The primary focus of the meeting revolved around the Community Heart and Soul Project, a local initiative designed to strengthen community governance by fostering public engagement. Pamela Young, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, outlined the project’s trajectory, which began with a 2021 report by the community safety working group. The project has since progressed, guided by liberatory visioning sessions and workshops facilitated by Dr. Love. These efforts culminated in a report by 2024-25, engaging community members from diverse organizations.

Discussions centered on whether the project necessitates the creation of a new nonprofit or could function under an existing one. Emphasizing a structured two-year engagement, the plan included hiring a part-time administrator, funded by earmarks, to ensure continuity. The resolution supporting the project was scrutinized for clarity. A consensus emerged for a simplified statement of support, resulting in the resolution stating, “We, the Amherst Town Council, do hereby proclaim our support for the Community Heart and Soul Project.” The resolution passed unanimously.

Attention then shifted to the review of the public ways policy and the responsibilities of the Transportation and Parking Commission (TPC). Members debated the proposal to assign utility hearings, or poll hearings, to the TPC. Concerns arose about the council’s ability to question utility companies after TPC reviews, given the time-sensitive nature of some requests. The distinction between formal hearings and public forums was underscored, with suggestions to use terms like “listening sessions” to avoid procedural confusion.

Further deliberation addressed the role of the Board of License Commissioners (BLC) within the policy, questioning the need for extensive procedural requirements for a body primarily dealing with food trucks. The committee considered whether to send the policy back to the Transportation and Safety Organization (TSO) for further refinement, given unresolved issues highlighted by KP Law’s review. The preference was to have TSO resolve these substantive matters before the document returned to the Governance Organization for final review.

The meeting also touched upon the fair share amendment, a tax initiative aimed at generating revenue for public transportation and higher education. The committee supported the amendment and urged the state legislature to increase funding for public colleges and universities. The terminology of “tax” versus “surtax” was debated, with a consensus that “tax” was a suitable descriptor.

A separate discussion focused on the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) zoning bylaw amendment. The committee reviewed its compliance with state law and practical implications, considering language changes to ensure clarity. The amendment’s parking requirements and feasibility standards were scrutinized, leading to a unanimous motion to approve the zoning amendment as clear, consistent, and actionable.

As the meeting drew to a close, the committee briefly discussed the town manager’s goals for 2026, alongside other agenda items like the public urination bylaw and higher education proclamation. The urgency of finalizing these matters before the council term’s expiration was underscored, with upcoming meetings scheduled to address outstanding issues.