2021-10-06: Select Board

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Swampscott Select Board Meeting Analysis: October 6, 2021

This document provides an overview and analysis of the Swampscott Select Board meeting held on October 6, 2021, based on the provided transcript. It is intended to inform Town Meeting members and voters about key discussions and decisions.

Section 1: Agenda

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

  1. Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance 0:23
  2. Public Comment 0:49
    • Opportunity for residents to speak on items not on the agenda.
  3. New and Old Business
    • Joint Meeting with Board of Health: Appointment of New Member 2:16
      • Discussion of candidate selection process.
      • Recommendation and background of candidate Peter Schechtman.
      • Joint vote by Select Board and Board of Health.
    • Update: Elementary School Easement Negotiations with UU Church 11:42
      • Chair Spellios provides an update on discussions and agreement to use mediation.
    • Discussion/Potential Vote: Swampscott Housing Authority Properties & Conditions 15:23
      • Discussion sparked by Naomi Dreeben’s resignation letter.
      • Concerns regarding property conditions, accessibility, leadership, and transparency.
      • Discussion on process for future engagement (joint meeting vs. involving DHCD).
      • Input from SHA Member Tara Cassidy Driscoll.
      • Decision to schedule a joint meeting.
    • Public Hearing (Opened at 6:30 PM): Verizon Cable Television License Renewal 49:05
      • Presentation by Joe Doulette, Chair of the Swampscott Television Visioning Committee, on current status and future plans (PEG channel, HD, staffing, venue upgrades, funding).
      • Discussion of funding models, subscriber fees, capital requests, cord-cutting, and potential state legislation.
      • Discussion of potential funding for High School Auditorium upgrades.
      • Decision to continue the public hearing to November 3, 2021.
  4. Consent Agenda 1:48:44
    • Vote to appoint Brian [Last Name Not Stated] to the Open Space and Recreation Planning Committee.
    • Vote to approve a one-day liquor license for Seaglass Village.
  5. Town Administrator’s Report 1:52:27
    • Updates on re-precincting, trash/recycling discussions, ACO vacancy filling, State Senator visit, pedestrian safety enforcement, Massport flight path concerns/advocacy.
    • Follow-up discussion on pedestrian safety measures, need for structured reporting, and roadwork/paving coordination.
    • Follow-up discussion on Massport flight path advocacy strategy.
  6. Select Board Time 2:14:15
    • Announcements (Early Voting Schedule).
    • Final comments from Board members.
  7. Adjournment 2:15:44

Section 2: Speaking Attendees

Based on the transcript and contextual knowledge of Swampscott government:

  • Peter Spellios (Select Board Chair): [Speaker 1]
  • Marianne Hartmann (Board of Health Chair): [Speaker 6]
  • David Grishman (Select Board Member): [Speaker 7]
  • Neal Duffy (Select Board Member): [Speaker 5]
  • Polly Titcomb (Select Board Member): [Speaker 4]
  • Sean Fitzgerald (Town Administrator): [Speaker 3]
  • Don Hause (Select Board Member): [Speaker 10], [Speaker 13], [Speaker 14] (Inferred based on participation patterns and known Board composition)
  • Emily Cilley (Board of Health Member): [Speaker 17] (Identified by Chair Hartmann)
  • Tara Cassidy Driscoll (Housing Authority Member - Governor’s Appointee): [Speaker 8] (Self-identified)
  • Joe Doulette (Cable Access Director / TV Visioning Committee Chair): [Speaker 2] (Introduced by Chair Spellios)
  • Brian [Last Name Not Stated] (Candidate for Open Space and Recreation Planning Committee): [Speaker 9] (Introduced for appointment)
  • Molly Rose (Assistant Town Administrator/Staff): [Speaker 11], [Speaker 15], [Speaker 16] (Inferred from role managing meeting logistics/Zoom and providing procedural details)
  • Select Board Member (Unidentified): [Speaker 12] (Brief interjections, specific identity unclear)

Section 3: Meeting Minutes

Meeting: Swampscott Select Board Date: October 6, 2021 Location: Swampscott High School (Hybrid Meeting)

1. Call to Order & Public Comment Chair Peter Spellios called the meeting to order shortly after 0:23 and led the Pledge of Allegiance. He opened the floor for public comment 0:49, outlining the rules and methods for participation (in-person, Zoom, email). No public comments were received.

2. Board of Health Member Appointment (Joint Session) The Select Board entered a joint session with the Board of Health 2:16. Board of Health Chair Marianne Hartmann opened the BOH meeting portion 2:45. She explained that member Stephanie Goodman had moved, creating a vacancy. Chair Hartmann, BOH Member David Grishman (also on Select Board), and Health Director Jeff Vaughan reviewed six applications and interviewed three candidates 4:02. She noted the difficulty of the choice and the temporary (6-month) nature of the appointment, emphasizing that the current focus on COVID influenced the decision 5:47.

The BOH recommended Dr. Peter Schechtman, a recently retired specialist in internal medicine and infectious disease with extensive local experience and involvement in COVID-related advisory roles 7:03. Member Grishman added that Dr. Schechtman is also a cellist with the Boston Philharmonic 8:52. Select Board Member Don Hause expressed pleasure with the decision and hoped other candidates would remain involved 9:20.

  • Motion (Select Board): To appoint Peter Schechtman to fill the remainder of the vacant Board of Health term until the April 2022 election 10:10. Moved by Member Duffy, Seconded by Member Titcomb (implicitly, based on context).
  • Vote (Select Board): Unanimous Aye 10:25.
  • Motion (Board of Health): To appoint Peter Schechtman to fill the vacancy 10:32. Moved by BOH Member Emily Cilley 10:44, Seconded by Chair Hartmann 10:47.
  • Vote (Board of Health): Unanimous Aye (Cilley and Hartmann) 10:47.

Chair Spellios thanked the BOH, town staff, applicants, and Dr. Schechtman for their contributions 10:52. The Board of Health then voted to adjourn its meeting 11:15.

3. Update: Elementary School Easement Negotiations Chair Spellios provided an update on discussions between the Town and the UU Church regarding easements required for the new elementary school project 11:42. He reported that following a recent meeting, both parties agreed to use a third-party mediator to finalize the easement details 13:06. He characterized this as progress towards a fair resolution and acknowledged the church’s commitment to collaboration. Member Neal Duffy confirmed his participation in the productive conversations 15:09. The Select Board expressed consensus support for Chair Spellios’s statement 15:23.

4. Discussion: Swampscott Housing Authority (SHA) The Board took up the agenda item concerning the condition of SHA properties and needed initiatives 15:23, prompted significantly by the recent resignation letter of SHA member Naomi Dreeben. Chair Spellios reiterated concerns about property conditions, accessibility, and the long waiting list (2,500+ people) indicating a severe affordable housing need 16:09. He explicitly raised concerns about SHA leadership based on Ms. Dreeben’s experience, suggesting hostility towards creative efforts and external collaboration [17:03, 33:34]. He stressed the Town’s moral obligation to assist the SHA despite it being state-funded.

SHA Member Tara Cassidy Driscoll, the Governor’s appointee, was present 18:10. Chair Spellios noted the SHA staff/board were invited but largely unable to attend due to notice timing, though an offer to meet later was received 17:54. Member David Grishman asked if the SHA had accepted the Town’s offer to use Room B-129 for meetings; Chair Spellios reported the offer had gone unanswered, and SHA meetings continued in their small office 20:35.

A significant discussion ensued regarding the best path forward.

  • Member Polly Titcomb expressed shared concerns but advocated for a joint meeting between the Select Board and SHA first, before involving the state agency DHCD, to foster understanding and good faith 21:01. She noted prior unsuccessful attempts to connect with SHA leadership as a liaison 40:35.
  • Member Grishman emphasized the urgency due to long-term neglect and poor conditions for residents, particularly accessibility issues, calling for action beyond exploration 23:52.
  • Member Duffy acknowledged Member Titcomb’s point about process but saw value in having DHCD present early to clarify roles and expectations, potentially avoiding stalemates experienced previously 27:28.
  • Member Titcomb agreed that framing the DHCD involvement as assistance rather than confrontation could be productive 29:48.
  • SHA Member Cassidy Driscoll stated she was present as an individual to listen and report back, confirming the SHA board was compiling a list of improvements and grants 30:28. She expressed hope for improved communication and collaboration 31:17 and personal regret over Naomi Dreeben’s resignation 37:31.
  • Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald questioned Member Cassidy Driscoll about the SHA’s budget process and capital planning, seeking insight into how priorities are set 42:07. Member Cassidy Driscoll responded generally about witnessing grant approvals and the comprehensive list being prepared 44:13.
  • Chair Spellios reiterated deep concerns stemming from Ms. Dreeben’s resignation, citing specific instances of alleged information withholding and lack of transparency from SHA leadership toward her 46:08. He stressed this was not how committees should operate and undermined potential partnerships 47:03.

The Board reached a consensus to pursue a joint meeting with the SHA. Member Titcomb will coordinate with town staff to propose dates in November [37:54, 48:39]. The discussion highlighted considerable Select Board concern about SHA leadership, transparency, and resident conditions, balanced with a desire for a collaborative first step.

5. Public Hearing: Verizon Cable License Renewal Chair Spellios opened the public hearing at 49:05 regarding the renewal of Verizon’s cable television license. He clarified no Board action was expected tonight. Joe Doulette, Cable Access Director and Chair of the TV Visioning Committee, presented the committee’s findings and business plan 50:36.

  • Current Status: Swampscott currently has Educational (E) and Government (G) access channels (EG), not Public (P) 51:21. Services are distributed via cable, website, social media, YouTube, Roku, and Apple TV 52:09.

  • Visioning Committee Goals: Explored growth, resources needed, and recommendations for negotiations 53:37, focusing on arts, seniors, athletics, and local information.

  • Growth & Usage: Mr. Doulette highlighted significant growth in content production (from ~100 shows/year to ~200, aiming for 250) 55:35 and online viewership (Facebook minutes watched jumped dramatically) 55:58.

  • Survey Results: Indicated resident interest in more content (various types), HD channels 57:25, audio podcasts of meetings 59:43, and a notable minority (~10-18%) interested in producing content 1:00:11.

  • Proposed Initiatives: Add a Public Access (P) channel; add a permanent staff member; pilot use of the High School studio for public access; add podcasting; expand the town-wide video fiber network (VLAN); improve meeting venues (Town Hall room, Senior Center studio, High School gym cameras, High School auditorium hybrid capabilities) 1:01:33.

  • Funding Request (Verizon): Increase subscriber fee from 2.75% to the maximum 5% (a 2.25% increase) 1:04:13; Request capital funding ($20k/year) 1:08:25; Request a third channel (Public Access); Request all channels in HD (expecting at least one) 1:15:05.

  • Funding Discussion: Extensive debate occurred regarding funding. TA Fitzgerald provided historical context on negotiations, noting a shift from direct investment to pass-through fees and the challenge of cord-cutting impacting revenue 1:09:16. Chair Spellios expressed skepticism about the real value of the requested capital increase compared to 15 years ago 1:19:55 and the likelihood of windfalls from potential state legislation taxing streaming services 1:28:14. Member Titcomb questioned the timing and potential double-impact on consumers if the state bill passes 1:31:47. TA Fitzgerald stressed the importance of prioritizing PEG in the town budget regardless of fluctuating external revenue 1:32:13.

  • Auditorium Upgrade: Mr. Doulette proposed potentially funding the $80,000 High School auditorium hybrid upgrade outside of PEG funds, possibly using COVID relief funds, citing multi-use benefits for school and town meetings 1:15:34. Member Duffy raised concerns about the energy efficiency of using the large auditorium for small meetings 1:41:09.

  • State Legislation: Mr. Doulette confirmed local legislators support the bill to tax streaming services for PEG funding, but it remains in committee [1:13:59, 1:21:52].

  • Motion: To continue the public hearing until 6:30 PM on November 3, 2021 1:48:16. Moved by Member Grishman [1:47:03, 1:48:30], Seconded by unidentified board member 1:48:33.

  • Vote: Unanimous Aye 1:48:34.

6. Consent Agenda The Board considered the consent agenda 1:48:44. Brian [Last Name Not Stated], recommended for the Open Space and Recreation Planning Committee, briefly introduced himself 1:49:51.

  • Motion: To approve the consent agenda (appointing Brian to OSRP for a 3-year term 1:51:53 and approving a one-day liquor license for Seaglass Village). Moved by Member Grishman (implicitly), Seconded by Member Titcomb (implicitly).
  • Vote: Unanimous Aye 1:52:15.

7. Town Administrator’s Report TA Sean Fitzgerald presented his report 1:52:37, covering:

  • Re-precincting: Information received, presentation forthcoming.
  • Trash/Recycling: Ongoing discussions, plan expected at next meeting.
  • ACO Vacancy: Final interview scheduled.
  • State Senator Visit: Positive visit highlighting Senior Center/High School connections.
  • Pedestrian Safety: Increased enforcement (“walk and talk”), 100+ citations issued recently.
  • Massport Flight Paths: Sent letter to Massport, reached out to EPA/DEP for review and support 1:55:10.

Significant discussion followed the report:

  • Pedestrian Safety: Chair Spellios requested context for citation numbers (warnings vs. tickets) and strongly advocated for pedestrian safety to be a standing agenda item, citing lack of progress on Traffic Study Committee reform and specific issues like improperly striped parking near crosswalks and displaced temporary barriers 1:56:41. TA Fitzgerald agreed to make it a standing item and bring staff to discuss committee structure and plans 2:02:29.
  • Roadwork Coordination: Chair Spellios raised concerns about extensive road digging (gas, sewer, water) on recently paved streets (e.g., Berkshire, Devons, Farragut), requesting a comprehensive list, clarity on bonding/restoration funding, and progress on the paving management plan 1:59:06. TA Fitzgerald acknowledged the frustration and agreed to address sequencing and planning 2:02:29.
  • Massport Flight Paths: Member Duffy emphasized advocating for equitable solutions, not just shifting burdens 2:05:40. TA Fitzgerald strongly asserted the need to understand health impacts and involve agencies like EPA/DEP before changes occur, demanding mitigation 2:06:47. Chair Spellios expressed skepticism about Massport’s stated rationale, suspecting efficiency/volume were the real drivers 2:08:33, and urged mobilizing residents 2:10:27. Member Titcomb advocated for solutions utilizing ocean routes to minimize impact on all communities 2:11:04. The Board showed unified resolve for continued advocacy.
  • Staff Responsiveness: Chair Spellios requested the TA reinforce with staff the importance of responding to resident inquiries within 24 hours, even if just an acknowledgement 2:04:47. TA Fitzgerald agreed 2:05:15.

8. Select Board Time & Adjournment Chair Spellios announced the early voting schedule for the upcoming town-wide vote 2:14:20.

  • Motion: To adjourn 2:15:44. Moved by Member Grishman (implicitly), Seconded by Member Titcomb (implicitly).
  • Vote: Unanimous Aye 2:15:44.

The meeting adjourned.

Section 4: Executive Summary

The Swampscott Select Board meeting on October 6, 2021, addressed several critical issues facing the town, marked by extensive discussion on housing, community media, and public safety.

Key Developments & Decisions:

  • Swampscott Housing Authority (SHA) Scrutiny: Spurred by former member Naomi Dreeben’s resignation, the Board held a lengthy discussion 15:23 expressing significant concerns about conditions at SHA properties, accessibility for residents, and alleged lack of transparency and hostility from SHA leadership towards reform efforts [33:34, 46:08]. While acknowledging the SHA is state-funded, the Board affirmed a moral obligation to assist. Significance: This marks a public escalation of concerns regarding the management and state of affordable housing stock vital to many Swampscott residents, potentially leading to increased Town oversight or intervention. A joint meeting with the SHA Board was agreed upon as a first step 48:39.
  • Future of Cable Access (PEG): The Board held a public hearing on renewing Verizon’s cable license 49:05. Cable Director Joe Doulette presented a plan to expand services by adding a Public Access channel, increasing staff, upgrading equipment (including potential High School Auditorium improvements 1:15:34), and seeking increased funding via subscriber fees (up to 5%) and capital support 1:04:13. Significance: This negotiation will shape how residents receive local government information, school broadcasts, and potentially new public-generated content for the next five years. The funding increase, if approved, will appear on Verizon subscriber bills. The hearing was continued to Nov 3rd 1:48:34.
  • Pedestrian Safety & Roadwork Accountability: Following the TA’s report, Chair Spellios led a push for greater accountability on pedestrian safety measures 1:56:41 and better coordination of roadwork to prevent newly paved streets from being immediately dug up 1:59:06. Significance: These persistent quality-of-life issues will now be standing agenda items, signaling increased Board focus on achieving tangible improvements in walkability and infrastructure management.
  • Massport Flight Path Opposition: The Board and TA expressed unified, strong opposition to proposed flight path changes over Swampscott [1:55:10, 2:05:40]. Concerns centered on lack of environmental/health review, perceived focus on airport efficiency over resident well-being, and the potential for significant noise pollution 2:08:33. Significance: The Town is actively engaging state and federal agencies (EPA, DEP) and advocating forcefully against changes expected to dramatically increase air traffic over Swampscott, impacting residents’ quality of life.
  • Elementary School Easement Progress: Chair Spellios reported progress in negotiations with the UU Church regarding necessary easements for the new school, with both parties agreeing to use a mediator [11:42, 13:06]. Significance: This moves a critical component of the voter-approved elementary school project closer to resolution.
  • Appointments: Dr. Peter Schechtman was appointed to the Board of Health [10:25, 10:47], bringing needed infectious disease expertise during the pandemic. Brian [Last Name Not Stated] was appointed to the Open Space and Recreation Planning Committee 1:52:15.

Overall Tone: The meeting featured robust debate, particularly concerning the Housing Authority and cable funding, indicating the Board’s active engagement with complex town issues. There was clear consensus on the need for action regarding pedestrian safety and Massport flight paths.

Section 5: Analysis

This meeting showcased the Select Board grappling with both immediate operational decisions and long-term strategic challenges, with discussions often reflecting underlying tensions regarding governance, resources, and community impact.

  • Housing Authority Confrontation (Deferred): The discussion surrounding the Swampscott Housing Authority [15:23 - 48:39] was the most charged part of the meeting. Chair Spellios’s arguments, heavily referencing Naomi Dreeben’s resignation [31:32, 36:07], were pointedly critical of SHA leadership’s alleged hostility and lack of transparency. This narrative appeared effective in framing the issue as not just about property conditions but about governance failure. Member Titcomb’s advocacy for a procedural first step (a joint meeting without DHCD initially 21:01) demonstrated a focus on inter-board relations and due process, ultimately swaying the Board’s immediate action despite Member Grishman’s powerful arguments for urgency based on resident needs 23:52. The presence of SHA Member Cassidy Driscoll served primarily as a listening post 30:28, highlighting the communication gap the Board seeks to bridge. The Board’s decision to hold a joint meeting represents a tactical compromise, delaying potential state involvement but setting the stage for a likely direct, and potentially difficult, conversation based on the concerns articulated, particularly by Chair Spellios 46:08. The effectiveness of this future meeting hinges on the SHA leadership’s willingness to engage substantively with the Board’s pointed critiques.
  • Cable TV Funding Realism vs. Aspiration: The Verizon license hearing [49:05 - 1:48:34] pitted Cable Director Doulette’s well-articulated vision for expanded PEG services against the financial realities presented by cord-cutting and the historical context provided by TA Fitzgerald 1:09:16. Doulette’s plan was comprehensive, but the funding discussion revealed Board sensitivity to increasing resident fees 1:04:13 and skepticism about relying on external factors like state legislation 1:28:14. Chair Spellios’s “Stockholm syndrome” comment 1:20:40 regarding negotiations reflected a pragmatic, perhaps cynical, view of the town’s leverage. While supportive of the goals, the Board’s decision to continue the hearing 1:48:34 suggests a need for more concrete negotiation outcomes or perhaps further deliberation on the town’s willingness to fund the vision through subscriber fees versus potential budget allocations, as hinted at by TA Fitzgerald 1:32:13. The proposal to fund the auditorium upgrade separately 1:15:34 seemed a practical attempt by Doulette to de-risk a key infrastructure goal from the uncertainties of PEG funding streams.
  • Asserting Oversight on Safety & Infrastructure: The discussions following the Town Administrator’s report demonstrated the Board, particularly Chair Spellios, actively asserting its oversight role on recurring quality-of-life issues. The demand for pedestrian safety as a standing agenda item 1:56:41 signaled impatience with the status quo and a move towards requiring structured, accountable reporting rather than relying solely on staff updates. Similarly, the detailed critique of roadwork coordination 1:59:06 pushed for systemic improvements (paving management plan) beyond addressing individual street complaints. TA Fitzgerald’s concurrence 2:02:29 suggests these arguments were effective in elevating the priority and visibility of these issues within town administration.
  • Unified Front on External Threats (Massport): The Massport flight path discussion [2:05:40 - 2:14:11] showed the Board and TA in strong alignment. While members approached it from slightly different angles (equity, health impacts, process, underlying motives), the unified message was one of robust opposition and proactive advocacy. This contrasts with the internal focus of the SHA discussion, showcasing the Board’s capacity for unified action when facing perceived external threats to the community’s well-being. Chair Spellios’s framing of the issue as likely driven by efficiency 2:08:33 added a layer of strategic analysis to the Board’s position.

Overall, the meeting reflected a Select Board actively engaging with difficult issues, willing to publicly air concerns about other town entities (SHA), carefully weighing financial constraints against service aspirations (PEG), and asserting a stronger role in overseeing operational matters impacting resident quality of life (pedestrian safety, roads, flight paths). The effectiveness of their positions will become clearer in subsequent meetings addressing the Housing Authority joint session and the finalized Verizon contract.