SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – The Springfield Selectboard met on Monday, Dec. 22, at 6 p.m., in the Springfield town hall.
Jeff Mobus, whose tenure as Springfield town manager is expiring, said, “As my term as town manager comes to an end, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to the many people who have made this work so meaningful and rewarding.” Mobus went on to thank the selectboard, town office staff, and Springfield citizens.
He addressed the residents of Springfield directly, saying, “Thank you for your engagement, your patience, and your commitment to the town we share. I would also like to recognize my family, whose patience, encouragement, and understanding have allowed me to be Springfield’s town manager. The long meetings, late nights, and constant demands of public service are shared by those at home, and I am deeply grateful for their unwavering [support].”
Mobus thanked the staff for their “professionalism, dedication, and teamwork,” saying, “The work of local government is demanding and very public, and it is carried out every day by people who take pride in their work and in serving others. I have been fortunate to work alongside so many capable and committed colleagues.”
Mobus also wished his successor, Scott Pickup, former municipal manager for the Town of Rockingham, “all good things as Springfield’s next town manager.”
The board heard a follow-up report from Fire Chief Paul Stagner, Deputy Chief John Claflin, and structural engineer Todd Hindinger, regarding the inspection they had conducted at 12 Central Street following complaints from neighbors.
The inspection had identified “serious structural and health issues with the property that must be repaired to comply with town ordinances.”
Severe problems with the sewer, roof, and structural supports, as well as debris collecting in both the main building and in the detached garage, were detailed in the report.
Ultimately, the board agreed to 30 days compliance for immediate health and safety fixes to the property, and 180 days to make major structural repairs. The motion to accept the report and adopt the required actions was amended to clarify ordinance references, and to include the detached garage, passed with a unanimous 5-0 vote.
The middle-income housing committee reported to the selectboard that they continue to work to address the shortage of housing for working households. Committee Chair Vin Fusca told the board that the committee’s recommendations included forming an advisory group, exploring the creation of a real estate investment fund, and partnering with existing development agencies. The board discussed models from other communities, the concept of forming an ad hoc committee, and strategies for prioritizing and leveraging local housing inventory.
Resident Laurie Whaley voiced a complaint related to gun range activity near Brockway Mills Road. According to Whaley, the police department uses a section of a rural area near her home as a training ground.
Whaley reported that her quality of life is being significantly impacted in a negative way due to an increase in the frequency and duration of the shooting exercises. Although no formal action was taken, the board discussed options for mitigation, including restricting hours, improving neighbor notifications, and exploring alternate training locations. It was determined that the police chief and town administration will work with Whaley and other agencies to better manage and limit range use, seek operational changes, and report back on progress.
A public hearing will be held at on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at 6 p.m., concerning the July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027, town budget. Citizens can attend in person at the town hall, 96 Main Street, or online via Zoom. The link can be found on the town website, www.springfieldvt.gov.