Roadmaster Rich Pursell Jr. takes the reins in Springfield

Springfield Township Manager Jason Wager formally resigned earlier this month. He will be replaced by Roadmaster Rich Pursell Jr., who will also serve as public works director.
Supervisors at the Dec. 13 meeting were fulsome in their praise. “You’ve done good things. You’ve done nothing but support the groups here,” said Tony Matzura.
“It’s been my pleasure to serve the township. I’ve learned a lot; it will better prepare me for my new community,” replied Wager, who will become township manager in Lower Frederick, Montgomery County.
In an e-mail, Supervisor Pete Kade called Wager the ultimate people person who worked well with residents, officials and staff, and credited him upgrading computer software to track township assets and formulate the budget.
“He prepared documentation for grants and for acquiring COVID-19 relief funds. He implemented the digitizing of all our township records. He was key to getting the township building a water purification system. He oversaw improvements to the township building, which will improve the working environment for all staff,” added Kade.

Wager, a former treasurer, was rehired as interim manager in 2019 following Mike Brown’s abrupt departure. Officials said Wager will continue to serve as a part-time adviser on budget and other financial matters.
In other business, the board has directed its solicitor to seek more information about a proposed business venture on the 2100 block of Route 212. In its zoning hearing board application, Conshy Cooper Farm LLC is seeking approval for public events on the property, including farm-to-table events, weddings and corporate functions.
The proposal has already run into one issue: under zoning regulations, there should be two access points to the property; currently, there is only one. However, Solicitor Scott MacNair argued the applicants could get around that by being classified as accessory agriculture use rather than an entertainment use. MacNair also wants to determine how many events the venue plans to hold and whether they would exceed the annual limit of 31 days.
Geri Ann Burke and Michael Clime, who live behind the property, urged board members to “listen to what neighbors of the property have to say rather than working vigorously to support the application.” Clime said a similar enterprise was shut down years ago.
“We think they (Conshy Cooper) don’t meet the standard of improving the quality of life of people who live in Springfield Township,” observed Burke. The zoning board will revisit the application at its Jan. 16 meeting.

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