The meeting’s attention was captured by the presentation from a member of the Cultural Council, who outlined plans for a scaled-down version of Newbury Town Day. The event promises an array of activities, including open artist studios, music, cultural performances, and family-friendly games. A request was made for the board’s endorsement and assistance in liaising with the Recreation Committee and other local resources. The board was informed about the necessity of funding from the town’s celebration account, which has historically supported similar community events.

Concerns about the financing of Newbury Town Day were addressed, with assurances that no state grant funds intended for other purposes would be diverted. The Cultural Council has its own budget, and the potential for fundraising and sponsorships to mitigate expenses was discussed. A council member emphasized their commitment to prioritizing local events, stating, “We as a board… purposefully choose just the events that are like as hyper local as possible.”

Logistical discussions centered around hosting the event at Central Street Fields, chosen for its convenience and available amenities. The board agreed on this focused approach to ensure a successful revival of the event, which had faced challenges in previous years. The Cultural Council’s strategy was to perfect the event on a smaller scale before expanding in the future.

In another significant segment of the meeting, the Select Board deliberated on the authorization for the Town Administrator to execute contracts on behalf of the board. This practice, in place for years, was revisited for transparency and to ensure all members are informed, especially with changing board compositions. The board considered Massachusetts general laws that grant the Town Administrator the authority to manage contracts, emphasizing the importance of timely municipal decisions.

Concerns emerged about the threshold for contracts that require board approval, particularly those exceeding $25,000, with some members advocating for continued board-level oversight. Despite these concerns, the board proceeded with the vote to maintain the current practice, recognizing the Town Administrator’s role in stabilizing the town’s finances.

The board also addressed the complexities of scheduling Peter Hall, a community space used for events and emergencies. A representative expressed the need for a coordinated meeting with department heads to streamline scheduling, citing past informal arrangements as potentially insufficient. However, the board’s discussion concluded without resolving whether such a meeting would occur, leaving future event scheduling at Peter Hall in a state of uncertainty.

Additional administrative matters included the approval of 2025 business license renewals, with a specific license for the Plum Island Taxpayers Association held for further discussion. The board also approved the declaration of a 2018 Ford Explorer as surplus, reflecting ongoing efforts to manage municipal resources efficiently.

Updates from the Town Administrator highlighted the Department of Public Works’ search for plow drivers, offering $95 an hour for winter operations. Issues with heating in the senior center office led to temporary remote work, pending repairs. Residents were informed about upcoming emergency preparedness brochures, a collaborative effort between the town and the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant, with assistance available for those needing help completing emergency request forms.

Progress on infrastructure projects was noted, including the Orchard Street culvert and Central Street playground, with work scheduled to continue into the spring.