During the meeting, the board reviewed a matrix outlining key criteria for site evaluation, such as building size, parking, outdoor spaces, street access, utilities, and proximity to other town functions. The members discussed the importance of not operating in silos, a historical tendency in Newbury, where facilities like the fire station, Town Hall, and library are often considered independently. One suggestion was to relocate the fire station to improve response times and free up existing sites for combined use.

A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the need for adequate building size. Members noted that the current COA lacks sufficient space to accommodate growing program demands, which forces some activities to be held at other venues like the fieldhouse and library. The limitations on space hinder the ability to host multiple programs simultaneously. The board debated whether building size should be prioritized over proximity in the site selection process.

The board also considered how shared facilities could lead to operational cost savings, with shared meeting rooms, stairways, and elevators reducing the need for duplicate infrastructure. The potential to piggyback new facilities on existing ones was discussed as a cost-effective solution.