Swampscott Select Board Meeting Analysis: September 20, 2023

This document provides an analysis of the Swampscott Select Board meeting based on the provided transcript, intended for Town Meeting members and voters.

1. Inferred Agenda

Based on the transcript’s flow, the likely order of business discussed was:

Presentation of Citations to Girl Scout Troop 70539 [HH:MM:SS 30:41]
Public Comment [HH:MM:SS 35:49]
- Focus on Hadley RFP process and substance (Marla Lau)
Joint Meeting/Public Hearing (Continued): Holcim NER Earth Removal Permit [HH:MM:SS 44:29]
- Discussion and vote on permit extension
- Discussion and vote on continuing the public hearing
Reading of the National Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation [HH:MM:SS 49:44]
Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) Presentation of Survey Results [HH:MM:SS 52:56]
- Presentation of findings and recommendations
- Board discussion and questions
- Brief update on Food and Beverage Plastics Bylaw working group
New Business: National Grid Settlement Discussion (Skipped, noted around [HH:MM:SS 1:38:46])
Votes of the Board: Consent Agenda [HH:MM:SS 1:38:46]
- Pulled Item: Board Appointments (Open Space & Recreation, Recreation Commission) [HH:MM:SS 1:39:46]
- Pulled Item: Approval of Minutes of 9/6/23 [HH:MM:SS 1:39:35]
- Vote on Modified Consent Agenda (One Day Liquor License for Swampscott Yacht Club, Approval of Minutes of 9/11/23) [HH:MM:SS 1:40:03]
- Discussion and Vote on Board Appointments [HH:MM:SS 1:40:21]
- Discussion on 9/6/23 Minutes (Deferred) [HH:MM:SS 1:47:35]
Town Administrator’s Report [HH:MM:SS 1:47:51]
Select Board Time [HH:MM:SS 2:14:55]
Adjournment [HH:MM:SS 2:17:34]

2. Speaking Attendees

David Eppley (Select Board Chair): [Speaker 9] - Led the meeting, called for votes, introduced agenda items, read proclamation, asked questions.
Katie Phelan (Select Board Member): [Speaker 12] - Participated actively, asked questions, made motions/seconds, read proclamation.
MaryEllen Fletcher (Select Board Member): [Speaker 10] - Participated actively, asked questions, read proclamation, provided liaison updates.
Peter Spellios (Select Board Member): [Speaker 2] - Participated actively, provided legal/procedural context, asked detailed questions, read proclamation, commented on TA report and ZBA decorum.
Doug Thompson (Select Board Member): [Speaker 11] - Participated actively, read proclamation, asked questions/made points on appointments and SWAC presentation.
Sean Fitzgerald (Town Administrator): [Speaker 1] - Delivered the Town Administrator’s Report, answered questions on various topics (funding, boat storage, police hiring), read proclamation.
Hannah (Girl Scout Representative): [Speaker 13] - Spoke briefly about the Girl Scout project.
Marla Lau (Resident and Town Meeting Member, Pct. 3): [Speaker 7] - Provided detailed public comment regarding the Hadley RFP process and related concerns.
Wayne Spritz (Solid Waste Advisory Committee Chair): [Speaker 5] - Introduced the SWAC presentation and committee members, answered questions.
Emily Westhoven (Solid Waste Advisory Committee Member): [Speaker 6] - Co-presented SWAC survey results and recommendations.
Kathy Mick (Solid Waste Advisory Committee Member): [Speaker 8] - Co-presented SWAC survey results and recommendations.
Meeting Participant (Brief Interjections): [Speaker 3] - Made brief comments and interjections during discussions.

Note: [Speaker 4]‘s segment appeared to be unrelated pre-roll or technical audio.

3. Meeting Minutes

Call to Order: The meeting commenced prior to the effective start of relevant discussion on the transcript. Chair Eppley presided.

Girl Scout Citations: 30:41 The Board presented citations to Girl Scout Troop 70539 for their “Take Action Project” badge, earned by spray-painting stencils on catch basins warning against dumping to protect the ocean. Hannah [Speaker 13], a troop member, explained the project 31:25. Board members commended the scouts’ environmental stewardship.

Public Comment: 35:49 Marla Lau, resident and Town Meeting Member, read comments she intended for the September 11th meeting concerning the Hadley RFP process 36:26. She expressed significant concerns about the lack of public vetting and comment opportunities regarding the RFP for a boutique hotel, specifically mentioning the potential addition of a rooftop structure, event conflicts with Linscott Park, parking structure impacts on open space/playground, and the term “boutique” feeling non-inclusive. She argued the project direction spiraled beyond the Town Meeting vote and criticized the process, stating it felt rushed and lacked transparency (e.g., documents not posted prominently). Ms. Lau also briefly mentioned the need for a structured public meeting plan for large projects, referencing Vinton Square. She asserted the importance of public process and urged the Board to reconsider the Hadley path 43:42.

Holcim Earth Removal Permit Hearing (Continued): 44:29 The Board reopened the public hearing continued from June 26th regarding the Holcim NER (Aggregate Industries) annual earth removal permit. Member Spellios clarified the immediate business was deciding on a further extension, not debating the permit itself 45:05. Chair Eppley initially suggested a 90-day extension, then proposed extending to January 31, 2024 45:44. Member Fletcher questioned the rationale for short extensions versus a longer one like six months 46:16. Member Spellios noted the ongoing litigation context but saw no major disadvantage to six months 46:44.

Motion: Member Fletcher moved to extend the current permit for six months, to March 31, 2024 47:39.
Second: Member Phelan 48:12.
Vote: Passed unanimously (Aye) 48:15. The Board then discussed continuing the public hearing itself. Member Spellios suggested continuing it to the next meeting (October 4th) simply to fix a future date for substantive discussion, avoiding needing the applicant present just for scheduling 48:23.
Motion: Member Spellios moved to continue the public hearing to October 4th at 7:00 PM for scheduling purposes 49:19.
Second: Member Phelan 49:22.
Vote: Passed unanimously (Aye) 49:24.

National Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation: 49:44 Chair Eppley, Members Phelan, Spellios, Fletcher, Thompson, and Town Administrator Fitzgerald jointly read a proclamation declaring September 15th through October 15th, 2023, as National Hispanic Heritage Month in Swampscott, recognizing the contributions and culture of Hispanic communities.

Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) Presentation: 52:56 SWAC Chair Wayne Spritz introduced the committee’s presentation on the Fall 2022 town-wide trash survey results, noting over 900 responses and extensive committee analysis time 53:16. SWAC members Emily Westhoven and Kathy Mick presented key findings:

High response rate provides good snapshot of awareness and feedback 54:25.
Trash barrel size/shape/animal access remain top concerns in comments 55:51.
Over half of respondents use minimal (<2/year) blue overflow bags, but 20% use them regularly (>=2/month) 56:17. Regular use correlated with larger households (4+) but even more large households reported infrequent use.
A notable correlation emerged between those reporting barrels too small/high blue bag use and not composting 57:11.
Awareness high for metal/styrofoam drop-offs, lower for tire/mattress recycling 57:27.
Key Recommendations: Additional disposal events (hazardous waste, electronics, bulky rigid plastics), enhanced education/communication (push communication, website improvements, focus groups), encourage/facilitate recycling bins with lids (due to windblown litter and contamination/weight from rain), and explore expanding composting access [58:00, 1:02:42, 1:05:09].

An extensive and engaged discussion followed between SWAC and the Board 1:08:01:

Education: Member Phelan suggested targeted outreach (senior center, schools) 1:08:02. Chair Spritz confirmed recent senior center success and school engagement efforts, highlighting contamination challenges 1:09:10.
Communication: Chair Eppley asked about expanding reach for push communications 1:11:50. SWAC acknowledged challenges and discussed using various channels (town hall, newcomer info, website).
Commercial Waste: Chair Eppley inquired about business engagement 1:13:57. Chair Spritz acknowledged a “blind spot” regarding commercial compliance (esp. composting mandates) and enforcement clarity, noting it’s a future goal 1:14:11. He also updated the Board on the plastics bylaw working group’s progress and planned public engagement process 1:15:17.
Funding/Resources: TA Fitzgerald offered to discuss funding support, emphasizing youth engagement 1:17:28. Member Thompson strongly advocated for composting expansion and followed up on funding for the senior center composting program 1:20:16. TA Fitzgerald spoke to funding creativity and grants 1:22:08. Chair Spritz clarified the source of potential funds (Recycling Dividends Program - RDP) 1:23:04, prompting questions about which fund it goes into (TA to verify).
Process/Data: Member Fletcher praised SWAC’s dedication 1:23:52. Member Phelan asked practical questions (disposing of large plastic toys, glass recycling effectiveness) [1:24:31, 1:25:49]. SWAC explained challenges with bulky plastics and the current state of glass (mostly crushed for fill, not true recycling unless redeemed clean) [1:24:49, 1:26:00]. Member Spellios strongly supported a single-use plastic bottle ban, emphasized the financial ROI of recycling bin lids due to paper weight reduction when wet, and requested more regular, accessible reporting of waste/recycling data trends to inform decision-making and track progress [1:30:19, 1:32:14]. Chair Spritz confirmed data is tracked and discussed monthly, agreeing to make it more publicly accessible [1:33:32, 1:37:00]. TA Fitzgerald acknowledged the ROI potential for barrels and grant opportunities 1:37:11. Discussion touched on responsibility for providing bins (hauler contract) and educating residents on using personal bins with stickers [1:37:28, 1:38:20].

National Grid Settlement: Chair Eppley announced Item C.5 (Discussion/Vote on National Grid Settlement) would be skipped and taken up October 4th 1:38:46.

Consent Agenda: 1:38:46 Chair Eppley introduced the consent agenda.

Member Phelan requested pulling the 9/6/23 minutes 1:39:35.
Member Thompson requested pulling the Board Appointments 1:39:46.
Motion: Member Spellios moved to approve the consent agenda as modified (approving the One Day Liquor License for Swampscott Yacht Club and the 9/11/23 minutes) 1:40:03.
Second: Member Fletcher 1:40:15.
Vote: Passed unanimously (Aye) 1:40:17.

Board Appointments: 1:40:21 Member Thompson raised concerns about the sparse information provided for one candidate compared to the other and noted the current handbook implies the Select Board interviews candidates, which is not the current practice 1:42:10. TA Fitzgerald noted the awkwardness of public vetting and confirmed the TA/chairs conduct reviews [1:41:06, 1:42:57]. Member Fletcher stated the process needs review but shouldn’t hold up appointments 1:43:30. Member Thompson sought agreement to formally change the handbook process 1:43:49. Member Spellios recalled this was discussed previously and deferred pending Member Fletcher’s proposals for process changes 1:44:24. Consensus was reached to vote on the appointments now while acknowledging the process needs updating.

Motion: Member Spellios moved to appoint Lauryn Hart to Open Space & Recreation and Danielle Leonard to Recreation Commission, both for three-year terms 1:46:25. (He noted term length/committee roster info should be standard in packets).
Second: Member Thompson 1:47:06.
Vote: Passed 4-1 (Aye: Eppley, Phelan, Spellios, Fletcher; Nay: Thompson) 1:47:27. Member Thompson clarified his ‘nay’ vote was based on the procedural discrepancy with the handbook, not the candidates themselves 1:47:06.

Approval of 9/6/23 Minutes: 1:47:35 Member Phelan indicated she had updates. Chair Eppley directed members to submit changes to Diane (Town Clerk assumed), and the minutes would be taken up for approval on October 4th.

Town Administrator’s Report: 1:47:51 TA Sean Fitzgerald provided updates:

Met with Marblehead Counseling Center re: services/waitlist for Swampscott residents.
Elimination of boat storage lottery at Phillips Park due to space needs (pickleball courts), illegal storage issues, risk, and cost; exploring alternatives but land is scarce 1:49:17.
Site visit to water-damaged General Glover House; working with Historic Commission on honoring Glover.
Pittman House relocation effort faced setback with ZBA variance decision 1:50:33.
Met with Veterans Affairs Undersecretary re: potential veterans housing project (RFPs due Monday).
Capital planning process underway; encouraged departments/committees to submit projects (“think big”) for the multi-year plan 1:51:07.
Working with Senior Center advocates on refining scope for a potential feasibility study (~$100k) for a Senior/Community Life Center 1:52:14.
Library has expanded hours; Sandy Maltz recognition event upcoming.
Ongoing talks with Lynn Mayor Nicholson re: joint funding strategies.
Meeting scheduled re: asset management study/Kings Beach recommendations; plans to add warning signs at Stacey’s Brook outfall 1:53:32.
Infrastructure project updates: Senior Center kitchen hood bids received, Town Hall garage concrete filled, Fire Station sprinkler project out to bid, DPW facility improvements moving forward 1:54:23.
Police Dept: Aggressive recruitment plan underway using external testing service to expedite filling vacancies; aims for candidate packages by Nov 10th 1:55:12.
HR Dept: Busy with Fire Dept interviews (2 vacancies), Library/Community Dev interviews, upcoming job fair 1:57:15.
Recreation Dept: Swamptoberfest cancelled due to impending rain and logistical challenges of rescheduling 1:57:44. Car show Oct 8th. Planning more low/no-cost events.
Public Health: COVID uptick reminders, flu vaccine clinic Sept 28th, tire collection Sept 30th, CVS Vinton Square opening urgent care center 1:59:07.
9/11 Memorial event held; considering adding evening event in future years 1:59:42.
Reach Arts terminating lease; town exploring future uses for the building 2:00:36.
Drafting Fall Special Town Meeting warrant.
Congratulated Darkside Pub on opening 2:01:40.

Discussion followed the TA report:

Boat Storage: Member Fletcher expressed disappointment about the timing of the notice (late for boaters) and questioned if elimination was necessary vs. raising rates or finding any alternative space 2:02:03. TA Fitzgerald reiterated issues of property encumbrances, risk, low revenue potential vs cost, but agreed to look for alternatives 2:03:04. Member Spellios echoed concerns about notice timing and asked for follow-up on boats currently parked there 2:08:36.
Capital Plan Process: Member Fletcher requested future agenda item for Board discussion on capital priorities before the plan is finalized 2:04:27. Chair Eppley and TA Fitzgerald indicated timing requires requests to come in first, suggesting second October meeting with CIC 2:05:39. Member Spellios supported earlier Board input on policy and direction but cautioned against vetting raw requests, preferring input after initial staff/TA shaping 2:05:57. Chair Eppley confirmed it’s planned for a future agenda 2:08:10.
Police Hiring: Member Fletcher expressed happiness with the expedited timeline 2:08:17. Member Spellios expressed significant concern about the new external testing service, seeking assurance it wouldn’t replicate Civil Service issues regarding diverse applicant pools and asking for detailed explanation of how the service ensures representation [2:09:23, 2:11:09]. TA Fitzgerald asserted commitment to diversity goals outlined when leaving Civil Service and stated the service allows access to diverse candidate pools, but agreed to come back with more detail [2:10:22, 2:11:53, 2:14:25].

Select Board Time: 2:14:55

Member Fletcher provided liaison updates: Assessors working with Patriot Properties, Senior Center van trips planned (weather permitting), Disability Commission seeking new member, Capital Improvements Committee started meeting 2:15:00.
Member Spellios reported on recent ZBA activity, relaying ZBA Chair Heather Roman’s comments on concerning decorum from petitioner representatives and subsequent criticism of a ZBA member by a town-affiliated individual after a meeting 2:15:53. He praised Chair Roman’s handling and called for grace, kindness, and patience in public meetings 2:16:45.
Chair Eppley had nothing further.

Adjournment: 2:17:34

Motion: Member Spellios moved to adjourn 2:17:41.
Second: Member Phelan 2:17:41.
Vote: Passed unanimously (Aye) 2:17:44.

4. Executive Summary

This Swampscott Select Board meeting covered a range of topics, from celebrating community volunteers to navigating complex town management issues and procedural debates. Key developments include:

Waste Management Initiatives Advance: The Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) presented compelling results from their town-wide survey 53:16, indicating resident engagement but highlighting needs for better education, more disposal options (hazardous waste, electronics, bulky plastics), and promotion of composting, particularly among households regularly exceeding barrel capacity. The Board engaged deeply, discussing funding avenues (RDP funds, grants), the potential cost-savings of requiring lids on recycling bins 1:31:11, communication strategies, and the need to address commercial waste diversion 1:14:11. SWAC is also developing an updated plastics bylaw 1:15:17. Significance: This reflects a continued town priority on reducing waste, managing costs, and environmental stewardship, potentially leading to new resident programs and policies.
Town Operations and Projects Update: Town Administrator Fitzgerald reported the elimination of the boat storage lottery at Phillips Park, citing space needs, liability, and cost, though the timing drew criticism from board members [1:49:17, 2:02:03]. Progress continues on a Veterans Housing RFP 1:50:48, capital planning is underway 1:51:07, and a feasibility study for a Senior/Community Center is being proposed 1:52:14. Swamptoberfest was cancelled due to likely rain and rescheduling difficulties 1:57:44. Significance: These updates show ongoing management of town assets and services, with the boat storage decision directly impacting some residents and the Senior/Community Center study representing a step towards a potentially major new facility.
Governance and Public Process: Public comment featured strong criticism of the Hadley RFP process, alleging insufficient public input and transparency 36:26. Separately, discussion around board appointments revealed a discrepancy between the town handbook’s implied interview process and current practice 1:40:21. While the appointments were approved, the board acknowledged the need to formally revise the process [1:43:30, 1:44:24]. Concerns were also raised about decorum issues at recent Zoning Board meetings 2:15:53. Significance: These discussions highlight ongoing resident focus on transparency and participation in major town decisions (Hadley) and the importance of clear, consistent internal procedures (appointments) and respectful civic engagement (ZBA).
Police Hiring Process Scrutinized: The Town Administrator announced an expedited police hiring process using an external testing service 1:55:12. Member Spellios raised pointed questions about ensuring this new system effectively supports the town’s diversity goals, seeking assurances it avoids pitfalls associated with the old Civil Service system 2:09:23. The TA affirmed commitment to the goals and agreed to provide further details 2:10:22. Significance: Filling police vacancies is critical, but doing so in alignment with stated town values regarding diversity and modern policing practices remains a key focus for the Board.
Holcim Permit Extended: The Board voted to extend Holcim’s current earth removal permit for six months (to March 31, 2024) while related litigation and discussions continue 47:39. The public hearing was continued to October 4th solely for scheduling future substantive discussion 49:19. Significance: This maintains the status quo for the industrial site while allowing more time for resolution of outstanding issues.

5. Analysis

This meeting showcased a Select Board navigating a mix of routine business, policy development, and procedural challenges, grounded primarily in the evidence within the transcript: