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Selectmen authorize legal action over shoreland buffer violation; septic compliance and lake protections discussed
Summary
The board directed town counsel to begin legal action after a property owner failed to appear regarding a Notice of Violation for construction within the 100‑foot Shoreland Overlay buffer. Health and zoning staff also flagged other septic issues and proposed a lake septic‑maintenance zone.
The Springfield Board of Selectmen voted July 22 to begin legal action concerning an outstanding shoreland buffer violation after the property owner, Tyler Rowley, did not appear at the meeting.
Zoning Coordinator and Health Officer Tim Bray told the board that a Notice of Violation was issued to Rowley on June 18 for constructing a stairway within the 100‑foot Shoreland Conservation Overlay District buffer (Article IV, Section 4.21 of the Springfield Zoning Ordinance). Bray said the state Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) has opened a related case, file #2024‑01491, on a separate shoreline violation (Tony Dopazo). Bray said Rowley was given 90 days to comply with the notice (deadline Sept. 18) and a procedural window to apply to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for a variance; the board set a July 23 instruction to begin legal action with Attorney Johnston if compliance was not achieved.
Bray also reported other septic‑system concerns in town: Andre Keplar on Winding Woods Road appears to be renting while a damaged septic outflow pipe remains; Bray said a licensed installer must repair the system before the property can be rented. Dennis George had a septic tank pumped (1,250 gallons) and the Health Officer found no odor on inspection. Bray proposed creating a designated zone around Kolelemook Lake with stricter septic maintenance (pump every two to three years or similar), and said he will bring a formal zoning amendment proposal for the board to consider.
Selectmen did not vote to litigate at a recorded roll call with a named mover/second beyond the board’s recorded decision to proceed with legal counsel effective July 23; Attorney Johnston was identified as the contact for the matter. The board voted, separately, to accept the Zoning Coordinator/Health Officer reports as part of the meeting record.
