Town Manager Seeks Volunteers to Serve on Town Boards and Committees

Source: amherstma.gov

The Town Manager is looking for volunteers to serve on the following boards and committees that may have, vacancies: the Agricultural Commission, Affordable Housing Trust, Cultural Council, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Advisory Committee, Community Preservation Act Committee, Council on Aging, Disability Access Advisory Committee, Leisure Services and Supplemental Education (LSSE) Commission, Munson Memorial Building Trustees, Public Art Commission, and the Public Shade Tree Committee.

The Town Manager seeks residents who have relevant expertise or experience.  He is especially seeking individuals of diverse backgrounds to serve.

A current list of vacancies can be found here.
A complete list of all boards and committees can be found here.

Summary information about some of the committees follows. Much more information can be found on the Town’s Boards & Committee website.

Agricultural Commission 
The Agricultural Commission supports commercial agriculture and other farming activities in the Town. Duties include: promoting agricultural-based economic opportunities; acting as mediators, advocates, educators, and/or negotiators on farming issues; working for the preservation of agricultural lands; pursuing all initiatives appropriate to creating a sustainable agricultural community; reviewing and advising on development proposed in farmland areas, as may be permitted under zoning and other development regulations.

Affordable Housing Trust 
The Trust’s mission, as an instrument of Town government, is to promote the Town’s affordable housing priorities as determined through the most recent town housing plan, particularly to create safe, decent, and affordable housing for our most vulnerable populations. The Trust meets monthly.

CDBG Advisory Committee 
This committee makes recommendations to the Town Manager regarding the Town’s CDBG program, which includes both social service and non-social service community development activities. CDBG funds – $825,000 in FY19 – are awarded to projects, programs, and services that improve the lives of Amherst’s low- and moderate-income residents and/or increase the accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Community Preservation Act Committee 
The CPA Committee studies the needs, possibilities and resources of the Town regarding community preservation. The Committee makes annual recommendations to the Town Council for the following activities: the acquisition, creation, and preservation of open space; the acquisition and preservation of historic resources; the acquisition, creation and preservation of land for recreational use; the creation, preservation, and support of community housing; and for rehabilitation or restoration of such open space, historic resources, land for recreational use and community housing that is acquired or created as provided in the Community Preservation Act.

Council on Aging 
The Council advocas for older adults in Amherst before local, state, and national bodies. The Council works with the Director of Senior Services to promote and support the efforts of the Director and Senior Center.

Cultural Council 
The Cultural Council allocates state Arts Lottery funds and works to support and nurture arts activities in the community by seeking private or other public funds and initiatives.

Disability Access Advisory Committee
This Committee reviews issues of physical, programmatic, and employment accessibility, and works to ensure equal access for people with disabilities. The Town is currently updating its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) self-evaluation and transition plan.

LSSE Commission
The LSSE Commission is Amherst’s version of a recreation department. It assists the LSSE Department by advising on recreational facilities and a variety of leisure and recreational programs and supplemental education classes. The Commission develops policies, rules, and regulations governing the operation of the facilities and the delivery of LSSE programs. The Commission also advises on public playgrounds, parks, and athletic facilities.

Munson Memorial Building Trustees
The trustees oversee the general use of the Munson Memorial Library building and act as the community representative for the town with respect to the building. They schedule and collect fees for non-library use of the building. The trustees plant and tend the garden and take care of the shrubbery. (Lawn mowing and snow removal is done by the town.)

Public Art Commission
The Public Art Commission fosters a greater community awareness of public art, and promotes public art as a way to enhance cultural diversity and improve the quality of life for Amherst residents.

Public Shade Tree Committee
This  committee preserves, protects, and promotes Town shade trees and works in conjunction with the Tree Warden. The Committee advises the Tree Warden and Town Manager to ensure the values of shade trees are taken into consideration when policies are set. The committee also educates the public about the importance and benefits of Town shade trees and has regular tree planting activities.

Residents interested in volunteering should fill out a Community Activity Form here.  

Questions can be directed to the Town’s Community Participation Officers at getinvolved@amherstma.gov