http://www.vermontjournal.com/content/john-swanson-says-goodbye-springfield-select-board
John Swanson Says Goodbye To Springfield Select Board
Submitted by VT Journal on Fri, 03/02/2012 - 3:13pm
By
Cindy Johnson
SPRINGFIELD, VT -After six years of service to the Town of Springfield John Swanson gave-up his seat on the Springfield Select Board last night. He wanted to thank the voters of Springfield for the opportunity to serve on the Board of Selectman. He said it was an exciting six years in Springfield and he hopes the excitement and growth continues in the future. He wishes the next occupant of his seat all the luck in the world.
The first order of business was to approve the Airport Commission Minutes of November 28, 2011,the Springfield Housing Authority Minutes of February 14, 2012,the Water/Wastewater Departments Monthly Reports of January 2012, the Springfield Housing Authority Minutes of February 14, 2012, andthe Water/Wastewater Departments Monthly Reports of January 2012. These reports are available for viewing at the town office.
The Board approved a permit for the Honeycut family to conduct a fund raising hike on Toonerville Trail to raise money for the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Springfield MA.
Town Energy CoordinatorsJohn Pugh and Mary Ann Remolador gave an update and asked for questions on the report they had submitted to the Board on converting the town’s present streets lights to LED lights. Coordinators convinced Efficiency Vermont (EV) to change grant structure so Central Vermont pays Efficiency Vermont directly so there is no upfront money from the town--as long as the town works within the EV plan. Coordinators drove around town and compared Central Vermont’s lighting map to actual lighting and found some discrepancies. In 2010 GPS was used to update town map of existing light system. Based on their check the committee would like to reduce lighting in some spots. Current street light numbers are at 499. Existing streetlights are rented from CVPS with rental costs over $95,000 to the town. LED lighting grant from Efficiency Vermont should reduce the cost to $69,000 saving the town $25,000 and almost about 200, 000 kilowatt-hours. Board Member Michael Knoras said he had heard nothing but positive comments about the LED test lights already installed in town. The Board unanimously passed a motion to convert few remaining town-owed lights from sodium to LED with the town paying upfront and Efficiency Vermont reimbursing the town. John Pugh further suggested that some lights may be left off during the conversion to see if there is feedback or complaints from town’s people. He further emphasized the need for citizens to inform the town when necessary lights have gone out.
Spencer Hollow School has been nominated for the National Register of Historic Places.
Select board members sign an appreciation certificate for Springfield 250 Anniversary committee volunteers saying, “many people and organizations contributed their time and talent to insure that the town of Springfield had a proper celebration of its 250th anniversary”. Select Board wanted to acknowledge some contributors to the celebration: John Swanson, Chairman, Jenny Anderson, Christine Boardman, Carol Cole, Bob Flint,Cathy Howland, Marita Johnson, Carol Knight, Paul Putnam (Deceased), Eleanor Rice, David Shuffleburg, and Emily Stringham.
Dan Ingold of Weston Solutions introduced himself to the Board and talked briefly about The North Springfield Sustainable Energy Project. The process of Winstanley/Weston experts working out details with Public Service Hearing Board experts should take 6 months to a year. He re-iterated the open door policy of Tuesdays and Thursdays every week from 2PM to 6PM at his office at 36 Precision Dr. in the North Springfield Industrial Park. Mr. Ingold reminded the Board that the thermal loop portion of the project will come before the town Design Review Board; and that Mr. Ingold would be approaching the Board again for water and wastewater permits as the process continues. He stated that he would like to see at least 2 or 3 more public meetings on the project as the process continues.
The Board approved the renewing of 1st class restaurant licenses for Sunshine LLC doing business as Hole In The Hill and Black Rock Steak House Inc. doing business as Black Rock Steak House; 1st class cabaret licenses for Springfield Bowl Inc. doing business as Springfield Bowl and KJ Investment Limited doing business as KJ’s Place; a 1st class club license for the Loyal Order of Moose #679; 2nd class club licenses for Brock Inc. doing business as Shaw’s Beer and Wine, and Penguin Market doing business as Penguin Market; and tobacco licenses for KJ Investment Limited doing business as KJ’s Place and Penguin Market doing business as Penguin Market.
Next Monday night is Town Meeting night. The meeting will be held at the Springfield High School Cafeteria starting at 7:30 p.m.. Voting will be at Riverside Middle School the next day. Hardcopies of the down report went out last week and Town Comptroller Jeff Mobus urged all citizens to review it. A copy of the report and the warrant is available on-line under town documents at the Town website at http://springfieldvt.govoffice2.com/.
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