TOWN MANAGER SEEKS RESIDENTS TO SERVE ON TOWN BOARDS & COMMITTEES

Source: amherstma.gov

Town Manager Paul Bockelman continues to seek volunteers to serve on Town Boards and Committees that have or may have vacancies including the Agricultural Commission, Affordable Housing Trust, CDBG Advisory Committee, Council on Aging, Disability Access Advisory Committee, Leisure Services & Supplemental Education (LSSE) Commission, Public Art Commission, and Public Shade Tree Committee.

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

A brief description of the committees with openings follows. Additional information can be found on the Town’s Boards & Committee Page.

• Agricultural Commission: supports commercial agriculture and other farming activities in the Town. The Commission’s 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: promotes 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: The Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee makes recommendations to the Town Manager regarding the Town’s CDBG program that 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.
  
• Council on Aging: acts as an advocate for the elderly of 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.
  
• Disability Access Advisory Committee: serves the Town as an advisory committee on issues of physical, programmatic, and employment accessibility, and works to ensure equal access for people with disabilities. The Town is currently updating its ADA self-evaluation and transition plan.
  
• 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.
  
• Public Art Commission: fosters a greater community awareness of the interaction with public art, and through public art, promotes cultural diversity and an improved quality of life for Amherst’s residents.
  
• Public Shade Tree 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.

The Town Manager seeks residents who have relevant expertise or experience. We are especially seeking individuals of diverse backgrounds to serve on all boards, committees, and commissions. Residents who are interested in volunteering to serve, should fill out a Community Activity Form. 

Questions, should be directed to the Town Community Participation Officers at GetInvolved@AmherstMA.gov