Swampscott Select Board Meeting Analysis: September 7, 2022

Section 1: Agenda

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

Solid Waste Advisory Committee Update 0:00:00
- Presentation by committee representative covering various initiatives (litter, recycling, boat wrap, regional cooperation, data access).
- Discussion on state mandates (30x30 goal), data reporting, reuse initiatives (town-wide yard sale, Big Blue Bargain), private waste streams (condos, businesses), contaminated recycling, and overflow sticker program effectiveness.
Traffic Advisory Committee Updates & Recommendations 27:58
- Presentation by committee representative (Margie Ng) regarding recommendations for Pine Street (resident parking, stop signs) and Plymouth Ave (stop sign).
- Discussion regarding delays in implementation, police department feedback, effectiveness of stop signs vs. enforcement, historical context of resident concerns, and process for committee reporting.
- Partial Vote Taken: Approved Plymouth Ave stop sign and Pine St parking restriction; tabled Pine St stop sign recommendations. 49:37
FY23 Water & Sewer Rates Presentation 50:08
- Presentation by Town Treasurer/Finance Director (Patrick Luddy) on rate setting process, current tiered structure, budget highlights (including significant assessment reductions), revenue considerations, and proposed rate options for FY23.
- Discussion on tiered rate equity, impact on different user types (single-family vs. multi-unit), role of the Water Sewer Rate Advisory Committee, potential for rebates/incentives, and timing of rate setting.
- No Vote Taken: Decision deferred pending Water Sewer Rate Advisory Committee input.
Approval of Consent Agenda 1:31:46
- Review and discussion of specific items pulled from the consent agenda, including one-day liquor licenses (Fox Trot Run, Swamptoberfest) and multiple sets of meeting minutes.
- Extensive discussion and requested modifications to draft minutes from July 20, August 3, August 17, and August 24 meetings.
- Vote Taken: Approved consent agenda as modified. 1:42:23
Public Comment 1:42:35
- Comments from Charles Patz regarding potential town acquisition of 12-24 Pine Street for affordable/senior housing. 1:44:16
- Comments from Liz Smith regarding Open Meeting Law requirements for listing documents used in meetings within the minutes. 1:47:39
- Comments from Cindy Cavallaro (Pine St resident) reiterating concerns about speeding, enforcement needs, and opinions on water rate equity. 1:48:49
Town Administrator’s Report 1:51:47
- Updates on Housing Production Plan, King’s Beach impairment investigation trip, school opening traffic safety, veterans outreach, DPW activities (tire collection, metal/styrofoam recycling), new Library Director and programs, upcoming town events (Swamptoberfest, Castleberry Fair, Town-Wide Yard Sale), and 9/11 commemoration.
Select Board Time 1:59:31
- Members shared announcements (Swamptoberfest dunk tank participation), expressed gratitude for town staff efforts (especially regarding school opening), discussed the need for responsiveness to resident concerns (re: traffic), recognized a resident appointment (Ted Dooley to DCR), acknowledged efforts towards televising School Building Committee meetings, congratulated primary election winners, and highlighted progress on the Climate Action Plan grant.
Adjournment 2:08:19
- Vote Taken: Motion to adjourn approved.

(Note: Swearing-in of firefighters and Swampscott for All Ages Committee Appointments were explicitly mentioned as not happening during this meeting 28:21.)

Section 2: Speaking Attendees

Sean Cronin (Town Administrator): [Speaker 1] - Responds to committee requests for data/staff support, discusses contracts, explains budget items, provides police chief updates, presents Town Administrator’s report.
Neal Duffy (Select Board Chair): [Speaker 2] - Chairs the meeting, moderates discussions, calls for votes, provides context on water/sewer committee, gives email address, confirms consent agenda items.
Peter Spellios (Select Board Member): [Speaker 3] - Asks detailed questions on recycling contamination/stickers, expresses significant frustration about traffic enforcement delays on Pine St, discusses historical context, makes motion on traffic items, comments on water rates, commends staff during Select Board time.
Wayne Spritz (Solid Waste Advisory Committee Rep): [Speaker 4] - Presents the committee’s update, discusses initiatives and challenges, requests data access.
Mary Ellen Fletcher (Select Board Member): [Speaker 5] - Asks about traffic calming alternatives (police presence), raises detailed questions and requests numerous corrections/additions to multiple sets of meeting minutes, questions rationale for tiered water rate increases, discusses liquor licenses, recognizes resident DCR appointment, congratulates primary winners.
Patrick Luddy (Town Treasurer/Finance Staff): [Speaker 6] - Presents the detailed FY23 Water & Sewer rates analysis and recommendations.
David Grishman (Select Board Member): [Speaker 7] - Discusses Big Blue Bargain, asks about private waste streams, asks about water/sewer ROI and overall bill impact, promotes Fox Trot run, announces Swamptoberfest dunk tank participation, asks about DCR letter update. Confirmed by minute correction 1:40:09.
Margie Ng (Community Development Director/Traffic Advisory Committee Staff Rep): [Speaker 8] - Presents the Traffic Advisory Committee recommendations and supporting visuals.
Charles “Charlie” Patz (Resident/Public Commenter): [Speaker 9] - Speaks during public comment advocating for town acquisition of 12-24 Pine Street. Also identified as member of Water Sewer Advisory Committee present 1:28:57.
Cindy Cavallaro (Resident/Public Commenter): [Speaker 10] - Pine Street resident speaking during public comment on traffic enforcement and water rates.
Katie Phelan (Select Board Member): [Speaker 11] - Comments on town-wide yard sale (reuse), asks clarifying questions on water rate tiers/impact, raises idea of rebates for water conservation, motions to approve modified consent agenda, announces Swamptoberfest dunk tank participation. (Inferred based on participation and typical Board composition).
Gino Cresta (DPW Director/Asst. Town Administrator): [Speaker 12] - Comments on police liaison change, sewer main lining progress and impact, MWRA water usage data, and historical water base charge waivers for seniors. Mentioned by name/title multiple times.
Emily (Solid Waste Advisory Committee Member): [Speaker 13] - Comments on Big Blue Bargain, lack of mandate for business recycling. Addressed as “Emily” by [Speaker 4] and [Speaker 7].
Police Chief (Likely Chief Cassata/Rep): [Speaker 14] - Mentions police plan for speed board deployment, raises safety concerns leading to delay on stop sign vote. Addressed as “Chief” by [Speaker 3] 48:48.
Liz Smith (Resident/Public Commenter): [Speaker 15] - Speaks during public comment regarding Open Meeting Law requirements for listing documents in minutes.
(Unidentified Attendee/Board Member): [Speaker 16] - Brief interjections, e.g., 9:06, 49:51, 1:00:48, 1:09:12, 1:15:58, 1:22:43, 1:31:09, 1:39:03, 2:08:21. Likely a Board member or staff member present.

Section 3: Meeting Minutes

1. Solid Waste Advisory Committee Update [0:00:00 - 27:55]

Presentation: Wayne Spritz, representing the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC), presented an update on committee activities. Key areas included addressing litter on Humphrey Street, evaluating the pilot boat wrap recycling program, pursuing regional cooperation with other communities for better vendor contracts and waste solutions (e.g., glass aggregate), and addressing challenges like Styrofoam and food waste diversion. 0:00
Data Access: Mr. Spritz requested improved, regular access to town waste/recycling data currently held by various departments, suggesting a shared digital location for easier tracking and analysis by the committee 3:53. Town Administrator (TA) Sean Cronin agreed to facilitate this with the finance team, acknowledging the value of the committee’s work 4:12.
State Goals & Mandates: Member Duffy inquired about the state’s “30 by 30” waste reduction goal and potential consequences for Swampscott if not met 6:42. Mr. Spritz indicated the DEP hasn’t specified penalties but emphasized the importance of aligning with state goals 7:17. He also noted frustration with the lack of mandatory contamination reporting from Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) 7:28.
Reuse Initiatives: Member Phelan highlighted the town-wide yard sale as a positive reuse initiative 8:52. SWAC member Emily and Member Grishman advocated strongly for reviving the “Big Blue Bargain” program for reusable items, particularly school-related ones, acknowledging the current challenge of finding a suitable space 10:16, 10:49. Member Grishman noted ongoing efforts to find a location 11:36.
Private Waste Streams: Member Grishman asked about waste/recycling practices of large condo buildings and businesses not using municipal services 11:58. Mr. Spritz stated the committee lacked data on this, as their focus is municipal waste 12:27. TA Cronin confirmed they would investigate 14:01. SWAC member Emily noted her understanding that businesses are not mandated to recycle 15:01.
Contaminated Recycling: Member Spellios raised concerns about contaminated recycling, potential future contract costs, and the need for public education 15:15. TA Cronin clarified the current contract doesn’t penalize contamination but state regulations likely will 15:35. Mr. Spritz discussed the difficulty in getting accurate contamination data from MRFs, noting the reported 30% figure is often a placeholder 16:42, and also highlighted issues with MRFs not accepting certain technically recyclable materials (e.g., black plastics) due to technology limitations 18:00.
Overflow Sticker Program: Member Spellios inquired about analyzing overflow sticker purchase data against initial projections to assess behavioral change and policy effectiveness 19:28. Mr. Spritz explained the challenges due to bulk purchases by vendors but detailed SWAC’s street survey efforts to gather behavioral data 20:01. TA Cronin mentioned initial revenue figures (~$110,500) and suggested usage likely normalizes after an initial adjustment period 23:52. Mr. Spritz requested town staff support in collecting monthly sales data from vendors 26:26, which TA Cronin tentatively agreed to, suggesting Mr. Spritz could assist 26:37.
Closing: Chair Duffy thanked the committee for their extensive work and encouraged making trend data publicly available 27:13.

2. Traffic Advisory Committee Update & Recommendations [27:58 - 50:08]

Introduction: Chair Duffy noted the swearing-in of firefighters and All Ages Committee appointments were postponed 28:21. Margie Ng, Community Development Director, prepared to present Traffic Advisory Committee (TAC) recommendations. TA Cronin indicated a request from the Police Department (SPD) for more time to review recommendations, suggesting delaying a vote 29:16.
Process Concerns: Member Spellios expressed significant frustration with the SPD requesting delay after the TAC (which includes an SPD representative) had already met and made unanimous recommendations 29:39. He highlighted the long-standing nature of resident concerns, particularly on Pine Street, and the perception of unresponsiveness. He requested that future TAC reports include a full list of pending items, not just positive recommendations, for better context 38:49. TA Cronin acknowledged the frustration but deemed the delay warranted given the concerns raised 30:57. DPW Director Gino Cresta noted the police liaison involved was new to the committee 31:36.
Presentation: Ms. Ng presented TAC recommendations: add resident-only parking signage to the segment of Pine Street currently lacking it; install stop signs at Pine/Erie and Pine/Superior intersections (creating three-way stops); and install a stop sign at Plymouth Ave/Marymount 32:33. She showed street view images. Member Spellios suggested aerial views would be more helpful 36:16.
Discussion on Pine Street Speeding: The core issue identified was speeding/traffic calming on Pine Street 40:06. Member Fletcher asked about increased police presence as an alternative 40:10. Member Spellios asserted that calls to SPD from Pine Street residents are frequent and historical enforcement efforts haven’t solved the decades-long problem 40:34. Member Fletcher shared an anecdote about strict enforcement changing behavior elsewhere and suggested ticketing 41:09. The Police Chief (represenative, [Speaker 14]) mentioned plans to deploy a data-collecting speed board 42:02. Member Fletcher expressed skepticism about speed boards based on personal experience 42:14. Member Spellios reiterated the long history of the issue and the feeling of residents that the town is unresponsive, while acknowledging TAC’s current efforts 42:54. TA Cronin provided recent SPD enforcement activity numbers for Pine St (11 posts in 2022 YTD, 38 in 2021) and committed to having the Chief and Traffic Officer attend the next meeting 44:56. Member Spellios pushed back, emphasizing reliance on the TAC’s process rather than requiring police leadership presence at the Board meeting 46:12. The Police Chief (rep) clarified the delay was due to a specific safety concern raised post-meeting about stop sign placement, prompting a desire to potentially tweak the recommendation 47:53. Member Spellios accepted the need for delay but suggested exploring other traffic calming tools beyond stop signs 48:48.
Partial Vote: Chair Duffy clarified the recommendations. Member Spellios moved to approve the Plymouth Ave stop sign and the Pine Street resident parking restriction, tabling the Pine Street stop sign discussion 49:37. Member Grishman seconded. The motion passed unanimously 50:02.

3. FY23 Water & Sewer Rates Presentation [50:08 - 1:31:46]

Introduction: TA Cronin introduced Patrick Luddy (Town Treasurer/Finance) to present preliminary FY23 water/sewer rates, noting the Water Sewer Rate Advisory Committee (WSRAC) would review before a final vote 50:19.
Presentation: Mr. Luddy reviewed the rate-setting process, the tiered structure adopted last year (based on WSRAC recommendation) 51:11, FY23 budget highlights (Water up ~8%, Sewer up 4% initially) 53:41, and significant positive news: substantial reductions in final MWRA and Lynn Water & Sewer assessments compared to budget estimates 54:30. This reduction ($190k water, $250k sewer) was attributed partly to Swampscott’s declining proportional share in MWRA and successful sewer inflow/infiltration (I&I) reduction work impacting Lynn assessments 55:13. DPW Director Cresta elaborated on the sewer main lining progress (approx. 45,000 linear feet completed) 59:26. Mr. Luddy also noted higher water usage due to the dry summer 1:02:06 and healthy retained earnings balances 1:03:28. He presented revised budget impacts (Water up 3.5%, Sewer down 3.6% year-over-year) 1:04:48.
Rate Options: Mr. Luddy presented two options: Option 1 (flat 2.5% increase across tiers) 1:05:54 and Option 2 (Staff Recommendation: staggered increase - Tier 1 @ 2.5%, Tier 2 @ 2.75%, Tier 3 @ 3%) intended to encourage conservation 1:07:10. Both balanced the revised budget. A comparison showed Swampscott’s proposed rates remain mid-range among peer communities 1:08:14.
Discussion on Process & Equity: Member Fletcher asked about WSRAC input; Chair Duffy confirmed a meeting would occur before the Board vote, clarifying WSRAC’s initial role was structure-focused but they would weigh in on rates 1:09:12. Member Fletcher questioned the tiered system itself, asking why a single cost-of-water rate wasn’t used 1:11:32. Chair Duffy explained tiered rates are statutorily required and the current structure aimed to correct a previously regressive system where high-volume users paid less per unit; the tiers now result in a more equitable per-unit cost across users 1:12:00. He acknowledged the complexity, particularly regarding the base rate’s regressive nature for low users and the challenge of Tier 3 including large multi-unit buildings where individual residents can’t control the account’s total usage 1:14:18, 1:22:26. Member Fletcher expressed concern that Tier 3 residents (often in condos/apartments) face higher percentage increases under Option 2 despite potentially conserving individually 1:23:03. Member Grishman argued the tiered increase incentivizes conservation for high users (only 1% of accounts are Tier 3) and the difference is small 1:21:07. TA Cronin echoed the conservation rationale and framed it as a policy choice for the Board, suggesting Option 1 might be prudent for stability after last year’s structural change 1:21:40, 1:27:34.
Retained Earnings & Incentives: Member Fletcher stressed adherence to the retained earnings policy and ensuring surpluses benefit ratepayers 1:18:46. Member Phelan asked about potential rebates for reducing consumption 1:29:33. TA Cronin noted lower usage naturally lowers bills but was open to exploring incentives 1:29:53. DPW Director Cresta recalled a past practice of waiving base charges for low-usage seniors 1:30:54.
Outcome: The discussion concluded with agreement to await WSRAC feedback before a final Board vote at the next meeting 1:28:55.

4. Approval of Consent Agenda [1:31:46 - 1:42:35]

Items Pulled: Member Fletcher requested pulling nearly all items, specifically questioning the one-day liquor licenses for the Fox Trot Run (morning event, potential impact on nearby restaurant businesses) 1:32:17 and the Swamptoberfest (financial arrangement with Yacht Club) 1:35:04. TA Cronin explained the town asks event organizers to cover police details if needed and that the town splits Swamptoberfest revenue with the Yacht Club 1:33:22, 1:35:17. Member Grishman promoted the Fox Trot Run as a charity event for Parkinson’s research 1:40:43.
Minute Modifications: Member Fletcher requested numerous specific changes and additions to the draft minutes of July 20, August 3, August 17, and August 24 [1:35:36 - 1:40:33]. Key points included: ensuring letters/presentations are attached or listed (prompting discussion on OML requirements 1:36:00), correcting details about Commission on Disability member requirements 1:37:38, adding notation of TA follow-up on an outflow pipe issue 1:40:00, correcting who seconded a motion 1:40:09, and clarifying titles/roles mentioned 1:40:19. She suggested providing drafts earlier in editable format to streamline corrections 1:40:29. TA Cronin agreed 1:40:33.
Vote: Member Phelan moved to approve the consent agenda as modified 1:42:20. Member Grishman seconded 1:42:27. The motion passed unanimously 1:42:35.

5. Public Comment [1:42:35 - 1:51:47]

Charlie Patz (130 Atlantic Ave): Urged the Select Board to explore acquiring the permitted property at 12-24 Pine Street (adjacent to town-owned VFW parking) potentially in cooperation with the Affordable Housing Trust, to develop needed affordable and senior housing 1:44:16.
Liz Smith (18 Hardy Rd): Referenced the earlier discussion on minutes, stating her understanding of the Open Meeting Law is that while documents don’t need to be in the minutes, a list of documents/exhibits used must be included, and the documents made available upon request, to ensure transparency 1:47:39.
Cindy Cavallaro (Pine St): Reinforced resident concerns about excessive speeding on Pine Street, advocating strongly for enforcement (ticketing) over speed boards or stop signs alone 1:48:49. She criticized shuttle bus speeds and impact. She also commented on water rates, supporting the principle that lower usage should mean lower cost and opposing subsidies for high users 1:50:57.

6. Town Administrator’s Report [1:51:47 - 1:59:31]

TA Cronin provided updates including: ongoing Housing Production Plan update process 1:51:48; a recent trip to Newport, RI to investigate UV treatment for stormwater as part of King’s Beach remediation efforts 1:52:58; successful and safe school opening traffic management thanks to SPD, DPW, SRO, and parents 1:54:10; veterans outreach meeting with Sheriff Coppinger 1:54:48; upcoming DPW events (tire collection, metal/styrofoam recycling) 1:55:36; introduction of new Library Director Jonathan Nichols and new library card benefit program 1:56:13; upcoming events including Swamptoberfest, Castleberry Fair, and Town-Wide Yard Sale 1:57:08; and the 9/11 commemoration ceremony 1:57:48.
Member Grishman thanked organizers of the recent Family Day event 1:58:02 and asked for an update on the King’s Beach letter to DCR (via Sen. Creighton’s office); TA Cronin committed to reporting back 1:58:55.

7. Select Board Time [1:59:31 - 2:08:19]

Members Grishman, Phelan, and Spellios announced their participation (or potential participation for a price) in the Swamptoberfest dunk tank fundraiser for the PTO 1:59:42, 2:00:06.
Member Spellios delivered extensive remarks praising town staff (TA, DPW, SBC, SRO, etc.) for their preparation and successful execution of the school opening traffic plan, contrasting it with social media negativity 2:00:19. He highlighted the vast amount of work staff handles daily across many initiatives and thanked them for their efforts despite negativity 2:01:47. TA Cronin acknowledged the positive community spirit evident in town events 2:03:42.
Member Fletcher recognized resident Ted Dooley’s appointment to the DCR board 2:04:29. She also noted positive progress from the School Building Committee Chair on exploring televising/recording meetings 2:05:26. She congratulated primary winners, particularly Jenny Armini, and suggested inviting her to discuss town needs 2:05:49.
Chair Duffy announced the Climate Action Resilience Committee secured a $50,000 state grant (via efforts of Community Dev Director Margie Ng) for technical assistance in developing the town’s Climate Action Plan, and promoted a related resident survey 2:06:19.

8. Adjournment 2:08:19

A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and approved unanimously 2:08:21.

Section 4: Executive Summary

This Swampscott Select Board meeting addressed several key operational and policy matters, alongside significant community engagement and forward planning discussions.

Key Outcomes & Decisions:

Partial Traffic Calming Measures Approved: Following resident concerns and Traffic Advisory Committee (TAC) recommendations, the Board approved installing a stop sign at Plymouth Ave/Marymount and adding resident-only parking signs on Pine Street 49:37. However, a decision on controversial stop signs proposed for Pine Street itself was tabled due to last-minute safety concerns raised by the Police Department, sparking frustration about process delays from Board members and the public 29:16, 29:39, 47:53. This highlights the ongoing tension between resident demands for immediate action on speeding and the procedural/safety reviews by town departments.
Water & Sewer Rate Decision Deferred: A detailed presentation revealed better-than-expected financial news, with significant reductions in state/regional water and sewer assessments primarily due to successful infrastructure work (sewer lining reducing I&I) and favorable comparisons to other MWRA communities 54:30. Staff recommended a modest, tiered rate increase (approx. 2.5-3%) 1:07:10. However, debate arose regarding the fairness of tiered increases, particularly their impact on residents in multi-unit buildings 1:11:32, 1:23:03. The Board deferred the vote pending input from the citizen Water Sewer Rate Advisory Committee 1:28:55, underscoring a commitment to advisory input on potentially impactful financial decisions for residents.
Solid Waste Initiatives Progressing: The Solid Waste Advisory Committee reported on various efforts including litter reduction, recycling programs, and regional cooperation 0:00:00. Key discussions focused on the need for better data access from the town (agreed to by the TA 4:12), the challenge of recycling contamination 15:15, and finding a home for the popular “Big Blue Bargain” reuse program 10:16. These discussions reflect Swampscott’s ongoing commitment to state environmental goals and fiscal responsibility in waste management.
Consent Agenda & Minutes Scrutinized: Approval of routine items, including event licenses and meeting minutes, involved significant discussion initiated by Member Fletcher 1:32:06. This led to clarifications on event logistics and numerous detailed corrections to past meeting minutes, emphasizing the Board’s focus on accurate public records and procedural details 1:35:36.
Public Comment Highlights Housing & Process: Public commenters raised critical issues: Charlie Patz urged the town to consider acquiring a Pine Street property for affordable/senior housing 1:44:16, Liz Smith advocated for stricter adherence to Open Meeting Law regarding document listing in minutes 1:47:39, and Cindy Cavallaro echoed frustrations about Pine Street speeding and weighed in on water rate fairness 1:48:49.

Journalistic Insight:

The meeting showcased a Board actively grappling with balancing resident demands (especially regarding traffic safety), procedural requirements, fiscal management (water/sewer rates, waste contracts), and long-term planning (housing, climate action). The extensive debate on water rate structure signifies a core policy discussion about equity and conservation incentives impacting every household. The palpable frustration surrounding Pine Street traffic reflects a long-standing community issue demanding effective solutions beyond traditional measures. The securing of a grant for the Climate Action Plan 2:06:19 and the public plea for affordable housing action point towards significant future policy directions for the town. The detailed scrutiny of minutes suggests a focus on accountability and the legal record. Finally, commendations for staff efforts, particularly around the smooth school opening 2:00:19, provided a positive counterpoint to the sometimes critical tone of policy debates.

Section 5: Analysis

This Select Board meeting transcript reveals several key dynamics and tensions within Swampscott town governance: