The meeting commenced with the annual election for council president, where Lynn Griesemer was nominated and subsequently reelected with ten votes. The nomination process, led by Clerk Athena O’Keeffe, allowed councilors to make statements in support or opposition of nominees. Griesemer, reflecting on her previous term, emphasized council engagement and public perception as key priorities. She expressed a commitment to shorter meetings and encouraged active participation in setting the agenda.

However, not all councilors were in favor of Griesemer’s reelection. One council member critiqued Griesemer’s leadership, citing a lack of follow-through on promises for change. The member expressed discontent with the council’s reluctance to embrace new leadership. In contrast, other councilors acknowledged improvements under Griesemer’s presidency, citing her efforts to manage meeting agendas and her supportive approach toward new members. Despite mixed opinions, Griesemer’s reelection underscored her continued influence within the council.

Following the presidential election, the council turned its attention to electing a vice president. The initial vote resulted in a tie between nominees George Ryan and Kathy Shane. After a second round of voting, Ryan secured the position with seven votes. Ryan’s election was supported by those who valued his experience and collaborative nature, while Shane was praised for her thoroughness and impartiality.

The meeting also featured significant public comment, with residents addressing budgetary concerns and infrastructure projects. A resident criticized the town’s fiscal management, alleging misinformation about the town’s financial status and its impact on school budgets. The speaker argued for using surplus funds to restore school funding, emphasizing the importance of transparency in fiscal decisions. Additionally, concerns were raised about the library building project, with allegations of withheld information regarding preservation violations and funding gaps.

Community infrastructure needs were a recurring theme, with speakers advocating for improvements to the senior center and the establishment of a local bylaw for solar array permitting. The council heard calls for increased accessibility in renovations and the formation of a committee to ensure compliance with state legislation on solar projects. The urgency of addressing these needs was emphasized, reflecting ongoing community priorities.

The council’s discussion on budget appropriations included several financial orders for sewer and solid waste enterprise funds, as well as a significant allocation for the track and field project at Amherst Regional High School. The project, supported by Community Preservation Act funds, was a focal point for council discussion, with members emphasizing the need for clear maintenance responsibilities among town departments and schools.

Concerns about the proposed locations for the Department of Public Works (DPW) facility and a new fire station were also prominent. Some councilors expressed reservations about the lack of plansning for the Hickory Ridge site, while others suggested considering alternative locations to streamline costs. The council recognized the urgency of these projects but acknowledged the need for more information before making final decisions.

The council discussed the need for a retreat to refine these objectives, with an emphasis on ensuring the budget reflects community priorities. The town manager highlighted ongoing projects, including the library and solar initiatives, and the significance of community engagement on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.