Swampscott Select Board Meeting Analysis: April 4, 2023

This document provides an overview and analysis of the Swampscott Select Board meeting held on April 4, 2023, based on the provided transcript.

Section 1: Agenda

Based on the transcript flow and discussed topics, the likely agenda for the meeting was:

1. Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance (Implied, Grace Ramos led) 0:00
2. Public Comment 0:00
   • Discussion on revised public comment guidelines following SJC ruling 1:26
3. New and Old Business (Presentations, Discussions, Possible Votes)
   • Girl Scouts Gold Award – Grace Ramos, Troop 86303, “Mission Penguin” Project 2:09
   • Climate Action Plan Committee Presentation – Draft Climate Action Plan (Martha Schmitt, Chair) 9:57
   • Discussion and Vote to Open the 2023 Annual Town Meeting Warrant 52:07
     • Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Draft By-Law Discussion (Mike Proscia, Angela Ippolito - Planning Board) 53:21
     • FY24 Budget Discussion (Amy Sorrow - Finance Director/Town Accountant) 1:49:35
   • Discussion & Vote to Open Warrant for Town Election 3:08:12
   • Update on 12-24 Pine Street Purchase and Sale (Not discussed due to lack of update) 3:09:10
4. Votes of the Board
   • Approval of Consent Agenda (Minutes of 3/15/23) 3:10:36
5. Town Administrator’s Report 3:11:00
6. Select Board Time 3:30:34
7. Adjournment 3:36:35

Section 2: Speaking Attendees

Based on the transcript and contextual knowledge of Swampscott Town Government:

• Neal Duffy (Select Board Member, Acting Chair): [Speaker 3]
• Mary Ellen Fletcher (Select Board Member): [Speaker 4]
• Peter Spellios (Select Board Member): [Speaker 1]
• Grace Ramos (Girl Scout, Gold Award Recipient): [Speaker 12] (at 3:26)
• Sean Fitzgerald (Town Administrator): [Speaker 2]
• Martha Schmitt (Climate Action Plan Committee Chair): [Speaker 10]
• Suzanne Hale (Climate Action Plan Committee Member): [Speaker 15]
• Doug Thompson (Climate Action Plan Committee Vice Chair): [Speaker 14]
• Sam (Student, Climate Action Plan Committee Member): [Speaker 13]
• PD/Petey (Student, Climate Action Plan Committee Member): [Speaker 12] (at 50:00) (Note: Transcript re-uses Speaker 12 tag)
• Katie Phelan (Select Board Member): [Speaker 7]
• David Grishman (Select Board Member): [Speaker 9]
• Mike Proscia (Planning Board Member): [Speaker 5]
• Staff Member (Name not stated, minor interjections): [Speaker 16]
• Angela Ippolito (Planning Board Representative - likely Chair or senior member): [Speaker 8]
• Mary Chille (Resident / Public Commenter): [Speaker 11]
• Amy Sorrow (Finance Director / Town Accountant): [Speaker 6]

Section 3: Meeting Minutes

Call to Order & Public Comment: Acting Chair Neal Duffy called the meeting to order around 0:00. Grace Ramos led the Pledge of Allegiance (implied). Duffy noted revised public comment guidelines based on a recent SJC decision regarding Southborough [0:00-1:26]. Following brief discussion where Members Fletcher 1:30 and Spellios 1:50 preferred not to read the full guidelines aloud, Duffy proceeded directly to public comment. No public comment was offered in person, via Teams, or email 2:09.

Girl Scout Gold Award Presentation: 2:09 Grace Ramos (Troop 86303) presented her Gold Award project, “Mission Penguin,” focused on environmental education, waste reduction (especially composting), and promoting environmentally conscious lifestyles at her school, the Academy at Penguin Hall 3:26. She detailed the project’s success in reducing compost contamination and daily waste volume. Board members praised her work; Member Spellios requested sharing her “Grace’s Guide to Environmental Education” for town use 6:21, and Town Administrator (TA) Fitzgerald highlighted the town’s own composting initiatives and lauded her leadership 6:55. Acting Chair Duffy presented Ramos with a citation 8:16. The board and family gathered for photos 8:56.

Climate Action Plan Presentation & Discussion: 9:57 Acting Chair Duffy introduced the draft Climate Action Plan, noting its origin in a Town Meeting resolution, state alignment (Net Zero by 2050), grant funding for consultants (KLA), and the transition from a volunteer coalition to a formal committee. Martha Schmitt (Climate Action Plan Committee Chair) presented the draft plan 13:20, introducing committee members present (Hale, Thompson, Sam, later Petey). She covered survey results (85% see climate change as important), local impacts (flooding, storms), Swampscott’s emission sources (buildings/energy ~60%, transportation ~40%), the plan’s structure (five focus areas), alignment with other town plans, stakeholder outreach, and next steps including a community meeting on April 10th [15:30-22:18]. An extensive discussion followed 22:19. Member Spellios strongly advocated for moving from planning to action, suggesting immediate steps the TA could take (e.g., education packets for permits, waiving fees for electric conversions), pushing for a proactive rather than reactive stance, and urging the committee to identify a first actionable initiative for the upcoming Town Meeting warrant 23:20. TA Fitzgerald affirmed the need for local action, suggesting incentives for electric yard tools, solar on town buildings/lots, and better public service announcements (PSAs) 29:35. Member Grishman highlighted the success and underutilization of the town’s 100% renewable electricity aggregation program 32:54. Member Phelan noted the challenge of combating misinformation surrounding environmental initiatives 34:03. Member Fletcher underscored the recurring theme of needing improved town communication, citing resident unawareness of the beneficial town electricity rate 35:19. Student members Sam 39:38 and PD/Petey 50:00 emphasized the urgency and advocated for specific measures like mandating composting in municipal buildings, with Sam suggesting extending it town-wide. Committee Vice Chair Thompson raised the crucial point of ensuring equity in climate action implementation and mentioned the related Community First grant focused on weatherization outreach 44:03. TA Fitzgerald agreed to meet with the committee to discuss actionable steps, potentially related to the capital plan 48:38. The Board expressed strong support for the plan and the need for follow-through. The upcoming community meeting was promoted 50:47.

Annual Town Meeting Warrant Opening: 52:07 A motion was made and seconded to open the 2023 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Draft Bylaw Discussion: 53:21 Mike Proscia and Angela Ippolito from the Planning Board presented a draft bylaw to modernize the existing “Accessory Apartments” bylaw into an ADU bylaw. Key proposed changes included allowing ADUs by right (use only), limiting them to within existing homes, attached additions, or preexisting detached structures (like carriage houses), requiring owner occupancy (in either unit), size limits (900 sq ft / 50% of main house), and requiring one off-street parking space 53:36. A significant discussion centered on the parking requirement 1:04:27. TA Fitzgerald, Member Phelan, and Member Spellios questioned its necessity, arguing it could be a barrier to creating needed housing, especially given future transit/rideshare trends and potential lack of parking on some existing lots. Planning Board representatives defended it as common practice and potentially necessary for residents but acknowledged the points raised. The discussion became a nuanced debate about whether lack of parking should trigger a review process or if the use itself warrants an exemption. Other points of debate included density concerns raised by Member Fletcher 1:27:36, countered by Member Spellios who urged against being overly timid and using ambiguous terms like “character” to limit housing options 1:28:22. Potential conflicts with Historic District regulations for converting existing structures (e.g., window replacements, exterior changes) were raised by Members Spellios and Phelan as practical hurdles that could make projects cost-prohibitive or impossible [1:14:19, 1:40:53]. Public commenter Mary Chille shared her positive experience having a long-term accessory apartment, supporting the bylaw and noting parking challenges with other developments like Elm Place 1:42:54. The Board generally expressed support for the ADU concept but strongly encouraged the Planning Board to revise the draft to be less restrictive and address potential hurdles like parking and historic review to maximize the bylaw’s effectiveness. The Planning Board agreed to take the feedback and continue refining the draft for the warrant 1:34:31.

FY24 Budget Discussion: 1:49:35 Acting Chair Duffy led a review of the draft FY24 operating budget, department by department, with Finance Director Amy Sorrow providing details. Notable points of discussion included:

• Select Board Community Programs: A reduction from $20k to $10k prompted debate 1:51:19. TA Fitzgerald explained it was part of broader cuts but acknowledged the funds support community events (Pride, Juneteenth, Swamptoberfest) and could help subsidize programs. Members Spellios and Grishman argued for restoring the funding, citing needs for improved communication (mailers, PSAs) and supporting town events. Finance Director Sorrow noted significant funds remained unused in the current fiscal year 2:00:09.
• Human Resources - DEI Coordinator: Funding was reduced from a potential full-time position ($85k in FY22 ask) to $10k (FY23) to $6k (FY24 proposed) for a stipend/consultant 2:03:13. This sparked significant concern from Members Phelan and Spellios, who viewed it as a step back from previous commitments. TA Fitzgerald acknowledged the concern and the difficulty in building the right culture for a DEI director, suggesting ARPA funds could be used for an initial assessment/consultant, which Members Fletcher and Spellios supported as a way to define needs before hiring [2:06:54 - 2:13:06].
• Human Resources - Performance Management: Member Fletcher reiterated her objection to the bonus structure ($30k line item) without clearer, objective criteria 2:13:57. TA Fitzgerald defended it as a tool for retention and recognizing extraordinary work 2:14:42.
• Police: Discussion covered staffing levels reflected in patrol budget (accounting for vacancies/timing), confidence in overtime budget accuracy, and funding for a new Deputy Chief position 2:26:00. An error duplicating the Captain’s salary in historical Deputy Chief lines was identified 2:30:34. The Deputy Chief role was confirmed as not adding headcount 2:30:09. Changing the “Matrons” line item name to something clearer like “Jail Attendants” was requested and agreed to 2:27:24.
• Fire: Overtime budget level was confirmed as appropriate after analysis, accounting for potential continued sick leave 2:31:46. Protective clothing budget adequacy was confirmed 2:33:19.
• DPW: Personnel cost reduction was due to retirements/turnover (lower starting salaries), not staff reduction 2:34:25. Reductions in contract sidewalk repair 2:35:23 and equipment maintenance 2:38:29 were questioned by Members Spellios and Phelan regarding sidewalk conditions and potential long-term costs. TA Fitzgerald and Finance Director Sorrow explained sidewalks are addressed via capital plan/Chapter 90, and newer equipment requires less maintenance funding currently.
• Veterans Services: Increase reflects enhanced cost-sharing with Lynn for shared agent/support 2:42:39. Discussion affirmed the value of the regional approach 2:43:24.
• Library: Reduction in community programs funding was questioned by Members Grishman and Phelan, advocating for restoration given the new director’s successful programming 2:46:29. Finance Director Sorrow noted the director proposed the cut but likely welcomes more funds 2:48:19.
• Recreation: Discussion on beach sticker processing costs and potential for in-house sales/savings 2:49:50. Member Phelan raised concerns about affordability/access for non-seniors 2:54:02, leading to discussion about existing scholarship programs and communication. Community event funding level ($7k) was questioned by Member Grishman relative to planned events like a street festival 2:56:21. Member Fletcher requested more transparency/information on Rec revolving funds 2:58:07.
• Enterprise Funds: Brief discussion on Water/Sewer budgets showing decreases, with TA Fitzgerald mentioning potential use of retained earnings to mitigate rate increases 3:00:26. Solid Waste composting line ($5k) covers specific town locations, not schools (which have separate programs) 3:02:33.

Capital Improvement Plan (CIC): The Board agreed to defer discussion on the CIC until after the Finance Committee’s joint meeting with CIC 3:04:11.

Town Election Warrant Opening: 3:08:12 Motion made, seconded, and unanimously passed to approve the warrant for the town election as presented 3:09:10. Discussion ensued about the number of copies requiring signatures and the possibility of electronic signatures 3:09:41.

Consent Agenda: 3:10:36 Motion made, seconded, and unanimously passed to approve the consent agenda, consisting of the March 15, 2023 meeting minutes.

Town Administrator’s Report: 3:11:00 TA Fitzgerald provided updates including: coordination with Aqua for mooring management; library website redesign, Roku lending, grants, and ADA accessibility planning; police recruitment challenges (low physical test pass rate after conflict with state police test) and accreditation/promotion processes; progress on SPED reserve fund discussions with schools; completion of the Annual Town Report draft; Board of Health boat wrap recycling program; Recreation’s new paddleboards/sailboats, upcoming Easter Egg Hunt, fireworks fundraising, and successful St. Patrick’s luncheon; launch of the Senior Center’s “By the Sea” social day program and upcoming Caregiver Support Conference; town staff Dementia-Friendly training; DPW hires; Fire Department entrance exam (130 applicants) and upcoming officers exam; finalizing Veterans Services/Dispatch contracts with Lynn; productive meetings with local veterans group leaders (VFW, DAV); and a Health Department diaper drive for National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Select Board Time: 3:30:34

• Member Fletcher requested follow-up on ticketing/warning data and coyote mitigation planning, and reiterated interest in discussing ARPA funds 3:30:37. She provided updates from Disability Commission, Solid Waste Advisory Committee (seeking meeting slot), and Assessors 3:31:43.
• Member Grishman announced the Bentwater Day at the Beach (July 15th) and discussed an initiative with Member Phelan to support Clark School parents aiming to revive Big Blue Bargains 3:32:44. He also asked about coordination with the Yacht Club for boat wrap recycling 3:19:17.
• Member Phelan reported on visiting Andrew Chapel (hopes to hold SB meeting there), welcomed the new fire therapy dog Ryan (and acknowledged school dog Sora), mentioned attending a PTO unification meeting for the new school, and invited residents to join her for lunch at the Senior Center (April 11th) 3:34:13.
• Member Spellios revisited the police recruitment issue, expressing strong concern about proceeding with interviews before the second physical fitness test is held for candidates who missed the first due to the conflict, calling the low turnout “abysmal” and the process flawed 3:27:50. TA Fitzgerald agreed the situation was problematic and reflected poorly 3:28:58. Spellios also pressed TA Fitzgerald on the status of conversations with Tedesco Country Club regarding the fee imposed for the town’s fireworks fundraiser golf tournament, questioning the payment and suggesting inviting Tedesco leadership to discuss their public benefit obligations 3:22:25. TA Fitzgerald indicated a fee was negotiated for this year, with next year potentially free under an alternating pattern, but agreed the situation was not ideal.
• Acting Chair Duffy reminded the public about the April 10th Climate Action Plan community meeting 3:36:11.

Adjournment: 3:36:35 Motion made, seconded, and unanimously passed to adjourn.

Section 4: Executive Summary

The Swampscott Select Board met on April 4, 2023, addressing several key issues impacting the town, including environmental initiatives, housing policy, the upcoming budget, and town services.

Environmental Action Emphasized: Following a presentation recognizing Girl Scout Grace Ramos for her local waste reduction project 3:26, the Board received the draft Climate Action Plan aiming for Net Zero emissions by 2050 9:57. While supporting the plan’s framework, a lengthy discussion underscored the Board’s desire for immediate, tangible actions. Members pushed for proactive measures like resident education on home electrification, exploring incentives for green technology (e.g., electric yard tools, composting), improving communication about existing programs like renewable energy aggregation, and potentially mandating composting in town buildings [23:20-49:16]. Significance: This signals a strong push from town leadership to move beyond planning and implement concrete climate initiatives, though specific actions and funding remain to be determined. A community meeting on the plan is scheduled for April 10th 50:47.

Housing Options Advanced via ADU Bylaw: The Planning Board presented a revised Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw intended to create more diverse housing options, particularly for residents looking to downsize or age in place 53:21. The proposal allows ADUs within existing homes, attached additions, or preexisting structures like carriage houses. The Select Board expressed general support but urged the Planning Board to make the bylaw less restrictive to ensure its effectiveness. Significant debate focused on removing the proposed parking requirement 1:04:27 and addressing potential conflicts with Historic District rules that could hinder conversions 1:14:19. Significance: This bylaw change, if passed at Town Meeting, could gradually increase housing diversity and affordability (lowercase ‘a’) options, but its impact hinges on the final details and ease of implementation.

FY24 Budget Concerns and Priorities: The Board began its review of the proposed Fiscal Year 2024 budget 1:49:35 after opening the Town Meeting warrant 52:07. Several areas sparked concern and highlighted competing priorities:

• DEI Funding: A significant reduction in funding for a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion coordinator drew criticism, with members questioning if it represented a step back from prior commitments 2:03:13. A plan emerged to potentially use one-time ARPA funds for a needs assessment consultant first. Significance: Balancing DEI goals with budget realities and developing an effective implementation strategy remains a challenge.
• Community Engagement Funding: Proposed cuts to small line items supporting Select Board community programs (events, communication) 1:51:19 and Library outreach programs 2:46:29 were questioned, with members advocating for restoration to maintain visible town activities and improve communication.
• Public Works & Safety: Concerns were raised about reduced funding for sidewalk repairs impacting pedestrian safety 2:38:29. Public safety budgets reflected efforts to manage staffing and overtime, while issues with the police recruitment process (low turnout for physical tests) were acknowledged as needing resolution [3:11:00, 3:20:20].

Town Operations & Services: The Town Administrator reported on various ongoing initiatives, including improvements to mooring management, library services, and the launch of a new social day program at the Senior Center 3:11:00. A point of contention arose regarding Tedesco Country Club now charging a fee for the annual fireworks fundraiser golf tournament, prompting discussion about the club’s public benefit obligations and next steps 3:22:25.

Overall: The meeting showcased a Select Board actively engaged in policy details, pushing for tangible progress on climate and housing, while grappling with budget constraints impacting various services and initiatives. Communication, implementation, and balancing competing priorities emerged as recurring themes.

Section 5: Analysis

This meeting revealed a Select Board pushing for progress on multiple fronts (climate, housing, community building) while confronting the practical realities of budget limitations and implementation challenges. The dynamics suggest a board largely aligned on goals but differing at times on the pace and specifics of execution.

Climate Plan - A Call for Tangible Action: The reception to the Climate Action Plan 9:57 was positive regarding the framework, but the subsequent discussion, particularly Member Spellios’s forceful advocacy 23:20, signaled impatience with planning alone. The emphasis on immediate, TA-led actions (education packets, fee waivers) and identifying a concrete first initiative for Town Meeting reflected a desire to demonstrate commitment beyond resolutions. TA Fitzgerald’s response 29:35, while supportive, highlighted the need for funding and potentially incentivizing behavior change (e.g., electric tools), setting up a classic tension between ambitious goals and available resources. The student members’ contributions [39:38, 50:00] effectively conveyed urgency from a younger perspective, bolstering the call for action. The strength of the plan’s rollout will depend heavily on the follow-through promised by the TA and the Board’s willingness to fund specific initiatives identified.

ADU Bylaw - Balancing Progressivism and Pragmatism: The ADU discussion 53:21 illuminated a fascinating dynamic between the Planning Board’s pragmatic, incremental approach (designed likely for smoother Town Meeting passage) and the Select Board’s push for a more functionally impactful, less restrictive bylaw. The Planning Board representatives (Proscia, Ippolito) capably defended their draft based on existing structures and potential neighborhood concerns (density, character 1:27:36), but the arguments from Fitzgerald, Phelan, and Spellios against the parking requirement 1:04:27 and potential Historic District barriers 1:14:19 were compelling in framing these as potentially fatal flaws that undermine the bylaw’s stated goals. Mary Chille’s testimony 1:42:54 provided crucial real-world validation for the ADU concept. The Planning Board appeared receptive to feedback, but the ultimate effectiveness of the bylaw hinges on their willingness to incorporate the Board’s more progressive suggestions before Town Meeting.

Budget Review - Exposing Tensions and Priorities: The budget review 1:49:35 served as a lens focusing underlying tensions. The DEI coordinator funding discussion 2:03:13 was particularly telling. The stark reduction exposed the gap between stated values and budgeted reality, forcing an uncomfortable but necessary conversation about commitment versus resources. The consensus towards using ARPA for assessment seemed a pragmatic compromise, but delays implementation of a dedicated role. Cuts to visible community programs (Select Board 1:51:19, Library 2:46:29), while small in dollar terms, drew strong arguments about their disproportionate impact on resident engagement and communication – areas repeatedly identified as town weaknesses. The DPW sidewalk funding debate 2:38:29 highlighted the constant need to balance essential maintenance with limited operating funds, pushing reliance on capital plans. Finance Director Sorrow effectively provided factual context throughout, while TA Fitzgerald navigated the difficult task of justifying reductions made to balance the overall budget.

Operational Challenges & Board Oversight: Issues like the flawed police recruitment process [3:11:00, 3:20:20, 3:27:50] and the Tedesco golf tournament fee 3:22:25 demonstrated the Board exercising its oversight role. Spellios’s pointed questioning on both matters pushed for accountability and process correction. The Board’s willingness to potentially challenge Tedesco reflects an assertion of perceived community rights over institutional tradition. Fletcher’s consistent requests for data (ticketing, coyotes, Rec revolving fund [3:30:37, 2:58:07]) further underscored the oversight function.

Overall Impression: The Select Board demonstrated a capacity for deep policy engagement and a clear desire to advance initiatives related to climate resilience, housing, and community well-being. However, the meeting also highlighted the persistent challenges of translating policy goals into funded actions, navigating bureaucratic hurdles (permitting, recruitment), improving town-wide communication, and balancing incremental progress with the perceived urgency of issues like climate change and housing affordability. The effectiveness of their leadership will be tested in the upcoming Town Meeting and subsequent implementation efforts.