Board of Selectmen — June 9, 2026

Laura Taylor introduced herself, noting her engineering degree and background as being aligned with the commission's work.

The appointment was approved by a 5-0 vote.

The proclamation recognized the troop's achievement and their project researching Revolutionary War patriots in Amherst. The town declared May 11th, 2026, as Girl Scout Recognition Day.

The proclamation was read, and a group photo was taken with the troop.

Topics included the Baboosic Lake alum treatment project (expected completion this week), the redevelopment of a dilapidated house on Southern Thornton Ferry Road, and upcoming 250th-anniversary celebrations. The administrator also noted several available committee vacancies.

The board was briefed on project statuses.

Staff to follow up on repurposing funding for North Oak 2/3 and continue work on the SS4A project.

A board member raised concerns that spring tax bills were sent to residents before the Selectmen had approved them. The Town Administrator explained that the current schedule between meeting dates and the printing process creates coordination issues.

The administration committed to modifying the schedule to ensure approval precedes mailing.

The Tax Collector and Selectman Chairperson will coordinate a new schedule for future bills.

The current facility is outdated, lacks adequate space for meetings and storage, and has an insufficient heating system. The Director proposed a $6,950 contract with Trident for 'Phase 1' (conceptual design and budgeting) to provide accurate data for future voter consideration. Members discussed availability for a tour, settling tentatively on Tuesday, June 16th.

The board requested a tour of the current facility and additional budgetary estimates before making a formal decision on the proposal. The board tentatively aimed for Tuesday, June 16th for the tour.

The DPW Director will schedule a facility tour for the board and prepare a ballpark cost estimate per square foot. Ms. Scott will send out emails to finalize the date.

Discussion covered the potential to repurpose funding from North Oak 2 for the North Oak 3 project due to increased costs. Updates were also provided on the School Campus path (awaiting Governor Council approval) and the SS4A project (negotiating fees with VHB and Resilience Planning). Additionally, a culvert replacement on Thornton Ferry Road 2 was noted to start after school ends.

The board was informed of the timelines and the intent to involve a third party for public engagement on the SS4A project.

The town will communicate road closures for the Thornton Ferry Road 2 project.

The department needs to replace a failed SCBA air station. An intermunicipal agreement with New Boston allows Amherst to take a 5-year-old system on indefinite loan for the cost of moving/installing it. Separately, the Chief proposed a new on-call fire inspector job description to assist with inspections while vacancies exist.

The board approved the intermunicipal agreement with New Boston and the new on-call fire inspector job description.

The Town Administrator will execute the agreement with New Boston and the Attorney General's office.

Captain Blake is retiring to join the US Attorney's Office; a succession plan is in place. Additionally, the SROs are developing a youth academy for 7th-10th graders to foster interest in law enforcement and build a local pipeline for future recruitment.

The board was advised of the upcoming personnel change and the academy outreach efforts. The board expressed support for the youth program.

The board addressed the minutes for May 11th and May 26th. There was brief confusion regarding whether the May 26th minutes had already been addressed, but it was clarified they were next on the agenda.

Both sets of minutes were approved by the board.

A motion was made to enter a non-public session pursuant to RSA 91-A, III(2)(c), citing administrative matters that could adversely affect the reputation of a person if discussed in public.

The motion was seconded and passed by a roll call vote.