Shay expressed alarm over the fiber spring fee, amounting to 30% of revenues, which he argued was insufficiently detailed in the financial model. He drew attention to an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with a neighboring town that lacked essential contract details. He also pointed out cost overruns in construction and rising projected monthly fiber fees, questioning the integrity of the current financial assumptions and models. Shay’s critique implied a potential financial instability due to the town’s approach to its fiber project debt.

Following Shay’s remarks, the Select Board proceeded to acknowledge the hard work of the Department of Public Works (DPW) employees, particularly their efforts during winter storm Fern. DPW staff had worked over 30 consecutive hours to maintain safe roads and municipal services, a commitment the board praised.

The meeting also featured the appointment of members to the Future Building Use Task Force. The board used a ranking system to appoint Paul Dunkerley, Sarah Greg, and Ryan McCullum, each securing five votes. A tiebreaker was necessary for the seventh position, resulting in David Lipkkey’s appointment following a brief voting process. Congratulations were extended to these newly appointed members.

Another item during the meeting was the liquor license transfer application hearing. The board reviewed a request from Bottle Shop Wine and Liquor LLC, necessitated by a fire that had led to the previous business shutdown. Representatives Talia Williams and Dar Patel presented their plans, with Patel intending to manage the new establishment. Patel confirmed his compliance training, certified until 2028. The board approved the transfer application, contingent on the renewal of the underlying license.

The board also approved a motion to extend a liquor license for another establishment until December 31, 2026, despite some board members expressing concerns about the process. They felt the board had been put in a bind due to an error, but ultimately supported the extension.

In other matters, the Town Manager provided updates on various town projects, including the demolition of the old DPW facility. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection had granted the final approvals, albeit with cost-increasing conditions. The town was preparing to put the demolition project out to bid, hoping for favorable market conditions.

The Town Manager also announced a grant received for a cybersecurity awareness program in 2026, involving a year-long training initiative for town and school employees. Updates on the library renovation included an upcoming information session for resident feedback on the design plans.

The board briefly reviewed the quarterly investment report, highlighting that the town earned approximately $629,000 in interest in the last quarter. A noteworthy change was the status of Newberry Port Savings Bank, which had shifted to a yellow safety rating, but optimism remained for a return to green.

Utility bill insert requests were discussed as a means to inform residents about the town manager’s newsletter and mobile app, along with a save-the-date for the annual town meeting. A sewer bill insert was also approved to educate residents on proper waste disposal to prevent backups. Both inserts were approved with suggested changes.