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Select Board unanimously approves placing KLPA watershed study warrant article on Town Meeting ballot
Summary
The Springfield Select Board voted unanimously to place a warrant article requesting a KLPA-funded watershed study for Kolelemook Lake on the Town Meeting warrant after reviewing state reimbursement procedures and requiring KLPA to provide a one‑page summary for voters.
The Springfield Select Board voted unanimously on Jan. 21 to place a warrant article authorizing a KLPA watershed study for Kolelemook Lake on the Town Meeting ballot after reopening a hearing continued from Jan. 16.
The hearing focused on how invoices and interest related to the study would be handled. Janet Roberts explained that the Town would pay engineering bills and any interest from its checking account, submit those paid invoices and quarterly reports to the State for reimbursement, and then be reimbursed by the State. She said those payments are routine financial functions and are not part of the Town’s operating budget, and cautioned that office staff are already stretched thin and recommended that KLPA actively monitor project milestones so the Town can receive state funds.
Chair Steve Dzubak and Vice Chair Amy Lewis discussed timing and proof-of-payment requirements; Lewis noted that the State typically requires evidence that an invoice has been paid before releasing reimbursement. Amy Lewis also asked whether KLPA had already contracted an engineering firm; Steve Dolan said KLPA has not yet solicited bids and described FB Environmental as a firm experienced with the program.
Jennifer Roberts asked how projects are scored for the grant program; Dolan said the program uses a 100-point scale divided into five categories (20 points each) and that an approved warrant article would earn 10 of the possible 20 points in one category. He added the watershed study would produce an actionable list of projects that could strengthen future grant applications to address Kolelemook Lake’s health.
Dzubak moved to bring the warrant article, as drafted, to Town Meeting; Amy Lewis seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The board also asked KLPA to prepare a one‑page summary describing the program, the warrant article request, and the Town’s financial and reimbursement flow; the summary will be posted on the Town website and made available at Town Meeting. Board members said KLPA should have a designated speaker at Town Meeting and recommended scheduling the item early in the session because it requires a 3/5 vote and the moderator may keep polls open an additional hour if needed.
The hearing adjourned at 6:12 p.m. The Select Board then opened its regular meeting at 6:13 p.m.
