During the meeting, the committee addressed the waste management bylaw, emphasizing the need for community involvement and expert consultation. Public comment opened with Shon providing background on drafting the updated bylaw and the importance of structured feedback. Darcy Dumont, representing Zero Waste Amherst, highlighted the necessity of an RFP to gather detailed cost information for informed decision-making.

The committee discussed phasing in proposals and whether to prioritize certain actions or consider them together. The debate centered on the feasibility of prioritizing the actions and the interconnection of various components within the waste management system. A decision was made to prioritize moving forward with the RFP and to seek the town manager’s input on the next steps.

The need for a clear and comprehensive RFP was underscored to ensure that the selected consultant would follow best practices. Frustration was voiced over the need to reference previous meeting packets for the correct bylaw. A motion was made to recommend that the Town Council advise the town manager to issue an RFP, which would be further discussed at a future council meeting. Additionally, a USDA grant for composting was mentioned as a potential funding source for hiring a consultant for the project.

The meeting also delved into road proposals, with a focus on the West Street proposal that included the addition of sidewalks, adjustments to bus pull-offs, and the installation of crosswalks with flashing beacons. A discussion about the speed limit on the section of the road addressed concerns about speeding. The importance of a listening session and feedback from advisory committees like the Transportation Advisory Committee and Disability Access Advisory Committee was noted in relation to moving forward with the proposal.

The proposed roundabout at Amity University was another significant topic, garnering considerable attention due to its implications for traffic calming and the town’s image. Concerns about pedestrian safety, additional lighting, and the University’s position on the project were raised. The committee contemplated holding listening sessions for the proposed roundabouts to ensure community engagement and broaden participation.

Looking ahead, the committee considered agenda items for future meetings, including outreach functions and the issue of intersections near Fort River School and the new elementary school. The need for committees to submit motions as part of their reports to adhere to the rules was highlighted.