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TOWN OF SPRINGFIELDSELECTMEN’S HALL – 96 MAIN STREET – THIRD FLOORREGULAR SELECTBOARD MEETINGMONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2021 @ 7:00 PM ZOOM CONFERENCEMINUTESA.CALL MEETING TO ORDER, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND ROLL CALL:Chair Martone stated due to the State of Emergency declared by Governor Scott as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and pursuant to Addendum 6 to Executive Order 01-20 and Act 92, this public body is authorized to meet electronically. Chair, Walter Martone, called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and Roll Call was taken. Selectboard Members: Vice-Chair, Michael Martin, Kristi Morris, George McNaughton, John Bond and Chair,Walter Martone.Administration: Interim Town Manager, Frank Heald, Town Clerk, Barbara Courchesne, Public Works Director, Jeff Strong and Water & Wastewater Superintendent Rick Chambers, Parks & Recreation Director, Andrew Bladyka and Planning & Zoning Administrator, Renee Vondle.School Board Liaison: Mr. Karaffa was absent as he was attending a School Board Meeting.B.MINUTES:1. Special Selectboard Meeting (Strategic Planning) Minutes – Thursday, January 7, 2021.2. Regular Selectboard Meeting & Proposed 2021-2022 Budget Minutes – Monday, January 11, 2021.3. Special Selectboard Meeting (Town Meeting Absentee Ballots) Minutes – Thursday, January 14, 2021.MOTION: Kristi Morris moved to approve the Special Selectboard Meeting (Strategic Planning) Minutesof Thursday, January 7, 2021, Regular Selectboard Meeting & Proposed 2021-2022 Budget Minutes of Monday, January 11, 2021 and Special Selectboard Meeting (Town Meeting AbsenteeBallots) Minutes of Thursday, January 14, 2021 and the requested corrections and/or changes.Seconded by: George McNaughton.Vote: 5 Yes, passed unanimously.George McNaughton requested two (2) changes to the Special Selectboard Meeting (Strategic Planning) Minutes of Thursday, January 7, 2021. On page 2, paragraph 2 – Mr. McNaughton wanted it known that he was not advocating for the Town to purchase the Eureka Schoolhouse or land in that area. On page 3, paragraph 6, first sentence should read as follows: Mr. McNaughton noted he was trying to avoid expensive projects and he was not advocating for the Town to own it, but the Odd Fellows Parks & Woolson Building is an issue.C.ANY REQUESTED ADDITIONS TO THIS AGENDA:NoneD.PRESENTATION:Preparing for Automated Vehicles in Vermont presented by, VTrans Policy & Planning Bureau, Director Joe Segale, PE/PTP and Michael Obuchowski. Vice-Chair, Michael Martin, introduced Joe Segale and Michael Obuchowski from the State of Vermont. Both Mr. Segale and Mr. Obuchowski visited the Town of Springfield approximately 1-1/2 years ago and presented “Preparing for Automated Vehicles in Vermont” Dated February 13, 2018. Since that time Selectboard Vice-Chair, Michael Martin, has attended a few informational meetings and seen __________________________________________________________________________________________________Regular Selectboard MeetingMinutes Are ApprovedPage 1.January 25, 2021the presentation “a few times” regarding the Automated Vehicle (AV). Vice-Chair Martin has also submitted questions to the State inquiring “What are the risks to a Municipality that pre-approves Testing of Automated Vehicles and How are those risk mitigated? The presentation for tonight is entitled “Preparing for Automated Vehicles in Vermont” 2019 Vermont Municipal Day Training.Mr. Segale’s presentation covered four (4) topics:Overview of Automated Vehicles.Permitting ProcessMunicipal Automated Vehicle Testing RisksNext StepsAutomation Levels:0 – No Automation; Human driver control.1 – Driver Assistance; e.g. cruise control.2 – Partial Automation, e.g. adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist.3 – Conditional Automation; Emerging Technology.4 – High Automation; Emerging Technology.5 – Full Automation, Emerging Technology.Mr. Segale commented that Levels 3 -5 is new technology that is currently in the works. Vermont Law requires an Automated Vehicle Test Permit for vehicles with Level 3 -5 automated driving systems. He shared the benefits of AV with everyone, which were:Safety,Mobility independence,Reduced household transportation costs,Improved productivity,Reduced public transit costsReduced parking and related impacts andRedevelopment opportunities.Mr. Segale presented six (6) types of testing. The six (6) types of testing might be provided were an Autonomous Shuttle, a TuSimple Expands Autonomous Trucking Program with the United Postal Service, an Autonomous Taxi Service, Testing Trucks and/or Trailers on snow covered roads, an Autonomous Small Shuttle just for delivery purposes and an Autonomous Driving Delivery, such as a pizza delivery.Permit Process – State Role:Starts with the Traffic Committee.Secretary of Transportation, DMV Commissioner and the Public Safety Commissioner for review.The three (3) entities have the sole authority to issue permits for Automated Vehicles.Can approve testing on state highways and Class 1 Town HighwaysCan approve testing on other Town Highways only with Municipal pre-approval.Permit Process – Municipal Role:Municipal approval required if testing involves Class 2, 3 and 4 Town Highways.Municipalities pre-approval testing by passage of a Resolution.Municipalities can withdraw approval at any time.Municipal approval of specific testing permits not required. Only the Traffic Committee is authorized toapprove a permit.Municipalities are not responsible for modifying roadways or other infrastructure to accommodate a test,or for any costs related to conducting the test.__________________________________________________________________________________________________Regular Selectboard MeetingMinutes Are ApprovedPage 2.January 25, 2021Applicant Requirement Highlights:Human operator required in driver seat and must be able and prepared to take physical control of the vehicle. - Operator must be at least 21 years old. - Operator must pass a background check. - Blood alcohol content less 0.02.A $5 Million Dollar Liability Insurance.Vehicle must be able to comply with all State and Local Traffic Laws including operation and equipment.AV Testing Vehicle must be clearly identified.RISK MANAGEMENTRisk AreaRisk MitigationRisk AreaRisk Mitigation Safety - Human driver always required-Testing and Safety & Risk Management Plan- First Responder Interaction Plan- Crash notification requirements- Processes to Temporarily and Permanently Suspend Testing- Maximum permit duration of 2 yearsPublicInvolvement& Transparency- Traffic Committee must hold public Hearing for permit approval- Applications available to the public- Test vehicles identified- Testing reports required and available to to pubicLocalControl- Municipal pre-approval required for class 2, 3 and 4 Town Highways- 60-day notice for permit hearing- Municipality can condition pre-approval- Municipality can withdraw approval at any timeInsurance and LegalExposure- $5 Million Liability Insurance required- All other typical insurance required- Applicant must defend the state, Municipalities and employees against third party claims or suitsWhy Allow Testing in Your Town?:Facilitate Automated Vehicle deployment in VT so our citizens benefit as soon as possible.Build public confidence.Be a proactive partner.Provide transparency.Create Economic Opportunity.Provide for the mobility needs, celebrate/support people’s independence.Mr. Segale also took the opportunity to promote the Vermont AV-Xchange Forum scheduled for Monday, February 8, 2021 from 1:00 to 2:30 PM EST. Everyone is invited to join a discussion focused on promoting the testing of Automated Vehicles, sponsored by the Vermont Agency of Transportation.Chair Martone asked if anyone had questions and/or comments regarding the Automated Vehicle Presentation.Resident, Douglas Johnston, said he had two (2) questions. 1. What liability does the Town inherit for allowing the automated vehicle testing to happen on our town highways? 2. What protection is there from preventing someone from hacking into the vehicle’s computer system causing the vehicle to stop or crash?Joe Segale said as far as the liability, as I mentioned there is a $5 million dollar liability policy, which belongs to the automated vehicle. As with a conventional vehicle, you just don’t know who will get dragged into a crash. Perhaps if there was something in the road, the Town or State could get involved. I certainly cannot make any guarantees, but I don’t think the risk is any greater necessarily than with a conventional vehicle. Mr. Segale noted as far as the cyber security, that is a great question, in our guidance of the permit application the State requires the Tester to provide information detailing cyber security.Springfield On The Move, Executive Director, Jessica Martin, noted she was at the first automated vehicle __________________________________________________________________________________________________Regular Selectboard MeetingMinutes Are ApprovedPage 3.January 25, 2021presentation from last year. Ms. Martin said she asked a question last year and still hasn’t heard an answer to it. Ms. Martin wants to know what the Town of Springfield will receive from agreeing to being a host site for automated vehicles. How will the Town of Springfield be promoted?Joe Segale commented that he was not sure if he was the correct person to answer the question. He said other than helping bring the technology to Vermont in general, he could not answer the question. He felt others might be able to answer what the potential benefits are for the community of Springfield. Again, there is the increased mobility and safety benefits that he had spoken about earlier. Mr. Segale stated other than the benefits that I have already stated, I don’t know enough about the economic opportunities in Springfield or the BRIC Program.Jessica Martin confirmed that the State of Vermont has no plans to promote the Town of Springfield or any other Town that signs up and is selected to be a test site for the automated vehicle? No mention in promotional automated vehicle materials?Joe Segale commented Yes right away and that he had not understood her earlier questioning. The State will be publishing the selected test sites in the State’s literature. The State of Vermont will promote the selected test sites to the Testers, Springfield will be listed in the State’s guidance materials as a Town that has agreed to be a test site. When the State reaches out to Testers, the State will certainly let them know that Springfield is a Town that approved testing for the automated vehicles. The State is hoping the Towns of Bellows Falls and Rockingham will be onboard, as well, so the State starts to have a little critical mass in a certain area of the Connecticut River. The State is actually noted on a national website and the Town of Springfield would also be noted. Mr. Segale commented anytime the State goes out to market the automated vehicle, that is when the Town of Springfield would be mentioned as a Town that has been approved for site testing. Chair Martone commented that he would also add, that when the Town of Springfield does our own marketing, we would include the automated vehicle state testing site approval. The BRIC Program might want to include this information as some of their literature as to how Springfield is embracing technology.Vice-Chair Martin described the opportunity for the Town of Springfield to be chosen as a test site for automated vehicles as “another arrow in the quiver”. Vice-Chair Martin is hoping by the Town of Springfield becoming an approved test site for automated vehicles the opportunity will provide more visibility for the Town of Springfield. This is an opportunity that is out of the Town’s control, however if the Town is willing to make ourself available, it is a positive setup. The Town should take the opportunity to promote itself. The Legislature has charged the Transportation Department with coming up with a testing method. Vice-Chair Martin shared that there is a National Highway Traffic Association that is hosting a program called “AV Test” and they are gathering and sharing testing information right now. There are fifty-two (52) participants nationwide; a year ago there were nine (9) participants. This is of interest to people and they are getting involved with automated vehicles. Vice-Chair Martin thinks if the Town of Springfield was a participant in the program, it would shine a good light on Springfield. He also stated that any Town could approve automated vehicles, but it is ultimately the testing company that would be performing the test. Vice-Chair Martin said that he hoped that one of the testing companies chose the Town of Springfield.VTrans, Representative, Michael Obuckowski, shared that there was a possibility that the Town of Springfield could form a private/public partnership with the State of Vermont with another set of rules and procedures. That would benefit Springfield directly and the State directly.Resident, Everett Hammond, shared that he to also attended the workshop for automated vehicles last year. Mr. Hammond wanted to caution against including Class 4 Roads. Mr. Hammond noted that we all have heard of traffic being directed onto Class 4 Roads and if you get some kind of truck that is larger than it should be on a Class 4 Road and it is stuck; that will be a problem.Mr. Segale was quick to note that Class 4 Roads could be excluded from the Town of Springfield’s approval.Resident, Char Osterlund, shared that she and her husband own an electric vehicle. The vehicle continuously provides update is on how the vehicle operates safely. The updates are based on the data the electric vehicle collects. Ms. Osterlund feels it would only be an advantage for Springfield to be a test site because the data collected is from rural roads in specific communities.__________________________________________________________________________________________________Regular Selectboard MeetingMinutes Are ApprovedPage 4.January 25, 2021Chair Martone read from the Zoom Chat Box a question from the Eagle Times, Reporter, Patrick Adrian. Mr. Adrian asked if the Town of Springfield Selectboard approves the Resolution tonight, would that make Springfield the first municipality in Vermont to approve automated vehicle testing?Joe Segale said yes it would. Chair Martone inquired if the Towns of Bellows Falls and Rockingham were ahead of Springfield. Mr. Segale chuckled and said, “Not yet”.John Bond commented that both the automated vehicles and the idea of using them on the roads is preliminary; realistically what do you think the timeline is for self-driving vehicles to be useful to the Springfield residents?Joe Segale said that there are forecasts that indicate by the end of the 2020 decade there will be one to two percent of vehicles on the road with some sort of level of automation. If we were to compare that to the vehicles that are on the road right not, it is less than one percent. That isn’t over an overwhelming amount; it also is not zero. Mr. Segale stated by 2050 the forecast is something like forty to fifty percent of the vehicles on the roads, will have some sort of automation. He thought that was not cautious but middle of the road. Another forecast that he had seen predicted was that if the automated vehicles have the ability to reduce household travel up to $9,000 per year, the automated vehicle might be deployed a lot faster. Of course, there are a number of hurdles to get over.Chair Martone inquired if a police vehicle was to get behind an automated vehicle and turned on the lights, would the automated vehicle know enough to pullover and stop?Joe Segale commented one of the requirements in the guide plan is that the Tester provides a first responder interaction plan that would have to describe how that works. Mr. Segale replied the short answer was “yes”. The automated vehicle has to be able to function just like a human driver and understand there is a police vehicle behind them and they need to pullover and stop. Mr. Segale stated he thought as the technology evolves this might be a legal issue, but you would think because this an automated vehicle the police vehicle through technology could pullover and stop the automated vehicle safety.Vice-Chair Martin cautioned everyone to keep it in mind that we are decades away of implementation of fully automated vehicles as a daily occurrence on our highways. This beta testing and all of the automated vehicle testing will have a driver in place to respond to any other kinds of emergencies that may occur. It is not like we are unleashing robot cars on the streets of Springfield without drivers to guide them. The automated vehicle testing might not even happen. Vice-Chair Martin commented that it might be years before anybody decides to do testing in Vermont. He does think it is coming and the State has recognized they have a responsibility. Vice-Chair Martin would like Springfield to be a place where Testers considered testing their vehicles.George McNaughton was addressing Jessica Martin’s question she asked earlier in the evening. He thinks robotics would be a major part of the BRIC Program. George McNaughton commented having the availability of a testing site in Springfield would be important to the BRIC Program. He noted that was enough for him to support the automated vehicle testing.John Bond felt that Mr. McNaughton brings up a good point. We talk about seeing the automated vehicles on the street. Mr. Bond inquired if there was going to be the need of a garage or some kind of a building the Tester would be operating out of? The Tester would obviously rent from our stock of available spaces. Would that be part of it?Joe Segale said it really depends on what the actual testing is. Maybe the testing will be shuttles, they would only have three to four vehicles. However, you are right, they are going to need a place to house the equipment. It is very possible that space would be needed. Mr. Segale said once an application is submitted the testing company would feel positive and maybe want the Town to assist with locating a space for them.Chair Martone asked if there were any more comments or questions. There were none.Joe Segal thanked the Selectboard for inviting him and Mr. Obuckowski back again. He commented that he was excited that the Town of Springfield was still interested in the automated vehicle project.__________________________________________________________________________________________________Regular Selectboard MeetingMinutes Are ApprovedPage 5.January 25, 2021E.NEW BUSINESS:Vice-Chair Martin commented he had some of an advantage over the other members of the board because he has heard the presentation three (3) times, John Bond once and the others twice. He said that he understood Rockingham and the Village of Bellows Falls are entertaining the proposal from Mr. Segale. Their action in Bellows Falls was to form a committee to study the impact on the community. Vice-Chair Martin shared that he had spoken with Michael Obuchowski about the thoughts of the Rockingham and Village of Bellow Leaders regarding the automated vehicles. Mr. Obuchowski acknowledged they were concerned with safety issues. Vice-Chair Martin commented in the Selectboard Packets was a sample of the approval resolution from VTrans for inclusion. He explained that he took the liberty of creating a new resolution for the Town of Springfield. The new resolution mirrors the State’s sample resolution, with the exception of the exclusions. Mr. Martin acknowledged that he could understand that somebody would probably like to push the resolution down the road because we need to do more studying, but he was quit frank with everyone, that as optimistic as he is and excited as he is about the event of automatic vehicles in Vermont, spotlighting Springfield, there is a low probability this will happen because somebody has to decide to do the testing in Springfield. The car and computer companies could find a town in New Hampshire that would suit their needs quite fine. Vermont has said you have to test in Vermont, so who knows what will happen. Vice-Chair Martin thought that rather than forming a committee and punting it down the road to figure out what streets and town highways we want excluded is a little premature. The resolution or act allows Springfield to make amendments and changes or withdraw our resolution any time in the future. He feels the Town will have plenty of time before we have to make any decisions. Vice-Chair Martin would like to see Springfield as a Leader, Springfield front & center, Springfield embracing new technology and he would like to put the spotlight on Springfield adopting a test bed for new companies to come test new technology!MOTION:Vice-Chair, Michael Martin, moved the Resolution for Automated Vehicle Testing in Springfield,Vermont.Whereas, the Automated Vehicle Testing Act (The Act) per 23 VSA Chapter 41 requires aPermit from the Vermont Traffic Committee to test automated vehicles, as defined in the Act, on public roads in Vermont; andWhereas, the Act authorizes the Traffic Committee to issue automated vehicle permitsfor the entire state highway system and class 1 town highways which are the continuationof US and state numbered routes through municipalities, andWhereas, the Act authorizes the Traffic Committee to issue automated vehicle test permitsfor testing on class 2, 3 and 4 town highways only if the legislative body with jurisdictionover those roads has preapproved testing; andWhereas, the Act requires that a municipality be notified 60 days prior to a Traffic Committeehearing on a testing permit application that involves testing on class 1, 2, 3 and 4 town highwaysin that municipality; andWhereas, the Act allows the municipality to revoke or modify the conditions of its approval atany time by so indicating in a letter from the legislative body to the Secretary of Transportation;andWhereas, a municipality is not responsible for any cost associated with conducting the testing;Now Therefore, be it Resolved that the Town of Springfield, Vermont has approved the testingof automated vehicles on all class 2, 3 and 4 town highways under its jurisdiction with theconditions set forth above.Seconded by: George McNaughtonKristi Morris shared that he had received inquiries from the residents on ZOOM about the Class 4 Highways and he was wondering if we should include the Class 4 Highways in the first approach? Vice-Chair Martin inquired if Mr. Morris was recommending that the Town drop Class 4 Highways from the resolution? Kristi Morris replied Yes, that it was a concern. George McNaughton spoke up and stated that he had a problem with dropping the Class 4 Highways from the resolution. Mr. McNaughton stated that he would not withdraw his second from the motion.Chair Martone commented his understanding was when the Towns are at the point of a testing company coming to Springfield, we will have another opportunity to amend the resolution with more restrictions. Mr. Segale commented that was true. Chair Martone said when or if Springfield is selected to be a test site, the Town can make adjustments to the moved resolution.__________________________________________________________________________________________________Regular Selectboard MeetingMinutes Are ApprovedPage 6.January 25, 2021Vice-Chair Martin felt now that the Town has agreed to be a test site for automated vehicles, the Town may hear more suggestions from the citizens, such as Mr. Hammond about roads, streets or conditions that the Town might want to consider. As the Town moves forward, the Town will have an opportunity to amend our resolution.Chair Martone commented if the Town becomes a test site to an automated vehicle, like a shuttle, the TownCan identify the roads it does not want testing to be allowed.John Bond inquired when moving forward are all the phone calls and correspondence going to be going through Vice-Chair Martin and be relayed to the Selectboard or is there going to be a committee that would include the Public Works Department in the decision and review the process as everything moves forward. Vice-Chair Martin shared in the resolution provided by the State, and I didn’t read this, after the “adopted by”, I designated our Interim Town Manager as the “person of contact” for the State. I am assuming if there is any reason to contact us after the adoption that he would past that torch to the next Town Manager. He noted the short answer is No, I don’t believe that I would be the contact Mr. Bond.Chair Martone asked for public comments, questions or concerns.Resident, Richard Andrews commented that he would like to see the Selectboard approve the resolution. If it happens that no entity wished to test here than no effect will be either positive or negative. Mr. Andrews commented that if some entity does come to test, it would certainly bring attention to the Town. I can’t imagine that it would be counter- productive. He thought it would portray the Town Springfield as a place that is hospitable to innovation. He also thought even if nobody does come to test something here, the Town would still get some attention. Mr. Andrews commented the Town now has the Black River Innovation Campus, BRIC, the Town has the high-speed internet and something like this would be a further expression of hospitality to innovative enterprises. There will be some advantage to that if nothing ever happens and I think if something does happen, the fact that the Selectboard can impose whatever restrictions that they think are necessary will protect the Town from any adverse consequences. Mr. Andrews said that he really can’t see any down side to this; he sees a potential significant up-side.Chair Martone asked for a Roll Call Vote.Roll Call: Vice-Chair, Michael Martin-Yes, Kristi Morris-Yes, George McNaughton-Yes,John Bond-Yes and Chair, Walter Martone-Yes)Vote: 5 Yes, passed unanimously.ITEM #2: E-911 Discussion.Chair Martone commented the recent street renaming and renumbering on Juniper Hill Road, Deer Run Road and Plain Hill Road have been rescinded. Chair Martone introduced Mr. Tyler Hermanson, GIS Specialist and Ms. Renee Vondle, Town Planning & Zoning Coordinator, who are also on the ZOOM meeting tonight. Chair Martone stated that he was hoping between Mr. Hermanson and Ms. Vondle they could provide some back history of 911 within the Town of Springfield, what the procedures should be and what is the timing for some of the 911 work. Tyler Hermanson shared that he worked for the State of Vermont and was responsible for overseeing any and all of the mapping for the entire 911 System. There were only a few of these positions within the State. He commented his job is to assist Towns with trying to come up with the most ideal addressing and help them with the addressing within a Town that is both logical and follows the Standards that the 911 Board established many years ago. A lot of citizens have probably heard that the Town of Springfield, approximately twenty-two (22) years ago was one of the Towns that did not want to re-address to the National and Standard method of addressing street naming within the Town. Around that time the State Government gave each Town their own authority on addressing their own 911 System. Mr. Hermanson commented roughly 75% of State of Vermont adopted this National method. The National Standards, which were provided through the National Emergency Number Association (NENA). The State of Vermont follows those guidelines as Article as well. Those standards are available on the 911 website for anyone to read. Mr. Hermanson said the guidelines include a variety of things that will make both responders and everyday citizens of any town easier to find people and houses. His end goal is to make it easier for people to be found, primarily for emergency services as he obviously works for the 911 System. The addressing standard allows__________________________________________________________________________________________________Regular Selectboard MeetingMinutes Are ApprovedPage 7.January 25, 2021 for it, and still does today, however there are certain specifications to those standards that must be in compliance. A couple of the requirements are:1. Sequence: For example – Address numbers must be in order, otherwise people will have a hard time findingthings.2. Odd & Even Numbers: There are to be Odd numbers on the left side of the street/road and Even numbers on the right side of the of the street/road regardless of the street/road. This indicates to responders or anyone traveling that street/road, keeping in mind odd numbers are on the left, people will know the numbers are increasing or decreasing depending on what side the odd numbers are on.3. Due to Development: When three (3) or more locatable structures/parcels on a shared right-away access, that is then determined to be given a unique name, which will than change everyone’s address. One critical problem particular to Springfield, not just Springfield there are a few other Towns, is an issue where there are multiple structures/buildings with the same address. That doesn’t do much when you are looking for someone and the whole mobile home park as the same address with different lot numbers.Mr. Hermanson shared that Renee Vondle and himself have been working together on “road naming”. He has slowly been auditing the health of every street/road/lane in Town. At some point, he will pass the information along to Ms. Vondle and she can share it with the Selectboard. He said during this audit, there are a few names that are duplicated or have similar names. One street name that has pretty much consistently caused concern and issues for 911 responses is “Main Street.” The issue is that the village has a “Main Street” and North Springfield has a “Main Street”. In the 911 System, it is setup based on the municipality. Example: If you are in North Springfield and call 911, your address would say Springfield, regardless if you are in North Springfield or not. That is because you are in the municipality of Springfield, Vermont. He noted that causes quite a bit of confusion sometimes with your average day citizen. They get confused between their mailing address and their physical address. It is quite important in this case to have distinguishing names regardless of whatever the mailing address. Mr. Hermanson noted the Town of Springfield has two (2) Main Streets, two (2) School Streets and names that are similar (Birch Court and Birch Lane). The two streets names are on different ends of the Town, but it can still can cause confusion. From a 911 perspective it is not a good idea to have similar sounding names. In the heat of the moment, during a 911 call the most problematic thing would be to mix up the suffix on a street name. That problem has the potential to send responders to the wrong end of Town. He commented that he is trying to resolve the critical problems that are likely to cause confusion during a 911 emergency.Renee Vondle acknowledged that Mr. Hermanson touched base on some of the duplicate or similar street/road names. However, there are many more, such as the two (2) Maples, two (2) Crowley Roads, two (2) Mill Roads and the whole Dutton District area that can be confusing. P&Z Administrator Vondle noted there were several mobile home parks in Springfield and North Springfield. One of the mobile home parks may have four (4) roads that would need to be named. There are also what the State identifies as “run-on-roads.Mr. Hermanson commented that what he has seen so far when working on the Health Assessment of the streets/roads has certainly been an eye-opener. He also commented Ms. Vondle and he have made some good progress in some cases where the Police Department couldn’t find a location, we were able to identify the problem and have since resolved. The Town of Springfield has some minor issues and others are not so minor. Mr. Hermanson said the State’s 911 Department works with Towns for new houses and occasionally will work, about once a year or every other year with a Town to overhaul the entire Town. The most recent was 2017/2018 the Town of Alburgh in Grand Isle County. The Town re-addressed approximately 1700 – 1900 homes so far making it a town-wide gut job. There have been other Towns, like Woodstock who re-addressed 90% of their Town back in 2014. In 2016, the 911 Department re-addressed around 2,000 homes in the Town of Wells, Rutland County. Mr. Hermanson went on to say, in 2015/2016 the 911 Department re-addressed around 600 Mobile Homes in the Town Milton and many, many streets were created in the Town of Stowe.Chair Martone opened the floor for questions, comments and/or concerns from the Selectboard Members.George McNaughton inquired how many of the duplications are because of Springfield and North Springfield? Mr. Hermanson commented that there were five (5) duplicate street names, six (6) if you include Main Street in North Springfield. Mr. McNaughton interrupted Mr. Hermanson and asked again how many duplications because of Springfield and North Springfield. P&Z Administrator Vondle replied there are two (2) Maple Streets, two (2)__________________________________________________________________________________________________Regular Selectboard MeetingMinutes Are ApprovedPage 8.January 25, 2021 County Roads and two (2) Mill Roads in North Springfield. There are the two (2) Main Streets and two (2) School Streets in Springfield and North Springfield. Mr. McNaughton commented so the real problem is the 911 System insists on saying everything is Springfield rather than acknowledging Springfield and North Springfield. He commented that Springfield and North Springfield used to be separate municipalities. If this is the source of the duplication than the problem is within the 911 System and they have a screwed-up situation. Mr. Hermanson commented that Ms. Vondle is correct. There are duplicate streets/roads in North Springfield. Hurricane Irene came along and knocked out the bridge making two (2) Main Streets and I think there is another one.Chair Martone read a few comments from the ZOOM Chat Box.Kristi Morris commented there were a multitude of similar street/road names, such as Walnut HillRoad, Walnut Hill Court, Walnut Street and Walnut Way. Springfield also has a North MainStreet.Resident, Richard Andrews commented that Center Street is in Springfield, as well as a Center Streetin North Springfield. He regularly receives mail that should go to Central Street. He believes hismail probably goes to North Springfield sometimes, but the folks never re-direct it.Resident, Kevin Anderson requested if E-911 can create a North Springfield in their 911 System?Kristi Morris also noted an example: Maple Dell and Dell Road.Mr. Hermanson commented that a couple of those name similarities have been flagged in his most recent audit. He also commented that street/road names like Walnut Hill Road, Walnut Hill Court, Walnut Street and Walnut Way can work if they are continuous (all touching each other). If there are street/road names like those spread out all other Town, it can get very confusing. He also remembered the other name similarity was Central Street vs Center Street; that has also been identified. If you were to check the Standards, they are not allowed.Mr. Herman said that theoretically the 911 Department can create a North Springfield. He said in the 911 System there is the Essex Junction Village and Essex Town; which are listed separately. Each entity has their own government bodies, their own Board and their own tax rates. Mr. Hermanson said that listed separately in the 911 System is also North Bennington and Bennington. Again, they are two separate government bodies. In the Springfield area, Rockingham and Bellows Falls are also separate. These two towns have very similar issues, like Springfield. These Towns did not address E911 twenty (20) years ago. Again theoretically, it is possible to use Springfield and North Springfield, but is not recommended by E911 because we do refer to it as a governing body and Mr. Hermanson doesn’t believe North Springfield has a governing body anymore.Chair Martone acknowledged comments from the ZOOM Chat Box.Resident, Jeff Mobus commented there were also more streets/roads with similar names. Cutler Roadand Cutler Lane. In addition, there was Orchard Street and Orchard Lane.Resident, Douglas Johnston noted there were a lot of residents from the Plain Hill Road, Deer Runand Juniper Hill Road on the ZOOM for tonight’s meeting. Mr. Johnston requested the Selectboardto address the issues.Chair Martone asked the Selectboard members if they add any more questions, comments and/or concerns?John Bond inquired if it was possible to adhere to the 911 System moving forward with new homes and maintain some of the existing numbers? He also said, If I heard right, the 911 addresses and mail addresses (USPS) may not be the same? He went on to comment that surprised him. This started in 1998, since that time an incredible amount of technology has been invented. It would seem to him that the 911 System could adapt to current situations with the existing technology so we could move forward with the enhanced 911 System while maintaining a lot of what we have now because we have enhanced capabilities to identify the caller. Mr. Hermanson acknowledged the technology is far more superior than it was five (5) years ago. The 911 Department does have the capabilities__________________________________________________________________________________________________Regular Selectboard MeetingMinutes Are ApprovedPage 9.January 25, 2021 to almost triangulate almost 90% of cell calls, as well as, activating a callers GPS. So that does help significantly. Unfortunately, part of the issue is there is still a lot of land lines out there, they do provide accurate information. The technology is definitely better; the 911 Department is following the National Standards, so there are certain things that we do have and certain things that we don’t have. For example, there is a mobile home park at 258 Fairground Road with roughly 14 mobile homes. If the 911 System was to receive a triangulation phone call, the way the 911 System works is to pick the closet address, in this case there is an address, but all the mobile homes are 258 Fairground Road. In the worst possible situation, the worst solution would be emergency personnel knocking on all the doors in the mobile home park to locate the patient.Mr. Hermanson stated there is a requirement in the National Standards the 911 department adhere to the already in place addresses and as a Town moves ahead use the National Standards through the 911 System. E-911 adopted the grandfather standards in 2012. However, there are certain areas, where because of the grandfathered standard the 911 System runs into issues. If there was unseen development that occurs, most commonly these days, is the conversions of garages into apartments. The 911 department mandates that any unique building requiring an address (commercial or residential) would have its own address. For example, on Plain Hill Road, between 2 and 4 Plain Hill Road there is a 2-1/2 Plain Hill Road. A whole home that does not have a whole number. It was established to be 2A, that causes quite a bit of an issue for the 911 and GPS Systems. When a letter is mixed in with numbers the 911 System would recognize 2A as 2. The 2A will not map correctly in a GPS System either. The 911 Standards allow for grandfathered standards as long as it is standardized OR it must be addressed within the national standards.Chair Martone read from the ZOOM Chat Box.Steve Karaffa noted the address has always been 2-1/2, not 2A Plain Hill Road.Mr. Hermanson commented that was not a whole number.Chip Stearns commented that Springfield has a singular Police and Fire response system under a onetax billing system. I am at 1366 Route 5. Find it!Steve Karaffa stated that they were told 2-1/2 Plain Hill Road was grandfathered in.Chair Martone announced that he would be taking comments from the ZOOM meeting attendees. He requested the participants to use the “Hand Raising Button” of the ZOOM system.Resident, Kathleen Karaffa commented that she lived at 2-1/2 Plain Hill Road. She went on to share when she moved to Springfield twenty-five (25) years ago, E911 came into the neighborhood a couple years later. She called the Town to see if they were looking into addresses. Mrs. Karaffa shared her 2-1/2 Plain Hill Road address and was told that her address was going to be grandfathered in. That phone call was before E911 existed. Mrs. Karaffa also shared when she lived in New York, her whole County went through E911. When it came to Main Street, NY, E911 just assigned numbers to the addresses and they were not in a consecutive order. Mrs. Karaffa commented in Springfield the numbers are designated to the left (evens) and to the right (odds), this is opposite of the 911 national standards. We are saying leave well enough alone. She also commented that she realizes 2-1/2 is going to be a problem. However, does everything need to change? Is it possible for only a few addresses to change rather than twenty-one (21) addresses? (She also acknowledged that won’t be easy for some neighbors.) Mrs. Karaffa questioned during the pandemic who was going to shoulder the financial burden for changing the deed and all the other necessary paperwork involved with address changes? All of this 911 changing was done without our knowledge. I was on the phone for four (4) straight days with Xfinity trying to explain to them that I did not move and our address was changed back to 2-1/2 Plain Hill Road. Thank You.Resident, Douglas Johnston inquired about the thought process behind the E-911 changes. Why do they want to make the whole loop Juniper Hill versus the three (3) (Plain Hill Road, Deer Run and Juniper Hill Road)? Mr. Hermanson referred back to the 911 national standards explaining the requested changes were to keep everything uniform. The standard is street/road names are only to change at an intersection of a road OR a municipal town line. In this case, there is not intersection, there is only one continuous loop. Mr. Johnston commented it really wouldn’t be too hard to make intersections and everyone could keep the same road/street names. __________________________________________________________________________________________________Regular Selectboard MeetingMinutes Are ApprovedPage 10.January 25, 2021Resident, Karen Johnston inquired if Kathy Karaffa’s question regarding the financial burden of changing property deeds and all the necessary paperwork involved with an address change could be answered? Mr. Hermanson said as far as items changing when an address change is made, the Town would be responsible for updating Town records, updating the legal homeowner stating the before and after address, updating the Post Office and 911. The homeowner would not have to do anything with the Post Office. The Post Office once notified by the Town would tie the old and new addresses together for a period of nine to twelve (9 – 12) months for forwarding purposes. All other utilities, etc. are the homeowner’s responsibility. The Town is also responsible for a new street/road sign. He also shared from his personal experience, that he didn’t have to do anything with the deed. His understanding was the deed gets updated at the next title transfer or property change of hands.Resident, Jeff Ballard asked why couldn’t two (2) Stop Signs be installed making intersections? Mr. Hermanson indicated that might be possible. When he thinks of intersections, they are 90- or 60-degree defined intersections. However, in this case it is just a curve. There is no right-away carved out for Plain Hill Road to go due North. It is theoretically possible to leave the street/road names as they are. Again, the addressing standard would be intersections or roads or municipal lines. George McNaughton noted that most deeds don’t go via addresses, either physical or mailing address, so I suppose there might be a deed some place where you might need to change a deed, but that would be unusual. He inquired if there was and will on the part of the Selectboard to actually make this change that was made earlier and then of making the three (3) roads/streets into one? If not, we could probably shorten this meeting by just saying, we are not going to do it.Resident, Douglas Johnston inquired if the number (address) goes with the building because we have a business in the same building as our residence? Mr. Hermanson stated if a detached building, maybe a garage, it would have its own address. If the business is within the building, that is where you would have a unit, suite or apartment associated with the address. That is an example of where the 2A address would be allowed.Resident, Patti Page inquired if the Town is going to change Plain Hill Road, Deer Run and Juniper Hill Road, did they plan on changing all the Town streets/roads that are connected, such as clement Road, Coolidge Road, Harlow Road, Hillcrest and Harvard? Mr. Hermanson noted there are a few already that he had flagged that are similar to this scenario. He believes that Garfield Avenue was one that popped up. There doesn’t seem to be any distinction when it changes into Lamson Avenue. Yes, there are a few others and they would fall under the same category. Resident, Jeff Ballard shared that at both ends of Deer Run there are roads with approximately 90 degree turns. If a person was to go straight up Juniper Hill Road, past Jason Pierce’s house, there are hundreds of acres of land owned by Tim Hutchinson. Mr. Hutchinson also owens property at the top of Plain Hill Road. The driveway continues past Deer Run, past Kevin Anderson’s house. Recently, Mr. Hutchinson sold one of those lots up there. Mr. Ballard commented in his opinion it would make the most sense, that if there was a possibility the acreage would be developed, the Town leave the roads/streets the way they are now.Resident, Bruce Czwakiel commented that he agreed with Mr. Ballard. He also commented that he honestly doesn’t believe Mr. Hermanson understands the intersections that he is discussing tonight. These intersections are very close to being ninety (90) degree turns. Installing Stop Signs would be the most logical thing if the Town even wants to spend the money. We are talking about houses that have been here for fifty (50) years. Over that time, technology has gone from the post office to goggle maps. Mr. Czwakiel doesn’t believe that these houses can’t be found. These are fifty (50) year old in place houses; we are not building new houses! The technology is getting better by the day, GPS can locate within feet. My next question is for the Selectboard. He asked the Selectboard Members where were the checks and balances that in a pandemic my 911 address can be changed without notification and cause possible stress. There are people in this neighborhood that are approaching ninety (90) years old that could have had medical issues and would not have had services because the 911 addresses were changed without notification. Again, I ask where are the checks and balances! Chair Martone read from the ZOOM Chat Box.Kevin Anderson asked if the three (3) roads could be grandfathered in and kept the same.Jenna Veysey asked if a Stop Sign could be installed at the intersection.__________________________________________________________________________________________________Regular Selectboard MeetingMinutes Are ApprovedPage 11.January 25, 2021Steve Karaffa asked if all three (3) roads become one road, will all the similar streets/roadsbe changed throughout the Town?Kevin Anderson commented that Deer Run needs a Stop Sign installed.MOTION:George McNaughton moved that Plain Hill Road, Deer Run and Juniper Hill Road namesbe grandfathered as they are now and all of the actions changing the road names withoutthe approval of the Selectboard be rescinded. In addition, the Selectboard will form a committee to review the issues raised by 911.Seconded by: John Bond.Kristi Morris said he understood what Mr. McNaughton’s motion is, but he is not sure why there needs to be a committee formed. The Selectboard has the authority change roads, the E911 and the P&Z Administrator recommend action on the other problem areas, other than Plain Hill Road, Deer Run and Juniper Hill Road. I am in favor with the first part of the motion, but not necessarily the entire motion.George McNaughton quickly agreed to drop the second part of the motion if Mr. Bond would agree the same. John Bond indicated he would do the same.AMENDEDMOTION:George McNaughton moved that Plain Hill Road, Deer Run and Juniper Hill Road namesbe grandfathered as they are now.Seconded by: John Bond.Chair Martone explained there was a process already in place that the Selectboard was supposed to be following. The Town should be re-visiting our Town Ordinances and making the necessary and appropriate changes to our ordinances in order to comply with the 911 requirements. He actually asked the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) if they had a model ordinance. They did not, but suggested contacting other Towns that have already adopted ordinances that comply with 911. Chair Martone stated that he really felt that the Selectboard should go through our ordinance process first. The Selectboard has already rescinded that 911 orders that were done. The ordinance process involves an ordinance committee meeting(s) and includes the opportunity for public input for any of the homeowners to testify. There would be a Public Hearing before any action would be taken. Therefore, is the reason provided why I will probably be voting against the motion because I feel we should be using the ordinance adoption process.George McNaughton commented that he would have to disagree with Chair Martone because it looks like the 911 System has a lot of problems to be resolved. He thinks the residents of Plain Hill Road, Deer Run and Juniper Hill Road deserve an answer tonight.John Bond agrees with Mr. McNaughton and the Selectboard should settle this tonight for the residents. Mr. Bond also commented he has read the current ordinance and it was confusing and should be updated.Vice-Chair Martin questioned if the motion was necessary because the Interim Town Manager, Frank Heald and the P&Z Administrator already agreed to rescind the previous 911 order. The ordinance states the Selectboard has the authority to change street/road names, we didn’t change any of the names.George McNaughton stated he felt we needed to put this topic to rest. We have a lot of residences upset. They have invested money for addresses, maybe some businesses too. Changing residents addresses like this; it doesn’t work like this. By taking no action is still in their favor, but they need to know that we aren’t going to turn around at the next Selectboard meeting and change it again. We need a resolution that just say “no” this time.Kristi Morris commented he was going to say what Vice-Chair Martin said verbatim. He is not sure a motion is necessary. He is certainly sensitive to the residence in the Pedden Acres area of the three (3) roads. He also understands Mr. McNaughton’s request to solidify the topic. He also believes that the Selectboard cannot authorize future Selectboards into not changing street/road names at another time. The Selectboard cannot create legislation to prevent future changes. This could come up in the future again and can be changed. He commented if he__________________________________________________________________________________________________Regular Selectboard MeetingMinutes Are ApprovedPage 12.January 25, 2021understood correctly, the streets/roads remain as they were before this problem came up. The Town has rescinded the address change order remaining the same as they were. Which kind of sounds to me like the motion is not necessary.P&Z Administrator Vondle commented rescinding the address change order was only temporary. According to the States 911 national standards there cannot be “run on streets/roads”. She is concerned that these changes will be necessary.Vice-Chair Martin inquired if the P&Z Administrator confirmed that the Post Office and E911 knew the Town had rescinded the order and that they would restore everything back to the original street/road names and numbers. The P&Z Administrator confirmed that she did. Vice-Chair Martin noted during the discussion he heard some of the residents speak about the possibility of future development past the Plain Hill Road. He had gone online to a website called “Parcel Viewer” and could see the potential for development at the end of Plain Hill Road. Vice-Chair Martin commented at some time it would make perfect sense to re-number the addresses of Plain Hill Road and eliminate 2-1/2. That would be the logical thing to do. He did comment that he was not sure everyone on Juniper Hill Road should be affected by it. He didn’t understand how Deer Run ever became a road unless someone built a house there and liked looking at the deer, clearly that should have been an extension of Juniper Hill Road. He thought the Selectboard received the technical advice from the P&Z Administrator and E911 for re-addressing streets/roads and houses. They should present the information to the Selectboard in an open session. The Selectboard should be adopting the re-addressing of streets/roads. This was fumbled rollout and all parties involved are sincerely sorry. Vice-Chair Martin doesn’t think we need to take any action tonight.John Bond said that he believed Ms. Vondle say the rescinding of the 911 order was temporary. He also said he agreed with Mr. McNaughton that the Selectboard needed to make a definitive change tonight.Chair Martone read from the ZOOM Chat Box.Resident, Steve Karaffa commented that Mrs. Vondle said the change was only temporary. Please,we would like a decision tonight.Resident, Jenna Veysey asked who can make a decision about installing signs? Why isn’t this a viableoption?Resident, Steve Karaffa inquired shouldn’t the residents receive a notification of the proposedchanges? If the address and streets are all changed to Juniper Hill Road, then there are manyof the same changes would need to be changed in Town. This would be a hardship for manyresidents.Resident, Kevin Anderson asked again if the three (3) roads could be grandfathered.Mr. Hermanson commented with the potential to have Plain Hill Road developed, that would make an actual intersection. With that being said, I would leave Plain Hill Road alone. Someone mentioned why Deer Run is even a road. He commented should the development happen, Deer Run would be absorbed into Juniper Hill Road. This would be a viable solution. Mr. Hermanson wanted to read and share what the E911 actual road addressing standards said. “Road names shall change whenever there is a substantial intersection OR Town boundary”.Resident, Jeff Ballard shared that Juniper Hill Road had the same potential for development as Plain Hill Road. He said, beyond Jason Pierce’s property is more land owned by Mr. Hutchinson. He owns property at the top of Pedden Acres (Plain Hill Road, Deer Run and Juniper Hill Road) all the way to the end of Pelky Road, basically parallel to the power line. Mr. Hutchinson also own land just about down to the Carley Road, but I can’t confirm all the way to the Carley Road or not. Mr. Ballard commented there are hundreds of acres that could potentially be developed.Vice-Chair Martin said he thought Mr. Ballard has made some good points as to why the Town might want to renumber and rename roads. The 2-1/2 address just doesn’t seem like a good idea, but it probably was a good solution at the time. Certainly, it is not consistent with modern naming and if there is going to be a change, the Plain Hill Road should be re-numbered to provide for the possibility of future development. If something else happens on Deer Run and Juniper Hill Road, later down the road so be it. Vice-Chair Martin commented he felt the Town should be looking at all of these issues, and coming out with a plan to rollout possible changes.__________________________________________________________________________________________________Regular Selectboard MeetingMinutes Are ApprovedPage 13.January 25, 2021Resident, Kevin Anderson commented to Mr. Hermanson that everyone has listened to a lot of hypothetical situations. Can the three (3) roads just be grandfathered in? Mr. Anderson said he understood that there are some numbering issues to resolved.Mr. Hermanson replied Yes, as long as it is passed by the motion of the Town’s Selectboard. I mentioned earlier, whole numbers are used for addressing, each building has its own address, there is an odd and even scheme to each road and everything is in sequence. There are guidelines for grandfathered roads.Roll Call Vote: Vice-Chair, Michael Martin-No, Kristi Morris-Yes, George McNaughton-Yes,John Bond-Yes and Chair, Walter Martone-YesVote: 4 Yes, 1 No (Vice-Chair, Michael Martin)Chair Martone inquired if the Selectboard wanted to send an assignment to the Ordinance Committee to review the current Road Naming Ordinance and E911 National Standard requirement. Recommends for possible updates/changes would be forward to the Selectboard for consideration.MOTION:John Bond moved that the Ordinance Committee review and revise the current Road NamingOrdinance.Seconded by: Vice-Chair, Michael Martin.George McNaughton inquired of John Bond if he was talking about reviewing and revising the Road Naming Ordinance moving forward or was, he considering it was going to be Retroactive? John Bond replied he was talking reviewing and revising the current Road Naming Ordinance to comply with the E911 requirements moving forward. George McNaughton asked why the Selectboard would want to limit their authority for naming streets/roads. He commented that probably the 911 was going to change. John Bond said he was suggesting the current Road Naming Ordinance be reviewed and revised, he was not proposing to limit the authority of the Selectboard. George McNaughton commented he didn’t understand why this needs to be done. The Selectboard has the sole authority to name streets/roads. Vice-Chair Martin pointed out Section 20.51 of the current Road Naming ordinance. The ordinance says 25 feet; the 911 National Standard requirements say 5.26 feet. Clearly our ordinance is out of step with the E911 guidelines. The purpose of the ordinance review is not necessarily to take authority away from the Selectboard, to make the ordinance compliant with the State Codes as well. Kristi Morris said that Vice-Chair Martin just explained what I was thinking. We are not looking to take away any authority from the Selectboard. We are looking for an ordinance that is going to a line itself with E911 addressing requirements and appropriately designated as a governance moving forward.Chair Martone read from the ZOOM Chat BoxResident, Bruce Czwakiel requested that the Selectboard PLEASE put into place a Checks &Balances procedure so people’s addresses cannot be changed without notice. Especially in the911 System.Chair Martone guaranteed that addressed would not be changed without the proper notification. He explainedthat a mistake had been made on the part of the Town. In the future the Town will proceed using the Ordinance process. There will be advance notice, Public Hearings and open meetings with the Selectboard whenever a change is made.Kristi Morris echoed Chair Martone’s comments. Mr. Morris said the Checks & Balances are why we are all meeting on this topic tonight. A letter was sent out rescinding the 911 order and an apology letter included because the Town’s existing guidance and authority was not followed. That has been corrected and that is exactly why we are here tonight. This is the Checks & Balances; we are letting the public know we are going to follow the guidelines. The streets/roads are going to remain the same as they are named right now. The Town will review and probably update our ordinance moving forward.Chair Martone said whenever a street/road name is changed, it will be done in a public meeting. This will provide an opportunity for the public to participate.__________________________________________________________________________________________________Regular Selectboard MeetingMinutes Are ApprovedPage 14.January 25, 2021Chair Martone asked for public comment. There was none.Roll Call Vote: Vice-Chair, Michael Martin-Yes, Kristi Morris-Yes, George McNaughton-NoJohn Bond-Yes and Chair, Walter Martone-Yes.Vote: 4 Yes & 1 No (George McNaughton)Chair Martone stated the Town will make sure all of you are notified of the Ordinance Committee meetings. The Town has the email addresses for people living on Plain Hill Road, Deer Run and Juniper Hill Road. If there is anyone else who would like to be notified of the Ordinance Committee meetings, please contact Donna Hall at the Town Office. Ms. Hall’s email address is toshr@ or you may call the Town Office and ask for her by name.Chair Martone thanked everyone for attending the Selectboard Meeting and apologized again for the confusion.ITEM #3: Approval of Town Warrant.A copy of the Town Warrant was provided in the Selectboard Packets. Town Clerk, Barbara Courchesne, commented she had the original warrant for signatures. MOTION:Vice-Chair, Michael Martin moved to sign the Annual Town Meeting Warrant as presented by the Town Clerk.Seconded by: Kristi Morris.Vote: 5 Yes, passed unanimously.ITEM #4: Southern Windsor/Windam Counties Solid Waste Management District Representative Appointment – Jeff Mobus. The Town of Springfield, VT needs a Springfield Representative to serve on the Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste Management District. As the new Town Manager, Jeff Mobus, has graciously agreed to fill the appointment.MOTION:Kristi Morris moved to appoint Jeff Mobus to complete a one-year term on the Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste Management District as a Representative for the Town of Springfield ending in March 2021.Seconded by: George McNaughton.Vote: 5 Yes, passed unanimously.ITEM #5: Public Works Department – Upgrading Position.Superintendent of Water/Wastewater, Rick Chambers explained there will be an open position in the Public Works Department due to an employee retiring. The position is a Maintenance Worker I, or Laborer. The PW Director, Jeff Strong and himself are requesting to upgrade the position to a Maintenance Worker II/Vacuum Truck Operator. The Maintenance Worker I position does not.Kristi Morris inquired if there was a person for this position or does the Town need to advertise for help. PW Director Strong wanted the Selectboard to know that the gentlemen that is retiring worked for the Town a very long time. Even though the Maintenance Worker II/Vacuum Truck Operator is a higher classification, for the first couple of years there is the potential the position will cost the Town less money. PW Director Strong commented should the Selectboard approve the requested position the Public Works Union Contract requires the position to be posted inhouse before advertising to the public. I believe there are a couple of inhouse employees who may be interested in the position. Kristi Morris asked a follow up question. Mr. Morris wanted to know if an inhouse employee was selected and accepted would the Public Works Department fill that position. PW Director Strong commented he was hoping that would be the case.Vote: 5 Yes, passed unanimously.F.TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT:Interim Town Manager, Frank Heald, complimented the Selectboard, BAC and Administration. Complimented, Parks & Recreation Director, Andrew Bladyka. He touched briefly on the highlights of the Town Manager Report. Please note the whole Town Manager’s Report has been inserted in the Meeting Minutes of January 25, 2021.__________________________________________________________________________________________________Regular Selectboard MeetingMinutes Are ApprovedPage 15.January 25, 2021- The budget negotiations have been concluded and the warrant articles are ready for the ballot and the annual report. - The Selectboard & Town Manager’s FY2019-2020 annual report is complete.- Discussions are underway with SAPA-TV for the technical arrangements for Town Meeting.- A contract to repair the water damage to the Town Manager’s Office and the Town Clerk’s Office has been signed with All Seasons Construction for $4,617.- Springfield On the Move, SOM, has begun lighting Comtu Falls at the Park Street Bridge. Funding for installation was generously provided by HB Energy, Mascoma Bank and Lawrence & Wheeler Insurance. SOM anticipates adding several more lights in February. - Renovation of the commercial spaces in the Woolson Block should be complete by the end of January. If reno- vation personnel have finished their work, SOM is planning to host a livestreamed tour of the spaces on February 1, 2021 at 9:00 AM via FACEBOOK. There’s interest in several of the spaces for both long-term Leases and short-term pop-up businesses.- The Parks & Recreation Department has reopened for limited use under strict COVID-19 guidelines.- The land and structures at 396 Massey Road acquired in a tax sale has been sold by sealed bids for $20,123.- The Springfield Police Department welcomes officers Ryan Clark & Vincent Franchi as they begin their service with the Town of Springfield. Efforts to attract additional candidates are ongoing.- The Town has recently hired Chris Palamar, currently working full-time with Public Works, to serve part-time as a Code Enforcement Officer.- Selectboard Chair, Walter Martone and Interim Town Manager, Frank Heald, will be guests on Puggy’s Corner, next Tuesday at 1:00 PM on SAPA-TV. G.FUTURE AGENDA ITEM PROPOSALS:George McNaughton stated now the 2021 – 2022 Town Budget was finished he would like to discuss the Transfer Station/Recycling Center. He commented specifically the topic of “Weight” versus “Volume” of the Trash Bags”. He also commented the “Fees” needed to be reviewed.Kristi Morris, Chair Martone, Vice-Chair Martin and John Bond did not request any future agenda items. MITTEE REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:Library Director, Sue Dowdell, shared that the Library has received a RISE Grant and has purchased twelve (12) pairs of snowshoes to lend out. Please call the Library at 885-3108 for more details. I.OTHER MINUTES & CORRESPONDENCE:1. Development Review Board Minutes – January 12, 2021.2. Police Department – Incident Analysis Report – December 2020.3. Town Library Strategic Plan – 2020 - Action Items Accomplished.4. Town Library Strategic Plan - 4. Town Library Board of Trustees Minutes – January 12, 2021.5. Springfield Housing Authority Minutes – January 12, 2021.Chair Martone read out loud the OTHER MINUTES & CORRESPONDENCE. Copies of this information may be found on the Town’s website or picked up at the Town Manager’s Office.J.CITIZEN’S COMMENTS:NoneK.ADJOURN:MOTION:George McNaughton moved to end the meeting.Seconded by: John BondVote: 5 Yes, passed unanimously.The meeting ended at 9:39 PM.Submitted by: Donna M. Hall, Recording Clerk__________________________________________________________________________________________________Regular Selectboard MeetingMinutes Are ApprovedPage 16.January 25, 2021 ................
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