Pelham Fire Department

The key discussion topics for this meeting included a review and vote on the minutes from the October 16, 2025 meeting, a period for public comment, updates from Mass Power Choice provided by Paul Gromer, general VGE Updates, and LEA Updates. The final agenda items involved planning for the next meeting's agenda and adjournment.

The meeting included discussion and approval of minutes from the previous meeting and updates on the anti-racist 30-day challenge. Working group reports covered outreach efforts, potential anti-racism and anti-discrimination trainings, a recommendation for a study of Pelham's history, governance bylaws, housing initiatives including a meeting with Abundant Housing in Mass, and the formulation of questions for the Policy Chief regarding public safety. A proposal for trainings will be drafted, and the select board will be invited to the following meeting in July to review the training recommendation.

The Special Town Meeting included discussions and votes on various articles, including amending a previous vote regarding the Amherst-Pelham Regional School District's capital needs, appropriating funds for the OPEB Trust account and the Reserve account, and allocating funds from the Capital Stabilization Fund for the Community Center HVAC system. A new ARTICLE V, Section § 125-18.2, Solar Electric Installations, of the Town of Pelham Zoning Bylaw was voted to replace the old one, with amendments made to Section G (3). Additionally, definitions were added to ARTICLE VIII, Section § 125-34, Definitions, of the Town of Pelham Zoning Bylaw. An updated zoning map was adopted, and a non-binding resolution was discussed regarding support for an affordable housing development.

The special town meeting addressed several financial matters, including raising and appropriating funds for the Building Maintenance account and the Reserve account. Additionally, funds were allocated from available Community Preservation funds to support the Amethyst Brook Apartments affordable rental housing project.

This Community Plan for the Town of Pelham aims to create a livable and cohesive Village Center by identifying potential development and activities to serve as a destination and cohesive hub for its residents. It outlines five major goals: enhancing the Village Center's attractiveness, improving access and circulation, upgrading infrastructure, developing new amenities for community spirit and vitality, and establishing a process for implementation. The plan seeks to enhance walkability, traffic calming, and biking safety; foster cultural activity, small business, and affordable housing development; and modify existing infrastructure and landscaping to expand the Town's economic and residential diversity and vitality.