2023-03-01: Select Board

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

Swampscott Select Board Meeting Review: March 1, 2023

This document provides a summary and analysis of the Swampscott Select Board meeting held on March 1, 2023, intended for Town Meeting members and voters.

Agenda

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

  1. 0:01:37 Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance
  2. 0:02:10 Public Comment
    • Presentation: Senior Center / High School Black History Month Quilt Project (0:03:00)
  3. 0:05:27 Public Hearing: Transfer of Liquor License from Zestfriendz LLC to Dockside Pub, Inc. (286 Humphrey St.)
  4. 0:25:16 General Public Comment (Post-Hearing)
  5. 0:33:25 New Business: Appointment of Cheryl Moschella, Director of Assessment
  6. 0:37:37 New Business: Affordable Housing Opportunities (Discussion of Pine Street / VFW Project)
  7. 1:07:33 New Business: Joint Meeting with Finance Committee for FY24 Budget Discussion
  8. 2:41:04 New Business: Discussion and Vote to Approve Sale of Notes (Maturing & New Capital Funding)
  9. 2:46:47 New Business: Hadley/Hawthorne Reuse Discussion (Focus on Hadley)
  10. 3:12:47 Votes of the Board: Approval of Consent Agenda (Items discussed individually and as a block)
    • Vote on One-Day Liquor License (Gargi Cooper/Bentwater for SHS PTF event - pulled for discussion)
    • Vote on remaining Consent Agenda items (Sunrun Hawking & Peddling, Bertucci’s Manager Change, 2/15/23 Minutes)
  11. 3:17:31 Town Administrator’s Report
  12. 3:25:09 Select Board Time
  13. 3:42:57 Adjournment

Speaking Attendees

Based on the transcript and Swampscott context, the speakers are inferred as:

  • Neal Duffy (Select Board Chair): [Speaker 3]
  • Peter Spellios (Select Board Member): [Speaker 1]
  • MaryEllen Fletcher (Select Board Member): [Speaker 5]
  • David Grishman (Select Board Member): [Speaker 7]
  • Katie Phelan (Select Board Member): [Speaker 10]
  • Sean Fitzgerald (Town Administrator): [Speaker 2]
  • Amy O’Malley (Town Accountant): [Speaker 4]
  • Patrick Luddy (Town Treasurer): [Speaker 6]
  • Heidi Weir (Senior Center Representative): [Speaker 9] (Note: Tag reused later for Moira Farrell and a FinCom Member)
  • Temi Bailey (School/Community Representative): [Speaker 14] (Note: Tag reused later for minor comment)
  • Cheryl Moschella (Director of Assessment Candidate/Appointee): [Speaker 8] (Note: Tag reused earlier for Amy O’Connor and later for minor comment)
  • Dockside Pub Applicant (Name not stated, associated with Village Tavern): [Speaker 11]
  • Moira Farrell (Resident, Abutter): [Speaker 9] (Contextual identification during public hearing, tag reused)
  • Amy O’Connor (Resident / School Committee Member speaking as resident): [Speaker 8] (Contextual identification during public comment, tag reused)
  • Patrick Burke (VFW Representative/Resident): [Speaker 16]
  • Kim Martin Epstein (Affordable Housing Trust Chair): [Speaker 12]
  • Eric Yasnyi (Finance Committee Chair): [Speaker 13]
  • Finance Committee Member (Name not stated): [Speaker 15]
  • Unidentified Speaker / Generic Board Member: [Speaker 17] (Participates throughout, likely a Board Member based on context and voting, potentially filling in gaps or a distinct individual not otherwise identified by specific stance).
  • Jill (Resident via Teams): (Mentioned by name, raised audio issue 0:11:21)
  • Deb Newman (Resident via Teams/Email): (Mentioned by name 0:21:55, comment read by Chair Duffy 3:25:09)

Meeting Minutes

Opening & Public Comment (Quilt Presentation) Chair Neal Duffy opened the meeting 0:01:37. Heidi Weir (Senior Center) and Temi Bailey (School/Community Rep) presented a collaborative quilt project created by seniors and students for Black History Month, themed “Positivity, Persistence, and Resilience” 0:03:00. They expressed hope for it to travel around town.

Public Hearing: Dockside Pub Liquor License Transfer (286 Humphrey St.) Chair Duffy opened the public hearing for the transfer of the all-alcohol license from Zest Friends LLC to Dockside Pub, Inc. 0:05:27. The applicant [Speaker 11], associated with the Village Tavern, presented plans for a family-friendly seafood pub with a potential to-go window, aiming for a pre-June 1st opening 0:06:50. Initial hours were discussed, with 7 AM listed to allow for potential future breakfast service, but typical hours expected to be 11:30 AM to potentially 1 AM 0:09:19.

Technical difficulties with Teams audio 0:11:00 led to the hearing being reopened 0:17:38 after initial closure 0:09:48 to allow virtual comments. Moira Farrell, identifying as an abutter, expressed significant concerns 0:12:35 regarding potential noise (especially late-night), rodents, the applicant’s association with the Village Tavern, and potential rooftop dining, citing negative impacts from previous establishments. Member Spellios questioned the applicant about zoning awareness (must serve food whenever open) and discussed the residential proximity challenges 0:17:47. The applicant acknowledged the different context compared to the Tavern and expressed commitment to being a good neighbor 0:18:52. Member Spellios noted the 1 AM closing time was consistent with prior approvals for the location 0:20:38. Member Fletcher echoed concerns for neighbors 0:23:25. Member Spellios suggested proactive neighbor outreach by the applicant 0:24:12. The hearing was closed again 0:22:10. A motion to approve the transfer was made and seconded. Observation: The proceedings highlighted the challenges of hybrid meeting technology and the persistent tension between commercial activity and residential quality of life on Humphrey Street. The Board voted unanimously to approve the license transfer 0:24:54.

General Public Comment Chair Duffy outlined public comment rules 0:25:16. Amy O’Connor, identifying as a Precinct 6 resident and School Committee member (but speaking personally), delivered a prepared statement 0:27:35 strongly criticizing recent remarks by Town Administrator Fitzgerald regarding school hiring practices and budget management. She defended the school department’s hiring as necessary, especially post-COVID, argued against using benefit costs as a reason to underfund schools, contested the framing of education costs, and advocated for fully funding the school budget request, contrasting it with town spending on other projects like Hadley/Hawthorne. Observation: Ms. O’Connor’s comments represented a significant and direct challenge to the Town Administrator’s stated positions and budget recommendations, indicating substantial disagreement between school advocates and town administration on funding priorities and fiscal realities.

Appointment: Director of Assessment Town Administrator Fitzgerald recommended Cheryl Moschella for the Director of Assessment position, citing her appraisal experience and role on the Reading Board of Assessors 0:34:19. Ms. Moschella briefly introduced herself 0:35:14. Following no substantive questions, the Board voted unanimously to approve the appointment 0:36:19. Observation: The appointment was handled swiftly and without controversy.

Affordable Housing Opportunities: Pine Street / VFW Project Member Grishman introduced a significant new initiative 0:37:57: an agreement in principle to purchase 12-24 Pine Street, adjacent to the VFW post (on town land). The plan involves combining the parcels to develop approximately 30-40 units of veteran-specific affordable housing, a new VFW post/canteen, and space for veteran support services. Member Spellios elaborated 0:41:23, acknowledging Member Grishman’s advocacy, drawing parallels to the successful Machon School senior housing project, emphasizing the project’s 100% dependence on being veteran-focused affordable housing, and outlining potential funding sources (ARPA, Affordable Housing Trust) and the need for a non-profit development partner via RFP. Patrick Burke, representing the VFW, expressed gratitude and cautious optimism, calling it an “unbelievable opportunity” and stressing the importance of collaboration 0:48:36. TA Fitzgerald spoke about wrapping services around the housing 0:50:16. Chair Duffy and Member Grishman reiterated the early stage of discussions and commitment to ongoing dialogue with the VFW community [0:52:36, 0:54:06]. Affordable Housing Trust Chair Kim Martin Epstein arrived and voiced strong support, explaining how the project structure aligns with funding models like Low-Income Housing Tax Credits 0:55:37. Observation: This announcement was framed as a major, positive, and potentially transformative project for the town, addressing both affordable housing and veteran needs. There was notable consensus and enthusiasm from the Board, VFW representative, and AHT Chair.

Joint Meeting: FY24 Budget Discussion The Board convened jointly with the Finance Committee (chaired by Eric Yasnyi) 1:07:33. TA Fitzgerald, Treasurer Patrick Luddy, and Accountant Amy O’Malley presented the proposed $79.17 million FY24 budget 1:07:58. Key points included:

  • Adherence to the 2% + $425k new growth policy.
  • Strong reserves (Free Cash $2.1M, Stab $6.2M, Excess Levy $8.9M) but noted reserves are not typically used for operating budget balance 1:15:09. Current reserve levels are slightly below preferred policy targets 2:23:42, and no new funding was proposed for stabilization accounts in this budget.
  • Conservative revenue assumptions: 1% state aid growth initially budgeted (actual Governor’s proposal later revealed a $274k net increase over budget 2:07:19), $0 budgeted for cannabis community impact fees due to legal uncertainty 1:21:44.
  • Departmental budgets showed mixed changes: Admin/Finance down 1.55%, Public Service down 4.4% (including $45k snow/ice cut), Public Safety up 4.33%.
  • The proposed budget includes a 2.6% increase for the Swampscott Public Schools appropriation, aligning with the TA’s recommendation but below the amount subsequently voted by the School Committee 1:47:08. Extensive discussion occurred regarding the presentation of total education costs (calculated at 64% including indirects 1:49:03) and the differing budget figures.
  • A major point of concern was the Employee Benefits line 1:59:21, where the health insurance contingency was reduced from a projected 5.3% increase need to 2.6% to achieve balance, leaving the town vulnerable to rate increases or enrollment changes. Observation: The budget presentation underscored significant fiscal pressure. The health insurance budget reduction emerged as a major risk point. The discrepancy between the TA’s school budget number and the School Committee’s voted number, coupled with Amy O’Connor’s earlier comments, signaled ongoing tension around school funding levels. There was considerable debate about how potential new state aid should be allocated given the cuts made to balance the budget.

Vote: Sale of Notes Treasurer Luddy explained the need to sell $4.4 million in notes (refinancing $2.7M maturing notes, $1.7M new capital funding) 2:41:59. Fidelity Capital Markets won the bid with a 3.51% net interest cost. Member Fletcher questioned the practice of continually using short-term notes rather than moving to long-term bonding 2:45:07. The Board voted unanimously to approve the sale 2:46:05.

Hadley/Hawthorne Reuse Discussion The discussion focused primarily on the Hadley School building 2:47:13. Board members shared differing visions:

  • Members Grishman, Fletcher, and Duffy leaned towards revenue generation, specifically exploring a boutique hotel concept [2:50:06, 2:52:19, 2:55:56].
  • Member Phelan advocated for a mixed-use commercial and community hub, including space for non-profits and community rentals 2:53:56.
  • Member Spellios expressed caution about needing significant capital investment for a community hub and detailed the complexities of a hotel project (market analysis needed, likely town contribution/tax deal required) 2:59:10. He strongly advocated for obtaining a professional feasibility and market study for the hotel option.
  • Members generally agreed on the need for revenue from Hadley and the interconnectedness of decisions regarding Hadley and the Hawthorne property. Observation: The Board showed progress in articulating specific desired outcomes for Hadley but recognized significant information gaps, particularly around the hotel concept. Consensus was reached to direct the Town Administrator to pursue a feasibility study for the hotel option 3:09:45.

Consent Agenda The one-day liquor license for the SHS PTF fundraiser (March 24th, Bentwater Brewing) was discussed separately due to a date correction and a question from Member Phelan about precedent for alcohol at the high school 3:12:47. It was approved unanimously 3:15:55. The remaining consent agenda items (Sunrun hawking permit, Bertucci’s manager change, Feb 15 minutes) were approved unanimously 3:16:04.

Town Administrator’s Report TA Fitzgerald thanked staff, noted Town Clerk activities, promoted a St. Patrick’s Day event at Hawthorne to benefit the fireworks fund (necessary due to Tedesco Country Club changing its policy for the town’s fundraiser), thanked the interim Assessor, highlighted library activities (Veterans Crossing, SHORE history project), mentioned a review of Housing Authority handicap parking, and commended the recent Black History Month event 3:17:35. The Board expressed strong disapproval of the Tedesco decision and supported the TA in communicating this to the club 3:19:32.

Select Board Time

  • Chair Duffy read an email from Deb Newman regarding coyote awareness and the need for a town response plan 3:25:09.
  • Member Phelan highlighted successful elementary school PTO unity events 3:26:38.
  • Member Spellios acknowledged the inclusivity of the PTO event and credited Charlie Patsios for early advocacy related to the Pine Street property 3:27:29.
  • Member Fletcher discussed the Solid Waste Committee and reiterated concerns about the lack of a proactive town coyote plan 3:29:00. TA Fitzgerald noted ACO involvement in regional talks and focus on non-lethal methods; Member Spellios argued the town needs its own proactive strategy beyond relying on citizens 3:29:45.
  • Member Fletcher requested an update on conversations with the Police Chief 3:33:13. This led to an extended discussion about communication protocols, the chain of command (Select Board -> TA -> Dept Head), the challenges of discussing personnel matters publicly, and differing Board perspectives on addressing perceived departmental dysfunction versus maintaining structural integrity 3:33:41. Chair Duffy confirmed a meeting was being scheduled involving himself, Member Grishman, the TA, the Chief, and union representatives. Observation: Select Board time featured significant debate on the town’s approach to the coyote situation and, more substantially, on the appropriate mechanisms for Select Board interaction with department heads, particularly concerning the Police Department.

Adjournment The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote 3:42:57.

Executive Summary

This Swampscott Select Board meeting on March 1, 2023, featured major announcements regarding town properties, a detailed FY24 budget presentation revealing fiscal pressures, and continued debate on governance issues.

Major Project Initiatives:

  • Veterans’ Affordable Housing Unveiled: The Board announced a significant plan to acquire 12-24 Pine Street and partner with the VFW Post 1240 to create a veteran-focused development 0:37:57. This project aims to build 30-40 units of affordable housing specifically for veterans, include a new VFW post, and offer space for veteran services. Drawing parallels to the Machon School senior housing, the project intends to use ARPA and Affordable Housing Trust funds and select a non-profit developer. Significance: This initiative represents a potentially transformative investment addressing critical needs for affordable housing and enhanced veteran support in Swampscott. Initial response from the VFW representative and AHT Chair was positive.
  • Hadley/Hawthorne Reuse Path Forward: Discussion centered on the future of the Hadley School, with a clear focus on generating revenue 2:47:13. Visions diverged between a boutique hotel (favored by Members Grishman, Fletcher, Duffy) and a mixed-use community/commercial hub (favored by Member Phelan). Acknowledging the complexities, particularly of a hotel, the Board directed Town Administrator Fitzgerald to commission a professional feasibility and market study for the hotel concept 3:09:45. Significance: Decisions on these prime locations will significantly impact the town’s character and finances. The feasibility study is a crucial step toward making an informed decision on Hadley.

FY24 Budget Highlights & Challenges:

  • Tight Budget Presented: The $79.17 million proposed budget adheres to town policy but required cuts, notably reducing the health insurance contingency fund significantly below projections 1:59:21, creating budget risk. Rising costs (inflation, contracts, charter schools 2:19:11) and OPEB obligations strain finances. Significance: The budget reflects difficult trade-offs impacting services town-wide, with particular vulnerability in employee benefit costs.
  • School Funding Debate: The presented budget includes the Town Administrator’s recommended 2.6% school appropriation increase, which is less than the School Committee ultimately voted for 1:47:08. Public comment 0:27:35 and board discussion highlighted the ongoing tension regarding adequate school funding versus overall town fiscal constraints. The total cost of education, including indirect town expenses, was presented as 64% of the general fund 1:49:03. Significance: School funding remains a central and contentious issue in the budget process.
  • Revenue Picture: The budget conservatively omitted $90,000 in anticipated cannabis impact fees due to state-level legal uncertainty 1:21:44. Late-breaking news indicated the Governor’s budget provides approx. $274,000 more net state aid than initially budgeted 2:07:19, sparking discussion on how best to allocate these funds. Significance: While state aid provides some relief, the loss of cannabis revenue and overall cost pressures necessitate difficult choices and highlight the need for new revenue sources.

Other Key Developments:

  • New Business & Appointment: Dockside Pub’s liquor license transfer was approved for 286 Humphrey St after addressing abutter concerns 0:24:54. Cheryl Moschella was appointed Director of Assessment 0:36:19.
  • Governance & Community Issues: Concerns were raised about the lack of a proactive town plan for coyote management 3:29:00. The Board discussed communication issues concerning the Police Department, reaffirming the process through the Town Administrator while acknowledging calls for direct dialogue 3:33:13. The Board also expressed concern over Tedesco Country Club’s decision impacting the town’s 4th of July fireworks fundraiser 3:19:32.

Overall: The meeting underscored the town’s efforts to tackle major initiatives like veteran housing while navigating significant budget pressures and ongoing debates about funding priorities and governance structures.

Analysis

This Select Board meeting demonstrated a local government actively grappling with significant strategic decisions while constrained by immediate fiscal realities. The dynamics observed suggest a board attempting proactive planning but frequently pulled back by budget limitations and procedural debates.

Budgetary Pressure and Strategic Choices: The FY24 budget presentation 1:07:58 was the meeting’s centerpiece, revealing deep fiscal stress. The Town Administrator’s team presented a narrative of prudent management within tight constraints, emphasizing adherence to policy and highlighting difficult cuts (e.g., health insurance contingency 1:59:21, snow/ice 1:36:24). However, this narrative was directly challenged by Amy O’Connor’s public comment 0:27:35 and implicitly questioned during board debates, particularly regarding school funding levels 1:47:08. The decision to significantly underfund the health insurance contingency, while necessary to balance the presented budget under policy, appears a calculated risk driven by necessity, potentially deferring fiscal pain. The debate over allocating the unexpected state aid increase 2:07:19 became a microcosm of the larger tension: should new funds restore risky cuts made by town administration or be shared proportionally based on departmental needs (like the schools)? This dynamic positions the Town Administrator defending difficult choices against advocates arguing for different priorities or questioning the severity of the constraints.

Proactive Initiatives vs. Reactive Management: The announcement of the VFW/Pine Street veteran housing project 0:37:57 was a clear attempt at proactive, visionary governance, addressing long-simmering issues with a potentially popular solution leveraging external funds (ARPA). The presentation was well-orchestrated, garnering initial positive feedback [0:48:36, 0:55:37]. However, this contrasted sharply with the largely reactive nature of the budget discussion, where balancing immediate needs dominated. Similarly, the Hadley/Hawthorne discussion 2:47:13, while forward-looking, quickly pivoted to the practical necessity of revenue generation, leading to the pragmatic decision for a hotel feasibility study 3:09:45. This suggests a tension between aspirations for bold projects and the operational reality of managing limited resources. Member Spellios’ detailed arguments often served to ground aspirational discussions in operational or financial feasibility, influencing the direction (e.g., pushing for the hotel study 2:59:10).

Communication, Process, and Governance: The extended debate during Select Board Time regarding communication with the Police Department 3:33:13 exposed fundamental differences in board members’ philosophies on governance. Chair Duffy and Member Spellios staunchly defended the established chain of command (via the Town Administrator) and the legal/practical limitations of direct board involvement in operational/personnel matters. Conversely, Members Fletcher and Phelan emphasized the need to address perceived dysfunction and facilitate communication, potentially bypassing formal structures if necessary. This wasn’t merely about one department; it reflected a deeper debate about the Select Board’s role vis-à-vis the professional administration, a recurring theme in Town Manager/Administrator forms of government. The reliance on the TA to manage this underscores the power and pressure placed on that office.

Public Engagement Dynamics: The meeting highlighted both the fragility and power of public input in the hybrid era. The Teams audio failure during the Dockside hearing 0:11:00 necessitated reopening the process 0:17:38, demonstrating how technical issues can impact procedural fairness. Conversely, Amy O’Connor’s use of the public comment period 0:27:35 to deliver a well-prepared, substantive critique of town financial management demonstrated the platform’s effectiveness for focused advocacy, even if formal dialogue is limited. The coyote discussion [3:25:09, 3:29:00] further revealed resident frustration when proactive town communication seems lacking, placing the onus on citizen groups (like the Conservancy) to fill the void.

In conclusion, the March 1st meeting painted a picture of Swampscott leadership navigating complex challenges. While capable of launching significant initiatives like the veteran housing project, the board remains heavily constrained by budget realities, leading to difficult trade-offs and debates over priorities. Underlying philosophical differences regarding governance and communication processes continue to surface, particularly when departmental issues become public. The effectiveness of proposed solutions, from budget stabilization funds to feasibility studies, will depend heavily on continued collaboration and confronting these fiscal and procedural tensions directly.