The board engaged in a debate on the proposed zoning amendment aimed at introducing multifamily zones to meet state requirements and address the town’s housing needs. While the initiative was seen as a step toward compliance with state law and an effort to tackle local housing challenges, it sparked concerns among board members regarding its impact on town infrastructure and density levels. The board emphasized the importance of community feedback and scheduled information sessions and public hearings to gather public input on the proposed zoning changes.

Another topic was the proposed amendments to the Whittier Regional Vocational High School agreement. The discussion included various suggestions, from using a rolling average of student enrollment over four years for the reapportionment of operating and capital costs to the radical idea of privatizing the school. The latter proposal led to a discourse on the value of public education versus a tuition-based system, highlighting the school’s current practice of admitting out-of-district students for a fee. The board also deliberated on the potential impact of legislative changes on the agreement and decided to further review and develop a working document on the proposed changes.

The board also passed a motion to base both operating and capital costs for the Triton Regional School District on enrollment numbers, eschewing the idea of a rolling average. Amendments to the school district agreement were another focal point, with discussions on whether a 2/3 majority of member municipalities or unanimous approval was necessary for amendments. The board opted for the former, potentially altering the dynamics of future decision-making within the district.

Weighted voting, the removal of committee members, formalizing the procedure for incurring debt, simplified withdrawal procedures, and budget and operations reporting and review were also discussed. The board expressed reservations about the new weighted voting section proposed by Newbury, the removal of committee members, and the removal of withdrawing members’ liability for any incurred debt after providing notice of intent to withdraw.

Financial discussions included the use of funds for essential projects such as HVAC and roof repairs at the town’s elementary school. There was debate over the possibility of splitting expenditures between the town hall account and free cash to expedite these projects. However, after considering the impact on available funds and project feasibility, the board proceeded with the original recommendation to transfer funds from free cash for capital asset purchases.

Furthermore, the board discussed the potential impact of the MBTA communities multifamily overlay District bylaw on grant eligibility and potential financial penalties for non-compliance with the law. They voted to recommend one article related to this bylaw, with some members indicating an interest in revisiting the issue in the future.

The meeting also included discussions on the dissolution of the Newbury Improvement Trust, the potential revocation of General Laws Chapter 44 regarding the peg access special revenue fund, and the possibility of placing a technical video studio in town buildings. Concerns were raised about the decline in cable subscriptions and its impact on the peg access fund, as well as the permissible use of these funds for renovations.

Lastly, the board addressed the replacement of the town hall roof, stressing the importance of historical restoration and the need for specific materials due to public construction requirements, with the project estimated at $100,000. They also highlighted the upcoming completion of the Plum Island bathroom project and National Grid’s pruning activities, along with an invitation to an environmental event.