Accountability posts
Drafts ready to share. Click to copy, then post. Board of Selectmen · Amherst, NH · March 10, 2025.
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State zoning legislation with long-term local impact raised informally, no action taken
Amherst BOS 3/10: A selectman warned pending state zoning legislation could affect the town 'for decades.' She suggested a joint meeting with the planning board & state reps. No vote was taken and no meeting was scheduled.
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Public infrastructure spending transparency
Amherst BOS 3/10: Board approved a $26,847 contract (+$10K contingency) to relocate the central fire station's septic system due to contamination. All votes were 5-0.
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Public safety staffing and employee benefits decisions
Amherst BOS 3/10: Board approved a new EMT hire (Alexandra Villers, $22.45/hr) and changed its HSA policy to front-load health savings contributions twice a year instead of per pay period to help with early high-deductible costs.
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Staff recognition and upcoming traffic study action item
Amherst BOS 3/10: Jennifer Stover was recognized for selection to the NH Women's Leadership Institute — 1 of 24 chosen from 120 applicants. Also: a traffic study for Chestnut Hill Rd is expected by late April 2025.
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THREAD: Amherst Board of Selectmen met 3/10/25. Largely routine — retirements, approvals, housekeeping. But one moment stands out that residents tracking local land use should note. 🧵
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Selectman Cynthia raised concerns about pending state zoning legislation, warning it could affect Amherst 'for decades' if certain measures pass. She suggested a joint meeting with the planning board and state representatives. The board did not vote, schedule anything, or formally respond.
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In NH, state-level zoning legislation has the potential to affect local control over housing density and land use. If a selectman believes the stakes are decade-long, residents may want to track what's being proposed at the state level.
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Other business 3/10: ✅ $26,847 contract (+$10K contingency) for fire station septic relocation due to contamination ✅ New EMT hired at $22.45/hr ✅ HSA policy changed to front-load matching contributions twice/year ✅ Rob Clemens reappointed to Souhegan River Advisory Committee
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Action items to watch: 📍 Traffic study on Chestnut Hill Rd — due late April (Chief Champoli) 📍 HR software purchase decision — first May meeting 📍 HSA implementation plan — future meeting All votes were 5-0. Retiring Selectman Bill and Police Chief Pete were recognized in their final meeting. John Harvey was honored for 36 years on the Conservation Commission.
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Longer-form draft.
**Amherst Board of Selectmen — Meeting Recap & What to Watch | March 10, 2025** Monday's Board of Selectmen meeting was largely ceremonial and administrative — a fitting sendoff for retiring Selectman Bill and Police Chief Pete, and a well-deserved recognition of Conservation Commission member John Harvey's 36 years of service (including 22 years as chairman). But one comment near the end of the meeting deserves broader attention. Selectman Cynthia raised concerns about pending state zoning legislation, warning that it could affect Amherst 'for decades' if certain measures are passed, and suggesting the board convene a joint meeting with the planning board and state representatives to discuss it. No vote was taken, nothing was scheduled, and the board did not formally respond. Residents who care about local land use decisions may want to follow what legislation is being considered at the state level. On the administrative side, the board approved several items worth noting: a $26,847 contract (plus a $10,000 contingency) with AJ LeBlanc Heating to relocate the central fire station's septic system due to contamination; the hiring of a new EMT, Alexandra Villers, at $22.45/hour; and a policy change allowing the town to front-load its HSA matching contributions twice per year instead of per pay period, intended to help employees manage early high-deductible expenses. All votes were 5-0. Looking ahead: a traffic study on Chestnut Hill Road is expected by late April, an HR software purchase decision will come before the board at the first May meeting, and the new Community Development Director Christy Jobin meets with the Town Administrator starting March 11. Official minutes from this meeting have not yet been published — check the town website for the full record when they are posted.