THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021 Page 15 SELECTMEN | FROM PAGE 3 Selectman Jeffrey Cicolini “I think the decisions that Scott’s made over the tenure that I’ve served with him – six and a half years – he’s proven that he can make the tough decisions. Yeah, he likes to help people. Yeah, he likes to do what’s right. But he always has a cautious eye on finances, on doing the right thing, not breaking the law, following protocol. And I really think it’s tough to find all of those attributes in one individual who can still accomplish things in the town in a manner of what we’ve accomplished over his 12 years, but over the last six or seven years. “I look at his focus. He has a very high level of ethics. Of course, there’s going to be people who work under you who don’t like you. I bet you my line is longer than your line. But you know what? In the end, as long as they know that you’re fair and you care about what you’re doing and you’re doing the right things, I really do think that comes down to it. Selectman Serino talked about the fact that we examined 15 communities. “It’s scary that what some communities are paying on top of an assistant town manager – you’re talking $350,000 a year – for people with four years’ experience – and their finances are nowhere near ours. So, I really think, for me, it was an easy answer; it was a very, very easy decision; I didn’t struggle with it. I actually wanted to give you four years. I think you deserved four to get five in total. And we’re lucky to have him. “Are there things he needs to work on? Sure. I’ll fill out an evaluation and I’ll tell you the things I think you can do better. But, ultimately, we look at the tangible things that we look for in a town manager to lead our town and continue with our financial strength, to continue to build our resources and grow our town so we’re sustainable for the long haul .... I don’t think you’re going to find a better person to sit in this seat and I was honored to be one of the votes. “And you obviously had unanimous consent for approval of some extension, so you’re doing something right. And it just came down to duration. So, I don’t congratulate you – I thank you for putting up with it, because I can tell you right now, I wouldn’t do it. And you’re [to Cogliano] for wanting him to keep the seat warm. It’s a thankless job. There’s a lot of ridicule. Good thing you’re not on Facebook. I’m sure the Facebook warriors will all be out there, and they’ll all have a lot to say, but until they walk a mile in your shoes, it’s very easy to be a Monday morning quarterback. So, I commend you, I applaud you and I congratulate you for a job well done.” Selectman Debra Panetta “I voted in favor of extending Mr. Crabtree’s contract for three years because I think he’s done an exceptional job moving our Town forward. I believe he’s been able to listen to the residents and elected and appointed officials, prioritize needs, put plans together, and execute effectively.” She cited various examples of accomplishments achieved by the town with Crabtree in charge of municipal government: Education “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 efforts, 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. We are now moving underway with full renovation for pre-K through 1st grade state-of-the-art facility. “We got three awards for design and construction for the middle/high school. This was the largest capital project that Saugus has ever undergone.” Parks & Playgrounds “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 “Some of our successes include: “Estimated $65M 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 an estimated $1M in grant money since Saugus has become a green community (good for the environment while receiving funding) – solar farm, electric cars & charging stations, energy efficient lighting (replacement of the Street Lights in Town, approximately 3,000) “Awarded multiple SAFER grants for the hiring of firefighters (approx. $2M). “Awarded $1M towards the final design and construction of the first phase of the Ballard Street RiverWalk project from the Seaport Economic Council.” Safety “We have continued to invest in public safety under Scott’s watch. We have acquired new police cruisers, new fire truck, 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. 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 pandemic. 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.” Administrative Consent Order “Successfully addressed the ACO court order in a timely manner. This was an estimated 25 million endeavor.” Financials “Implemented and upheld financial management policies and procedures, which led SELECTMEN | SEE PAGE 17
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