The controversy around the flag policy dominated the meeting, with multiple community members voicing concerns and frustrations over its implications. Dave Hill, the executive director of the Bfield Community Arts Center, addressed the board and acknowledged the divided community reactions. Hill reported receiving a significant volume of communications, mostly supportive of the flags, but noted some opposition as well. He emphasized his limited influence over the situation as a leaseholder and encouraged community members to directly engage with town representatives. Hill reiterated the arts center’s mission to be a neutral and inclusive environment and expressed hope for a compromise that would allow for the display of flags reflecting the organization’s values.

Mary Liz Murray, president of the Georgetown Theater Workshop and a frequent arts center renter, also spoke, urging the board to reconsider its decision. She highlighted her organization’s investment in the arts center and emphasized that the rainbow flags represent inclusivity rather than a political stance. Murray argued that if other decorative items were permitted, the rainbow flags should be allowed as well.

Another speaker, Elizabeth, expressed her belief that the board’s actions might have differed had the flags been of different colors. Melissa, a Plum Island resident since 1991, echoed these sentiments, describing the current atmosphere as threatening and urging the board to represent all residents. She questioned the flexibility of the flag policy and whether exceptions could be made, citing the policy’s allowance for discretion.

The public comments consistently advocated for the inclusion of diverse expressions within the community space, with several residents urging the Select Board to reconsider or amend the flag policy to allow rainbow flags at the Bfield Community Arts Center. A speaker raised concerns that allowing exceptions to the policy could lead to perceptions of censorship and unfairness, depending on the board’s composition. Another community member criticized the board’s reliance on legal counsel for a letter about the flags, questioning the expense and describing the flags as a source of community joy.

Aside from the flag policy discussion, the meeting addressed a range of topics, including the appointment of Robert Campo as the new Shellfish Constable. Campo detailed the closure of the Ipswich Clams Flats due to stricter bacterial contamination thresholds set by recent guidelines from the CDC or FDA. These regulations had widened the closure area, impacting local clam harvesters because of the outflow pipe’s proximity. Campo noted the potential high costs of relocating the pipe.

The board also reviewed and approved various public property use requests, including events by the ALS Therapy Development Institute, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Byfield Newbury Baseball Softball League. Each request received unanimous approval, reflecting routine acceptance of community events. The board also processed business license renewals and commercial clam permit applications, all passing with unanimous agreement.

Additionally, the Town Administrator announced a temporary closure of Orchard Street for clean-up and repaving and shared that the town had achieved compliance with Section 3A of the zoning act. A board member provided insights from a meeting with Northeast Community College regarding a collaborative study, highlighting potential funding opportunities from the state.