2022-06-07: Select Board

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

Swampscott Select Board Meeting Review: June 7, 2022

Section 1: Agenda

Based on the transcript, the likely agenda items discussed were:

  1. Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance 0:37
  2. Public Comment 1:09
  3. Town Administrator’s Report 2:08
    • Welcome to Pete Kane
    • Statue Donation Update
    • Transportation Improvement Program Grant ($8.9M for trail)
    • DPW Updates (Staffing, Stacy Brook, Paving, MBTA Bus Stops)
    • Memorial Day Recap
    • MassDEP Visit (Elementary School Project)
    • Pride Day Recap
    • Gun Violence Awareness
    • Upcoming Recreation Dept. Events (Golf, Farmers Market, Juneteenth, Harbor Fest, Strawberry Fest, Summer Programs)
  4. Proclamations 8:03
    • Pride Month Proclamation (Read by Member Phelan) 8:53 & Vote 11:53
    • Gun Violence Prevention Proclamation (Read by Member Grishman) 12:44 & Vote 16:25
  5. Recommendation for New Library Director 16:32
    • Introduction by Town Administrator Fitzgerald 17:05
    • Report from Library Trustee Ellen Winkler on Search Process 17:49
    • Introduction of Candidate Jonathan Lewis-Nichols 21:32
    • Remarks by Jonathan Lewis-Nichols 23:57
    • Select Board Q&A and Discussion 26:20
    • (Implicit vote/consensus assumed, though not explicitly stated)
  6. Review and Discussion of Special Town Meeting Warrant [Approx. 31:55 - Start of financial discussion related to Article 1, though the formal intro to warrant review might be slightly earlier or blended with Library Director transition]
    • Article #1 – Acquisition of Land (Hawthorne Ave & Archer St properties)
      • Financial Discussion with Finance Director/Consultant Patrick Dello Russo (Bonding, Tax Impact, Debt Roll-off, Funding Flexibility) 31:56
      • Discussion on Warrant Language (Purpose Clause, Flexibility, Future Town Meeting Role) 39:51
      • Discussion on Importance of All Three Parcels as a Package 49:10
      • Discussion on Risks/Rewards and Acquisition Context (Negotiation realities, interim use) 54:02
    • Article #2 - Glover Multifamily Overlay District 57:46
      • Explanation of Zoning Language (Comparison to 40R, Approval Process, Link to Escrow Agreement) 58:42
      • Discussion on Information Dissemination (Redlines, Info Sessions) 1:04:14
      • Motion and Vote to Recommend Favorable Action 1:09:21
    • Article #3 – Appropriation for Recommended Capital Projects 1:10:13
      • Update on Capital Improvement Committee (CIC) Recommendation (Reduction to Paving Line) 1:10:28
      • Discussion on Process (Adding VFW/METCO items) vs. Needs/Flexibility 1:13:10
      • Motion and Vote to Recommend Favorable Action (as amended by CIC) 1:27:26
  7. Discussion/Vote on 2022-23 Select Board Officers and Committee Liaisons 1:28:25
    • Election of Chair (Neal Duffy) 1:28:44
    • Election of Vice Chair (David Grishman) 1:30:43
    • Discussion and Approval of Committee Liaison Assignments 1:32:55
    • Discussion/Vote on Disbanding Inactive Committees (Turf Field Advisory, Municipal Design) 1:37:52
  8. Approval of Consent Agenda (Meeting Minutes 5/25/22) 1:40:49
  9. Select Board Time (Member Updates & Announcements) 1:42:35
    • Chair Duffy (Farmers Market Volunteers, EV Event)
    • Member Phelan (Pride Recap, Graduates, Town-wide Yard Sale, Stanley School Walkthrough, Flag Retirement Ceremony)
    • Vice Chair Grishman (Senior Center LGBTQ+ 101 Event)
    • Member Fletcher (School Building Project Update, Rabies Clinic, Veterans Lease Advocacy, Public Information Access)
    • Member Spellios (Comment on Cats in Containers)
  10. Adjournment 1:53:54

Section 2: Speaking Attendees

  • Neal Duffy (Select Board Chair - Acting then Elected): [Speaker 2], [Speaker 11] (Procedural interjections attributed here)
  • Sean R. Fitzgerald (Town Administrator): [Speaker 3]
  • Katie Phelan (Select Board Member): [Speaker 5], [Speaker 12] (Brief interjection attributed here)
  • Mary Ellen Fletcher (Select Board Member): [Speaker 4]
  • David Grishman (Select Board Member, later Vice Chair): [Speaker 6]
  • Ellen Winkler (Library Trustee): [Speaker 7]
  • Jonathan Lewis-Nichols (Library Director Candidate): [Speaker 8]
  • Peter Spellios (Select Board Member): [Speaker 1]
  • Patrick Dello Russo (Finance Director/Consultant): [Speaker 9]
  • Unknown Attendee: [Speaker 10] (Led Pledge, identity not specified)
  • Automated Voice/System: [Speaker 12] (Initial recording announcement)

Section 3: Meeting Minutes

1. Call to Order & Public Comment Acting Chair Neal Duffy called the meeting to order 0:37 and led the Pledge of Allegiance 0:51, recited by an Unknown Attendee. Acting Chair Duffy opened the floor for public comment, noting comments should pertain to town business and not individual staff members. No public comments were offered in person, via Zoom, or via email [1:09 - 2:08].

2. Town Administrator’s Report 2:08 Town Administrator (TA) Sean R. Fitzgerald welcomed new staff member Pete Kane 2:11. He reported on a potential statue donation, the town’s acceptance into the Transportation Improvement Program securing $8.9M for the rail trail 2:44, DPW activities including full staffing, sewer rehabilitation, paving, and bus stop improvements 3:34. TA Fitzgerald commended the Memorial Day event coordinators 4:18 and noted a MassDEP site visit for the elementary school project affirmed the town’s environmental diligence 4:41. He highlighted the success of the recent Pride Day flag raising, emphasizing its positive impact on community safety and belonging 4:51. Linking to the upcoming proclamation, he stressed the importance of local action on gun violence 5:30. He concluded by listing numerous upcoming Recreation Department events 6:07.

3. Proclamations

  • Pride Month: 8:03 Acting Chair Duffy introduced the proclamation. Member Katie Phelan read the proclamation recognizing June as Pride Month in Swampscott 8:53. Member Fletcher moved to accept, seconded by Member Fletcher (likely meant Member Phelan or Grishman seconded), and the motion passed unanimously [11:53 - 12:08].
  • Gun Violence Prevention: 12:08 Acting Chair Duffy introduced the proclamation, thanking Member David Grishman for initiating it. Member Grishman provided context on recent gun violence statistics 13:11, offered a moment of silence 13:49, and read the proclamation recognizing the first Friday in June as National Gun Violence Awareness Day 14:06. Member Fletcher moved to accept, seconded, and the motion passed unanimously [16:25 - 16:32].

4. Recommendation for New Library Director 16:32 TA Fitzgerald introduced the item, first welcoming Library Trustee Ellen Winkler 17:05. Trustee Winkler described the national search process conducted with consultant Community Paradigm, involving a diverse screening committee and the Board of Trustees, leading to the recommendation of three finalists to the TA 17:49. She praised the library staff for their dedication during the transition 21:03. TA Fitzgerald introduced candidate Jonathan Lewis-Nichols, highlighting his qualifications and commitment to public service 21:32. Mr. Lewis-Nichols spoke about his background, passion for libraries transforming communities and individuals, focus on community outreach, and enthusiasm for Swampscott, including potential renovations 23:57. Acting Chair Duffy welcomed Mr. Lewis-Nichols, noting his enthusiasm and focus on bringing the library out to the community 26:20. Member Grishman welcomed him and asked for book recommendations 27:19. Member Phelan asked about engaging the 30-50 age group; Mr. Lewis-Nichols suggested ideas like needs assessment, late-night programming (e.g., “Library After Dark” with childcare), and leveraging staff talents/personal skills (crafts, etc.) 28:13. Trustee Winkler noted plans for a makerspace 29:55. Member Fletcher praised his resume and welcomed him 30:04. Member Peter Spellios praised the Library Trustees and staff, then asked Mr. Lewis-Nichols about his commitment to longevity in the role, emphasizing the time needed for initiatives to flourish in Swampscott 30:52. (No formal vote recorded, but strong consensus appeared evident).

5. Special Town Meeting Warrant Review

  • Article #1 – Acquisition of Land (Hawthorne Ave & Archer St):

    • Financials: Member Spellios initiated a detailed financial discussion with Finance Director/Consultant Patrick Dello Russo regarding the proposed $11M bond [approx. 31:56]. Mr. Dello Russo explained the tax impact projections ($166-$178 increase on average home), the impact of debt roll-off (significant roll-off post-FY27), and flexibility if state/federal funds become available (callable bonds or reallocating proceeds via Town Meeting vote) [32:16 - 33:58]. Member Spellios noted positive state/federal outreach but stressed Town Meeting must commit to funding it alone initially 33:58. Member Fletcher inquired about specific debt roll-off years (High School ~2030, Police Station ~2037) and current 25-year bond rates (estimated around 4% or slightly below) 34:49. TA Fitzgerald mentioned the town’s strong financial position 37:39. Member Spellios cautioned that while feasible, it’s still a significant ask for a high-tax community, framing it as a long-overdue investment in open space 38:15.
    • Warrant Language/Process: Acting Chair Duffy raised concerns from FinCom about the “general municipal purposes” language for the Hawthorne property, suggesting a need for more flexibility 39:51. Member Spellios elaborated, referencing constituent questions about future use (open space, parking, building reuse) 40:50. He proposed revised language allowing continued restaurant operation (potentially >1 year), general municipal purposes including open space/conservation/recreation, and “such other purposes authorized by a future vote of town meeting.” He stressed the intent for a thorough community process (like Greenwood/Meehan schools) with Town Meeting having the final say, not the Select Board unilaterally [41:15 - 44:15]. Members Phelan 44:16 and Grishman 45:16 strongly supported this approach and language, citing constituent feedback and the need for public involvement. Acting Chair Duffy agreed the language clarifies the intended process 46:05. Member Fletcher sought confirmation that Town Meeting would make the final decision, which Member Spellios affirmed based on precedent 47:17. No formal vote was taken pending final language review.
    • Package Deal: Member Spellios asked the board to reaffirm support for acquiring all three properties (Hawthorne and the two Archer St lots) as a package, representing a diverse community investment 49:10. Member Phelan stated the Archer Street parcels were particularly valuable to her due to neighborhood impact 50:49. Member Fletcher strongly agreed, emphasizing the importance of the Archer Street properties for that section of town and the need for transparency on risks/rewards 51:35. Acting Chair Duffy confirmed the plan was always to pursue all three together, noting the Archer Street properties had become a high priority 52:24. Vice Chair Grishman reaffirmed support for the entire 11-acre acquisition as one article 53:42.
    • Risks/Context: Member Spellios discussed the “risk” that the Hawthorne acquisition timeline and lease-back were dictated by negotiation realities, not ideal options, and the town must be prepared for potential vacancy and the significant effort/cost of developing a “forever waterfront park,” potentially requiring time and partners 54:02. Acting Chair Duffy acknowledged the focus should be on acquisition first, with future use details to follow through community engagement, comparing it to buying a house before deciding on paint colors 56:47.

  • Article #2 - Glover Multifamily Overlay District: 57:46 Member Spellios explained the proposed zoning overlay was modeled on the previously Town Meeting-approved 40R district for the same parcel, using familiar language and the same streamlined “design review” approval process 58:42. He provided context regarding the escrow agreement involving the Hawthorne P&S, the developer’s existing P&S termination, and the town’s P&S for Hawthorne, stating that passage of Article 1 and Article 2 (in substance) were conditions for releasing the escrow 1:00:47. He noted a redline comparing the new overlay to the old 40R would be made available and anticipated only minor technical, non-substantive changes might be needed before Town Meeting 1:02:10. Discussion ensued about getting information (redlines, P&S/escrow details) to Town Meeting members promptly 1:04:14. Member Spellios highlighted the importance of Article 2 passing alongside Article 1 for the deal to proceed, suggesting it might be taken up first at Town Meeting to emphasize its equal importance 1:07:46. Member Spellios moved to recommend favorable action on Article 2 1:09:21. Seconded. After brief clarification regarding the language matching the escrow agreement, the motion passed unanimously (Member Fletcher initially abstained, then changed to Yes) [1:09:22 - 1:10:11].

  • Article #3 – Capital Projects: 1:10:13 Member Spellios reported the Capital Improvement Committee (CIC) voted to recommend favorable action, but with a $50,000 reduction to Line 6 (Paving), offsetting the $50,000 total of two newly added items (VFW improvements, METCO room improvements), keeping the total capital request the same as the originally proposed amount at Annual Town Meeting 1:10:28. FinCom was noted to be meeting the next day. Member Spellios moved to recommend favorable action on Article 3 as amended by CIC 1:12:46. Seconded. Member Fletcher stated her preference to wait for FinCom’s recommendation and reiterated her opposition to adding the two “last-minute” projects outside the normal process, questioning the VFW request’s origin/details and noting the METCO item wasn’t prioritized by the schools 1:13:10. Acting Chair Duffy acknowledged the process deviation due to the tabled article but argued for flexibility, stating the needs weren’t known earlier and the items are important, citing veteran comments at Town Meeting and framing it as a worthwhile trade-off against slightly less paving or process criticism 1:14:53. He noted the items were reviewed by relevant committees (CIC, FinCom) and that FinCom itself had previously doubled the paving request outside initial asks 1:17:18. Member Spellios supported Duffy, arguing against becoming “victims of process,” praising the TA’s nimbleness in responding to new opportunities (VFW leadership, METCO room move), framing the VFW item as potentially life-saving (telehealth), and the METCO item as a town investment in schools, not displacing other school priorities 1:18:41. Member Phelan noted the board created the extra time by postponing the article and emphasized the potential urgency of VFW telehealth/resource access needs 1:22:30. Vice Chair Grishman viewed the VFW funding as a “token investment” showing commitment while lease discussions continue 1:23:44. TA Fitzgerald thanked the board, framing the items as investments reflecting community values and partnerships, acknowledging the unique situation while committing to earlier capital planning next year 1:25:20. Acting Chair Duffy respected differing viewpoints on the process 1:27:26. The motion to recommend favorable action on Article 3 (as amended by CIC) passed unanimously 1:28:17.

6. Select Board Officers and Liaisons 1:28:25

  • Officers: Member Grishman nominated Neal Duffy for Chair, commending his work as Acting Chair 1:28:44. Seconded. Member Spellios humorously noted the increased meeting frequency/length under Duffy’s acting chairmanship before supporting the nomination 1:29:34. The motion passed unanimously 1:30:31. Member Spellios nominated David Grishman for Vice Chair, praising his dedication 1:30:43. Seconded by Member Fletcher. The motion passed unanimously 1:31:07. Member Fletcher commended the Select Board’s practice of rotating leadership annually and encouraged other town committees to consider it 1:31:09. Member Spellios noted the new Board & Committee Handbook encourages this practice 1:32:02.
  • Liaisons: Chair Duffy presented draft liaison assignments based on member requests, noting efforts to balance priorities 1:32:55. He clarified the liaison role (point of contact, not required meeting attendance, ability to work with non-assigned committees) and noted one revision: adding Member Grishman as a second Rail Trail liaison 1:34:53. Motion to approve assignments as presented with the revision. Seconded 1:35:28. Member Spellios discussed the nuances of the liaison role: representing the board’s position, facilitating committee work rather than imposing personal opinions, and acting as a guide through town processes 1:35:35.
  • Inactive Committees: Chair Duffy raised the status of several listed committees 1:37:52. Member Spellios clarified that some (Fence Viewers, Article 6, Town Meeting Procedure, Civil Service) were created by Town Meeting or statute and couldn’t be disbanded by the Select Board, while others (Historic District Study) convene as needed. He suggested Municipal Design might have already been disbanded. Chair Duffy moved to disband the Turf Field Advisory Committee and the Municipal Design Committee 1:40:10. Seconded. Motion passed unanimously 1:40:33.

7. Consent Agenda 1:40:49 The consent agenda contained the minutes of the 5/25/22 meeting. Chair Duffy noted minor corrections he submitted were incorporated. Member Fletcher requested adding Suzanne Wright’s last name on the last page 1:41:55. Motion to approve minutes as amended. Seconded. Motion passed unanimously 1:42:23.

8. Select Board Time 1:42:35

  • Chair Duffy requested volunteers for the Farmers Market starting Sunday and announced a Renewable Energy Committee EV event at the market 1:42:35.
  • Member Phelan acknowledged the Pride celebration, congratulated high school graduates (commending the “For the Love of Swampscott” senior spotlights), announced the Town-wide Yard Sale (Saturday), the Stanley School final walkthrough (June 22), and the Flag Retirement Ceremony (Saturday 7 PM, Fisherman’s Beach) 1:44:01.
  • Vice Chair Grishman highlighted a Senior Center “LGBTQ 101” event held earlier that day with Swampscott High and NAGLY as part of their “Talk About Town” series, praising it as bridge-building 1:46:31.
  • Member Fletcher provided an update on the Elementary School Building Project: a meeting with Director Butters went well; minor blasting delay, but building demolition expected late July/August; base construction Oct/Nov; project on target/budget; Hill Int’l rep always on site 1:47:57. She announced related meeting/open house dates (June 21 SBC meeting, June 22 Stanley open house/community forum) and the Rabies Clinic (June 22) 1:49:17. She advocated strongly for finalizing a long-term VFW lease soon 1:50:30. She requested that information sent to Town Meeting members also be made publicly available (website/Facebook) 1:51:18. She expressed concern about delays in residents receiving requested public information and urged prompt responses 1:51:52.
  • Chair Duffy noted a link to the School Building Project page is now on the town website homepage, acknowledging the page needs more content 1:52:42. He suggested regular school project updates could be part of the TA report 1:53:39.

9. Adjournment Motion to adjourn made 1:53:54, seconded, and passed unanimously 1:53:56.

Section 4: Executive Summary

This Swampscott Select Board meeting addressed several significant items ahead of the Special Town Meeting, appointed new leadership, and handled key administrative tasks.

New Select Board Leadership & Library Director: The Board elected Neal Duffy as Chair and David Grishman as Vice Chair for the upcoming year [1:28:44, 1:30:43]. The Board also heard the recommendation for Jonathan Lewis-Nichols as the new Library Director 16:32, following a national search. Mr. Lewis-Nichols shared his vision for community outreach and modernizing library services 23:57, receiving enthusiastic support from the Board. This appointment signals a new chapter for a vital town institution.

Special Town Meeting Warrant Recommendations: The Board finalized its recommendations on key articles for the upcoming Special Town Meeting:

  • Article 1 (Land Acquisition): While no formal vote was taken pending revised language, the Board reached consensus to support acquiring the Hawthorne Avenue and Archer Street properties 49:10. Crucially, they agreed the warrant language should ensure flexibility for future use of the Hawthorne property, mandating a community-driven process with final approval by Town Meeting, not the Select Board alone 41:15. This $11M acquisition was framed as a significant, long-overdue investment in open space, requiring commitment despite the town’s high tax burden 38:15. The Board unanimously affirmed support for acquiring all three parcels together 53:59.
  • Article 2 (Glover Zoning): The Board voted unanimously to recommend favorable action on the Glover Multifamily Overlay District 1:09:22. Member Spellios explained this zoning is crucial for the related Hawthorne acquisition deal (linked via escrow agreement 1:00:47) and is based on a previously Town Meeting-approved 40R district for the same site 58:42. Passage addresses a long-standing blighted property and provides certainty for development.
  • Article 3 (Capital Projects): The Board voted unanimously to recommend favorable action, adopting the Capital Improvement Committee’s amendment to keep the total spending level by reducing paving funds to accommodate new requests for VFW hall improvements and METCO classroom upgrades [1:10:28, 1:27:26]. A notable discussion occurred regarding process versus flexibility, with the Board ultimately supporting the additions as timely investments in community partnerships and needs [1:14:53 - 1:27:21].

Community Focus & Updates:

  • Proclamations: The Board formally proclaimed June as Pride Month 11:53 and recognized National Gun Violence Awareness Day 16:25, emphasizing Swampscott’s values of inclusivity and safety.
  • Town Initiatives: TA Fitzgerald reported securing an $8.9 million state grant for the Rail Trail completion 2:44. Member Fletcher provided an update on the new Elementary School construction, confirming it remains on target and budget despite minor delays 1:47:57. Numerous community events were announced, including the Farmers Market, Juneteenth, Harbor Fest, Town-wide Yard Sale, and Flag Retirement ceremony [6:07, 1:42:35].

Significance for Residents: The decisions made directly impact residents through potential tax increases (Article 1), future development patterns (Articles 1 & 2), investments in community facilities (Article 3, Library), and the town’s overall direction under new Board leadership. The emphasis on public process for the Hawthorne property’s future use is particularly significant. The meeting underscored the Board’s focus on major strategic initiatives (land acquisition, trail completion, new school) alongside ongoing community services and values.

Section 5: Analysis

This Select Board meeting showcased a board navigating complex, high-stakes decisions while establishing its new leadership dynamics post-election. Several key themes emerged from the transcript:

1. Balancing Process and Pragmatism: The debate around Article 3’s capital additions [1:13:10 - 1:27:21] epitomized a recurring tension. Member Fletcher articulated a strong case for adhering to established capital planning processes, questioning the late additions’ origins and vetting. Conversely, Chair Duffy, Member Spellios, and TA Fitzgerald argued effectively for pragmatic flexibility, emphasizing the unique opportunity presented by the Special Town Meeting timing and the perceived importance/timeliness of the VFW and METCO needs. The unanimous vote suggests the arguments for immediate action and supporting community partners ultimately persuaded the full board, though Fletcher’s points about process discipline remain valid context for future capital cycles.

2. Strategic Importance of Land Acquisition: The extended discussion on Article 1 [31:56 - 58:42] highlighted its central importance. Member Spellios played a key role in framing the financial realities (significant but manageable cost 38:15), the negotiation constraints (deal structure wasn’t ideal but necessary 54:02), and the procedural pathway (community input, Town Meeting final say 41:15). The board appeared unified on the strategic value of securing the properties, particularly the emphasis from newer members Phelan and Fletcher on the Archer Street parcels’ neighborhood significance [50:49, 51:35], balancing the high profile of the Hawthorne waterfront property. The board’s consensus to explicitly require Town Meeting approval for the final Hawthorne use plan appears aimed at building trust and addressing potential resident concerns about transparency.

3. Interconnectedness of Warrant Articles: Member Spellios’ clear explanation of the escrow agreement linking the passage of Article 1 (Hawthorne/Archer acquisition) and Article 2 (Glover zoning) 1:00:47 was critical. This underscored that the two articles function as a single package deal, a point the Board seemed keen to impress upon Town Meeting members. His suggestion to potentially vote Article 2 first at Town Meeting 1:07:46 reflects a tactical awareness of the need to ensure both parts succeed for the overall deal to close.

4. Leadership Transition and Style: The election of Neal Duffy as Chair and David Grishman as Vice Chair proceeded smoothly and collegially [1:28:25 - 1:31:09]. Member Spellios’ humorous jab about meeting length under Duffy’s acting chairmanship 1:29:34 hinted at stylistic differences from past chairs but didn’t detract from unanimous support. Chair Duffy’s facilitation seemed focused on ensuring all voices were heard (e.g., respecting differing views on Article 3 1:27:26) while keeping the agenda moving. Member Fletcher’s call for rotating leadership on all committees 1:31:09 reflects a value likely shared by the board, as evidenced by their own practice and the forthcoming handbook mentioned by Spellios 1:32:02.

5. Town Administrator’s Role: TA Fitzgerald effectively presented information and framed issues, notably articulating the evolving role of libraries 21:32, justifying the added capital items based on partnership opportunities 1:25:20, and contextualizing the town’s strong financial position for the land acquisition 37:39. His reports and introductions set the stage for several key board discussions.

Overall: The meeting demonstrated a board largely aligned on major strategic goals (land acquisition, library revitalization) and community values (Pride, gun violence awareness), while engaging in substantive debate on process details and financial implications. The interactions suggest a willingness to grapple with complex issues and build consensus, even when initial viewpoints differ, setting the stage for critical votes at the upcoming Special Town Meeting. The emphasis on community engagement, particularly regarding the Hawthorne property’s future, appears to be a key takeaway for residents.