Newbury commission chair says she will step down, warns volunteer workload is unsustainable

The chair of the Newbury Historical Commission announced at the June 25 meeting that it was her final meeting as chair and urged members to prepare for a leadership transition, saying the work associated with demolition reviews and new responsibilities has made the role increasingly difficult.

"This job is becoming very difficult," she said, and added that her request for paid hours to support the commission’s work had been refused three years in a row. The chair offered to make herself available to train whoever is elected next and said she will turn over her records after ensuring personal materials are removed.

Members agreed to place the annual leadership vote on the July meeting agenda. The chair described the administrative burden volunteers face when handling permit and demolition processes and recommended that the incoming leadership meet with her to review procedures and the commission's records.

The meeting included routine business that underscores the workload: the treasurer reported a current cash balance of $2,967.65, described recent invoice processing and noted roughly $900 was available for planned purchases, while members discussed outreach, postcard distribution, maintenance, and fundraising mechanisms. Several members reiterated that the permitting workload and frequent public inquiries make consistent administrative support important.

The commission expects to vote on leadership at its next scheduled meeting; the outgoing chair said she will remain reachable by phone and email to assist the new officers.