AROUND TOWN - NOVEMBER 22, 2008

I have been meeting with large downtown property owners to discuss the advantages of creating a Business Improvement District (BID) for downtown Amherst. A BID is designed to provide supplemental services to members of the district. The members of the BID decide the supplemental services needed and manage the cost and delivery of those services. BIDs have been around a long time and traditionally have been used to coordinate and enhance marketing, cleanup, flowers, beautification and special events. Ann Burke, from Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council, has been assisting in this effort. Jerry Jolly and the PDA have encouraged the study of the cost and benefits of such a program. I am also deeply appreciative of the financial and technical support provided by the Main Street Initiative team of the Massachusetts Department of Economic and Community Development.

I have been meeting with the Amherst department heads to plan and review tentative budgets for the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2009 and ends June 30, 2010. I have been very impressed with the many solid ideas that the department heads have created for expense reduction or revenue enhancements. However, I am not terribly confident that a budget can be produced without significant changes in the services provided.

I met this week with representatives of the six social service agencies that receive cash contributions from the town budget. We agreed that we needed to plan for a reduction in the town's contribution and that as a partner, the town was committed to working with our partners to develop a plan that will be responsible. We plan on meeting again next week with the representatives of the six social service agencies to continue to plan for alternatives to the cash support provided by the town.

I had the pleasure to serve as a presenter at the Amherst Rotary Auction conducted last weekend. I was very impressed with the dedication of Rotarians to generate funds for needy charities. What a great organization!

Questions and Complaints

I have had a number of questions regarding how to move forward on questions or complaints posted on either the blog or the town web page. The best way to receive a response is to contact me directly at 413-259-3002. I have been trying to respond to those who post a question on the blog but have been blocked by the system from communicating directly to them.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Larry Shaffer
Town Manager

LAST WEEK OF OCTOBER, 2008 - ACTIVITIES

The volunteers at the Amherst Fire Department conducted the SAFE Graduation at the Middle School on Tuesday, October 28, 2008. It was great to see the many 4th Graders in attendance be able to recite clearly the various techniques for reacting to a fire. Congratulations and many thanks to the men and women of the Amherst Fire Department who make fire prevention a significant part of their commitment to the community.

On Wednesday, October 29, 2008, I participated in an emergency management drill with the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the various towns and many state agencies. The purpose of the drill was to test the readiness of the region to address emergency conditions. I was very impressed with the work of the Amherst Fire Department, Chief Hoyle and Assistant Chief Stromgren; Assistant Chief Zlogar acting as the Emergency Management Director; Chief Scherpa and Captain Kent of the Police Department and Epi Bodhi, Health Department Director for the contributions each made to a successful drill.

On Thursday, I participated in the annual Trivia Bee to benefit education. Conducted at the Middle School, the event was well attended. Many thanks to Linda Rotti and her many friends for sponsoring such a great event.

On Friday, I had the honor to lead the Halloween Parade from Sweetzer Park up Main Street, down North Pleasant and Kellogg back to the Bangs Center. Many young people and their parents marched in the parade. Everyone had a great time.

Larry Shaffer