Conservation commission seeks board permission to install seasonal amphibian-reptile crossing signs

A member of Middletown Springs’ Conservation Commission requested Select Board approval to purchase and install seasonal wildlife-crossing signs at several town locations to warn drivers during spring migration of amphibians, turtles and other wildlife.

The conservation member said the commission has budgeted funds and showed a sign design created by Nelson Hernandez. She said the plan calls for eight corrugated‑plastic yard signs placed at four identified locations (two signs per crossing, one per direction) for the migration season (late March through early June). She gave a per‑sign cost estimate of about $20 and presented a rough materials total of about $160 for eight signs. The member asked whether the town would pay vendors directly or whether volunteers could be reimbursed if they paid out of pocket; the treasurer explained the town typically prefers to receive invoices billed to the town or to process a reimbursement with an S‑3 tax form and noted the town account at Staples could be used to avoid tax.

Board members raised a procedural point: signs placed on state highways may be restricted and should be placed outside the state right‑of‑way; staff encouraged the commission to get estimates that include invoicing options and to ask local vendors whether they will invoice the town directly.