HomeMy Public PortalAbout2020 Annual Select Board RetreatMonday July 27 and Thursday July 30, 2020
Day 1 – Monday July 27
8:30 – 8:45 Opening Remarks & Overview of Planned Approach for Days 1 & 2
Status Update on FY20-21 Goals, Review of Feedback, and Prioritization of FY21-22 Goals
8:45 – 9:15 Community Character
9:15 – 9:45 Open Space
9:45 – 10:15 Housing
10:15 – 10:45 Local Economy
10:45 – 11:15 Coastal Management
11:15 – 11:30 Recap and Wrap-up
Day 2 – Thursday July 30
8:30 – 8:45 Review of Day 1 Discussion & Planned Approach for Day 2
8:45 – 9:15 Water Resources
9:15 – 10:15 Governance
10:15 – 11:00 Community Infrastructure
11:00 – 11:15 Miscellaneous Goals
11:15 – 11:30 Review of Consensus Priorities & Discussion of Next Steps
2020 Brewster Select Board Annual Retreat
07.20 – Day 1
Development of FY21-22
Select Board Strategic Plan
Goals of Annual Retreat
Using last year’s (FY20-21) Strategic Plan as a starting point…
•Continue to coordinate all of our initiatives;
•Clearly identify consensus priority goals that are both
generally consistent with the Vision Plan and reasonably
attainable within the next two years, especially given current
and expected continued pandemic conditions;
•Communicate priorities to all stakeholders and use plan to
focus our collective efforts across the organization.
2020 Brewster Select Board Annual Retreat
07.20 – Day 1
Identifying Consensus Priorities
2020 Brewster Select Board Annual Retreat
07.20 – Day 1
Development of FY21-22
Select Board Strategic Plan
Our Process
•Solicit feedback from all active boards and committees (through
their respective Chairs) and all Department Heads regarding
progress on FY20-21 priority goals and suggested
changes/additions
•Comprehensive input from Department Heads; limited response
from boards and committees
•Feedback remains organized under the 8 Vision Plan Building
Blocks (plus Misc)
2020 Brewster Select Board Annual Retreat
07.20 – Day 1
Recap of FY20-21
Select Board Strategic Plan
•100+ suggested goals originally considered
•38 consensus priority goals identified
•14 goals prioritized for FY20
•15 for FY20-21
•Remaining 9 for FY21
•more than half are listed in the Vision Plan – noted with asterisk*
•Responsible parties assigned to each goal
•Progress on each goal is represented as significant/complete in green, sufficient/partially complete in orange, or insufficient/planned for FY21 in red
2020 Brewster Select Board Annual Retreat
07.20 – Day 1
8:45 – 9:15 Community Character
Status of FY20-21 Goals
•Engage stakeholders to determine policy position on residential
exemption (shifting local residential tax burden to second home
owners and high value properties)
•Continue to implement Age-Friendly Community Action Plan*
•Develop a high-level growth policy (to be refined through the
Local Comprehensive Plan development process)
2020 Brewster Select Board Annual Retreat
07.20 – Day 1
8:45 – 9:15 Community Character
Progress on Other FY20-21 Goals
•Recruit new residents to assist in preserving the herring run and mill site and dedicate funding to maintaining stonework
•Increase funding for Cultural Council (beyond state appropriation)
Suggested Changes/Additions for FY21-22
•Solicit feedback on current Community Preservation Act fund allocation formula and propose changes (if any) to Town Meeting
•Develop plan to identify/address issues of diversity and inclusion, including potential formation of task force or advisory committee
•Evaluate other local tax relief options in addition to residential exemption
•Determine whether elements of Age-Friendly Community Action Plan need to be adjusted
2020 Brewster Select Board Annual Retreat
07.20 - Day 1
9:15 - 9:45 Open Space
Status of FY20-21 Goals
•Identify and evaluate policies / zoning bylaws that recognize and take advantage of potential synergies between affordable housing development and open space preservation*
•Consider implementation of land-use protection policies to ensure current, minimally developed properties remain minimally developed*
•Evaluate potential upgrades to Drummer Boy Park, including vacant building reuse/demolition, playground relocation and concept of walkway to Wing’s Island*
2020 Brewster Select Board Annual Retreat
07.20 – Day 1
9:15 - 9:45 Open Space
Progress on Other FY20-21 Goals
•Complete Open Space and Recreation Plan Update
Suggested Changes/Additions for FY21-22
•Complete Drummer Boy Park Master Plan Update and integrate
into Wing Island boardwalk permitting/design process
•Develop and execute updated plan for Dog Park project
•Develop and adopt Select Board policy on open space
acquisition process
2019 Brewster Select Board Annual Retreat
07.20 – Day 1
9:45 – 10:15 Housing
Status of FY20-21 Goals
•Establish permanent funding mechanism for Affordable Housing
Trust*
•Establish housing rehabilitation program*
•Develop affordable housing off Millstone Road
•Perform a comprehensive review of zoning bylaws, with
particular attention to ones that pertain to creating more
housing choice*
2020 Brewster Select Board Annual Retreat
07.20 – Day 1
9:45 – 10:15 Housing
Suggested Changes/Additions for FY21-22
•Assess efficacy of ADU bylaw and craft modifications if necessary
•Identify Affordable Housing Trust priority goals and related
capital needs, and develop funding plan
•Determine need for long-term rental assistance program
2020 Brewster Select Board Annual Retreat
07.20 – Day 1
10:15 – 10:45 Local Economy
Status of Priority FY20-21 Goals
•Establish a process for submission of electronic permitting applications and create electronic access for viewing of public records*
•Determine need for short-term rental regulations and draft regulations as necessary
•Create an Opportunity Zone centered at 6A and Underpass Road to encourage mixed use development*
•Build stronger partnership with Chamber of Commerce (eg. creation of Cultural District)
2020 Brewster Select Board Annual Retreat
07.20 – Day 1
10:15 – 10:45 Local Economy
Progress on Other FY20-21 Goals
•Building Commissioner to perform additional outreach to municipal Boards, Committees, and the general public at large*
•Consider modification of current Title V variance review practice to include in-house variance review, creating a more customer-centric process
•Actively participate in Cape Cod Chamber’s Blue Economy initiative
Suggested Changes/Additions for FY21-22
•Consider designating Underpass Road as District of Critical Planning Concern with Cape Cod Commission
•Develop Guide to Doing Business in Brewster to assist residents, contractors, and businesses in navigating the local permitting processes
2020 Brewster Select Board Annual Retreat
07.20 – Day 1
10:45 – 11:15 Coastal Management
Status of FY20-21 Goals
•Establish a vehicle to ensure coastal resource management plan is
implemented
•Conduct gap analysis of local land use regulations along the coastal
bank
•Update Department of Natural Resources regulations for commercial
shellfish, razor clams, commercial aquaculture, and harbormaster
•Work with MA Department of Conservation and Recreation on Rail
Trail extension across Route 6A down to Linnell Landing*
2020 Brewster Select Board Annual Retreat
07.20 – Day 1
10:45 – 11:15 Coastal Management
Suggested Changes/Additions for FY21-22
•Launch and support new Natural Resources Commission
•Determine interest in beach shuttle pilot program
•Determine need for and value in continuing Beach Ambassador pilot program
•Investigate feasibility of new shellfish program off Wing Island, working with Dennis town officials to secure access via Crowes Pasture
•Assess applicability of model coastal bank bylaw, once completed, to Brewster
2020 Brewster Select Board Annual Retreat
07.20 – Day 1
11:15 – 11:30 Wrap-up & Recap
•Day 1’s session covered goals for 5 of the 8 Vision Plan Building
Blocks
•Day 2’s session will cover the remaining 3 Building Blocks but
Governance and Community Infrastructure will be substantial
•Feedback on format and suggested changes for Day 2 session
•Any other closing comments?
2020 Brewster Select Board Annual Retreat
07.20 – Day 1
Day 1 – Monday July 27
8:30 – 8:45 Opening Remarks & Overview of Planned Approach for Days 1 & 2
8:45 – 9:15 Community Character
9:15 – 9:45 Open Space
9:45 – 10:15 Housing
10:15 – 10:45 Local Economy
10:45 – 11:15 Coastal Management
11:15 – 11:30 Recap and Wrap-up
Day 2 – Thursday July 30
8:30 – 8:45 Review of Day 1 Discussion & Planned Approach for Day 2
Status Update on FY20-21 Goals, Review of Feedback, and Prioritization of FY21-22 Goals
8:45 – 9:15 Water Resources
9:15 – 10:15 Governance
10:15 – 11:00 Community Infrastructure
11:00 – 11:15 Miscellaneous Goals
11:15 – 11:30 Review of Consensus Priorities & Discussion of Next Steps
2020 Brewster Select Board Annual Retreat
07.20 – Day 2
8:45 – 9:15 Water Resources
Status of FY20-21 Goals
•Consider requiring use of Innovative/Alternative (IA) technology (Title V) in environmentally sensitive areas*
•Continue ongoing water quality planning and implementation
•Evaluate vulnerable Water Department utility infrastructure, determine possible improvements/modifications, and implement as possible/applicable
•Develop and propose stormwater management bylaw (MS4 permit)*
2020 Brewster Select Board Annual Retreat
07.20 – Day 2
8:45 – 9:15 Water Resources
Progress on Other FY20-21 Goals
•Encourage residents to drink more tap water and avoid purchasing single use beverage containers - install hydration stations
•Implement weed harvester pilot program and consider replication
•Create Assistant Water Superintendent position
•Design and install generators at Water Dept facilities
Suggested Changes/Additions for FY21-22
•Negotiate land purchase or easement at Water tank site for future draining of tanks for maintenance
•Develop clear timeline/plan for moving water quality initiatives forward
2020 Brewster Select Board Annual Retreat
07.20 – Day 2
9:15 – 10:00 Governance
Status of FY20-21 Goals (1 of 3)
•Attain Green Communities designation and continue to promote energy conservation
•Develop financial policy to address unfunded Other Post-Employment Benefit liabilities
•Present the annual budget in an easily acceptable format and provide detailed review of Town's financial status on regular basis
•Identify major committees and require that they be on television for purposes of improved transparency
2020 Brewster Select Board Annual Retreat
07.20 – Day 2
9:15 – 10:00 Governance
Status of FY20-21 Goals (2 of 3)
•Establish plan to address need for dedicated HR function
•Complete a compensation and classification study and related staffing analysis of all union and non-union Town personnel, and implement recommended changes
•Adopt financial policies that are in accordance with 2019 MA Department of Revenue report and best practices, and implement short- and medium-term recommendations of DOR report as applicable
•Charter development/adoption and associated bylaw changes
2020 Brewster Select Board Annual Retreat
07.20 – Day 2
9:15 – 10:00 Governance
Status of FY20-21 Goals (3 of 3)
•Design and launch new, more user friendly Town website, and brand/standardize Town communication tools*
•Foster a culture that views residents as customers and town services as the product - be proactive, transparent, and engaged*
•Implement Vision Plan and develop Local Comprehensive Plan*
•Develop a handbook and host a workshop for board/committee Chairs
2020 Brewster Select Board Annual Retreat
07.20 – Day 2
9:15 – 10:15 Governance
Progress on Other FY20-21 Goals
•Provide support for the development and implementation of a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Suggested Changes/Additions for FY21-22
•Begin implementation of 5 Year Green Community Energy Reduction Plan and manage ongoing solar projects with assistance from new Energy Manager
•Complete comprehensive assessment of Captains Golf operations, finances, and capital needs, and determine feasibility of transitioning to enterprise fund
•Develop succession plans for key staff positions as necessary
•Review committee composition/activity/charges, consider potential consolidation, and actively recruit to fill remaining vacancies
•Determine merits of making longer-term changes to traditional municipal service models –applying lessons learned from pandemic response
•Foster stronger relationships with Nauset School District officials, especially regarding finances
•Seek to have all major committees post meeting materials on Town website2020 Brewster Select Board Annual Retreat
07.20 – Day 2
10:15 – 11:00 Community Infrastructure
Status of FY20-21 Goals (1 of 2)
•Re-establish annual Capital Improvement Program process that
aligns capital investments with Vision Plan / LCP, and includes
long-range planning for Golf Department
•Continue to invest in road infrastructure and pavement
management plan, and consider merits of joining Complete
Streets program*
2020 Brewster Select Board Annual Retreat
07.20 – Day 2
10:15 – 11:00 Community Infrastructure
Status of FY20-21 Goals (2 of 2)
•Work with School Committee to investigate feasibility of
(elementary) school consolidation
•Create a community center planning committee to gather
community input regarding interests/needs, conduct a
feasibility/location study (ie. new or repurposed building), and
make recommendations*
2020 Brewster Select Board Annual Retreat
07.20 – Day 2
10:15 – 11:00 Community Infrastructure
Progress on Other FY20-21 Goals
•Complete ADA Recreational Fields Access project
Suggested Changes/Additions for FY21-22
•Complete both School Consolidation and Community Center Feasibility Studies via a transparent and engaging public process
•Develop Complete Streets Prioritization Plan and seek project grant funding
•Complete design and construction of Millstone Road
•Develop comprehensive road capital plan and consider merits of seeking 2nd major road bond
•Determine support for the Brewster Ladies Library renovation project
•Complete Hazard Mitigation Plan and seek to implement Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness projects2020 Brewster Select Board Annual Retreat
07.20 – Day 2
11:00 – 11:15 Miscellaneous
Progress on Other FY20-21 Goals
•Review and approve updated Cemetery Rules and Regulations
•Ensure adequate OSHA training for staff
•Provide support for and formally approve the revised Fire
Department five year plan when presented (staffing implications –
potential for 4 new positions)
•Determine agreed upon location for Town elections
•Continue vigilant cybersecurity
•Fund year two of the property valuation contract in the fall so that
work can begin in a more timely manner
2020 Brewster Select Board Annual Retreat
07.20 – Day 2
11:00 – 11:15 Miscellaneous
Suggested Changes/Additions for FY21-22
•Maintain vigilance in pandemic response
•Continue to monitor and support employee wellness
•Manage successful fall elections and Town Meeting
•Review and update existing Select Board policies
•Develop and adopt Select Board policy on fee waiver requests
•Increase investment in digital archiving of Town records
2020 Brewster Select Board Annual Retreat
07.20 – Day 2
Next Steps
•Town Administration will assemble a summary document for the
Board’s consideration for adoption, providing more detail
regarding responsible parties and anticipated timelines
•Once formally adopted, the FY21-22 Select Board Strategic Plan
will be distributed to all boards/committees and staff, and will
also be posted on the homepage of the Town’s website
•Select Board agendas will frequently include goals for discussion,
action, and/or status updates to ensure we maintain focus
•Iterative annual process to undertake comprehensive review and
update to goals & plan
2020 Brewster Select Board Annual Retreat
07.20 – Day 2