Swampscott Select Board Meeting Analysis: September 1, 2021

This document provides an overview and analysis of the Swampscott Select Board meeting held on September 1, 2021, intended for Town Meeting members and voters.

Section 1: Agenda

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

Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance 0:00:36
Public Comment 0:00:54
- Opportunity for residents to speak on items not on the agenda.
New and Old Business
- Update from Director of Aging Services: Presentation on Dementia-Friendly Initiatives and Senior Center Programs 0:02:59
- Discussion: Proposed Infiltration and Inflow (I&I) Regulations 0:18:23
- Discussion: Upcoming Town Meeting Warrant (Brief Mention) 0:46:29
- Board and Committee Appointments for Fiscal Year 22 0:46:48 (Discussion Tabled)
Consent Agenda 1:13:26
- Approval of Meeting Minutes (August 24, 2021)
- Approval of Verizon New England Easement (Michon Project, Burpee Road)
- Approval of Application for 5K Run (Event 1)
- Approval of Application for 5K Run (Event 2)
Town Administrator’s Report 1:16:22
Select Board Time 1:25:54
- Scheduling of next meeting.
Adjournment 1:29:08

Section 2: Speaking Attendees

Based on the transcript and typical Massachusetts Town Government structure in Swampscott:

Peter Spellios (Select Board Chair): [Speaker 1], [Speaker 9] (Leads meeting, introduces agenda items, manages discussion, provides email P Speleos)
Sean Regan (Town Administrator): [Speaker 2] (Presents on I&I legal framework, gives TA report, discusses appointment process)
Heidi Weir (Director of Aging Services): [Speaker 3] (Presents update on Senior Center and Dementia-Friendly initiatives via Zoom)
Gino Cresta (DPW Director): [Speaker 4] (Presents technical details of I&I models)
Allie Fiske (Assistant Town Administrator): [Speaker 5] (Presents on committee appointments process)
Polly Titcomb (Select Board Member): [Speaker 6] (Asks questions on I&I models, raises significant concerns re: appointment process fairness, discusses recusal)
David Grishman (Select Board Member): [Speaker 8] (Comments on appointment process liaisons, scheduling conflict re: Affordable Housing Trust)
Select Board Member 1 (Name not stated): [Speaker 7] (Comments on Heidi Weir’s presentation, asks questions on I&I thresholds, asks about barriers near Town Hall)
Select Board Member 2 (Name not stated): [Speaker 10] (Asks comparative question on I&I models, comments on sewer condition, participates in scheduling)
Select Board Member 3 (Name not stated): [Speaker 11] (Asks about I&I costs, participates in scheduling)
Select Board Member 4 (Name not stated): [Speaker 12] (Asks clarifying question about I&I models meeting legal test)
Attendee (Unidentified): [Speaker 13] (Brief interjection during presentation)

(Note: Select Board Members 1-4 represent distinct inputs during the meeting, likely corresponding to the remaining members serving at the time, such as Neal Duffy and Don Hause, but positive identification isn’t possible from the transcript alone.)

Section 3: Meeting Minutes

Call to Order & Pledge: Chair Peter Spellios called the meeting to order at Swampscott High School B129 and led the Pledge of Allegiance 0:00:36.

Public Comment: Chair Spellios outlined the process for public comment on items not on the agenda 0:00:54. No members of the public offered comments 0:02:59.

Update from Director of Aging Services: Heidi Weir, Director of Aging Services, presented via Zoom 0:02:59. She detailed the progress of the Dementia Friendly Initiative, including a weekly caregiver support group 0:05:09, a monthly Memory Cafe 0:07:07, and take-home Activity Memory Kits 0:08:55. Plans include dementia-aware training for all town employees 0:10:40 and exploring a certification program for local businesses 0:11:26. Ms. Weir also updated the Board on the Senior Center’s reopening, noting controlled capacity lunches 0:12:19, various classes and trips 0:13:00, utilization of the nurse’s office 0:13:19, a successful recent cookout 0:13:40, and upcoming health education programs 0:14:05. Future plans include a potential “Live at the Senior Center” taped series 0:14:24 and a needed kitchen upgrade 0:14:52. She announced the hiring of Sabrina Clopton as the new outreach social worker 0:15:10. Board members expressed appreciation for her work and enthusiasm [0:15:49, 0:16:40].

Discussion: Proposed Infiltration and Inflow (I&I) Regulations: Chair Spellios introduced the topic, explaining I&I regulations aim to mitigate the impact of new developments on the town’s water and sewer infrastructure, ensuring new connections contribute fairly to system upkeep 0:18:23. Town Administrator (TA) Sean Regan presented the legal basis, confirming the Select Board (acting as Sewer Commissioners) can establish regulations and fees, provided they meet the “Emerson test” ensuring fees benefit users, are voluntary (choice not to connect), and don’t simply raise general revenue 0:21:47. DPW Director Gino Cresta presented two potential fee models based on FY20 data:

Simplified Cost Benefit Model: Based on the total sewer budget divided by flow, resulting in a fee of $28.06 per gallon/day, equating to $3,086.60 per bedroom (using 110 gal/day/bedroom standard) 0:29:24. A hypothetical 128-unit development would yield approx. $395k 0:30:20.
Modified Cost Benefit Model: Based on costs directly related to flow (estimating 50% of Lynn Water & Sewer assessment), resulting in a fee of $4.80 per gallon/day, equating to $528 per bedroom 0:32:05. The same 128-unit development would yield approx. $67.5k 0:32:37. Significant discussion followed regarding the large discrepancy between the two models 0:34:36. Members questioned how both could be legally defensible (“Emerson test”) given the difference 0:35:48. DPW Director Cresta noted his preference for the simpler, higher-yield model 0:36:04. Questions were raised about potential thresholds for applicability (e.g., based on flow/bedrooms) 0:40:37 and how the collected funds would be managed, likely requiring a separate account 0:41:12. The Board requested staff provide comparative data on models, rates, and thresholds used by other Massachusetts communities 0:42:19. The goal was set to revisit the issue with draft regulations and comparative data by late September, aiming for potential adoption by November 1st 0:43:14.

Discussion: Town Meeting Warrant: Briefly mentioned; no specific discussion occurred 0:46:29. Staff to follow up on preparations.

Board and Committee Appointments: Assistant Town Administrator (ATA) Allie Fiske began presenting candidates for reappointment 0:47:25. Member Polly Titcomb interrupted to raise fundamental questions about the process [0:48:48, 0:53:17], arguing that simply reappointing incumbents without considering new applicants who may be waiting for openings was potentially unfair and inconsistent with the Board’s stated goals regarding diversity and new volunteer involvement 0:49:48. A lengthy discussion ensued about the current process, which heavily relied on incumbent status and chair recommendations 0:57:45. The Board discussed the need for a more deliberate system that evaluates all interested candidates, aligns with diversity/skillset goals, improves communication with applicants 1:01:45, and potentially involves liaisons more directly 0:53:55. Staff acknowledged the need for process improvement but noted the significant time and effort required for a comprehensive review of all candidates 1:06:19. The Board decided to table the appointments [approx. 1:05:48], requesting staff conduct a modified review for the current cycle (including considering existing applicants and conversing with chairs) and develop a more robust, fairer system for the future 1:11:16. The dynamic was notable: a routine item prompted a significant pause and self-reflection on governance procedures.

Consent Agenda: Chair Spellios presented the consent agenda 1:13:26. Member Titcomb raised a potential conflict of interest regarding the Verizon easement due to being a direct abutter and recused herself from that item [1:15:11, 1:16:15]. The remaining consent agenda items (Minutes 8/24/21, two 5K run applications) were approved unanimously 1:15:59. The Verizon easement was then approved by a vote of 4-0, with Member Titcomb recused 1:16:16.

Town Administrator’s Report: TA Regan provided updates 1:16:23:

COVID-19: High vaccination rates but an uptick in cases; masks encouraged.
Veterans Services: Ongoing meetings to improve services.
Pedestrian Safety: Slip lane removals on Monument/Humphrey completed; more reviews planned 1:17:46. A Member noted the positive impact of narrowing lanes on Atlantic/Humphrey 1:24:50.
Solid Waste: Planning a tour of the recycling facility; focus on improving recycling standards.
Police Chief Search: Community engagement strategy being developed; seeking input on desired qualities; TA requested names of potential citizen stakeholders from Board members 1:18:48.
School Resource Officer: Officer Brian Wilson appointed 1:19:27.
Airport Noise: Continued engagement with Massport regarding flight path 22L; public hearing planned 1:20:06.
Union Negotiations: Sessions held with DPW and Town Hall clerical unions.
Senior Center: Positive visit noted.
Town Maps: Seeking quote to digitize all town parcel maps 1:21:13.
Upcoming Events: Swamptoberfest (or Septemberfest) planning underway with safety precautions 1:21:44; 9/11 20th Anniversary commemoration and Day of Giving planned.

Select Board Time: The Board discussed rescheduling their September 22nd meeting due to a scheduling conflict with the room. After reviewing dates, they tentatively agreed on Tuesday, September 28th, pending confirmation of room availability 1:28:13.

Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and approved unanimously 1:29:08.

Section 4: Executive Summary

This summary highlights the key developments and decisions from the September 1, 2021, Swampscott Select Board meeting for residents and voters.

Volunteer Appointment Process Overhaul Initiated: The routine reappointment of volunteers to town committees was paused following concerns raised by Select Board Member Polly Titcomb about fairness and the need to consider all applicants, including new residents seeking involvement 0:53:17. This sparked a significant discussion about aligning the appointment process with town goals for diversity and broader participation 0:49:48. The Board tabled the appointments [approx. 1:05:48], tasking staff with reviewing current applicants and developing a more robust, inclusive, and transparent system for future volunteer placements. Significance: This signals a potential major shift in how residents can get involved in town government, aiming for greater accessibility and alignment with community values.
New Development Fees (I&I) Proposed: The Board reviewed proposals for new regulations requiring developers to contribute funds (Infiltration & Inflow fees) to offset the impact of their projects on the town’s aging sewer system 0:18:23. Two models were presented with vastly different fee structures ($3,086 vs. $528 per bedroom, based on FY20 data [0:29:24, 0:32:05]). The Board requested more research on how other towns handle these fees before making a decision 0:42:19. Significance: This initiative aims to ensure new development pays its fair share for infrastructure demands, potentially reducing future rate increases for existing water/sewer users.
Senior Services & Dementia Support Expanding: Director of Aging Services Heidi Weir reported on successful Dementia Friendly programs like the Memory Cafe and support groups [0:05:09, 0:07:07], plans for town-wide employee training 0:10:40, and the vibrant reopening of the Senior Center with lunches, classes, and health services 0:12:19. A new social worker has been hired 0:15:10. Significance: These efforts demonstrate the town’s commitment to supporting its growing senior population and addressing the challenges of dementia within the community.
Public Safety Updates: Town Administrator Sean Regan announced progress on pedestrian safety measures, including eliminating slip lanes at key intersections 1:17:46. The process for selecting a new Police Chief will involve significant community input 1:18:48, and Officer Brian Wilson was named the new School Resource Officer 1:19:27. The town continues to advocate with Massport regarding concerns over airplane noise from flight path 22L 1:20:06. Significance: These updates reflect ongoing efforts to improve safety, engage the community in key personnel decisions, and address quality-of-life issues.
Community Events Planned: Preparations are underway for “Swamptoberfest/Septemberfest” 1:21:44 and events commemorating the 20th anniversary of September 11th, including a Day of Giving 1:23:00.
Routine Business: The Board approved meeting minutes, applications for two 5K runs, and a utility easement related to the Michon project [1:15:59, 1:16:16].

Section 5: Analysis

This analysis provides perspective on the dynamics and effectiveness of arguments presented during the September 1, 2021, Select Board meeting, based solely on the transcript.