Swampscott boards tackle water rates, earth removal permits, and coastal projects in busy July stretch
Most Swampscott boards and committees met in the second half of July with agendas listing possible votes on water and sewer rates, a solid waste contract, earth removal permits, and coastal-zone projects. Minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, so outcomes are not yet part of the public record. What follows is drawn from the official agendas.
Select Board — FY27 rates and waste contract on the agenda
The Select Board's July 21 agenda listed discussion and possible votes on FY27 water and sewer rates, a recycling and solid waste service contract and associated fees, and the Hawthorne RFP. The agenda also included the appointment of Registrar Michael Brison and recognition of Heidi Whear upon her retirement as Director of Aging Services. An executive session was scheduled to review and potentially release minutes from past fiscal years.
Earth Removal Advisory Committee — 555 Essex Street permit
The Earth Removal Advisory Committee met July 20 to review an earth removal permit application from Swampscott Multi Owner LLC for 555 Essex Street. The agenda also included discussion of proposed amendments to the General Bylaw, Article XIII (Earth Removal), air monitoring procedures, and approval of minutes from the May 27 meeting. A follow-up joint meeting with the Select Board is scheduled for August 4.
Conservation Commission — coastal projects and native-plant rule
The Conservation Commission met virtually July 28 to review several coastal-zone filings, including a Notice of Intent for 45 Littles Point to remove 300 sq ft of damaged concrete, add 200 sq ft of dry-laid flagging, and revegetate the coastal bank. A second Notice of Intent covered the Kings Beach/Mission on the Bay seawall and elevated boardwalk (DEP# 071-0367). The agenda also included Requests for Determination for a Foster Pond bench and kiosk (Map 9, Lot 742) and a front-porch enclosure at 60 Sculpin Way in a coastal storm-flowage area. Members were set to discuss a proposal to adopt new general conditions requiring native plants.
Council on Aging and Community Life Center Task Force
The Council on Aging met July 21 to review results of a feasibility study for a Community Life Center, along with staffing updates including the outreach hiring process. Program updates covered the Maker's Shed, chair volleyball, and the summer shuttle, plus a transportation update on adding Friday rides.
The Community Life Center Feasibility Study Task Force met July 28 to discuss public sentiment survey results and Abacus site evaluations, and to determine next steps for analysis and outreach.
Retirement Board — new enrollments and one retirement
The Swampscott Contributory Retirement Board's July 28 agenda included enrolling four new members: Michael Faia (DPW), Erica McCabe (TWN), Olivia Cahill (SPD), and Robert Fiore (DPW). The board was scheduled to process the retirement of Catherine Quinn (SPS), listed at 22 years under Option A. Financial items included July 2026 expense and payroll warrants, a transfer from M&T to MM Account, a transfer from PRIM to M&T Account, and a refund/transfer for Christine Raposo to Essex Regional (20 years).
Other recent meetings
The Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing July 21 on Petition 26-07 by Thomas Bogacz, appealing the building commissioner's denial of zoning enforcement at 24-28 Ingalls Terrace (Map 2, Lots 120 and 121), referencing Planning Board Decision 26-02 from January 12, 2026.
The Tree Committee discussed a proposed zoning bylaw change to paragraph 3.3.1.0 (Landscaping), tree preservation bylaw updates, and planting plans for the Vinnin Square redevelopment and the train station.
The Board of Health met virtually July 22 for a beach water testing update and a Health Director update by Jeffrey W. Vaughan.
The School Committee held a non-voting workshop July 22 to review committee and superintendent goals, with a presentation from KP Law. No votes or public comment were scheduled.
The Cultural Council met July 31 to vote on revised guidelines and priorities for the next funding cycle, with discussion of managing a grant process under reduced funding and possible use of non-state funds, including a cold weather concert series at the Swampscott Performing Arts Center.
Coming up
- **Aug. 3 — Earth Removal Advisory Committee:** Review of the 555 Essex Street permit and possible bylaw updates, ahead of an Aug. 4 joint meeting with the Select Board.
- **Aug. 3 — Historic District Commission:** Public hearing on Certificates of Appropriateness for 65 Andrew Rd (11 window replacements), 32 Outlook Rd (front entry porch demolition and reconstruction), and 34 Walker Rd (second-floor window removal).
- **Aug. 3 — Board of Library Trustees:** Scheduled vote on the Collection Development Policy, plus renovation and FY27 updates.
- **Aug. 4 — Select Board:** Recognition of retirees Heidi Whear, Glenn Bartram (28 years, Fire Department), and Isarella Abrams (31 years, Library); public hearing on an earth removal permit for Swampscott Multi Owner LLC at 125 High Street, Boston; discussion and possible vote on the Hawthorne RFP and the Lynnway Multimodal Corridor Project.
- **Aug. 6 — Historical Commission:** Public hearings on partial demolition of 11 Eulow Street and full demolition of 39 Puritan Road, with possible votes on final determinations.
- **Aug. 10 — Planning Board:** Public hearings on special permits for 74 Beach Bluff Ave (garage, three-season room, third-floor expansion) and 45 Pleasant St (demolish two-family, build five-unit condominium at 1,850 sq ft each); vote on Tree Committee draft zoning bylaw revisions to Section 3.3.1.0; discussion of a proposed Smart Growth Zoning District near the commuter rail station.
- **Aug. 17–18 — Board of Registrars:** Public test of voting machines at Town Hall, 22 Monument Avenue, ahead of the September 1 state primary.