2024-05-08: Select Board

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

Swampscott Select Board Meeting Analysis: May 8, 2024

Section 1: Agenda

  • Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance [0:03:14 approx]
  • Swearing-In of New Select Board Member Danielle Leonard 0:04:11
  • Public Comment 0:06:22
    • Anne Navon (Elementary School Abutter Concerns) 0:06:41
    • Joe Doulette (Blue Big Band Concert Announcement) 0:09:03
    • Ted Dooley (MBTA Communities Zoning Information) 0:10:02
    • Andrea Moore (ARPA Funds Re-discussion Request) 0:12:10
  • Town Administrator’s Report 0:12:59
    • Updates on various town projects, personnel, initiatives (Intergovernmental meetings, drug take-back, police/fire staffing & retirements, Narcan training, yard waste, Pine Street project, election recap, economic development/Earth Fest, seawall project, library capital request, senior center needs, Age/Dementia Friendly initiative).
    • Board Q&A 0:23:08
  • New and Old Business
    1. Discussion & Possible Vote on Beach Sticker Fee Increase 0:29:22
    2. Q3 2024 Town Financial Update 0:49:02
    3. Discussion & Possible Vote to Establish Two New Committees 1:14:20
      • Veterans Events Committee
      • Pine Street Veterans Housing Committee
    4. Review & Discussion of Annual Town Meeting Warrant of 5/20/24 1:22:10
  • Consent Agenda (Removed and addressed individually) 1:45:23
    1. Appoint Sheryl Levenson to Council on Aging 1:45:56
    2. Add seat to Master Plan Committee and Appoint Tamy-Fee Meneide 1:46:10
    3. Allow Reach Arts Banner 1:47:18
    4. One-Day Liquor Licenses (various vendors/events) 1:47:41
    5. Approve Minutes (4/3/24, 4/10/24, 4/24/24; 4/17/24 withheld) 2:13:08
  • Select Board Time 2:13:42
  • Adjournment 2:19:33

Section 2: Speaking Attendees

  • Sean Fitzgerald (Town Administrator): [Speaker 1]
  • David Eppley (Select Board Chair): [Speaker 2]
  • Danielle Strauss (Recreation Director): [Speaker 3]
  • Amy Sero (Finance Director): [Speaker 4]
  • Mary Ellen Fletcher (Select Board Member): [Speaker 5]
  • Doug Thompson (Select Board Member): [Speaker 6]
  • Danielle Leonard (Select Board Member): [Speaker 7]
  • Anne Navon (Resident/Public Commenter): [Speaker 8]
  • Ted Dooley (Planning Board Member/Public Commenter): [Speaker 9]
  • Katie Phelan (Select Board Member): [Speaker 10] (Inferred based on context, brief interjections, and elimination)
  • Joe Doulette (Resident/Public Commenter): [Speaker 11]
  • Andrea Moore (Resident/Public Commenter): [Speaker 12]
  • Unknown: [Speaker 13] (No dialogue provided)
  • Staff (Unidentified): [Speaker 14] (Single comment during warrant review)

Section 3: Meeting Minutes

1. Call to Order & Swearing-In Chairperson David Eppley called the meeting to order 0:03:14. Following the Pledge of Allegiance led by visiting Swampscott Public School students, the Board conducted the swearing-in ceremony for newly elected Select Board Member Danielle Leonard 0:04:11. Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald administered the oath of office 0:04:22.

2. Public Comment 0:06:22

  • Anne Navon 0:06:41 addressed the Board regarding landscaping plans and debris cleanup on town property abutting her residence near the new elementary school. She requested written answers regarding the status of 2022 landscaping plans and a commitment from the town for debris removal before the final fence comes down.
  • Joe Doulette 0:09:03 announced a Blue Big Band concert on May 18th, supported by the Swampscott Cultural Council and partnered with the Senior Center.
  • Ted Dooley 0:10:02, speaking as an individual Planning Board member, urged the Select Board to actively inform residents about the upcoming Town Meeting zoning articles, particularly the complex MBTA Communities 3A article, emphasizing the importance of understanding the ramifications of approval or denial.
  • Andrea Moore 0:12:10, participating remotely, advocated for the Board to reconsider the allocation of ARPA funds previously discussed, citing significant public commentary and concern about the appropriateness of the prior decisions.

3. Town Administrator’s Report 0:12:59 Town Administrator (TA) Sean Fitzgerald provided updates:

  • Met with Congressman Moulton and Rep. Armini on town priorities (King’s Beach, Hawthorne/Hadley redevelopment, Vinnin Square/MBTA safety, Pine Street, Rail Trail).
  • Successful Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. Residents reminded to use the police station drop-box.
  • Police Officer John Posada graduated from the academy; three officers are currently in training. Firefighter Jim Snow retired after 30+ years; recruitment efforts ongoing for both departments.
  • Public Health Nurse holding Narcan training; kits available. Next yard waste collection: June 3rd. Health Dept presenting on opioid planning work.
  • Pine Street building demolished 0:16:23; neighborhood meeting forthcoming. Planning visits to existing veterans housing projects with veterans groups and potentially Board members to inform project development with B’nai B’rith. Project timeline estimated at 18-24 months for funding; next 90-120 days focus on learning/refining concepts.
  • Acknowledged Town Clerk’s office and volunteers for running the recent election 0:17:55; congratulated newly elected officials.
  • Economic Development: Earth Fest recap, CPA advocacy noted.
  • DPW: Seawall project ($500K this phase, $2.7M over 4 years) nearing completion 0:19:20. TA Fitzgerald reiterated advocating for the state (DCR) to take back responsibility for the King’s Beach area/seawall.
  • Library: Reviewed presentation for $800K capital request at Town Meeting (entryway accessibility, infrastructure) 0:20:18. Will present to Board later.
  • Facilities: Evaluating Senior Center kitchen needs; minor improvements planned within operating budget.
  • Age/Dementia Friendly initiatives highlighted.

Board Q&A 0:23:08: Member Fletcher requested a Pine Street project timeline and clarification on Police/Fire hiring status. TA Fitzgerald confirmed hiring processes are active, three officers are in academy, and provided details on the Pine Street timeline (18-24 months for funding, near-term focus on planning). Member Thompson echoed the request for a public-facing Pine Street timeline. Member Fletcher emphasized ensuring Swampscott veterans understand how to apply for the housing. TA Fitzgerald affirmed commitment to veteran preference and outreach 0:27:30.

4. Beach Sticker Fee Increase 0:29:22 Recreation Director Danielle Strauss presented a proposal to increase beach sticker fees and bring the fulfillment process in-house, citing a significant cost increase from the third-party vendor (City Hall Systems) from $3 to $6 per sticker plus $1 convenience fee 0:32:04. The proposed new structure: Resident Online $30 / In-Person $25; Senior Online $15 / In-Person $10. Current fees were $20 (Resident) / $7 (Senior).

  • Member Leonard questioned the large percentage increase (up to ~60% for seniors online) 0:36:05. Director Strauss noted fees hadn’t increased in over 10 years (longer for seniors) and cited higher fees in comparable towns 0:36:54.
  • TA Fitzgerald clarified the primary driver was bringing the process in-house to avoid vendor costs, utilizing senior work-off staff 0:38:48. Finance Director Amy Sero and TA Fitzgerald noted revenues help offset costs like lifeguards, maintenance (DPW time), and portable toilets 0:40:19, whose costs have also risen significantly.
  • Member Fletcher asked about complimentary passes for town personnel (~215 total, 151 for schools) 0:41:28. TA Fitzgerald explained the rationale (belonging, limited actual use). Member Fletcher suggested considering having all personnel pay in the future 0:43:26, which TA Fitzgerald agreed was open for discussion.
  • Member Thompson asked about associated expenses 0:44:30. FD Sero directed him to budget lines for lifeguard staff ($24K) and supplies ($3K) 0:45:56. Member Thompson observed that even with the increase, revenue roughly covers direct costs (excluding DPW), providing a clear rationale 0:46:56.
  • TA Fitzgerald committed to developing a policy for economically disadvantaged residents seeking assistance with the fee 0:48:40.
  • Motion: To approve the recreation parking sticker fees as presented. Moved by Member Thompson, Seconded by Member Fletcher (with understanding that requiring personnel payment will be revisited).
  • Vote: Passed unanimously [0:48:19 approx, based on “Aye” calls].

5. Q3 2024 Town Financial Update 0:49:02 Finance Director (FD) Amy Sero presented the Q3 update.

  • Revenue 0:49:25: Meals/Rooms tax recovered from Q1 lag, now trending ahead. Short-term rental and Cannabis revenues exceeding conservative projections (Cannabis likely $175K-$180K total). Licenses/Permits up (boosted by Elm Place permit). Investment income significantly over budget ($1.5M vs $900K projected) due to sustained interest rates 0:52:13. Overall revenue collection on track, though property tax timing makes Q3 percentage seem low 0:56:31. Water/Sewer receipts down due to lower consumption 0:56:52. TA Fitzgerald noted the town budgets revenue conservatively 0:53:39.
  • Expenses 0:57:47: Areas of concern remain Legal (projected ~$250K over budget), Police/Fire OT (due to vacancies/backfill, though chiefs are managing closely). Debt/Benefits appear high due to payment timing. Member Fletcher requested a detailed breakdown of legal expenses 0:59:06. FD Sero explained the purchase order process and confirmed unpaid Police invoices are being held pending year-end fund availability 1:00:37. Member Fletcher expressed concern about high OT numbers for future budgeting 1:02:23. TA Fitzgerald attributed high OT partly to vacancies and noted complexities related to collective bargaining agreements 1:02:52. FD Sero mentioned plans to adjust budget lines intra-year for vacancies/OT for clearer reporting 1:03:22. Member Leonard asked clarifying questions about specific lines (Property/Casualty insurance, Longevity) 1:05:39.
  • Management/Projection 1:07:20: Steps include reviewing open POs, monitoring staffing, holding non-essential spending, regular TA updates. Year-end projection shows a very tight budget, ending “barely in the black” (~$125K surplus projected, with ~$89K in pending invoices potentially reducing that) 1:08:30. TA Fitzgerald emphasized the difficulty of managing within the 2%+new growth policy given cost escalations, noting historical underfunding in areas like DPW and Senior Services 1:09:11. Member Thompson confirmed this is the tightest budget recently, likely leading to lower free cash certification 1:11:46. FD Sero noted positive variances in health insurance savings and remaining Snow & Ice funds 1:13:17.

6. Establish New Committees 1:14:20 Chair Eppley proposed establishing two committees based on conversations with the VSO:

  • Veterans Events Committee: 5 members to support VSO with events like Memorial Day, Veterans Day. Intended to formalize event support and increase community/veteran participation.
    • Motion: To establish the Veterans Events Committee as a 5-person committee as described. Moved by Chair Eppley, Seconded by Member Leonard.
    • Vote: Passed unanimously 1:19:09.
  • Pine Street Veterans Housing Committee: Members from VFW, VFW Aux, American Legion, DAV, Select Board, VSO, 2 public members, and B’nai B’rith rep (ex-officio). To exist through project completion.
    • Discussion ensued regarding B’nai B’rith’s role (agreed as ex-officio appropriate) 1:19:42. Members Fletcher and Leonard strongly supported the committee to ensure veteran engagement and address concerns [1:20:23, 1:21:34].
    • Motion: To establish the Pine Street Veterans Housing Committee with the specified membership (B’nai B’rith ex-officio). Moved by Member Fletcher, Seconded by Member Thompson.
    • Vote: Passed unanimously 1:22:04. Member Thompson requested the charter be presented later.

7. Review Town Meeting Warrant 1:22:10 The Board reviewed the May 20th Annual Town Meeting Warrant article by article to confirm sponsorship and assign presenters, particularly for the new member.

  • Art. 1-2 (Reports, Prior Year Bills): Moderator handles reports; FinCom presents prior year bills.
  • Art. 3 (Operating Budget): FinCom presents. Discussion on budget tightness, Police/Fire OT context (vacancies, contracts), pending insurance/GIC figures 1:27:46. Member Fletcher requested future warrants include actual spending figures alongside voted budget 1:33:00. FinCom vote is pending.
  • Art. 4 (Utility Stabilization Fund): Select Board sponsor; Member Fletcher assigned to present (pending final MOU details with schools) 1:34:45. FinCom also presents financial aspect.
  • Art. 5-6 (Opioid Fund Rescind/Transfer): Select Board sponsor; Member Fletcher assigned. TA noted possibility of combining into single motion 1:35:20. FinCom also presents.
  • Art. 7-9 (Water/Sewer Transfers, SpEd Reserve): TA sponsors; FinCom presents all financial articles 1:36:07. TA noted Select Board members could still speak as sponsors. Member Thompson suggested Fletcher might want to introduce Art. 9 given her history with it 1:37:12. Fletcher preferred brevity, letting FinCom lead.
  • Art. 10-11 (Andrews Chapel Revolving Funds): Select Board sponsor; Member Phelan assigned 1:38:38.
  • Art. 12 (CPA Adoption): Select Board sponsor; Member Thompson assigned to present 1:38:55. TA Fitzgerald suggested including context on past fiscal discipline and reserve levy capacity 1:39:17. Thompson noted an info session is scheduled for May 13th.
  • Art. 13 (Chapter 90): FinCom presents; DPW Dir/Asst. TA may speak.
  • Art. 14-15 (Capital Projects): FinCom presents; CIP Committee speaks.
  • Art. 16-19 (Zoning - Incl. MBTA Communities): Planning Board presents (Chair/Staff TBD) 1:42:37.
  • Art. 20 (Gas Leaf Blower Bylaw): Select Board sponsor; Chair Eppley assigned motion; Health Director may speak 1:43:49.
  • Art. 21 (Elm Place Easements): Select Board sponsor; Chair Eppley assigned 1:44:24.
  • Art. 22 (Land/Water Conservation Grant): FinCom presents.
  • Art. 23 (Citizen’s Petition): Presented by petitioner.
  • General sentiment leaned towards aiming for a one-night Town Meeting 1:45:06.

8. Consent Agenda 1:45:23 Member Fletcher requested all items be removed from the consent agenda for individual votes 1:45:42.

  • Item 1 (Levenson Appt to COA): Approved unanimously 1:46:08.
  • Item 2 (Meneide Appt to Master Plan Cmte): TA Fitzgerald recommended appointment for diversity perspective. Approved unanimously 1:47:18.
  • Item 3 (Reach Arts Banner): Approved unanimously 1:47:40.
  • Item 4 (One-Day Liquor Licenses):
    • (a) Far From the Tree (Farmers Market): Approved unanimously 1:47:59.
    • (b) 1634 Meadery (Farmers Market): Approved unanimously 1:48:26.
    • (c) Granite Coast Brewing (5 events): Approved 4-1 (Fletcher abstained due to opposition to licenses for Summer Concert Series dates) [1:49:22 - 1:52:08].
    • (d) Notch Brewing (1 Summer Concert): Approved 4-1 (Fletcher voted No) [1:52:09 - 1:52:30].
    • (e) Coastal Mass Brewing (3 events): Approved 4-1 (Fletcher abstained due to Summer Concert date) [1:53:09 - 1:53:15].
    • (f) East Regiment Beer Co (3 events): Discussion focused on Strawberry Festival date 1:53:39. Member Leonard expressed preference against alcohol at this kid-focused event. Director Strauss noted East Regiment’s fee funds the event’s music and they are veteran-owned [1:54:52, 1:58:51, 2:07:19]. TA Fitzgerald and Chair Eppley spoke to the community-building benefits of events, including responsible alcohol service, and the need to generate revenue/sponsorships [2:00:17, 2:02:51]. Director Strauss highlighted efforts to separate beer gardens from main activities 2:09:24. FD Sero noted other funds might cover the band if needed 2:09:54.
      • Motion: To approve East Regiment licenses for Summer Concert and Block Party only (deferring Strawberry Festival). Moved by Member Thompson, Seconded by Member Fletcher.
      • Vote: Approved 3-2 (Leonard, Fletcher No - likely due to Summer Concert date included in motion; original concern was Strawberry Fest) [2:12:56 - 2:13:08]. [Note: Vote count implies Chair Eppley, Member Thompson, Member Phelan voted Aye; Members Fletcher and Leonard voted No. Fletcher’s ‘no’ aligns with concert opposition; Leonard’s ‘no’ may reflect concert or lingering Strawberry Fest concerns/process.]
  • Item 5 (Minutes): Approved minutes for 4/3, 4/10, 4/24 (4/17 withheld). Approved unanimously [2:13:23 - 2:13:41].

9. Select Board Time 2:13:42

  • Member Fletcher: Thanked meeting broadcasters; announced May 29th rabies clinic; acknowledged Holocaust Remembrance Day (TA offered proclamation); praised Town Clerk’s office for election handling; congratulated Member Leonard on decisive win; requested ARPA funds be added to the next agenda 2:15:10.
  • Member Thompson: Reminded public of CPA Info Session on Monday, May 13th at 7 PM 2:16:28.
  • Member Leonard: Thanked TA, staff, and colleagues for warm welcome; raised resident concerns about traffic impacts from the new elementary school opening, requesting proactive communication/meetings 2:16:46. TA Fitzgerald confirmed plans for neighborhood meetings in June involving public safety, DPW, and the school building committee 2:18:06.
  • Chair Eppley: Proposed moving July/August Select Board meetings off Wednesday nights to allow attendance at Summer Concerts 2:07:39.

10. Adjournment 2:19:33 Motion to adjourn moved by Member Fletcher, seconded, passed unanimously.

Section 4: Executive Summary

The Swampscott Select Board welcomed newly elected member Danielle Leonard 0:04:11 and addressed a range of town business, setting the stage for the upcoming Annual Town Meeting. Key developments included financial updates revealing fiscal pressures, decisions on resident fees and town events, and steps to formalize support for veterans.

Financial Health & Budget: Finance Director Amy Sero presented a Q3 update indicating the town is managing a very tight FY24 budget 0:49:02. While revenues from sources like cannabis sales and investment income are strong 0:50:34, significant overages in legal expenses (~$250K projected) and public safety overtime (driven by vacancies) are straining resources 0:57:47. The town projects ending the fiscal year “barely in the black” 1:08:30, signaling limited flexibility and potentially lower-than-usual free cash certification for FY26 planning. This tight fiscal reality underscored discussions about fees and the upcoming FY25 budget vote at Town Meeting. Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald contextualized the tightness within the town’s 2%+new growth budget policy and historical underfunding in key areas like DPW and Senior Services 1:09:11.

Fees & Services: The Board voted unanimously to increase beach sticker fees and bring fulfillment in-house to cut vendor costs 0:47:28. Resident stickers will now be $25 (in-person) / $30 (online), and senior stickers $10 (in-person) / $15 (online) 0:34:41. The increase, the first in over a decade (longer for seniors), was justified by rising operational costs (vendor fees, lifeguards, maintenance) and comparison to peer communities, overcoming initial concerns about the percentage jump [0:36:54, 0:40:19]. The TA committed to exploring assistance for low-income residents 0:48:40.

Veterans Initiatives: Two new committees were unanimously approved to enhance support for Swampscott veterans 1:14:20. A Veterans Events Committee (5 members) will assist the Veterans Service Officer (VSO) with organizing and promoting events like Memorial Day 1:18:53. A Pine Street Veterans Housing Committee (including representatives from veteran organizations, the Select Board, VSO, public, and developer B’nai B’rith ex-officio) was formed to guide the development of the new housing project through its completion 1:19:10. This follows the recent demolition of the existing building on Pine Street 0:16:23.

Town Meeting Preparation: The Board reviewed the May 20th Town Meeting Warrant, assigning presenters for key articles 1:22:10. Significant votes loom on the FY25 operating budget (Art. 3), adoption of the Community Preservation Act (CPA) (Art. 12), funding for capital projects (Art. 14-15), and several zoning amendments including the state-mandated MBTA Communities overlay district (Art. 16-19). The CPA discussion highlighted the town’s past fiscal discipline as enabling this potential investment 1:39:17. An MOU regarding funding school utility costs is still being finalized but expected before Town Meeting 1:23:04.

Community Events & Resident Concerns: The Board approved numerous one-day liquor licenses for upcoming town events like the Farmers Market, Pride Day, July 3rd Fireworks, Summer Concerts, and the Block Party [1:47:41 onward]. However, split votes occurred regarding licenses for the Summer Concert Series and the Strawberry Festival, reflecting differing views on alcohol presence at family-oriented events [1:51:58, 1:53:39]. Recreation Director Danielle Strauss emphasized that vendor fees help fund event entertainment [1:54:52, 1:58:51]. Public comment and Select Board Time surfaced ongoing resident concerns, including neighborhood impacts of the new elementary school (traffic) 2:17:20, landscaping/cleanup near the school 0:06:41, the need for clear information on MBTA zoning 0:10:02, and calls to revisit the allocation of ARPA funds [0:12:10, 2:16:10]. The Board agreed to add ARPA funds to a future agenda and plan neighborhood meetings regarding school traffic 2:18:06.

Section 5: Analysis

This Select Board meeting demonstrated a board navigating fiscal constraints while advancing community initiatives and preparing for critical Town Meeting decisions. The dynamics revealed both collaboration and points of tension, particularly around spending, fees, and the character of community events.

Fiscal Pressure as a Dominant Theme: The Q3 financial update 0:49:02 set a somber tone, confirming the FY24 budget is extremely tight despite strong performance in specific revenue areas like cannabis and investments. The significant projected overruns in legal costs and public safety overtime 0:57:47 appear systemic, with Town Administrator (TA) Fitzgerald linking OT partially to vacancies and broader public safety workforce trends 1:02:52. Member Fletcher’s persistent questioning on legal spending details and the purchase order process [0:59:06, 1:01:12] highlighted board oversight focus, while Finance Director Sero’s candid “barely in the black” projection 1:08:30 underscores the limited margin for error. This fiscal reality implicitly shaped the beach sticker debate, where the need to cover costs ultimately justified significant fee increases 0:46:56, and looms large over the upcoming FY25 budget approval at Town Meeting. The TA’s framing of historical underinvestment in infrastructure and services versus current budget limitations 1:09:11 suggests an ongoing strategic challenge for the town.

Community Building vs. Cost/Concerns: The extensive discussion around liquor licenses for town events [1:47:41 onward] exemplified the tension between fostering community engagement and managing costs/resident concerns. Recreation Director Strauss, supported by the TA and Chair Eppley, made a strong case for these events (and associated vendors like breweries) as vital community-building tools addressing social isolation and creating vibrancy [2:00:17, 2:04:37]. The argument that vendor fees directly subsidize event costs (like music) was influential [1:54:52, 1:58:51]. However, Members Fletcher and Leonard voiced reservations, particularly regarding alcohol at the family-centric Strawberry Festival and the frequency of alcohol at events generally [1:53:39, 1:55:55], reflecting a segment of community opinion. The resulting split votes and deferral of the Strawberry Festival license for East Regiment Beer Co. indicate this balance remains contested. The Board’s willingness to entertain moving its own summer meetings to support concert attendance 2:07:39 shows commitment to these events, but the funding model and community comfort levels require ongoing attention.

Board Dynamics & Engagement: The Board appeared generally functional and prepared. Chair Eppley facilitated discussion effectively. Member Fletcher emerged as a vocal fiscal watchdog and conduit for resident concerns (ARPA, personnel paying for stickers). Member Thompson demonstrated preparedness, particularly leading the CPA discussion and probing budget rationale. New member Leonard immediately engaged, asking pertinent questions (sticker increase %) and relaying constituent concerns (school traffic) 2:17:20. Member Phelan’s contributions were less prominent in this transcript but present. The TA played a significant role providing context, history, and justification for administrative actions and proposals. Public commenters effectively raised specific issues, with Andrea Moore’s ARPA comment directly influencing Fletcher’s request to add it to the next agenda 2:16:10.

Looking Ahead to Town Meeting: The warrant review 1:22:10 solidified the Board’s preparation but also highlighted key areas requiring careful navigation at Town Meeting. The MBTA Communities zoning article (Art. 16-19), flagged by Planning Board member Dooley in public comment 0:10:02, will likely demand clear explanation given its complexity and statewide attention. The CPA vote (Art. 12) is being positioned by proponents (Thompson, Fitzgerald) as a strategic investment enabled by prior fiscal discipline 1:39:17, an argument seemingly designed to counter potential tax sensitivity. The operating budget’s passage (Art. 3) seems likely, but the underlying fiscal pressures discussed at this meeting will provide important context for voters. The smooth establishment of the veterans committees 1:14:20 signals strong consensus on supporting veterans, likely translating to support for related initiatives.