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THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2023 Page 9 low our department heads to do their jobs. There is oversight and then there’s micromanaging. A good manager can garner an employee’s respect and be well liked at the same time. I’m not sure we have that in Saugus today. “Do Scott and I have diff ering opinions, styles, and views, absolutely but we’ve managed to work in unison for the betterment of Saugus and will continue to do so. The entire board made it clear he needs to improve his communication skills. “I’d also like to see him act as fast as we did in settling his contract with all our unions and he said he would be starting that process in the coming weeks. “I’m happy to put this in the rear-view mirror and continue working to bring about a Host Community Agreement with WIN that will be even better than the one initially accepted, begin the licensing process for the Cannabis dispensaries, two initiatives I championed that I believe will bring as much as $100 million over the next 25 years. Money that will help us get our third fi re station that we desperately need. I can also kick the Charter Change process into high gear. The events of this week only prove to me that we can do better with our form of government. As always, Saugus fi rst.” Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Debra Panetta “Some of the reasons that I voted on this extension are listed below.” “Finances “Under Scott’s leadership, our Town fi nances are in excellent shape. Scott has implemented and upheld fi nancial management policies and procedures, which led to the Town achieving a AA+/Stable rating under S&P Global Ratings. I believe this is the most signifi cant accomplishment under Scott’s watch. “When I became a Selectman almost 12 years ago, there was talk about going into receivership. There was discussion about closing the Library, the Senior Center, and Youth and Rec. The Essex Street Fire Station was continuously being closed due to lack of funds. Per Standard & Poors, ‘Saugus now has a “very strong economy, strong management, strong budgetary fl exibility, and very strong liquidity.’” We also have approximately $10M in our stabilization fund. “By our Town being financially strong, we have saved millions in dollars in borrowing — where we can continue to save money & invest in our community. “New School / Parks & Playgrounds “Under Scott’s leadership, our Saugus children have a beautiful, state-of-the-art Middle/High School. The Belmonte School has been renovated for the upper elementary school students, serving students 2-5. These eff orts, which were supported by over 70 percent of the voters, are all part of the district-wide master plan solution to prioritize education in Saugus. This was the largest capital project that Saugus has ever undergone. “Our Town has prioritized parks and playgrounds under Scott’s watch, including Bristow Park, Belmonte Middle School Tennis Courts, improvement in Stackpole Field, the Veterans playground and the Evans Park basketball courts. “GRANTS Received “Although Saugus does not have a grant writer, Scott and his staff have worked diligently to bring in millions of dollars of grant money into Town. “Some of our successes include: The $65.1M grant through the MSBA for the new Middle/High School “Saugus was awarded a community development block grant COVID-19 grant to help small businesses (up to $360K). “We have received over $1M in grant money since Saugus has become a green community. (good for the environment while receiving funding) “Awarded multiple SAFER grants for the hiring of firefi ghters. “Awarded $1M towards the fi nal design and construction of the fi rst phase of the Ballard Street RiverWalk project from the Seaport Economic Council. “Awarded $1M for public safety communication enhancements. “And the most recent grant of $2.3M to revitalize Cliftondale Square. “Safety Improvements “We have continued to invest in public safety under Scott’s watch. We have acquired new police cruisers, we’ve added radar speed signs, and we’ve had a comprehensive, town-wide speed limit analysis completed by The Engineering Corp. (TEC) of Andover. He is also overseeing the public safety fi ber optics communication upgrade project. “Scott also worked hard to try to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the community and prioritize the health and safety of all residents during this global pandemSelectmen and Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree (far right) are shown last month, warming up inside Town Hall during the town’s tree lighting event. Joining him, pictured from left to right, were Selectmen Michael Serino, Anthony Cogliano, Corinne Riley, Debra Panetta and Jeff rey Cicolini. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) ic. He hired a new Director of Public Health, hired additional nurses, as well as other health care professionals to support and aid the public during these trying times. “Completion of the Master Plan “Scott hired the MAPC (Metropolitan Area Planning Council) to help develop the Goals & Vision for Saugus over the next 15 years. Public meetings were held to engage the public on what direction they wanted Saugus to take. The Master Plan is now complete. “Cliftondale Square “The Board of Selectmen let the Town Manager know that Cliftondale Square was a priority. The Town Manager was able to secure two parcels that will be used to help revitalize the square, including adding additional parking in the area. We were also awarded a $2.3M grant to help revitalize the square. “With so many accomplishments, I feel that an extension of Scott’s contract is well deserved. He is dedicated to do what’s in the best interest of our community.” Selectman Jeff rey Cicolini “As for the Town Manager’s evaluation, I think it is evident by the comments made by all 5 selectmen that our Town Manager does an excellent job maintaining fi scal and operational stability for Saugus. Our town’s fi nancial performance and fi scal strength has never been better than it is today. Scott’s conservative fi nancial policies coupled with his attention to detail on complex matters, help Saugus maintain its fi scal strength and reputation as a stable community. “Obviously, as with any employee, there are areas where one can improve. I think Scott was receptive to constructive feedback, and I am sure he will strive to address any items that we raised. The vote for the contract extension being unanimously supported by all 5 of us is a great thing for Saugus. Part of our bond rating assessment includes the stability of the community, including its leadership Selectman Corinne Riley “Regarding the Town Manager’s evaluation, fi rst off , I am happy that we’re now having regular public evaluations, as I think it increases transparency and accountability in our local government. Specifi c pros, in my opinion, include a conservative fi scal approach, which provides for stability and fl exibility for things that cannot be reliably predicted like snow and ice, pandemic-related expenses, etc. “Another pro for me was the purchase of 481-483 Lincoln Ave and 42 Jackson St. These two properties in the heart of Cliftondale represent a rare opportunity for the town to have a direct impact on Cliftondale Revitalization. To the Manager’s credit, he acted STAYING THE COURSE | SEE PAGE 20 Everett, MA 617-202-8259 * We work with most Fuel Assistance programs “We’re accepting new customers, no experience necessary” “Aceptamos Nuevos clientes no se necesita experiencia.” ~ Hablamos Española ~ 50 Gallon Minimum (Surcharge Applys) Major Credit Cards Accepted Scan our QR Code

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