The meeting’s most pressing topic was the public hearing regarding the town’s right of first refusal on the property located on Central Street, currently under Chapter 61A. The property owners requested removal from this designation in light of negotiations with potential buyers. David Powell, a member of the Open Space Committee, emphasized the property’s long-standing status under 61A and the complications arising from potential buyers being unaware of this status. The town had previously voted to place a zoning overlay on the parcel related to the MBTA Housing Initiative, allowing for development by right.

The board scrutinized whether the town had identified any municipal use for the property, a prerequisite for exercising the right of first refusal. The Planning Board and Board of Assessors had determined there was no municipal use for the land. However, the board noted the absence of a recommendation from the Conservation Commission, which is legally required to provide input before a decision can be made. Powell underscored the importance of this requirement.

Further complicating matters, the discussion revealed that documentation indicating the Town Council’s review was lacking, prompting skepticism about the vetting process. A motion to open the public hearing was made and seconded, confirming the hearing’s commencement at 7:20 PM. The board ultimately decided to table the matter until the next meeting on September 24 to ensure all required information was available, including the Conservation Commission’s input.

Following the public hearing, the meeting shifted to new business items, including administrative matters and grant acceptances. The board approved a $188,000 state 911 emergency medical dispatch grant unanimously. Additional accepted donations included four file cabinets for the police department from John Ferrara and a Purple Heart wreath from William and Geraldine Deo, with the latter recusing himself from the vote due to a conflict of interest. The Friends of the Newbury Council on Aging donated $2,639.

Significant to the community was the approval of a one-day liquor license for Notch Brewing’s welcome event at the Governor’s Academy. Representing Notch Brewing, Nicholas Queso assured the board that precautions, such as ID checks and the use of plastic cups, would be in place. The event would be confined to a specific location on campus, with the board approving the license without further opposition. Additionally, the Bfield Community Art Center received approval for nine one-day liquor licenses for various events, with the board ensuring the town was covered as an additional insured party.

The board also declared a 2020 Ford Explorer, previously used by the Newbury Police Department, as surplus property, passing the motion without discussion. Virginia Salem and Alysa Walton were appointed as election workers for the remainder of the calendar year, with unanimous approval for both appointments.

A noteworthy subject was the acquisition of body-worn cameras for the Newbury and Georgetown police departments through a grant. Although not currently mandatory in Massachusetts, the board expressed enthusiasm about the grant, highlighting its potential to enhance transparency between law enforcement and the public. Future costs related to cloud storage for data and replacement of damaged cameras were acknowledged, necessitating careful planning in the police budget.

The meeting also covered several infrastructure projects, including the Newbury Elementary School parking lot paving and the fire station floor contract awarded to Price Landscape and Construction for $58,000. The school administration requested a delay in the paving project due to summer programming, with completion anticipated by month’s end. Additionally, the library roof project was scheduled for a bid opening on September 4, involving the installation of a new metal roof.

In other developments, the Town Administrator reported on a green communities grant of $133,900 awarded to the town for upgrading the Newbury Elementary School’s HVAC control system. This upgrade aims to improve energy management and reduce costs. The Town Administrator also mentioned ongoing efforts related to a Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant, targeting roadway safety improvements.