Swampscott Select Board Meeting Review - January 11, 2023

This document provides an overview and analysis of the Swampscott Select Board meeting held on or around January 11, 2023, based on the provided transcript. It is intended to inform Swampscott Town Meeting members and voters.

Section 1: Agenda

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

1. Discussion of Anti-Semitic Incident and Adoption of Related Measures (10:33)
   • Discussion of the January 6, 2023 anti-semitic incident on Reddington Street.
   • Adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) non-binding definition of anti-semitism.
   • Proclamation declaring January as Holocaust Remembrance Month.
   • Proclamation declaring January 27th as Holocaust Remembrance Day.
   • Remarks from Rabbi Michael Ragozin.
   • Board discussion on combating hate and fostering dialogue.
2. Public Comments (41:41)
   • Comment from Aaron Burdolph regarding police body camera policy.
3. Conservation Restriction – Archer Street Properties (45:54)
   • Presentation and discussion on placing a conservation restriction on the recently acquired Archer Street open space parcels.
   • Discussion of process, types of restrictions, potential steward (Greenbelt), and related details (access, funding).
4. Discussion of Select Board and Town Administrator’s 2023 Goals (1:05:06)
   • Discussion regarding the process and timing of setting goals.
   • Select Board members share individual priorities for 2023.
   • Town Administrator presents draft goals and discussion on merging/refining priorities.
   • Discussion on project management capacity and execution of capital projects.
5. Approval of the Consent Agenda (1:51:46)
   • Vote on ABCC form regarding population increase.
   • Vote on meeting minutes from December 21st and December 27th (with minor amendment requested).
6. Town Administrator’s Report (1:53:47)
   • Updates on department goals, FY24 budget process, Town Report, census, composting, Senior Center activities/grant, Library activities, Hawthorne engagement event planning, upcoming community rally, and MLK Day recognition.
   • Response to resident query on trash pickup.
   • Discussion on budget timeline.
7. Select Board Time (2:02:55)
   • Updates from Board liaisons to committees (Disability, COA, All Ages, Solid Waste).
   • Inquiry about Veterans lease status.
   • Discussion/Commendation of Fire Department recruitment materials.
   • Inquiry about public safety staffing levels.
   • Discussion regarding a Police Union social media post and National Law Enforcement Day.
   • Brief closing remarks and adjournment.

Section 2: Speaking Attendees

Based on the transcript and typical Swampscott/MA government structure:

• Neal Duffy (Select Board Chair): [Speaker 1]
• Sean Fitzgerald (Town Administrator): [Speaker 2]
• Peter Spellios (Select Board Member): [Speaker 3]
• MaryEllen Fletcher (Select Board Member): [Speaker 4]
• Pete Kane (Assistant Town Administrator / HR Director): [Speaker 5]
• David Grishman (Select Board Member): [Speaker 6]
• Katie Paster (Select Board Member): [Speaker 7]
• Rabbi Michael Ragozin (Congregation Shirat Hayam): [Speaker 8]
• Unknown Speaker: [Speaker 9] (Content not provided)
• Unknown Speaker: [Speaker 10] (Content not provided)
• Aaron Burdolph (Resident, Precinct 5): [Speaker 11]

Section 3: Meeting Minutes

1. Discussion of Anti-Semitic Incident and Related Measures (10:33)

• Chair Neal Duffy opened the discussion, referencing a recent incident where a swastika was spray-painted on Reddington Street (10:33). He noted the presence of Rabbi Michael Ragozin and announced a “No Place for Hate” rally planned for the following day (11:02).
• Chair Duffy provided context, recalling a virtual summit on anti-semitism attended by himself and Town Administrator (TA) Sean Fitzgerald, prompted by Rabbi Ragozin (11:26). He stated the Board had planned to adopt the IHRA definition of anti-semitism and declare Holocaust Remembrance Day/Month, citing actions by other MA towns (12:14). He listed recent regional anti-semitic incidents (13:06) to illustrate the pervasiveness, noting the Swampscott incident was a “sad but profound coincidence” (14:05) underscoring the need for action.
• Chair Duffy read the IHRA non-binding definition of anti-semitism and provided examples (15:58). He noted the prevalence of such incidents in schools (19:56).
• The Select Board members collectively read a proclamation (22:19 - 26:12) declaring January 27th as International Holocaust Remembrance Day, January as Holocaust Education Month, adopting the IHRA definition, and encouraging community acknowledgment and value of Jewish people and communities.
• Rabbi Michael Ragozin expressed gratitude to the Board and TA Fitzgerald (26:25). He noted the timing coincided with a scriptural reading about the origins of organized anti-semitism and framed the Town’s action as a “repair.” He praised the Town’s leadership and hoped it would inspire similar responses to other forms of hate.
• Member David Grishman spoke emotionally about the presence of hate and emphasized the need to fight it with information, education, empathy, and love (28:52).
• Member Peter Spellios noted that hate is “alive and well” and often normalized (29:59). He raised a thoughtful question about the impulse to quickly erase hate symbols versus leaving them temporarily to provoke difficult but necessary dialogue and awareness (30:46).
• Rabbi Ragozin responded, acknowledging no perfect formula exists, but suggested preserving images of hate incidents for educational purposes while removing the physical symbols (33:01). He discussed age-appropriate education regarding the Holocaust.
• Member Katie Paster shared a personal anecdote about explaining the swastika to her young son, highlighting the desire to see and understand in order to avoid wrongdoing (35:13).
• Chair Duffy thanked Rabbi Ragozin for his initiative and emphasized that while proclamations are important, ongoing work is needed (38:11).
• TA Fitzgerald stressed the need for this conversation to extend beyond government to all community organizations (39:36) and linked local efforts to combating broader national trends of hate.
• Rabbi Ragozin commended the Swampscott Police Department’s outreach and support (40:58).

2. Public Comments (41:41)

• Chair Duffy outlined the public comment procedures.
• Aaron Burdolph (Resident, Precinct 5) asked about the Swampscott Police Department’s body camera policy (43:38), specifically regarding activation requirements and public access to recordings. He noted he had reached out previously without response and requested the policy be made public or developed if non-existent. Chair Duffy stated they would follow up.

3. Conservation Restriction – Archer Street Properties (45:54)

• Chair Duffy introduced Assistant Town Administrator (Asst. TA) Pete Kane to discuss the draft conservation restriction (CR) for the recently acquired Archer Street properties.
• Asst. TA Kane provided a detailed explanation of conservation restrictions (47:59). He contrasted the 30-year option (MGL Ch. 184 Sec 27) with the recommended perpetuity option (MGL Ch. 184 Sec 32), which requires state approval and a separate steward entity.
• He confirmed the draft utilized the state model CR and proposed the Essex County Greenbelt Association as the steward (50:35), noting Greenbelt was amenable. He clarified the steward oversees the restriction, while the Town remains the caretaker.
• Asst. TA Kane outlined the process: Town Counsel review, Select Board review/approval, Greenbelt review/approval, submission to the state Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA) for approval (potentially taking 6+ months), recording.
• He confirmed the acquisition closing for the second parcel was imminent (54:57).
• Discussion followed:
  • Member Paster inquired if the gifted Park Square lot could be included; Asst. TA Kane noted it could be considered (56:36).
  • Member Fletcher asked about reimbursement grants for the purchase; Asst. TA Kane explained such grants typically must be secured before acquisition (57:24, 59:29). He confirmed Greenbelt stewardship doesn’t require, but accepts, an initial donation (1:00:30).
  • Member Spellios asked about ensuring parking access for trail users; Asst. TA Kane confirmed language allows for non-asphalt parking areas and would verify with counsel (1:00:51).
  • Chair Duffy confirmed the provided draft was the recommended perpetuity version (1:02:32).
  • Member Paster asked about existing town land under older restriction methods; Asst. TA Kane explained properties like Harold King Forest predate the current perpetuity law but are protected (1:03:11).
  • Chair Duffy mentioned the Swampscott Conservancy’s offer to help with trails, which Asst. TA Kane confirmed fits within the CR framework (1:04:02).
• Asst. TA Kane invited further feedback from the Board.

4. Discussion of Select Board and Town Administrator’s 2023 Goals (1:05:06)

• Chair Duffy initiated the discussion on setting 2023 goals for the Board and TA Fitzgerald.
• Member Fletcher raised concerns about the timing, noting the TA’s evaluation period (July-June) and the need for clear goals and timelines, particularly concerning compensation (1:06:39).
• TA Fitzgerald suggested focusing first on town priorities rather than his evaluation timeline (1:08:49).
• Member Spellios suggested separating the altruistic goal-setting process from the evaluation process initially, agreeing the evaluation timing might need adjustment (1:12:49). There was general agreement to focus on the substance of goals first.
• Select Board members shared their individual priorities:
  • Chair Duffy: Climate action plan, ARPA funds allocation, Hawthorne/Hadley property planning (1:14:48).
  • Member Paster: Hadley/Hawthorne planning (revisiting Hadley post-Hawthorne), community engagement initiatives (1:16:48).
  • Member Grishman: Infrastructure (esp. Kings Beach), affordable/public housing improvements, Senior Center funding/engagement, veterans support/housing, recreation programming, community events (1:18:45).
  • Member Fletcher: Financial transparency/communication (incl. budget timing), website improvement, capital plan visibility, addressing commercial property loss, Vinnin Square redevelopment (housing focus), working with Salem on Glover landing area, Senior Center improvements (esp. kitchen) (1:21:57).
  • Member Spellios: Budget sustainability (esp. contract impacts), strengthening human services, preventing vacancy at Hadley/Hawthorne, supporting affordable housing initiatives (1:26:11).
• TA Fitzgerald noted the shared themes and offered to consolidate the Board’s input with his draft list (1:33:26).
• Member Spellios urged TA Fitzgerald to also include crucial operational/infrastructure needs (“brass tacks”) that the Board might overlook (1:34:37). TA Fitzgerald highlighted underground infrastructure (water/sewer) assessment as a key example (1:36:08).
• An extended discussion occurred regarding the execution of approved capital projects (1:40:22 onwards). Member Fletcher questioned delays (e.g., fire station locker room, Senior Center kitchen). Member Spellios attributed delays partly to a lack of dedicated project management capacity in town government (1:41:00) and suggested exploring ways to fund project management within capital appropriations. TA Fitzgerald acknowledged the challenges, citing staffing limits, market conditions causing delays (e.g., rebidding), but affirmed the Town’s commitment and track record (1:43:49). There was consensus on needing better visibility and potentially new strategies for project execution.
• Chair Duffy summarized key themes: communication/engagement, budget focus, Vinnin Square/commercial redevelopment, Hawthorne/Hadley, ARPA, housing (1:49:25). The Board agreed TA Fitzgerald would provide a refined list for the next meeting.

5. Approval of the Consent Agenda (1:51:46)

• The consent agenda included an ABCC form and minutes from 12/21/22 and 12/27/22.
• Member Paster moved to approve the consent agenda, requesting a minor friendly amendment to the minutes (1:52:20).
• The motion was seconded (implicitly) and approved unanimously (1:53:16 - 1:53:47).

6. Town Administrator’s Report (1:53:47)

• TA Fitzgerald reported:
  • Department heads are submitting 2023 goals, to be aligned with Board/TA goals.
  • FY24 budget development is underway with finance staff and department heads; noted budget will be “very tight” due to contract costs. Finance Director Amy Sousa to update Board next week.
  • Town Report compilation is progressing well under Town Clerk Jared Liberty.
  • Composting efforts are helping reduce solid waste tonnage; encouraged resident participation.
  • Senior Center outreach continues; received a $7,800 state grant for caregiver support; planning a resource fair in May. Thanked Board members for engaging with seniors.
  • Library activities are robust under the new director.
  • Hawthorne public engagement kickoff event scheduled for Saturday, Jan 28th (1:58:01).
  • Reminder of the “No Place for Hate” rally tomorrow (Jan 12th) at 5 PM (1:58:21).
  • Recognized upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day (1:58:31).
• In response to Member Paster’s question about missed trash/recycling pickup (1:59:32), TA Fitzgerald advised residents to contact his office or the Health Dept promptly for resolution with the contractor (Republic Services).
• In response to Member Fletcher’s question about receiving the budget earlier than the March 1st charter deadline (2:00:45), TA Fitzgerald noted the tight timeline involving school budget submission and complex balancing, but agreed to discuss feasibility with staff and potentially the Finance Committee for future cycles.

7. Select Board Time (2:02:55)

• Member Fletcher provided updates from liaison roles:
  • Disability Commission: Met 3 times, working on communication, needs clarification on ADA Coordinator (TA confirmed it’s HR Director Pete Kane 2:03:29).
  • Council on Aging (COA): Starting a veterans group, received caregiver grant, planning May 6th resource fair, reiterated need for Senior Center kitchen completion.
  • Swampscott for All Ages: Successful ADU program held (30+ attendees).
  • Solid Waste Committee: Needs financial data to analyze costs; TA Fitzgerald committed to ensuring access (2:05:45).
  • Veterans Lease: Inquired about status; TA Fitzgerald reported Town Counsel advised an RFP is required, aiming to issue within 30 days (2:06:52).
• Member Fletcher thanked the Fire Department for a recent tour she and Member Paster took (2:07:48). Member Grishman commended the SFD recruitment materials (2:08:29). Member Fletcher requested an update on overall police/fire hiring status. TA Fitzgerald noted strong interest in the Fire exam (80+ applicants) and ongoing recruitment efforts for both departments, emphasizing progress since leaving Civil Service (2:09:39).
• Member Spellios addressed a recent social media post by the Police Union criticizing elected officials for not acknowledging National Law Enforcement Day (2:10:48). He expressed disappointment at the “us versus them mentality” while listing other police recognition dates.
• TA Fitzgerald affirmed recognition for officers’ service but hoped such opportunities wouldn’t be used to “sow division and hate” (2:12:00).
• Member Fletcher advocated for direct conversation to address any union frustrations rather than public criticism, emphasizing peace and dialogue (2:12:30). Member Spellios concurred with the call for a more mature approach (2:13:34).
• Chair Duffy reminded attendees of the upcoming rally and Hawthorne event.
• The meeting was adjourned (2:14:15).

Section 4: Executive Summary

This Swampscott Select Board meeting addressed several significant issues, demonstrating a mix of proactive planning and reactive response to community events. Key developments included:

• Strong Stance Against Anti-Semitism: In response to a local hate incident (10:33) and building on prior initiatives, the Board formally adopted the IHRA definition of anti-semitism and proclaimed January as Holocaust Education Month and Jan 27th as Holocaust Remembrance Day (22:19). Joined by Rabbi Michael Ragozin (26:25), members condemned hate and discussed the importance of education, empathy, and dialogue (28:52, 29:59). This unified action sends a clear message about town values and the commitment to combating hate, underscored by the planned “No Place for Hate” rally.
• Advancing Open Space Protection: The Board received a detailed plan for placing the newly acquired Archer Street properties under a permanent conservation restriction (47:59). Assistant Town Administrator Pete Kane recommended partnering with Essex County Greenbelt Association as the steward, ensuring the land remains protected in perpetuity. This step solidifies the town’s commitment to preserving this significant open space resource, with final land acquisition closing imminent (54:57).
• Setting Town Priorities for 2023: A substantial portion of the meeting involved members outlining their goals for the upcoming year (1:14:48 onwards). Priorities spanned fiscal responsibility and transparency (Member Fletcher 1:21:57, Member Spellios 1:26:11), infrastructure improvements (esp. Kings Beach - Member Grishman 1:18:45), planning for town-owned properties (Hadley/Hawthorne - Chair Duffy 1:14:48, Member Paster 1:16:48, Member Spellios), housing (affordable, public, senior, veterans - Members Grishman, Fletcher, Spellios), Senior Center support (Members Grishman, Fletcher), community engagement (Member Paster), and climate action (Chair Duffy). Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald will consolidate these into a refined list for further discussion (1:33:26).
• Addressing Operational Challenges: Public comment highlighted resident interest in transparency regarding police body camera policy (43:38). Discussions during goal-setting and the TA report touched upon the “tight” upcoming budget (1:53:47), the need for improved financial communication (Member Fletcher 1:21:57), and significant challenges in executing approved capital projects due to limited project management capacity and market factors (1:40:22 onwards). These discussions signal ongoing efforts to balance ambitious goals with practical constraints.
• Community Relations Note: A brief but pointed discussion arose regarding a police union social media post (2:10:48), with members ultimately advocating for direct dialogue over public criticism to address frustrations (2:12:30).

Overall, the meeting showcased the Board grappling with immediate concerns (hate incident), long-term planning (conservation, property redevelopment, budget sustainability), and the operational realities of managing town services and projects.

Section 5: Analysis

This Select Board meeting demonstrated a board actively engaged in both policy-setting and responding to immediate community concerns, though tensions between aspirations and operational capacity were evident.

• Response to Anti-Semitism: The Board’s response to the Reddington Street incident was comprehensive and well-prepared (10:33). Chair Duffy effectively framed the issue within a broader context of rising anti-semitism and prior Board discussions initiated by Rabbi Ragozin. The collective reading of the proclamation (22:19 onwards) presented a strong unified front. Rabbi Ragozin’s remarks (26:25) added significant weight and context. Member Spellios’s intervention (29:59) questioning the automatic erasure of hate symbols sparked a more nuanced discussion about memory, dialogue, and education versus simply removing offensive imagery, adding depth beyond simple condemnation. The discussion effectively blended moral condemnation with practical steps (definition adoption, rally) and calls for ongoing community work.
• Conservation Restriction Process: Assistant Town Administrator Kane’s presentation on the Archer Street CR (47:59) was clear and effectively navigated complex legal options, strongly advocating for the perpetuity model. The Board appeared receptive, focusing questions on practical implementation details like funding (Member Fletcher 57:24) and public access/parking (Member Spellios 1:00:51), suggesting likely future approval of the recommended approach. The choice of Greenbelt as a steward leverages established expertise, a pragmatic move for a town with limited resources.
• Goal Setting Dynamics: The goal-setting discussion revealed both alignment on broad themes (housing, infrastructure, fiscal health) and the inherent challenge of prioritization within limited resources. Member Fletcher’s persistent focus on process, timelines, and accountability (1:06:39, 1:40:22) served as a crucial check on potentially aspirational goals, grounding the discussion in implementation realities. Member Spellios’s emphasis on budget sustainability (1:26:11) and the impact of recent contracts provided critical fiscal context. The subsequent discussion on capital project execution (1:40:22 onwards) was particularly revealing. While TA Fitzgerald cited valid external factors (market conditions, bidding 1:43:49), Member Spellios’s identification of structural project management deficits (1:41:00) resonated as a core operational constraint that directly impacts the Board’s ability to achieve its stated goals. This exchange highlighted a key tension the town government continually faces.
• Communication and Conflict Management: The handling of the Police Union social media post (2:10:48) was notable. Member Spellios directly addressed the criticism, initially adopting a somewhat combative tone by listing other recognition days. However, TA Fitzgerald’s pivot against divisiveness (2:12:00) and Member Fletcher’s strong, direct call for face-to-face dialogue over public feuding (2:12:30) effectively steered the conversation towards de-escalation and a more constructive (if aspirational) path forward. This brief exchange underscored the challenges of managing relationships and communication in the current polarized environment.

Overall, the meeting reflected a Board functioning collaboratively under Chair Duffy’s guidance. While ambitious goals were articulated, the discussions frequently circled back to the practical limitations of budget and staffing, particularly regarding project execution. The Board demonstrated an ability to respond thoughtfully to sensitive community issues while simultaneously advancing long-term strategic initiatives like open space preservation. The effectiveness of achieving the diverse set of goals articulated will likely depend heavily on addressing the identified operational capacity challenges.