2023-12-20: Select Board

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

Swampscott Select Board Meeting Analysis: December 20, 2023

1. Agenda

Based on the transcript, the likely agenda followed this order:

  1. Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance 36:11
  2. Swearing-In of New Personnel 36:34
    • Swampscott Police Department (7 Personnel) 38:02
    • Swampscott Fire Department (2 Personnel) 51:13
    • Formal Swearing-In Ceremony 57:16
  3. (Recess for Photos) 1:03:50
  4. Update on Hawthorne Redevelopment Concepts & Lease 1:12:59
  5. Public Comment 1:31:42 (Moved from the typical beginning of the meeting)
  6. Town Administrator’s Report 1:35:28 (Moved from the typical beginning of the meeting)
  7. Discussion & Possible Vote on Reducing Required Membership for Committees 1:59:00
    • Commission on Disability 1:59:13
    • Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) 2:03:34
  8. Discussion and Possible Vote on $2.1M in Town ARPA Funds 2:07:27 (Focused initially on $30k for Pinnacle Consulting)
  9. Annual Permit Renewals for Social Club All Alcohol Liquor Licenses 2:32:50
  10. Approval of the Consent Agenda 2:34:34
    • Items Pulled for Discussion:
      • Minutes (12/6/23 & 12/11/23) 2:34:55
      • National Grid/Verizon Pole Petitions (Humphrey St & Pitman Rd) 2:35:33
    • Vote on Remaining Consent Agenda Items (Climate Action Re-appointments, ADL 5K Run) 2:35:59
  11. Discussion & Vote on Pulled Consent Agenda Items
    • National Grid/Verizon Pole Petitions 2:36:07
  12. Select Board Time 2:44:28
    • Liaison Reports (Disability, Assessors, Capital, SWAC, Cub Scouts)
    • Holiday Wishes
    • Reconsideration and Vote on ARPA Funds for Pinnacle Consulting 2:51:34
  13. Adjournment 2:52:33

2. Speaking Attendees

  • Sean Fitzgerald (Town Administrator): [Speaker 1], [Speaker 26]
  • David Eppley (Select Board Chair): [Speaker 2], [Speaker 16]
  • Peter Spellios (Select Board Member): [Speaker 3], [Speaker 25]
  • Mary Ellen Fletcher (Select Board Member): [Speaker 4], [Speaker 14]
  • Doug Thompson (Select Board Member): [Speaker 5]
  • Placeholder/Unknown Start: [Speaker 6]
  • Ruben Quesada (Police Chief): [Speaker 7]
  • Natalie (HDR Consultant): [Speaker 8]
  • Graham Archer (Fire Chief): [Speaker 9]
  • Jared Liberty (Town Clerk): [Speaker 10]
  • Pete Kane (Director of Community Development): [Speaker 11]
  • Rafael Karigalen (National Grid Representative): [Speaker 12]
  • Laura Lau (Resident / Public Commenter): [Speaker 13]
  • Arthur Flater (Resident / Public Commenter): [Speaker 15]
  • John Posada (New Police Personnel): [Speaker 17] (Note: Transcript uses Quesada, but introduction likely meant Posada given metadata)
  • Marzie Galazka (Director of Planning/Asst. TA): [Speaker 18]
  • Nicholas Cruz (New Police Personnel): [Speaker 19]
  • Briana Sanchez (New Police Personnel): [Speaker 20]
  • Juan Pena (New Police Personnel): [Speaker 21]
  • Samuel Harrell (New Police Personnel): [Speaker 22]
  • Angelica Noble (New Police Personnel): [Speaker 23]
  • Nicole Magee (New Police Personnel): [Speaker 24]
  • Santiago Garcia (New Fire Personnel): [Speaker 27]

3. Meeting Minutes

1. Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance: Chairperson David Eppley called the meeting to order. Members of the Swampscott Police and Fire Departments led the Pledge of Allegiance 36:11.

2. Swearing-In of New Personnel: 36:34 Chair Eppley noted the large attendance and announced the swearing-in of seven new police and two new fire personnel. Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of public service and family support 37:08.

  • Police Personnel: 38:02 Police Chief Ruben Quesada delivered prepared remarks highlighting the historic nature of the hiring round, noting increased diversity (13% female, 16% Hispanic/Latino, first African American candidate) and educational attainment (over 90% higher ed). He thanked the Select Board, Town Administrator, and his department. Chief Quesada emphasized the success achieved after leaving Civil Service 39:43 and addressed the candidates directly about the challenges and rewards of policing 40:48. He introduced each candidate, who briefly spoke: Nicholas Cruz 43:36, Samuel Harrell 44:10, Nicole Magee 45:12, Angelica Noble 46:19, Juan Pena 47:08, John Posada 48:23, and Briana Sanchez 49:30.
  • Fire Personnel: 51:13 Fire Chief Graham Archer thanked his department and union leadership for their role in the post-Civil Service hiring process, describing it as akin to “choosing your family” 52:26. He introduced Santiago Garcia 53:20 and Jonathan Thibault 54:23, highlighting Thibault’s extensive experience and qualifications as a lateral transfer and paramedic.
  • Oath of Office: 57:16 Town Clerk Jared Liberty administered the oaths of office to the new firefighters and police officers. A brief recess followed for photographs 1:03:50.

3. Hawthorne Redevelopment Update: 1:12:59 Director of Community Development Pete Kane introduced Natalie from HDR consulting to provide an update on the Hawthorne visioning process. Natalie presented slides 1:15:05 summarizing community outreach (Idea Exchange, workshop, surveys), key findings (SWOT analysis), and emerging vision elements (50%+ open space, year-round use, waterfront experience, community anchor, accessibility, fiscal responsibility). Member Thompson questioned the timeline projection to 2030 1:20:51 (clarified as conceptual) and the apparent de-emphasis of the Olmstead heritage in later stages 1:23:02. He also raised the need to incorporate climate adaptation considerations 1:24:45. Town Administrator Fitzgerald discussed potential next steps, including presentation to the Select Board in January, possibly followed by a Special Town Meeting update and broader community engagement 1:22:20. Member Fletcher asked about financial projections 1:26:25; Asst. TA Marzie Galazka clarified that detailed financials were not part of the current scope but general cost ranges might be possible later 1:26:36. The Board discussed the nature of the upcoming presentation as a “concept” or “draft final vision” 1:27:38, with the TA stressing the goal is consensus on a vision before detailed financial analysis 1:28:10. The presentation is tentatively planned for the January 10th Select Board meeting 1:31:04.

4. Public Comment: 1:31:42

  • Arthur Flater 1:32:24: Expressed happiness about progress on King’s Beach but urged allocation of ARPA funds towards physical remediation due to public health risks, stating it should be prioritized over other projects.
  • Laura Lau 1:33:42: Praised the diverse police hiring as “thrilling and exciting” but overdue. She reiterated her call for standardized processes for public engagement on major town projects, seeking clearly defined requirements for meetings, advertising, and attendance thresholds.

5. Town Administrator’s Report: 1:35:28 Town Administrator (TA) Sean Fitzgerald presented his report:

  • ARPA Funds: Requested $30,000 for Pinnacle Consulting (hotel development consultants for Hadley RFP), stating it would otherwise strain operating budget consulting lines 1:35:36. He indicated a broader ARPA discussion would occur in January.
  • Personnel: Celebrated the police/fire hiring, crediting Chiefs Quesada and Archer and noting the success post-Civil Service 1:36:44.
  • King’s Beach: Reported on a meeting with state environmental officials (Sec. Tepper, Undersec. Cooper) facilitated by legislators, discussing strategies like UV treatment evaluation, outfall extension, pilot disinfection, and source elimination 1:37:34. Urged continued inter-agency coordination. Noted the need for state/federal funds to address King’s Beach and other areas identified in the asset management study.
  • Fisherman’s Beach: Health Dept. coordinating testing for Penguin Plunge, cautioned about rain dependency 1:38:55.
  • Opioid Settlement: Survey results posted, presentation to Board of Health Jan 17th 1:39:26.
  • Tax Rate: Set at $11.49. Noted the late timeline this year and need for earlier completion next year 1:39:45.
  • Capital Improvement: Plan progressing 1:40:17.
  • Senior Center: Sabrina Clopton promoted to Assistant Director. Highlighted programs (Holiday Party, Art Show, Caregivers Conference 1:40:49). Seeking grant for electric van requiring 20% match.
  • Grants: Received $310,000 for High School PA system 1:41:52.
  • Library: Circulation up, Maker/Teen spaces active 1:42:24.
  • Staffing: Ongoing interviews 1:42:48.
  • Town Clerk: Plastics bylaw sent to AG, census mailing, primary March 5th, digitizing records 1:43:03. Policy/applications for one-day liquor licenses now online.
  • Recreation: Thanked Danielle and Rec Dept for successful Holiday Festival 1:44:04.
  • Notifications: Switched from Blackboard to Onsolve; urged residents to subscribe 1:44:34.

Board Discussion: Member Fletcher praised the holiday parade and police volunteers 1:45:56. She asked about the delayed Asset Management report 1:47:04 (TA: being thorough, will post when received). She requested advance notice for meetings with state officials on King’s Beach 1:48:04 (TA: complicated by Open Meeting Law if quorum present, sometimes meetings arranged by others with guest limits, noted Member Thompson attended). She inquired about the King’s Beach committee formation timeline 1:49:39 (TA: aiming for appointments at next meeting after subcommittee review). Member Spellios thanked the TA and departments for the hiring success, crediting the TA’s long-term efforts 1:50:36. TA Fitzgerald reiterated that none of the new hires would likely have been possible under Civil Service 1:52:03. Member Thompson discussed the King’s Beach meeting, noting positive feedback from state officials and next steps involving detailed engineering discussions 1:53:15. He also questioned the 15-month timeline for IDDE/source elimination design 1:55:23 (TA: agreed sooner is better, will ask team to escalate). He clarified testing data for Fisherman’s Beach (water generally below threshold, except after rain; outfall itself high) 1:56:45. The TA defended limiting Select Board presence at certain operational meetings due to OML and differing dynamics 1:57:55.

6. Committee Membership Reductions: 1:59:00

  • Commission on Disability: 1:59:13 Member Fletcher presented the Commission’s request to reduce membership from 7 to 5 due to difficulties achieving quorum. Discussion ensued regarding statutory composition requirements (percentage with disabilities). Member Thompson requested confirmation of compliance before voting 2:00:30. Member Thompson moved to approve the reduction to 5 members, contingent upon verification that the new structure complies with state statutory requirements 2:02:57. Seconded by Member Fletcher. Motion passed 3-0-1 (Member Spellios abstained).
  • Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC): 2:03:34 Member Fletcher presented SWAC’s request to change the composition: remove Select Board, DPW Director, and Health Director as voting members (SB becomes liaison, Directors become on-call), replace with 3 residents, and stagger terms. Member Spellios expressed frustration about the lack of supporting documentation in the packet 2:05:53. Member Thompson agreed, referencing a similar situation with the Climate Action Committee previously, and suggested deferring the vote 2:06:56. The Board agreed by consensus to defer the vote until documentation is provided.

7. ARPA Funds Discussion ($30k for Pinnacle Consulting): 2:07:27 Chair Eppley introduced the TA’s specific request for $30k for Pinnacle Consulting for the Hadley hotel RFP. Member Spellios strongly supported the request, emphasizing Pinnacle’s critical niche expertise for evaluating hotel proposals, stating it would be “folly” to proceed without them 2:08:06. Member Thompson opposed allocating funds piecemeal, arguing for a holistic discussion of the $2.1M ARPA balance and stating the operating budget could cover the current need 2:10:36. Member Fletcher also opposed using ARPA, suggesting savings existed in the operating budget (e.g., planner vacancy) 2:13:57. TA Fitzgerald argued against using operating funds, explaining budget line-item restrictions and the need to preserve consulting funds for future unforeseen needs 2:14:20, calling the request “prudent.” Chair Eppley supported the request, calling it “economic development 101” 2:17:54. Member Spellios moved to approve $30k from ARPA for Pinnacle Advisors 2:20:16. The motion failed for lack of a second 2:20:42. Significant debate followed, with Member Spellios expressing concern that inaction sent a negative message to potential hotel developers and hampered the town’s ability to evaluate proposals 2:20:48, 2:21:29. Member Thompson reiterated his desire for a full ARPA discussion but stated he wasn’t opposed to the expenditure itself 2:23:00. TA Fitzgerald urged compromise, stressing the strategic importance of the funds 2:30:58. Member Spellios explained the difficulty of discussing the full $2.1M currently due to undisclosed pending town matters affecting the total available amount 2:25:55. The discussion concluded without resolution at this point.

8. Annual Social Club Liquor License Renewals: 2:32:50 TA Fitzgerald recommended approving renewals only through the end of February 2024, citing a need for further conversations with some clubs 2:33:02. Member Fletcher questioned the reason for the delay 2:33:34. Chair Eppley moved to approve the renewals through February 29, 2024. Seconded by Member Spellios. Motion passed 3-1 (Member Fletcher opposed).

9. Consent Agenda: 2:34:34 Chair Eppley read the purpose of the consent agenda.

  • Member Fletcher requested pulling the minutes (Item 5) for later review 2:34:55.
  • Member Spellios requested pulling the two National Grid pole petitions (Items 3 & 4) for discussion 2:35:33.
  • Member Spellios moved to approve the remaining Consent Agenda items (Climate Action re-appointments, ADL 5K Run). Seconded by Member Thompson. Motion passed 4-0. 2:35:59

10. Discussion on Pulled Consent Items (National Grid): 2:36:07 Member Spellios raised concerns about the persistent issue of double utility poles in Swampscott, citing a 2003 state law requiring their removal and questioning the lack of progress despite annual reports filed by utilities 2:36:07. National Grid Representative Rafael Karigalen responded 2:39:23, explaining that while National Grid often installs poles, Verizon is typically contractually responsible for removing old poles in joint-ownership situations. He offered his contact information to help track specific pole issues and determine ownership/responsibility. TA Fitzgerald confirmed the DPW was compiling a list of double poles 2:42:30. Member Spellios moved to approve the two National Grid petitions. Seconded by Member Fletcher. Motion passed 4-0. 2:45:16

11. Select Board Time: 2:44:28

  • Member Fletcher reported on Disability Commission activities (seeking additional accessible parking at library, member working with School Building Committee on hearing impairment accessibility) 2:44:45. She noted Assessors are addressing timeline issues with Patriot Properties 2:48:06. She shared her experience meeting with local Cub Scouts, who were interested in town government and cat licensing 2:48:14.
  • Chair Eppley wished everyone happy holidays 2:51:12.
  • Reconsideration of ARPA Funds: Member Thompson stated that “with a belief that we will work together to make multiple priorities a reality,” he would move to support the $30,000 ARPA allocation for Pinnacle Consulting 2:51:34. Seconded by Member Spellios. Motion passed 3-1 (Member Fletcher opposed).

12. Adjournment: 2:52:33 Moved by Member Thompson, seconded by Member Spellios. Passed 4-0.

4. Executive Summary

This Swampscott Select Board meeting featured significant personnel milestones, updates on key town projects, and considerable debate over funding priorities.

New Public Safety Personnel Sworn In: 36:34 In a well-attended ceremony, the Board welcomed seven new police officers and two new firefighters. Chiefs Quesada 38:02 and Archer 51:13 highlighted the historic diversity of the police hires and the success of the town’s hiring process since leaving the state’s Civil Service system. Town Administrator Fitzgerald emphasized that this move enabled the recruitment of highly qualified and diverse candidates who likely wouldn’t have been hired under the old system 1:52:03, representing a significant shift in the town’s public safety workforce.

Hawthorne Redevelopment Visioning Update: 1:12:59 Consultants from HDR presented an update on the visioning process for the former Hawthorne restaurant site 1:15:05. Based on community input, emerging themes include prioritizing open space (at least 50%), integrating a building sensitively, enabling year-round use, enhancing waterfront access, and ensuring fiscal responsibility. Board members sought more specifics on timeline, adherence to Olmstead heritage principles, climate resilience, and future costs 1:20:51, 1:23:02, 1:24:45, 1:26:25. A more detailed conceptual plan is expected in January 1:31:04, marking a step towards finalizing a vision for this key waterfront property.

ARPA Funds Debate and Hadley Hotel Consultancy: 2:07:27 A request from the Town Administrator for $30,000 in ARPA funds to pay Pinnacle Consulting (experts advising on the Hadley School hotel redevelopment RFP) sparked significant debate. Proponents (TA Fitzgerald 1:35:36, Member Spellios 2:08:06, Chair Eppley 2:17:54) argued the funds were crucial for the hotel project’s success and a prudent use of ARPA to avoid straining the operating budget. Opponents (Member Thompson 2:10:36, Member Fletcher 2:13:57) initially argued against piecemeal ARPA spending, preferring a comprehensive discussion of the remaining $2.1M, and questioned the necessity given potential operating budget flexibility. An initial motion failed 2:20:42. Later in the meeting, Member Thompson reversed his stance in a stated effort towards compromise 2:51:34, allowing the motion to pass 3-1. This decision ensures continued expert support for the potentially transformative Hadley hotel project, though the underlying tension regarding overall ARPA allocation remains.

Committee Structure Adjustments: 1:59:00 The Board voted to reduce the required membership of the Commission on Disability from 7 to 5 to aid in achieving quorum, contingent on verifying state compliance 2:02:57. A decision on restructuring the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (removing town officials as voting members, adding residents, staggering terms) was deferred due to lack of provided documentation 2:06:56. These actions reflect ongoing efforts to optimize committee function.

Other Key Items:

  • King’s Beach: The TA reported progress in engaging state environmental leadership on remediation strategies 1:37:34. Public comment underscored resident desire for ARPA funds to address beach health 1:32:24.
  • Double Poles: Concerns about unsightly and potentially unsafe double utility poles were raised during the National Grid petition review 2:36:07. The utility representative acknowledged the issue, primarily attributing removal responsibility to Verizon, and the TA committed to following up 2:39:23, 2:42:30.
  • Liquor Licenses: Annual renewals for social clubs were approved only through February 2024 pending further discussion 2:34:04.

5. Analysis

This meeting showcased both ceremonial unity and significant underlying tension, particularly regarding financial priorities and process transparency, all grounded within the specific context of Swampscott’s ongoing initiatives.

Personnel Milestone and Post-Civil Service Success: The swearing-in ceremony 36:34 was presented as a major achievement, effectively leveraging the town’s departure from Civil Service. Chief Quesada’s remarks 38:02 strategically framed the diverse hires not just as additions, but as proof of concept for the new system’s superiority, a point strongly reinforced by Town Administrator Fitzgerald 1:52:03. This narrative appeared well-received and set an initially positive tone.

Hawthorne - Managing Expectations vs. Seeking Specificity: The Hawthorne update 1:12:59 highlighted a classic tension in planning processes. The HDR consultant delivered a competent overview of the visioning process and emerging themes 1:15:05. However, Board questions, particularly from Member Thompson 1:23:02, 1:24:45, revealed an appetite for more concrete details (Olmstead integration, climate resilience, financials) than the conceptual phase currently provides. The TA’s intervention 1:28:10 aimed to manage these expectations, framing the current stage as vision-setting before financial deep-dives, effectively deferring harder questions while keeping the process moving.

ARPA Funds - A Microcosm of Broader Fiscal Tensions: The debate over $30k for Pinnacle Consulting 2:07:27 became the meeting’s focal point and exposed differing philosophies on fiscal management and process.

  • The TA’s argument 1:35:36, 2:12:29 for using ARPA was positioned as practical budget defense – protecting limited operational flexibility. His growing urgency 2:30:58 suggested genuine concern about future budget constraints.
  • Member Spellios’s advocacy 2:08:06, 2:11:37, 2:21:29 was forceful, framing the consultancy as non-negotiable for a high-stakes project (Hadley Hotel). His explicit mention of the small percentage (1.4%) 2:25:12 aimed to portray opposition as disproportionate. His later explanation about undisclosed factors preventing a full ARPA discussion 2:25:55 provided crucial context for his resistance to a broader debate at that moment, though perhaps too late to sway initial opposition.
  • Member Thompson’s opposition 2:10:36, 2:23:00 centered on process consistency, referencing prior Board decisions against piecemeal allocations. His stance, while potentially appearing obstructionist on this specific item, represented a principled stand for holistic planning. His eventual reversal 2:51:34 was explicitly framed as a move towards future compromise, strategically yielding on this point while signaling expectations for reciprocity.
  • Member Fletcher’s opposition 2:13:57, 2:19:03 focused on perceived budget availability, directly challenging the TA’s premise of necessity. Her persistence through the final vote 2:52:30 indicates a firm stance on utilizing existing budgets before resorting to ARPA for such operational consulting needs. The dynamics suggest a Board grappling with how to allocate significant one-time funds while managing ongoing operational pressures, with unresolved procedural disagreements complicating specific decisions.

Process Adherence and Utility Accountability: The deferral of the SWAC vote 2:06:56 due to missing documentation, prompted by Members Spellios and Thompson, demonstrated a commitment to procedural correctness, contrasting somewhat with the pressure applied during the ARPA debate. Member Spellios effectively used the routine National Grid petitions 2:36:07 to hold the utility accountable on the chronic double pole issue, forcing a public acknowledgment (and deflection to Verizon 2:39:23) and securing a town commitment for follow-up 2:42:30.

Overall Dynamics: The meeting reflected a Select Board actively engaged in oversight but exhibiting friction on fiscal strategy and process. The Town Administrator demonstrated strong advocacy for his operational needs and key projects. Member Spellios emerged as a forceful advocate for strategic initiatives, while Member Thompson championed process and holistic planning, and Member Fletcher focused on fiscal scrutiny of existing budgets. The final ARPA compromise suggests a capacity for negotiation, but the underlying tensions regarding resource allocation likely remain.