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Laura Moreau, Supervisor
lmoreau@springfield-twp.us
(248) 846-6502
April 15, 2024
Welcome Fire Chief Matt Covey
Springfield Township is very fortunate to welcome Fire Chief Matthew Covey to our Fire Department family. Earlier this year, the Township Board interviewed three excellent candidates for the vacant chief position. Matt Covey was an early standout since he has been a resident of Springfield Township for 23 years and already served as Fire Chief for one of the largest fire departments in Oakland County. In addition to his outstanding experience serving on the Waterford Fire Department for 33 years, Chief Covey’s exceptional leadership qualities, focus on continuous improvement, and commitment to teamwork and collaboration ultimately demonstrated he is the right fit to lead our Fire Department.
I had the honor of formally introducing Matt Covey and administering the firefighter oath at the Township Board meeting on April 11. To see the ceremony, click here for the meeting video – select the agenda item in the Index Points or advance to 1:45 in the recording.
Springfield Township Fire Department members received an Achievement in Excellence Award from the Oakland County Medical Control Authority for their outstanding work on a difficult call earlier this year. This well-deserved recognition is just one example of the remarkable dedication, professionalism, and teamwork displayed by our Department members each and every day in their service to our community.
Pictured left to right in the photo are Rebecca Benedict, Earl Colloto, Kayla Harless, Lt. Randy Harless, Cory Strickland, Andre Willis, Kayla Jo Miner, Griffen Watts, Capt. Matt Strickland, Naomi Baksa, and Dr. Steve McGraw of Medical Control. Sgt. Jonathan Miner also was recognized for this award but is not pictured.
Jimmy John’s coming to Springfield Town Square
Residents will soon have another quick-service dining option on Dixie Highway. Jimmy John’s will join Dunkin and Wing Snob in the third and final unit at the outlot building in front of Kroger. The build out is already underway so watch for the grand opening soon.
Spring Clean-Up – Saturday, May 11
The Township Spring Clean-Up Day is held the second Saturday in May at the Springfield Oaks Activity Center from 8 a.m. to noon. This event is free for Springfield Township residents and property owners. Proof of residency or property ownership is required.
Available on site will be free paper shredding, tire collection, appliance and metal recycling, and general waste disposal. See this flyer for more information and a list of items not accepted.
Friends of the Library Book & Bake Sale – May 1 to 4
The Friends of the Springfield Township Library will host their spring Used Book & Bake Sale Wednesday, May 1 through Saturday, May 4. The May 1 pre-sale day is for Friends members only; if you’re not a Friend yet but you want first chance at the best finds, memberships will be sold at the door. Stop in for used books and freshly baked delights! For more information, visit the Library website here.
Register Now for Tacos To-Go
Pick up dinner for the whole family on May 2 at Parks & Recreation’s Tacos To-Go. Each meal is $10 and includes two beef tacos with soft shells and toppings, lime cilantro rice, black beans, and two snickerdoodle cookies. A drive thru area will be set up by the Hart Community Center kitchen door for pick up between 4:30 and 6pm. Meals are pre-order only and registration closes May 1.
See this flyer for more information and click here to register.
Margaret Tippen Memorial Walk Featured in Safety Magazine
On September 7, 2022, Margaret Tippen was struck and killed while taking her daily walk on Kier Road in Springfield Township. The following September, the Margaret Tippen Memorial Walk was held to raise awareness for pedestrian safety and commemorate Margaret Tippen.
Margaret’s daughter Erin Hoffman and husband Dave Hoffman proposed the idea for a walk during a meeting with me and Township Board Trustee Bill Whitley in early 2023. This initial meeting launched a community-wide planning effort with the help of Township staff, Springfield Township Fire Department, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, Road Commission for Oakland County, and Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG).
The event was a tremendous success and hundreds of citizens participated in the two-mile walk that included portions of Bridge Lake and Kier Roads along Margaret’s daily route. The positive impact of this event inspired SEMCOG to feature the walk in their new magazine, Putting Safety First. See the feature and learn more about SEMCOG’s transportation safety plan through this link to the magazine online.
February 23, 2024
Mill Pond Dam Project Update
Since my last update, the Mill Pond Dam Project team – Oakland County Parks & Recreation and Springfield Township, in partnership with the Road Commission and our construction and engineering team – has made significant progress, even within our record-setting January precipitation.
The good news is after unexpected delays with the culvert – materials and supply issues and those unprecedented weather conditions – we ARE entering the final phase of the culvert installation and roadway preparation. This is a significant step closer to a road stream crossing that will serve the community for 100 years or more, a natural flowing waterway, improved pedestrian safety and walkability, and a welcoming, immersive landscape along the stream.
This week, our engineering contractor Anglin began removing sheet piling and backfilling the culvert. A temporary concrete surface will be installed in the disturbed area during the first week of March to allow the road to open to traffic – weather permitting, the road open date is set for March 11.
The stream corridor restoration also will start in early March and final roadway improvements and asphalt paving of the full project area will take place in late spring. The final result fulfills the vision to have a fully resurfaced Davisburg Road from Eaton Road to Bridge Lake Road.
I would like to thank you for your patience embracing positive change, navigating detours, and learning of construction delays during this significant and transformational project. Our collaborative goal always has been to provide you with the best Springfield Township can offer.
If you would like more information on the project progression, we have developed a detailed project summary available here, and a Q&A from questions we have answered or concerns we have heard, which can be found here.
So again, I thank you for your patience. We look forward to celebrating this project’s completion when the stream corridor is fully restored this summer. Until then, my door continues to be open so I can address your questions and/or concerns one-on-one.
In Service,
Laura Moreau
Springfield Township Supervisor
November 17, 2023
On November 22, our Springfield Township Fire Department will again host a Thanksgiving dinner giveaway for families in need. Each dinner includes a turkey, stuffing, and fixings to prepare a full holiday feast.
Dinners are available to the first 400 families. Those interested should call the Fire Department at 248-625-6699 to schedule an appointment. Pick-ups take place Wednesday, November 22 from 9am to 2pm at Fire Station 2, 10280 Rattalee Lake Road.
This wonderful service project is supported by generous donations from the community and through the sponsorship of Metro Food Rescue and Ally.
Bring the whole family to Downtown Davisburg on December 1 for an evening of fun and festivities!
The fun starts at 4pm—Pick up pizza at the food truck, enjoy cookies and hot cocoa, make an ornament for the tree, decorate a Christmas cookie, and stroll to the local stores for more refreshments and holiday shopping!
The tree lights up at 7pm—Sing carols and gather ‘round as we light up the tree for the first time at the corner of Broadway and Eaton!
Click here for details and see you on December 1!
Reserve your spot today for a visit with Santa!
Families will receive one 5x7 photo with Santa and additional photos can be purchased. Kiddos also can bring their letters to Santa to place in a special mailbox for delivery to the North Pole!
The event will be inside the newly renovated Hart Community Center at 495 Broadway. Be sure to register in advance as no onsite sales will be available the day of the event. More information here.
Santa Claus is coming to Springfield Township Library!
Dress up in your holiday finest or come as you are to sing along with the jolly old elf and Mrs. Claus, and listen to an entertaining Christmas tale. Have your photo taken with the couple, present your Christmas wishes, then make-and-take a tree ornament.
If you are able, please consider bringing canned or packaged food items to donate to our Community Pantry. Remember to check out a book or two before you go home! Find more information and a link to register here.
October 16, 2023
Check out the October special events for Kids, Teens, and Adults!
Davisburg Oktoberfest
THIS SUNDAY, October 22Come to downtown Davisburg this Sunday for an Oktoberfest celebration in the street!
At the Biergarten, grab a beer and watch the game! Ziffel’s Schnitzel und Brats will be in town to serve up some traditional German and Bavarian favorites like soft pretzels, bratwurst, and schnitzel.
The event features our downtown retail shops – Simply Rescued, Maria’s Market, and Serenity Grace Boutique. Plus, special pop-up vendors selling pottery, antiques & upcycling, art & collectibles, candles, jewelry, Michigan & local products, and more.
Davisburg Road will be closed from downtown to Mill Pond Park. Parking is available north of town off Eaton or south of town off Andersonville. Find directions and more event info here.
Tricks! Treats! Trail!
THIS SATURDAY, October 21
It will be a spooktacular time at the happily haunted Shiawassee Basin Preserve Ballfield trail!
Participants will “trick or treat” through the trail and enjoy special kid’s activities, family fun games, and much more. Pre-registration is required and will close on Friday, October 20 at 4pm.
Find more info or get registered through these links.
It’s TeenTober at the Library!
NOW through October 31
Did you know there’s a month-long celebration of teen services in libraries called TeenTober?
Teens can head in to the Springfield Township Library to participate in many fun events throughout the month! Starting today through October 31, there is a pint-sized zombie on the loose in the Teen Corner just waiting to be found. Find the zombie and take it to the front desk to claim a prize—FREE CANDY!
Also coming up during TeenTober is a Take-and-Make Halloween/Fall Craft (Oct 23-28), Pizza & Board Games night (Oct 24), a Percy Jackson Book Set Giveaway (drawings Oct 16, 23, and 30), and a family friendly Halloween Carnival (Oct 28). Stop in the Library or check here for more information.
September 15, 2023
Memorial Walk Planned for September 30
September 7 marked the one-year anniversary of the tragic death of Springfield Township resident, Margaret Tippen. Margaret was taking her morning walk when she was struck and killed by a driver who fell asleep while traveling 43 mph on Kier Road. Margaret’s family, led by her daughter Erin Hoffman and husband Dave Hoffman, want to see that nothing like this happens again.
Erin contacted me in February to discuss what can be done to lower speed limits on gravel roads and efforts we can make as a community to raise awareness for pedestrian safety. Erin is familiar with gravel roads having grown up in Springfield in a neighborhood off Bridge Lake Road. She now lives in Independence Township with her husband on Allen Road, another highly trafficked gravel road. Erin stated in her initial email to me that, “The dirt roads in both Independence and Springfield Townships are not farmlands with two families every mile, they truly are neighborhoods where many families walk and bike to enjoy the area.” The Springfield Township Board agrees with this viewpoint and is greatly concerned for safety on our rural roads. In the absence of sidewalks, residents of Springfield Township use local and primary gravel roads for walking, running, dog walking, and bicycling. Further, many of our roads have narrow lanes, curves, hills, and poor sight distance.
In our initial meeting with Margaret Tippen’s family, we discussed ideas for public outreach, improved road signage, and support for new speed limit legislation currently being reviewed in the Michigan House of Representatives. We landed on the idea to hold a memorial walk; the purpose would not be to raise funds but to raise awareness. Our aim is to educate citizens on how to safely share the road and we also hope that some attention to this issue might get motorists to slow down and drive more cautiously.
The Margaret Tippen Memorial Walk for Pedestrian Safety will take place on Saturday, September 30 beginning at 10:00 am. Click here for the event flyer and location map. The event will kick-off with a brief presentation to honor Margaret Tippen and promote safety best practices for pedestrians and motorists. Then participants will take a two-mile walk including portions of Bridge Lake and Kier Roads along Margaret’s daily route.
Representatives from SEMCOG will attend the event to promote their Walk.Bike.Drive.Safe campaign and to distribute safety lights and materials to participants. The event also is supported by the Road Commission for Oakland County, the Springfield Township Fire Department, and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Springfield Township Substation.
Related Articles & Press Releases:
https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2023/09/21/memorial-walk-highlights-pedestrian-safety-in-oakland-county/
https://clarkstonnews.com/upcoming-walk-for-speed-awareness/
https://www.rcocweb.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1164
July 20, 2023
Hartman Meadows Grand Opening
Friday, July 28 – 3:30 to 5:00 pm
Come celebrate the grand opening of Springfield Township’s newest addition to the Shiawassee Basin Preserve!
This gorgeous 55-acre parcel is home to a variety of unique and high-quality natural features including a kettle lake, sedge meadows, woodlands, and a prairie fen that is among the most exemplary of its type in Michigan.
The opening event will include a short dedication ceremony where you’ll learn more about this special property, how the Shiawassee Basin Preserve came to be, and the people who made it all possible through a shared vision and perseverance over many decades.
Before and after the ceremony, all are invited to enjoy some refreshments, visit with Township officials and staff, and spend time exploring the property, new pedestrian bridge, and trail connections.
Click here for more information. See you on the 28th!
Coming Soon to Dixie Highway
Springfield residents will soon have a new quick-service dining option. Wing Snob will join Dunkin’ at the Springfield Point development in front of Kroger. Plans for the interior build-out currently are in review with the Building Department, so watch for construction activity in the coming months.
Mill Pond Dam Project Update
Construction on the Mill Pond Dam removal, river restoration, and roadway improvements project was anticipated to begin in early June; however, due to challenges with the culvert production the project was delayed. With the help of our partners at the Road Commission for Oakland County and Anglin Civil, the project is back on track for substantial completion by the end of November.
Contractor crews will be on site on Monday, July 24 to begin preparing for sediment control and to initiate the first phase of the drawdown using the dam gate. Major construction is anticipated to begin in late September. A detailed construction schedule will be posted soon to the Mill Pond Dam webpage.
December 30, 2022
Master Plan Moves Forward with Outstanding Public Participation
Public participation is a major component of the master planning process, and Springfield residents jumped right in to help! THANK YOU to the 249 citizens who completed a survey and the more than 100 who participated in the Open House activities on November 29.
All who are interested in learning about the public input are invited to attend the January 2023 Planning Commission Meeting. Our planning consultant will present a summary of the results and discuss next steps in the Master Plan process. The Planning Commission will meet on Tuesday, January 24 at 7:00 pm in the Civic Center Meeting Room – See you there!
Mill Pond Dam Project Gets Green Light for Construction Phase
Springfield Township and Oakland County have extensively explored options for the Davisburg Mill Pond Dam. Due to the age of the dam and based on information from a 2011 engineering study and 2015 video inspection, the Mill Pond Dam has significant deficiencies and associated safety/liability issues.
Following a five-year effort which included a comprehensive feasibility study, investigation of various alternatives to replace or remove the dam, multiple public outreach meetings, engineering, permitting, and two rounds of bidding, the dam removal and river corridor restoration project will move forward in 2023.
The Oakland County Parks & Recreation Commission reviewed final bids and staff recommendations at their meeting on December 7, 2022, and awarded the contract to the lowest qualified bidder, Anglin Civil, LLC. On December 8, the Springfield Township Board concurred with the bid award and committed to a 45% contribution of the net project cost.
Construction is anticipated to commence in May 2023. More details on the construction schedule will be available in the coming months.
To view a summary presentation and Township Board discussion, click here for the meeting video (select Mill Pond Dam Project in the Index Points or advance to 3:24). Or visit the dedicated Mill Pond Dam webpage to review the Feasibility Report, engineering and concept plans, and other materials.
Construction Underway on Woodland Airstream
Eleven months after receiving Final Site Plan and Special Land Use approval in December 2021, Woodland Airstream finally broke ground in November. This luxury RV dealership will be located on Dixie Highway, between Frosty Freeze and Premium Truck & Auto Body.
The project was approved consistent with the Dixie Highway Design Guidelines and will include a pedestrian walkway, fencing detail, decorative lighting, and a community gathering space. With 65% of this 16-acre parcel devoted to landscape and open space, Woodland Airstream will enhance the corridor with its natural aesthetic and low-density site design.
For a complete overview of the project, click here to watch the Board Meeting video. Select Woodland Airstream in the Index Points or advance to 2:15.
October 14, 2022
FAQs – Oakland County’s Transportation Millage
As absentee ballots hit mailboxes for the November 8 General Election, questions are coming in regarding the County’s Transportation Millage proposal. Below are answers to frequently asked questions.
- On August 10, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners approved placing a millage question on the November 8 General Election ballot to fund public transportation in the County.
- If approved, the millage will be a new property tax at a rate of .95 mills for a period of 10 years.
- Unlike prior transit millage proposals, this millage does not allow the Springfield Township Board to vote to opt out.
- Every Springfield property owner will have to pay the new tax if the millage proposal is approved by a majority of Oakland County voters.
- Springfield seniors and disabled residents currently have access to a door-to-door transportation program through a collaboration with the Independence Township Senior Center.
- Springfield helps support the program by transferring its SMART municipal credits to Independence Township and by contributing Community Development Block Grant funds to the Senior Center.
- If it passes, the transit millage will cost taxpayers $95 per $100,000 of taxable value each year.
- County-wide it is expected to generate over $66 million annually.
- Based on current taxable value, Springfield property owners would contribute over $730,000 each year to fund the County system.
- The Board of Commissioners has not provided a needs assessment or other foundation for how they determined this budget and tax rate.
- The Board of Commissioners did not seek input from Springfield or other local governments before voting to place the millage question on the November 8 ballot.
- The County’s “Oakland Transit” webpage lists goals for expanding service but indicates that local service details have not been developed.
- There is no indication of a demand for public transit in Springfield beyond what is already provided through the Independence Senior Center transportation program.
- Regardless of Springfield’s transit needs and potential services, over $730,000 per year will be collected from Springfield taxpayers if the majority of voters in the County vote yes on the millage.
We Need Your Input!
New Township Master Plan in Development
Township officials and staff have been working on a new community Master Plan. Once completed, this plan will set the vision and policy goals for Springfield over the next 15-20 years.
Public participation is a major component of the master planning process, and we need your input!
Below are five different opportunities to contribute to “The Path Ahead for Springfield Township.” Please also visit the Master Plan website for more information.
- Complete the Survey – Tell us about your experiences in Springfield and what you want for the future. The survey takes about 15-20 minutes and covers key areas on housing, economic development, transportation, parks and recreation, and senior services.
- Share Your Vision – Post a picture or comment on PictureThis! to show us what you like about Springfield or what you want to see in the future. You can add pictures and ideas of things you’ve seen elsewhere, or just add a photo of something you already love about our township! Click the link and hit “Share!” to get started. (Find complete directions here.)
- Attend the Open House – Join us at the Civic Center meeting room on Tuesday, November 29 between 6-8pm. The whole family is invited to participate in this interactive visioning session!
- Host a Focus Group – Gather friends from your neighborhood, lake association, HOA, club, or social group and discuss how you’d like to improve our community. Toolkits are available at the Township offices with materials and directions for a successful meeting.
- Join the Conversation – Work will continue during regularly scheduled Planning Commission meetings. Citizens are always welcome!
September 12, 2022
Road Construction on Dixie Highway
The Road Commission for Oakland County has added to their Preservation Overlay Program and Dixie Highway is included in the late summer schedule. Construction is expected to begin during the week of September 12.
The Dixie Highway project includes the entire Springfield stretch from I-75 to Oak Hill Road. The road surface will be milled and then 2 – 2 ½ inches of new asphalt is applied. Dixie will remain open to traffic during construction but please be prepared for lane closures and delays until about September 25.
A preservation overlay is used for heavier-traveled roads considered in moderately good shape. This technique will extend the life of Dixie Highway another 5 to 10 years until a full reconstruction project can be done. For more information about the Preservation Overlay Program, you can watch this short video or contact RCOC customer service with questions at 248-858-4804.
The Return of The Whoopee Bowl
The Whoopee Bowl was a discount surplus store on Dixie Highway. It was famous among northern Oakland County residents and even folks from around the state would travel there to buy surplus items and experience the festival-like atmosphere. The Whoopee Bowl shut down many years ago, but long-time residents will forever remember when “the Springfield mall” was the place to find whatever you need.
Thanks to current owner, Jim Wilson, The Whoopee Bowl is making a comeback. This time around, the store will be a marketplace for antiques and collectibles and will be joined by Rusty Relics.
The Planning Commission granted final site plan approval at their August 23 meeting and the project has moved to final engineering review. The site will be redeveloped to incorporate standards of the Dixie Highway Design Guidelines including pathways, pedestrian lighting, natural landscape, and the fieldstone and cedar accent fence. The main building will be renovated with a craftsman style façade in earthtones with stone pillars and shake accents. The existing apartment building will remain on the site and will get a facelift and new streetscape elements to coordinate with the retail store.
August 3, 2022
Voters Pass ALS Millage
The dedicated Advanced Life Support millage passed on August 2 with nearly 74% of voters in favor. Thank you to all 3,924 residents who voted on the proposal. We are grateful for your overwhelming support as we improve and expand the emergency services provided by Springfield Township Fire Department.
June 16, 2022
Advanced Life Support Millage Proposal Information
Due to a greater demand for emergency medical care, uncertain availability of Advanced Life Support units responding to Springfield, and increased response times from private ambulance companies, a dedicated millage is proposed so this critical service can be provided by our Fire Department.
Springfield Township has been monitoring response times and call volume over the years and determined last fall that it is time to make a change in how Advanced Life Support services are provided to our community.
Before the start of an Advanced Life Support trial program in November 2021, Springfield relied on a private ambulance company to provide ALS services, with back-up aid coming from surrounding departments. In recent years, the private ambulances were being dispatched from farther and farther away, often having to make a run to Springfield from Pontiac. This has led to long waits for our residents when urgent care is needed.
Since 2019, the response times from the private ambulance company were averaging over 17 minutes. Based on results of the trial Advanced Life Support program, medical call response times from our Springfield Township Fire Department reduced average response to under 7 ½ minutes.
This is a great improvement in service for our citizens; however, the current Fire Department funding and staffing that supports the trial ALS program is not sufficient to sustain Advanced Life Support services long-term. That is why a dedicated ALS millage proposal is on the ballot this August 2. The millage proposal is for ¾ of a mill for a period of 10 years. That rate would cost 75 cents per $1,000 of taxable value – or about $94 per year for the average Springfield Township property owner.
The additional funding would be used to increase staffing of Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians, enhance station coverage, and base two ALS ambulances at our Fire Stations 1 and 2.
For more information, please review the FACT SHEET or visit the Advanced Life Support Information webpage. Sample ballots, informational videos, and other materials will be posted to the webpage in the coming weeks.
Civic Center Parking Lot Improvements Underway
This March marked the 20th anniversary of the Springfield Township Civic Center. The building has been beautifully maintained over the years and doesn’t show its age; however, the deep cracks and heaving in the parking lots tell a different story.
20 years is the life expectancy for asphalt paving and it’s time for a full replacement. The Township Board has been setting aside funds and planning for the parking lot improvements for several years and authorized a construction contract in May.
The project will address storm drainage issues in the upper lot, expand parking in the lower lot, and resurface the entry drive and both parking lots.
The lower lot is planned for expansion with 16 new paved spaces and overflow parking that will blend with the lawn area.
The project will be completed in three phases beginning with the lower lot. Construction on the lower lot will begin on Monday, June 20 and is expected to take up to 10 days. During this phase, the lower lot will be closed, and all parking will be directed to the upper lot by the library entrance. Visitors can use the stairway or elevator to access the Township offices, Building Department, and Parks & Recreation on the lower level.
During phase 2 all parking will move to the newly expanded lower lot. With the required drainage work, this phase is expected to take two full weeks. The final phase will be to repave the entrance drive. If project timing and weather cooperate, all construction should be wrapped up by July 18.
Updates on progress and lot closures will be posted at the Civic Center entrances and on the Township website and cable channel. Citizens who registered for alerts through the website also will be notified by email.
May 9, 2022
Garden Club Puts the SPRING in Springfield
Since the Springfield Garden Club launched their daffodil project in 2019, springtime in Springfield has meant thousands of beautiful yellow blooms throughout the township.
The club was inspired by Daffodils4Detroit, a city beautification effort of the Michigan Division of Women’s Farm and Garden Association. The project has expanded to other communities and over 2,000,000 bulbs have been planted so far.
Our Springfield Garden Club set a goal to plant one bulb for each resident—that’s nearly 15,000 daffodils! After three seasons of planting, there are over 6,000 currently in bloom at the Civic Center, fire stations, cemeteries, parks, and Township entrance sign. Thousands more will be planted this fall.
Thank you, Garden Club for this beautiful community project that will welcome spring for years to come!
Cathy Forst Honored for 43 Years of Service as Library Director
Please join the library staff in celebrating Cathy Forst’s 43 years of service.
Thank you, Cathy for founding and growing Springfield’s amazing library! Our community is grateful to you for your vision and decades of dedicated service.
Springfield’s Habitat Critical to Recovery of Endangered Butterfly
The high-quality prairie habitats which the Poweshiek Skipperling depends on for survival exist in Springfield Township and almost nowhere else on earth! Springfield’s Natural Resources Manager Mike Losey is working along with other organizations in the United States and Canada to help recover populations of this special butterfly. Toward those efforts, the Township has been managing critical habitats by removing invasive plant species and enhancing conditions so the native plants the Poweshiek relies on will thrive.
Recently, the Fish and Wildlife Service convened a group of species experts, conservation groups, and government entities to collaboratively draft a species recovery plan that will help achieve goals and actions to de-list the species in coming years. Implementing this plan will result in improving existing habitat, protecting additional land, and other conservation actions for the benefit of this species. These actions will improve the long-term survival of numerous other common and uncommon plant and wildlife species as well.
To learn more about the species recovery plan, see this article in Bridge Michigan. Or experience Springfield’s beautiful and rare natural resources in-person with Mike Losey on an upcoming GUIDED FIELD TOUR!
April 25, 2022
UPDATE – Fire Department Transition to Advanced Life Support services
At the April 14 Township Board meeting, Fire Chief Feichtner and members of the Board conducted an in-depth analysis of the trial ALS phase and reviewed projections for increased personnel expenses and potential transport revenue. The goal with the phased transition to ALS was to have five months of data to help the Board determine what additional funding will be needed to support ALS long term. After exploring personnel costs of various coverage models, reviewing data on response and mutual aid, researching pay and benefits offered by area departments, and monitoring transport revenue, the Board determined that a dedicated millage of 0.75 mill is needed to provide Advanced Life Support services by our Fire Department.
The Township Board approved submitting a proposition to our electors at the August 2 primary election for an additional ALS millage of 0.75 mill for a period of ten years (2022 through 2031). Township staff and Fire Department personnel will be developing fact sheets, recorded presentations, and other communications for residents in the coming weeks. Please watch for more information.
Dollar General Coming to North End of Dixie Corridor
Construction is underway on a new 9,100 square foot Dollar General. The retail store will be directly north of Four Seasons Inn, across Dixie Highway from the Springrove community.
During site plan review, the Dollar General team worked with the Township to incorporate building materials, colors, and trim accents that will be complementary to the character of the area and meet the architectural standards of our zoning ordinance. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of July.
March 14, 2022
Civic Center Turns 20 Years This Month!
On March 19, 2002, the Township Offices, Library, and Parks & Recreation moved into their new home at 12000 Davisburg Road.
20 years later the Civic Center is paid off and ready to serve our community for decades to come. We’re fortunate that those involved in the initial design had the foresight to plan for growth and anticipate the changing needs and uses of the building. The open-concept layout and shared spaces are an efficient use of the building and further provide flexibility to reconfigure and expand departments as needed. Most recently, the Building Department was relocated to the previous Assessing area and we’re working on plans to build out a new Sheriff’s Substation in the former Building Department space.
The community owes our gratitude for the efforts of past and current Board members including Collin Walls, Dave Hopper, Denny Vallad, Nancy Strole, and Jamie Dubre for their thoughtful budget planning and bond management.
A tremendous THANK YOU to the Friends of the Library, supporters of our Parks & Recreation, and the many citizens of Springfield who worked hard to pass the bond proposal. Clearly our residents saw the need for the Civic Center and recognized the value and fiscal responsibility of developing a shared building.
Lastly, thanks to Mike Forst, Jerry David, and all the facilities staff who have done an exceptional job maintaining the Civic Center over the years. It’s remarkable how many times we hear from visitors that the building looks brand new.
To celebrate the 20 year milestone, join the festivities at the Springfield Township Library during the week of March 21-26. There will be several displays, activities for children, and a chance to sign a birthday card for the building. Click here for more info.
Building Department Improved Service & Expanded Hours
At their January meeting, the Township Board determined to transition the Building Department from a contracted operation to a Township-managed and staffed service. As of Monday, February 14, the Building Department was up and running with Township staff in the new location within the main offices.
Our Building Official, Bill Dinnan manages the department, and conducts building inspections and plan review. The daily operations are administered by the Building Department Clerk, Brian Piper. The Township also contracts with other building professionals for plumbing, mechanical, and electrical inspections.
The Building Department is now available to serve residents during expanded hours. Previously the department had reduced hours Monday to Thursday and was closed on Friday. The Department is now open for business during the same hours as other Township Offices, Monday—Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Holly Schools Bond Proposal
For those residing within the Holly Area School District, there will be an election on May 3 to vote on a bond proposal.
If approved, this bond proposal would provide $97,000,000 for district-wide improvements including developing a new middle school at the Karl Richter Campus, upgrading instructional technology, installing new STEM furnishings, creating a career lab, and building a new construction trades center at the High School.
Facilities for arts and athletics also are planned for improvements including modernizing the theater, creating a marching band practice field, expanding the tennis complex, and constructing a new turf athletic field and track surface.
According to the district website, this bond proposal would not increase the current tax rate and was developed and prioritized as Phase 2 of the Master Plan for district facilities. For more information see this fact sheet and the Building Graphics of Project Improvements, or visit the Holly Schools bond webpage.
January 31, 2022
Springfield Township Fire Department Now Providing Advanced Life Support Services
The Springfield Township Fire Department has started the fourth month of a “trial phase” transition to provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) services. Previously Springfield relied entirely on a private ambulance company and aid from surrounding departments for access to advanced emergency medical care and transport services in our community.
For many years the Township Board and Fire Chief have been monitoring call volume and response times and planning internally for an eventual transition to ALS. Recently a greater demand for emergency medical care combined with increased response times from the private provider indicate it is time for our Fire Department to provide this critical service for our residents.
The transition to full ALS will be done in phases. This first trial phase allows the department to begin improving service and response time without significantly changing our coverage model. It also provides five months to monitor expenses and transport revenue potential so that the Board can determine what additional funding will be needed to support ALS long term. Watch for more updates in the coming months.
Major Step Toward Future Viability of Downtown Davisburg
After nearly two years, construction is complete on the Davisburg Community Septic System (DCSS) in downtown Davisburg. While the system was initially constructed to service one private business in town, the sewer pipe was designed to support future connections from other buildings on the south side of Broadway. The septic field also is engineered to be expanded.
At their January meeting, the Township Board approved using American Recovery Plan Act funds to reimburse the developer of the DCSS for his costs to construct the system. By effectively taking ownership of most of the DCSS facilities, the Board aims to simplify connections and future expansion of the field, make it easier and more affordable for others to join the system, and help protect public health and the environment. Before others can connect, the Board will need to complete a permitting process with the State, secure a maintenance contract, amend the ordinance, determine remaining capacity of the field, and establish connection, usage, and inspection fees. There is a tremendous amount of work yet to be done, but this is a major step for the future viability and economic growth of the town.
Click here to watch the Board’s discussion at the January meeting. Select Davisburg Community Sewer System in the Index Points or advance to 1:03 in the video.
New Construction at Kroger Development Outlot
The site of the old Kroger fuel received site plan approval for a three unit building in 2019. That project is finally underway. There will be a Dunkin Donuts at the drive-through unit but the Township has no word yet on additional tenants.
This project was reviewed subject to the Dixie Highway Design Guidelines and will be the first development on the north end of the district to incorporate the streetscape standards and other design elements.
Feldman Dealership Expanding to Add Stand-Alone Jeep Store
Construction is progressing on Feldman Jeep located across Dixie from the main dealership, just north of General RV. The building was initially proposed to fit the standard corporate branding, but the Feldman team worked with the Township to adjust their design consistent with the Design Guidelines. The plan review process resulted in a design that will compliment Springfield’s character and enhance the Dixie corridor.
Woodland Airstream is Coming to Springfield
This luxury RV dealership will be located on Dixie Hwy, between Frosty Freeze and Premium Truck & Auto Body. The Township Board concurred with the Planning Commission recommendation and granted Final Site Plan and Special Land Use approval at the December 9 Board Meeting. The project is now in Final Engineering Review.
This development entails 16 acres with a 24,000 sq. ft. building with a showroom, parts and accessories retail store, service intake area, and RV repair center. The landscaping will enhance the corridor with 65% of the site being landscape or open space. The project was approved consistent with the Dixie Highway Design Guidelines and will include a pedestrian walkway, fencing detail, decorative lighting, and a community gathering space.
For a complete overview of the project, click here to watch the Board Meeting video. Select Woodland Airstream in the Index Points or advance to 2:15.