Town Council Aug 17, 2026

The Town Council of Amherst, MA held a meeting on August 17, 2026, which included a public forum on appropriations followed by a finance committee session and the regular council meeting. Key procurement-related discussions focused on supplemental appropriations for the operation and maintenance of the Wildwood School for fiscal year 2027, including a reduced capital budget for facility improvements. The council discussed the relocation of the Recreation Department from Wildwood to the Bangs Community Center, addressing associated costs and impacts on other tenants. Detailed considerations were given to the costs and logistics of potentially mothballing or decommissioning the Wildwood building, including maintenance, safety, and storage needs. The finance committee recommended and the council unanimously approved supplemental appropriations for Wildwood School operations and capital improvements. Additionally, the council reviewed a proposed zoning bylaw amendment related to clean energy infrastructure, focusing on solar photovoltaic installations and battery energy storage systems, with discussions on environmental and public safety standards. No votes were taken on the bylaw as it was a first reading. Other agenda items included updates on the DPW building project and various committee reports. The meeting concluded with unanimous approval of the consent agenda and adjournment.