Town Government
Boards & Commissions
What Boards & Commissions Are
Beyond the Select Board and the School Committee, much of Pelham’s governing happens on volunteer boards and commissions. They review new development, hear zoning appeals, protect wetlands and open space, weigh in on historic places, and guide services for residents. In a town with no appointed administrator, these rooms are where an ordinary resident can have the most direct hand in a decision.
Some boards are appointed by the Select Board, permanent and ad hoc. Others are elected on the town ballot: the May 2026 election filled seats on the Board of Assessors, Board of Health, Planning Board, Cemetery Commission, and Library Trustees. In Pelham you can be appointed to some of these seats, and you can simply run for the others.
Key Boards & Commissions
- Planning Board reviews subdivisions, site plans, and major development. Elected. Acting Chair James Bradbury.
- Zoning Board of Appeals hears variances and special permits. Chair Jeffrey Eiseman.
- Conservation Commission protects Pelham’s wetlands, streams, and open space. Chair Dana MacDonald.
- Finance Committee reviews the budget line by line and advises Town Meeting on spending. Chair John Trickey.
- Board of Health oversees inspections, permits, and public health rules, working through the regional Quabbin Health District. Elected. Chair William Pula.
- Historical Commission weighs in on the town’s historic places. Chair Karl Martini.
- Cemetery Commission looks after the town’s cemeteries. Elected. Chair Scott Barton.
- Community Preservation Committee recommends how the town spends its Community Preservation funds on open space, historic sites, and housing.
- Housing, Energy, and Sustainability committees work on affordable housing, energy, and the town’s Green Community goals.
For the full roster, current members, vacancies, and schedules, see the town’s boards and committees pages at pelhamma.gov.
How to Serve
- Find an opening on the town’s Appointments and Vacancies page, or watch the ballot for elected seats.
- Apply online: the town posts an Online Application for Boards and Committees.
- Interview if asked, and await appointment by the Select Board, or take out nomination papers with the Town Clerk and run.
- Serve: attend the public meetings and help make decisions for your town.
Serving on a board is one of the most direct ways to shape Pelham.