Swampscott Select Board Meeting Review: August 6, 2024

Section 1: Agenda

Based on the transcript, the likely agenda for the Swampscott Select Board meeting on August 6, 2024, was as follows:

Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance 0:04
Recognition of Former Select Board Member Donald Haas 1:11
- Remarks by David Grishman
- Presentation of Town Citation
- Remarks by Dan Dill
- Presentation of State Citations
- Remarks by Don Haas
Public Comment 21:10
- Rachel Teradash (Big Blue Bargains) 22:02
- Jackson Schultz (Harbor Waterfront Advisory Committee) 23:08
- (Intended Separate Item / Folded into Extended Public Comment): Fisherman’s Alliance Presentation [24:43 / 26:23]
  - Neil Rossman 26:23
  - Brian Watson 35:22
  - Mike Gumballi 38:54
- Select Board Discussion/Reaction to Fisherman’s Alliance Comments 43:41
Discussion and Possible Vote to Sign the Warrant for the State Primary Election 55:09
Discussion and Possible Vote to Approve Legislative Language Related to the Town’s Home Rule Petition (Tedesco Golf Club Taxation) 55:22
Financial Update Preview 59:41
Discussion and Possible Vote on Traffic Patterns in the Neighborhood of Reddington Street 1:15:10
Discussion and Possible Vote on Appointment Process for Boards and Committees 1:23:23
Consent Agenda 1:27:34
- Approval of Minutes (July 23, 2024; June 29, 2024 initially listed, then removed)
- Approval of Road Race/Walk Permits
- Discussion and Possible Vote for Reappointment of Committee Members (Item subsequently pulled for separate discussion)
Discussion and Possible Vote for Reappointment/Appointment of Committee Members (Pulled from Consent) [1:28:15 / 1:30:21]
- Conservation Commission 1:37:28
- Constables, Earth Removal Committee, Tree Committee, War Memorial Scholarship Committee 1:41:11
Town Administrator’s Report (Not explicitly on agenda based on discussion, but usually standard) 1:41:33
Select Board Time / New Business 1:41:01
Executive Session (Mentioned as reason for tight agenda 24:00, but transition not in transcript)
Adjournment 1:50:35

Section 2: Speaking Attendees

Mary Ellen Fletcher (Select Board Chair): [Speaker 2]
Sean R. Cronin (Town Administrator): [Speaker 1]
Doug Thompson (Select Board Member): [Speaker 3]
David Grishman (Select Board Member): [Speaker 4]
Don Haas (Former Select Board Member/Honoree): [Speaker 9]
Dan Dill (Resident / Friend of Don Haas): [Speaker 7]
Board Member (Peter Spellios - inferred by elimination, often silent or brief interjections): [Speaker 17]
Katie Phelan (Select Board Member): [Speaker 5]
Rachel Teradash (Big Blue Bargains Board Member): [Speaker 16]
Jackson Schultz (Chair, Harbor Waterfront Advisory Committee): [Speaker 15]
Neil Rossman (Fisherman’s Alliance Representative): [Speaker 6]
Brian Watson (Resident): [Speaker 12]
Mike Gumballi (Commercial Fisherman): [Speaker 8] (Also made motion to adjourn)
Danielle Oretzky (Town Staff/Official - inferred from context & end credits): [Speaker 10]
Police Officer Reen: [Speaker 11]
Police Officer Wilson: [Speaker 14]
Tony Berendowitz (Chair, Conservation Commission): [Speaker 13]

Section 3: Meeting Minutes

Call to Order & Pledge: Chair Mary Ellen Fletcher called the special meeting to order on August 6, 2024. Member Doug Thompson led the Pledge of Allegiance 0:04. Member Thompson noted the meeting was being recorded 0:25.

Recognition of Don Haas: 1:11 The Board recognized former Select Board member Donald Haas for his service. Member David Grishman offered personal remarks, highlighting Haas’s mentorship, perseverance through health challenges, and nearly 20 years of service on the ZBA and Select Board 1:19. Grishman presented Haas with a Town Citation detailing his contributions, including support for financial stability, the new elementary school, achieving a AAA bond rating, veterans housing, and open space acquisitions 9:00. Dan Dill spoke as a longtime friend, sharing personal anecdotes and presenting citations from the State Senate and House of Representatives recognizing Haas’s service 10:53. Don Haas accepted the honors graciously, speaking about the privilege of public service, the gift of time during his health battle, his commitment to community, and seeing the town come together 5:11. Several photo opportunities followed with Haas, his family, and current and former colleagues. The recognition segment was warm and personal.

Public Comment: 21:10

Rachel Teradash, representing Big Blue Bargains, reiterated the group’s need for a physical space to operate their community thrift initiative, noting recent successful fundraising efforts 22:02.
Jackson Schultz, Chair of the Harbor Waterfront Advisory Committee (HWAC), announced a public meeting on August 8th at the Senior Center to update the community on the pier project, featuring the project engineer and seeking public feedback 23:08.

Fisherman’s Alliance Presentation & Pier Discussion: 24:43 An agenda item listed only as “Fisherman’s Alliance” prompted Member Grishman to raise an Open Meeting Law concern regarding lack of specificity 24:43. Chair Fletcher pivoted, deciding to allow the Fisherman’s Alliance members to speak under an extended public comment period, during which Board members could ask questions 26:07. This decision drew procedural objections from Members Thompson and Grishman, who argued against deviating from standard public comment rules (time limits, no back-and-forth) [31:08, 31:23]. Chair Fletcher asserted flexibility, allowing the speakers to proceed 31:42, leading to a pointed procedural debate interwoven with the substantive discussion.

Neil Rossman, speaking for the Fisherman’s Alliance, presented historical context and stated the commercial fishermen’s opposition to the proposed new pier project 26:23. He argued that while the town could choose to build a $20 million pier, it should not be presented as beneficial to or desired by the fishermen, as they believe it is not.
Resident Brian Watson supported the fishermen’s position, highlighting the proposed pier’s significantly increased height (9 feet higher than the existing pier) as impractical for fishing and raising broader concerns about coastal resilience and the project’s justification 35:22. Chair Fletcher encouraged him to attend the August 8th HWAC meeting.
Commercial fisherman Mike Gumballi delivered an impassioned plea, stating the existing pier works for their operations due to its height and that the proposed taller pier would effectively end commercial fishing in Swampscott 38:54. He questioned the need for the pier for recreational boating, asserted the fishermen’s willingness to fund repairs for the current pier 42:14, and invited Board members to observe their operations.

Select Board Reaction to Pier Discussion: 43:41 Following the fishermen’s comments, a tense discussion occurred among Board members. Member Phelan called for better communication, suggesting a summit involving all stakeholders (HWAC, fishermen, Conservation Commission, Resiliency Committee) to find a fruitful path forward, while observing the current conversation felt disrespectful 44:06. Danielle Oretzky emphasized hearing all voices, apologizing for any perceived disrespect from the Board, and stressed the need for collaboration 46:09. Member Thompson strongly criticized the process of allowing a one-sided presentation under irregular rules, arguing it distorted the issue and set a bad precedent 48:21. Member Grishman reiterated his OML and procedural concerns, suggesting the HWAC and fishermen should meet directly rather than airing the dispute at a Select Board meeting 52:32. Chair Fletcher defended allowing the fishermen to speak, addressed the OML email constraints raised by Grishman, and pointed towards the August 8th meeting for further dialogue [51:06, 53:54]. Member Phelan later clarified that much of the Board’s internal debate seemed related to process rather than the pier itself 54:30.

State Primary Warrant: The Board voted unanimously to sign the warrant for the upcoming state primary election. (Motion: Grishman, Second: Thompson, Approved 5-0) 55:10.

Home Rule Petition Language (Tedesco Tax): 55:22 Town Administrator (TA) Sean Cronin presented revised legislative language required for the Town’s Home Rule Petition, previously approved by Town Meeting, which seeks an exemption from MGL Ch. 61B to allow for more equitable property taxation of the Tedesco Country Club’s recreational land 55:32. Member Thompson asked for clarification 57:32, which TA Cronin provided, explaining the current law grants a significant tax discount under 61B and outlining the rationale for seeking equity. Chair Fletcher noted the language was needed to complete the submission to the legislature 59:16. The Board voted unanimously to approve the language. (Motion: Grishman, Second: Phelan, Approved 5-0) 57:19.

Financial Update Preview: 59:41 TA Cronin previewed plans for an annual financial update summit, likely in mid-September 1:04:40. He outlined the goals: review Swampscott’s financial position, compare spending metrics (education, public safety, etc.) with comparable communities, analyze trends, and facilitate discussion on the Town’s 2%+new growth financial policy 59:46. He noted the data gathering process and the importance of presenting information contextually. Discussion followed regarding venue (neutral location preferred 1:05:34), ensuring collaboration and buy-in from the schools 1:07:29, and the value of using a neutral, external facilitator like the Collins Center (suggested by Member Thompson 1:10:26, supported by Member Phelan 1:12:19) to ensure objectivity. There was Board consensus to have TA Cronin explore using the Collins Center 1:14:24.

Reddington Street Traffic Pattern: 1:15:10 TA Cronin, accompanied by Police Officers Wilson and Reen, presented a recommendation from town staff (Police, DPW) to revert the traffic pattern in the neighborhood of Reddington Street back to two-way traffic 1:15:38. Officers Wilson and Reen elaborated on the rationale, including addressing difficulties with the current bump-out location, improving crosswalk safety (potentially adding a no-turn-on-red), updating signage/parking rules, and noting minimal impact on traffic flow south of King Street [1:16:25, 1:17:04]. They also confirmed the plan includes reverting Upper Rockland Street to its prior two-way flow 1:19:49. Member Phelan raised the need for clear communication about the change 1:18:20. Discussion touched on pedestrian safety enhancements (RFBs) especially with future development 1:20:42. TA Cronin indicated a detailed implementation schedule and necessary signage votes would come back to the Board 1:20:03. The Board voted unanimously to approve reverting the traffic patterns in the neighborhood of Reddington Street to two-way. (Motion: Phelan, Second: Grishman, Approved 5-0) [1:21:56, amended 1:22:35].

Board/Committee Appointment Process: 1:23:23 The Board discussed and finalized a previously reviewed policy for board and committee appointments. Key refinements included explicitly requiring liaisons to consult with relevant professional staff (e.g., DPW Director for relevant committees), not just having the option 1:25:13, and confirming the previously agreed reduction of the vacancy posting period to 15 days 1:23:30. The Board voted unanimously to adopt the revised appointment process policy. (Motion: Fletcher (implied), Second: Thompson, Approved 5-0) 1:26:50. It was agreed the process would be posted on the town website 1:27:08.

Consent Agenda & Committee Reappointments: 1:27:34 The June 29 minutes were removed from the consent agenda 1:29:01. Member Thompson requested that the entire item on committee reappointments be pulled for separate discussion 1:28:15. The remaining consent items (July 23 minutes, road race/walk permits) were approved unanimously. (Motion: Grishman, Second: Phelan, Approved 5-0) 1:29:16.

A discussion followed on the pulled reappointments 1:30:21. Member Thompson questioned why only some committees were listed for reappointment. Chair Fletcher explained those listed (Constables, Earth Removal, War Memorial, Tree - per Phelan’s check 1:31:06) had incumbents seeking reappointment with no other applicants, or the review process for applicants was complete (Conservation, Tree). Committees not listed had multiple applicants requiring review under the new process. A discussion occurred regarding balancing incumbent service with opportunities for new applicants 1:33:23. Member Thompson voiced concern about volunteers feeling left in limbo 1:34:28. The Board agreed liaisons would expedite the review process for the remaining committees with applicants over the next week, aiming to vote on them at the next meeting 1:35:18.

Conservation Commission: Chair Tony Berendowitz presented recommendations: reappointment for Randall, appointment of Sam as a voting member, and appointment of Jonathan Gombrowski as a non-voting alternate 1:38:06. He stressed the importance of experience and quorum for the commission’s state-mandated work. The Board voted unanimously to approve these appointments. (Motion: Phelan, Second: Thompson, Approved 5-0) 1:40:45.
Other Committees: The Board then voted unanimously to approve the reappointments for the Constables, Earth Removal Committee, Tree Committee, and War Memorial Scholarship Committee. (Motion: Fletcher (implied), Second: Thompson, Approved 5-0) 1:41:11.

Select Board Time: 1:41:01

Member Thompson noted the Town Administrator’s report was absent from the agenda for the third consecutive meeting 1:41:33. Chair Fletcher cited time constraints due to the planned executive session and suggested the report could be posted online 1:42:26.
Member Thompson requested the Select Board Handbook be placed on the next agenda for discussion and resolution, citing the need for all members to operate under agreed-upon rules 1:42:45. Chair Fletcher agreed, anticipating it might require discussion over two meetings 1:43:21.
Member Thompson again raised the need for space for Big Blue Bargains 1:44:16. Chair Fletcher recalled prior conversations with the Superintendent about school space 1:44:46; Member Phelan noted non-school space might be easier logistically for volunteers 1:45:16. Member Grishman reported recent talks with TA Cronin about potentially using the modular classrooms at the former Clark School 1:45:39.
Member Grishman brought up the recent resignation of the Director of Assessment, Cheryl Michella, noting this was the third assessor in two years 1:46:45. He strongly recommended hiring a consultant to evaluate the assessing function and property valuations thoroughly. TA Cronin agreed to research this, referencing a similar study from 4-5 years prior 1:48:02.
Member Phelan concluded with a plea for mutual respect among board members and towards the public, referencing the earlier tensions and honoring the example of service set by Don Haas 1:48:40.

Adjournment: The Board voted unanimously to adjourn the public meeting. (Motion: Gumballi, Second: Thompson, Approved 5-0) 1:50:35.

Section 4: Executive Summary

This summary highlights the key decisions and discussions from the Swampscott Select Board meeting on August 6, 2024, for residents and Town Meeting members.

Tribute to Don Haas: The meeting began with a heartfelt recognition of former Select Board member Don Haas for his nearly two decades of service on the ZBA and Select Board 1:11. Tributes from Board Member David Grishman and resident Dan Dill highlighted his dedication, mentorship, and perseverance. Haas received citations from the Town, State Senate, and State House [9:00, 10:53]. Insight: This recognized a long-serving volunteer leader and reminded attendees of the commitment involved in town service.

Major Controversy: Proposed Fishing Pier Project: A significant portion of the meeting involved heated discussion about the proposed new fishing pier. Representatives from the Fisherman’s Alliance (Neil Rossman, Mike Gumballi) and resident Brian Watson spoke forcefully against the project [26:23, 35:22, 38:54]. They argued the proposed $20 million pier, particularly its planned 9-foot height increase, would be detrimental and unusable for commercial fishing operations, potentially ending the town’s fishing heritage. They questioned the project’s necessity and cost, suggesting funds could instead repair the existing, functional pier 42:14. The discussion was marked by procedural disputes among Select Board members regarding agenda specifics and public comment rules [24:43, 31:08]. Board members expressed differing views, with some criticizing the process (Thompson 48:21, Grishman 52:32) and others calling for better collaboration and ensuring all voices are heard (Phelan 44:06, Oretzky 46:09). Insight: This is a major conflict impacting the future of the waterfront, pitting historical use and livelihood against potential new infrastructure. The deep divisions among fishermen and potentially other stakeholders, along with procedural friction on the Select Board itself, signal a challenging path forward. Residents are encouraged to attend the Harbor Waterfront Advisory Committee’s public meeting on August 8th for more details 23:08.

Town Finances and Governance:

Tedesco Tax Equity: The Board approved specific legislative language for the Town’s Home Rule Petition 55:22. This advances Swampscott’s effort, previously approved by Town Meeting, to achieve more equitable property taxation for the Tedesco Country Club land. Insight: This aims to increase tax revenue by treating the golf course land more like other properties, a long-term goal for the town.
Financial Summit Planned: The Town Administrator announced plans for a comprehensive financial summit in mid-September 59:46. This meeting will review town spending, compare Swampscott to peer communities, and discuss the crucial 2%+new growth budget policy. The Board agreed to engage a neutral outside facilitator (like the Collins Center) to ensure objective analysis 1:11:20. Insight: This summit will be vital for understanding Swampscott’s financial health and setting direction for future budgets, especially after recent debates over spending levels.
Appointment Process Formalized: A revised policy for appointing residents to town boards and committees was adopted 1:26:50, aiming for clarity and consistency, including required consultation with town staff for technical committees. Reappointments for several committees were approved [1:40:45, 1:41:11], with others pending review under the new process for the next meeting. Insight: This standardizes how volunteers are selected, potentially improving transparency but also navigating the balance between retaining experienced members and welcoming new ones.

Operational Decisions:

Reddington St Traffic Reverted: Following recommendations from Police and DPW, the Board voted to return Reddington Street and adjacent streets (like Upper Rockland) to their previous two-way traffic patterns 1:21:56. Implementation details and signage changes will follow. Insight: This reverses a relatively recent traffic change, likely based on observed operational issues and safety considerations.

Community & Staffing Notes:

Big Blue Bargains Space: The community thrift group Big Blue Bargains continues to seek a physical location 22:02. Discussions are ongoing regarding potential use of modular classrooms at the former Clark School 1:45:39.
Assessor Resignation: The Director of Assessment has resigned, the third in two years 1:46:45. Citing this turnover, the Board supported exploring hiring a consultant to review the town’s entire assessment function. Insight: Stability and effectiveness in the Assessor’s office are critical for fair taxation; this signals a potential need for systemic review.
Call for Respect: The meeting concluded with a plea from Member Phelan for increased mutual respect among Board members and towards the public, following some tense exchanges earlier in the meeting 1:48:40.

Section 5: Analysis

This analysis reflects on the dynamics and effectiveness of arguments presented during the August 6, 2024, Swampscott Select Board meeting, based solely on the provided transcript.

Pier Discussion: Substance vs. Process Conflict: The extended debate surrounding the Fisherman’s Alliance presentation [24:43 onwards] was the meeting’s most dynamic and revealing segment. The fishermen (Rossman 26:23, Gumballi 38:54) presented a compelling, albeit one-sided, case rooted in heritage, practicality, and economic survival. Their arguments against the proposed pier’s height 35:22 and cost, coupled with the offer to fund repairs for the existing pier 42:14, were direct and impactful. However, the context of their presentation was immediately fraught with procedural conflict. Members Grishman [24:43, 52:32] and Thompson’s [31:08, 48:21] focus on Open Meeting Law compliance and adherence to standard procedure appeared, from the transcript, to dominate the Board’s initial reaction more than the substance of the fishermen’s claims. Chair Fletcher’s decision to override these procedural objections [31:42, 51:06] effectively gave the fishermen the floor they sought but simultaneously fueled internal Board friction and created an atmosphere where process arguments seemed to compete with, rather than facilitate, substantive discussion. While the fishermen achieved their goal of being heard directly, the procedural battle likely distracted from potential points of common ground or detailed questioning about their specific concerns by the Board at that moment. Member Phelan’s intervention [44:06, 54:30] correctly identified the bifurcated nature of the conflict—part pier substance, part Board process—highlighting a significant communication breakdown.

Board Dynamics and Governance: The pier debate exposed apparent fault lines within the Select Board regarding meeting management philosophy – adherence to rules versus situational flexibility. This tension resurfaced implicitly in the discussion about the skipped Town Administrator reports 1:41:33 and the need to formally request a review of the unsigned Select Board Handbook 1:42:45, suggesting potential ongoing disagreements about operational norms and priorities. The unanimous agreement to use an external facilitator (Collins Center) for the upcoming Financial Summit [1:11:20, 1:14:24] stands out as a potentially effective strategy to depoliticize a critical policy discussion, possibly reflecting an awareness of internal divisions or the contentious nature of past budget debates referenced by TA Cronin 1:00:03. The adoption of the formal Appointment Process 1:26:50 shows movement towards standardized governance, though the subsequent discussion about reappointments 1:30:21 hinted at the inherent tension in balancing continuity with openness to new volunteers – a common challenge effectively articulated by Member Thompson’s concern about limbo 1:34:53. Member Grishman’s direct raising of the Assessor’s resignation and call for a consultant 1:46:45 demonstrated proactive engagement on a potentially serious operational issue, bypassing the skipped TA report to ensure Board awareness.

Effectiveness of Arguments & Actions:

The Fisherman’s Alliance effectively conveyed their strong opposition and the stakes involved, likely mobilizing support among those prioritizing heritage and existing community fabric. The procedural framing, however, may have limited immediate constructive engagement from some Board members during the meeting itself.
Members Grishman and Thompson’s procedural arguments, while potentially legally sound regarding OML/agenda specificity, appeared less effective in fostering immediate dialogue on the fishermen’s substantive points in that moment. Their stance prioritized procedural integrity over flexible accommodation in this instance.
Chair Fletcher’s actions prioritized providing a platform for the fishermen over strict adherence to contested procedural points, demonstrating responsiveness to the group’s request but contributing to visible Board friction.
TA Cronin’s presentations on the Home Rule Petition 55:32, Financial Summit 59:46, and Reddington St 1:15:38 were informative and action-oriented. His agreement to explore the Collins Center 1:11:20 showed responsiveness to Board input.
Member Phelan’s consistent calls for collaboration 44:06 and respect 1:48:40, and her attempts to distinguish substance from process 54:30, positioned her as attempting to mediate or reframe the conflicts.