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Meeting report · Board of Selectmen
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Board of Selectmen — September 16, 2024

The meeting was largely procedural and collaborative, but a 57-signature citizen petition on traffic safety, a proposal to repeal an existing protective ordinance on Merrimack Road, a funding fight between community committees over the Luck Fund, and unresolved public health concerns at Baboosic Lake introduced enough underlying community tension to lift this above a fully routine session.

Date Monday, September 16, 2024 Duration 4.1h Speakers 10 Decisions 16 Lively

Public ⁠impact

Issues from this meeting with documented community impact.
01

Cyanobacteria Treatment at Baboosic Lake Town Beach

Ongoing harmful algal bloom poses public health risk; capital reserve fund solution is deferred with no immediate remediation timeline Affected: Residents and families who use Baboosic Lake Town Beach for swimming and recreation
safety change
02

Repeal of Merrimack Road No-Through-Trucking Ordinance

Repeal would allow through-truck traffic to resume on Merrimack Road, affecting traffic volume, noise, and road safety for that corridor Affected: Residents living on or near Merrimack Road who benefited from the existing truck traffic restriction
safety change
03

Village Streets Federal Grant — $2.1M Infrastructure Project

$2,115,840 federal grant confirmed for Village Streets project with a 5-year completion window; broad infrastructure improvement for the town center Affected: All residents who use village streets and adjacent pedestrian and road infrastructure
other high impact
04

Fire Department Staffing and Equipment Sustainability

Department of 60 members faces ongoing staffing challenges and aging equipment (ladder truck discussion); long-term adequacy of emergency response capacity is under strategic review Affected: All Amherst residents who depend on fire and EMS emergency response
safety change
05

Bicycle Pedestrian Committee — Luck Fund Redistribution (25% from Conservation Commission)

Proposed warrant article would permanently redirect 25% of Luck Fund revenues away from conservation land purposes toward active transportation infrastructure Affected: Conservation Commission programs and beneficiaries vs. bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure users
other high impact

Decisions ⁠logged

Every recorded vote, with timestamps and dissents.
Board agreed to move Fire Department presentation to Ways and Means Committee for budget review
No formal vote taken, but all members indicated agreement to forward to Ways and Means
Unanimous agreement
1:31:56
Board agreed to move Bicycle Pedestrian Committee presentation to Ways and Means Committee
No formal vote taken, but all members indicated agreement to forward to Ways and Means
Unanimous agreement
2:00:47
Board consensus to proceed with public hearings on repealing Merrimack Road no-through-trucking ordinance
All board members expressed support for the Highway Safety Committee's recommendation to repeal the ordinance. Two public hearings required for ordinance repeal
Consensus agreement
2:01:59
Appointed Sarah Ciscovich as Heritage Commission alternate member
Two-year term ending 2026, pending completion of required forms
4-0 in favor
2:27:03
Approved heating oil contract extension with Hafner's
Rate of $2.899 per gallon through June 2026
4-0 in favor
2:42:23
Deferred HR software purchase decision
Implementation scheduled for first meeting after February deliberative session
Consensus to postpone
2:57:58
Approved $10,000 from police impact fees for VoIP phone system upgrade
Funds to be used for upgrading analog phone system to VoIP through PhD Communications
Approved 4-0
3:37:52
Accepted resignation of police sergeant effective September 30, 2024
15-year veteran leaving to operate All Star Driving School
Approved 4-0
3:39:30
Promoted Patrolman Hans Chapman to sergeant effective October 1, 2024
Promotion at rate of $42.77/hour, police grade 14 step 4, with swearing-in ceremony scheduled for October 7th
Approved 4-0
3:41:25
Hired Katie Steinrock as DPW part-time assistant
Local resident hired to fill vacant part-time position
Approved 4-0
3:48:08
Promoted James Landon to light equipment operator
Promotion from driver labor at $26.53/hour, grade 7 step 1, effective retroactively to September 16, 2024
Approved 4-0
3:49:31
Awarded 3-year parking lot plowing contract to Terry Alton Sons LLC
Contract for $126,000 total ($40,000 first year) for winter maintenance of town building parking lots
Approved 4-0
3:51:04
Waived purchasing policy for DPW facility condition assessment
Waiver for $11,365 purchase from Brightly Software for comprehensive building assessment
Approved 4-0
3:55:20
Hired three EMS personnel
Added Naomi (AEMT at $22.90/hr), Eric Myron (EMT at $21.41/hr), and Alyssa Davis (EMT at $21.41/hr) effective September 16, 2024
Approved 4-0 for all three
4:00:58
Approved meeting minutes for August 15 and August 26, 2024
No changes or corrections made to either set of minutes
Approved 4-0 for both
4:03:18
Approved three town common use requests
Girl Scouts scarecrow event (Sept 28), Amherst Juniors Turkey Trot (Nov 29), and Christ Church event (Oct 19)
Approved 4-0 for all three
4:04:04

Topics ⁠discussed

Click a topic to expand quotes and full context.
00:52 Citizens Forum - Traffic Safety and Speed Tables

Doug Chavinsky presented a petition with 57 signatures requesting the board authorize funding for temporary rubber speed tables to gather data on their effectiveness for traffic calming in the village.

Speakers: Doug Chavinsky
03:58 Recreation Department Strategic Plan FY26

Recreation Director Greg presented a comprehensive strategic plan covering infrastructure development, financial sustainability, and staff recruitment/retention, with focus on Buck Meadow project, cyanobacteria issues at Baboosic Lake, and establishing cost recovery targets.

Speakers: Greg (Recreation Director)
35:17 Library Strategic Plan Presentation

Library Director Amy Lapointe presented the library's strategic plan focusing on early literacy, community connection, collection management, and space utilization, highlighting improved hiring and technology upgrades.

Speakers: Amy Lapointe (Library Director)
1:01:53 Fire Department Strategic Plan Overview

Chief Conley presented the fire rescue strategic plan, covering department mission, personnel structure (60 members including 3 career officers), equipment inventory, emergency response statistics, staffing challenges, and equipment needs.

Speakers: Chief Conley, Speaker F (Fire Chief), Unidentified speaker
1:33:10 Bicycle Pedestrian Committee Strategic Plan

Committee chair presented strategic plan including active projects (Pig Farm Road trail conversion, school campus project, Baboosic Greenway), budget requests totaling $110,000, and proposed warrant article to redirect 25% of Luck Fund from Conservation Commission.

Speakers: Speaker B (Committee Chair), Unidentified speaker
2:01:59 Highway Safety Committee Report on Merrimack Road

Police Chief presented committee recommendation to repeal the no-through-trucking ordinance on Merrimack Road, citing lack of supporting data and absence of safety factors present on other restricted roads. Board agreed to proceed with two public hearings for the repeal.

Speakers: Speaker D (Police Chief), Unidentified speaker
2:14:22 Traffic Calming Measures Discussion

Discussion of speed tables and traffic calming measures for village area, with concerns about cost and effectiveness metrics. Topic deferred to Highway Safety Committee meeting.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
2:18:00 Hawkers and Peddlers Ordinance Update

Police Chief presented revised draft ordinance requiring state permits first and proposed delegating approval authority to chief with board oversight for complex cases.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
2:26:39 Heritage Commission Appointment

Board appointed Sarah Ciscovich as alternate member of Heritage Commission for two-year term ending 2026.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
2:33:45 Budget Analysis FY24

Finance Director presented final budget analysis showing town came within $8,000 (0.05%) of budget limit, with significant expenses from land bond payments and attorney fees.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
2:39:27 Heating Oil Contract Extension

Highway Department requested approval to extend heating oil contract with Hafner's at reduced rate of $2.899 per gallon for FY26 season.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
2:50:18 HR Software Implementation

Town Administrator presented Bamboo HR software proposal for employee management, estimated at $17,940 for core package. Implementation deferred to post-deliberative session due to budget constraints.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
3:13:39 Cell Tower Development Update

Police Chief reported potential town ownership option for cell tower at $235,000 versus private contract, with continued vendor outreach ongoing.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
3:12:50 Fire Department Ladder Truck Replacement Options

Fire Chief presented used ladder truck options ranging from $359,900-$499,900 and a potential donated ladder truck from a local dealer. The donated truck is a 1992 model (5 years older than current 1997 truck) but in better condition.

Speakers: Speaker F (Fire Chief), Unidentified speaker
3:37:20 Police Phone System Upgrade Using Impact Fees

Police Chief requested $10,000 from police impact fees to upgrade 25-year-old analog phone system to VoIP through PhD Communications. System would improve emergency communications capabilities.

Speakers: Speaker D (Police Chief), Unidentified speaker
3:38:26 Police Personnel Changes

Police Chief announced resignation of 15-year veteran sergeant effective September 30, 2024, and promotion of Patrolman Hans Chapman to sergeant effective October 1, 2024.

Speakers: Speaker D (Police Chief), Unidentified speaker
3:44:20 Village Streets Federal Grant Award Confirmation

Town confirmed receipt of $2,115,840 federal grant award for Village Streets project. Project has 5-year completion period starting upon grant agreement execution, expected around April.

Speakers: Speaker E (DPW Director), Tracy
3:47:18 DPW Personnel Actions and Contracts

DPW Director requested hiring of Katie Steinrock as part-time assistant, promotion of James Landon to light equipment operator, and approval of 3-year parking lot plowing contract with Terry Alton Sons LLC for $126,000 total.

Speakers: Speaker E (DPW Director), Unidentified speaker

Controversy & ⁠dissent

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

Potentially controversial issues

01

Traffic Calming Speed Tables — Citizen Petition

A citizen-organized petition with 57 signatures was presented requesting the board fund a temporary rubber speed table pilot program to gather data on traffic calming effectiveness. While the board did not reject the petition outright, the topic was deferred to the Highway Safety Committee rather than acted upon, leaving petitioners without a direct commitment. Residents who signed the petition clearly feel current traffic conditions are unsafe, and the lack of immediate action may frustrate the organized community group.
Board position: Deferred to Highway Safety Committee meeting rather than authorizing funding or a pilot program directly
medium concern
02

Repeal of Merrimack Road No-Through-Trucking Ordinance

The board reached consensus to proceed with public hearings to repeal an existing ordinance restricting truck traffic on Merrimack Road. Residents who live on or near Merrimack Road likely supported the original ordinance as a quality-of-life and safety measure. The recommendation to repeal was based on a lack of supporting data, but affected residents had no advance notice of this policy reversal at this meeting and will need to participate in subsequent public hearings to make their voices heard.
Board position: Unanimous consensus to proceed with two public hearings toward repeal of the ordinance
medium concern
03

Bicycle Pedestrian Committee — Luck Fund Redistribution Proposal

The Bicycle Pedestrian Committee proposed a warrant article to redirect 25% of the Luck Fund away from the Conservation Commission toward bicycle and pedestrian projects. This directly pits two community constituencies against each other — conservation advocates who benefit from the current allocation versus cycling and pedestrian infrastructure advocates. The Conservation Commission was not noted as present or consulted, and any reduction in conservation funding could affect land preservation efforts.
Board position: Forwarded to Ways and Means Committee; directed Bicycle Pedestrian Committee to work with Conservation Commission on the proposal
medium concern
04

Fire Department Ladder Truck — Donated 1992 Model vs. Purchase

The board is considering accepting a donated 1992 ladder truck that is 5 years older than the department's current 1997 truck as a potential cost-saving measure, with purchase options ranging from $359,900 to $499,900. Accepting aging donated equipment for public safety purposes carries risk if the truck proves unreliable. The Fire Chief was directed to inspect it and return with a recommendation, but the prospect of public safety equipment decisions driven primarily by cost pressure warrants community attention.
Board position: Directed Fire Chief to inspect donated truck and return with recommendation by October 7th meeting
low concern
05

Cyanobacteria at Baboosic Lake — Capital Reserve Fund Request

The Recreation Department flagged ongoing cyanobacteria (harmful algal bloom) issues at Baboosic Lake Town Beach, which poses public health risks to swimmers. The department is seeking a warrant article for a capital reserve fund to address treatment, but no immediate action was taken. Residents who use the lake beach are directly affected by water quality and public health safety, and the absence of urgency in the board's response may concern lake users.
Board position: No immediate action; Recreation Department directed to seek a warrant article for future capital reserve funding
medium concern
06

Cell Tower — Town Ownership vs. Private Contract at $235,000

The board is weighing a $235,000 town purchase of a cell tower against continuing with a private contract arrangement. This is a significant capital outlay with a January 2025 deadline for decision, and the financial and operational implications for taxpayers are substantial. The board received only a brief update and directed the Police Chief to continue outreach, leaving the decision unresolved under time pressure.
Board position: No decision made; directed Police Chief to continue vendor outreach and provide references by January 2025
low concern

Community vs. board tension

Action ⁠items

Who owes what, by when.
Consider authorizing funding and resources for temporary rubber speed table pilot program
Assigned: Board of Selectmen · Due: Not specified
Apply for Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant (50/50 match) for Buck Meadow project
Assigned: Recreation Department · Due: FY26
Complete Buck Meadow project including two rectangular fields, practice field, pickleball courts, and basketball court
Assigned: Recreation Department · Due: FY27
Seek warrant article for capital reserve fund to address cyanobacteria treatment at Baboosic Lake
Assigned: Recreation Department · Due: Not specified
Return with detailed budget information and staffing cost analysis
Assigned: Fire Chief · Due: Future meeting (unspecified)
Clarify public hearing requirements for repealing Merrimack Road ordinance
Assigned: Dean/Town Administration · Due: Not specified
Work with Conservation Commission on proposed Luck Fund redistribution
Assigned: Bicycle Pedestrian Committee · Due: Not specified
Schedule two public hearings and prepare draft ordinance omitting Merrimack Road from trucking restrictions
Assigned: Town Staff · Due: Next meeting (September 30th or later depending on notice requirements)
Provide department-by-department budget vs. actual report for FY24
Assigned: Finance Director · Due: Before next meeting
Bring HR software purchase recommendation back for consideration
Assigned: Town Administrator · Due: First meeting after February deliberative session
Continue cell tower vendor outreach and provide references from other municipalities
Assigned: Police Chief · Due: January 2025 (mostly hard deadline)
Inspect donated ladder truck and report back with assessment
Assigned: Fire Chief (a speaker) · Due: Week of September 23rd (after current week)
Return to Board with ladder truck recommendation
Assigned: Fire Chief (a speaker) · Due: October 7th meeting
Monitor Village Streets grant agreement process and report updates
Assigned: DPW Director (a speaker) · Due: When FHWA representative contacts town (expected within few weeks)
Organize swearing-in ceremony for new sergeant
Assigned: Police Chief (a speaker) · Due: October 7th before meeting

Notable ⁠statements

Let's get facts so we can make decisions regarding the town based on facts — Doug Chavinsky · Advocating for data collection on speed table effectiveness through temporary installation pilot program 02:50
No tax dollars go to Baboosic Lake Town Beach... completely paid for out of the revolving fund — Greg (Recreation Director) · Explaining the funding structure for recreation facilities and programs 07:48
73% of the people thought that recreation was an important thing to invest in... often the rec department's put down or pushed off to the side because we were not a need or a necessity. And I think a lot of residents feel differently. — Greg (Recreation Director) · Discussing the community value and support for recreation services based on 2020 master plan data 24:39
Those quality of life issues are what drives someone to move to town, to raise their family here, to retire and stay here. Things — Amy Lapointe (Library Director)

Public ⁠comment

What residents said — verbatim, with timestamps.
No public comments were identified in this meeting.
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Report composed by claude-sonnet-4-20250514, claude-sonnet-4-6, claude-opus-4-6 · analyzed 2026-06-01.