2024-09-18: Select Board

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

Swampscott Select Board Meeting Analysis: September 18, 2024

1. Agenda

  • 0:06:48 Call to Order & Moment of Silence: Honoring Don House.
  • 0:07:29 Pledge of Allegiance
  • 0:07:52 Public Comment:
    • Eric Schneider re: Pedestrian Safety (Atlantic/Humphrey) 0:08:09
    • Bill Demento re: Board of Assessors Controversy Investigation 0:09:59
  • 0:11:21 New Business:
    • 0:11:40 Proclamation: National Hispanic Heritage Month (Read by Member Thompson).
    • 0:14:06 Recognition: Fire Department Retirements (Capt. James Snow, Deputy Chief James Potts) - Presented by Chief Archer.
    • 0:20:00 Swearing-In: Fire Department Personnel (Capt. Michael LeBlanc, Lt. Michael Bagnell, Firefighter Bethany Dudley) - Remarks by Chief Archer, Oaths Administered.
    • 0:29:13 Appointment: New Town Assessor (John Paul Plouffe) - Presented by Town Administrator Fitzgerald, Remarks by Mr. Plouffe, Board Vote.
    • 0:36:34 Discussion: Auditorium Lighting Grant Opportunity ($224k National Grid incentive) - Presented by Joe Doulette (Swampscott TV) & Max Kasper(?), Discussion with Board & Town Administrator.
    • 0:55:22 Discussion & Vote: VOTES Act Early Voting Hours (National Election) - Presented by Town Clerk Jared Wilson.
    • 1:04:03 Discussion: Entertainment License Fees - Presented by Marissa Kearney (Licensing).
    • 1:17:06 Discussion & Vote: Town Election Review Committee Appointments - Discussion on process, Board Vote.
    • 1:31:11 Discussion & Vote: Cultural Council Membership Reduction (13 to 5) - Presented by Diane Correnti (Asst. TA).
    • 1:33:08 Discussion: Updated Select Board Handbook Review - Led by Members Phelan and Leon.
  • 2:49:08 Consent Agenda: Approval of Minutes (8/20, 8/29 - 9/4 pulled), One Day Liquor License mentioned (pending).
  • 2:50:46 Town Administrator’s Report: Updates on DCR meeting, Humphrey St, Hawthorne, Hotel/VFW Housing projects, Glover House, Staffing, Library, DPW, Senior Center, Elections, COVID/Flu Clinic, Swampscott Overfest, Porchfest, upcoming events, 9/11 Memorial.
  • 2:58:39 Select Board Time: Comments from Board Members (School ribbon cutting, Microforest thermal imaging, Financial Summit planning, Housing Series, Glover House urgency, Intersection safety).
  • 3:12:27 Adjournment

2. Speaking Attendees

  • Sean Fitzgerald (Town Administrator): [Speaker 1]
  • MaryEllen Fletcher (Select Board Chair): [Speaker 2]
  • Doug Thompson (Select Board Member): [Speaker 3]
  • Katie Phelan (Select Board Member): [Speaker 4]
  • Danielle Leon (Select Board Member): [Speaker 5]
  • Jared Wilson (Town Clerk): [Speaker 6] (Administers oaths 0:24:20, presents VOTES Act info 0:55:55) Note: Tag might be briefly reused for Max Kasper at 0:45:01 regarding OBR.
  • David Eppley (Select Board Member): [Speaker 7]
  • Joe Doulette (Swampscott TV / Presenter): [Speaker 8]
  • Marissa Kearney (Licensing Coordinator/Staff): [Speaker 9]
  • Graham Archer (Fire Chief): [Speaker 10]
  • John Paul Plouffe (Town Assessor Appointee): [Speaker 11]
  • Michael LeBlanc (Fire Captain): [Speaker 12] (During his swearing-in/remarks 0:26:02, 0:27:40)
  • Diane Correnti (Assistant Town Administrator / Staff): [Speaker 12] (During public comment prompt 0:09:44 and discussions on committees/handbook [1:17:26 onwards])
  • Bill Demento (Resident, Precinct 6): [Speaker 13]
  • Eric Schneider (Resident, Precinct 5): [Speaker 14]
  • Peter Spellios (Select Board Member): [Speaker 15] (Inferred based on participation pattern in board discussions, including Handbook review)
  • Amy Saul (Finance Director): [Speaker 16]
  • Bethany Dudley (New Firefighter): [Speaker 17]

3. Meeting Minutes

Call to Order & Preliminaries: Chairperson Fletcher called the meeting to order 0:06:48 and led a moment of silence for Don House, noted as a 19-year town servant. Following the Pledge of Allegiance 0:07:29, led by a Fire Department representative ([Speaker 15]), the public comment period began 0:07:52.

Public Comment:

  • Eric Schneider (Precinct 5) 0:08:09 expressed significant concern about pedestrian safety at the Atlantic-Humphrey Street intersection, citing its dangerous design features and referencing the Police Chief’s prior description of it as a “kill zone.” He noted its daily use by schoolchildren and urged the Select Board to prioritize addressing the intersection, referencing previous design options developed but not acted upon.
  • Bill Demento (Precinct 6) 0:09:59 requested the Select Board appoint an outside, impartial investigator to examine the current controversy involving Select Board Member Grishman and the Board of Assessors, referencing a prior town controversy and urging the Board not to conduct an internal investigation.

Proclamation & Recognitions:

  • Member Thompson read a proclamation designating September 15th - October 15th, 2024, as National Hispanic Heritage Month 0:11:41.
  • The Board recognized retiring Fire Department members Captain James Snow (40+ years) and Deputy Chief James Potts. Fire Chief Graham Archer offered remarks highlighting their extensive service, experience, and contributions 0:14:31. Citations were presented by Chair Fletcher 0:18:14. The departure of these members was noted by the Chief as a significant loss of experience for the department 0:17:49.
  • Chief Archer then introduced newly promoted Fire Captain Michael LeBlanc, Lieutenant Michael Bagnell, and new Firefighter Bethany Dudley 0:20:32. He praised their individual qualities and potential. The Town Clerk, Jared Wilson, administered the oaths of office 0:24:20. Captain LeBlanc expressed excitement about giving back to the community 0:27:40. Chief Archer thanked the Board for recognizing the firefighters’ achievements 0:28:37.

Appointments:

  • Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald presented John Paul Plouffe as the recommended candidate for the part-time Town Assessor position 0:29:57, highlighting his extensive appraisal and municipal assessing experience and the unanimous recommendation from the Board of Assessors. Mr. Plouffe described his background, retirement from Westford, and desire to work part-time 0:31:02. He emphasized his non-political approach focused on property valuation. Following brief questions about hours and commute, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Mr. Plouffe 0:35:50. Motion: To approve the appointment of John Paul Plouffe as Town Assessor. Moved: Fitzgerald (TA recommending), Seconded: Unidentified Board Member. Vote: Unanimous in favor 0:35:59.

Auditorium Lighting Grant:

  • Joe Doulette (Swampscott TV), accompanied by Max Kasper(?) ([Speaker 6]), presented a $224,000 grant opportunity from National Grid to cover 50% of the $453,000 cost for upgrading the high school auditorium lighting to LED 0:37:00. The key constraint identified was the requirement for project completion by December 31st, 2024, necessitating ordering parts before a potential Special Town Meeting vote. Discussion centered on the feasibility, timeline, parts availability (assured by vendor 0:40:55), and financing options, including National Grid’s On-Bill Repayment (OBR) program (0% financing over 5 years) as a potential mechanism if Town Meeting funding wasn’t immediate [0:39:37, 0:45:01]. Town Administrator Fitzgerald urged caution regarding municipal finance laws and procurement rules but acknowledged the significant financial opportunity 0:46:09. Board members expressed strong support for pursuing the grant, given the substantial savings compared to the planned FY26 capital request [0:51:18, 0:52:15]. Acknowledging the complexities, the Board indicated support for the administration to develop a viable plan. A straw poll indicated Board consensus in favor of pursuing the grant if feasible 0:54:50.

VOTES Act Early Voting Hours:

  • Town Clerk Jared Wilson presented the proposed early voting schedule for the upcoming national election 0:55:55. The plan includes two weeks of early voting, exceeding state minimums with 12-hour weekday options and Saturday hours, funded within his budget and utilizing senior tax work-off participants. He noted high expected turnout and preparedness with new equipment and sufficient poll workers. Motion: To approve the early voting hours as recommended by the Town Clerk. Moved: Fitzgerald (TA prompted), Seconded: Unidentified Board Member. Vote: Unanimous in favor 1:03:57.

Entertainment License Fees:

  • Marissa Kearney (Licensing) presented proposed changes to the entertainment license fee structure 1:04:16, moving from a flat $125 fee to a tiered system based on the type of entertainment (modeled after Cambridge). She provided comparisons with neighboring towns (mostly $100 flat fees). Board members, particularly Member Thompson 1:08:30 and TA Fitzgerald 1:08:45, questioned the need for the change, citing the minimal revenue impact ($1800-$2000) and potential nuisance for small businesses. TA Fitzgerald noted the importance of the licensing process for regulatory oversight (e.g., noise complaints) 1:12:09. After discussion, the Board decided to table the proposed fee changes for further review 1:16:14, while keeping the detailed entertainment categories on the application form for accountability.

Town Election Review Committee Appointments:

  • A significant discussion arose regarding appointments to the new Town Election Review Committee 1:17:06. The issue centered on candidates interviewed and notified under a previous process before the Board adopted a new vetting policy. Member Phelan 1:19:00 argued it would be unfair to re-vet notified candidates. Member Leon 1:18:24 expressed discomfort with the subjectivity of the previous process’s questions and criteria 1:21:27. Member Eppley advocated moving forward with the appointments to avoid further delay 1:26:11. Chair Fletcher agreed, noting the candidates had been waiting 1:27:19. The Board ultimately voted to appoint the recommended members. Motion: To accept the recommended members for the Town Election Review Committee. Moved: Unidentified Board Member, Seconded: Unidentified Board Member. Vote: Unanimous in favor 1:29:23. Diane Correnti (Asst. TA) was tasked with notifying all applicants and encouraging continued participation 1:29:40. The need for a youth member (16-17) was noted 1:30:18.

Cultural Council Membership:

  • Diane Correnti (Asst. TA) requested reducing the Cultural Council size from 13 to 5 members due to 10 current vacancies and difficulty filling the council 1:31:34. A minimum of 5 is required by statute. The Board agreed this could help achieve quorum and potentially expand later if interest grows. Motion: To reduce Cultural Council membership from 13 to 5. Moved: Chair Fletcher, Seconded: Member Thompson. Vote: Unanimous in favor 1:33:01.

Select Board Handbook Review:

  • Members Phelan and Leon led a detailed, section-by-section review of proposed updates to the Select Board Handbook 1:33:26. Significant discussion points and agreed-upon changes included:
    • Allowing the Chair to second motions (but not make them) [1:42:06 - 1:43:50].
    • Maintaining the 3-minute maximum for public comment, rejecting a proposal for explicit Chair discretion to extend time [1:44:21 - 1:51:18].
    • Revising language on public comment content, removing requests to refrain from criticism of the Board but retaining guidance against disparaging remarks towards staff/residents, pending Town Counsel review for legal compliance [1:51:42 - 1:58:38].
    • Updating the annual calendar: Moving water/sewer rate review presentation to March 1:59:24, adding charter-mandated financial forecast review in November 2:00:58, specifying quarterly financial report timing (by 15th of month after quarter closes) 2:01:17, adding Capital Improvement Committee (CIC) discussion kickoff in August 2:02:46.
    • Reorganizing the committee list by type (advisory, regulatory, elected, etc.) [2:07:24 - 2:09:14].
    • Refining the committee appointment process: Removing the 1-5 grading scale 2:21:02, clarifying that Select Board liaisons (not all members) are encouraged to interview candidates 2:21:24. Strong sentiment was expressed against committee chairs driving appointments to avoid “group think” 2:19:24.
    • Adjusting language regarding consultation with the Town Administrator on personnel matters (discipline/termination) to better align with charter provisions for appointed positions [2:23:37 - 2:29:17].
    • Clarifying liaison roles and interactions with committees/staff [2:35:49 - 2:42:17].
    • Adding language encouraging presenters (including residents requesting agenda time) to provide materials 48 hours in advance whenever feasible [2:43:00 - 2:46:00].
    • A social media policy section will be added after review of town/school policies 1:34:49.
  • The revised handbook will be reviewed again at the next meeting 2:47:50.

Consent Agenda:

  • The Board voted to approve the consent agenda, including minutes from 8/20 and 8/29. Minutes from 9/4 were pulled for further review by Member Eppley 2:49:15. A one-day liquor license request mentioned in correspondence was noted as pending required sign-offs 2:50:17. Motion: To approve the Consent Agenda excluding the 9/4 minutes. Moved: Member Thompson, Seconded: Unidentified Board Member. Vote: Unanimous in favor 2:50:41.

Town Administrator’s Report:

  • TA Fitzgerald provided updates 2:50:49 on various town activities including: meeting with DCR Commissioner Arrigo regarding Humphrey Street and potential state partnership on seawall maintenance; ongoing work on the micro forest; the new assessor appointment; progress on the boutique hotel and VFW housing projects; efforts to preserve the Glover House; firefighter candidate interviews; expanded library hours; DPW projects; Senior Center/Community Life Center task force applications; election preparations; upcoming flu clinic; successful Swampscott Overfest and Porchfest events; and upcoming car show and town-wide yard sale. He concluded by acknowledging the Fire Department’s 9/11 memorial service.

Select Board Time:

  • Member Phelan thanked the School Building Committee and attendees of the new school ribbon cutting, highlighting the value of the micro forest with new thermal imaging data supporting its environmental benefits 2:58:49.
  • Member Thompson promoted the “Swampscott for All Ages” housing series 3:06:01 and forcefully reiterated the urgent need for action to preserve the historic Glover House, expressing frustration with the lack of progress and cooperation from the landowner 3:08:03. TA Fitzgerald acknowledged the frustration but noted recent contact with the owner 3:09:03.
  • Member Leon echoed praise for the school ribbon cutting and town staff (Max Kasper), noted improved school dismissal times, but reiterated concerns about the Atlantic/Humphrey intersection safety 3:11:17.
  • Chair Fletcher thanked presenters and concluded the segment 3:12:13.

Adjournment:

  • Motion: To adjourn. Moved: Member Eppley, Seconded: Chair Fletcher. Vote: Unanimous in favor 3:12:34.

4. Executive Summary

The Swampscott Select Board meeting on September 18, 2024, covered recognitions, appointments, significant financial discussions, and detailed governance reviews.

Key Decisions & Outcomes:

  • New Town Assessor Appointed: John Paul Plouffe, bringing extensive experience from Westford, was unanimously appointed as the new part-time Town Assessor 0:35:50. He emphasized a non-political, data-driven approach 0:31:02.
  • Auditorium Lighting Grant Supported: The Board expressed strong support for pursuing a time-sensitive National Grid grant offering $224,000 (50% funding) for high school auditorium LED lighting upgrades 0:37:00. While acknowledging procurement and timing hurdles associated with the December 31 deadline, the potential savings were deemed significant, and the Town Administrator was tasked with developing a feasible plan 0:55:07. This represents a potential major cost saving for a project already planned for future capital budgets.
  • Early Voting Hours Approved: Expanded early voting hours for the upcoming national election, exceeding state requirements, were unanimously approved as proposed by Town Clerk Jared Wilson 1:03:57.
  • Election Review Committee Appointed: Despite concerns raised by Member Leon about the subjectivity of the initial vetting process 1:18:24, the Board voted to appoint members to the Town Election Review Committee, honoring notifications sent prior to a new policy adoption 1:29:23. This decision aimed to move the committee forward while committing to the new, more objective vetting process for future appointments.
  • Cultural Council Size Reduced: Citing chronic vacancies, the Board voted to reduce the Cultural Council’s membership from 13 to the statutory minimum of 5, hoping to improve functionality and quorum 1:33:01.
  • Entertainment Fee Changes Tabled: A proposal to switch from a flat $125 entertainment license fee to a tiered system was tabled after Board members questioned its necessity given the small revenue impact and potential burden on businesses 1:16:14.
  • Select Board Handbook Revised: The Board undertook an extensive review and revision of its operating handbook 1:33:26, refining procedures for motions (Chair can second), public comment (3-min limit maintained), committee appointments (liaison-focused interviews, no grading), TA consultation, and liaison roles. A social media policy addition is pending. Final approval awaits the next meeting.

Significant Discussions & Public Input:

  • Pedestrian Safety: Resident Eric Schneider highlighted ongoing dangers at the Atlantic/Humphrey intersection, referencing the Police Chief’s “kill zone” description and urging action 0:08:09. Member Leon later echoed these concerns 3:11:17, indicating this remains a critical issue for residents near the new school.
  • Board of Assessors Controversy: Resident Bill Demento publicly called for an independent, outside investigation into alleged issues involving Member Grishman and the Board of Assessors, citing past precedent 0:09:59. This signals potential underlying friction within town governance requiring attention.
  • Glover House Preservation: Member Doug Thompson passionately urged immediate action on the deteriorating historic Glover House 3:08:03, expressing significant frustration with delays and lack of cooperation from the property owner, framing it as an urgent matter with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Revolution.
  • Fire Department Transitions: Emotional recognition was given to retiring Deputy Chief James Potts and Captain James Snow (40+ years service) 0:14:06, while new promotions (Capt. LeBlanc, Lt. Bagnell) and a new firefighter (Bethany Dudley) were welcomed 0:20:00, marking a significant transition in department leadership and experience.

Town Operations: The Town Administrator reported on numerous ongoing initiatives 2:50:49, including efforts related to Humphrey Street revitalization, potential DCR partnership on seawall maintenance, the pursuit of a boutique hotel, VFW housing project development, library services expansion, and successful community events like Swampscott Overfest and Porchfest.

5. Analysis

This Select Board meeting showcased a mix of routine governance, significant financial opportunity assessment, and pointed debate on procedural fairness and town priorities, all grounded in the transcript evidence.

Dynamics and Effectiveness:

  • Public Input Impact: Public comments effectively placed resident concerns on the Board’s radar. Eric Schneider’s specific safety concerns regarding Atlantic/Humphrey 0:08:09, echoed later by Member Leon 3:11:17, underscored the persistence of this issue despite the new school opening. Bill Demento’s call for an independent investigation 0:09:59 publicly surfaced a sensitive issue, putting pressure on the Board regarding transparency and process, referencing past events to strengthen his case.
  • Financial Prudence vs. Opportunity: The auditorium lighting grant discussion 0:37:00 highlighted a key dynamic: the administration’s (Fitzgerald 0:46:09) caution regarding rules and procurement balanced against the Board’s and presenters’ (Doulette 0:37:00) enthusiasm for a substantial, time-limited financial opportunity ($224k savings). The Board’s supportive “straw poll” 0:54:50 signaled a willingness to navigate complexity for significant gain, placing the onus on the administration to find a compliant path quickly.
  • Process vs. Pragmatism (Committee Appointments): The debate over the Election Review Committee appointments 1:17:06 revealed tension between implementing a newly adopted, more objective vetting process (advocated implicitly by Leon’s critique 1:21:27) and honoring commitments made to candidates under the old system (argued by Phelan 1:19:00 and Eppley 1:26:11). The decision to appoint the members suggests pragmatism and perhaps fairness to the notified individuals won out over strict adherence to the nascent policy in this instance, though the Board committed to the new standard moving forward. Member Leon’s critique of the prior subjective criteria (“mix of gender,” “political viewpoints,” “push an agenda”) was notably direct and specific.
  • Governing the Governors (Handbook Review): The extensive handbook review 1:33:26 demonstrated the Board’s focus on defining its own operating procedures. The consensus to allow the Chair to second motions 1:43:50 addressed a potential procedural bottleneck identified in past experience 1:39:44. The rejection of adding explicit Chair discretion to extend public comment time 1:51:18 suggested a preference for maintaining clear, consistent limits for citizen input. Discussions around public comment content restrictions reflected awareness of legal limitations (First Amendment) while still attempting to set standards for decorum and staff protection 1:53:12. The refinement of the committee appointment process, specifically removing grading 2:21:02 and clarifying liaison interview roles 2:21:24, alongside Member Fletcher’s strong stance against committee chairs pre-selecting candidates 2:19:24, indicates a move towards a more structured, Select Board-driven, and potentially less insular appointment system.
  • Tone and Urgency: While much of the meeting involved standard procedure, Member Thompson’s comments on the Glover House 3:08:03 stood out for their passionate and frustrated tone (“rotting away,” “done being kind of hopeful and patient,” “time for us to move”). This conveyed a sense of extreme urgency and dwindling patience with the current situation regarding a key historical asset, directly challenging the status quo and potentially signaling a shift towards more assertive town action.

Overall Impression: The transcript suggests a Select Board actively engaged in both the ceremonial and substantive aspects of town governance. They appear willing to grapple with complex financial opportunities, sensitive procedural debates, and resident concerns, while also meticulously refining their own operational rules and expressing clear frustration when progress stalls on key priorities like the Glover House. The interaction between the Board and Town Administrator Fitzgerald appeared generally collaborative, with Fitzgerald often providing context or caution while the Board debated policy direction.