Board of Selectmen — August 26, 2024
Amherst Board weighs 'soil capping' for PFAS contamination as ARPA funding deadline looms.
The meeting was professional but featured high-stakes discussions regarding environmental contamination and the efficient use of expiring federal funds.
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During the August 26th Board of Selectmen meeting, several high-priority issues were discussed that directly impact the long-term safety and finances of Amherst residents.
Of primary concern is the ongoing PFAS investigation at the fire station. The current plan discussed by the Board involves "capping" contaminated soil and potentially relocating the leach field. While officials argue this is a viable strategy, the community's concerns regarding the long-term effectiveness of capping—and whether shifting federal safety standards might render this solution obsolete—remain unresolved. This is a high-stakes environmental and financial issue for our town.
Additionally, the Board is racing against a deadline to spend remaining ARPA funds before they expire at the end of the year. The goal is to use these funds for PFAS remediation to minimize the direct impact on taxpayers, but the town must also balance this against needs for road construction and payroll.
Finally, while the Board approved the purchase of two new police cruisers, the Police Chief’s update revealed deeper structural vulnerabilities, including aging dispatch infrastructure, training gaps, and staffing retention challenges. We will continue to monitor how the town addresses these critical public safety and environmental needs.
Public impact
High-cost remediation project involving soil capping and potential leach field relocation.
Significant updates to equipment, body camera implementation, and dispatch communication systems.
Topics discussed
Sanborn Head provided an update on the PFAS investigation at the fire station, discussing soil and groundwater contamination, potential remedial alternatives like soil capping and leach field relocation, and projected costs.
The Town Moderator introduced the newly organized Ways and Means Committee for the -1 budget year, including the election of officers.
The Amherst Fire Rescue Association presented a donation of a new Swiftwater rescue boat and motor valued at $12,818 to the town.
The department presented its strategic plan for the upcoming fiscal year, noting upcoming leadership changes and a focus on stability and efficiency rather than new expensive initiatives.
The Police Chief presented an update on department strengths (hiring, investigations), weaknesses (training, retention, aging equipment), and goals including state accreditation, increased transparency through body cameras, and enhanced traffic safety via a new role/strategy.
The Chief discussed challenges with employee retention, the need for updated policy manuals, and infrastructure needs including new consoles and radio tower replacement.
The Town Administrator provided updates on the Thorton's Ferry 1 waterline project and Comcast franchise fee revenue.
Discussion regarding a potential $50,000 budget-neutral switch to move the recreation program coordinator's funding from the general budget to the O2 account.
Brief updates on the Merrimack Valley trucking ordinance and the Hawker and Peddler ordinance review.
Update on negotiations with the School Administrative Unit, including a discussion on a proposal to move the maker space from the middle school to the high school.
Discussion on the status of the tower truck plan and the timeline for receiving updates from Tom Quinn.
Discussion regarding the use and timeline for spending remaining ARPA funds before the end of the year, including potential use for payroll or road construction contracts.
Review of bids for two new Dodge Durango police cruisers, noting a preference for Northwest Hills Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram due to price and equipment integration.
Proposal to hire an Executive Assistant for the Community Development office.
Proposal to hire a full-time Driver/Laborer for the Department of Public Works.
Discussion on how to respond to state inquiries regarding the funding of ongoing operation and maintenance costs for a proposed solar project.
Approval of the annual summary evaluation and the list of tax-exempt properties, including one late charitable institution.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
PFAS Remediation at Fire Station
ARPA Fund Usage and Deadlines
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
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