The meeting featured a resident’s plea to prioritize pedestrian safety at the notorious Atlantic and Humphrey Street intersection, which a police chief had previously characterized as a “Kill Zone” due to obstructed sight lines, high speeds, and awkward angles. The resident highlighted the daily risk faced by children crossing this intersection and called for immediate action, urging the board to include this issue in their next agenda. Despite the presence of a crossing guard and police during school hours, the fundamental design flaws remain unaddressed. The resident’s appeal referenced traffic consultants who had proposed three design options in a June meeting, yet no apparent progress had been made since then.

Simultaneously, the board deliberated the potential to secure a $224,000 grant from National Grid for a new lighting project. The grant, which would cover 50% of the project costs, presented an opportunity to upgrade the town’s outdated lighting system to more efficient LED lighting. However, the grant’s timeline was tight, requiring project completion by December 31st. Discussions emphasized the need for a special town meeting to approve the project, as failure to do so could lead to the loss of the 50% incentive, potentially reducing future grants to only 5% or 10%. The urgency of ordering parts was stressed, alongside potential cost savings estimated at $30,000 annually with the new system.

The board also addressed financial implications if the grant were not secured, such as incurring a monthly cost of $3,500 over five years, totaling $210,000, from a 0% loan offered by National Grid. A special town meeting was proposed for late November or early December to strategize funding, including utilizing free cash or debt service to ensure project feasibility.

In addition to infrastructure and financial discussions, the board engaged in community-focused initiatives, including the planning of a Financial Summit and addressing housing challenges through a series of sessions organized by “Swampscott for All Ages.” These sessions aimed to tackle housing solutions and aging in place.

The board also recognized the contributions of retiring members of the Swampscott Fire Department, honoring Captain James Snow and Deputy Chief James Potts for their lengthy service. Their retirements marked a considerable loss of experience for the department, but the swearing-in of new firefighter Bethany Dudley and promotions within the department highlighted a commitment to maintaining a strong public safety team.

Additionally, the board navigated procedural issues, such as the review of the Select Board handbook and the need for a social media policy. The handbook underwent a detailed examination, with discussions on whether the chair should be allowed to second motions and how to handle public comments during meetings. The board ultimately decided that the chair should have the discretion to extend speaking times when necessary.

Further, the board tackled the structure of committee appointments, with a focus on transparency and fairness. The importance of diverse representation on committees was emphasized, along with the need for clear communication between liaisons and the Select Board to enhance the appointment process.

The meeting concluded with updates on community events and public health initiatives, including acknowledgments of successful events like Porchfest and plans for future activities. The Town Administrator provided insights into revitalization efforts and public health concerns, urging vigilance amid rising COVID-19 cases.