Swampscott Select Board Meeting Analysis: July 21, 2021

This document provides an analysis of the Swampscott Select Board meeting held on July 21, 2021, intended for Swampscott Town Meeting members and voters.

1. Agenda

Based on the transcript, the likely agenda for the meeting was:

Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance 0:36
Announcements & Recognitions
- Recognition of Girl Scout Troop 69015 for Harold King Forest Trail Project 2:45
Public Comment 11:40
- (Topics included the storage container near the Fish House)
Consent Agenda
- Approval of Meeting Minutes (June 30, 2021) 1:33:07 (Addressed during a technical pause in another item)
New and Old Business
- Discussion with Swampscott Housing Authority re: Elm Place Project, Communication, Property Conditions, and Grant Opportunities 18:08
- Update from Interim Police Chief 1:18:21
- Discussion and Update: Pedestrian Safety Initiatives (Thermoplastic Crosswalks, RRFBs) 1:31:04
- Preliminary Discussion: FY22 Water and Sewer Rates 2:07:59
- (Deferred Item: Discussion re: New School Project / Special Town Meeting Warrant - noted implicitly by deferral 2:53:06)
Town Administrator’s Report 2:55:09
Select Board Time 3:00:55
Adjournment 3:02:06

2. Speaking Attendees

Peter Spellios (Select Board Chair): [Speaker 1]
Participant (Name not stated): [Speaker 20] (Leads pledge, interacts during Girl Scout presentation and tech issues, votes Aye. Tag may represent multiple individuals or usage is inconsistent)
David Grishman (Select Board Member): [Speaker 15]
Suzanne Hale (Girl Scout Troop Leader): [Speaker 11]
Parent/Leader (Name not stated): [Speaker 14] 5:18
Christy Hebert (Public Commenter): [Speaker 14] 14:50
Lucy (Girl Scout): [Speaker 11] 5:23 (Identified by Speaker 11, speaks)
Scout (Girl Scout): [Speaker 11] 5:36 (Identified by Speaker 11, speaks)
Eleanor (Girl Scout): [Speaker 13] 5:46
Evelyn (Girl Scout): [Speaker 13] 6:01
Mary Ellen Fletcher (Public Commenter): [Speaker 13] 12:19
Marzie Golaska (Director of Community Development): [Speaker 13] 1:31:34, 1:44:08
Juliet (Girl Scout): [Speaker 10] 6:18
Irma Chez (Housing Authority Executive Director): [Speaker 10] 28:50
Polly Titcomb (Select Board Member): [Speaker 4]
Don Hause (Select Board Member): [Speaker 12]
Participant (Name not stated): [Speaker 17] 8:19 (Interjects during Girl Scout discussion)
Catherine Esteverena (Housing Authority Board Member): [Speaker 17] 1:12:12
Participant (Name not stated): [Speaker 2] 12:24 (Brief interjection during public comment)
Sean Fitzgerald (Town Administrator): [Speaker 2] 35:20, 1:57:03, 2:23:41, 2:55:09
Richard Callahan (Housing Authority Chair): [Speaker 9]
Tara Cassidy-Driscoll (Housing Authority Board Member): [Speaker 16]
Naomi Grieben (Housing Authority Board Member): [Speaker 19]
Cynthia Tennant (Housing Authority Board Member/Tenant Rep): [Speaker 7]
Chief Curtis (Interim Police Chief): [Speaker 5]
Gino Cresta (DPW Director): [Speaker 6]
Neil Duffy (Select Board Member): [Speaker 3]
Patrick Dello Russo (Finance Director/Asst. Town Admin): [Speaker 8]
Ralph Edwards (Water & Sewer Advisory Committee Member): [Speaker 18]

3. Meeting Minutes

Call to Order & Pledge: Chair Peter Spellios called the meeting to order at Swampscott High School and led the Pledge of Allegiance 0:36. Member Neil Duffy joined remotely.

Recognition: Girl Scout Troop 69015: Select Board Member David Grishman led the recognition of Girl Scout Troop 69015 for creating a new trail in Harold King Forest 2:45. Troop Leader Suzanne Hale introduced scouts Lucy, Scout, Eleanor, Evelyn, and Juliet (Hazel Ridge Track absent), who shared their favorite parts of the project [4:39 - 6:23]. The project involved clearing the trail and marking blazes, aimed at providing a more accessible alternative to the existing Boulder Trail. Board members Grishman, Polly Titcomb, and Don Hause offered praise and thanks for the troop’s contribution to the town [6:32 - 8:19]. Observation: The recognition highlighted positive community engagement and youth leadership.

Public Comment: 11:40

Mary Ellen Fletcher requested the Select Board intervene to remove a commercial storage container located near the historic Fish House 12:25. She cited concerns about the historic area’s character, traffic congestion, and impeded access for individuals with mobility issues or small children. She suggested alternative locations like Phillips Park or Hadley School lot.
Christy Hebert (Marblehead resident, program participant) spoke in support of the container 14:52, used by Southeast Coast Style/Parks & Rec. She emphasized its necessity for storing boards/safety gear, providing shelter/first aid space for children’s programs, and ensuring safety during inclement weather (citing the 2019 microburst). She viewed removal as short-sighted and potentially unsafe.
Chair Spellios stated the item was not on the agenda for discussion or action and noted that under the Town Charter, the Town Administrator manages town properties 17:45. Observation: The public comment period revealed conflicting resident perspectives on the use of public space near the Fish House.

Discussion with Swampscott Housing Authority (SHA): 18:08 The Board invited SHA members (Chair Richard Callahan, Tara Cassidy-Driscoll, Catherine Esteverena, Cynthia Tennant, Naomi Grieben, and ED Irma Chez) to discuss issues, primarily related to the proposed Elm Place development abutting SHA property.

SHA Chair Callahan expressed frustration about lack of prior SHA input on town plans potentially affecting their property (e.g., bike path concepts) and stated Board Member Grieben had previously spoken about the project without official SHA appointment to do so [20:27, 23:12]. He raised concerns about tenant security, liability, impact on potential solar projects, parking, and open space related to the Elm Place project. He affirmed the current Elm Place proposal does not displace tenants 25:25.
Chair Spellios questioned Callahan regarding representation and WIN Development’s documented outreach attempts to SHA 23:14. He expressed significant concern about a recent letter from the SHA to tenants 26:10, which he stated inaccurately caused fear of displacement related to the Elm Place project. He urged the SHA to clarify publicly that no tenants were being displaced by the project.
ED Irma Chez explained the letter’s intent was to reassure anxious residents hearing rumors, acknowledging the wording may have caused confusion [28:50, 32:43]. She highlighted her efforts to improve conditions and communication since starting 1.5 years ago amid COVID.
Member Don Hause noted the letter, regardless of intent, seemed to cause harm and underscored the need for better communication 32:31.
Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald stressed a team approach, acknowledged improved maintenance under ED Chez, but urged SHA to advocate for investment in aging properties, citing resident pleas for better, ADA-accessible units 35:20. He invited SHA to join Town department head meetings.
Member Polly Titcomb inquired why the SHA recently voted not to apply for a state technical assistance grant aimed at planning property upgrades 38:27.
SHA Chair Callahan confirmed the rejection 39:23, citing a short deadline, the part-time ED being overwhelmed with other duties (annual reports), difficulty gathering required documents, and informal advice from state sources (“powers that be”) that the application was unlikely to succeed. He stated they would pursue it next time.
Chair Spellios strongly challenged this explanation 40:54, noting Town Staff (Dir. Golaska) had offered to complete most of the application and that not applying guaranteed failure. He questioned the SHA Board’s proactive efforts over decades to address known deficiencies like the lack of ADA-compliant units and aging infrastructure, emphasizing the grant was specifically designed to provide the assistance needed for planning.
ED Chez stated properties aren’t “dilapidated” and SHA utilizes state capital funds for necessary repairs, citing a recent grant for new heating/AC units [45:12, 1:12:12]. She suggested a feasibility/needs study as a potential next step. Spellios reiterated the rejected grant was precisely for such assistance 47:19.
Member Tara Cassidy-Driscoll provided context for tenant anxiety, noting a Wynn representative mentioned potential interest in redeveloping Doherty Circle at a prior meeting 57:31. She also asked an unanswered question about a potential fire gate access related to the Elm Place project.
Member Naomi Grieben called for the SHA board to develop a clear vision, increase transparency, hold accessible meetings, and take more initiative 55:05.
Tenant Representative Cynthia Tennant defended the ED’s letter, stating it comforted many anxious residents 1:01:09. She highlighted tenant privacy concerns, acknowledged the 60-year deterioration, praised recent progress under ED Chez despite severe staffing limits (1 maintenance worker for 122 units recently), framed the grant rejection as premature given crises (roofs, bedbugs), and called for genuine collaboration instead of blame, pointing to past inaction by all parties including the town.
Member Catherine Esteverena echoed support for ED Chez, cited recent grant successes, and found the Select Board’s tone critical rather than constructive 1:12:12.
The Select Board offered Town Hall meeting space for televised, accessible SHA meetings to improve communication 55:59. Marzie Golaska (Dir. Community Development) was identified as the primary staff contact for SHA 1:16:10. Observation: The lengthy discussion revealed significant friction and communication breakdowns between the Select Board and the Housing Authority Board, particularly regarding proactivity, transparency, and addressing long-term capital needs. Differing perspectives on recent progress versus historical neglect were evident. A commitment to improved future collaboration was stated by both sides.

Interim Police Chief Update: 1:18:21 Interim Chief Curtis introduced himself and provided initial observations 1:18:43. He praised the department staff’s commitment, outlined key focus areas including assisting the Town’s move from Civil Service (developing hiring/promotion processes), addressing radio communication issues, collaborating on a town-wide camera system, working with the Traffic Safety Committee, ensuring officer visibility downtown, filling the School Resource Officer position collaboratively with schools, and maintaining state accreditation. Member Hause asked about policies for protests 1:27:05; Chief Curtis acknowledged the need for balanced procedures ensuring safety and free speech rights 1:27:52. Chair Spellios noted the value of the Chief’s external perspective in shaping the search for a permanent chief 1:28:50. Observation: The Interim Chief presented a clear focus on process improvement and foundational issues for the department.

Pedestrian Safety Initiatives: 1:31:04 DPW Director Gino Cresta, supported by Dir. Marzie Golaska, presented planned pedestrian safety upgrades intended for completion before the school year.

Thermoplastic Crosswalks: 31 locations identified for durable, high-visibility thermoplastic paint, focusing on school zones and high-traffic areas 1:34:19. Locations include crossings near the Middle, Stanley, Clarke, Hadley schools, and key intersections on Humphrey St, Forest Ave, Essex St, etc. [1:35:27 - 1:42:56].
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs): 8 of the thermoplastic locations will also receive push-button activated flashing beacons 1:44:28. These include Forest Ave (Middle School, 2 locations), Humphrey St at Orchard Circle, Humphrey St at Monument Ave, Norfolk Ave (Clarke School), Reddington St (Hadley School), and Reddington St at Banks Rd.
Board Discussion: Member Titcomb questioned RRFB placement at Reddington/Banks versus busier areas like Essex St near the train station 1:53:53. TA Fitzgerald confirmed this is Phase 1, with Vinnin Sq/Train Station areas under review, and emphasized linking infrastructure with enforcement and education 1:57:03. Member Grishman and Chair Spellios highlighted the danger at Humphrey/Monument due to parking obstructing visibility [1:59:44, 2:00:59]. Spellios strongly advocated for clearly marking no-parking zones near crosswalks (hashing) and requested baseline data on current traffic enforcement and improved training for crossing guards 2:06:05. Observation: The Board supported the proposed safety measures but immediately pushed for broader scope, addressing related issues like parking visibility and enforcement, indicating strong resident focus on traffic safety.

Consent Agenda: Approved minutes from June 30, 2021 meeting. Motion by Hause, Second by Titcomb. Approved 5-0 1:33:07.

FY22 Water and Sewer Rates (Preliminary Discussion): 2:07:59 Finance Director Patrick Dello Russo, supported by Member Duffy and Water/Sewer Advisory Committee member Ralph Edwards, presented preliminary analysis for FY22 rates. No vote was taken.

Context: Significant budget increases (~16% sewer, driven by Lynn contract; water increase due to MWRA assessment) necessitate rate adjustments.
Scenario 1 (Status Quo Structure): Maintaining flat consumption and base rates would require heavy use of retained earnings ($740k total) to limit average single-family bill increase to ~5% 2:11:30. Without reserves, the increase would be ~17% 2:17:01.
Scenario 2 (Committee Recommendation): Introduces tiered consumption (lower rate up to avg. use + 15% buffer; higher rate above that), premium rate for irrigation, modest base rate increase 2:12:45. Uses less retained earnings ($151k total), keeping reserves above 20% guideline. Average single-family impact varies by tier.
Tiered Base Rates: The Committee explored tiering base rates (e.g., by meter size or Equivalent Residential Units - ERUs) but found it complex to implement fairly across diverse property types (single-family, multi-family, commercial) within the current timeframe [2:20:25, 2:29:26]. This remains a goal for future refinement.
Board Discussion: Chair Spellios and Member Titcomb requested analysis showing the impact of structural changes without retained earnings applied initially, to better understand the policy effects [2:16:04, 2:22:19]. Concerns were raised about drawing retained earnings below policy guidelines (20%) 2:22:59. TA Fitzgerald noted reserves help stabilize rates during fluctuations/cost spikes 2:23:41. The complexity of fairly tiering base rates was acknowledged.
Timing: Rates need to be set soon for the August billing cycle 2:47:31. The Board agreed to revisit the issue with further analysis at the next meeting, scheduled for August 3rd. Observation: The Board is grappling with balancing significant cost increases, ratepayer impact, fairness across user types, conservation incentives, and financial policy adherence. The complexity led to a prudent delay for clearer analysis.

Town Administrator’s Report: 2:55:09 TA Fitzgerald provided updates: monitoring COVID Delta variant and planning school reopening scenarios; new HR Director Tanya Taraskiewicz onboard; active Senior Center programs; Community Development grant pursuits; Fire Dept youth safety skills program; ongoing water quality testing (beach closures likely due to rain/bacteria); upcoming Bent Water Brewing event at Fish House on July 31st. Member Grishman inquired about water testing protocols 2:58:58; testing is done weekly, and daily after rain events or positive bacteria tests until clear.

Select Board Time: 3:00:55 Brief concluding remarks.

Scheduling: Next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at 6:00 PM at the High School.

Adjournment: Motion by Grishman, Second by Hause. Approved 5-0 3:02:17.

4. Executive Summary

The Swampscott Select Board meeting on July 21, 2021, covered several critical issues facing the town, including housing conditions, pedestrian safety, and upcoming utility rate changes.

Housing Authority Collaboration and Concerns: 18:08 A major focus was a joint discussion with the Swampscott Housing Authority (SHA). While the SHA confirmed the proposed adjacent Elm Place development does not displace current tenants 25:25, significant issues surfaced regarding communication, property conditions, and future planning. A recent SHA letter caused unnecessary anxiety among tenants about relocation 26:10. More substantively, the discussion highlighted the poor condition of many SHA units, the complete lack of ADA-accessible units, and the SHA Board’s controversial decision to reject a state grant designed to help plan critically needed upgrades [38:27, 40:54]. Both boards committed to improving communication 52:54, with the Town offering meeting facilities and grant support 55:59.

Significance: This discussion brought long-simmering concerns about the state of Swampscott’s primary public housing stock into sharp focus. The future well-being of vulnerable residents and the stewardship of these properties hinge on improved collaboration and proactive planning by the SHA, supported by the Town.

Pedestrian Safety Upgrades Approved: 1:31:04 The Board received plans for immediate pedestrian safety improvements before school starts. This includes installing durable, high-visibility thermoplastic paint at 31 crosswalks, prioritizing school zones (Middle, Stanley, Clarke, Hadley), and key Humphrey Street intersections 1:34:19. Additionally, 8 critical crossings (including near schools and at Humphrey/Monument) will receive push-button activated Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) 1:44:28. This is considered Phase 1, with commitments to review other high-concern areas (Vinnin Square, train station) and integrate these upgrades with enforcement and education efforts 1:57:03.

Significance: These tangible actions directly address persistent community concerns about traffic and pedestrian safety, particularly for students. While a positive step, it’s acknowledged as a down payment on a larger town-wide need requiring sustained focus.

Water/Sewer Rate Structure Changes Proposed, Decision Delayed: 2:07:59 Faced with significant budget increases (especially a ~16% sewer cost jump), the Board reviewed a proposal from its Water & Sewer Advisory Committee to change the rate structure. The recommendation includes moving from flat rates to tiered consumption rates (charging more for usage above an average threshold) and implementing a premium rate for discretionary irrigation use 2:12:45. The goal is to manage costs, encourage conservation, and distribute the burden, though high-volume users would see larger increases. Tiering the fixed base rate, while desirable for fairness (especially regarding large multi-unit properties vs. single homes), was deemed too complex to implement equitably this year 2:20:25. The Board requested further analysis, particularly isolating the impact of the structural changes from the use of reserve funds, delaying a final vote until August 3rd 2:47:31.

Significance: How Swampscott charges for water and sewer impacts every resident and business. This potential shift towards usage-based pricing aims for greater fairness and conservation but requires careful balancing to avoid undue hardship and maintain stable town finances. The delay reflects the complexity and importance of getting the structure right.

Other Key Items:

Interim Police Chief: Chief Curtis provided his initial focus areas: transitioning from Civil Service, improving hiring/promotion, fixing radio issues, and collaborating with schools 1:18:43.
Fish House Container: Public comment revealed opposing views on a storage container near the Fish House, highlighting a local conflict over use of historic public space [12:25, 14:52].
Town Updates: The Town Administrator reported on COVID vigilance, a new HR Director, ongoing water quality issues impacting beaches due to rain, and a town event planned for July 31st 2:55:09.

5. Analysis

This meeting showcased the Select Board grappling with complex, long-term challenges alongside immediate operational concerns. The dynamics, particularly during the Housing Authority discussion, were notably tense but ultimately pointed towards necessary, albeit difficult, future collaboration.

Housing Authority Confrontation: The extended exchange with the Housing Authority [18:08 - 1:17:58] was the meeting’s centerpiece. Chair Spellios adopted a direct, challenging posture, pressing the SHA Board on communication failures (the tenant letter 26:10) and, more significantly, on perceived proactivity failures regarding the rejected state grant and decades of deferred maintenance on non-ADA compliant units 40:54. This approach effectively surfaced critical issues but also provoked defensiveness, with SHA members citing constraints (part-time ED, state bureaucracy, funding limits) and recent progress under ED Chez [39:23, 45:12, 1:01:09, 1:12:12]. SHA Chair Callahan’s rationale for rejecting the grant appeared weak, especially given the town’s offer of staff assistance, undermining arguments about resource limitations being the sole barrier. Tenant Rep Tennant’s intervention provided crucial context about resident experience and historical neglect 1:01:09, somewhat shifting the dynamic from accusation/defense towards shared responsibility. The outcome – a commitment to collaborate and the town’s offer of resources [52:54, 55:59] – is positive, but the underlying tension regarding the SHA Board’s strategic direction and effectiveness seems likely to persist. The meeting highlighted a critical need for the SHA Board itself to establish a unified, proactive vision for its properties, potentially requiring a shift in its operational approach beyond relying solely on its part-time ED.

Water/Sewer Rate Pragmatism vs. Precision: The water/sewer rate discussion [2:07:59 - 2:54:46] demonstrated a clash between pragmatic first steps and the desire for comprehensive analysis. The Advisory Committee’s recommendation to tier consumption now while deferring complex base rate tiering [2:12:45, 2:20:25] represented a practical attempt to address urgent budget pressures. However, the Select Board (led by Spellios and Titcomb) pushed back on the initial presentation’s methodology, demanding clearer analysis isolating structural impacts from reserve usage [2:16:04, 2:22:19]. This insistence on analytical rigor, despite looming deadlines, suggests the Board prioritizes making well-understood, defensible policy choices over quick fixes, especially given the broad impact of utility rates and adherence to financial guidelines regarding reserves. The deferral highlights the difficulty in achieving fairness and stability simultaneously when fundamentally altering long-standing rate structures.

Pedestrian Safety: Responsive Action & Scope Creep: The pedestrian safety presentation [1:31:04 - 2:07:54] showed effective staff work responding to clear community priorities. DPW Director Cresta’s plan was specific and targeted. The Board’s reaction, while supportive, immediately expanded the scope, raising related issues like parking visibility near crosswalks (a critical point by Grishman/Spellios [1:59:44, 2:00:59]), the need for enforcement data, and crossing guard training. TA Fitzgerald adeptly managed this by framing the current plan as Phase 1 and committing to broader integration 1:57:03. This dynamic reflects a board highly attuned to resident safety concerns and pushing staff for comprehensive solutions beyond initial proposals.