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Proclamations and Opening Remarks (Link: 00:00:00 – 00:38:00)
Chair Katie Phelan opened the Wednesday, September 3rd select board regular session, noting that the meeting was being recorded. She led the pledge of allegiance and apologized for the late start, explaining that while the agenda had been updated from 6:30 to 7:00 PM, they were beginning after 7:30 PM due to an executive session that had run long.
Phelan announced that the first order of business would be reading proclamations for National Suicide Prevention Month and National Senior Center Month. She read the first proclamation herself and asked for a volunteer to read the second, with David Grishman volunteering to read it.
Phelan read the National Suicide Prevention Month proclamation, which recognized September as Suicide Prevention and Action Month globally. The proclamation highlighted statistics including that suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10 to 34, with more than 48,000 annual deaths by suicide in the United States and 626 Massachusetts residents dying by suicide in 2023. It noted that every suicide directly impacts at least 100 additional people and expressed the town’s support for mental health professionals, educators, and law enforcement. The proclamation officially declared September 2025 as National Suicide Prevention and Action Month in Swampscott.
Grishman then read the National Senior Center Month proclamation, explaining that this observance has been celebrated every September since 2007 as recognized by the National Council on Aging and National Institute of Senior Centers. The proclamation traced the history from National Senior Center Week, first celebrated in May 1979, through President Ronald Reagan’s 1985 presidential proclamation, to the expansion to a full month in 2007. It highlighted that Swampscott appointed a full-time senior center director in 2021, doubled the center’s budget, and noted that the town is working toward creating a state-of-the-art intergenerational community center. The proclamation officially declared September as National Senior Center Month in Swampscott.
Town Administrator Report (Link: 00:38:00 – 01:02:00)
Chair Katie Phelan thanked both proclamations as worthy causes and acknowledged town staff including Heidi and the Senior Center staff, law enforcement, school staff, and the Health Department for their work related to both proclamations. Interim Town Administrator Gino A. Cresta Jr. then provided an abbreviated version of his report, noting the full version was posted online.
Cresta reported on several departmental updates. He highlighted that Officer Kevin Reen was formally commended by Chief Cassada for life-saving actions on August 23rd at Phillips Beach, where Reen rescued a distressed swimmer using his paddle board while off duty. The rescue also involved members of the Swampscott Police Department, Fire Department, Harbor Master, Oak Port Ambulance, and Phillips Beach lifeguards.
For Community Development, Cresta reported that the Delamar project has received both state and federal approvals for Part One of its Historic Tax Credit Application. The next step is officially designating the building as a Certified Historic Structure. The Delamar team is updating schematic plans to share publicly at the September 17th select board meeting.
The Hawthorne Reuse Committee held its first public forum on August 20th with approximately 75 residents attending. A second public forum is scheduled for September 18th. Residents can provide input through an online survey or paper questionnaires available at Town Hall or the Swampscott Public Library. Pine Street submitted a comprehensive permit application scheduled for ZBA review on September 16th, with the town requesting technical assistance from the Massachusetts Housing Partnership.
Other departmental updates included the Building Department issuing 116 permits and receiving close to $30,000 in revenue in August. The Library is discussing a possible repair cafe with the Solid Waste Advisory Committee and has filled two of three open positions, with interviews ongoing for Head of Technical Services. The Health Department completed its last beach sampling collection of the season on August 27th. The Senior Center hired Theo Corangelo as Chief Cook and has taken possession of a new electric van.
Recreation Department updates included the final summer movie night featuring Beetlejuice on October 2nd, SwampToberFest scheduled for Saturday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on the Town Hall lawn, the Town Wide Yard Sale and Portsfest on September 20th, and the annual Swampscott Classic Car Show on October 12th.
Human Resources is conducting interviews for multiple positions including Town Accountant, Assistant Town Accountant, three Firefighters, Library Head of Technical Services, and Land Use and Development Planner. The Police Department will hold oral boards on September 22nd for eight potential candidates. Officer Wilson and SORA were recognized by the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association for their SRO success story. The Police Department is conducting mandatory department-wide active shooting training through September 4th at the former Hadley Elementary School.
Fire Department Chief Archer interviewed eight applicants for three current vacancies. Public Works continues with Phase 2A of the Stacy Brook Sewer System Improvement Projects, with National Water Main Cleaning Company and subcontractor N. Grace and Sons replacing compromised sewer mains. DPW staff remain busy with crosswalk painting, athletic field lining, sidewalk replacement, beach raking, and tree pruning. The three-month UV pilot program concluded on August 18th, with consultant Klinefelder preparing a full report for presentation by the end of September.
Cresta provided an extensive update on the Republic Services trash strike, now entering its 10th week. The strike affects 14 communities across Eastern Massachusetts. Six communities filed a joint complaint asking a judge to intervene, but Essex Superior Court Judge Kathleen McCarthy denied the motion. Governor Maura Healey wrote to Republic Services demanding they return to negotiations and expressed continued frustration when no settlement was reached after meetings with federal mediators. Republic Teamsters voted down the company’s latest offer by more than 84 percent.
Cresta explained that the 14 affected communities meet regularly and believe reaching out to another company now would result in unfavorable pricing. Phelan noted that Swampscott’s current contract is favorable because they are at the tail end of it, paying $1.1 million annually for services plus $108 per ton for trash disposal and $85 per ton for recycling. Any new contract would likely result in increased costs.
Board members asked about crosswalk requests, with Cresta directing residents to contact his office, noting that crosswalks require ADA-compliant ramps on both sides, not just painted lines. Regarding recycling pickup, Cresta mentioned that Republic offered two trucks for a Saturday recycling pickup, but he declined because it would create a “political nightmare” with incomplete coverage. Board members suggested exploring partial recycling pickup options with proper communication.
Phelan explained the difference between communities with transfer stations versus those without, noting that Swampscott must travel to North Andover for disposal, limiting the number of routes possible compared to communities like Marblehead with closer transfer stations. Cresta noted that some residents are no longer recycling and putting everything in trash, which is environmentally disappointing.
Board members asked several follow-up questions. Leonard inquired about maintenance plans for the former Hadley Elementary School, with Cresta agreeing to have DPW clean up overgrown areas. Regarding the playground equipment at Hadley, Mary Ellen Fletcher reported they are working with the Conservation Commission to relocate equipment to Linscott Park, which currently only has a swing set. Leonard suggested this information should be communicated publicly, especially in relation to Hawthorne reuse discussions.
Leonard asked about building permit revenue compared to before hiring Building Commissioner Rich Baldacci, with Cresta agreeing to research historical figures. She suspected the $30,000 monthly revenue represented an increase due to Baldacci’s enforcement efforts. Regarding the full-time assessor position, Cresta reported it has been advertised for two weeks at $80,000 salary with no responses yet.
Phelan requested a status update on all vacant town positions, including when they were posted and current results. Cresta noted that Diane Fallen in the Building Department is retiring, with her last day being the next day, creating another vacancy. Thompson asked about examining efficiencies before filling the position, with Cresta noting they would need to work with the union since it’s a union position.
Leonard asked about the athletic field turf at Blocksage, with Cresta reporting that a company would repair torn seams on Friday, add coconut husk, and perform compaction testing.
Public Comment (Link: 01:02:00 – 01:04:00)
Chair Katie Phelan opened the public comment period, stating that comments would be limited to three minutes and asking speakers to state their name and address. She called on Rachel Tardash, who was participating online.
Rachel Tardash of 71 Middlesex Avenue provided comments wearing two different hats. As a Big Blue Bargains board member, she thanked everyone who attended the concert the previous Wednesday, noting they had a great turnout. She announced they were collecting new, unused underwear in packages from size 4T to adult during the month of September, which would be distributed to school nurse offices.
As a private citizen, Tardash thanked Cresta and the DPW staff for their responsiveness. She had sent an email on Thursday about crosswalks on Middlesex Avenue that had been paved over, and by Tuesday the crosswalks were repainted. She also mentioned that she and her neighbor had discussed the problem of people driving down Legere Way, which is sometimes listed on GPS as a real street. When they saw someone drive through that evening, her neighbor mentioned it to a DPW crew that was doing paving work, and the crew immediately put the chain back up with padlocks, fixing the problem before Tardash could even report it officially.
Phelan thanked Tardash and the DPW for their work. Seeing no additional public comment, Phelan moved on to new and old business. She announced that the first item regarding discussion, possible vote and appointment of a new Town Administrator was being tabled due to ongoing negotiations. The meeting then moved to the second item, which was the second reading, discussion and possible vote on the social equity policy. Phelan noted this was actually probably the third reading of the policy and thanked everyone for returning for the conversation, mentioning that Marzi was present and promising the discussion would go more smoothly than the previous time.
Social Equity Policy Discussion and Vote (Link: 01:04:00 – 01:13:00)
A speaker identified as Marzi began the discussion of the social equity plan and host community agreement policy, which is required by the Cannabis Control Commission. Marzi explained that the board should have received a copy of the policy that had been reviewed by KP Law attorney Nicole Costanza, who provided guidance based on model policies approved by the CCC throughout the commonwealth. The policy includes scoring criteria, and Marzi noted that one discussion point from the previous meeting was about waiving or reducing fees for equity parties, which is item number five on page three of the policy.
Chair Katie Phelan noted that some sections required the board to make decisions on standard language provided by KP Law, such as agreeing on specific persons or amounts. She suggested going through the policy line by line or determining if the board agreed with the proposed standards. Regarding the comment about considering waiving or reducing fees for equity parties, Phelan asked if they could affirmatively state they would waive the fee rather than just consider it. Marzi confirmed this was possible.
Vice Chair Douglas Thompson asked what the fee amount was, and Marzi explained that the board would vote on what the fee would be, or they could strike the entire section. Thompson noted they had discussed striking it at the previous meeting, though Phelan clarified they had not voted on anything yet. The options were either striking the section entirely or stating they would waive fees for equity parties.
A board member asked Marzi to explain the give and take of having a social equity partner and why they would waive fees. Marzi explained that by hosting a social equity company or retailer, the town receives an additional 1% of gross revenues on top of the standard 3% they receive from regular cannabis retailers. This means social equity retailers provide the town with a total of 4% of revenue from sales proceeds. The retailer pays fees to the state, which then sends funding to the town through the Department of Revenue.
Marzi further explained that municipalities can charge application fees when entities apply for licenses, similar to other licenses. The policy would be posted on the town website as required, providing a clear process and scoring criteria for potential applicants. Although town meeting voted to limit the number of operators in Swampscott to two, state regulations require having a visible policy in place with a basic application attached.
Phelan clarified that waiving fees would incentivize social equity partnerships because while the town gives up application fees, they receive the additional 1% revenue which could monetarily outweigh the fees. Marzi provided context on the financial impact, stating that after meeting with owners of Chirping Journey, the 1% would translate to close to $100,000 additional revenue for the current year, in addition to the standard 3% they receive.
Phelan explained that KP Law’s draft gives the town administrator certain responsibilities for administering applications, while the select board scores them. The town administrator would invite applicants scoring 60% or higher to appear before the select board for host community agreements. She noted this was standard language from KP Law based on other social equity agreements they had drafted, and deferred to their expertise unless board members had specific concerns about the scoring threshold or other standards.
A board member asked for public confirmation that everyone had reviewed and agreed to the version proposed by KP Law and Terpene. Phelan confirmed they had the correct version and had reviewed it properly. Marzi noted one minor edit needed in Schedule B, where “town manager” should be changed to “town administrator.”
Fletcher indicated she was satisfied with everything and wanted to complete the process. Phelan noted they would need to strike the section in Schedule A about application fees since they were waiving the fee, and applications would go to the town administrator in conformance with the procedural edits.
Thompson made a motion to approve the social equity plan, which Leonard seconded. The motion passed with all members voting in favor. Marzi then asked about signatures, noting they don’t require electronic signatures for this policy unlike other policies.
Host Community Agreements Discussion and Vote (Link: 01:13:00 – 01:37:00)
Chair Katie Phelan confirmed the motion to approve the social equity plan as amended and moved on to the second reading and discussion of updated host community agreements for Terpene Journey and Calyx Peak. She noted that representatives from both retailers were present, along with Peter D’Agostino, who serves as consultant for Calyx Peak.
Marzi began reviewing the Terpene Journey host community agreement, stating that both parties had met recently and agreed in principle to everything with a few items to discuss. She noted that on the first page, they agreed to strike language crossed out in green or blue, and on the second page they would add the date 8-1-2025 when the CCC notice came in regarding compliance with regulations. All strikethrough items were agreed upon by both parties.
The main question Marzi raised was regarding page three, which contained language about the town anticipating additional expenses and impacts on infrastructure, law enforcement, fire protection, inspectional services, and public health as a result of the facility. Since impact fees were waived, she asked whether this language should be included or struck. A board member asked if this was proposed by KP Law, and Marzi confirmed that KP Law stated they should discuss it with the board since the retailers proposed striking it.
Phelan asked if Marzi had sent an email about whether there had been actual impacts, and Marzi confirmed there were no impacts to date. She had checked with fire and police departments and found no calls related to business operations, only one or two fire alarm calls unrelated to operations. Thompson asked about the timeframe, and Marzi confirmed there had been no calls in the four-plus years that Terpene had been open. Thompson stated his opinion that if they had struck it previously and there was no basis for it, they should strike it from the host community agreement.
Phelan agreed, noting that if there was no basis for the language and they weren’t charging fees anyway, she felt comfortable striking it. She added that if it became an issue in future agreements, they could add it back since the agreement wasn’t forever.
Marzi then addressed page four, which contained language about cannabis social equity tax revenue that was crossed out per KP Law. She explained that the operators had requested whether there was an opportunity to show the additional 1% revenue as part of the town’s budget or revenue. Marzi stated this would be difficult because the Department of Revenue doesn’t separate the funding amounts, and the town doesn’t typically show revenue from parking fees or building fees in detail. A retailer representative stated they were okay either way, as long as the town was receiving the money and working with DOR to ensure that was happening.
Marzi noted another change regarding the term of the agreement, which listed a 10-year term but needed to be changed to eight years per new regulations. She confirmed the operators were fine with this change since eight years was the maximum allowed.
Thompson asked about ensuring correct section references, noting that termination language referenced sections 3 and 5, but they had removed other sections. Marzi confirmed it should reference sections 3 and 4. Phelan mentioned a parking plan, and Marzi confirmed they now had one along with engineering specifications that had been submitted.
Marzi addressed hours of operation, explaining that both operators wanted the same hours from 8am to 10pm. Fletcher questioned having the same hours for both stores since one was in a retail location and one in a neighborhood, with the neighborhood location currently opening at 9am. Marzi explained that the CCC wanted specific hours listed regardless of whether staff were there preparing before sales began.
Peter D’Agostino, consultant for Calyx Peak, explained they were agnostic about the approach. KP Law had proposed including hours of operation meaning any licensed activity, which would require employees before the store opened for inventory and deliveries. Alternatively, they could define retail hours specifically for public access. He stated they were agreeable to either approach and had followed KP Law’s lead.
Phelan suggested leaving hours of operation at 8am to allow for deliveries and other operations, but adding a sentence stating retail hours for sales would be 9am to 10pm. The retailer representatives agreed to this approach.
A Terpene representative noted one more change – they wanted to remove the last sentence about the company ceasing operations for greater than 60 days potentially resulting in license removal. Phelan confirmed this was already struck in their version.
D’Agostino noted that the cessation of operations language should mirror between both entities, stating there should be one standard for how licenses are treated in town. Marzi confirmed both agreements would reflect 60 days, but Phelan clarified they had struck that line from Terpene entirely.
Thompson made a motion to approve the Terpene host community agreement, which Leonard seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
The board then moved to the Calyx Peak agreement. D’Agostino noted that under section 8, cessation of operations language showed 90 days struck and changed to 60 days, but he hadn’t received that edit previously. Phelan asked whether to strike it entirely to match the benefit given to Terpene Journey. Leonard stated they should be consistent.
Phelan noted that while each deal was negotiated separately, they were being considered together publicly. A board member asked if there was any reason for differences, and Phelan explained that Calyx Peak hadn’t originally asked for it to be struck. D’Agostino clarified he hadn’t realized the request for additional time had been struck and hadn’t had the opportunity to respond.
Phelan stated they should strike the cessation language but have KP Law ensure consistency with the Terpene agreement. She also noted they should update the term to eight years and make the same hours of operation changes.
A board member suggested applying all the same changes from the first agreement to the second. Phelan explained the agreements had different language but the concepts could be the same, requiring KP Law to ensure consistency.
Regarding hours of operation, Fletcher raised concerns about one location being in a mall versus a neighborhood setting, noting multiple complaints about parking and people sitting outside homes at the neighborhood location. Phelan suggested that longer hours might spread customers over more time, reducing parking issues, and asked the business to be more mindful of parking.
Marzi clarified that parking issues involved individuals using company trucks and non-personal vehicles who didn’t want to park those vehicles at the store, creating perception issues. She also mentioned issues with people smoking on sidewalks or curb cuts, which they addressed with management as they arose.
Fletcher stated they could amend the agreement next year if there were multiple complaints, leaving themselves open to fix problems if they arose. Thompson made a motion to approve the Calyx Peak host community agreement in line with changes made to Terpene Journey, which KP Law would reflect. Grishman seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Poet Laureate Committee Discussion and Vote (Link: 01:37:00 – 01:50:00)
Chair Katie Phelan moved to the next topic regarding the poet laureate program. She explained that the board had previously asked her to work with the library to facilitate the poet laureate conversation, but the library was now requesting the select board take the lead role.
Fletcher noted it seemed like the responsibility was being thrown back to the select board. Phelan explained that while the library was willing to be part of the process, they felt they shouldn’t be the only part of it. The Board of Library Trustees and library staff believed this was a civic and cultural role representing the entire community, not just a library function, so they would remain a strong supporter and partner but not the sole authority.
Phelan outlined the library trustees’ recommendation for a committee appointed by the select board, consisting of one or two select board members, one library trustee or director, one representative from Swampscott Schools, and one or two community members with arts or cultural background, potentially including former poet laureates. The committee’s responsibilities would include drafting eligibility requirements, an application process, judging criteria, and recommending candidates to the select board for appointment.
The proposal included an annual stipend of $500 to $1,000 to honor the poet laureate’s contributions, potentially funded through grants to the cultural commission, partnerships with Friends of the Library, or other library supporting programs. The timeline would involve appointing a committee soon, spending winter drafting guidelines, opening applications in mid-to-late winter, appointing a 2026 poet laureate by spring, and holding summer programming related to the new appointee.
Steve Ioniconi of 26 Rock Avenue, the 2015 poet laureate, addressed the board stating they agreed with the library’s proposal, which was consistent with other towns’ poet laureate programs. He supported the select board appointing the committee to lead the organizing and development of the selection process. He included information from Rockport and North Andover as examples of similar programs.
Ioniconi proposed that the committee be a standing committee with functions beyond just the appointment year, providing ongoing help for the poet laureate and cultural aspects to the community. He suggested typical staggered appointments of one year for one person, two years for two people, and three years for two people, so there would always be experienced members as positions emptied.
Ioniconi’s main difference from the library proposal was regarding membership composition. Instead of specifically designating a school representative, he suggested the select board pick a representative, include a library trustee or director, designate one former poet laureate for the committee, and have two other positions chosen by the select board who could be poet laureates, school representatives, or others from visual arts or drama in town.
Phelan asked whether the board wanted to digest the proposal or vote immediately on creating the committee. Fletcher asked for clarification that they would only be voting on committee creation, not all the details. Phelan explained they needed to determine committee composition, noting both recommendations included a select board member or representative, which allowed flexibility for someone with passion for the role.
Phelan emphasized the importance of library representation due to the connection between the poet laureate program and library programming and community. She noted the flexibility in having a former poet laureate, school community member, and community member, or making the committee larger, though she cautioned against that approach.
Thompson stated he thought they should stick with the recommendation. Fletcher agreed, noting they should add the amendment for a select board appointee rather than requiring a select board member. The final composition would be a select board appointee, library trustee or director, one former poet laureate, and two community members with arts or cultural background.
Fletcher asked if Dianne Marchese could start advertising the positions. Phelan noted that having two community member positions provided flexibility to include school representatives or high school students without being constrained if no school applicants came forward.
Thompson made a motion to approve establishment of the poet laureate committee as presented in the packet with the discussed amendments. Leonard seconded the motion. The board clarified they were only establishing the committee, not approving the entire proposal, and that Marchese would begin advertising positions.
Phelan emphasized the importance of staggering appointments like other committees, so members would rotate with institutional knowledge preserved. Ioniconi confirmed that three-year terms would be normal and staggered. The motion passed unanimously.
Phelan thanked the attendees and Jonathan Nichols and library staff for their work on the decision, expressing appreciation for the energy invested and looking forward to the 2026 poet laureate appointment.
Code of Conduct Modification Discussion (Link: 01:50:00 – 01:54:00)
Vice Chair Douglas Thompson asked if they had the information for the next agenda item. Chair Katie Phelan responded that there was no information provided. The agenda item was listed as discussion and possible vote to modify the code of conduct regarding select board approval and non-standard expenses.
Phelan explained that she and Thompson had been going back and forth about this issue, having committed to having a conversation based on an invoice. She had been asking Thompson for specific edits and what the modifications would look like, while he was saying they should have the conversation during the meeting.
Thompson explained that the select board has a code of conduct with a Chapter 7 on financial management that lists various items. He was suggesting the addition of one bullet point stating that the select board shall not expend town funds without the town administrator’s authority and not without select board vote for any funds above $1,000.
Phelan asked for clarification about the section reference, and Fletcher asked if Thompson had sent this information to the board in advance. Thompson confirmed he had not sent it ahead of time, acknowledging it was a lot to digest. Phelan noted there was no Chapter 7, suggesting Thompson was adding a whole chapter.
Thompson clarified he was looking at the procedures, policies and regulations manual online, which had a financial management section. There was confusion about which document they were referencing, with Thompson noting his version was dated 2022. Thompson mentioned they had just approved an updated version a month ago.
Grishman noted that the procedures should be posted on the website in their most updated version. Fletcher asked if they could table the discussion since there was confusion about which document they were referencing. Phelan agreed to table the item.
Thompson stated that regardless of which version they were using, it was the most current on the website and they could still address the issue. Leonard said they could vote on it, and Thompson agreed they could think deeply about it. Grishman said he was comfortable with the concept but wanted to ensure they hadn’t struck anything from the relevant paragraph.
Phelan noted that conceptually they had all agreed to think about a way to prevent similar issues going forward, but the specifics mattered. She suggested that either she or Dianne Marchese could create a redlined version to send to all board members for review, and they could put the item on the next meeting’s agenda.
Grishman suggested it could go on the consent agenda for the next meeting. Thompson asked if Marzi had the sentence he was proposing and where it would be placed. Fletcher asked him to send it to her when he had a chance, and Marzi said she would add it to the version they approved in August.
Phelan clarified that the agenda item would be modified to address the processes and procedures manual rather than the code of conduct for the next meeting.
Consent Agenda and Closing (Link: 01:54:00 – 01:59:00)
Chair Katie Phelan noted they couldn’t vote on the code of conduct modification because they weren’t modifying the correct document. She then moved to approval of the consent agenda, which included discussion and possible vote to allow a 2.5 by 8 foot banner to be hung at Phillips Park fence for Swampscott youth hockey. She noted a version of the learn to skate banner was included in their materials and had been seen around town multiple times. The consent agenda also included approval of minutes from August 12, 18, 19, and 26.
Fletcher made a motion to approve the consent agenda, which Grishman seconded. Phelan asked Grishman if he had something to add before the vote, but he indicated he was ready to proceed. The motion passed unanimously.
Phelan opened select board time, noting that after being robust at the last meeting, no one had anything to share at this meeting. Fletcher volunteered to go first, thanking Nate Beisheim, Nathan Kent, and Joe Dulet for their work, noting they had been going late into the night for a couple weeks and had forgotten to thank them previously.
Fletcher highlighted that the senior center now has a new electric van, which she described as exciting. She also reported that the Solid Waste Advisory Committee was working hard on a fix-it clinic and should have it operational within the next 30 days, pending resolution of some legal details for waivers. Phelan asked about bicycles, and Fletcher confirmed her recommendation was not to touch bicycles but to work that out in their waiver language.
A board member reported that the Climate Action Committee would like to provide a brief update at the next meeting or two, particularly regarding a signage project they had been working on for some time. They wanted to present to the select board for public relations review and preview, even though the town administrator technically has authority to put signs on town property. The committee also wanted to give a general update because Swampscott is now a climate leader eligible for serious grants, including $150,000 for design work or up to $1 million for projects like geothermal or solar installations.
The board member explained that the Climate Action Committee was deliberating with staff on criteria and proposed projects for these grants. They requested to present at either the next meeting or the first meeting in October, depending on the availability of an outside party who would be part of the presentation.
Phelan asked whether buildings that are town-owned but leased to third parties would still be eligible for grant options. Fletcher indicated they should be because they remain town buildings. Thompson noted there had been discussion with state officials who had a different opinion, but they didn’t have a definitive answer and needed more research.
Phelan suggested this might be a benefit to offer developers or something to consider when buildings are being refurbished, referencing the Hadley building. A board member noted that Hadley wasn’t on the grant list but acknowledged the concept.
Fletcher made a motion to adjourn, which Thompson seconded. Phelan noted they were returning to an old habit and called for the vote. The motion passed unanimously, and Phelan thanked everyone for attending.
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