Select Board members said Tuesday they will continue the search for a new town manager and that a screening committee will meet Wednesday, Feb. 5, to begin reviewing applicants.

Rodney DiJoco, the town manager, told the board the screening committee would meet at 6 p.m. in the town manager'9s conference room. He also said the select board received two applications from previous candidates for the Beverly Airport Commission, and that the board plans to invite those candidates back on Feb. 18 for discussion and possible appointment.

Public commenters and board members discussed the residency requirement for the town manager post. The chair noted a subcommittee is reviewing the matter and that "at the moment, anybody gets hired as town manager is required to live in town," a reference in the record to the town manager residency requirement currently under review.

During public comment, several residents urged the board to prioritize candidates with local knowledge and to include grant-writing experience among desired skills. Lauren Steves, a town meeting member, asked whether the screening committee provided a timeframe; board members said the committee was working to have the hiring completed by April, which the chair called a goal.

Board members said the committee would elect a chair and clerk before moving into an executive session to review candidates. The earlier portion of the screening meeting will be open to the public, the record shows.

No formal votes on hiring or changes to residency were taken at Tuesday'9s meeting; the board said any policy changes would come after public hearings and subcommittee review.