The most compelling discussion centered around the establishment of a veterans committee in Newbury. The proposal, initiated by Dana Packer, aimed to create a committee to support and enhance services for veterans without replacing existing initiatives. Packer emphasized the importance of community involvement, suggesting the committee be composed of up to nine members, including non-veterans, to foster broader understanding and support. The committee would work towards organizing food donations, events, and maintaining a centralized calendar for veterans’ events across multiple towns.

The discussion revealed a consensus on the need for such a committee, with several participants expressing support for the initiative. There was a strong focus on communication strategies, recognizing that veterans have diverse preferences for receiving information. Ideas were floated about leveraging town resources, such as public relations support, to effectively promote the committee and its activities. The potential for the committee to function as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization was also discussed, though further investigation into its structure was deemed necessary.

Select Board member Leslie Matthews, attending remotely, contributed to the discussion by suggesting potential meeting locations that could offer privacy and a conducive environment for veterans to share their concerns. The conversation emphasized creating informal spaces for veterans to gather, which could address the challenges of previous efforts that did not resonate with veterans. The board acknowledged the complexities of forming the committee, including the need for town support and the involvement of both veterans and non-veterans to build a robust foundation for the committee’s future activities.

In parallel to the veterans committee proposal, the board engaged in a heated discussion regarding a proposal to repair the roadway east of the Plum Island Bridge, funded by an anonymous donor. Resident Steve Manion voiced opposition to the project during the public comment segment, raising concerns about the anonymity of the donor and the environmental impact of using recycled hot top or concrete near the saltwater marsh. Manion also questioned the ownership of the property, arguing that it should not be the town’s responsibility to maintain or resurface an area that may not be town-owned.

The select board acknowledged these concerns and agreed to table the discussion until the Conservation Commission could provide input on the project’s implications. The board recognized the need for further evaluation of the property’s ownership and the environmental impact of the proposed materials. Despite the potential benefits of creating a usable parking area, safety hazards and parking regulation issues were highlighted, including the need to address overnight parking concerns.

Beyond these primary discussions, the board also addressed several routine matters, including accepting gifts and grants, approving appointments, and reviewing liquor licenses. A state 911 support and incentive grant of $46,980 for fiscal year 2026 and a grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation amounting to $11,175 were among the approved grants. The board also approved police department appointments, both for reserve and full-time positions, and reviewed appointments for various town committees.

The Town Administrator provided updates on administrative matters, highlighting ongoing projects and budgetary pressures. Concerns about the Morgan A Fire Station’s condition were noted, alongside a report from an engineering firm recommending necessary renovations. The board was informed of Mass DOT’s approval of a heavy commercial vehicle exclusion and the ongoing overnight bridge work on Route 1.