TOWN MANAGER SEEKS MEMBERS FOR BOARDS & COMMITTEES

Town Manager Paul Bockelman is seeking volunteers to serve on numerous town boards including the Cultural Council, Agricultural Commission, Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee, Community Preservation Act Committee, LSSE Commission, Munson Memorial Building Trustees, Board of Registrars, and Transportation Advisory Committee.

Bockelman’s office provided the following information about each of the committees. 

• 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.
  
  
• Agricultural Commission: supports commercial agriculture and other farming activities in the town by promoting agricultural-based economic opportunities. The Commission acts as mediator, advocate, educator, and/or negotiator on farming issues, works for the preservation of agricultural lands, pursues all initiatives appropriate to creating a sustainable agricultural community, and reviews and advises on developments proposed in farmland areas, as may be permitted under zoning and other development regulations.
  
  
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Advisory 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 are awarded to projects, programs, and services that improve the lives of Amherst’s low- and moderate-income residents and/or increase accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
  
  
• Community Preservation Act (CPA) Committee:  studies the needs and resources of the town regarding community preservation; makes recommendations to the town council annually for the acquisition, creation, and preservation of open space, for the acquisition and preservation of historic resources, for the acquisition, creation, and preservation of land for recreational use, for 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 CPA.
  
  
• Munson Memorial Building 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. The trustees plant and tend the garden and take care of the shrubbery.
  
  
• LSSE Commission:  Amherst’s version of a recreation department 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. It also advises on public playgrounds, parks, and athletic facilities.
  
  
• Board of Registrars: Massachusetts General Laws requires that every city and town have a board of registrars consisting of the city or town clerk and three other persons. The board provides general oversight of town elections [ELECTIONS in town or town elections??].
  
  
• Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC): is the advisory committee to the town manager and the town council on all transportation matters. The TAC seeks to address all transportation matters in a comprehensive and holistic manner. It provides advice on current and proposed transportation regulations, policies, initiatives, and improvement projects.

Bockelman seeks residents who have relevant expertise or experience. He is especially seeking individuals of diverse backgrounds to serve on all boards, committees, and commissions. Residents interested in volunteering should fill out a Community Activity Form here: 

Questions should be directed to the town’s community participation officers here or you can visit their web page here.