Your area Not set — showing everywhere
Meeting report · Board of Selectmen
Creating this report cost real money. Help fund coverage →

Board of Selectmen — February 24, 2025

The extended Community Power public hearing drew substantial public opposition centered on automatic enrollment, inadequate notification, unverifiable savings claims, and vendor quality concerns — with one resident explicitly challenging the program's legitimacy on cultural-political grounds and the board unable to offer firm reassurances on several key issues.

Date Monday, February 24, 2025 Duration 2.7h Speakers 22 Public comments 18 Decisions 14 Spirited

Public ⁠impact

Issues from this meeting with documented community impact.
01

Community Power Program Auto-Enrollment (Electricity Supply Switch)

Town-wide electricity supply change affecting all eligible customers; default rate of 8.88¢/kWh vs. optional tiers; net metering customers with monetary credits face potential financial harm if they fail to opt out Affected: Virtually all Amherst residential and small commercial electricity customers on Eversource default supply — automatic enrollment unless they actively opt out by March 25, 2025
other high impact
02

Transfer Station Cashless Payment Policy

Mandatory transition to electronic payments beginning April 1, 2025 with potential transaction fees passed to users; eliminates cash and possibly check payment options Affected: All Amherst residents who use the transfer station and currently pay with cash or check
fee change

Decisions ⁠logged

Every recorded vote, with timestamps and dissents.
No formal votes were taken during the community power public hearing
This was a public hearing for community input on the already-approved Community Power program
N/A - Information session only
Approved hiring Christy Jobin as Community Development Director
Grade 19, step 1 at $49.05/hour, starting March 3rd, 2025
5-0 approval
1:35:51
Approved promotion of Selena Duchembal to Program Coordinator
Grade 8, step 3 at $28.71/hour, effective February 10th, 2025
5-0 approval
1:44:12
Approved hiring Michelle Kotukian as PMEC Coordinator
Grade S11, step 1 at $24.80/hour, effective March 3rd, 2025
5-0 approval
1:46:08
Approved hiring Craig Durette as Assistant Director Environmental
Grade 18, step 4 at $100,713.60 annually, starting April 14th, 2025
5-0 approval
1:47:59
Authorized town administrator to sign CWSRF loan application for $100,000 with 100% principal forgiveness
Motion made by a speaker, seconded, for Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan
Unanimous approval (5-0)
2:12:01
Accepted Clean Water Asset Management Program grant funds and authorized town administrator to sign grant agreement
Motion made by a speaker to accept grant funds and authorize administrator signature
Unanimous approval (5-0)
2:14:24
Awarded catch basin cleaning contract to Eastern Pipe Services LLC for $64,500
Contract includes cleaning and inspection of all town catch basins with option to extend up to two additional years
Unanimous approval (5-0)
2:23:46
Approved BOS meeting minutes for January 13, 2025
Unanimous approval (5-0)
2:37:09
Approved BOS meeting minutes for January 27, 2025
Unanimous approval (5-0)
2:37:29
Approved BOS meeting minutes for February 5, 2025
One abstention
Approved (4-0-1)
2:37:42
Approved BOS meeting minutes for February 10, 2025
One abstention
Approved (4-0-1)
2:37:56
Approved fireworks permit for Atlas Fireworks wholesale/retail sales
Annual permit renewal
Unanimous approval (5-0)
2:38:36
Approved fireworks permit for Apex Fireworks LLC (Elite Fireworks) wholesale/retail sales
Annual permit renewal
Unanimous approval (5-0)
2:39:07

Topics ⁠discussed

Click a topic to expand quotes and full context.
01:27 Community Power Program Introduction

Board Chair Danielle provided background on the Community Power program, explaining it originated from an energy committee in August 2023, was approved by 81% of voters in March 2024, but contract signing was delayed until recently due to rates not being below Eversource.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
03:01 Standard Power Presentation on Community Power

Emily Manns from Standard Power presented details of the Community Power program, explaining how it provides competitive electricity supply rates, automatic enrollment for eligible customers, and renewable energy options.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
13:46 Program Rates and Structure

The program offers a default rate of 8.88 cents per kilowatt hour through October 2025, with three optional products: Amherst Basic (8.29 cents), Amherst 50% renewable (9.39 cents), and Amherst 100% renewable (10.49 cents).

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
19:54 Net Metering Customer Warning

Net metering customers with monetary credits on their bills should opt out of the program as they cannot receive supply credits, which could result in significant financial loss.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
23:49 Public Questions and Concerns

Residents raised questions about opt-out vs opt-in preferences, program benefits, Direct Energy's reputation, renewable energy certificates, notification processes, and rate stability compared to Eversource.

Speakers: Multiple residents, Unidentified speaker
1:03:10 Community Power Program Q&A Session

Extended public discussion about the town's new community power program with Direct Energy, covering rate optimization strategies, opt-in/opt-out flexibility, vendor selection process, and customer service concerns.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
1:35:01 Community Development Director Hire

Board approved hiring Christy Jobin as Community Development Director at grade 19, step 1, starting March 3rd.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
1:39:04 HSA Funding Policy Discussion

Board discussed changing health savings account funding from pay-period basis to front-loaded contributions to help employees with high-deductible plans facing early medical expenses.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
1:43:22 Recreation Department Staff Promotions

Board approved promotion of Selena Duchembal to Program Coordinator and hiring of Michelle Kotukian as PMEC Coordinator.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
1:46:59 DPW Assistant Director Environmental Hire

Board approved hiring Craig Durette as Assistant Director Environmental with stormwater expertise, starting April 14th at grade 18, step 4.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
1:53:46 Transfer Station Cashless Payment Policy

DPW proposed implementing cashless payment system at transfer station with three-month education phase starting April 1st, including digital payments and potentially eliminating cash handling.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
2:03:21 Transfer Station Sticker Verification Policy

DPW proposed phased approach to enforce sticker requirements at transfer station, including education period, spot checks, and potential improvements to sticker system. Discussion of a three-phase plan to enforce transfer station sticker requirements, including education period, gentle enforcement with spot checks, and potential quarterly enforcement with public works assistance if needed.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
2:09:59 Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Loan Authorization

Authorization for town administrator to sign loan application for $100,000 CWSRF loan with 100% principal forgiveness for stormwater projects.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
2:13:06 Clean Water Asset Management Program Grant Acceptance

Acceptance of grant funds for Clean Water Asset Management Program awarded September 27, with authorization for town administrator to sign related agreements.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
2:18:10 Catch Basin Cleaning Contract Award

Award of contract to Eastern Pipe Services LLC for $64,500 to clean and inspect every catch basin in town as part of stormwater requirements and MS.4 reporting.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
2:20:00 State Legislative Update

Senator Tim McGrath provided updates on state budget process, housing legislation, land use change tax proposals, and other legislative priorities affecting municipalities.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
2:36:53 Meeting Minutes Approval

Approval of Board of Selectmen meeting minutes for January 13, January 27, February 5, and February 10, 2025.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
2:38:28 Fireworks Permit Applications

Approval of annual wholesale/retail fireworks permits for Atlas Fireworks and Apex Fireworks LLC (Elite Fireworks).

Speakers: Unidentified speaker

Controversy & ⁠dissent

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

Potentially controversial issues

01

Community Power Program Opt-Out Enrollment Structure

Residents objected to being automatically enrolled in a new electricity supply program without affirmative consent, with at least one resident explicitly framing it as a violation of New Hampshire's individualist political culture. Concerns also centered on inadequate notification (some residents never received letters), lack of guaranteed savings, Direct Energy's poor customer service reputation, and potential financial harm to net metering customers who don't know to opt out.
Board position: Board defended the program as voter-approved (81% in March 2024) and already contracted; acknowledged concerns by noting the chair contacted a state legislator about the opt-out structure but did not commit to structural changes.
high concern
02

Transfer Station Cashless Payment Policy

The proposed elimination of cash payments at the transfer station forces all users into electronic payment methods and potentially imposes transaction fees on residents who have no other payment option. One board member objected to charging fees to residents compelled to pay electronically.
Board position: Board supported moving to cashless payments with a three-month education phase starting April 1; debated whether to absorb transaction fees rather than pass them to residents.
Internal dissent
a speaker explicitly stated the town should absorb transaction fees if residents are being forced into electronic payment, framing it as 'the cost of us doing business.' a speaker pushed further, suggesting the board eliminate checks entirely and go fully electronic immediately.
medium concern
03

Community Power Program Transparency and Vendor Performance Data

Resident Matt Klimsak pressed for concrete, long-term savings data from comparable communities and received no satisfactory answer. The program's vendor (Direct Energy) has poor public reviews, the blind bidding process did not disclose how many vendors competed, and the program consultant acknowledged savings cannot be guaranteed — raising questions about whether the program will deliver on its core premise.
Board position: Board deferred entirely to Standard Power/Emily Manns for substantive answers; did not independently verify or challenge vendor claims.
medium concern

Split votes

Approval of BOS meeting minutes for February 5, 2025
4-0-1
Approval of BOS meeting minutes for February 10, 2025
4-0-1

Community vs. board tension

Action ⁠items

Who owes what, by when.
Provide environmental disclosure statement detailing renewable energy sources
Assigned: Emily Manns (Standard Power) · Due: Not specified
Continue outreach efforts to ensure residents receive notification letters
Assigned: Town Board · Due: Before April 1 program launch
Send information letters to all residents, including those on competitive supply
Assigned: Standard Power · Due: Ongoing through March 25 opt-out deadline
Post community power program information and letters on town website and send via E-Alert system
Assigned: Jennifer (Town staff) · Due: Tomorrow
Contact Direct Energy to address customer service coordination issues regarding community power program
Assigned: Emily (Community Power consultant) · Due: Not specified
Research HSA front-loading implementation details including probationary employee handling and tax implications
Assigned: Debbie Bender (Acting Town Administrator) · Due: Two weeks (next meeting)
Begin three-month public education phase for cashless payment policy at transfer station
Assigned: DPW · Due: April 1st, 2025
Implement transfer station sticker enforcement policy in phases, beginning with education period
Assigned: DPW (a speaker) · Due: Can begin immediately, potentially coinciding with other policy implementation
Sign CWSRF loan application and submit to state
Assigned: Town Administrator · Due: As soon as possible to complete loan application process
Bring Certificate of Vote Authority document to Board for signature
Assigned: a speaker · Due: March 10th meeting
Clean and inspect all catch basins in town with mapping and data collection
Assigned: Eastern Pipe Services LLC · Due: Within contract period
Add HSA funding revisit to action items
Assigned: a speaker · Due: March 10th meeting
Look into Route 101 safety improvement continuation timeline and bridge aid funding
Assigned: Senator McGrath · Due: Follow-up with board

Notable ⁠statements

I have contacted Senator McGu about this issue [regarding opt-out vs opt-in structure] — Speaker A (Board Chair) · Response to resident concern about the opt-out structure not being 'the New Hampshire way' 26:48
It's not the New Hampshire way. The New Hampshire way is to choose not to be told what to do. And this is not the New Hampshire way at all. — Resident Peter · Expressing opposition to the opt-out structure of the Community Power program 25:21
The town gets no revenue from this. It is absolutely neutral. There's no cost to the town and there's no revenue to the town. — Speaker K (Town Manager) · Clarifying that the town receives no financial benefit from the Community Power program 33:14
We can't predict the cost of the future. I can't promise you savings but that is the goal of the program is savings — Speaker B (Emily Manns) · Explaining that while savings are the goal, future electricity rates cannot be guaranteed 35:57
One of the suggestions that we've had a couple of times over the past year is to change the funding of that and rather than go pay period by pay period, do some sort of upfront funding... if we have an employee who is in the plan and has a large medical expense early in the year, they may have nothing in their health savings account at that time or little. — Speaker K (Board member) · Explaining rationale for HSA funding policy change to help employees with early medical expenses 1:39:24
If we're going to force people into that corner, I don't think we should also have them incur the fees. I think that's the cost of us doing business is my thought. — Speaker J (Board member) · Opposition to charging transaction fees for mandatory electronic payments at transfer station 1:56:00
I think checks might even be less common than cash these days. I think I'd be inclined to rip the band aid off and just make it totally electronic because then you get all the benefits of the digital trail you're talking about. — Speaker K (Board member) · Discussion of transfer station cashless payment policy and whether to continue accepting checks 1:58:38
We're cleaning every single basin in Amherst, which to my knowledge we haven't done. But we're doing that on purpose, by — Unidentified speaker

Public ⁠comment

What residents said — verbatim, with timestamps.
18
Total speakers
13
Addressed
4
Partial
1
Not addressed
Peter (last name unclear)
24:23
Partial
Criticized the opt-out structure of the program, arguing it's not the "New Hampshire way" to force people into programs they don't want. Urged the board to contact state legislators to change the law to make it opt-in instead. Key concern
Opposition to opt-out enrollment structure and forcing residents into the program
Board response
Chair Danielle commented that she has contacted Senator McGu about this issue
Board acknowledged the concern and stated they had contacted legislators, but didn't commit to changing the program structure
Martin Gulay, Veterans Road
27:14
Addressed
Asked for clarification about net metering with solar panels, specifically whether he could opt in if he has kilowatt hour credits rather than monetary credits. Key concern
Clarification on net metering eligibility for the program
Emily Mann directly answered his question and offered to help verify his bill type
Unidentified speaker
27:32
Addressed
Asked about rate changes after October, notification timing, and whether rates are based on enrollment numbers. Also asked about time-of-use pricing. Key concern
Understanding future rate changes and pricing structure
Emily Mann answered all questions about rate notification, enrollment impact, and pricing structure
Rob Clemens, 13 Tarleton Lane
29:29
Addressed
Asked why the basic rate wasn't chosen as the default, and mentioned he didn't receive a letter because he's already on Direct Energy. Key concern
Why basic rate wasn't the default and letter delivery for existing customers
Emily Mann explained the survey results influenced the default choice and confirmed he would receive a letter
Kirk Rogers
30:50
Addressed
Asked about regulatory oversight of Standard Power and Direct Energy, and clarified the opt-in process for the basic rate. Key concern
Understanding regulatory environment and opt-in procedures
Emily Mann explained the regulatory structure and opt-in process
Jim O'Reilly, Holly Hill
32:46
Addressed
Asked if the town receives any revenue from the program and how it's calculated. Key concern
Whether the town profits from the community power program
Board response
Town manager confirmed the town gets no revenue and no cost from this program - it's neutral
Board directly answered that the town receives no revenue from the program
Russ Hodgkins, Thornton Ferry Road
33:28
Addressed
Expressed concern about delivery portion of electricity bills rising 12% annually and whether Eversource might retaliate by increasing delivery charges. Key concern
Concern about potential retaliation through delivery charges
Emily Mann explained delivery charges are the same statewide and regulated
From 6 Potter Way
35:00
Addressed
Asked about contract length and whether the benefit is stability rather than savings, and questioned renewable energy certificate purchasing. Key concern
Understanding long-term contract benefits and renewable energy certificates
Emily Mann explained contract timing and confirmed renewable energy certificate purchasing details
Bill Larson, 37 Broadway
38:20
Partial
Asked about disclosure statements for renewable energy sources and liability concerns for those who don't receive notification letters. Key concern
Disclosure requirements and potential liability for uninformed residents
Emily Mann addressed disclosure statements but stated there's no mechanism to reimburse customers who make uninformed decisions
Al Christianson, J. Bartlett
43:03
Addressed
Asked about other New Hampshire communities with this service and questioned whether the letter appeared to come from the town rather than the company. Key concern
Program scope in other communities and letter attribution
Board response
Board confirmed they knew the letter would have town branding and approved the town-sponsored plan
Board directly addressed the letter attribution and Emily Mann provided information about other communities
Bruce Kenny, 3 Atherton Lane
45:31
Addressed
Expressed concern about Direct Energy's poor online customer service reviews and how it might affect Amherst program customers. Key concern
Customer service quality concerns with Direct Energy
Emily Mann acknowledged the concern and explained the municipal division has better service
Chris (last name unclear)
46:37
Partial
Raised concerns about residents not receiving letters and suggested door-to-door outreach to ensure proper notification. Key concern
Inadequate notification and suggested better outreach methods
Board response
Board discussed notification challenges and said they're open to suggestions for getting word out
Board acknowledged the challenge but didn't commit to door-to-door outreach
Matt Klimsak, Indian Pond Lane
54:03
Partial
Questioned the overall benefit of the program, noting minimal cost savings and asking for concrete data on savings in other communities over time. Key concern
Lack of clear financial benefit and request for performance data
Emily Mann explained the program goals but acknowledged she couldn't provide the specific trend data requested
Yale Patak, Horace Greenway
58:05
Addressed
Asked for clarification on what the 'Basic' rate option means and whether customers can return to Eversource without penalty. Key concern
Understanding rate options and exit procedures
Emily Mann clearly explained the Basic rate option and return procedures
Will, Preschool Street
1:01:45
Addressed
Confused about his status since he already has Direct Energy as supplier and whether he's automatically enrolled. Key concern
Clarification of enrollment status for existing Direct Energy customers
Emily Mann explained he's not automatically enrolled and provided instructions for opting in
Robert Bower, Rugless Drive
1:03:10
Addressed
Asked detailed questions about timing scenarios for switching between the program and Eversource rates to optimize costs. Key concern
Understanding flexibility to switch back and forth for rate optimization
Emily Mann provided detailed explanation of switching policies and potential limitations
Courtney De Beal, Foundry Street
1:07:50
Partial
Asked how many vendor rates were compared during the bidding process. Key concern
Understanding the competitiveness of the bidding process
Emily Mann explained the blind bid process but couldn't provide specific numbers due to confidentiality
Kirk Rogers
1:24:43
Addressed
Asked about Direct Energy's involvement in the Texas electricity crisis and whether similar price spikes could happen in New England. Key concern
Risk of extreme price volatility like occurred in Texas
Emily Mann explained New England's different regulatory structure prevents Texas-style price spikes
Support coverage

Creating this report cost ⁠real money.

MeetingWatch attended, transcribed, and analyzed this meeting on its own dime. If this work is valuable to you, chip in to keep covering Amherst.

Report composed by claude-sonnet-4-6, claude-sonnet-4-20250514, claude-opus-4-6 · analyzed 2026-06-01.