The Crest Department’s issues were central to the meeting’s agenda. The need for a permanent assistant director to ensure the department’s effectiveness was underscored, as was the requirement for coverage during evening shifts and a dedicated space accessible around the clock. The department’s mission is to act as an alternative to armed response for non-violent police calls. However, there was debate around the potential for mission drift. The department’s current involvement in school lunch monitoring and discussions on its role in handling library diversions were also highlighted. Concerns were raised about the department’s capacity to handle an increased scope of responsibilities without adequate administrative support. The department’s collaborations with various organizations, such as the Division of Community Care and the Northampton alternative response program, were recognized as essential in providing comprehensive community support. The dialogue hinted at the complexities of working alongside law enforcement, particularly regarding the relationship with marginalized communities.

The library project’s financials emerged as a concern, with public comments pointing to considerable expenditure and the possibility of needing a six-month extension for the construction start date. The urgency to halt further spending on the project was stressed.

Further discussions addressed the increasing trend of injuries in the fire service, both physical and mental, and the impact of COVID-19 on emergency medical services. The growing awareness and the need for better reporting of such injuries were acknowledged. The potential for Community Paramedicine programs and the challenges related to billing for these services were also deliberated. The committee examined the role of Crest in responding to medical and mental health-related calls, contemplating a possible transition from police to Crest responses in specific situations.

The committee also grappled with the implications of Amherst’s growing elder population on emergency services. The increasing demand for such services and the urgency for additional staff to serve the community effectively came to the fore. Discussions touched on the need for resources to support aging individuals in their homes, the rising mutual aid call volumes, and the development of a Community Paramedicine program to provide in-home care for aging individuals. The challenge of recruiting and retaining qualified personnel, particularly paramedics, was noted as a national issue amplified by competition with neighboring communities.

Topics related to the operational aspects of the town’s emergency services, like the efficacy of hybrid vehicles, communications systems, and North Station maintenance, were also debated. The importance of clear communication systems for efficient operation, the increase in response calls, and differing perspectives on dispatching fire trucks with ambulances for high acuity calls were discussed. The maintenance and sustainability of the North Station were examined, with a focus on establishing standard operating procedures and written policies.

The meeting concluded with a strong emphasis on the need for additional resources to support the growth and expansion of the Crest Department. The department expressed the need for an administrative assistant, an assistant director, and a clinician to enhance their operations. The challenges and limitations in delivering services due to current staffing levels and office location accessibility were acknowledged, with the possibility of relocating to the new Jones Library as a potential solution.