Board of Selectmen — March 24, 2025
Incomplete utility pole replacements leaving dangerous partial poles on Amherst roads — board to compile locations and send letter to utility companies, but no deadline set
This was a largely administrative reorganization meeting with no public speakers, no contested policy debates, and unanimous votes on all major items. The abstentions on officer elections and the utility pole safety discussion added minor points of interest but no genuine tension.
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📋 AMHERST BOARD OF SELECTMEN — March 24, 2025 Meeting Recap
This was largely a reorganization meeting following recent elections. Here are the key items.
⚠️ UTILITY POLE HAZARDS: Board member Tom raised a concern that incomplete utility pole replacement projects are leaving dangerous partial poles hanging over public roads in Amherst. He argued the town should formally demand action from the utility companies responsible. The board agreed to compile a list of specific locations and send a formal letter to the utility companies. No deadline was set for either step. If you know of a specific location with a hazardous pole, contact the town.
🔨 BUILDING CODE ENFORCEMENT: Two recent unpermitted building incidents were discussed as an administrative update: a collapsed garage that was demolished and removed without proper demolition permits, and structural damage to a business on Route 101A involving unpermitted work. The board received the information but took no formal enforcement action and made no policy changes in response.
💰 EQUIPMENT PURCHASE: The board unanimously approved the purchase of a new trackless machine for $223,525 with a $17,750 trade-in, resulting in a net cost of $205,775. Payment was deferred until July 2025 due to tariff concerns.
🚒 FIRE DEPARTMENT UPDATE: The aerial truck is targeted for delivery by May 8. Transportation costs are estimated at $9,500–$10,000, with Chief Conley getting updated shipping quotes for the second April meeting.
👤 NEW HIRE: Nathaniel Adonisio was approved as Recreation Department Assistant at $24.80/hour (grade 5, step 1) with a March 31 start date. Approved 5-0.
New board leadership: Danielle elected Chair, Cynthia Daco as Vice Chair, and new member Pam Coughlin as Clerk. The board also approved the local source water grant extension unanimously.
Public impact
Net cost of $205,775 approved; payment deferred to July 2025 citing tariff uncertainty
Unknown number of dangerous partial poles remain standing; board agreed to compile locations and contact utility companies
Aerial truck targeted for May 8 delivery; $9,500–$10,000 in transportation costs under review
Topics discussed
The board elected new officers following recent elections. Danielle was elected Chairman, Cynthia Daco as Vice Chair, and new member Pam Coughlin as Clerk.
Board members were assigned to various committees and liaisons including conservation commission, heritage commission, recreation commission, and school board liaison positions.
Administrative update on implementing HSA deductible funding with 50% upfront payment and remainder distributed per pay period. Nine employees currently on the plan with $13,000 total town commitment.
Two recent incidents involving unpermitted building activities: a collapsed garage that was removed without proper demolition permits, and structural damage to a business on 101A.
Chief Conley provided update on aerial truck delivery with target date of May 8th. Transportation costs estimated at $9,500-$10,000 with multiple shipping options being explored.
Community Development Director requested extension of local source water grant deadline and authorization for her to sign related documents.
Recreation Department recommended hiring Nathaniel Adonisio as Recreation Department Assistant at grade 5, step 1 ($24.80/hour) with March 31st start date.
Approved purchase of new trackless machine for $223,525 with $17,750 trade-in value, resulting in net cost of $205,775. Payment deferred until July 2025 due to tariff concerns.
Board member raised concerns about incomplete utility pole replacements leaving dangerous partial poles hanging. Agreed to compile specific locations and contact utility companies.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Board Officer Elections with Abstentions
Utility Pole Safety Hazards
Trackless Machine Purchase — Tariff-Driven Payment Deferral
Building Code Violations and Unpermitted Demolition
Split votes
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
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