Board of Selectmen — June 22, 2026
Amherst Selectmen debate truck restrictions on Christian Hill Road as concerns rise over lack of data-driven evidence.
The meeting was largely routine, but a spirited critique of a committee recommendation regarding road safety introduced a moment of friction.
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During the June 22 Board of Selectmen meeting, a significant debate emerged regarding traffic safety and the use of data in local governance.
The Traffic Safety Committee presented a recommendation to change ordinances on Christian Hill Road to prevent heavy through-trucks from using the road as a shortcut to bypass Boston Post Road restrictions. While this addresses a common resident complaint, the recommendation met pushback from within the Board. One member criticized the proposal for lacking data-driven evidence, arguing that making changes based on anecdotal observations rather than hard traffic data could simply shift congestion and safety issues to other residential streets.
As a result, the Board has opted to hold public hearings before making any decisions. This is a critical moment for residents to demand that any proposed road closures or restrictions are backed by empirical evidence rather than just well-intentioned guesswork.
Additionally, the Board authorized $6,950 for a professional study of the DPW facility. While this is a small initial amount, this study is the precursor to a potentially multi-million dollar decision regarding the renovation or replacement of the facility. Taxpayers should prepare for these costs to appear in future warrant articles.
Public impact
A release of $210,500 for debt service.
The board approved the release of up to $210,500 for the FY26 debt service payment.
Initial study cost of $6,950, potentially leading to a multi-million dollar warrant article.
The board authorized the DPW Director to execute the agreement with Trident Project Advantage Group.
The study results will inform future planning and potential warrant articles for voters.
Transition to a health trust and codification of HSA contributions.
The board approved the one-year healthcare contract amendment.
Topics discussed
Chief Champoli recognized Captain Chad Lane for his 25 years of dedicated service to the Amherst Police Department.
Captain Lane was presented with a recognition for his 25 years of service and friendship.
A public hearing was held to formally accept $147,300 from the sale of a 2001 E-One aerial truck to a town in Kentucky.
The board voted unanimously to accept the $147,300 in unanticipated revenue.
The Milford Rotary Club presented a donation for a new equipment storage shed at Spaulding Field.
The board approved the acceptance of $8,821.50 for the purchase of the shed and ramp.
The School Board requested $210,500 in impact fees for debt service related to a 2008 bond.
The board approved the release of up to $210,500 for the FY26 debt service payment.
Staff provided updates on the town website, American Tower lease, police healthcare contract, and algal treatment project.
The board approved the one-year healthcare contract amendment for the police department.
The Traffic Safety Committee discussed closing a 'loophole' regarding through-trucking on Christian Hill Road.
The board agreed to the recommendation to hold public hearings to consider the ordinance change.
Public hearings to be scheduled for the proposed ordinance change.
The department requested approval to purchase a replacement Canon TM355 water scanner.
The board approved the $11,244 purchase from IMTEC.
The board reviewed requests to encumber $1,189,378.10 from the FY26 budget into FY27 for eight projects.
The board approved the encumbrances as presented.
The Fire Chief provided updates on a recruitment video and a new administrative hire.
The board approved the hire of Lindsay LaRoche starting July 13th, 2026.
The department discussed transitioning a part-time role to full-time and upcoming summer activities.
The board approved the hiring of Nathaniel Addonizio as a full-time Recreation Assistant.
The DPW proposed a professional services agreement for a study regarding the future of the Public Works facility.
The board authorized the DPW Director to execute the agreement with Trident.
The study will provide data for potential future warrant articles/budget items.
The board reviewed several tax abatements and the annual dog licensing warrant.
The board approved all discussed abatements and authorized the dog licensing warrant.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Traffic Safety: Christian Hill Road Ordinance Change
Split votes
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
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gemma-4-26b, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning, grok-4-fast · analyzed 2026-06-23.
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