One of the central topics at the meeting was the handling of offensive public comments during council sessions. The council members considered a range of strategies to ensure orderly meetings, including the potential for calling recesses, raising questions of privilege, and implementing points of order to maintain decorum. This conversation was part of a larger dialogue on meeting management and the introduction of new material, highlighting the need for clear procedures and adequate review periods for all information presented at council meetings.

The council also grappled with the interpretation of rules regarding the withdrawal of measures from consideration, underlining the lack of clarity in existing protocols and the necessity for a structured process to address points of order. Furthermore, addressing the logistics and regulations of using Zoom for meetings was discussed, with an emphasis on the need for stricter time limits for speaking and the application of these rules to ensure fair and efficient remote participation.

In a related vein, the council engaged in a discussion on establishing priorities and setting goals, particularly within the ambit of climate action. Members expressed concerns about the clarity of prioritizing primary goals versus sub-goals and the challenges of ranking items managed by town staff as opposed to those requiring council action. The imperfection of the goal-setting exercise was acknowledged, along with the need for clear expectations and the importance of conducting such exercises before finalizing future goals.

The development of waste hauler and solar bylaws was a point of debate, with councilors weighing the importance and urgency of these initiatives against the staff’s capacity and resources. The potential impact of these bylaws on land use and regional solar regulations was considered. The council also discussed ongoing work on waste management, focusing on the development of a long-term strategic plan that includes the economic and community implications of a waste hauler bylaw and the critical nature of a solar bylaw.

The council discussed reducing barriers to business operations in Amherst and the importance of partnering with local educational institutions for economic and housing initiatives. The assistant town manager provided updates on housing development projects and plans for grants to improve infrastructure, while the town staff outlined plans for a permanent shelter, highlighting the investment required for such a multi-year project.

Public safety was another topic of concern, especially with the appointment of a new police chief on the horizon. The council emphasized the importance of reviewing public safety protocols and policies, as well as the development of a program for youth empowerment, which would involve allocating funds to provide new recreational programs.

Members discussed using a racial and social justice lens in decision-making, supporting the town’s work in repairing the damage from structural racism, and revising policies, bylaws, and regulations to dismantle structural racism.