Board of Selectmen — September 16, 2024
57 residents petitioned for traffic safety data, a trucking ordinance is headed for repeal, and Baboosic Lake's algae problem has no fix yet — here's what Amherst's Sept. 16 BOS meeting decided.
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.
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Here's what happened at the Amherst Board of Selectmen meeting on September 16, 2024 — and what residents should be following up on.
🚦 TRAFFIC CALMING PETITION DEFERRED: Resident Doug Chavinsky delivered a petition signed by 57 Amherst residents asking the board to authorize funding for a temporary rubber speed table pilot program in the village. The goal was simple: gather objective data on whether speed tables actually work before making a permanent decision. The board did not authorize funding or commit to a pilot. The matter was deferred to the Highway Safety Committee with no stated deadline. Fifty-seven signatures, and no direct commitment in return.
🚛 MERRIMACK ROAD TRUCKING ORDINANCE HEADED FOR REPEAL: The board reached unanimous consensus to move forward with two public hearings on repealing the existing ordinance that prohibits through-truck traffic on Merrimack Road. The recommendation came from the Highway Safety Committee, which cited a lack of data supporting the restriction. Residents who live on or near Merrimack Road — and who likely supported that ordinance as a safety and quality-of-life measure — will need to show up at those public hearings to make their voices heard before the ordinance is gone. Watch for hearing dates to be announced.
🌿 LUCK FUND REDISTRIBUTION PROPOSED: The Bicycle Pedestrian Committee proposed a warrant article that would permanently redirect 25% of the Luck Fund away from the Conservation Commission and toward bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects. The Conservation Commission was not represented in the discussion. The board sent the proposal to Ways and Means and directed the two committees to work it out — but this is a real funding fight between community priorities, and it will eventually come to a public vote.
🏊 BABOOSIC LAKE PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN: The Recreation Department flagged ongoing cyanobacteria (harmful algal bloom) problems at Baboosic Lake Town Beach — a genuine public health risk for swimmers and families. The department's request for a capital reserve fund warrant article was noted, but no immediate remediation action was authorized. If your family uses Baboosic Lake, this one deserves your attention.
✅ ONE CLEAR WIN: Amherst confirmed receipt of a $2,115,840 federal grant for the Village Streets project, with a five-year completion window. That's real infrastructure investment coming to the town center.
Public hearings on the Merrimack Road ordinance and Ways & Means deliberations on the Luck Fund and department strategic plans are all ahead. Stay engaged.
Public impact
Ongoing harmful algal bloom poses public health risk; capital reserve fund solution is deferred with no immediate remediation timeline
Repeal would allow through-truck traffic to resume on Merrimack Road, affecting traffic volume, noise, and road safety for that corridor
$2,115,840 federal grant confirmed for Village Streets project with a 5-year completion window; broad infrastructure improvement for the town center
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
Proposed warrant article would permanently redirect 25% of Luck Fund revenues away from conservation land purposes toward active transportation infrastructure
Topics discussed
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Police Chief presented revised draft ordinance requiring state permits first and proposed delegating approval authority to chief with board oversight for complex cases.
Board appointed Sarah Ciscovich as alternate member of Heritage Commission for two-year term ending 2026.
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.
Highway Department requested approval to extend heating oil contract with Hafner's at reduced rate of $2.899 per gallon for FY26 season.
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.
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.
Police Chief reported potential town ownership option for cell tower at $235,000 versus private contract, with continued vendor outreach ongoing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Traffic Calming Speed Tables — Citizen Petition
Repeal of Merrimack Road No-Through-Trucking Ordinance
Bicycle Pedestrian Committee — Luck Fund Redistribution Proposal
Fire Department Ladder Truck — Donated 1992 Model vs. Purchase
Cyanobacteria at Baboosic Lake — Capital Reserve Fund Request
Cell Tower — Town Ownership vs. Private Contract at $235,000
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
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