The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My Public Portal AboutSelect Board -- 2020-04-27 Minutes 10 0�0�`°o0A owe �i0 �941 �� Town of Brewster Office of: 0 0 +, z Select Board +, ; 2198 Main Street Town Administrator 90 s = Brewster MA 02631 = 1898 Phone : (508) 896 -3701 AAA= Fax : ( 508) 896 - 8089 00 _ . . . MINUTES OFTHE SELECT BOARD MEETING ( ! `. ;` ; ; ; 4; ; ; ,: DATE : April 27, 2020 TIME : 5 : 30 PM PLACE : Remote Call In ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE PARTICIPATING REMOTELY : Chair Whitney, Selectperson Bingham , Selectperson deRuyter, Selectperson Chaffee, Selectperson Dickson , Town Administrator Peter Lombardi , Assistant Town Administrator Susan Broderick, Assistant Town Administrator Donna Kalinick, Executive Assistant Robin Young, Town Clerk Colette Williams, Director of Natural Resources Chris Miller, Marion Hobbs and Richard Slavin of Cobies Call to Order Chair Whitney called the meeting to order at 5 : 33pm and read the information on conducting the meeting remotely. Executive Session — To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the Chair so declares : SEIU Local 888 . OPEIU Local 6 . [AFF Local 3763 , and Brewster Police Union 6 : 00pm — Expected Start Time of Open Session Citizens Forum Helga Dyer of 41 Cahoon Road sent an email which was read regarding the Nauset Regional High School Project . Select Board Announcements & Liaison Reports Selectperson Bingham offered thanks to all who visited the beach and practiced social distancing over the weekend . Town Administrator' s Report Mr . Lombardi will give his update under Coronavirus developments . Consent Agenda • Reauest for Beach Access Permit , Ellis Landing • Request for Beach Access Permit . Point of Rocks Landing • Appointments ; Officer Jessica R . Ahlman and Officer Stephen J . Hathaway Selectperson deRuyter moved the Consent Agenda . Selectperson Chaffee seconded . Roll Call Vote : Selectperson Chaffee — yes, Selectperson deRuyter — yes, Selectperson Bingham — yes , Selectperson Dickson — yes, Chair Whitney — yes . The Select Board voted 5 -yes 0- no i www , brewster- ma . gov BoS 04- 27- 20 Page 1 of 6 Doc ID : cOd26d4611 Oab3eOf24cec664ef22eb2fdf72f48 og%010 I 1111 lull, VANJ \0`1 0 0 V0 W ai Office of 4k Town of Brewster 0 04# * N .0 Select Board for A % 1 2198 Main Street Town Administrator Brewster, MA 02631 = 1898 0 to X to 0o Phone . ( 508) 896= 3701 40 Fax : ( 508) 896m8O89 % &.,&A A 0 %4% moil 11 Barnstable Countv Assemblv of Delegates Update � Mary Chaffee Selectperson Chaffee reported Delegates and Commissioners are meeting, and county employees are working remotely . The proposed County FY21 budget of $ 20, 594, 545 is on track to pass , however, due to COVID49, the County will have to amend the budget next year , Real estate revenues coming from closings, deeds, and excise tax will drop off markedly in the next few months . The Assembly is required to evaluate the County Charter every 5 years , The Community has been very interested in one part of the Charter where there is no recall provision , meaning an elected official , once elected , has no provision to be recalled /removed from office , There is language moving before the Assembly and there will be updates forthcoming . The Assembly has been considering many projects , CVEC has a proposal for 7 renewable energy projects possibly generating up to $ 473 , 000 in revenue annually and could save the County $ 126, 000 in energy costs , The County' s response to COVID490 at this point, there are 772 confirmed cases with 37 deaths , The County has been aggressively working to keep the medical first line supplied in PPE and other supplies needed to keep them protected , They worked to open the first clrive� through testing site at Cape Cod Community College . They have launched a number of initiatives to meet specific needs of the County during this pandemic and during the safe re � opening of the Cape when it becomes safe to do so . The Commission just received a $ 1M Federal Grant to address Barnstable County' s vulnerability to storm impacts . They are planning a Public Hearing at the end of May to look at its' regional policy plan and how the plan guides the Commission ' s efforts to address climate change mitigation . The regional policy plan is the Strategic Plan for the Cape Cod Commission and there were some concerns that the regional policy did not go far enough . This will be discussed at a policy hearing on May 28, 2020v Update on Nauset High School Prolect and Vote to Remove Question from Upcoming Local Ballot Peter Lombardi gave the update , The School Building Committee requested an extension from the MSBA out to November 1 , 2020 , The 4 Managers in each of the member towns met and discussed the best way to proceed . They ended up thinking it best to add to the State Ballot in November 2020 . It wouldn ' t incur any additional costs , the 4 member towns would have already held their Town Meetings and had votes on the Warrant Article before the ballot votes would be taken and avoid having a Special Election which would incur additional costs to the member towns . They have reached out for further clarification as to what exactly the November 111 deadline means so more decisions can be made . Selectperson deRuyter raised a few points � he is supportive of removing the local ballot question and agrees with the assessment of the 4 town managers that the State Ballot in November is the best way to go , He hopes the Secretary of State is cooperative and the MA School Building Association is agreeable , The Town Meeting Warrant best case scenario is for us to have the most votes at town meeting and at the ballot . Attendance at Spring Meeting is anticipated to be significantly lower than average so pushing it out would be best to have the most people there to vote , Selectperson Bingham moved to remove the ballot question from the June 23 ,d election , Selectperson deRuyter second . Roll Call Vote : Selectperson Chaffee � yes, Selectperson deRuyter � yes, Selectperson Bingham � yes) Selectperson Dickson � yes , Chair Whitney � yes . The Select Board voted 5wyes O� no www , brewster� ma . gov BoS 04w27� 20 Page 2 of 6 Doc ID : cOd26d461 I Oab3eOf24cec664ef22eb2fdf72f48 4 jo0o�A o w8 �� o1 �� 0 1��5 Town of Brewster Office of: Select Board 2198 Main Street Town Administrator " } = Brewster, MA 02631 = 1898 to N or Phone : ( 508) 896 =3701 Fax : ( 508) 896- 8089 /y�4j/UUnUM1INlllllltot lul\\\\h\0\�\\\\ Update on Latest Coronavirus Developments and Review of Current State & Local Guidance / Directives Peter Lombardi updated the Board . Not much has changed in two weeks . All standing orders are still in place, and the Governor will be making an update this week . It is important to note that even when the Governor' s orders are lifted , the Town by way of the Select Board and Board of Health can continue to impose local restrictions . Chapter 65 was signed which temporarily prohibits certain non -essential evictions and foreclosures for at least the next four months or a month and a half after the current State of Emergency is rescinded , whichever is earlier . There are extended closures for all non - emergency and child care facilities, and public and private schools through the end of the school year or end of June for childcare facilities . Grab and go lunches are continuing through the Stony Brook School and could be extended during the next few months . Summer school is being discussed . Grocery stores have a reduction of capacity to 40% and restaurants can sell limited quantities of beer and wine with take- out orders . Face coverings are being urged to be worn outside . There will be posting of signage on the rail trail , as it is state property . Cape Cod Baseball League has canceled its summer season . Internal discussions on the little league program and rec program are ongoing . Town services remain unchanged . We want to remind the public to maintain social distancing while at the transfer station for trash and recycling only and asking everyone to consolidate their trips . The hot meal delivery program for seniors who do not qualify for Meals on Wheels is up over 30 residents who are being provided this service through the Council on Aging . They are also offering to deliver essential groceries and pick up prescriptions . Lower and Outer Cape Managers and Health Directors held a meeting last week to try to coordinate our local response measures on issues such as beach access, short term rentals, restaurants and other more complicated issues . Mr . Lombardi gave a review on the Pleasant Bay Nursing Home and an update on the reuse of the former Wingate Nursing Home as a step down facility . Lastly, he noted the Task Force continues to meet on a weekly basis and wanted to thank all of the staff for their tremendous work in supporting our residents and each other . Update on Early Voting Options for Local Election in June — Colette Williams , Town Clerk Colette Williams updated the Board . Since the Board voted to remove the high school building question , she will order the ballots now . In a week, a sample ballot will be posted on the website and social media . If anyone wants an absentee or early voter ballot, all they need to do is to send a signed letter to the Town Clerk' s office . Selectperson deRuyter wondered if there might be a simpler way to obtain signatures for the mail - in ballot . Colette Williams answered that although it has to be an actual signature with early voting, it can be sent by any digital means . She will put more instructional information on the town website . 6 : 30om Public Hearing For a New Restaurant Seasonal Wine and Malt Beverages License : Roberts, Inc . , d / b / a Cobies , located at 2356 -3260 Main Street — Marion Hobbs Marion Hobbs representing Cobies was in attendance . Selectperson deRuyter read the hearing notice . Cobies agreed to post No alcohol beyond this point signs to be installed at advice of the Police Chief. No alcohol will be consumed at picnic tables adjacent to the parking lot . Consumption would only be on the deck areas, and they will add the appropriate signage . Marion Hobbs also stated that the Slavins have operated Cobies since 1986, a self- described seasonal clam shack, and are excited to be opening with all safety restrictions in place . www . brewster- ma . gov BoS 04- 27- 20 Page 3 of 6 Doc ID : cOd26d461 IOab3eOf24cec664ef22eb2fdf72f48 ,\p0 raw 4R Office of Ai pvrlkq�?4� 01 Town of Brewster 10 V Select Board 4V 37 % 1 2198 Main Street Town Administrator 3: 00 )p �= Brewster, MA 02631= 1898 0 *o Phoneu ( 508) 896m3701 IF xm a ( 508) 896mBO89 Nil 11"oo\0 Selectperson deRuyter moved to approve the New Restaurant Seasonal Wine and Malt Beverages License; Roberts, Inc . , d/b/a Cobies , Selectperson Chaffee second . Roll Call Voteo Selectperson Chaffee � yes , Selectperson deRuyter � yes , Selectperson Bingham � yes, Selectperson Dickson � yes, Chair Whitney � yes . The Select Board voted 5 �yes O�no Review of Contingencv Planning for Continued Beach Access & Vote on Recommended Modifications to Beach /Transfer Station /Shellfish Permit Office for Summer 2020 Peter Lombardi walked the Board through the memo he included in the packet . The expectation is that the Governor will remove some restrictions in the coming weeks or months, however, we will have continued discretion in terms of providing access to beaches , We have been having many internal conversations around what that could look like and how we can move forward with a safety plan heading into the Summer Season . There will be some small reductions in parking in a handful of our lots and we are trying to provide a delineated entrance and exit to promote appropriate social distancing at most locations . We are trying to avoid having different approaches to beach access within the lower and outer cape towns because if one town shuts down access, the beachgoers would just shift over to another town . Peter Lombardi then went over site by site where we are today having Natural Resources, DPW) Police, Health Department, and Town Administration input . We will be limiting the overall capacity of our recreational shell4ishing program to residents only which will decrease the overall capacity by 20� 25 % . We will not allow on � clemand Shellfish Permitting on site with the Shellfish Warden . The Town Administration staff did a lot of outreach to other Towns, Department Heads and permitting staff, and are prepared to make a series of recommendations to the Board . We are looking to have the Board extend our current Beach Passes through June 30, 2020 from June 15, 2020, primarily for processing. The real estate tax bills were held back for a month , from April I to May 1 . The mail � in permit form was included with the tax bills, and we are only allowing online or mail in purchase for beach stickers, and potentially allowing non � residents the option to print out both day and seasonal passes . The permit office won 't be open for walkmin traffic to purchase beach or transfer stickers . We are looking at other technology to help us with this over time and specifically for next summer . Selectperson deRuyter moved to extend the existing beach and transfer station passes through June 30, 2020 and furthermore close public access to the permit off ice for the 2020 season . Selectperson Chaffee second , Roll Call Vote : Selectperson Chaffee � yes) Selectperson deRuyter � yes, Selectperson Bingham � yes, Selectperson Dickson � yes , Chair Whitney � yes , The Select Board voted 5 �yes O�no Review of Additional Recommended Changes to FY21 Budget and Spring 2020 Capital Plan Requests Peter Lombardi said it' s been a month since we spoke about the FY21 budget . We have reduced our FY21 revenue projections by a little under $ 500, 000 in total . Half of that is a reduction in local receipts by just over $ 250, 000 . Short term rental revenues planned for the Affordable Housing Trust and for Capital Stabilization Fund transfers are now being looked at to use a portion of those funds to transfer to the General Stabilization Account for $ 150, 000 . We ' ve reduced new growth by $ 25 , 000 down to $ 150, 000 . We are not very dependent on State Aid , fortunately, but we have reduced our estimated State Aid down by $ 38, 000 for next year . We made corresponding www , brewster� ma , gov BoS 04� 27� 20 Page 4 of 6 Doc ID : cOd26d461 I Oab3eOf24cec664ef22eb2fdf72f48 ��a�0�� EUWIs ��i// 0 % Town of Brewster Office of: Select Board 3 2198 Main Street Town Administrator Brewster, MA 026314898 +pr — 4 Phone : ( 508) 896 =3701 a Fax : ( 508) 896-8089 o � reductions on the expense side as well , DPW road maintenance, tree removal , irrigation maintenance, and IT computer supplies totaling $ 95 , 000 . We retained $ 50, 000 in DPW road maintenance for yearly routine road maintenance , Legal , Liability Insurance, and Utilities have been reduced by $ 10, 000, $ 20, 000 and $ 20, 000 respectively , The Human Resources Department was the largest change proposed , with the removal of 1 . 5 FTE' s, netting just over $ 100, 000 . We recognize this is still a need in terms of the organization and employees, and we are still including a $ 10, 000 Capital request to renovate the mailroom in Town Hall for a confidential space for Human Resources to function privately . We will be moving forward with our planned HR Audit as we just received grant money to cover the project, and will be better positioned to move forward with the HR proposal when possible in the coming years . Other personnel changes, Brewster Ladies Library was looking to increase 2 positions' hours, and we have eliminated those changes . All of our Union contracts are set to expire in June, totaling just under $ 400, 000 , We are proposing a one year contract and planning on completing the Compensation and Classification Study this coming year . We have recommended increases in the Fuel Assistance line item , Veteran ' s expense line, and the Reserve Fund all based on the uncertainty around the unknown costs during the pandemic . With Capital requests, we are shifting all of the $ 600, 000 for the Affordable Housing Trust and Capital Stabilization to the General Stabilization Fund . We eliminated several proposed projects , including the HR Audit, Drummer Boy Park gazebo and lighting upgrades, Walker' s Pond water quality, standing requests for the school department HVAC plumbing and electrical repairs reduced by half, and reinsertion of $ 95, 000 in line items shifting into the operating budget, as well as the Beach Nourishment Article . The total amount to cover the Article is going to increase by $ 8, 500 if all approved . The School Committee will meet later this week and we will have more updated information on those recommendations then . Vote to Open Spring 2020 Town Meeting Warrants . Vote on Proposed Changes and /or Additions to Warrant Articles, and Vote to Close Warrants j Selectperson deRuyter moved to Open Spring 2020 Town Meeting Warrants . Selectperson Chaffee second . Roll Call Vote : Selectperson Chaffee — yes, Selectperson deRuyter — yes, Selectperson Bingham — yes, Selectperson Dickson — yes , Chair Whitney — yes , The Select Board voted 5 -yes 0-no Sue Broderick has made all of the changes we discussed so far in the meeting . She additionally wanted to mention the changes in the budgetary transfers for DPW waste and the Golf Department , The Article has been deleted out of the Special . Peter Lombardi said that is correct so we won 't be using free cash and the shortfall in solid waste will be covered from other sources within the DPW budget largely snow and ice . We will be talking in depth next week about the Golf department deficit; the shortfall can be amortized over the next 3 years so we won 't be using free cash or other general fund revenues to cover that deficit . Selectperson deRuyter moved to close the Spring 2020 Town Meeting Warrants , Selectperson Chaffee second . Roll Call Vote : Selectperson Chaffee — yes, Selectperson deRuyter — yes , Selectperson Bingham — yes, Selectperson Dickson — yes, Chair Whitney — yes . The Select Board voted 5 -yes 0- no www . brewster- ma . gov BoS O4- 27- 20 Page 5 of 6 Doc ID : c0c126d46110ab3e0f24cec664ef22eb2fdf72f48 £Maws� \\y,\061% 4//% Town of Brewster Office of: Select Board 2198 Main Street Town Administrator Brewster, MA 02631- 1898 r --= GD , Phone : (508) 896- 3701 Fax : ( 508) 896 = 8089 11111N11��\\\\�\\\��\\\o FYIs None Topics the Chair did not Reasonably Anticipate None Future Meetings — Mav 4 & 18 . 2020 Adiournment Selectperson deRuyter moved to adjourn the meeting at 8 : 19 pm . Selectperson Chaffee second . Roll Call Vote : Selectperson Chaffee — yes, Selectperson deRuyter — yes, Selectperson Bingham — yes, Selectperson Dickson — yes, Chair Whitney — yes . The Select Board voted 5 -yes 0- no Respectfully submitted , Beth Devine 07i20i2020 G�Bih9LiQ� Approved : Signed : Date Selectperson Bingham , Clerk of the Board of Selectman Accompanying Documents in Packet : Consent Agenda , Barnstable County update , Nauset High School Building project update, Coronavirus bulletin updates, Early voting options, new liquor license application , beach memo, budget memo, warrant, FYI ' s . Full packet on website for review . httv : Hreeords . brewster- ma. tov/WebI_,inlc/DoeView . asux? dbid=0 & id= 122629 & tnafre= l & cr=1 www . brewsterwma . gov BoS 04- 27- 20 Page 6 of 6 Doc ID : cOd26d4611 Oab3eOf24cec664ef22eb2fdf72f48