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Meeting report · Board of Selectmen
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Board of Selectmen — July 13, 2026

While there was strong public interest and spirited testimony regarding road safety, the board handled the matters procedurally and remained professional.

Date Monday, July 13, 2026 Duration 1.1h Speakers 1 Public comments 6 Decisions 10 Routine
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Summary AI-generated to surface controversy & community impact without bias — always verify against the actual meeting before relying on it.

During the July 13 Board of Selectmen meeting, the tension between resident safety and town policy was on full display.

A major focus of the meeting was the proposed No Through Trucking Ordinance for Christian Hill Road. Multiple residents testified that the road’s narrow geometry and lack of shoulders make it a high-risk area for pedestrians and cyclists. They expressed urgent concern that upcoming developments will only increase truck traffic on roads not designed to handle it. While the Board moved to open the hearing with a 4 Aye, 1 Recusal vote, the recusal of one member suggests there is still internal debate on how to proceed.

In addition to road safety, the Board faced scrutiny over a proposed Building and Trail Security Camera Policy. Residents warned that the current draft is 'incredibly vague' and lacks clear definitions for 'legitimate municipal purposes' or penalties for misuse. The Board has directed staff to tighten the language and provide more clarity before any formal adoption.

Stay tuned as we continue to track these decisions and the upcoming second public hearing on the trucking ordinance.

Jul 13, 2026 1.1h long 1 speakers 6 public comments 10 decisions Routine
❝ Notable statements ↔ Drag to browse

“A failure to [add Christian Hill Road to the ordinance] is, I think, negligent on the Board of Selectmen's part.”

— Doug Jabinski · Speaking in support of the trucking ordinance during the public hearing. ▶ 15:07

“The policy is incredibly vague, ripe for misuse, and a solution looking for a problem.”

— Tom Quinn · Commenting on the proposed Security Camera Policy during the citizen's forum. ▶ 22:26
This meeting — choose a section

Public ⁠impact

Issues from this meeting with documented community impact.
What was discussed

Potential restriction of commercial through-traffic on a residential road.

What happened

The first of two required public hearings was held and closed.

What was discussed

Projected revenues exceeding the budget by approximately $895,000.

What happened

The Board received the financial summary and audit report.

Topics ⁠discussed

Each topic expands to quotes and full context.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

The Board issued a formal proclamation celebrating the 100th birthday of local resident Alma Elizabeth Watson.

What happened

The Board proclaimed June 23rd, 2026, as 'Alma Elizabeth Watson Day.'

Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Frank Montesanto, Tom Quinn, Eric Doucette, Kim Casey, Doug Jabinski, Barbara Williams
What was discussed

A public hearing was held regarding the proposed addition of Christian Hill Road to the town's No Through Trucking Ordinance.

What happened

The first of two required public hearings was held and subsequently closed.

Speakers: Teresa Scanlon, Unidentified speaker, John
What was discussed

A resident requested updates regarding the town-owned property at 7 Thornton Ferry Road.

What happened

The administration provided an update on current efforts and funding evaluations.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

The administration provided a summary of the town's strong financial standing and budget performance.

What happened

The Board received the financial summary and audit report.

Speakers: Tom Quinn, Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

The Board received initial feedback on a proposed Building and Trail Security Camera Policy.

What happened

The policy was presented for initial comment only.

Controversy & ⁠dissent

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

Potentially controversial issues

01

Christian Hill Road Trucking Ordinance

Residents are concerned that the road's geometry, lack of shoulders, and steepness make through-trucking a significant safety hazard for pedestrians and cyclists.
Board position: The board is proceeding with the required public hearing process to consider adding the road to the No Through Trucking Ordinance.
high concern
02

Building and Trail Security Camera Policy

A resident raised concerns regarding the vagueness of the policy, specifically regarding the definition of 'legitimate municipal purposes' and the lack of oversight or penalties for misuse.
Board position: The board acknowledged the need for more detail and clarity before formal adoption.
medium concern

Split votes

Motion to open the public hearing regarding the Christian Hill Road No Through Trucking Ordinance amendment.
4 Aye, 1 Recusal

Public ⁠comment

What residents said — verbatim, with timestamps.
6
Speakers
6
Comments
0
Addressed
0
Partial
6
Not addressed
Frank Montesanto
▶ 06:52
Not addressed
The speaker expressed strong support for adding Christian Hill Road to the No Through Trucking Ordinance. He noted an increase in traffic and cited the road's steep slopes, curves, and lack of shoulders as significant safety hazards. Key concern
The safety hazard posed by through trucking on Christian Hill Road due to poor road geometry.
The board did not provide a specific response to this individual's comment during the hearing; they simply acknowledged the comment and moved to the next speaker.
Tom Quinn
▶ 07:40
Not addressed
The speaker supports the ordinance due to pedestrian safety concerns and the road's difficult geometry. He also noted that upcoming local developments will increase truck traffic and expressed concerns regarding noise from engine braking. Key concern
Pedestrian safety, road geometry, upcoming development traffic, and noise pollution.
The board did not provide a specific response to this individual's comment during the hearing.
Eric Doucette
▶ 10:55
Not addressed
The speaker highlighted a dangerous situation when pulling out of Bloody Brook Road onto Christian Hill Road. He also pointed out that the provided information/photos for the hearing omitted specific dangerous areas like Bloody Brook. Key concern
Safety issues at the intersection of Bloody Brook and Christian Hill, and the omission of this area from the hearing materials.
The board did not provide a specific response to this individual's comment during the hearing.
Kim Casey
▶ 12:35
Not addressed
The speaker expressed support for the ordinance, stating that the road is already treacherous for pedestrians. She emphasized that the town should prioritize safety and preserve its character over increasing thoroughfare traffic. Key concern
Pedestrian safety and the preservation of the town's character and country roads.
The board did not provide a specific response to this individual's comment during the hearing.
Doug Jabinski
▶ 14:49
Not addressed
The speaker recalled previous discussions about limiting semi dump trucks and supported the recommendation of the police chief and DPW. He argued that the narrow road and blind curves make through trucking a significant risk. Key concern
Safety risks for residents due to narrow roads, blind curves, and lack of shoulders.
The board did not provide a specific response to this individual's comment during the hearing.
Barbara Williams
▶ 15:34
Not addressed
The speaker described a 'domino effect' where truck traffic from Christian Hill flows onto Foundry or Davis streets. She noted the lack of sidewalks on Foundry Street forces pedestrians to walk in the street, creating danger when trucks pass. Key concern
The impact of redirected truck traffic on the safety of pedestrians on Foundry and Davis streets.
The board did not provide a specific response to this individual's comment during the hearing.

Decisions ⁠logged

Every recorded vote, with timestamps and dissents.
Open public hearing for Christian Hill Road No Through Trucking Ordinance amendment.
Motion to open the public hearing regarding the proposed addition of Christian Hill Road to the ordinance.
4 Aye, 1 Recusal
Hire Victoria Mattel as regular part-time Legal Clerk.
Effective July 20, 2026, at a rate of $30.48 (Grade 6, Step 6).
5 Aye, 0 Nay
Hire Keith Unger as Driver and Laborer for DPW.
Effective July 20, 2026, at a rate of $26.33 (Grade 4, Step 5).
5 Aye, 0 Nay
Award 2026 crack sealing contract to NYCOM Coating LLC.
Contract amount of $48,990 as the lowest responsive bidder.
5 Aye, 0 Nay
Hire Lindsay Hood as Finance Department Assistant.
Effective July 20, 2026, at a rate of $29.89 (Grade 6, Step 5).
5 Aye, 0 Nay
Approve Veteran Tax Credit for Map 005, Lot 109000.
Granting a $500 credit for the 2026 tax year.
4 Aye, 0 Nay
Approve various tax abatements.
Granted: 118 MacKillop ($3,102), 18 Pinewood ($285.36), Pine Top Road ($1,695), 27 Greenbrier Lane ($902). Denied: 85 Route 101A, 481 Boston Post, 54 Severance Bridge, 6 Manchester, 61 Severance Bridge.
Various (all 5-0)
Approve Historical Society use of Town Common.
Annual dinner on the green, Sept 11, 2026, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
5 Aye, 0 Nay
Approve 2027 Holiday and Meeting Calendars.
Meeting calendar follows previous years with adjustments for Columbus Day.
5 Aye, 0 Nay
Approve June 22, 2026 minutes.
Corrected name error for Selectman Gokmo (Cynthia).
5 Aye, 0 Nay

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Split vote/internal division on a high-priority safety issue
At the July 13 Board of Selectmen meeting, a motion to open the public hearing for the Christian Hill Road Trucking Ordinance passed 4 Aye, 1 Recusal, with one member recusing themselves. Residents are calling the current lack of... https://meetingwatch.org/nh/amherst/board-of-selectmen/2026-07-13/ #MeetingWatch #AmherstNH
324/280 chars
Fiscal oversight and budget status
Amherst officials report the town is projected to exceed its FY26 budget by approximately $895,000, driven by tax revenue and investment earnings. This surplus comes as the Board reviews various tax abatement requests. https://meetingwatch.org/nh/amherst/board-of-selectmen/2026-07-13/ #MeetingWatch #AmherstNH
310/280 chars
Community concerns regarding privacy and policy clarity
Residents raised serious concerns at the July 13 meeting regarding the proposed Building and Trail Security Camera Policy. Critics warned the policy is too vague on 'legitimate municipal purposes' and lacks penalties for misuse. https://meetingwatch.org/nh/amherst/board-of-selectmen/2026-07-13/ #MeetingWatch #AmherstNH
320/280 chars

X thread

1
Safety on Christian Hill Road is a growing concern for Amherst residents. At the July 13 Board of Selectmen meeting, the town held its first public hearing on a proposed No Through Trucking Ordinance. Here is what you need to know: 🧵 #MeetingWatch #AmherstNH
258/280
2
Residents spoke out strongly, citing dangerous road geometry, a lack of shoulders, and significant risks to pedestrians and cyclists. One resident noted that failing to restrict heavy trucks on this road is 'negligent' given the upcoming local developments.
257/280
3
The motion to open the hearing passed 4 Aye, 1 Recusal, with one Selectman recusing themselves. While the hearing is moving forward, the community is watching closely to see if the Board prioritizes resident safety over commercial convenience. #AmherstNH #LocalGov https://meetingwatch.org/nh/amherst/board-of-selectmen/2026-07-13/
288/280

Facebook — long form

During the July 13 Board of Selectmen meeting, the tension between resident safety and town policy was on full display. 

A major focus of the meeting was the proposed No Through Trucking Ordinance for Christian Hill Road. Multiple residents testified that the road’s narrow geometry and lack of shoulders make it a high-risk area for pedestrians and cyclists. They expressed urgent concern that upcoming developments will only increase truck traffic on roads not designed to handle it. While the Board moved to open the hearing with a 4 Aye, 1 Recusal vote, the recusal of one member suggests there is still internal debate on how to proceed.

In addition to road safety, the Board faced scrutiny over a proposed Building and Trail Security Camera Policy. Residents warned that the current draft is 'incredibly vague' and lacks clear definitions for 'legitimate municipal purposes' or penalties for misuse. The Board has directed staff to tighten the language and provide more clarity before any formal adoption.

Stay tuned as we continue to track these decisions and the upcoming second public hearing on the trucking ordinance. https://meetingwatch.org/nh/amherst/board-of-selectmen/2026-07-13/ #MeetingWatch #AmherstNH

Action ⁠items

Who owes what, by when.
Review and tighten the Security Camera Policy to provide better clarity on intent, purpose, and usage restrictions.
Assigned: Administration/Police Chief · Due: Next meeting or two
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Report composed by grok-4.3, gemma-4-26b, grok-4.20-0309-non-reasoning, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning · analyzed 2026-07-15.