SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – The Springfield Selectboard meeting on Monday, Aug. 14, was bookended by executive sessions to discuss real estate ventures and review town employee contracts.
Town manager Jeff Mobus addressed the board, requesting they formally appoint Lisa Baker as Springfield’s animal control officer. Mobus reported Baker has all the authorities granted by the state of Vermont, and has in fact already been performing the duties of the job. The board unanimously approved the appointment.
The board went on to approve the “major purchase” of almost $90,000 in MESFire gear for the fire department, as recommended by Chief Stagner. Mobus said he’d received an AFG grant for $91,500 toward the purchase, which includes a match from the town at $4,357.15.
On Sept. 11, at 6 p.m., at the Town Hall and via Zoom, the board will hold a public meeting to discuss the Clinton Street Road Diet Scoping Study. The project considers a change in traffic flow on Clinton Street, reducing the street from two lanes in each direction to one lane in each direction, with a center left turn lane and dedicated bike path.
Mobus stated that the town had received a grant to perform a scoping study to determine the feasibility of the project, and since grant funds are involved, the board is required to hold a public meeting.
Resident Doug Johnson voiced concerns that the reduction of lanes would negatively impact Park Street, Main Street, and Summer Street. Board Chair Kristi Morris explained that the purpose of the public hearing was to give the community an opportunity to raise concerns and ask questions regarding the proposed project.
Aug. 31 will be proclaimed International Overdose Awareness Day in the Town of Springfield, as part of a global event recognizing those lost to and struggling with opioid addiction. In Vermont, there were 239 reported drug overdose deaths in 2022, the highest ever recorded for a single year. Windsor County experienced 29 fatalities, which was an increase of 38% over 2021.
The town safety update from Police Chief Jeff Burnham, as read by Mobus, updated the board with progress on upgrades to the dispatch center, the newly purchased cruiser, body cameras, and staffing issues.
Crime rates in town have dropped significantly during this past year, specifically more violent crime such as burglary, arson, and aggravated assaults have declined. Burnham attributed that to a more visible police presence, and the department’s proactive approach. Unfortunately, Burnham noted that drug related crime has gone unchanged.
Burnham reported he is preparing for a department-wide meeting on Sept. 1, where he will discuss how far they’ve come, and offer a more detailed direction on where the department is headed.
The board authorized a revolving loan, as requested by Mobus. As in previous years, the loan allows Mobus to enter into an agreement with Springfield On The Move, to provide funds for the purpose of bidding on properties at the Sept. 7 tax sale. The amount of the loan will not exceed $30,000.
Additionally, Mobus received approval to transfer the property at 31 Pearl Street to the Springfield Housing Authority, who will be responsible for completing the demolition. The site will be the location of a new, single-family home.
The sale of 33 Park Street, the location of the former Parks and Woolson building, is complete, reported Mobus. Springfield Regional Development Corporation purchased the property for $68,600. Work at the property will take years, according to Mobus, but is an important part of the revitalization of Springfield. The next phase will be to perform an environmental study, to determine next steps.
On Saturday, Aug. 12, and Monday, Aug. 14 – Friday, Aug. 18, between the hours of 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., the I91 Northbound Resurfacing Project will have multiple traffic control packages, with lane closures between exit 5 and exit 8.
At the July selectboard meeting, the painting of a mural on the Town Hall building was approved. Mobus said that project will be completed the week of Aug. 21-27, and he is working out a plan to keep some access to the lot through the exit, but encouraged anyone visiting Town Hall during that week to park on the street.