SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – Phase 1 of the Wall Street wall-repair project was on the Springfield Selectboard’s Sept. 14 meeting agenda, with Town Manager Scott Pickup reporting that the town had received bids from two contractors, the lowest of the two from Neil H. Daniels Inc. for $137,875. Phase 2 will be discussed during upcoming budget planning sessions.
The work is to begin in late September or early October, and is expected to be completed by early November. Pickup said that there will be some impact on parking, with some temporary restrictions placed on parking in the rear lot along the wall. Town staff will coordinate with the Bank Block businesses and others to relocate parking temporarily.
The board voted unanimously to award the contract to Neil H. Daniels Inc.
Pickup also presented the board with a status update on properties the town has been monitoring, while actively working to address myriad issues that are affecting public health and safety. Progress is being made on many fronts.
The town now owns the property located at 78 Valley Street, and Pickup told the board that next steps would be taken during the fall budget process, including options for disposition and use once all costs are known.
Regarding 10-12 Central Street, Pickup reported the building is vacant and boarded, with two trailers remaining that are pending removal once that can be scheduled. Progress on the property at 482 Seavers Brook Road may require that the town, and town counsel, initiate probate action. In the meantime, Fire Chief Paul Stagner will inspect buildings for life-safety concerns, and his findings will be reported back to the board.
Following the manager’s report, the selectboard heard a presentation of five alternative plans to reduce the volume of stormwater runoff in The Commons Park. “The stormwater project will be designed to divert, retain, and infiltrate upstream runoff in the stormwater system from Orchard Street, Cherry Hill, Poplar Street, and Summer Hill Street areas,” read the analysis statement. The project originates from a master plan completed several years ago that identified Commons Park as a priority site.
The full presentation can be viewed within the recording of the Sept. 14 meeting and is included in the meeting packet, both available on the town website.
The board voted to approve Alternative 3, which proposes to build a chamber beneath the existing gravel parking area, with Alternative 2 as a backup plan. Alternative 2 recommends constructing the chamber on the east edge of the park, along Cherry Hill.
The board also approved the purchase of two new pickup trucks for the Deparement of Public Works to replace the current vehicles: one a 2009, and the other a 2018 that no longer passes inspection. Pickup recommended purchasing two Ford F-350s from Ford of Claremont for $71,856.59 and $75,011 respectively, stating that they are currently available and would be ready for winter service.
With the appointment of new zoning administrator Austin Ford, Pickup was relieved of his temporary duties filling the role. Additionally, Maresa Nielson was appointed to the Inclusion Committee, and Geetu Melwani and Charlotte Osterlund were appointed to the planning commission.
Steve Karaffa, school board liaison, announced that the school district had hired a director of communications. The intent, Karaffa stated, “is to improve public communication, including budget and financial information, and to coordinate with the town on shared communication needs.”
The Springfield Selectboard will meet next on Monday, Sept. 28, at 6 p.m. at the Springfield Town Hall.