickup announced that Nate Fraser, wastewater treatment facility superintendent, was to receive an award for Vermont Operator of the Year, given by the New England Water Environment Association. Fraser will accept the award in January 2027, in Boston.
“Nate is one of those people that does outstanding work, and it really is nice to see him recognized in his field,” Pickup said. “I certainly appreciate everything he does for the town. It’s nice to see acknowledgement, and so, congratulations.”
The Springfield Selectboard’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 9, at 6 p.m., at the Springfield Town Hall.