HOLIDAY SEASON IN AMHERST

Town Hall is closed today (December 19, 2008) in anticipation of the considerable snow and wind predicted. The decision to close was strongly influenced by the experience from last year when the Town, School, University and Amherst College all shut down mid day during a snow storm, releasing all their employees at the same time causing massive gridlock on Route 9. The Town could not get its ambulances back from the hospital and the plows could not move in Hadley. This year, the Town, University, Amherst College, Town of Hadley and the School District all communicated and coordinated their responses to the anticipated snow storm thereby avoiding the problems of generating significant traffic in the teeth of the storm.

The Town of Amherst and the Town of Hadley have come to an agreement in principle for the provision of ambulance service by Amherst for the people of Hadley. The discussion was at times difficult but important. Total revenue in fiscal year 2010 should be approximately $400,000.00 for just over 700 ambulance calls to Hadley. That revenue along with the stability that a three year agreement provides, allows Amherst to adequately plan and prepare for the
future needs of the Amherst Fire Department. I appreciate the Town of Hadley for all the hard work it invested in making this partnership work.

I attended the Holiday Party hosted by Chancellor Holub of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. It was a great event. The University is facing extremely difficult budgetary issues. It would be naive for the town to think that those budgetary challenges will not affect Amherst. It is important that Amherst support the University as it takes action to meet the budgetary challenges.

I met with Tony Marx, President of Amherst College on Thursday, December 18th. President Marx and Amherst College are also facing considerable challenges that would have been unthinkable six months ago. But the world has changed and even those institutions with the greatest resources have been rendered cautious by the recent economic crisis. Given that, I am very impressed with President Marx's commitment to fully pursue the Lord Jeffery Inn renovation next year.

Best wishes to all of you for a wonderful holiday.

THANKSGIVING

With the recent passing of Thanksgiving, it is time to say thank you to those who made this
year 's celebration one to remember. Over the last decade, Nancy Pagano, Director of the Amherst Senior Center, has organized and conducted a Thanksgiving Day feast at the Bangs Center. Nancy, along with her many terrific volunteers, prepares a wonderful Thanksgiving Day feast for those who can not get out of their homes and for those who have no place to go for the day. To give of her time and to make this incredible effort speaks volumes to her commitment to the community. So Nancy, thank you for showing us the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

I am also grateful to Susan Strate of the Donahue Institute of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Through her hard work and advocacy, the Census Bureau has approved a challenge to the Town of Amherst census count for 2007. Consequently, the Town of Amherst has increased it's total population to 35,967 or an increase of 1,687. The increase is a result of changes in the group quarter counts. The increase should help in those formulaic grants contingent upon population.

The Fire Department has recently received very exciting news about a grant in the amount of approximately $250,000.00. That funding will be utilized, in part, for fire safety and fire prevention enhancements. I am grateful for Chief Hoyle's efforts to secure this important grant.

Have a great weekend.

Larry

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

Meet With Governor Patrick

On Thursday, October 23, 2008, I had the opportunity to join a panel of a number of town managers and town administrators to discuss with Governor Deval Patrick the financial challenges before the Commonwealth and the various municipalities. I was very impressed with the Governor's willingness to visit and listen to the concerns of local officials. It is unusual to have such an extraordinary opportunity and I complimented the Governor for his obvious commitment to reach out to the towns and cities of Massachusetts. I spoke to the Governor about the importance of regionalization and the various incentives that might be considered to encourage a regional approach to certain public services. I also emphasized the importance of the role of the Commonwealth in economic development.

I also attended a welcoming breakfast for Chancellor Holub, University of Massachusetts Amherst sponsored by the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network, a division of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. This important organization is devoted to providing real services to encourage the stabilization and growth of small businesses. The breakfast and presentation was held at the Scibelli Enterprise Center, Springfield.

Larry Shaffer

Week of October 6th -

It was a very good week for the Town of Amherst. On Monday, a groundbreaking ceremony took place for the new building for New England Environmental on Research Drive. I was great to celebrate the initiation of this very exciting project. At its conclusion of construction, a new headquarters for New England Environmental will be built utilizing the latest trends in green technology. The building will be complete in less than one year.

On Tuesday, all the department heads and a group of employees participated in formal program designed to identify and discuss social justice issues associated with the delivery of town services. This program examined the importance of establishing and enacting social justice principles in the delivery of municipal services. I would like to congratulate Epi Bodhi for securing the grant that funded this important program and to Barbara Love who provided inspirational insights on the challenges and significance of social justice values in the administration of municipal services. I would also like to acknowledge and thank the twenty town employees who worked on this project over the last four months, for the most part, on their own time.

On Thursday, the Blue Ribbon Team met to discuss how to measure the efficiency and effectiveness of town and school departments and to examine the opportunities for collaboration. A significant amount of material was provided to our experts. Department heads from the town and the school attended to provide information relative to the amount and complexity of work obligations. I am hopeful that the Blue Ribbon Team will be able to provide recommendations before the end of the year. I can not tell you how appreciative I am of their efforts.

ACTIVITIES THIS WEEK

Last Saturday morning, by invitation of Ann Grose, I spoke to a group of about fifty people at Applewood, a housing complex located in South Amherst. The group was enthusiastic and asked many questions about the financial condition of Amherst. I was grateful for the opportunity to discuss Amherst and its future to such a wonderful group.

On Sunday, I attended a ceremony sponsored by the Hitchcock Center to cut the ribbon to a newly refurbished portion of the hiking trail and viewing stands at the Larch Hill Conservation Area. I was very impressed with the many volunteers that contribute to make the Hitchcock Center and Amherst's conservation property such a terrific asset. Many thanks to Julie Johnson, the Executive Director of the Hitchcock Center and David Ziomek, the Director of Conservation for all they do to preserve our wonderful natural heritage.

I have been discussing the challenges of the upcoming Presidential Election with our Town Clerk, Sandra Burgess. Sandra believes that this years election will be historic in terms of the size of voter turnout. We have been planning how to accommodate as many voters as possible without significant wait times. Our goal is to ensure that the process is as smooth and quick as possible.
I have confidence that Sandra and her fantastic team will develop reasonable procedures to achieve that goal.

Best wishes to everyone for a great weekend.

Larry Shaffer

Manager's Conference - Richmond, VA

I attended the International City Managers Association (ICMA) annual conference held in Richmond, Virginia. It was a great opportunity to visit with many city and town managers from across the country and the world. It was good to hear how communities handle challenges similar to those experienced in Amherst. One such example is the Traffic Calming Program created by Henrico County, Virginia. This straight forward and logical program identifies the steps that the various petitioners must follow along with a series of interventions. Those interventions are measured for results. If the initial intervention is not effective then the next intervention is implemented. The program is defined by an articulated policy and implemented consistently throughout the county. I will ask Guilford Mooring, Superintendent of Public Works and the Public Works Committee to review and comment on the Henrico County Traffic Calming Program in preparation for consideration by the Select Board. I also attended a very interesting seminar conducted by ICMA University on how to measure Police Department and Fire Department productivity. The conference also featured presentations by Michael Beschloss, award winning historian on leadership along with a presentation by PBS television commentator, Cokie Roberts. I learned a great deal at the conference but it is always good to be back home.

EARLY SEPTEMBER ACTIVITIES

Last week, I had the opportunity to speak at the monthly meeting of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce at the Lord Jeffery Inn. It was great to see an audience of over one hundred members of the local business community. I spent a significant portion of the presentation discussing some of the accomplishments of the last year. The theme of the presentation was that positive change has been occurring and will continue as long as we value open communication and collaboration. I thanked and congratulated outgoing Executive Director, Patty Brandts for her service to the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce and wished the best to the new Executive Director, Tony Maroulis.

That same day I attended my first meeting with the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority Advisory Board. As the reader may know, I replaced former Select Board member Anne Awad who served with distinction on the PVTA Advisory Board on behalf of Amherst. I have much to learn but I look forward to understanding how I might advance the best interests of Amherst and the region through my participation.

On Friday, I attended a joint meeting of the Parking Task Force and the Public Transportation Committee to discuss the anticipated shortfall in the budget for the funding of the north/south Puffers to Atkins bus route. The route was budgeted to cost approximately $112,000.00 but the increase in fuel costs increase the projected cost to approximately $125,000.00. The consensus of both committees was that the service was too important to eliminate or dramatically revise and that the Town should stay the course. The shortfall will be recommended for appropriation at the Special Town Meeting this fall.

Finally, I attended the going away party for Bob Brandts, long time Town Leisure Services Sports and Recreation Director. The event was held at beautiful Cherry Hill. Bob is a great guy. The Town is very excited about Bob's replacement, Mark Miville. Mark is the former Atheltic Director of Mahar High School. He will do a wonderful job for Amherst.

KENDRICK PARK EFFORT MOVING FORWARD

The Kendrick Park Committee (KPC), chaired by Peggy Roberts, has entertained some very interesting ideas for the use of Amherst's newest park. The Kendrick Park project is the most exciting project this year. Ideas for the use of Kendrick Park include facilities for rest and reflection, recreation, and special events. One concept includes the introduction of a feature that will draw people to the Kendrick Park and to Amherst. That feature might serve as a means to identify the park and an attraction that brings joy and excitement to the community. The KPC wishes to extend the widest possible net to gather as many ideas as possible in preparation for its recommendations. With that in mind, two additional public information sessions have been scheduled. The first meeting is scheduled for Sunday, September 14, 2008 at 2:00 PM in Kendrick Park. The second meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 2008 in the Town Room, Town Hall 2nd Floor, 4 Boltwood Avenue, Amherst. Please come out and hear about the progress and share with us your ideas for Kendrick Park.

Amherst Community News

On Monday, August 25th, I attended the birthday celebration for Gertrude Abrams at the beautiful Arbors on University Drive. Mrs. Abrams is 101 years old. She is also the oldest citizen in Amherst and, for that remarkable feat, was awarded the traditional Boston Post Cane. I was moved by her grace and serenity. Nancy Pagano, Senior Center Director and Barbara Sutherland, Chair of the Council on Aging, both incredible advocates for senior citizens, also attended the celebration.

On Tuesday, I attended the reception to welcome international students attending the various local educational institutions of higher education. It was great to witness the fantastic energy and excitement that the international students bring to our community. They make Amherst a richer place to live. Gerry Weiss, Chair of the Select Board and I formally greeted the international students on behalf of the Town of Amherst.

On Wednesday, I attended the opening session for teachers at the Amherst Regional High School. I was very impressed with the presentation by Alton Sprague and Helen Vivian, the Interim Co-Superintendents. Both possess a unique combination of experience and practicality. Their quiet confidence and steady hand will serve the school district well. I was very impressed with our teachers. Their commitment to quality public education was in evidence throughout the morning. Select Board members Stephanie O'Keeffe and Alisa Brewer were also in attendance.

Daily, I am reminded of the greatness of our community.

Lord Jeffery Inn and New England Environmental Projects

The recent approval of the Lord Jeffery Inn expansion and restoration project by the Planning Board represents the culmination of a significant amount of work by the Planning Board, the Planning staff, Select Board and Town Meeting. The most important catalyst was the change in zoning proposed by staff, polished and approved by the Planning Board and Select Board and adopted by Town Meeting. I deeply appreciate this effort and look forward to the community enjoying the benefit of an expanded Lord Jeffery Inn. I must also acknowledge the vision of the Amherst College Board of Trustees and President Tony Marx. The Lord Jeffery Inn project will cost twenty million ($20,000,000.00) dollars. I appreciate the confidence that this investment demonstrates in downtown Amherst. The Lord Jeffery Inn project includes restoration of existing rooms, the addition of rooms, dramatic improvements to the restaurant and the creation of conference and banquet facilities.

New England Environmental has been approved for the construction of two environmentally sensitive buildings. That project would not have been proposed if the zoning changes that were proposed by staff, revised and recommended by the Planning Board and Select Board and finally adopted by Town Meeting were not enacted. The creation of new commercial space to support New England Environmental is exactly consistent with my vision of appropriate economic development for Amherst.

I wish Amherst College and New England Environmental the best as they move forward with these important projects.

Larry Shaffer, Town Manager

THE BEST WEB SITE EVER

Okay, so the title is a little over the top but I am very pleased with the new Town of Amherst web site, www.amherstma.gov. You will soon see the features that provide significant improvements to the previous web site effort. Many thanks to the Town of Amherst IT team for this significant achievement. Let me review some of the remarkable new features of the new web site. First, and in my the opinion the most important, the site provides the opportunity for individuals to subscribe for notice when certain postings to the new web site are made. If you are interested in minutes from a particular board then you will receive notice of the minute posting by e-mail upon the posting of said minutes to the new web site. Second, the site search capabilities have been dramatically enhanced to ease the ability to locate information. Third, the the new web site affords, for the visually impaired, capabilities to make their viewing easier. Although the new web site is not perfect, with your suggestions and input we can move towards improving it. Let me know your thoughts.