The zero waste initiative drew attention as the committee sought to develop a replicable model that would decrease waste while potentially attracting grant funding. Eric Weiss, a consultant with four decades of experience, outlined a plan to create a dynamic roadmap for waste management that could serve as a model for other towns. This project aims to align with fiscal year deadlines and annual town meeting schedules. Weiss emphasized the importance of a phased approach, beginning with approximately 5,000 housing units for the initial implementation stage.

The plan includes utilizing three rolling carts for each household, designated for trash, recycling, and compostables. A “pay as you throw” system was also proposed to incentivize waste reduction, alongside dual-stream recycling methods similar to those in Pittsfield. Darcy Dumont from Zero Waste Amherst presented these recommendations, highlighting the potential for significant reductions in climate impact and costs for residents. The committee acknowledged the insights provided and expressed interest in engaging with the Zero Waste Amherst group throughout the process.

The committee is considering a bidding process to introduce competition among providers. Moreover, discussions on grant funding opportunities for aspects like “pay as you throw” bags and carts underscored the financial considerations involved in executing the program.

In addition to waste management, the committee took steps to refine the reporting structure for the Transportation and Parking Commission (TPC). A consensus was reached to adopt a quarterly reporting schedule. The committee debated the necessity of interim reports, ultimately deciding to streamline the documentation while ensuring flexibility for addressing issues.

Further topics of discussion included the TPC’s role in road and sidewalk redesigns. The committee engaged in a dialouge on the authority and responsibilities of the TPC, particularly concerning traffic calming measures such as speed humps and roundabouts. It was agreed that significant road redesigns should require council input.

The meeting also addressed the integration of bike and pedestrian safety into the town’s paving strategy. Members expressed a strong desire to emphasize non-motorist safety, aligning with the community’s growing interest in alternative transportation methods. Although some members cautioned against overly specific references to programs like “safe routes to schools,” there was general agreement on the importance of incorporating safety considerations into planning documents.