The town’s 250th anniversary celebration emerged as a focal point of the meeting, with plans underway for a series of events beginning in January and February. A special committee has been formed to manage and promote these events, including a single-day event called “Celebrate Southampton,” scheduled for August 16th. The Southampton Historical Society has taken a leading role, although it will not host its traditional events this year due to a focus on the anniversary. The merchandising committee is exploring promotional items such as t-shirts and mugs featuring a new logo designed by Becky Nimmons. Despite challenges related to the cost of multi-color printing, plans for a large banner to be displayed on the town’s front lawn are also being considered. Additionally, the board is on the hunt for a giant birthday cake previously used by other towns in similar celebrations. Although its whereabouts remain unknown, its potential use sparked enthusiasm among board members.

The meeting also delved into the issue of town infrastructure, particularly the proposal to form an ad hoc committee to investigate fiber internet options. There were concerns about prioritizing such a project over more urgent infrastructure needs like water safety and sewer improvements. A resident pointed out that enhancing the sewer infrastructure could lead to increased tax revenue and attract businesses, especially along College Highway. The sewer study report available on the town’s website was highlighted as a resource for understanding the potential benefits of improving sewer access.

The board also discussed the importance of transparency in public hearings. It was noted that while hearings are announced through newspapers, there is a need for better access to related information. Suggestions were made to publish applicants’ details online ahead of hearings, aligning with practices in other communities. The board acknowledged this as a issue and agreed that further discussion would be necessary to enhance transparency.

Financial matters also featured in the meeting. The town administrator reported on the status of the compensation plan and upcoming changes to the Memorandum of Agreement contract, which had seen significant alterations due to a lack of a full contract in previous cycles. An update on tax bills was provided, with some residents providing feedback on the new format’s readability. The administrator also mentioned the town’s revenue tracking, noting a delay in finalizing November figures due to staff illness but ensuring that December’s figures would be completed soon.

Administrative matters included the approval of minutes from a previous meeting and discussions about website updates aimed at improving accessibility for residents. Despite challenges in navigating the site, efforts are ongoing to streamline outdated documents and enhance the availability of information.

The board also touched upon the status of various committees. The Conservation Commission is in need of electing a new chair, as meetings had been canceled due to the absence of current leadership. The Housing Authority received approval for a project, while the Open Space Committee noted interest from property owners in conservation methodologies. Upcoming meetings for the Housing Authority, Planning Board, and Community Preservation Committee were highlighted.

Budget hearings set for February and March were discussed, with plans to incorporate departmental presentations to maximize efficiency. Past reports from the fire, police, highway, and water departments will be addressed during these hearings.