Governance, Organization, and Legislation Committee Apr 28, 2026

The Town of Amherst Governance, Organization, and Legislation Committee met on April 28, 2026, to discuss several governance and organizational matters. Key procurement-related discussions included the review and potential adoption of bylaws and charges for the Resident Oversight Board and the Human Rights Commission. The committee deliberated on two models for the Resident Oversight Board—review and investigatory—and planned further review before making a decision. They also worked on refining the Human Rights Commission bylaws and charges, ultimately recommending rescission of the existing bylaw 3.3 and proposing a new charge for council approval. Additionally, the committee approved proclamations recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month, ALS Awareness Month, and Migraine and Headache Awareness Month for 2026. The committee also discussed strategies for promoting vacancies on the bylaw review committee and planned future agenda items including the town manager evaluation process and potential policies for issuing citations to town staff. Motions to approve proclamations and the Human Rights Commission charge were passed unanimously, while the selection guidance for the bylaw review committee was adopted with one dissenting vote.