The committee began by evaluating the appointment of Dia Mana to the Board of Health. Mana, a Hampshire College graduate and current PhD student in neuroscience and behavior, was highlighted for their research experience at institutions such as the Broad Institute and MIT. The committee emphasized the importance of having members with expertise in behavioral and mental health issues, a field currently underrepresented in the Board of Health. This appointment brings the Board of Health to its full five-member capacity. Despite some concerns regarding the committee’s role in the appointment process, a motion to recommend Dia Mana for a two-year term passed unanimously.

Following this, the committee addressed the appointments for the Community Preservation Act Committee. The town manager recommended Jason Dorney from the Conservation Commission, reappointment of David Williams from the Housing Authority, and Matt Kaine from the Recreation Commission, with a pending recommendation from the Planning Board. The committee unanimously approved these appointments, trusting the judgment of the recommending committees and the qualifications of the nominees.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the waste hauler program bylaw amendment. The committee discussed the financial implications of hiring a consultant to draft and evaluate requests for proposals (RFPs). Concerns were raised about the costs associated with this process, and members suggested using contracts and RFPs from other municipalities to estimate potential expenses. The committee acknowledged the wealth of existing information could reduce the consultant’s workload, thus minimizing costs.

The discussion also highlighted the necessity of a thorough planning process, considering both budgetary constraints and the town’s goals. Members emphasized the importance of plansning and early community outreach to gauge public interest and concerns, particularly regarding environmental responsibility and financial implications for residents. The committee agreed that understanding the cost implications for residents is crucial, as some currently pay minimal fees for waste disposal.

The conversation about the waste hauler program led to an examination of bylaws and ordinances related to town services. Research revealed that many comparable towns operate without formal bylaws for services like waste management, relying instead on assumed provisions. The committee considered the practices of Long Meadow, which uses a substantial RFP process every five years, allowing companies to bid on parts of the service rather than the entire package. This approach, noted for its flexibility, particularly regarding potential composting services, was deemed valuable for Amherst to consider.

The committee recognized the importance of involving the Board of Health in the waste management timeline, given their regulatory authority. The debate continued on whether to draft a bylaw or focus on delineating the specifics of the waste management program. The consensus leaned towards the latter, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and phased approach to waste management strategies.

The committee also deliberated on the new transportation and parking commission proposal. Suggestions included focusing on specific topics like bike and pedestrian safety, traffic speed, and neighborhood-specific issues. The idea of structured presentations before discussions was proposed to keep the conversation focused.

The necessity of a clear charge document for the commission was underscored, as it would guide discussions and clarify the division of responsibilities between the commission and the council. The committee debated the potential inclusion of council members in the commission and the implications for community input and accountability. Concerns about communication and transparency were raised, emphasizing the need for constituents to feel connected to the decision-making process.

A draft report to the council was proposed, summarizing the committee’s discussions and inviting input on the commission’s focus areas. The committee aimed to circulate this draft among members for feedback before presenting it to the council.

As the meeting concluded, the committee acknowledged the challenges of balancing local concerns with broader community needs. The importance of a systematic approach to decision-making within the proposed committee structure was highlighted, along with the need for ongoing deliberation on waste management and transportation issues.

The committee’s next meeting was planned for two weeks later, with an agenda to continue discussions on waste management and the request for consultant services, including an appropriation request for the consultant which would require council approval and a public forum.