A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing accessibility challenges in Amherst. Concerns were raised about parking accessibility near the town hall, especially the safety implications for individuals with disabilities. The confusing nature of double lines adjacent to designated handicap parking spaces was highlighted, with members expressing discomfort about exiting vehicles into traffic. Suggestions were made to improve signage and markings for better safety and accessibility.

In addition to parking, discussions touched upon the inadequate lighting near the cemetery graveyard wall and the sidewalk conditions throughout the town. A resident shared difficulties navigating poorly lit areas, which exacerbated safety issues. There was a call for immediate action, such as filling dangerous ditches in sidewalks, rather than waiting for larger repair projects. A proposal was made for the town to allocate a fund of $150,000 annually to address immediate accessibility needs, with the acknowledgment that the budget might be considerably less.

The meeting also addressed the accessibility of town forms for visually impaired individuals. Concerns were raised about the format of fillable PDFs on the town’s website, which are not user-friendly for those using screen readers. Suggestions included hiring someone skilled in creating accessible forms and utilizing software like Adobe Acrobat Pro for conversion. Members emphasized the need for the town to take responsibility in making necessary improvements and consulting with experts to ensure forms are accessible to all constituents.

In another significant part of the meeting, the council considered a resolution concerning the human rights crisis in Sudan. A representative from Amnesty International brought attention to the persecution of two Sudanese lawyers from the local chapter, prompting the council to consider passing a resolution in support of human rights in Sudan. The resolution aims to apply pressure on authorities and raise awareness about the dire situation, which has seen significant civilian casualties and widespread displacement.

The council deliberated over the wording of the resolution. There was a focus on emphasizing the impact of actions rather than naming specific perpetrators, with an agreement to use cautious language referencing credible reports of atrocity crimes. The resolution also aimed to encourage diplomatic actions by the U.S. government and other international bodies to facilitate further investigation and resolution of the crisis.

Further discussions involved the creation of a resident oversight board to address community safety and social justice issues, reflecting broader community concerns about the police. The council considered different proposals for the oversight board’s powers, balancing the ability to conduct investigations with maintaining police jurisdiction. This discussion highlighted the ongoing mistrust within the community, particularly among BIPOC members, towards law enforcement.