AMHERST – Volunteers are the lifeblood for the numerous boards, committees and commissions that help run Amherst town government.
But even though many vacancies exist on these boards, the Select Board is considering enforcing term limits that would, in most cases, cap service at six years, which is designed to increase turnover and participation by more residents.
“I feel strongly we need turnover,” said Select Board member Constance Kruger, who with fellow board member James Wald and Peter Hechenbleikner, the interim town manager, has focused on encouraging more volunteerism.
The town’s volunteer handbook suggests that two, three-year terms should be the norm, but many committee members are reappointed beyond six years.
“The intent is to get some sort of renewal, fresh perspective on boards, committees and commissions in the community,” Hechenbleikner said.
Already, the appointment process has been changed by Hechenbleikner, which was detailed in a memo issued to the Select Board on May 25. Applicants continue to fill out so-called Citizen Activity Forms, and all that have been filed within the past two years are passed on to Hechenbleikner by Debra Puppel, the assistant to the town manager.
Then, 20-minute interviews are scheduled with these applicants, with questions coming from the interim town manager, chairperson of the committee, Select Board liaison and staff representative to the committee. This panel then provides advice to the appointing authority, which can be the full Select Board or town manager, and acceptance or rejection letters are sent.
This process was in place for the creation of the Downtown Parking Working Group, which had 14 applicants for four positions.
Even though the board is contemplating formal changes, Kruger said the Select Board needs to be both considerate to the volunteers and understand the politics involved in the appointment process. There is also a question of timing with respect to any new rules, with several people whose terms will expire July 1.
Select Board member Andrew Steinberg said if the board enforces a six-year limit, that would be a major policy change, and some volunteers offer special expertise.
But Wald said others live in town who could do the same work. “No one’s indispensable,” Wald said.
And Kruger said if people are on committees for many years, others are kept from getting the experience.
Hechenbleikner said other changes will be making the Citizen Activity Form process easier, with people being able to apply for positions and express preferences for perhaps up to three boards and committees.
“It would be great to have a bank of people interested in applying,” Hechenbleikner said. “The message should be that Amherst is a dynamic community.”
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
