Town Manager Report for May 5, 2025

Source: amherstma.gov

Editor’s note: Town Manager Paul Bockelman submits a comprehensive report to the Town Council, usually at the first Town Council meeting of each month. The reports, usually 9 to 16 pages in length, provide up-to-date information on what is happening within and across town departments. The Manager’s Report is usually one of the last items on the agenda and is often taken up late at night, leaving little time for Bockelman to do more than mention a few highlights and this is usually all that gets entered into the Council minutes. What follows is a complete, unedited version of the Town Manager’s Report. All Town Manager Reports are available on the town’s website here: Town Manager Reports

 TOWN MANAGER 

Patriots Day: At the request of our State Representative, the Town placed two lanterns in the turret of Town Hall the evening of April 18th. You know the story. Paul Revere was arranged with three fellow patriots to set up a light signal in case if British troops started their advance to Concord. To give even more information, it was agreed that one lantern meant that the troops chose the longer land route, and two lanterns meant the shorter route by water, leaving less time for patriots to react. The Town participated in the lighting of Town Hall in recognition of the 250th anniversary of this historic event. FY26 Budget: I submitted the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Budget to the Town Council on Maypresentation at the Town Council meeting on Monday, May 5^th. 

Cuppa’ Joe with Paul:The next Cuppa’ Joe will include guests Treasurer/Collector Jennifer LaFountain and Clerk of the Council Athena O’Keefe for an informal conversation about the FY26 Budget on Friday, May 9, 2025 from 8 am to 9:30 am at the outdoor patio of the Bangs Community Center.

Budget Public Hearing:The Town Council & Finance Committee will hold a Public Hearing on the FY26 Budget on Monday, May 12^th at 6:30 p.m. 

Public Forum on Capital Improvement Program: The Town Council & Finance Committee will hold a Public Forum on the Capital Improvement Plan on Monday, May 19^th at 6:30 p.m. 

FY26 Budget Discussion and Vote: The Town Council is scheduled to discuss and vote on the FY26 Budget at their meetings in June.

Volunteer for a Town Board, Committee, or Commission: We are seeking volunteers to serve on Town boards, committees, and commissions with vacancies or whose members have terms expiring on June 30.  

Interested residents are encouraged to submit their applications online by Sunday, May 18. Applications received after May 18 will be considered for still-vacant positions. www.amherstma.gov/CAF For more information or questions, please reach out to our Community Participation Officers at getinvolved@amherstma.gov or 413-259-3292.   

Higher Education:

Key Dates:

Commencement:

Amherst College: May 25^th  

Hampshire College: May 17^th  

University of Massachusetts Amherst: May 16^th – 18^th

DEPARTMENT UPDATES

Administration and Finance

• Town Clerk: 
• Dogs must be licensed by June 1st to avoid a late fee. A $30.00 late fee will be imposed on 
  in accordance with Town Bylaws. 
• The Town of Amherst offers many ways to obtain or renew dog licenses: ▪ Online: Use our secure payment portal (www.amherstma.gov/payments). 
  ▪ In Person: Visit the Town Clerk’s Office on the first floor of Town Hall (4 Boltwood Ave) during regular business hours – typically Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm. 
  ▪ By Mail: Please mail the following to this address: Town Clerk’s Office, 4 Boltwood Ave, Amherst MA 01002 
  
• Check payable to the “Town of Amherst” in the appropriate fee amount.
  • Required rabies certificate and proof of spay or neuter if applicable. This should include the dog’s name and owner’s name.  Self-addressed, stamped envelope for licenses and tags to be mailed to you.
  
  
  • If you are obtaining a dog license for the first time, you must do so either in person or by mail.  For more information about dog licenses including fees and required certifications, visit: www.amherstma.gov/398/Dog-Licenses
  • Nomination papers for all Town elected positions are available on July 1^st.
• Finance:
  • Budget: Staff have completed work on the FY26 operating budgets, capital plans, and presentations to the Council and other committees. I acknowledge the thoughtful collaboration and creative problem-solving demonstrated by outgoing Finance Director Melissa Zawadzki, Assistant Town Manager David Ziomek, Comptroller Holly Drake, Treasurer/Collector Jennifer LaFountain, and Council Clerk/Strategic Planning and Legislative Affairs Officer Athena O’Keeffe. This team worked tirelessly and cohesively in partnership with me throughout a challenging budget season. I thank them for their work.
• Assessors:
  • Principal Assessor Kim Mew completed the Massachusetts Municipal

Association/Suffolk University Certificate in Local Government Leadership and Management which will be coming to a close.

• Property Inspections: The State requires all assessing jurisdictions to update their records by inspecting all properties within a ten (10) year cycle. To be in full compliance we are inspecting all properties that have not been visited recently.

Our inspectors will have identification.

• This inspection is designed to provide the Town with accurate information on the condition of the property.
• Inspectors will be working throughout Town from April 2024 through December 2025.
• Inspectors will visit the property and if they find no one home, or arrive at a time that is truly inconvenient for you, they will complete an exterior inspection and measure the building. We will leave a call back card as a reminder to call our office to schedule an interior inspection. The interior inspection should take fifteen (15) minutes or less. Failure to allow a complete inspection will force the Board of Assessors to estimate the interior condition of the property.
• Human Resources: 
• We have concluded negotiations with the Firefighters union and have a signed collective bargaining agreement through June 30, 2027. 
• Staff are busy meeting and discussing the other five collective bargaining agreements which all expire on June 30^th. 
• The Department is managing numerous searches, including department head positions.  o Staff completed the health insurance education, outreach, and renewal process. 
• The Personnel Board, Town Manager, and H.R. Department had an all non-union staff meeting to discuss the budgets for FY26, health insurance changes, and policy updates.

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Department:

o Youth Hero Awards: 

• The Human Rights Commission is accepting nominations for the 2025 Human Rights Youth Hero Awards. 
  • These awards recognize Amherst youth who demonstrate kindness, selflessness, social courage, and community service within their families, schools, and neighborhoods. Nominations can be submitted online through Friday, May 23, 2025. 
  • Nominees must have demonstrated one or more of the following acts within their family, school, or local community during the past year: Shown care and concern; Exhibited mutual respect; Displayed social courage; and/or Engaged in community service. Nominees must be either attending an Amherst public school or residing in Amherst. Youth groups are also eligible to be nominated for a shared award. 
  • Nominations can be submitted through the official nomination form available on the HRC’s website at amherstma.gov/youth-hero-awards. The form requires details about the nominee including contact information and a brief statement explaining why they should receive the Youth Hero Award.
    
• Race Amity Day: Please join the Human Rights Commission to celebrate the recipients of the Youth Hero Awards at Race Amity Day on Sunday, June 8 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Mill River Recreation Area.
• Outreach: The latest DEI newsletter includes the many, many activities of the DEI Department and its partners. It can be found here: https://www.amherstma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/78452/May-2025-Newsletter?bidId=
  
• Youth Empowerment: The Department’s Youth Empowerment entrepreneurial program culminated at the Global Village Festival where the young entrepreneurs marketed their products.
  
• Liberatory Visioning: The Department hosted a Liberatory Visioning session for seniors on Tuesday April 29^th. The conversation focused on how to create a community that is inclusive and welcoming to all and was attended by 10 people. An additional 10 people responded to the survey in lieu of attending the session.
• Global Village Festival: Even though the event on Saturday, April 5 had to move indoors to the Middle School, it was a tremendous success celebrating cultural diversity and promoting inclusivity within the community. The festival featured a vibrant array of activities, including international food trucks offering cuisine from various cultures, live performances showcasing traditional music and dance, and local vendors representing diverse crafts and products. By fostering a welcoming atmosphere, the Amherst Global Village Festival brought together individuals from all backgrounds, encouraging dialogue and understanding while highlighting the rich tapestry of global cultures in a fun and engaging environment. o Reparations: The Town Council is reviewing the charge for the Amherst Black Reparations Committee.
  
• Resident Oversight Board: The Resident Oversight Board stakeholder group is in the final stages of making its recommendations to the Town Manager. Recommendations will then be presented to the Town Council for its review.
  
• Police Protocols: The Police Chief is reviewing departmental policies and standard operating procedures to address the dispatching of CRESS responders and police procedures.

Public Safety

• Fire Department:
  • Burning Permits: State regulations permit open air burning of brush for spring yard cleanup from January 15th to May 1st each year. The Fire Department is currently issuing open air burning permits. However, with the region still under a mild drought, warm and dry conditions could lead to elevated fire risks similar to last fall. In such a scenario, open air burning may be banned for extended periods of time. To avoid disappointment this spring, the Fire Department encourages residents to obtain their permits promptly and to conduct their open air burning as early as possible this season. Learn more and obtain an Open Air Burning Permit.  
  
  
  • Grants: Fire Department was awarded $22,090 in grants to support firefighter gear and for safety education for local youth and seniors. Awarded by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, these grants include $12,292 from the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant, $7,200 from the Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) Grant, and $2,598.50 from the Senior SAFE Grant.
  
  
  • • The Department will use the $12,292 awarded by the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant to replace approximately 30 facepieces for their self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA). SCBAs are critical pieces of personal protective equipment that provide a supply of breathable air to firefighters while they are fighting fires. Firefighters are assigned their own mask for proper fit and hygienic reasons. This equipment is tested annually and must be replaced regularly to ensure safety and effectiveness. Many of the department’s current masks are approaching the end of their service life so this grant will enable most firefighters to receive a new mask. This is the second round of the FY25 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant process, following a first round award of $25,000 received in January. These firstround funds are currently being used to acquire new thermal imaging cameras which help to locate fire sources, search for victims in smoke-filled environments, and assess the effectiveness of fire suppression efforts.  The Department will use the $9,798.50 awarded by the SAFE and Senior Safe Grants to provide fire safety, prevention, and protection education to local youth and seniors. The funding will cover the costs for off-duty firefighters to teach the respective programs and attend fire educator classes, in addition to covering the costs of supplies.   
    Equipment: A new Fire Tower truck and new ambulance are expected to be delivered this summer. Note that these purchases were made in FY23, which is an example of the time of lead time major equipment requires.
  
  
  • Staffing: The Amherst Fire Department currently has openings for full-time and on-call firefighters and is accepting applications at amherstma.gov/jobs.
    
• Community Responders for Equity, Safety, and Service:
  • CRESS Connections, a grant funded program for  youth, is up and running with the schools. The most recent workshop focused robotics (STEM) with a book and robot project. CRESS is also participating in gathering data for the EAPS grant including surveys of neighbors, town staff, and others who have utilized CRESS services. 
  
  
  • Calls:
    • Qualtrics – the data collection system – is in its final stages as they are piloting the new forms for troubleshooting. Rollout will be in a few weeks.
    • In April, CRESS had 57 Calls for service. The most popular external call source was Office Walk-In, with 20 (35%) calls. Other sources were: Previous

Engagement, 13 (23%); Town Department, 12 (21%); Phone Call, 7 (12%); Social

Service Agency, 2 (3%); Dispatch, 1 (2%); Business, 1 (2%) o E-mail, 1 (2%)

• Calls were of the following CAD Types: Assist Citizen, 23 (40%); CRESS Transport, 13 (23%); Community Engagement, 10 (18%); Assist Business, 4 (7%); Follow-Up, 4 (7%);  Wellbeing Check, 3 (5%).
  • The majority of calls were on behalf of the caller at 35 (61%); Someone Else, 13 (23%) o Other, 9 (16%)
    • There were 0 potentially unsafe calls. Responders had 296 recorded interactions with neighbors this month.
    • There have been 1,817 total interactions this year. 
    • CRESS collaborated with town departments 15 times, businesses 18 times, and social service agencies 2 times.
    • The demographics CRESS interacted most with in April were women (24, 42%), white (37, 65%), and seniors (31, 55%)
      

Youth Know Your Rights Training
CRESS along with the Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has partnered with Citizens for Juvenile Justice to host a Know Your Rights trainings for local young people on May 14 from 5-7pm, the training will be on the school to prison pipeline. The training will be held virtually but with an in person watch party happening at the Bangs Community Center with refreshments provided. This training is geared towards students in grades 6-12 and they are encouraged to register in advanced. o CRESS Responders continue to assist with the Morning Movement

Mentoring Program (MMMP).

• The Department is preparing a year-end report to update the community on the progress of the Department. o The Department has produced a newsletter which can be found here: https://www.amherstma.gov/3848/CRESS-Newsletter
• Work continues with the Police Department and Dispatch on adopting protocols for dispatching CRESS directly from Dispatch.
• Police Department:
  • The Department has completed the extensive work associated with attaining accreditation.
  • Outreach and recruiting continues to fill vacant positions in the Police Department.

Community Services

• Senior Services:  
  • Volunteer Appreciation: The Senior Center celebrated the work of its many volunteers at the 3^rd annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on May 1st. The Senior Center relies on its many volunteers and the thousands of hours of help they provide as cafe attendants, class instructors, food distribution handlers, meal deliverers, receptionists, and special event staff. The volunteers play a crucial role in our organization, and we are immensely grateful for the significant difference they make in the lives of those we serve.
  • Coffee: The Senior Center hosts two coffee events at the Bangs Community Center: 
    • Memory Café: Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. 
    • Rainbow Café: First Tuesday of every month at 10:00 a.m. 
  • Wellness Learning Community: The Senior Center, in collaboration with the Public

Health Department, hosts a weekly wellness session every Tuesday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on topics of interest to seniors and others. The following sessions are scheduled for May:

• May 6^th – Stroke Education presented by Cooley Dickinson
  • May 13^th – What is PACE? (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) presented by Trinity Health
  • May 20^th – Understanding Mental Health Challenges with co-responder Louise Halle
  • May 27^th – Watercolor workshop with Lee Alter (RSVP requested, please call 413-259-3060)
    
• Liberatory Visioning: The Town’s DEI Department hosted a Liberatory Visioning session for seniors on Tuesday April 29^th. The conversation focused on how to create a community that is inclusive and welcoming to all and was attended by 10 people. An additional 10 people responded to the survey in lieu of attending the session.
  • Newsletter:  The May/June newsletter from the Department of Senior Services – Amherst Senior Spirit – which includes a listing of the dozens of workshops and other activities being offered by the Department, is now available: https://www.amherstma.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/17981.
    
• Public Health:
  • Red Card Campaign and Immigrant Health: Red cards, also known as ‘Know Your Rights Cards, are on display at the front entrance of Town Hall. 
    • They are a way to communicate with federal agents, such as ICE, to let them know that one is exercising their constitutional rights under the Fourth and Fifth Amendments. The red cards are available in many agencies across the town and across Hampshire County that are working with immigrant people or people who might be concerned about their legal rights to be here.Those agencies where red cards can be found, separate from the public health department, include the Bangs Community Center, CRESS (Community Responders for Equity Safety and Service) and DEI offices on the second floor, Amherst town hall, the Jones Library, and the John P. Musante Health Center.
  
  
  • Respiratory Illness: Flu season is over and COVID levels are low according to Amherst wastewater surveillance. Given the quiet COVID winter season, we will be on the lookout for signs of a summer wave. The Department’s supply of COVID tests is currently exhausted but we have ordered more and expect them to arrive next week.
  
  
  • Public Health Nursing Services: 
    • The Department still has a few doses of COVID vaccine on hand for folks who did not get the vaccine in the fall or who qualify for a second dose (people over 65 or with underlying health conditions). Call Public Health Nurse Olivia Lara-Cahoon to make an appointment: 413-259-0310.
    • Starting in May, Olivia will offer weekly PHN office hours in her office at the Bangs on Wednesdays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. During office hours, Olivia can provide blood pressure checks, general health consultation and education. Drop by the Public Health Department during office hours or call us for more information or to make an appointment.
    • Measles: The U.S. now has about 800 measles cases reported from 25 jurisdictions, including New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
      • There have been no reported cases of measles in Massachusetts to date. Still, everyone should be alert to the possibility of measles infection and contact their health provider if they have a fever and rash, especially if they have traveled abroad.
      • The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is monitoring the situation very carefully and communicating closely with local health departments. Amherst Public Health provides public health nursing to the Amherst community and is prepared to investigate cases and distribute vaccines or other protective measures as needed. We can also help people to figure out how and where to get the MMR vaccine. Please reach out to us with any questions. More information can be found on the Public Health Department website
    • Vaccines: Through the Vaccines for Children program, the Public Health Department has vaccinated the children of recent arrivals from Haiti and other countries who have been referred to us by local shelters and resettlement agencies.

Senior Services • Recreation: 

• Independence Day: The Recreation Department has scheduled the Independence  Day festivities including fireworks for July 3^rd. 

Conservation and Development

• Licensing: The Liquor License Quota Report issued April 15^th can be found here: https://www.amherstma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/78237/Liquor–License–Quota–Report—415–2025
• Historical Commission Grants: The Historical Commission announced the Barn Preservation Program, an initiative to protect the iconic and historically valuable barns that have been an integral part of the Town’s rural landscape for generations.
  • This program is designed to assist property owners in identifying resources for repair, restoration, and reuse, while also providing funding to facilitate historical assessments.  
  • The Historical Commission is offering financial assistance to property owners through the Barn Preservation Program. The Commission will cover 50% of the cost, up to $500, for historical assessments. These assessments will examine the building’s structural integrity, offer estimates for needed repairs, and provide valuable insights into the materials used in its construction, as well as the functions and historical significance of the barns over the years.
  • The Barn Preservation Program is supported by funds from the Community Preservation Act (CPA). In 2023, the Historical Commission received $10,000 in CPA funds to help owners of historic barns and outbuildings complete historical assessments to encourage preservation and reuse of these structures.
• For more information about the Town of Amherst Barn Preservation Program, additional resources, and the application, please visit www.amherstma.gov/3824/BarnPreservation or contact Planner Walker Powell by emailing powellw@amherstma.gov.  
• Housing: 
  • Amherst Community Homes: Valley Community Development’s affordable homeownership development on Montague Road at Ball Lane held its groundbreaking event on Wednesday. The developer will continue to provide periodic construction updates via email, as needed. Valley will also share project information through our newsletter (you can sign up here). o Belchertown Road/South East Street Affordable Housing: This project is awaiting funding from the State. 
  • Housing Production Plan (HPP):  

▪ The Town is updating its HPP to chart a path toward addressing the affordable housing needs of low- and moderate-income people in Amherst. The HPP will include data about who needs housing and what options currently exist, identify goals for different housing types, and name strategies Amherst might pursue to strengthen affordable housing opportunities. Additional information can be found here: https://www.amherstma.gov/3814/Housing–Production–Plan  

• Planning:
  • Downtown Design Standards: The Town is updating its Downtown Design Standards that will guide how streetscapes and private properties in the downtown area look and feel in the future. Workshops, surveys, and a stakeholder group are guiding the decision-making process. Learn more: Learn more about Amherst Downtown Design Standards  o Open Space and Recreation Plan: The Planning Department is working on an update of the Open Space and Recreation Plan.  Everyone is invited to conduct a survey, giving us input on what they think about Amherst’s open space and recreation lands. https://www.amherstma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3506
• Facilities:
  • Police Station: A new chiller has been installed in time for operation this summer.
  • Bangs Community Center: Town staff developed a proposal to address basic health and wellness deficiencies in the Bangs Community Center which was approved for funding by the Town Council. Staff are now preparing the final bid documents to move this project forward this summer.
• Inspection Services:
  • Rental Registration: Town staff continue implementing the new rental registration system. 
• Sustainability:
  • Heat Pump Program: The Town, in partnership with CET, a local non-profit organization, launched the Amherst Heat Pump Incentive Program.
    • Beginning April 1^st, homeowners are now able to receive help to install energy-efficient heat pump systems. The program’s goal is to complete 30 heat pump installations by the end of 2026, and to educate the community on the benefits and best practices of this advanced technology.  
    • Heat pumps are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems. They can lower operating costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide year-round comfort. By offering financial support, expert guidance, and education, this program aims to make it easier for Amherst residents to transition to clean heating and cooling technology.  
    • Eligible homeowners can receive up to $3,500 in financial incentives to offset the cost of installation. Additional support includes personalized guidance to navigate the process, from completing required weatherization work to selecting a qualified contractor and ensuring quality installation.  
    • Website: www.amherstma.gov/HeatPumpProgram o Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging: 
    • Grant: The Town has received a Planning Support & Feasibility Study grant as part of the State Clean Energy Center’s On-Street Charging Solutions Program. This grant provides services to the Town to identify potential on-street charging station locations and conduct community outreach.
    • New Stations: 
• Two EV fleet charging stations were brought online at the PoliceDepartment. This was a collaborative effort between the Police, Facilities, and Sustainability Departments. The two EV chargers support the Police Department’s current and future plans to introduce additional fully electric vehicles. This project aligns with the Town’s newly adopted Zero Emissions Vehicle Policy and has provided a spring board to continued collaborations with other Town departments. We are now exploring adding fleet stations to support the Fire and Facilities Departments.
• Two super charging stations have been installed in the South Pleasant Street (aka CVS) parking lot.

Public Works

• State Declared Drought: The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs declared the Connecticut River Valley has been downgraded to a Level 1 Mild Drought status following two months of above normal precipitation preceded by a relatively dry fall and winter.  

• The Town of Amherst’s water supply has remained stable throughout and is not threatened by the drought situation. However, in accordance with the Town’s Water Management Act Registration, the Town of Amherst is required to implement water use restrictions to ensure responsible water management.
• A Level 1 Mild Drought requires that nonessential outdoor watering be limited to one day per week, between 5:00 PM and 9:00 AM. To comply with this requirement, the Town of Amherst is implementing the following outdoor water restrictions:
  • Tuesdays: Nonessential outdoor watering is allowed for even-numbered houses from 5:00 PM to 9:00 AM.
  • Thursdays: Nonessential outdoor watering allowed for odd-numbered houses from 5:00 PM to 9:00 AM.
  • Watering of ornamentals and flower gardens with drip irrigation, handheld hose, or water cans are permitted at any time.
• Essential uses of water include:
  • Health and safety reasons, including public facilities used for cooling such as the splash pad and swimming pools.
  • Production of food, including privately-owned home vegetable gardens.
  • Maintenance of livestock.
  • Core functions of a business, limited to plant nurseries, golf courses, wedding venues and professional washing for construction purposes.
  • Irrigation of public or interscholastic athletic fields, and public parks, with restrictions.
  • Watering of publicly funded shade trees.
• Nonessential uses of water include:
  • Irrigation of lawns via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems.
  • Washing of vehicles, except in a commercial car wash or as necessary for operator safety.
  • Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways, or sidewalks, except as necessary to apply surface treatments such as paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement, or concrete.
• View additional guidance on nonessential outdoor water use from the Massachusetts Water Management Program.
• Useful links: 

▪ Town of Amherst Water Supply Status
This website presents data on the status of Amherst’s water supply including operating parameters for the wells and reservoirs, water levels at Atkins Reservoir, monthly water use, and precipitation data. Amherst obtains its water from nine sources, including four reservoirs and five groundwater wells. The reservoirs include Atkins Reservoir and the Pelham Reservoir System (Hill, Hawley & Intake Reservoirs). All five of the groundwater wells are located in the Lawrence Swamp Aquifer in the Hop Brook Basin in the Connecticut River Watershed. The table below shows which water sources were used and the approximate percentage of the total water production each is providing. 

Stormwater Management Regulations: 

• Stormwater Management Regulations:

Starting May 1, 2025, the Town will require all new and redevelopment projects of a specified size to obtain a Stormwater Management Permit. This permit must be secured prior to the initiation of any land disturbance activities. o This new regulation is a key part of the Town’s Stormwater Management Program, designed to reduce the negative effects of stormwater runoff on our local waterways, ecosystems, and community infrastructure. By implementing a systemic approach to stormwater management, the Town is prioritizing sustainable development practices that protect our natural resources and promote public health.

• The Town of Amherst maintains a stormwater system designed to collect stormwater runoff from surfaces such as parking lots, roof tops, driveways, and roadways. This

system includes catch basins, pipes, and culverts that direct the water to discharge points, often located near wetlands, streams, rivers, and ponds within Amherst. This system is diligently maintained by the Amherst Department of Public Works and meets guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  

• Projects that have already received land use permits, or for which permit applications to the Planning, Conservation, or Inspection Services Departments were submitted prior to May 1, 2025, are not required to obtain a Stormwater Management Permit. o For more information about the Town of Amherst Stormwater Management Permit and related guidelines, please visit amherstma.gov/smp or contact Elizabeth Willson by emailing willsone@amherstma.gov

• Street Sweeping Schedule: The Town has begun sweeping the main routes and hills that receive the most material during the winter months. Below are the areas that will be swept and the order they will be done in.

• South Amherst: All streets proceeding from Northampton Rd. (south), Bay Rd, Baker,

Blakefield, Canterbury Lane, Carriage Rd., Columbia Dr., Country Corners Rd, East

Hadley Rd., Elf Hill, Farmington Rd., Glendale Rd., Harris Mt., Hillcrest, Hitchcock,

Hulst Rd., Jeffery Lane, Longmeadow Dr., Memorial Drive, Middle St., Mill Lane, Mount

Holyoke Dr., Orchard Dr., Pomeroy Lane and developments off Pomeroy Lane, Pondview

Dr., Potwine Lane, Rambling Road, Shays St., South East Street from Common to Bay Road, South Pleasant St. to Snell Street, Stagecoach Road, West Bay Rd., West Pomeroy Lane, Woodside, Walnut and Rte 116 (Snell to Glendale).

• Central – West includes: Amity Street, Lincoln Ave. and all streets in between the boundary of Massachusetts Ave and Northampton Rd. (Allen, Beston, Blue Hills Rd., Cosby, Cowls Lane, Dana Pl., Dana St., Elm, Fearing, Gaylord, Hallock, Kendrick,

McClellan, McClure, Nutting Ave, Paige, Phillips, North & South Prospect, and Sunset.),

Butterfield Terrace, Greenleaves  o Central – East includes: Chestnut, High, Canton Ave., Churchill, Clifton Ave., Cottage,

Dickinson, Eames Ave., East St. Common, Gray, Grove, Harvard Ave., North

Whitney, Hills Rd., Red Gate

Lane, Kellogg Ave., Lessey, South

Whitney, Spring, Taylor, Mt. Pleasant,

Pleasant Court, Pokeberry Ridge, Salem,

Seelye, Shumway, Smith, Strong St,

Maplewood development, Triangle,

Windridge Terrace, North East St from

Main to Strong, Hedgerow, Arbor Way and Wildwood Lane  

• East Side route includes:all of Echo Hill, all of Amherst Woods, Route 9 from

Amherst Center to Belchertown town line, Logtown Rd., Hall Dr., Pelham Rd. and all side streets (Jenks, Ward, Thayer, Bayberry Lane), Old Belchertown Rd., Old Farms

Rd., Station Rd., Cortland Dr., Iduna Lane,

Stanley Street & Misty Meadows, Valley View Circle, and South East Street Rte 9 to South Amherst Common.

• North Amherst: All streets

proceeding from North Pleasant Street (north of the UMass Campus), East Pleasant St. (north of Strong St.), Berkshire Terrace, Blackberry Lane, Bridge St., Cherry Lane, Cowls

Rd., East Leverett Rd., Fairfield St., Farview Way, Fisher, Flat Hills Rd., Grantwood Dr.,

Harlow Dr., Harris, Henry St., Hitching Post, Hobart Lane, Leverett Rd., Lilac Lane,

Market Hill Rd., Meadow St., Moorland, Old Montague Rd., Old Town Road, North East St. (north from Strong St.), Pine St., Plumtree, Puffer Circle, Pulpit Hill Rd., Rolling Ridge, Rosemary, Russellville Road, Sand Hill Rd., Sheerman Lane, State St., Summer Street, Sunderland Rd., Shutesbury Rd., Valley Lane and Van Meter.  o NOTE: DO NOT leave large windrows or piles of sand along edge of road. Sweeper cannot pick up these piles. This material may be brought to the landfill on Route 9 – Belchertown Road and deposited at no charge.  

o Sweeping operation will continue until the mid- to end of June. For additional information, please call the Amherst Department of Public Works at (413)259-3050 X-0.

DELEGATED AUTHORITY

• Short-Term Event Uses of Town Commons (Section 1a of the Town Council Policy):
  • Sustainability Festival – April 27, 2025 – 10:00 – 2:00 p.m.
  • Plant Sale – Amherst Garden Club – May 17, 2025 – 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. • Short-Term Parking Requests (Section 2a of the Town Council Policy): None • Long-Term Parking Requests (Section 2bi of the Town Council Policy):
  • 28 Amity Street for outdoor dining o 39 South Pleasant Street for outdoor dining o 63 South Pleasant Street for outdoor dining
• Short-Term Public Way Closures (Section 3b of the Town Council Policy): None
• Placement of Road and Temporary Signs (Section 3d of the Town Council Policy): None

MAJOR CAPITAL PROJECTS

• Jones Library Renovation and Expansion:  
  • The Jones Library renovation and expansion project continues to move forward with construction activity projected to begin in mid-June.  
  • As recently as April 14_th, the Town Council reaffirmed its commitment to the Jones Library project and to providing $15.8 million in Town funding plus $1 million in Community Preservation Act funding.  
  • The construction company that submitted the low bid, Fontaine Bros., Inc. of Springfield, has confirmed its bid amount and signed a contract to perform the work in accordance with its bid on April 18^th.  
  • A bid protest by a Town resident was denied by the Attorney General’s office which determined the bid protest did not warrant a hearing.
  • The contractor applied, and the Building Department issued a permit for the demolition portion of the project. The application for the full building permit will follow.
  • The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) has continued to meet its commitment of providing $15.6 million in grant funding. The Town has received a payment from the MBLC in the amount of $2,774,263. Two additional payments totaling $5,548,526 were made this week based on the signed contract and issued building permit.
  • The Town has initiated the other steps to move the project forward including identifying a temporary location for library services during construction, updating the invitation for bids for the services of a moving company, and re-engaging the architect and owner’s project manager.
  • The total project cost remains at $46.1 million which includes $3 million (8.5% of construction costs) in available project contingencies.
  • Key question:

▪ When will the library close? Wednesday, May 14th is the last day that the Jones Library will be open! We are closing our historic building at 43 Amity Street to prepare for our long-awaited construction project. (Please note that the Special Collections Department will close a few days earlier. Its last day open will be Saturday, May 10th.)

▪ Where will the library go during construction?

• At some point this summer, we will open a temporary library location at 101 University Drive in Amherst, next door to the Post Office. We expect to offer full library services from this location once we’re settled in.
• Will the temporary location be fully accessible?
  • Yes!
• Will there be parking?
  • Yes – a lot of free parking, actually!
• Will it be on a bus route?
  • Yes! Both the 33 (Puffer’s Pond / Shopper Shuttle) and B43 (Northampton / Hadley / Amherst) buses will take you there.
• Is it close to the current library?
  • Yes, it’s about 1 mile away!
• How can I help?
  • CHECK OUT LOTS OF BOOKS! — All Jones Library materials will have an extended due date to give you extra time with them during the transition. Every book you borrow now is a book that we don’t have to pack up and move.
• What else do we know at this point?
  • Our full timeline is still tentative. We know there will be a gap during which the Jones Library will be closed, and the temporary location will not yet be open, but we don’t know how long it will be. During this time, we’ll be packing up and moving our collections, technology, and furniture to University Drive, and unpacking there. Several dates and details are still yet to be determined. Please note that our two branches, the North Amherst Library and the Munson Memorial Library (in South Amherst), will be open their regular hours throughout the transition.

o Additional information on the project can be found here: https://www.joneslibrary.org/352/Jones–Building–Project

• DPW Building/Fire Building:  
  • I have submitted the charge for a building committee to support the development of a cohesive plan for building these two new buildings to the Town Council to assist in determining Council membership on the committee. 
• Fort River Elementary School Building Committee: 
  • Work continues on schedule. o A “topping off” ceremony – to commemorate the placement of the last and highest steel beam – is scheduled for May 20^th at 3:30 p.m.. All Town Councilors, the contractors, the Massachusetts School Building Authority, and members of the community will be invited to celebrate this milestone event. Typically, attendees are invited to sign the beam before it is lifted into place. We will share the date once the contractor sets it.
  • For more information, visit the School Building Project website here: https://www.amherst-school-  project.com/  

PROJECTS UPDATE

• Centennial Water Treatment Facility: Construction continues for this $21 million facility. The project is on schedule and on budget for completion in the fall.
• Gravity Belt Thickener (GBT): The new GBT at the Wastewater Treatment Facility is on track for completion this summer.
• Track and Field: 
  • The kick-off meeting with the contractor was held with Town staff playing a lead role in this project. 
  • Construction will begin in late June upon the completion of school sports and end of school classes. Construction should last about four months.
  • The Town of Amherst has provided $1.76 million from its CPA account, with Shutesbury contributing $136,000 and Pelham $110,500 from those accounts. Other sources of funding include $1.5 million in debt approved by the regional schools, $900,000 in free cash from the Town of Amherst, and a $104,840 donation from the Amherst Hurricane Boosters which is reduced because its fundraising was contingent on an interior field with synthetic turf which was removed by the School Committee.
  • The $4.5+ million project is seeking an appropriation of $176,000 from the Town of Leverett Community Preservation Act account at its Annual Town Meeting, which is being held Saturday, May 3^rd..
• North Common Restoration/Main Street Parking Lot: Awaiting the delivery of lights.
• Bangs Community Center: Town staff presented the first request for funding to address the needs of the Bangs Community Center to the Town Council which approved the request. The current project will focus on upgrading existing building safety and mechanical systems to address known problem areas and to help to bring the facility in line with the Town’s sustainability goals. An appropriation request for the next phase of improvements is being considered by the Joint Capital Planning Committee.
• Downtown Restroom: Site work for a new restroom at Kendrick Park will begin in May. We anticipate delivery of the Portland Loo to be in June. Once delivered, installation and connections are fairly straightforward.

UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS

• May 19^th – Town Council meeting
• May 26^th – Memorial Day holiday – Parade steps off at 9:30 a.m. from Spring Street
• June 2^nd – Public Forum on Capital Improvement Program
• June 2^nd – Town Council meeting
• June 16^th – Town Council meeting
• June 19^th – Juneteenth holiday
• June 30^th – Town Council meeting
• July 4^th – Independence Day holiday