Selectmen to Chat About Expanding Harbor Panel's Role

Selectmen on Wednesday will consider expanding the charge of the Harbor Advisory Committee to the town's entire waterfront from the Lynn to the Marblehead town lines.

The selectmen's liaison, Glenn Kessler, will propose the idea. The action would need a majority vote from selectmen.

Expansion of the panel would also represent a sea change of sorts.

Less than a year ago — back in January — selectmen talked about dissolving the committee. And long before that discussion the previous town administrator, Andrew Maylor, and the harbormaster, Larry Bithell, knocked heads over dredging and other waterfront issues.

But Kessler said the advisory panel, which has some new blood, has the expertise and desire to study and make recommendations for improvements beyond those at Fisherman's Beach.

"As liaison I have spoken with them at length, and they say their charge is limiting in that it is only for the Fisherman’s Beach area," the selectman said.

The panel is interested in inviting elected state officials to tour sea walls, located in various spots along the Swampscott waterfront, for possible improvements.

The panelists would like to act as a springboard for the town considering more amenities for boaters such as places to fuel their vessels and get potable water, he said.

Expanded mooring areas might be another topic to tackle, he said.

There is broad support on the committee for expanding their role, he said.

The new name might become the Waterfront and Harbor Advisory Committee.

Selectmen meet Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. at Town Hall.