Charlie Patios, a community member, addressed the board during the public comment period, advocating for the town to place bids on the restaurant’s equipment at an upcoming auction. Patios argued that retaining the equipment is important for maintaining the viability of the restaurant space, noting that without it, the restaurant would struggle to attract new business. He underscored the equipment’s value and emphasized that its acquisition would boost the chances of reopening the restaurant, which is a fixture in the community.

The discussion then transitioned to the town’s Capital Improvement Committee (CIC) and its five-year capital improvement plan. The committee outlined various new projects, emphasizing long-term planning and the prioritization of community needs. Among the prominent projects discussed were upgrades to the library’s HVAC system and flooring, which are deemed essential due to the outdated and inadequate current systems. The possibility of receiving grants to fund these projects was mentioned.

Attention was also given to Swampscott High School, where plans to replace failing sheet vinyl flooring with luxury vinyl tile in common areas were detailed. The school’s HVAC study was introduced to assess necessary upgrades as the building nears two decades of use, with discussions focusing on rooftop unit maintenance and potential improvements to the parking lot and solar canopy design.

The meeting further delved into the middle school’s needs, particularly the urgency of window replacements to prevent water infiltration in classrooms. While energy incentives for HVAC and window projects were explored, it was noted that no grants were available from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) for the windows. Instead, utility incentives for weatherization and heat pumps were identified as potential funding sources.

A report on significant town projects followed, with updates on the library entry project, fire station renovations, and the Department of Public Works (DPW) facility, which was described as being in need of improvements. With the DPW facility in “the poorest condition” among town facilities, there was consensus on the necessity for a new construction project to address safety concerns and operational inadequacies.

The middle school’s renovation was a recurring theme, with discussions highlighting the age of its systems, some dating back to the 1950s. The proposal to explore re-entering the MSBA core program for funding was suggested as a viable option for obtaining state reimbursement. The conversation underscored the importance of strategic planning to ensure implementation of necessary improvements.

The board also considered the costs associated with the middle school’s electrical system repairs, estimated between $20 and $30 million. A phased renovation approach was proposed to manage expenses and minimize disruption to students. The potential for higher reimbursement rates for renovations through MSBA was discussed, along with the complex reimbursement formula.

Discussion on the town’s infrastructure revealed concerns about the water tower, sewer vacuum truck, and water main replacements. The need for reliable equipment and ongoing pipe replacement to prevent water quality issues was emphasized. Road paving, seawall repairs, and equipment replacement were also addressed, with a focus on maintaining infrastructure integrity.

The meeting also touched upon user fees for the turf field and track usage, with clarification on the sources of these fees and their allocation. The dual purpose of the track facility was acknowledged, serving both school and community events.

Finally, the potential use of Clark School to address space shortages for the recreation department and senior center was discussed, alongside the feasibility of converting the school into affordable housing. This proposal highlighted the challenges of state assistance and upfront costs.