Amherst Town Council Appoints New Jones Library Trustee
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
07/15/2024
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Recording Published:
07/22/2024
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Duration:
221 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Hampshire County
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Towns:
Amherst
- Meeting Overview:
The Amherst Town Council, in a recent meeting, appointed Nat Larson as a member of the Jones Library Board of Trustees, following interviews with candidates during a joint session with the library trustees. The council also entertained vigorous public commentary on multiple issues, including proposed waste management bylaw amendments and concerns over the Jones Library renovation project. Additionally, there was debate over planning board appointments, with Melissa Ferris’s nomination resulting in a split vote and ultimate failure to secure a position.
Nat Larson was elected to serve on the Jones Library Board of Trustees until a newly elected member is sworn in. Both Larson and fellow candidate Roman Handlin were interviewed, presenting their views on the library’s role, the balance of responsibilities between public service and private entity membership, and their past experiences relevant to the position. Larson’s selection by unanimous vote was one of the key outcomes of the meeting involving council members and library trustees.
Public engagement featured prominently throughout the meeting, with extensive commentary on several issues. Debbie Stefano advocated for the services provided by the John P. Musante Health Clinic and the Bangs Center. Alex Cox brought up concerns about standing water on East Pleasant Street, while Katherine Appy praised the town’s Solid Waste Management bylaw revision but called for more community engagement. Vince O’Conor suggested the establishment of a resettlement commission for refugees and asylum seekers and raised issues with the solid waste proposals’ inclusivity. Opposition to the Jones Library demolition and expansion was voiced by Ken Rosenthal and Arley Gold, favoring a repair approach instead. Heti Startup congratulated Larson on his appointment and expressed concerns about the current value engineering proposals for the library project.
The council’s discussions on waste management were significant, as members considered the implementation of a pay-as-you-throw system and curbside compost pickup. The initiative aims to reduce landfill waste and foster more environmentally friendly waste disposal practices. However, the council noted the need for thorough community outreach and precise cost figures before proceeding to a vote. The council requested the town manager issue a request for proposal for more detailed pricing from waste hauler companies.
The proposed amendments to water and sewer rates also commanded the council’s attention, with members reviewing public comments and discussing adjustments to rates and the effective date. The meeting acknowledged the importance of public feedback on the proposed amendments before any decisions were made.
Debate on planning board appointments was intense, with council members considering the qualifications of Melissa Ferris and Lawrence Kutz for the position. While some members supported Ferris for her local roots and understanding of the community, others backed Kutz for his focus on inclusivity and diversity. The council ultimately voted on the appointment, with the motion to appoint Ferris failing in a 5-7 vote, leading to questions about the next steps and the planning board’s future composition.
The meeting also touched on broader issues, such as housing quality of life, rental property conversions, and the prioritization of council goals like addressing the housing crisis. Additionally, the council discussed updates from various committees, including the Elementary School building and Jones Library building committees, which revealed new concerns, such as the denial of a mass tax credit and treatment of historic woodwork.
In the Town Manager’s report, newly appointed Finance Director Melissa Zawadski and the Superintendent of Schools were commended for their work. The successful coordination of the July 2nd fireworks event was acknowledged, with thanks extended to the University for their contributions. The council clarified that the War Memorial Pool did not require repairs, but the bathhouse did, dispelling rumors about the pool’s closure. Financial implications for the Jones Library and potential additional town allocations were discussed, as well as a traffic study at the Fort River school intersection and the possibility of other municipalities joining the town’s wastewater treatment facility.
Paul Brockelman
City Council Officials:
Mandi Jo Hanneke, Andrew J. Steinberg, Ellisha Walker, Ndifreke Ette, Cathy A. Schoen, Patricia C. De Angelis, Lynn Griesemer, Hala Heather A. Lord, George Ryan, Pamela Rooney, Jennifer Taub, Ana Devlin-Gauthier, Robert Hegner, Athena O’Keeffe (Clerk of the Council)
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
07/15/2024
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Recording Published:
07/22/2024
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Duration:
221 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Hampshire County
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Towns:
Amherst
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