A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the operational challenges and environmental issues surrounding the Beverly Regional Airport. Residents expressed frustration over the noise and pollution affecting Danvers, urging the board to conduct an environmental impact study. The proposal for such a study, estimated to cost around $250,000, was met with concerns due to budget constraints.

Airport manager Gabriel Hannneathan provided an operational overview, noting a decline in small single-engine aircraft operations, attributed partially to increased minimum flight operation standards due to obstructions in the airspace. These obstructions, primarily from neighboring towns, affect pilots’ ability to land during poor weather conditions. The proposed reconstruction of runway 16-34 aims to address some of these issues, with preparatory work ongoing and projected completion in 2027-2028.

Noise complaints have risen significantly, with 176 complaints year-to-date compared to 98 in 2024. Notably, just three individuals accounted for approximately 60% of these complaints, prompting the board to consider the impact of vocal residents on overall statistics. The airport’s management is exploring operational shifts to mitigate noise, including potentially increasing the use of runway 9, which has generated fewer complaints.

A resident named Tony criticized changes to flight patterns, asserting that the shift to runway 9 resulted in increased fumes in Danvers. He advocated for the use of runway 16, claiming that complaints from Beverly residents had led to its decreased use. The board acknowledged the need for transparency and better communication about the airport’s operations and their effects on the community.

The meeting transitioned to a discussion on implementing electronic voting for town meetings, sparked by town meeting member Lauren Steves’ survey indicating support for the initiative. The board debated the practicality and timing of adopting this technology, considering the potential for extended meetings due to lengthy vote tabulations. A motion was made to table the discussion until December to allow for further research and preparation.

Revisions to the town charter also featured prominently in the meeting. The board deliberated on changes to the town manager’s appointment authority, particularly concerning the town accountant’s role. There was debate over whether the Select Board should retain the ultimate appointment authority or delegate it to the town manager. Legal counsel clarified that while the town manager typically selects the accountant, the statutory obligation to report discrepancies directly to the Select Board provides a layer of accountability.

Further discussions focused on proposed changes to the town manager’s residency requirements. The board considered removing the residency requirement while allowing flexibility during the hiring process. Concerns were raised about potentially attracting candidates from distant areas, though it was emphasized that qualifications and the interview process should take precedence over residency.

The meeting concluded with updates from the Town Manager, including a long-term safety study for Route 114 improvements by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and upcoming community events. Board members shared constituent feedback on various issues, including traffic concerns and electronic voting.