2021-08-24: Select Board

Click timestamps in the text to watch that part of the meeting recording.

Swampscott Select Board Meeting Analysis: August 24, 2021

This document provides an inferred agenda, attendee list, minutes, summary, and analysis of the Swampscott Select Board meeting held on August 24, 2021, based on the provided transcript.

Section 1: Agenda

Based on the meeting flow and the Chair’s opening remarks, the likely agenda was as follows:

  1. Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance [Approx. 0:04]
  2. Public Comment 0:04
    • Opportunity for public input on items not on the agenda.
  3. Consent Agenda Item (Taken Out of Order): Acceptance of Gift from Friends of the Swampscott Rail Trail 18:43
    • Presentation by Friends representative (Alexis Runstadler) and staff (Marzi Golaska).
    • Board discussion and vote to accept the $150,000 donation.
  4. Hadley Elementary School Reuse Advisory Committee Presentation 28:51
    • Presentation by Committee Chair (Steve Perdue) and Town Planner (Molly O’Connell) on reuse scenarios (Mixed-Use Commercial, Affordable Senior Housing, Boutique Hotel) and committee findings.
    • Comments from committee members.
    • Board discussion and acknowledgement of the report.
    • Staff recommendation to issue a Request for Information (RFI).
  5. Special Town Meeting (September 13, 2021) Warrant Discussion & Vote to Close 1:26:37
    • Discussion of Draft Article 1: Authorization to Record Deed Restriction on Hadley Property (prohibiting market-rate housing).
    • Discussion of Draft Article 2: Debt Exclusion Authorization for New Elementary School Construction.
    • Determination by Town Moderator regarding meeting format (Virtual).
    • Discussion of warrant finalization process.
    • Vote to close the warrant.
  6. Water and Sewer Rates (FY2022) - Second Reading & Vote 1:55:39
    • Presentation by Town Administrator (Sean Fitzgerald) summarizing proposed tiered rate structure.
    • Board discussion and clarification (led by Member Neal Duffy).
    • Vote to adopt the FY2022 Water and Sewer Rates.
  7. September Select Board Meeting Schedule Discussion 2:30:21
    • Confirmation of meeting dates for September 2021.
  8. Consent Agenda (Remaining Items) 2:31:55
    • Approval of Minutes (August 3, August 11).
    • Approval of One-Day Liquor Licenses (Latitude Beverage, Swampscott Yacht Club for Swamptoberfest).
    • Approval of Appointments to Swampscott Cultural Council.
    • Vote to approve the consent agenda.
  9. Town Administrator’s Report 2:33:27
    • Updates on various town projects, initiatives, and upcoming events.
  10. Select Board Time 2:40:24
    • Updates and comments from Select Board members (Veterans Center update).
  11. Adjournment 2:42:18

(Note: Proposed vote on FY22 Board and Committee Appointments was announced as postponed to September 1:05)

Section 2: Speaking Attendees

Based on the transcript and contextual knowledge of Swampscott government:

  • Peter Spellios (Select Board Chair): [Speaker 1], [Speaker 3] (at 7:04)
  • Don Hause (Select Board Member): [Speaker 12] (Likely, based on commentary style and participation pattern)
  • Mary Ellen Fletcher (Resident): [Speaker 20], [Speaker 16] (Identified self)
  • Betty Gallo (Resident, Town Meeting Member, Summit Estates Trustee): [Speaker 15] (Identified self)
  • Select Board Member (Unspecified/Votes): [Speaker 22] (Used for “Aye” votes and minor interjections, possibly representing various members or one consistent unattributable voice; also potentially [Speaker 15] finishing at 6:25)
  • Bill DeVento (Resident, Town Meeting Member, Summit Estates President): [Speaker 6] (Identified self)
  • Sean Fitzgerald (Town Administrator): [Speaker 2] (Identified by role and interactions)
  • Ken Sorkin (Resident, Summit Estates Condo Owner): [Speaker 18] (Identified self)
  • Alexis Runstadler (Friends of Swampscott Rail Trail Representative): [Speaker 14] (Introduced by Chair)
  • Marzi Golaska (Director of Community Development): [Speaker 8] (Identified by name/role in context)
  • Neal Duffy (Select Board Member): [Speaker 5] (Strongly inferred based on deep engagement with water/sewer rates, specific points made, and motions)
  • David Grishman (Select Board Member): [Speaker 9] (Likely, based on questioning style and participation pattern)
  • Molly O’Connell (Senior Planner): [Speaker 4] (Identified self, role confirmed by context)
  • Steve Perdue (Chair, Hadley Reuse Advisory Committee): [Speaker 3] (at 39:13) (Identified self)
  • Joan Cyr (Hadley Reuse Advisory Committee Member): [Speaker 7] (Strongly inferred based on topic focus, self-reference to advocacy, and Chair’s address)
  • Janelle Belanger (Hadley Reuse Advisory Committee Member): [Speaker 19] (Identified by Chair)
  • Polly Titcomb (Select Board Member): [Speaker 10] (Likely, based on commentary style and participation pattern)
  • Lori Levin (Hadley Reuse Advisory Committee Member): [Speaker 13] (Identified by context and Chair’s remarks)
  • Angela Ippolito (Hadley Reuse Advisory Committee Member / Resident): [Speaker 17] (Identified self, context suggests committee member)
  • Michael McClung (Town Moderator): [Speaker 11] (Identified by role and context)
  • Patrick Luddy (Assistant Town Administrator/Finance Director): [Speaker 21] (Inferred based on financial context of comment)

Section 3: Meeting Minutes

1. Call to Order & Pledge: Chair Peter Spellios called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance [Approx. 0:04]. He outlined the agenda, noting the postponement of board/committee appointments.

2. Public Comment 0:04:

  • Mary Ellen Fletcher initially intended to comment on the Special Town Meeting but agreed to wait for that agenda item 3:10.
  • Betty Gallo (Summit Estates Trustee) opposed the proposed tiered water/sewer rates, citing unfairness to condo associations with single meters, lack of tiered real estate tax rates for condos lacking services (trash/plowing), and the financial strain on residents/businesses post-pandemic 4:18.
  • Bill DeVento (Summit Estates President) also opposed the water/sewer rates 7:05. He criticized the tiered system, disputed prior statements by Member Duffy regarding businesses passing on costs 10:30, argued for eliminating the base rate entirely, questioned the fairness compared to alleged free water for the Yacht Club (a claim later refuted by Chair Spellios 1:57:10), and raised the issue of town buildings potentially not being billed for water 13:41. He also expressed frustration regarding an unanswered public information request.
    • Observation: The discussion about Mr. DeVento’s information request became pointed. Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald apologized for the lapse 8:06, and Chair Spellios emphatically stated that non-response was unacceptable and requested a report on improving the process 8:35. This exchange highlighted a point of friction regarding transparency and responsiveness.
  • Ken Sorkin (Summit Estates Condo Owner) echoed concerns about unfairness in water rates based on meter size and lack of town services (trash/plowing) for condos 16:20.
  • Chair Spellios acknowledged the frustration expressed but disagreed with many characterizations, framing the rate changes as addressing long-standing inequities 18:20.

3. Rail Trail Gift Acceptance 18:43: The Board voted unanimously to accept a $150,000 gift from the Friends of the Swampscott Rail Trail 28:08. Alexis Runstadler presented on behalf of the Friends, highlighting successful fundraising from residents and businesses 20:00. Marzi Golaska provided an update on trail progress, including a recent $200k grant and ongoing design work aiming for connections to schools and potentially Elm Place 22:04. Board members expressed strong appreciation for the fundraising effort and volunteer work. Chair Spellios noted it was the single largest gift of its type during his tenure 26:57.

4. Hadley Reuse Committee Presentation 28:51: Senior Planner Molly O’Connell and Committee Chair Steve Perdue presented the committee’s final report 33:04.

  • The presentation detailed the committee’s charge (excluding market-rate housing, retaining historic building), process (visioning, subgroups: Arts/Culture, Civic/Non-profit, Affordable Housing, Commercial), site analysis, and exploration of accessibility solutions [34:18 - 46:00].
  • Three potential reuse scenarios were presented: 1) Mixed-Use Commercial (Arts/Civic/Performance/Coworking), 2) Affordable Senior Housing (approx. 40 units, similar to Michon, with potential community space), and 3) Boutique Hotel [47:41 - 56:00]. Site plans explored different configurations of parking and open space.
  • Key consensus items from the committee included: Town retaining ownership but not developing, importance of open space/parking, demolition of the inefficient annex building, and moving the process forward promptly 58:47.
  • Committee members Joan Cyr (advocating strongly for affordable housing scenario 1:04:35), Lori Levin (noting public outreach favored mixed-use/civic/arts 1:23:00), Janelle Belanger, and Bill DeVento offered comments praising the process, staff (especially Molly O’Connell), and Chair Steve Perdue [1:11:01, 1:11:58].
  • The Board uniformly praised the report’s comprehensiveness and the committee’s diligence [1:14:13, 1:15:35, 1:18:28, 1:21:14]. Discussion occurred regarding the staff recommendation to issue an RFI, including timing and potential structures [1:15:35, 1:18:28, 1:17:53].
  • Observation: The presentation and subsequent board/committee discussion highlighted a thorough, well-regarded process that produced distinct, viable options while adhering to initial mandates.

5. Special Town Meeting (Sept 13) Warrant 1:26:37:

  • Article 1 (Hadley Deed Restriction): Chair Spellios introduced a proposed article authorizing the Select Board to place a deed restriction on the Hadley property prohibiting market-rate residential use, contingent on the school debt exclusion passing 1:26:37. He explained this would require a future Town Meeting vote to undo and would prevent typical 40B projects involving market-rate units 1:28:36. Joan Cyr sought clarification, confirming a 100% affordable “friendly 40B” like Michon would still be possible 1:37:58. Committee member Lori Levin supported the restriction 1:31:11, while Angela Ippolito felt it was premature 1:32:50. Board members Hause, Grishman, and Duffy strongly supported including the article now for transparency and to ensure the town’s will [1:36:05, 1:36:41, 1:40:48]. The Board voted unanimously (5-0) to include Article 1 with a favorable recommendation 1:42:36.
  • Article 2 (School Debt Exclusion): The Board reviewed the language for the $97,461,523 appropriation for the new elementary school, offset by an anticipated $34.35M MSBA grant, contingent on a town-wide debt exclusion vote 1:43:21. The Board voted unanimously (5-0) to include Article 2 with a favorable recommendation 1:45:42.
  • Meeting Format: Town Moderator Michael McClung announced his determination that the September 13th Town Meeting would be held virtually via Zoom due to safety concerns regarding the COVID-19 Delta variant 1:46:20. He cited advice from health officials and logistical challenges of alternatives like an outdoor meeting. Resident Mary Ellen Fletcher expressed concern and asked for reconsideration, citing recent large outdoor events 1:49:39, but the Moderator reaffirmed his decision based on current health data and official consultations 1:50:42.
  • Warrant Closing: The Board discussed final edits (Table of Contents clarification, inclusion of recommendations, Moderator’s letter) and authorized staff to finalize the warrant with electronic signatures after a final review by Chair Spellios and Member Grishman 1:51:23. The Board voted unanimously (5-0) to close the Special Town Meeting Warrant 1:55:10.
  • Observation: The Board acted decisively to shape the Special Town Meeting agenda, strategically linking the Hadley future use restriction to the school funding vote.

6. FY22 Water and Sewer Rates 1:55:39:

  • Town Administrator Fitzgerald presented the final recommendation for a three-tiered water and sewer rate structure 2:00:38. He emphasized the legal requirement under MGL Ch. 165 Sec. 2B for conservation-based, increasing block rates for MWRA communities 2:04:08. He presented data showing the previous flat rate resulted in higher-volume users paying less per gallon, creating an inequity (“subsidy”) the tiered system aims to correct [2:08:00, 2:11:05]. Peer community comparisons showed Swampscott’s proposed rates remain moderate 2:12:39. The proposal included using $90k (water) and $190k (sewer) in retained earnings to mitigate the increase 2:13:46. An upcoming $150k grant-funded asset management study was mentioned 2:14:44.
  • Member Duffy elaborated on how base fees were structured and how the new system corrects the per-gallon disparity [2:07:03, 2:18:07]. He recommended the committee continue monitoring the rates 2:20:18.
  • Chair Spellios reiterated the necessity of rate increases due to mandatory vendor costs (MWRA, Lynn) and framed the change as a move towards equity 2:23:23.
  • Member Grishman confirmed the significant deficit and drawdown of retained earnings that would occur without rate changes 2:26:17.
  • Member Duffy moved to adopt the specific tiered rates and consumption blocks 2:27:59. The Board voted unanimously (5-0) to approve the FY22 Water and Sewer rates 2:29:52. Discussion confirmed billing would be delayed but payment deadlines extended 2:30:05.
  • Observation: Despite vocal public opposition earlier, the Board presented a unified front, grounding their decision in legal requirements, detailed financial analysis focused on per-gallon equity, and comparisons to peer towns.

7. September Meeting Schedule 2:30:21: The Board confirmed meeting dates for September 1st, September 13th (5:30 PM, Zoom before Town Meeting), and September 22nd.

8. Consent Agenda 2:31:55: The Board voted unanimously (5-0) to approve the consent agenda, including minutes (Aug 3, Aug 11), one-day liquor licenses for Swamptoberfest, and appointments to the Cultural Council 2:33:21.

9. Town Administrator’s Report 2:33:27: TA Fitzgerald provided updates on COVID-19/vaccination rates, the Town Hall Arboretum identification project, a public health grant, mattress recycling program launch (Oct), recycling contamination issues, the Dementia Friendly initiative, upcoming Senior Center cookout, pedestrian safety infrastructure work, meetings regarding Massport flight paths, a $332k Fire Dept grant for sprinklers/training, Swamptoberfest (Sept 4), and a 9/11 commemoration/day of giving [2:33:29 - 2:39:20]. Member Grishman requested an update on blighted properties 2:39:25, and Member Duffy requested an update on I&I fee progress for the next meeting 2:39:45.

10. Select Board Time 2:40:24: Chair Spellios highlighted renewed activity at the Veterans Center, including an upcoming Service Day (Sept 25) and expected discussion of a lease extension for the Center 2:40:24.

11. Adjournment 2:42:18: The Board voted unanimously (5-0) to adjourn.

Section 4: Executive Summary

This Swampscott Select Board meeting addressed several major town issues, resulting in key decisions and setting the stage for future actions.

Hadley School Future Solidified: The Board formally received the comprehensive report from the Hadley Reuse Advisory Committee, presenting three distinct reuse scenarios (Mixed-Use Commercial, Affordable Senior Housing with Community Space, Boutique Hotel) for the potentially surplus school building 28:51. Commended for its thoroughness 1:14:13, the report and its consensus findings (including annex demolition and prompt action) will guide the next step: issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to gauge market interest 1:01:56. Significance: This provides concrete options for a major town asset, moving beyond speculation. Coupled with the Town Meeting action below, it signals a clear direction excluding market-rate housing.

Special Town Meeting (Sept 13) Set: The warrant for the upcoming Special Town Meeting was finalized and closed 1:55:10. Key articles approved for Town Meeting action include:

  1. Hadley Deed Restriction: Authorization for the Select Board to place a permanent restriction against market-rate housing on the Hadley property, requiring future Town Meeting approval to change 1:42:36. Significance: This makes the Board’s preference legally binding (if approved by Town Meeting), directly addressing resident concerns and shaping future development possibilities.
  2. New Elementary School Funding: A $97.4 million appropriation request to fund the new school, contingent on voter approval of a debt exclusion (state grant expected to cover $34.35 million) 1:45:42. Significance: This is the critical legislative step needed to advance the school project’s financing. The Town Moderator also determined the meeting will be held virtually due to COVID-19 concerns 1:46:20.

New Tiered Water/Sewer Rates Adopted: The Board unanimously approved a new three-tiered water and sewer rate structure for FY2022 2:29:52. The change replaces a long-standing flat rate system. Significance: This decision, driven by state law (MGL Ch. 165 Sec. 2B 2:04:08) and a desire for equity, aims to make costs per gallon fairer across usage levels and incentivize conservation. It corrects a system where high-volume users paid less per gallon 2:11:05. However, this means significant increases for some accounts (particularly large condo associations or high-use properties), which drew strong opposition during public comment [4:18, 7:05]. The town will use $280,000 in retained earnings to partially offset the necessary increases driven by vendor costs 2:13:46. An asset management study was also announced to better plan future infrastructure needs 2:14:44.

Rail Trail Funding Boosted: The Board accepted a $150,000 donation from the Friends of the Swampscott Rail Trail, raised through community efforts 28:08. Significance: This represents substantial community buy-in and financial support for the ongoing rail trail project, complementing recent grant funding and advancing construction efforts.

Other Key Updates: The Town Administrator reported on numerous initiatives, including ongoing COVID-19 management, recycling improvements (mattress program 2:35:00), pedestrian safety measures 2:36:56, advocacy regarding airport noise 2:37:45, and a major $332k grant secured by the Fire Department 2:38:28.

Section 5: Analysis

This meeting showcased the Select Board navigating complex, and at times contentious, town issues with a generally unified approach, grounded in detailed staff work and legal frameworks, while also demonstrating responsiveness to process concerns.

Water/Sewer Rate Decision - Equity vs. Impact: The unanimous approval of the tiered water/sewer rates, despite vocal opposition from condominium representatives during public comment, stands out 2:29:52. The Board’s justification, heavily leaning on state mandates (MGL 165 2B 2:04:08) and the principle of per-gallon equity 2:08:00, appeared well-supported by staff analysis (TA Fitzgerald, Member Duffy). This framing effectively positioned the change not as a revenue grab, but as a legally required correction of a long-standing inequity benefiting high-volume users. However, the arguments from residents (Gallo 4:18, DeVento 7:05, Sorkin 16:20) highlighted the tangible financial impact on specific groups, particularly condos facing bulk metering, and linked it to broader frustrations about perceived disparities in town services. While the Board acknowledged the frustration 18:20, their ultimate decision prioritized systemic equity and legal compliance over mitigating the concentrated impact on these groups. The pointed exchange regarding Mr. DeVento’s unanswered information request (8:06-9:14), while addressed apologetically by the TA and firmly by the Chair, likely underscored resident feelings of being unheard, even as the Board proceeded with the rate change.

Hadley Reuse - Process and Preemptive Action: The Hadley Reuse Committee’s work was presented and received as a model of community engagement and thorough analysis [31:48, 1:14:13]. The presentation of three distinct scenarios 47:41 and clear consensus items 58:47 demonstrated the committee effectively channeled diverse interests into concrete options. The staff recommendation for an RFI 1:01:56 appears a logical next step, implicitly acknowledging that market validation is needed before committing to one path. The Board’s decision to immediately pursue a deed restriction prohibiting market-rate housing via the Special Town Meeting warrant 1:26:37 was a significant strategic move. By linking this restriction (contingent on the school vote passing) to the school funding article, the Board proactively addressed a key source of potential anxiety or opposition related to the Hadley site’s future, effectively shaping the narrative around the new school project’s consequences. While one committee member voiced concerns about prematurity 1:32:50, the Board clearly saw value in locking in this restriction early [1:36:05, 1:36:41].

Meeting Management and Dynamics: Chair Spellios maintained firm control over the meeting flow, actively framed discussions, and directly addressed points from public comment, sometimes refuting claims assertively (e.g., Yacht Club water use 1:57:10). The Board demonstrated significant internal consensus on major votes (Hadley report acceptance, warrant articles, water rates). Member Duffy’s role as the point person on the complex water/sewer issue was evident 2:18:07. The Moderator’s determination on the virtual Town Meeting format 1:46:20, citing health official advice, showed a prioritization of safety over convenience or resident preference in the face of the Delta variant, a stance he defended directly against challenge 1:50:42. Overall, the Board projected confidence in its decisions, backed by staff work, even when those decisions were unpopular with certain segments of the public present.