Swampscott Select Board Meeting Analysis: June 5, 2024

This document provides a summary and analysis of the Swampscott Select Board meeting held on June 5, 2024 (though the transcript indicates June 4th, metadata date is used), based on the provided transcript. It is intended to inform Swampscott Town Meeting members and voters.

Section 1: Agenda

Based on the transcript, the likely agenda followed during the meeting was:

1. Opening & Pledge of Allegiance 0:02:29 (Chair’s opening remarks)
2. Public Comment 0:03:41 (Moved earlier in the meeting)
   • Comment regarding Housing Production Plan notice and accessibility (Steve Iannacona)
3. Town Administrator’s Report 0:06:40 (Sean Fitzgerald)
   • Community Power update
   • Heritage Festival recap
   • Tree initiatives and Arboretum dedication
   • Kings Beach disinfectant technology trial update
   • Fire Department promotions (LeBlanc, Begnell)
   • Upcoming Elementary School Traffic Meeting (June 11th)
   • Alcohol takeout state law change
   • Glover House preservation efforts update
   • Senior Center engagement and improvements
   • Pride celebration recap and importance
   • Recreation Department upcoming events (Harbor Fest, Farmer’s Market, Juneteenth)
4. New and Old Business
   • Postponed: Presentation of Proclamation to Eagle Scout Jonathan “Jack” Henry Walger 0:18:38
   • Reading of the Pride Month Proclamation 0:19:00 (Read by Select Board Member Phelan)
   • Updates from Department Heads 0:22:09
     • Fire Chief Graham Archer 0:22:43 (FY24 review, staffing, recruitment, equipment, youth programs)
     • Police Chief Ruben Quesada 0:43:16 (FY24 review, staffing, recruitment, grants, traffic, community engagement, stats, mental health response)
     • DPW Director Gino Cresta 1:09:17 (Staffing, scope of work, FY24 accomplishments, whale burial, upcoming projects - paving, sewer, water mains, floats)
   • Deferred: Discussion & Possible Vote on Community Power Agreement 1:30:21
   • Discussion & Possible Vote to Accept the Swampscott Housing Production Plan (HPP) 1:30:47 (Presented by Margie Glasgow; Vote postponed 1:53:52)
5. Consent Agenda 1:54:32
   • Vote on Change of Name for Climate Action Plan Committee (Removed for discussion, then approved 1:55:40)
   • Vote on Appointment of Hazel Hitchcock to Climate Action Resiliency Committee (Approved as part of consent)
   • Approval of Meeting Minutes (Assumed Item 3 - Approved as part of consent)
   • Vote on One Day Liquor Licenses (Assumed Item 4 - Approved as part of consent)
6. Select Board Time 1:56:35 (Individual member comments, updates, requests)
7. Adjournment 2:04:58

Section 2: Speaking Attendees

Based on the transcript and contextual knowledge:

• Mary Ellen Fletcher (Select Board Chair): [Speaker 6] (Identified by name 2:03:00, opens meeting, guides discussion, states learning new role)
• Meeting Staff/Support: [Speaker 16] (Responds regarding public comment hands, assists with tech)
• Steve Iannacona (Resident, Precinct 4): [Speaker 10] (Identifies self, provides public comment on HPP)
• Sean Fitzgerald (Town Administrator): [Speaker 2] (Gives TA report, interacts extensively on various town matters)
• Katie Phelan (Select Board Member): [Speaker 7] (Reads Pride Proclamation, asks questions, comments during SB Time, identified by name 1:56:42)
• Graham Archer (Fire Chief): [Speaker 4] (Gives Fire Dept update, referred to as Chief Archer by TA 0:10:30)
• Danielle Leonard (Select Board Member): [Speaker 11] (Asks questions of Chiefs, comments during SB Time, identified by name 1:59:28)
• Gino Cresta (DPW Director): [Speaker 5] (Gives DPW update, referred to by TA 0:09:17, referred to as Gino by TA 1:22:47)
• Ruben Quesada (Police Chief): [Speaker 1] (Gives Police Dept update, referred to as Chief Casada by TA 0:10:43, refers to self indirectly, follows FD Chief)
• Doug Thompson (Select Board Member): [Speaker 9] (Asks questions, comments during SB Time, addressed as Doug 2:00:26)
• David Grishman (Select Board Member): [Speaker 8] (Asks questions, comments during SB Time, former Chair referenced by Fletcher 0:02:29, identified by name 1:57:49)
• Margie Glasgow (Community Development/Planning Staff): [Speaker 3] (Presents HPP, identified by name 1:30:47)
• Firefighters (Unnamed, in video): [Speaker 12], [Speaker 13], [Speaker 14], [Speaker 15], [Speaker 17], [Speaker 18], [Speaker 19]
• Attendee (Unidentified): [Speaker 20] (Brief interjection during DPW whale discussion)

Section 3: Meeting Minutes

Opening: Chair Mary Ellen Fletcher opened the meeting 0:02:29, welcoming attendees and stating her commitment to efficient meetings, requesting members ask to be recognized and be mindful of time. She requested patience as she learns her new role as Chair. The Pledge of Allegiance followed.

Public Comment: 0:03:41 Chair Fletcher moved Public Comment to the beginning of the meeting. Steve Iannacona (Precinct 4) 0:04:18 expressed concern about the lack of advance notice and accessibility of the final Housing Production Plan (HPP) document scheduled for discussion later in the meeting. He noted the version he saw contained missing data and redline notes. He praised the effort put into the draft but argued more time was needed for public review. He requested better publicity for future Select Board agenda items, perhaps listing them a month in advance. No other public comment was offered 0:06:28.

Town Administrator’s Report: 0:06:40 Town Administrator (TA) Sean Fitzgerald provided updates:

• Community Power: Highlighted Swampscott’s leadership in aggregation, saving residents over $7M collectively. An update on continuing the program is expected at the next meeting.
• Heritage Festival: Thanked METCO program sponsors and attendees for the successful second annual event 0:08:08.
• Tree Initiatives: Commended advocates (Vera Castron, Anna Nishati, Richard Frankel, Jennifer Honig, Jim Olivetti, Brian Drummond, Tara Gallagher, Gino Cresta) for work on the town’s tree canopy and noted the Town Hall arboretum 0:08:48.
• Kings Beach: Reported attending a trial of disinfectant technology coordinated by Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, emphasizing careful vetting by DEP/EPA is required 0:09:33. Data will be shared with the Board.
• Fire Department Promotions: Announced the promotion of Firefighter Michael LeBlanc to Captain and Firefighter Michael Begnell to Lieutenant 0:10:16. A recognition ceremony will be scheduled.
• Elementary School Traffic Meeting: Announced a public meeting on June 11th, 6 PM at the High School (and online) to discuss emerging traffic patterns for the new school 0:10:37. Flyers and robocalls will publicize it. Discussion clarified the purpose is to hear resident concerns and share consultant findings 0:17:46.
• Alcohol Sales: Noted state law now permits mixed drinks for takeout/delivery 0:11:18.
• Glover House: Mentioned ongoing discussions with the Athanas family to preserve the historic property, emphasizing its national significance 0:11:32.
• Senior Center: Reported visiting, cooking lunch, engaging with seniors, and confirmed new dishwashers are on order 0:12:21.
• Pride Celebration: Thanked organizers (Danielle Strauss, Kate Kane, Rec Dept) and attendees, stressing the importance of acceptance and combating hate acts seen in the community 0:13:07.
• Upcoming Events: Highlighted the Harbor Festival (June 8th), Farmer’s Market (Sundays), and Juneteenth celebration (June 19th - Correction note: TA stated June 12th, but Juneteenth is the 19th) 0:16:06.

New and Old Business:

• Eagle Scout Proclamation: Chair Fletcher announced this item was postponed 0:18:38.

• Pride Month Proclamation: Select Board Member Katie Phelan read the proclamation 0:19:00, affirming Swampscott’s commitment to inclusivity and LGBTQ+ rights, acknowledging history (Stonewall, Matthew Shepard), ongoing challenges, and celebrating diversity.

• Department Head Updates: 0:22:09

  • Fire Chief Graham Archer: 0:22:43 Provided an FY24 retrospective and FY25 outlook. Key points included retirements (Capt. Snow, FF O’Neill), promotions (Lozano, LeBlanc, Bagnell), hiring of a civilian administrative assistant (Margaret Weil), hiring of new firefighters (Garcia, Thibault), installation of station sprinkler system (partially grant-funded), increased training, ongoing staffing challenges due to long-term vacancies, the aging ladder truck as a top priority, the positive transition from Civil Service (with some remaining staff wariness), and upcoming recruitment efforts (including a wellness program 0:31:06). A recruitment video produced with high school students was shown [0:33:06 - 0:41:06]. Chief Archer confirmed current staffing is 34 (incl. Chief, Deputy) when fully staffed, plus the admin assistant 0:42:36. He noted 3 current vacancies, with one candidate ready for hire in July and an exam planned to fill the others 1:05:41. No retention bonuses were offered for FD hires 1:06:02. He also announced expanded youth/teen firefighter programs 1:28:33.
  • Police Chief Ruben Quesada: 0:43:16 Gave an FY24 overview. Priorities included community engagement, traffic safety, and mental health response. Key points: Successful hiring of 7 officers (Dec ‘23) attributed partly to leaving Civil Service and hiring bonuses ($2500 new, $10k lateral) 0:44:32; ongoing traffic enforcement; secured $320k Safe Schools Grant and $28.8k Road Safety Grant; hired new admin assistant (Matthew Deulis) 0:46:31; recent hires (Pena, Cruz - laterals; Posada - academy grad; Harrell, McGee, Noble - in academy); officer anniversaries (Chandler, Cassidy) and recognition of Officer Tom Lucas’s passing 0:48:49; promotions (Sgts. Doyle, Lloyd); call statistics (approx. 8k calls YTD, 45 arrests, 1137 stops, 101 well-being checks) 0:50:32; mental health task force follow-up with clinician; public records/bodycam request volume; extensive community engagement (47 events, highlighting SRO Brian Wilson and comfort dog Sora) 0:54:18; proactive area checks by officers; Animal Control Officer Scott Constantine’s work and partnerships 0:56:34; detailed traffic safety recommendations (32 speed tables, 24 radar signs, 16 flashing beacons, Humphrey St improvements including potential crosswalk removal at slip lane) 0:58:23; high overtime costs attributed to past vacancies, expected to improve as new officers complete training 1:01:07. Chief Quesada confirmed 2 vacancies remain, prioritizing lateral hires 1:04:31. He discussed the importance of communication in the hiring process 1:06:35. In response to Member Thompson, he confirmed no current unarmed mental health response capability, but the clinician provides follow-up 1:08:47. He mentioned upcoming youth leadership program and National Night Out 1:29:52.
  • DPW Director Gino Cresta: 1:09:17 Provided an update. Key points: Current staffing of 16 field staff, office manager, clerical, plus Director, with 1 vacancy (Assistant Engineer) 1:09:41; wide range of responsibilities (water, sewer, drain, parks, highway, cemetery, forestry, facilities); accomplishments included planting 75 trees, removing 37 (after hearings), pruning 200+, $1.1M pavement project (29 streets), playground/intersection improvements, beach raking, street sweeping 1:11:01; installation of new floats at Fisherman’s Beach ($150k capital request met with $75k bid from Cavanaugh Marine) 1:12:46; tree planting progress (28 planted, waiting list reduced) 1:14:08; upcoming projects including roadway improvements near new school, middle school parking lot paving, King’s Beach seawall repairs (Phase 4 complete), Stacey Brook sewer rehab (Phase 2 investigation underway), Fisherman’s Beach sewer rehab (Phase 2 bidding soon), Atlantic Ave water main replacement (final phase), FY25 paving program ($750k) 1:15:18; coordination with National Grid on paving after gas main work (utility pays DPW for full street paving) 1:26:19; daily summer trash pickup, use of summer help. He detailed the burial of a deceased whale on Phillips Beach, coordinating with NOAA and Marino Construction, explaining the decision process and expressing confidence the burial is secure 1:21:24.
  • Concluding Remarks: Member Phelan thanked all three departments for prioritizing community engagement, noting its positive impact 1:27:41.

• Housing Production Plan (HPP): 1:30:47

  • Margie Glasgow (Community Development/Planning) presented the draft HPP. She defined HPPs and affordable housing (under 80% AMI, max 30% income on housing). Swampscott is at 4% subsidized housing inventory (SHI), needing 10% to avoid 40B overrides. Elm Place will raise SHI to approx. 5.8% 1:33:28. She reviewed demographics (slight population growth, aging trend), housing stock (53% single-family), low vacancy, high homeownership (73%), significant cost burden (40% of households, 13% spending >50% income on housing) 1:36:08, indicating a strong need for affordable rentals. Key strategies outlined: developing public property (like Mission on the Bay/Elm Place), partnering with developers, improving existing stock, building capacity/relationships, and utilizing the Affordable Housing Trust 1:39:18.
  • TA Fitzgerald noted minor technical edits are still needed before final submission to the state 1:42:23.
  • Member Grishman noted Pine St units bring SHI to 6.4%, highlighted the affordability gap (worsened by interest rates), and urged moving forward with public housing redevelopment, noting contacts with the Swampscott Housing Authority 1:42:57. TA Fitzgerald mentioned potential collaboration with another successful Housing Authority 1:44:32. Grishman asked about integrating “missing middle” housing strategies with the Humphrey Street overlay district 1:45:13; Glasgow noted the MBTA Communities zoning helps and further zoning review could be explored.
  • Member Thompson emphasized the stark demographic shift (projected near 30% over 65 by 2030) and poverty data (20% <$35k income, 700 in poverty), stressing the need for deeply subsidized housing and potentially stronger inclusionary zoning 1:48:20.
  • Member Phelan inquired about addressing zoning constraints on multi-family housing beyond ADUs and MBTA zoning, suggesting exploring options to encourage smaller-scale multi-family development 1:51:11. Glasgow agreed this is a topic for the Planning Board 1:53:02.
  • Chair Fletcher noted the late arrival of the HPP packet and public comment concerns, proposing to postpone the vote to the next meeting 1:53:52. There was consensus. Glasgow agreed to provide an updated version with edits 1:54:14.

Consent Agenda: 1:54:32 Chair Fletcher removed Item 1 (Committee Name Change) for discussion. She questioned if the committee was formed by Town Meeting; Member Thompson confirmed it was a Select Board creation 1:56:20.

• Motion: To approve the change of name for the Climate Action Plan Committee to Climate Action Resiliency Committee. Moved by Member Thompson, Seconded. Approved unanimously 1:56:31.
• Motion: To approve Consent Agenda items 2 (Hazel Hitchcock appointment to Climate Action Resiliency Committee), 3 (Minutes - assumed), and 4 (One Day Liquor Licenses - assumed). Moved by Member Grishman, Seconded. Approved unanimously 1:55:28.

Select Board Time: 1:56:35

• Member Phelan: Recognized SRO Wilson, Sora, and PE staff/volunteers for successful elementary school Field Days, noting it was the last one before the new consolidated school 1:56:42. She later suggested spotlighting new hires from PD/FD/DPW on town social media to improve community recognition 2:01:42; TA Fitzgerald agreed to follow up, suggesting ideas like community helper “baseball cards.”
• Member Grishman: Provided an update from the Water Sewer Infrastructure Advisory Committee liaison 1:57:50: preliminary results confirm outfall issues; equipment acquired for summer testing; data portal built; collaborating with Board of Health on messaging; training staff/Board members; identifying signage locations. Requested the committee present soon. Also requested adding a one-day liquor license discussion for East Regiment/Strawberry Festival to a future agenda 1:59:03.
• Member Leonard: Thanked the department heads for their work 1:59:28. Reiterated thanks for coordinating the June 11th school traffic forum, stressing its importance for neighbors. Clarified with TA Fitzgerald that the June 11th meeting is public, open to all, and will cover pedestrian safety alongside traffic 2:00:26.
• Member Thompson: No comments mentioned specifically in this section, but engaged actively earlier.
• Chair Fletcher: Thanked the Swampscott TV production crew 2:03:00. Announced the rescheduled Rabies Clinic for June 12th, 5:30-7 PM at the DPW yard. Read a request from the Disability Commission Chair regarding maintaining clear paths of travel around outdoor seating areas and asked the Building Commissioner to review enforcement 2:03:30.

Adjournment: 2:04:58 Motion to adjourn made, seconded, and approved unanimously. Member Grishman congratulated Chair Fletcher on her first meeting, noting its 2-hour duration.

Section 4: Executive Summary

This Swampscott Select Board meeting focused heavily on departmental operations, community engagement, and the critical issue of housing affordability. Key developments included:

Public Safety & DPW Updates:

• The Fire, Police, and DPW Directors provided comprehensive updates 0:22:09. A major theme was staffing challenges despite leaving Civil Service, including vacancies and overtime costs (PD 1:01:07, FD 0:27:04, DPW 1:09:41). Recruitment efforts are intensive, highlighted by a Fire Department recruitment video 0:33:06 and Police Department hiring bonuses 0:44:32.
• Community Engagement was emphasized by all departments, with numerous events and initiatives mentioned, including SRO/Comfort Dog presence 0:54:18 and department youth programs [1:28:33, 1:29:52]. Member Phelan specifically commended these efforts 1:27:41.
• Traffic Safety remains a major focus, with the Police Chief detailing numerous planned physical improvements (speed tables, beacons) and enhanced enforcement 0:58:23. The upcoming June 11th meeting on new elementary school traffic 0:10:37 aims to address resident concerns directly. Member Phelan also raised reviving the Traffic Committee 1:02:06.
• Significant Projects: DPW reported completion of new floats at Fisherman’s Beach 1:12:46, ongoing sewer/water main rehabilitation [1:16:52, 1:18:16], and the successful, albeit unusual, burial of a deceased whale 1:21:24. The Fire Chief noted the critical need to replace the aging ladder truck 0:27:28.

Housing Production Plan (HPP):

• The draft 5-year HPP was presented 1:30:47, outlining strategies to increase Swampscott’s affordable housing stock. The town currently sits at 4% (rising to 5.8% with Elm Place completion), below the 10% state threshold needed for protection against unfriendly 40B developments.
• The plan highlights Swampscott’s significant housing affordability challenge, with 40% of residents cost-burdened 1:36:08, an aging population 1:48:20, and a need for more diverse housing types, particularly affordable rentals.
• Board members discussed the data’s implications, stressing the need for action on public housing redevelopment 1:42:57, deeply subsidized units, and potentially more flexible zoning for multi-family housing 1:51:11.
• Decision: A vote to formally accept the plan was postponed to the next meeting 1:53:52 to allow more time for review, following public comment about notice 0:04:18 and the late delivery of the packet.

Community & Governance:

• The Board formally recognized June as Pride Month by reading a proclamation 0:19:00. The Town Administrator emphasized the importance of these events for safety and community building in the face of hate incidents 0:13:07.
• Updates were given on various town initiatives including Community Power aggregation savings 0:07:10, Glover House preservation efforts 0:11:32, and Kings Beach water quality investigations 0:09:33.
• The Board approved renaming the Climate Action Plan Committee to the Climate Action Resiliency Committee 1:55:40.
• New Chair Mary Ellen Fletcher presided over her first meeting, emphasizing efficiency 0:02:29.

Upcoming: Key dates include the Harbor Festival (June 8th), Elementary School Traffic Meeting (June 11th 0:10:37), Rabies Clinic (June 12th 2:03:00), and Juneteenth Celebration (June 19th).

Section 5: Analysis

This Select Board meeting provided a detailed look into the operational realities and strategic priorities of Swampscott town government, grounded strictly in the transcript content.

Departmental Performance and Challenges:

• The presentations by Chiefs Archer 0:22:43, Quesada 0:43:16, and Director Cresta 1:09:17 were thorough, showcasing departmental activity and accomplishments (e.g., grants secured, infrastructure projects like floats and paving, successful hires). However, they also frankly acknowledged significant headwinds.
• Staffing is a dominant theme: Leaving Civil Service was presented as beneficial for hiring quality candidates (FD 0:28:21, PD 0:44:32), but vacancies persist across departments, impacting operations and driving overtime costs (particularly noted by PD 1:01:07). The difficulty filling the DPW Assistant Engineer role 1:09:41 further highlights recruitment challenges. The effectiveness of bonuses (PD) versus no bonuses (FD) 1:06:02 in attracting candidates could be implicitly compared. The Fire Department’s recruitment video 0:33:06 represents a proactive, modern outreach approach.
• Infrastructure Needs: The Fire Chief’s emphasis on the aging ladder truck 0:27:28 underscores significant upcoming capital needs. DPW’s report detailed extensive ongoing work on roads, sewers, and water mains 1:15:18, reflecting continuous infrastructure demands. The successful emergency response to the whale burial 1:21:24 demonstrated effective ad-hoc problem-solving and inter-agency/contractor coordination.

Housing Policy Front and Center:

• The Housing Production Plan discussion 1:30:47 dominated the latter part of the meeting, reflecting its critical importance. The presentation effectively used data to frame Swampscott’s housing crisis (cost burden 1:36:08, low SHI percentage 1:33:28).
• Board member comments revealed a shared understanding of the problem’s urgency and complexity. Member Thompson’s focus on demographics and poverty 1:48:20, Member Grishman’s push on public housing redevelopment 1:42:57, and Member Phelan’s query on zoning flexibility 1:51:11 collectively signal a multi-pronged approach is needed.
• The decision to postpone the HPP vote 1:53:52 appears responsive to both the procedural concerns raised in public comment 0:04:18 and the need for thorough board review, demonstrating procedural diligence.

Board Dynamics and Governance:

• New Chair Fletcher established a tone of efficiency and procedural correctness 0:02:29.
• Board members demonstrated engagement through targeted questions to department heads and during the HPP discussion. There was apparent consensus on major issues like the need for traffic solutions and housing action.
• The Town Administrator’s report 0:06:40 served to highlight positive community events (Pride, Heritage Fest) alongside addressing ongoing challenges (Kings Beach, Glover House), setting a balanced administrative tone. His explicit linkage of Pride events to saving lives and combating hate 0:13:07 was a notably strong statement of values.
• The handling of the consent agenda, including pulling an item for clarification 1:55:40, showed attention to detail.

Overall Impression: The meeting transcript depicts a local government actively grappling with core service delivery challenges (staffing, infrastructure, public safety) while simultaneously tackling complex, long-term strategic issues like housing affordability and climate resilience. There’s a clear emphasis on community engagement and transparency, though the public comment on the HPP suggests room for improvement in communicating complex policy documents. The interactions suggest functional working relationships between the Board, TA, and Department Heads.