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Meeting report · Board of Selectmen
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Board of Selectmen — May 13, 2024

The meeting featured a lengthy, highly engaged public hearing with 14 speakers expressing conflicting views, alongside significant internal board debate over project scopes and new fees.

Date Monday, May 13, 2024 Duration 4.0h Speakers 20 Public comments 14 Decisions 20 Spirited

Public ⁠impact

Issues from this meeting with documented community impact.
01

Police Communications Infrastructure Upgrade

Significant capital expenditure of $307,100.96 to address critical system failures and dead spots. Affected: All residents relying on emergency services
safety change
02

Proposed No Through Trucking Ordinance

Potential change in traffic patterns, noise levels, and pedestrian safety protocols. Affected: Residents on Boston Post Road and surrounding neighborhoods
safety change
03

Stormwater Utility Fee

Potential new recurring fee for residents to fund stormwater management. Affected: Property owners with impervious surfaces
fee change

Decisions ⁠logged

Every recorded vote, with timestamps and dissents.
Motion to enter into public hearing for the no through trucking ordinance.
Motion made by a speaker and seconded; passed by voice vote.
Approved
00:57
Motion to table the no through trucking ordinance.
The board agreed to table action on the ordinance until after a joint meeting is held with the Milford Select Board.
Approved
57:50
Approve the Police Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) effective July 1, 2024, expiring June 30, 2027.
The CBA had previously passed at Town Meeting; this action was for formal signing.
5-0
1:39:03
Approve updated Community Power Plans.
Approval of minor administrative and history updates.
5-0
1:39:58
Approve Revised State Policy 320 Deferred Compensation Plan 457B effective 07-01-2024.
Includes a 7% town contribution for eligible employees.
5-0
1:42:08
Amend the CIP Program Procedures Handbook to remove the SAU representative from the CIP committee.
Aligns SAU representation with how other town department heads present to the committee.
5-0
1:43:34
Approve new road names: Renee Drive and Debbie Lane.
Names for East Village condominium streets.
5-0
1:45:23
Appoint Dalton Lups to the position of Patrolman.
Effective May 27, 2024, at grade 9/step 1 ($26.62/hr).
5-0
1:52:49
Conceptual approval of the Police Chief's comprehensive communications upgrade plan with Two Way Communications at a cost of $307,100.96, to be funded via surplus, pending a formal contract review.
The board approved the plan conceptually; the Chief must return with a formal contract including terms and conditions before the end of the fiscal year.
5-0 (Passed)
2:58:00
Appointment of Richard Kassenberg as Town Treasurer for a one-year term ending March 2025, conditional on a satisfactory background investigation.
Kassenberg will serve to finish the term.
5-0 (Passed)
2:52:45
Authorization for the Parks and Recreation Department to spend up to $40,000 of impact fees for engineering and design work at Buck Meadow.
Funds are intended for work required prior to a Land Water Conservation Fund grant application.
5-0 (Passed)
2:53:30
Authorize DPW Director to submit Safe Streets for All grant application.
The application is for pedestrian and cycling safety improvements.
5-0
3:28:00
Award task order 4 to Hoyle Tanner for Thornton's Ferry 2 culvert replacement.
Amount: $153,603. Includes engineering and construction bidding services.
5-0
3:41:21
Approval of Consent Agenda.
All items in the consent agenda were approved.
5-0
3:50:00
Authorize use of Town Commons for Frederick Douglass Reading.
Scheduled for Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
5-0
3:51:00
Denial of current use assessment for Map 851.2.
Denied because it was not filed on a timely basis.
5-0
3:52:00
Denial of elderly exemption for Map 4, Lot 157.
Denied because the requester was over the asset limit.
5-0
3:52:20
Denial of property abatement for Map 2, Lots -4.
Denied because necessary planning board approvals for the specific use were not obtained. a speaker abstained.
4-0-1
3:53:00
Approve Hawker/Peddler permit requests for Power Home Remodeling.
Approved with conditions: hours limited to 9 AM - 5 PM, Monday through Friday.
5-0
3:55:00
Approval of meeting minutes from -2049.
Corrected a typo where 'elderly exemption' should have been 'disabled exemption'.
5-0
3:55:30

Topics ⁠discussed

Click a topic to expand quotes and full context.
00:41 Public Hearing: Proposed No Through Trucking Ordinance

A public hearing was held regarding a proposed ordinance to ban certain classes of heavy commercial vehicles from specific roads (notably Boston Post Road). Residents expressed conflicting views regarding safety, noise, vibration, and the potential impact on local businesses and alternate routes.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
12:37 Public Safety Communications Infrastructure

The Police Chief presented a plan to upgrade obsolete radio consoles and communications equipment, proposing a comprehensive package from Two Way Communications to address dead spots and system failures.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
18:42 Safe Streets for All Grant Application

Discussion regarding a $2.5 million grant application focused on pedestrian and cycling safety, specifically addressing intersection improvements and the use of granite pavers vs. cheaper materials. The DPW discussed a fundamental change to the grant application, which will now focus on six specific intersections rather than full roadway rebuilding.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
1:00:11 Heritage Commission Award Presentation

Will Lou presented a plaque to the Board for the Heritage Commission, recognizing their work in digitizing historical documents and GIS mapping with a 2024 Preservation Achievement Award.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
1:02:59 Administrative Updates

Updates were provided regarding employee open enrollment, the transition to the New Hampshire Retirement System, and the implementation of Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
1:05:22 Town Financial Reporting

The board reviewed new monthly financial reporting formats designed to monitor the town's financial health by comparing current performance against the annual plan and previous year metrics. a speaker presented new monthly financial reports including FY24 expense-to-budget, revenue comparisons, tax lien status, impact fees, and investment account updates.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
1:29:00 Town Common Policy Revision

The board discussed proposed updates to the 14-year-old Town Common policy, including fee structures, porta-potty requirements for food/beverage events, and potential alcohol policies for Buck Meadow.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
1:37:57 Police Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)

Review and formal approval of the Police CBA effective July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
1:39:15 Community Power Plan Update

Approval of minor administrative updates to the previously approved community power plan.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
1:40:14 Employee Policy Handbook: Deferred Compensation

Discussion and approval of revisions to Policy -17 regarding the 457B deferred compensation plan and a 7% town contribution for certain employees.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
1:42:52 CIP Board Reorganization

A proposal to amend the CIP Program Procedures Handbook to remove the SAU representative from the CIP committee to align with other town department treatments.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
1:44:14 Road Name Request

Review of requests for new street names in the East Village condominium area.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
1:54:00 Police Department Staffing and Infrastructure Report

Chief Champoli reported on the appointment of a new patrolman and provided an extensive update on critical communication infrastructure failures, including the need for tower and console replacements.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
2:51:30 Appointment of Town Treasurer

The Board discussed the appointment of Richard Kassenberg to fill the Treasurer position.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
2:52:00 Buck Meadow Impact Fees Request

A request to use impact fees for planning, engineering, and design work at Buck Meadow Conservation and Recreation area to prepare for a grant application.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
3:30:44 Town-wide Culvert and Bridge Assessment

A presentation of a 15-year strategic plan for managing town infrastructure, estimating $9.23 million in total project costs and discussing funding via CRF and other grants.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
3:41:00 Thornton's Ferry 2 Culvert Replacement

Proposal to award engineering and construction bidding services to Hoyle Tanner for the replacement of three large metal pipes in serious condition near the Spring Road intersection.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
3:42:19 Stormwater Utility and Impervious Surface Discussion

Analysis of the relationship between tax base and impervious surface area to determine the viability of a stormwater utility fee; the board decided to delay further action to review case studies.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
3:51:00 Tax Assessments and Abatements

Review of various tax-related requests including current use assessments, elderly exemptions, and property abatements.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker

Controversy & ⁠dissent

Where the board, the community, or the agenda diverged.

Potentially controversial issues

01

Proposed No Through Trucking Ordinance

Residents are split between safety/noise concerns and the economic/logistical impact on local businesses and traffic displacement to other roads.
Board position: The board decided to table the ordinance to hold a joint meeting with the neighboring Milford Select Board to coordinate regional impact.
high concern
02

Safe Streets for All Grant Scope

Disappointment over the reduction of the project scope from full roadway rebuilding to only six specific intersections.
Board position: The board authorized the DPW to submit the narrowed application.
Internal dissent
a speaker expressed significant dissatisfaction, stating they were at 'real risk of losing my support' if the grant focus remained on expensive intersections rather than broader road work.
medium concern
03

Stormwater Utility Fee

Potential implementation of new fees based on impervious surfaces, which directly impacts property owners' wallets.
Board position: The board delayed further action to review case studies from other towns (e.g., Dover).
Internal dissent
a speaker explicitly stated she would not vote for it based on her observations of similar proceedings in Dover.
medium concern

Split votes

Denial of property abatement for Map 2, Lots -4
4-0-1

Community vs. board tension

Action ⁠items

Who owes what, by when.
Contact the Milford Select Board to schedule an in-person meeting to discuss the proposed ordinance and its impact on neighboring towns.
Assigned: Town Administration (Dean) · Due: As soon as possible
Attend a meeting on June 17 at 1:00 PM to answer employee questions regarding the New Hampshire Retirement System.
Assigned: Marty Carlin · Due: 2024-06-17
Add a comparison of remaining budget percentages to the previous year in future reports.
Assigned: a speaker (Treasurer/Finance)
Revise Town Common Policy to include: porta-potty requirements (1 per 50 for food/bev events), discretionary bond language, and clarified fee language.
Assigned: a speaker (Peter) · Due: Two weeks
Draft a response to the SAU regarding impact fees.
Assigned: a speaker (Peter)
Continue monitoring solar options and net metering via Constellation/Eversource and update the board.
Assigned: Chief Champoli · Due: Two weeks
Return to the Board with a formal contract for the communications upgrade, including terms, conditions, and payment schedules.
Assigned: Police Chief (a speaker) · Due: Mid-June
Coordinate the encumbrance of funds for the communications project while ensuring sufficient capital remains for unexpected expenses.
Assigned: Police Chief (a speaker) and Town Finance (Deb) · Due: Before June 30
Submit final Safe Streets for All grant application.
Assigned: DPW Director · Due: 2024-05-16
Distribute a link to a Dover Board hearing regarding stormwater utility rates to board members.
Assigned: Dean · Due: Within two weeks
Follow up on two-way radio contract and impervious surface issue for next meeting.
Assigned: Town Manager/Staff · Due: Two weeks
Create action item for annual impact fees rate update.
Assigned: Town Manager/Staff · Due: Next meeting
Verify if the property at Old Nashville Road/Route 122 is town-owned regarding a sign request.
Assigned: Derek (DPW) · Due: Two weeks

Notable ⁠statements

The Highway Safety Committee recommended no action because there is no data to justify banning a class of vehicles that has not been causing a problem. — Speaker C (John D'Angelo) · Opposing the ordinance based on previous committee findings. 01:40
The ordinance is designed to exclude those doing business within the town; I would have no enforcement power over anyone doing business within the confines of the zone. — Speaker D (Chief Anthony Chan) · Clarifying the scope and enforcement of the proposed ordinance. 28:00
I'm going to encourage us to consider something 75,000 pounds [as a limit]... to exclude the dump trailers. — Speaker N (Kevin Grass) · Suggesting a compromise on the weight limit during the discussion on how to proceed. 57:00
The idea is ultimately to be able to take a quick look... highlighting red cells... where areas we really should be paying attention to. — Unidentified speaker · Explaining the goal of the new regular financial reporting structure. 1:06:26
I've come into a bit of a mess... I am determined to come up with a plan to sort out all of the issues [regarding communication infrastructure]. — Speaker D (Chief Champoli) · Discussing the critical state of the town's radio and communication equipment. 1:59:00
I've been watching the money that we are saving... it actually worked because I'm currently at about $430,000 [overtime]... my goal of saving close to $400,000... actually worked. — Speaker D (Chief Champoli) · Reporting on successful overtime reduction strategies within the police department. 2:04:00
Inaction is only costing us money. — Unidentified speaker · Discussing the rising costs of equipment and the tower project due to delays. 13:50
Our priority is... to assure that we can provide emergency services to our residents. — Unidentified speaker · Justifying the approval of the expensive communications equipment upgrade. 2:56:00
We started out a couple of years ago... saying, 'hey, got $500,000 to spend on the roads. But if we can leverage that with this grant, we can do so much more.' And now we're down to... just doing six intersections. — Unidentified speaker · Expressing disappointment that the street grant focus has narrowed significantly from full road rebuilding to only intersection improvements. 3:09:00
I am at real risk of losing my support if we don't address some of the things that we talked about tonight [regarding material costs/road work scope]. — Unidentified speaker · Expressing concern that the grant application focuses on expensive intersections rather than the broader road work originally promised to taxpayers. 3:27:52
I'm not going to vote for it [stormwater utility] because I've already watched [the Dover hearing] and it just brought to light all of the issues that will be coming up. — Unidentified speaker · Explaining her refusal to vote on moving forward with the stormwater utility consultant after reviewing a similar case in Dover. 3:57:40

Public ⁠comment

What residents said — verbatim, with timestamps.
14
Total speakers
5
Addressed
3
Partial
6
Not addressed
John D'Angelo
01:40
Partial
He argued against the ordinance, stating that a Highway Safety Committee previously found no justification for it because Boston Post Road has no history of speed-related incidents involving large vehicles. He warned that banning trucks would simply push heavy traffic onto less suitable alternate routes, creating new safety risks and potential legal liabilities for the town. Key concern
Lack of data to justify the ordinance and the risk of shifting traffic to unsafe alternate roads.
Board response
The board did not provide a direct rebuttal during the hearing, but the Police Chief later addressed the lack of accident data and explained how the ordinance is written to exclude local business traffic.
While the board didn't argue with his specific points, the Police Chief provided context on enforcement and the specific intent of the ordinance to mitigate his concerns about local business impacts.
Frankie Stracha
05:42
Addressed
The resident noted frequent speeding on Boston Post Road by both cars and trucks. She suggested that instead of a truck ban, the town should lower the speed limit to 20 mph in the village to make it easier for police to enforce and to improve safety for pedestrians. Key concern
Speeding in the village and the need for better enforcement/lower speed limits rather than a truck ban.
Board response
The Police Chief responded that lowering the speed limit to 20 mph is legally restricted to specific school zones and that the current enforcement efforts are already very high.
The Police Chief explicitly addressed the legal limitations of lowering speed limits and the efficacy of current enforcement.
Jason Walker
06:43
Not addressed
He expressed concern about the noise and vibrations caused by heavy trucks, noting that they rattle the windows and potentially damage the foundations of historic homes in the village. He also highlighted the danger to pedestrians, citing a near-miss incident with a truck mirror while walking his child. Key concern
Damage to historic structures from vibrations and pedestrian safety.
Board response
The board did not respond directly to his specific comments during the public comment period.
The board moved on to the next speaker without addressing the specific concerns regarding historic home vibration or the specific sidewalk safety incident mentioned.
Patrick Jones
07:46
Partial
He shared a personal experience of a near-collision to illustrate the danger of current traffic conditions. He also complained about excessive noise from trucks, particularly very early in the morning, and suggested that the ordinance should focus on limiting truck transit during school rush hours. Key concern
Traffic safety, noise pollution (including early morning hours), and a request for a compromise regarding timing/routes.
Board response
The Police Chief clarified the definition of 'through trucking' and noted that the ordinance includes exemptions for local business and can include waivers for hardships.
The Chief addressed the definition of through trucking to show that local business wouldn't be affected, which touches on the speaker's desire for a compromise, but did not specifically address the noise timing or school hour suggestion.
Jeanne Lute
17:46
Not addressed
She supported the ordinance, noting that while it might not be the perfect solution, it is a proactive compromise designed to discourage heavy vehicles from using the road as a cut-through. She argued that safety measures should be implemented before accidents happen rather than waiting for a tragedy. Key concern
Support for proactive safety measures to prevent future accidents.
Board response
The board acknowledged her comments by moving to the next speaker; no specific discussion followed.
The board thanked her and moved to the next speaker without discussion.
Grant
16:01
Addressed
He argued that a ban on heavy equipment would disrupt local businesses (like landscapers and paving companies) and hinder essential town services like maintaining electric lines or clearing fallen trees. He urged the town to find alternative solutions rather than implementing a blanket ban. Key concern
Negative impact on local commerce and the ability to perform essential town maintenance.
Board response
The Police Chief clarified that the ordinance is specifically for 'through trucking' and that any equipment or services doing business within Amherst would be exempt.
The Chief specifically addressed the concern about commercial/town services by explaining the 'through trucking' definition and exemptions.
Al
18:00
Addressed
He noted that while he hasn't seen truck accidents, he sees frequent accidents caused by speeding cars. He suggested that lowering the speed limit might be a better solution and noted that professional drivers are generally cautious. Key concern
Speeding cars as a greater danger than trucks and a preference for lower speed limits.
Board response
The Police Chief addressed the speed limit issue, noting that a 20 mph limit is only legally viable for school zones and explaining the current speed study data.
The Chief responded to the suggestion of lowering speed limits by explaining the legal and data-driven constraints.
Dennis Wheeler
20:06
Not addressed
He argued that traffic is an inevitability due to regional population growth and suggested that the town should focus on enforcing speed limits and noise ordinances against individual offenders rather than banning all trucks. He also noted that truck drivers pay significant fuel taxes that fund road maintenance. Key concern
The inevitability of traffic growth and the unfairness of banning those who pay for road maintenance.
Board response
The board did not respond directly to his lengthy comments during the hearing.
The board thanked him and moved to the next speaker.
Patrick Jones (re-speaking)
23:00
Partial
He reiterated that he respects professional drivers but emphasized the need for a compromise, such as restricting truck travel during school rush hours to improve safety for children. Key concern
Compromise through timing/route restrictions to protect school children.
Board response
The Police Chief clarified that 'through trucking' does not apply to those doing business in town and that the ordinance allows for hardship waivers.
The Chief's explanation of the ordinance's scope addresses the 'doing business' part of the speaker's concern, but a specific 'school hour' restriction was not explicitly confirmed or denied as part of the current draft.
Dale White
30:40
Addressed
An excavation company owner, he argued that the proposed weight limit is too low and would prevent standard dump trucks from doing their jobs. He suggested the town should focus on enforcing existing speed and noise laws for specific offenders rather than implementing a broad ban. Key concern
The proposed weight limit is too restrictive for legitimate local business operations.
Board response
The Police Chief explained that the weight limit targets 'through' trucks (like semis) and that the current wording is intended to avoid affecting the types of trucks mentioned.
The Chief addressed the weight limit concern by explaining the target of the ordinance and its intended scope.
Will Lute
37:06
Partial
He reviewed the map provided in the ordinance and suggested swapping Austin Road for Limeboro Road in the prohibition list. He also noted that the waivers in the ordinance are quite broad and should ensure local commerce isn't stifled. Key concern
Specific road selections in the ordinance and ensuring commercial activity isn't hindered.
Board response
The Police Chief acknowledged the suggestion and thanked him for the input.
The board acknowledged the feedback, and the decision to change the map would likely be part of the upcoming discussions with neighboring towns.
Kevin Grass
40:03
Not addressed
He argued that the ordinance is discriminatory and will simply push the problem to other towns. He suggested that the focus should remain on enforcing speed limits and noise ordinances against specific vehicles rather than a total ban. Key concern
The ordinance is discriminatory and merely displaces the problem to other areas.
Board response
The board did not respond directly to his comments during the hearing.
The board thanked him and moved on.
Doug Chabinski
43:00
Not addressed
He supported limiting 'through' trucks that have no business in the village, noting that traffic and speeds have increased significantly. He advocated for a compromise that allows local business while addressing the safety of pedestrians and children in the village. Key concern
Need for a compromise that allows local business but limits non-local through traffic for safety.
Board response
The board did not provide a direct response during the hearing.
The board thanked him and moved to the next speaker.
Dale (re-speaking)
48:00
Not addressed
He explained his business routes and how he tries to use the safest roads. He noted that many drivers are professional and trying to do the right thing, and that there are often better alternative routes available. Key concern
Clarifying that many drivers act responsibly and use the best available routes.
Board response
The board thanked him.
No direct response was provided.
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