The most concern was the allocation of approximately $454,500 remaining from the initial $500,000 intended for the Youth Empowerment Center. Members expressed frustration over the lack of progress and clarity regarding the utilization of these funds, particularly after $45,500 was spent on mapping existing youth programs through the Donahue Institute. The committee stressed the need to commit these funds by the end of the month to prevent them from being redirected to cash reserves, which would restrict their use to capital projects.

Suggestions were made to draft a letter to the town manager and Town Council, outlining recommendations for using the funds, such as hiring a grant writer, securing a space, or increasing staff to support youth initiatives. A proposal to draft the letter and circulate it among committee members for feedback was put forward, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

In tandem with the funding discussion, the committee delved into the development of a resident oversight board for the police department. Facilitated by an experienced professional in establishing civilian oversight boards, the discussion examined various models, including review, investigative, and auditor/monitor approaches. A hybrid model was considered to tailor the oversight structure to Amherst’s specific needs. The committee was tasked with proposing bylaws for the board, which would then be submitted to the Town Council for approval. Concerns about maintaining the board’s independence from the town manager, who oversees the police department, were raised, with suggestions that the board report directly to the Town Council to avoid conflicts of interest.

The proposal for the oversight board emphasized the need for autonomy and empowerment. Members expressed a desire for the board to have adequate resources, including funding for necessary personnel such as investigators and administrative staff, to fulfill its mandate effectively. The importance of moving past preliminary discussions to address core issues was underscored, with a sense of urgency communicated by members advocating for a functional oversight mechanism to address community concerns about police practices and accountability.

In addition to these focal points, the meeting touched upon the Community Responder Emergency Services Team (CREST) and its budgetary constraints. Discussions highlighted the challenges of securing adequate funding to support CREST’s operations, particularly during evening hours when crises are more likely to occur. There was a call for increased data collection and analysis to demonstrate CREST’s impact, as well as a commitment to engaging with partner organizations to strategize on data acquisition.

The meeting also included public comments, with residents voicing concerns over the allocation of funds for youth programs and the engagement of marginalized communities in decision-making processes. One resident criticized the town leadership for a perceived disconnect with the struggles faced by BIPOC residents and expressed frustration over the lack of action regarding the allocation of remaining Opera funds. The slow progress on establishing a Youth Empowerment Center and the allocation of funds for mapping rather than tangible youth services were points of contention, with calls for greater transparency and community involvement in planning and execution.