HomeMy Public PortalAboutSelect Board Meeting Packet - 02.01.21
Town of Brewster Select Board
2198 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631
townadmin@brewster-ma.gov
(508) 896-3701
MEETING AGENDA
Remote Participation Only
February 1, 2021 at 6:00 PM
This meeting will be conducted by remote participation pursuant to Gov. Baker’s March 2020 orders suspending certain Open
Meeting Law provisions and imposing limits on public gatherings. No in-person meeting attendance will be permitted. If the Town is
unable to live broadcast this meeting, a record of the proceedings will be provided on the Town website as soon as possible.
The meeting may be viewed by: Live broadcast (Brewster Government TV Channel 18), Livestream (livestream.brewster-
ma.gov), or Video recording (tv.brewster-ma.gov).
Meetings may be joined by:
1. Phone: Call (929) 436-2866 or (301) 715-8592. Webinar ID: 854 0740 7799; Passcode: 141534
To request to speak: Press *9 and wait to be recognized.
2. Zoom Webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85407407799?pwd=R2V6RWloSTVWZGpzNHRKeDNTbWo3Zz09
Passcode: 141534
To request to speak: Tap Zoom “Raise Hand” button or type “Chat” comment with your name and address, then wait to
be recognized.
Select Board
Mary Chaffee
Chair
Benjamin deRuyter
Vice Chair
Cynthia Bingham
Clerk
David Whitney
Edward Chatelain
Town
Administrator
Peter Lombardi
Assistant Town
Administrators
Susan Broderick
Donna Kalinick
Executive Assistant
to the Town
Administrator
Robin Young
1. Call to Order
2. Declaration of a Quorum
3. Meeting Participation Statement
4. Recording Statement
5. Public Announcements and Comment: Members of the public may address the Select Board on matters
not on the meeting’s agenda for a maximum 3-5 minutes at the Chair’s discretion. Under the Open Meeting Law, the
Select Board is unable to reply but may add items presented to a future agenda.
6. Select Board Announcements and Liaison Reports
7. Town Administrator’s Report
8. Consent Agenda
Meeting Minutes: December 21 and 23, 2020 January 19 and 25, 2021
Fee Waiver: Brewster Historical Society Farmers Market
Appointment : Renee Dee – Historical Commission
Acceptance of 2020 Donations
Site Owner Estoppel Certificate: DSD Renewables for Captain’s Golf Course
Driving Range Solar Carport
9. Present and Discuss Finance Committee Report on Nauset Regional High School Project
– Pete Dahl, Finance Committee Chair
10. Review Select Board’s June 2020 Statement on Local Issues of Equity, Diversity, and
Inclusion and Vote on Update to Pledge
11. Initial Discussion on Spring 2021 Town Meeting Logistics
12. For Your Information
13. Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair
14. Questions from the Media
15. Next Meetings: February 2, 8, 10, 16, 22, and 24
16. Adjournment
Date Posted: Date Revised: Received by Town Clerk:
01/28/2021 01/29/2021
Pages 2-41
Pages 42-89
Pages 90-108
Pages 109-111
Pages 112-115
Pages 116-125
Telephone: (617) 727-3040 * Fax: (617) 727-1510 * www.mass.gov/abcc
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission
95 Fourth Street, Suite 3
Chelsea, Massachusetts 02150
Jean M. Lorizio, Esq.
Chairman
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES CONTROL COMMISSION ADVISORY REGARDING
THE GOVERNOR’S COVID-19 ORDER NO. 62
On January 21, 2021, Governor Charlie Baker issued COVID-19 Order No. 62, an Order Further
Extending Application of Additional Capacity Restrictions to Statewide COVID-19 Safety Rules
and Rescinding Early Closing Requirements. The text of the Governor’s Order can be found
HERE.1
As of Monday, January 25, 2021, all retail alcohol licensees may resume sales and service of
alcohol pursuant to the hours indicated on their licenses.
Please be aware that all retail licensees are still restricted to a 25% capacity limit as explained in
the ABCC’s January 8, 2021, Advisory, which can be found HERE. This restriction is extended
until February 8, 2021.
Licensees for on-premises consumption are reminded that food must be served with alcohol sales,
as explained in the ABCC’s August 10, 2020, Advisory, which can be found HERE
As always, all licensees must ensure that they comply with the laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, and that sales of alcoholic beverages take place only as authorized by federal, state,
and local law. All questions should be directed to the ABCC Executive Director Ralph Sacramone
at rsacramone@tre.state.ma.us or (617) 727-3040 x 731.
(Issued January 22, 2021)
1 A summary of the order regarding the extension of gathering limits can be found HERE, and a
summary of the order regarding the extension of capacity limits and repeal of early closure
requirements can be found HERE.
Archived: Friday, January 29, 2021 4:31:44 PM
From: KP Law, P.C.
Se nt: Fri, 22 Jan 2021 15:50:10
To: KP Law, P.C.
Subject: KP Law, P.C. eUpdate - Announcement of Temporary Revisions to COVID-19 Safety Measures
Se nsitivity: Normal
As you know, Governor Baker temporarily adjusted certain COVID-19 related restrictions over the holiday season, to reduce capacity limits for many businesses and the limits on in person gatherings. Originally scheduled to expire on January 10th, these
restrictions were extended until January 24, 2021.
Yesterday, Governor Baker announced:
a further extension of the 25 percent capacity limit on most businesses and current limitations on gatherings through 5:00 a.m. on Monday, February 8, 2021.
effective Monday, January 25th at 5:00 a.m., the existing Early Closing order requiring many businesses to close at 9:30 p.m. each evening will be rescinded
also effective Monday, January 25th at 5:00 a.m., the related Stay At Home advisory urging residents to remain at home between the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. will be withdraw.
A full list of the businesses authorized to operate after 9:30 p.m. as of January 25th can be located in a recent press release issued by the Governor. Of particular note, liquor stores and other retail establishments that sell alcohol, as well as cannabis
retailers, will be permitted to sell alcohol and cannabis after 9:30 p.m.
Lastly, gatherings and events will be permitted to continue after 9:30 p.m., but will remain subject to the revised gatherings limits of 10 people indoors, and 25 people outdoors. As a reminder, these gathering limits apply to private homes, event venues,
and public spaces.
As always, we are here to assist you, so do not hesitate to contact your KP Law attorney if you have further questions. In the meantime, from all of the staff and attorneys at KP Law, be safe and take good care.
KP | LAW
101 Arch Street, 12th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
O: (617) 556 0007
F: (617) 654 1735
www.k-plaw.com
This message and the documents attached to it, if any, are intended only f or the use of the addressee and may contain information that is PRIVILEGED and CONFIDENTIAL and/or may contain ATTORNEY WORK PRODUCT. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notif ied that any dissemination
of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please delete all electronic copies of this message and attachments thereto, if any, and destroy any hard copies you may have created and notif y me immediately.
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
Situation in Numbers
Massachusetts current as of 1/28
488,861 Total Confirmed Cases (click
here for more information)
14,056 Deaths among confirmed
cases
13,309,441 tests for the virus
conducted to date by MA State
Public Health Laboratory, hospitals,
and commercial laboratories.
United States Last Updated 1/28
Case numbers are updated regularly at
noon. Saturday/Sunday reports are
preliminary and have not been confirmed
with state/territorial health departments.
Total Cases Reported to CDC:
25,456,670 Total Cases
427,626 Deaths
57 Jurisdictions Reporting Cases (50
states, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam,
Northern Marianas, Marshall Islands,
American Samoa, and US V.I.)
Social Distancing Basics:
Stay Home
Call/Facetime/online chat
with friends and loved ones.
If you go out for essential needs:
Avoid crowds
Stay 6 feet away from others
Don’t shake hands or hug
Wear a face covering or mask
if physical distancing is not
possible.
Thursday, January 28, 2021
COVID -19 Command Center
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
Situation Update
The Command Center Situation Report is published weekly.
The next report will be published on Thursday, 2/4/21.
In This Week’s Report:
• Latest Data: Public Health Update
• Week in Review: Key State Actions
o Vaccine Appointment Booking for Individuals 75+ to Begin 2/1 as
Part of Phase 2
o Administration Announces Launch of Pilot to Provide Dedicated
COVID-19 Testing Sites to Child Care Programs, Expanded
Resources for Providers
o Administration Awards Over $45 Million in Grants to 1,100 New
Small Businesses Through COVID Relief Program
o Small Business Technical Assistance Grant Program
o DPH, Emergency Management, and Disaster Recovery Updates
o Holyoke and Chelsea Soldiers’ Homes Weekly Update
Helpful Links:
• COVID-19 Vaccination Locations
• When can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
• COVID-19 Vaccine in Massachusetts
• Public Messaging Resources for Municipalities & Businesses
• Mass.gov/findfoodhelp
• HandHoldMA.org
• Reopening Massachusetts
• Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
• Unemployment & COVID-19
• Dept. Of Transitional Assistance Online Portal
• COVID-19 Cost Eligibility and Tracking Guidance
Starting Monday, February 1st, individuals age 75 and up will be eligible for the
COVID-19 vaccine in Massachusetts. Appointments became available yesterday for
online booking at www.mass.gov/COVIDVaccine.
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
Latest Data: COVID-19 Public Health Update
Key indicators from today’s interactive dashboard are below.
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
Weekly Public Health Report:
The Command Center released the Weekly Public Health Report, with town by town information, including the
weekly listing of city and town risk levels on Thursday, 1/28. The report also includes granular information on
cases by county, biweekly testing rates, contact tracing information (including active COVID cluster information
by Exposure Setting Type), hospitalization data, race and ethnicity data, information about cases in long term
care facilities, and PPE distribution data.
Week in Review: State Actions
Vaccine Appointment Booking for Individuals 75+ to Begin 2/1 as Part of Phase 2
Beginning Monday, February 1st, residents age 75 and older
are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in
Massachusetts. Appointments became available yesterday
for online booking at www.mass.gov/COVIDVaccine.
Right now, and until more vaccines are readily available,
there will be a very high demand for a limited number of
appointments through the online platform. Additional
appointments will be added to the website regularly, with
the most availability at mass vaccination sites. Some smaller
sites, like CVS Health, will post a smaller number of new appointments daily.
More mass vaccination sites will be announced soon in other locations. On Wednesday, 10,000 appointments
were posted in Springfield and Danvers and were filled within hours.
Today, Springfield and Danvers made another 15,000 appointments available; Gillette Stadium and Fenway Park
posted a total of 20,000 appointments this morning.
CVS Health will post 1,152 new appointments daily across their 8 sites, for a total of 8,000 per week. CVS Health
is posting new appointments online daily.
In total, over 35,000 new appointments are live over the course of the day for appointments in the next 7 days.
Mass Vaccination Sites (currently accepting appointments):
• Gillette Stadium in Foxboro
• Fenway Park in Boston
• Eastfield Mall in Springfield
• DoubleTree Hotel in Danvers
Currently, the mass vaccination sites are posting large batches of appointments once a week (on Thursdays) for
the next 7 days. The number of appointments is based on the available number of doses allocated from the
federal government to ensure every appointment is fulfilled with a dose. The mass vaccination sites plan to
increase the number of appointments posted weekly in the coming weeks based on the federal allocation of
vaccines shipped to Massachusetts. Residents are encouraged to check mass vaccination sites weekly for the
most number of appointments. It could take weeks for eligible residents to secure an appointment based on
availability and supply.
Steps to book an appointment online:
1. Visit www.mass.gov/CovidVaccineMap and click on the map.
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
2. Select a location, schedule an appointment online
3. Have your important information with you, such as your insurance card
4. Fill out the self-attestation form, which will need to be presented at your appointment.
Appointments are also available in other locations, including some pharmacies and community health
centers. Some of these sites will post appointments more frequently, in some cases daily. Please
check www.mass.gov/covidvaccinemap frequently for open appointments. These sites are smaller and will have
fewer available appointments on a weekly basis.
Administration Announces Launch of Pilot to Provide Dedicated COVID-19 Testing Sites to Child Care
Programs, Expanded Resources for Providers
On Monday, the Administration announced the launch of a
pilot COVID-19 testing program dedicated to providing on-
demand PCR testing to child care providers and the families
they serve to ensure easy access to testing when there is
suspected COVID-19 exposure.
The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), partnering
with private and philanthropic funders from
the Massachusetts Early Childhood Funder
Collaborative and BayCoast Bank, will launch an eight week
pilot, setting up eight rotating drive-through testing sites throughout the Commonwealth, which will be open
only to child care providers and individuals affiliated with programs.
In addition, EEC is dedicating $8 million in state and federal funds to purchase personal protective equipment
(PPE) to distribute to child care providers at no cost. Child care providers will be able to order up to a one-month
supply of PPE, including masks for children and adults, gloves, hand sanitizer, and other supplies.
With dedicated testing locations and test results provided within 48 hours, the new testing initiative is an effort
to prevent sudden temporary closures of child care programs due to virus exposure. The testing sites – located
in Athol, Braintree, Billerica, Dalton, Franklin, Plymouth, Sturbridge, and Westfield – will allow child care
programs to continue providing care when symptomatic individuals test negative and reopen quicker after
potential exposures. The sites were chosen in collaboration with the Department of Public Health (DPH) and the
COVID-19 Response Command Center based on distance from a current state-sponsored Stop the Spread testing
location and concentration of child care providers.
Anyone affiliated with a child care program who is symptomatic, identified as a close contact or has concerns
about exposure, including all staff and their household members as well as children in care and their families,
will be eligible for testing at no cost. Each site will have capacity to test approximately 400 people a day.
Tests will be conducted by medical personnel using a simple anterior nasal swab and will be processed by a CLIA-
certified laboratory with results available to individuals via a portal in 48 hours or less.
Those receiving a test will need the EEC provider number of the child care program to verify their eligibility. No
appointment is necessary, but pre-registration is highly encouraged.
As required by state law, the lab will report results to the state’s Department of Public Health. Individuals will be
responsible for reporting to their child care provider or employer.
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
Members of the Massachusetts Early Childhood Funder Collaborative and BayCoast Bank have committed
$450,000 to support the initial eight-week pilot, which will provide time to evaluate the efficacy of the testing
program and determine next steps. The Massachusetts Early Childhood Funder Collaborative is comprised of
individuals and foundations supporting the early childhood sector in the Commonwealth, sharing information
and best practices in early childhood philanthropy.
Currently, there are 2,429 center-based programs open and 4,373 family child care homes serving children and
their families, which represents approximately 82 percent of pre-COVID child care capacity level. Approximately
125,000 children are enrolled in licensed child care programs each day in Massachusetts.
To learn more about the pilot program, click here.
To order supplemental PPE supplies, click here.
Administration Awards Over $45 Million in Grants to 1,100
New Small Businesses Through COVID Relief Program
Today, Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito,
and Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Mike
Kennealy joined small business owner Raquel Mullaney and
state and local officials representing Plymouth to announce
an additional $45.3 million in grants to 1,100 small
businesses in the fifth round of awards through the COVID-
19 Small Business Grant Program administered by the
Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC). Among
the key industries most impacted by the pandemic, restaurants, bars, and retail stores comprise the leading
groups to receive grants. Today’s announcement was held at The 1620 Winery, located at Cordage Park in
Plymouth, a recipient of a small business grant in a previous award round.
To date, the Administration has awarded more than $277 million in direct financial support to 5,857 small
businesses. This funding has been made available through a $668 million business relief fund set up in December
2020, as well as $50.8 million for small and diverse businesses included in the economic recovery
package announced in October of last year.
Additional grants will be announced in the coming weeks for thousands of additional businesses.
Separate from this round of small business grants, MGCC continues to review applications submitted for its
Sector-Specific Small Business Relief Grant Program. Based on the success of MGCC’s first grant program
targeting small businesses, the sector-specific program targets businesses in the industries experiencing the
greatest economic hardship, regardless of employee headcount. The industries that will be given preference in
the new program include:
• Restaurants, bars, caterers, and food trucks;
• Indoor recreation and entertainment establishments;
• Gyms and fitness centers;
• Event-support companies (photographers, videographers, etc.) ;
• Personal services (nail salons, barbershops, independent pharmacies, etc.);
• Independent retailers.
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
Sector-specific applicants are able to review the status of their application through the submittable portal found
on www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org. Award notifications for the sector-specific program will be made in
February.
Small Business Technical Assistance Grant Program
The Administration and Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation also announced nearly $5 million in small
business technical assistance grants to 63 non-profit organizations across the state. The state-funded Small
Business Technical Assistance Grant Program, administered by MGCC, aims to expand economic and
entrepreneurial opportunities in underserved communities throughout the Commonwealth.
These technical assistance grants enable nonprofit organizations throughout Massachusetts to provide crucial
services such as help with applying for pandemic-related grant and loan programs, like the Paycheck Protection
Program (PPP), as well as individualized business management assistance, financial training, access to non-
COVID capital and loan packaging services to under-resourced small businesses in urban and rural communities.
The grant recipients, selected through a competitive process, are as diverse as the businesses they serve,
including community development corporations, micro lenders, and chambers of commerce.
Since Fiscal Year 2015, the program has awarded more than $15 million in grants. These funds have directly
benefited more than 15,000 jobs and served over 12,500 small businesses, including 2,682 startups across
Massachusetts.
Important Updates
Department of Public Health Updates:
• The new public information campaign, “Trust the Facts, Get the Vax” is set to begin February 8 with a :30 sec
video focused on vaccine safety recorded with physicians in Springfield, the Southcoast and in Boston. This
was a project of the Governor’s Office and MHA with assistance from DPH.
• The COVID-19 vaccine webpages have been updated to reflect the latest information on vaccine rollout and
availability. Visit www.mass.gov/covidvaccine.
• The MA vaccine dashboard is among the most comprehensive in the country. It includes doses of vaccine
shipped and administered; people vaccinated; distribution by county, age, race, ethnicity breakdowns. View
the vaccination dashboard which also posts Thursdays at 5pm.
• DPH communicated that effective 1/21, community health centers, multispecialty practices, and physician
offices may use doses on hand to vaccinate selected high-risk patients.
• DPH issued guidance to Clinical Laboratory Directors: Temporary Laboratory License for CLIA-waived COVID-
19 Testing and Clinical Laboratory Alternate Sites
• DPH issued a Bulletin – What Massachusetts COVID-19 Vaccine Providers Need to Know, for the week of
1/21. This Bulletin offers the Latest Numbers, Who to Vaccinate This Week, What to Know This Week,
Vaccine Allocation and Ordering Process, where to go when you have questions about COVID-19
vaccination, and Resources and Learning Opportunities.
• The DPH Epidemiology Line handled 595 COVID-19 calls and 83 non-COVID-19 calls for a total of 678 calls
from 1/18 through 1/24.
• Mass211 received 5,331 calls from Monday 1/18 through Sunday 1/24 for a new total of 199,213.
• DPH received Cycle 9 allocations on 1/19 as follows: Bamlanivimab 1920 doses and Regeneron 350
doses. This allocation is for a two-week period. The Therapeutics Working Group is recommending an
equitable allocation strategy.
• As of 1/28/21, the Academic Public Health Volunteer Corps has 299 volunteers supporting 52 local boards of
health. This week volunteers also began supporting COVID-19 vaccination efforts. For more information
about the Academic Public Health Volunteer Corps, please visit the APHVC webpage on Mass.gov.
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
• DPH provided long term care facilities with a new frequently asked questions web page to help Chapter 93
Elder Facility Reporters navigate the REDCap system to report statutorily-required Chapter 93 data to DPH.
• DPH issued guidance to Long Term Care facilities: Federal Pharmacy Partnership Program Discharged
Resident Vaccination Update
• All Health and Medical Coordinating Coalition (HMCC) regions are at Tier 4 status. In Tier 4, the hospitals in
each region meet at least daily, and continue to collaborate across regions where necessary, to address
growing capacity constraints and continue to load balance as needed.
• From 12/9 through 1/22, there were 843 infusions of COVID-19 monoclonal antibodies reported by 12
facilities, including 1 nursing home. For Week 7 (1/16 through 1/22), there were 200 infusions.
• For the date range of 1/15 – 1/21, 95 of 96 Massachusetts hospitals were 100% compliant in their COVID-19
data submissions to the DPH WebEOC portal which is submitted to the federal HHS Protect portal daily.
• There are currently 14 Rapid Response Teams deployed to nursing homes across the Commonwealth.
Teams are also helping nursing homes on the day of their Vaccine Clinics to ensure staff and residents are
monitored after vaccination.
• There are also 10 National Guard Teams deployed and supporting nursing and rest homes.
• DPH has collaborated on the establishment of alternate medical sites (or “Field Medical Stations”) to
mitigate stress on health care systems as cases increase. The Lowell General Hospital Alternative Care Site
opened on 1/4/21, and the UMASS Memorial Medical Center DCU Center Field Hospital opened on 12/6/20.
In addition, DPH has contracted with ambulance services in each of the five EMS Regions to help ensure
transport capability to alternate medical sites.
Emergency Management and Disaster Recovery Updates:
Mass Care
• 4 state contracted isolation/recovery hotels in the communities of Everett, Pittsfield, Taunton, and
Wakefield continue to receive client placements: 186 individuals are currently housed in the program.
o Top 5 referring cities:
Boston (291)
Worcester (176)
Springfield (152)
Cambridge (113)
Brockton (109)
o To date, a total of 1,851 residents have been placed in these hotels for safe isolation and
recovery, an increase of 91 since last week.
Community Food Box Program Update (1/22 to 1/28):
MEMA is partnering with the Salvation Army, and a vendor, to bring in shelf-stable food boxes each week to
support communities in their effort to deliver food to individuals and families in quarantine and isolation who
require assistance accessing food. Each week MEMA’s warehouse receives a delivery of shelf-stable food boxes.
Distribution of food boxes is coordinated between MEMA and communities in need via a request through
WebEOC. The table below reflects the current food box inventory, and number of food boxes distributed to
communities during the weekly reporting period (data is updated every Friday).
Total Number of Food Boxes in
MEMA’s Inventory
Total Number of Food Boxes
Distributed to One or More
Local Communities During the
Reporting Period
Total Number of Communities
that Received Food Boxes During
the Reporting Period
4,505 185 4
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
Logistics (including Personal Protective Equipment and Supplies)
• 148 orders prepared for pickup or delivery from the MEMA State Logistics Warehouse from 1/22-1/28
• Deliveries continue for the isolation hotels in Pittsfield, Taunton, Everett, and Wakefield
• The warehouse is prepared to receive additional food boxes in support of the Food Box Program and
continue distribution of those boxes to communities that request them.
• DPH coordinated 21 deliveries to health care entities on Monday (1/25) (6 PPE/1 testing supplies and 14
BinaxNOW kits); 17 deliveries were made on Tuesday (1/26) (2 PPE/4 testing supplies and 11 BinaxNOW
kits); 9 deliveries were made on Wednesday (1/27) (1 PPE/1 testing supplies and 7 BinaxNOW kits); 17
deliveries were made on Thursday (1/28) (4 PPE/1 testing supplies, 12 BinaxNOW kits and 1 HFNC); and
9 deliveries have been scheduled for Friday (1/29) (1PPE/1 testing supplies, 6 BinaxNOW kits and 1
therapeutic).
Disaster Recovery
On March 27, 2020, the President declared a Major Disaster Declaration for the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts related to the COVID-19 pandemic response. Through this declaration, federal aid will be made
available to cities and towns, state agencies, and certain non-profits in all Massachusetts counties to help pay
for emergency protective measures (response costs) related to the COVID-19 pandemic. MEMA’s Recovery Unit
has developed a webpage with information and guidance on, but not limited to, disaster declaration, eligibility
criteria, and the application process. Highlights from the Disaster Recovery process include the following:
• Online Applicant Technical Assistant Requests: 501
• Request for FEMA RPA Applicants: 678
• FEMA recently awarded a $236,861,846 grant to MEMA to cover eligible expenses incurred purchasing
PPE used to protect frontline workers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant will reimburse
eligible PPE procurement, storage, and distribution undertaken between March and September 2020.
• FEMA obligated the City of Boston’s Food and Distribution PW, providing $713,928 (75% cost share) to
cover costs incurred through the City’s vendor contract with “About Fresh” (aka “Fresh Truck”). Through
this program, the City of Boston served groceries to an average of 2,500 households each week over a 9-
week period (July 13, 2020 – September11, 2020). The City of Boston is planning to continue the
Emergency Feeding Program through June 2021, and is expected to submit additional PWs in two
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
installments: Emergency Feeding Phase 2 (September to December 2020) and Emergency Feeding Phase
3 (January 2021 through June 2021).
• Coordinating with FEMA to obtain additional eligibility guidance for the new Presidential Executive
Orders and memorandums.
• Preparing revised non-congregate medical sheltering survey for monthly FEMA reporting.
• Distributed updated guidance regarding COVID-19 vaccination expenses and notified applicants of an
informational webinar on vaccine cost reimbursements being hosted on 2/4/21. Click here to learn how
to register. The webinar will also be recorded and made available on the MEMA website.
COVID-19 Cases in Long-Term Care (LTC) Facilities
(as of 1/28)
Residents/Healthcare Workers
of LTC Facilities 33,733
LTC Facilities Reporting at Least
One Case of COVID-19 421
Deaths Reported in LTC Facilities 7,993
Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Weekly Update (current as of 1/26/21)
• Following the completion of Phase II of the Refresh Project, Veterans residing at Holyoke Medical Center
since April 2020 have returned to the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke in a project known as Operation
Bring’em Home. The refresh project is an important initiative to ensure infection control standards are
met throughout the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke.
• CVS Health was on site at the Soldiers’ Home on January 19 to administer the second dose of the vaccine
and to also vaccinate those who were not vaccinated in the first round. On December 29, the first
veteran residents and staff at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke received the COVID-19 vaccination.
o 111 veteran residents and 153 staff have received both doses.
o 6 veteran residents and 84 staff received their first dose.
• The Home is strongly encouraging all staff to receive the vaccine. Staff are being provided with
educational information about the COVID-19 vaccine, including COVID-19 vaccine FAQ sheets, and the
Nurse Education Team and Medical Team held vaccine informational forums. The materials are available
in both English and Spanish.
• The Soldiers’ Home is working with Home Base, a veteran support organization, to help improve the
quality of life, increase psychosocial interventions to address isolation during the pandemic. Home Base
has linked us to virtual concerts provided by professional and amateur volunteers. The concerts are
interactive—featuring musical performances and conversation between the Veterans and musicians.
The concerts occur every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. The team at Home Base is working with
Social Work, Recreation and Nursing to provide other opportunities for virtual activities.
• The Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke continues to prioritize virtual visitation and family communication as
visitation and movement throughout the facility have been suspended and PPE protocols have been
heightened, per infection control protocol, since November 20 for all units until further notice. Families
are encouraged to continue video visits for regular family communication through video chat, and the
Family Line is available for ad hoc updates with support from social work and clinical staff. Virtual visits
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WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
can be scheduled by calling the Family Line at 413-552-4764 Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Families can also request updates via email at CommunicationsMailbox-HLY@Mass.gov. Note: The
Soldiers’ Home can only share medical information about a resident with the authorized health care
proxy on file.
• The Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke is taking every precaution to mitigate COVID-19 entering and spreading
at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke. Based on guidance from DPH, and in consultation with infection
control experts, the Home is continuing mandatory 2 times per week testing for all staff and residents.
Increased testing frequency will allow us to detect COVID-19 early and will continue until the Home
receives 14 consecutive days of negative results.
o The Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke has been intently focused on following infection control
procedures and maintaining best practices for the safety of veteran residents and staff. All
veteran residents’ health is being monitored and retesting is being conducted for veterans both
on- and off-site as clinically appropriate. The Soldiers’ Home’s medical team is making all clinical
decisions following the latest CDC guidance, which continues to evolve as the medical
community learns more about this new virus.
• In addition to mandatory testing at state-operated 24/7 facilities, daily symptom checking and routine
staff surveillance testing are important tools to protect staff, residents and visitors and will remain in
place until such time there is a medical breakthrough or a safe and effective vaccine for COVID 19. Staff
who are not feeling well are instructed not to come to work and to contact their health care provider. If
staff show any signs of COVID-symptoms, they are required to self-quarantine at home, per CDC
guidance for health care workers.
• The Soldiers’ Home leadership is committed to ensuring the safety of the Veteran residents and
restoring the Home to its rightful place that treats them with dignity, honor, and respect. The Soldiers’
Home leadership is moving into the Transition & Rebuilding Phase that is focused on rebuilding staff
leadership and team and positioning the facility to move forward safely.
• The Commonwealth has been making capital investments to address the short and long-term needs of
the Home. This includes a short-term Refresh Project and a longer-term Rapid Planning Capital Project
for a future Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke. While the expedited capital project will address long-term facility
needs, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Department of Veterans’ Services, and
Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance have been addressing immediate capital needs,
including a $6 million refresh of units to significantly improve infection control for the residents and
staff.
o On Veterans Day, the Baker-Polito Administration announced the next steps for the expedited
capital project for the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke. Following the conclusion of the 12-week Rapid
Planning Phase of the project, the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance
released the needs assessment report, and announced the selection of Payette Associates for
the next phase as the design firm to lead the design and planning phase, the next step of the
expedited capital project. Payette will build on the evaluation they previously completed, and
will develop a full project scope, refine the plan, and confirm the budget, timelines, and ensure
conformity with the regulatory process. One of the early deliverables is the preparation of the
submission for the VA State Home Construction Grant by its April 15, 2021 deadline. The
website for the project is www.mass.gov/HolyokeSHProject.
• In June, the Baker-Polito Administration released the independent report ordered by Governor Baker to
investigate the COVID-19 outbreak at Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, and announced a series of reforms to
strengthen its governance and oversight of the Home, improving staffing processes, providing quality
care for our Veterans, and planning for significant capital improvements.
• The status of all residents as of January 26 is as follows:
o Status:
0 veteran residents are positive and not clinically recovered
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
2 veteran residents are negative
44 veteran residents have a pending test. Please note that all veteran residents and staff
are now being tested twice weekly, which will increase the number of pending tests.
76 veteran residents have been determined clinically recovered
0 veteran residents have refused testing
• Resident locations:
o 120 veteran residents are onsite
o 1 veteran resident is offsite
1 veteran is receiving acute care offsite
• Since March 1, there have been 77 veteran deaths of veterans who tested positive
• Following the most recent round of staff surveillance testing
o 0 staff are positive
o All others who previously tested positive are clinically recovered
Chelsea Soldiers’ Home Weekly Update (current as of 1/26/21)
• CVS Health returned to the Soldiers’ Home on January 19 and 20 to administer the second dose of the
vaccine, while also providing vaccinations to those who were not vaccinated in the first round. On
December 29 and 30, the first veteran residents and staff at the Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea received the
COVID-19 vaccination.
o 145 residents and 148 staff have received both doses.
o 18 veteran residents and 97 staff received their first dose.
• The Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea continues to prioritize virtual visitation, as visitation and movement
throughout the facility remains suspended for all units until further notice per infection control protocol.
The Home remains vigilant in its infection control, including enhanced precautions throughout the
facility and strict infection control protocols to keep veteran residents and staff safe, including
continuing staff education, screening, and testing. Visitation will resume after 14 consecutive days
without a new positive test.
• Families can request updates on their loved ones by contacting their assigned social worker, or emailing
the Home at CSH@mass.gov. They can schedule virtual visits by video or phone call. Medical information
can only be shared with an authorized health care proxy.
• Clinical staff closely monitor any changes in residents, and the Soldiers’ Home’s medical team is making
all clinical decisions following the latest CDC guidance, which continues to evolve as the medical
community learns more about this new virus. The CDC recommends making medical decisions regarding
when to end isolation and determine that the patient has recovered based on symptoms and time
elapsed.
• The Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea currently weekly staff surveillance testing. In accordance with CMS rules,
the Soldiers’ Home is now conducting weekly testing until the facility is 14 days without positive test
results. These tests are provided at no cost to employees.
• The Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea monitors the PPE supply, and continues to receive shipments of PPE. The
Incident Command team at the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home continues to enforce staff use of personal
protective equipment (PPE), as well as source PPE to ensure that residents and staff have access to
critical safety equipment. The team continues to coordinate closely with the VA Health Care System.
• The status as of January 26 is as follows:
o Residents
3 veteran residents are positive and not clinically recovered, all in independent living
129 veteran residents are negative
45 veteran residents have recovered, meaning they previously tested positive and are
now clinically recovered
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
0 veteran residents have pending tests
Since March 1, there have been 31 deaths of veteran residents who tested positive
o Following the most recent round of staff surveillance testing:
25 staff are positive
All other employees who previously tested positive have been determined clinically
recovered
Communications Resources
Public Messaging Resources for Communities:
The COVID-19 Command Center has produced many communication resources aimed at helping communities
inform and educate residents on recent executive orders and guidance related to COVID-19.
Visitors to the Stop COVID-19 Public Messaging webpage will find both printable flyers, posters, and digital
resources in multiple languages on topics such as:
• When can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
• Vaccine Graphics
• Statewide guidelines, advisories, and orders
• Staying safe in the community
• Using local public alert systems for COVID-19 information
• Materials for Business
o Return to work guidance
o Employee Screening Questionnaire
o Business guidance – New, Temporary Capacity Limits
o Updated safe store tips for retailers
DPH Communication Materials in Multiple Languages
• Facts Sheets
• Videos
Resources
MassSupport
MassSupport is the Massachusetts Crisis Counseling Program funded by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency and managed in partnership between the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health and Riverside
Trauma Center, a program of Riverside Community Care.
Contact MassSupport by phone at 888-215-4920 or by email at MassSupport@riversidecc.org
Red Cross Virtual Family Assistance Center
In order to provide support to families and communities who have suffered loss as a result of the COVID-19
pandemic, the American Red Cross has developed a Virtual Family Assistance Center (VFAC), staffed by a team
of specially trained mental health, spiritual care, and health services volunteers who are:
• Connecting with families over the phone to offer condolences, emotional and spiritual support, and
access to available resources
• Providing support for virtual memorial services for families, including connecting with local faith-based
community partners
• Hosting online classes to foster resilience and facilitate coping skills
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
• Assisting families with access to national, state, or local resources such as grief counseling, legal
resources, funeral information, financial information services, or veterans’ assistance
• Additional state- and local-specific resources are available.
People can visit: https://www.redcross.org/virtual-family-assistance-center/ma-family-assistance-center.html
to access this resource with special virtual programs, information, referrals, and services to support families in
need. People without internet access can call toll-free 833-492-0094 for help. All Family Assistance Center
support will be provided virtually and is completely confidential and free.
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) now reports on the number of positive COVID-
19 cases as reported to the DESE by school districts (including charter schools), collaboratives, and approved
special education schools. The data only represents what has been reported to DESE. For more information and
to view the report people can visit: http://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/positive-cases/
COVID-19 Test Site Locator
MEMA, in conjunction with the COVID-19 Command Center, has developed an interactive map that shows the
locations of COVID-19 testing sites around the Commonwealth.
Massachusetts COVID-19 Response Dashboard
MEMA has developed and maintains a public-facing COVID-19 ArcGIS Online dashboard, available here. This
dashboard is continuously updated and captures information about current COVID 19 case counts, cases by age,
cases by county, hospital status, hospital bed status, death tolls, and deaths by age. Users should refresh the
dashboard daily as enhancements are continuously being added.
Health care facilities can learn more about requesting personal protective equipment here.
Stay Informed
• Get information from trusted sources. Get notified by text, email, or phone call in your preferred
language. Visit https://member.everbridge.net/index/406686158291020/#/signup to sign-up for
AlertsMA for the latest news on the Commonwealth’s response to COVID-19
• Take care of your emotional health:
• Call 2-1-1 and choose the “CALL2TALK” option.
• Samaritans is continuing operations 24/7, as always. During this unprecedented time, it can feel
overwhelming to receive constant messages about COVID-19. Call or text their 24/7 helpline any time at
877-870-4673.
• The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to
providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any
natural or human-caused disaster, including disease outbreaks like COVID-19. This toll-free, multilingual,
and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories.
How to Help Out
• Work at an Alternate Care Site in either Worcester or Lowell
• Donate to the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund
The Need for Blood Donations Continues, and Recovered COVID-19 Donors Can Help Save Lives
In coordination with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Red Cross is seeking people who are fully
recovered from the new coronavirus to sign up to donate plasma to help current COVID-19 patients. People who
have fully recovered from COVID-19 have antibodies in their plasma that can attack the virus. This convalescent
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
plasma is being evaluated as treatment for patients with serious or immediately life-threatening COVID-19
infections, or those judged by a healthcare provider to be at high risk of progression to severe or life-threatening
condition. Interested individuals can visit RedCrossBlood.org/plasma4covid to learn more. The Red Cross follows
the highest standards of safety and infection control, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for
those in need. To make an appointment to donate, please visit www.RedCrossBlood.org
Archived: Friday, January 29, 2021 4:31:51 PM
From: Vaira Harik
Se nt: Fri, 29 Jan 2021 08:36:41
To: Sean O'Brien; Erika Woods; Phil Burt; Andrew Platt; Diana Gaumond; Deirdre Arvidson; Stephen Tebo; Beth Albert; Sonja Sheasley; Jack Yunits Jr.; Mike Maguire; Bill Traverse; Amy Alati; Lynn Mulkeen
Cc: Cyr, Julian (SEN); Paula Schnepp; hnelson@duffyhealthcenter.org; Bethany Traverse; Patricia Cawley; Susan Mazzarella; jeffrey.soares@masenate.gov; pnadle@outercape.org; Karen Gardner; Nancy Bucken; Daniel Gray; Stephanie
Prior; Sidhartha MD, Kumara; gjones@capecodhealth.org; wphinney@haconcapecod.org; Adam Burnett; Fleck, Rachel (CDA); Tom Cahir; Chris Kennedy; Chief Peter Burke; Kim Slade; Tracey Benson; drifmeyere@barnstablepolice.com;
Suzie Hauptmann; mlauf@capecodhealth.org; Kevin Mulroy, DO; drodrigues@duffyhealthcenter.org; Elysse Magnotto-Cleary; Ryan Castle; timothy.whelan@mahouse.gov; Stephane Ruault; moliva@capecodcanalchamber.org;
mkasparian@falmouthchamber.com; Barbara Cooper (CDC); Santibanez, Scott (CDC/DDID/NCEZID/DPEI); nelson.andrewsjr@mwtribe-nsn.gov; Phillips, Diana (EEC); cmenard@thefamilypantry.com; chrisf@capecodbuilders.org; Beth
Waldman; Peake, Sarah - Rep. (HOU); sarah.ferrara@mahouse.gov; O'Brien, Nolan (Markey); Jessica Wong; michael.jackman@mail.house.gov; Dogan Temizir; paulhilton@capecodcollaborative.org; Gina Hurley;
ciborowski_pam@mybps.us; Maria Coyne; Savannah Kelleher; slaye@mbl.edu; mtitas@gmail.com; karen.nolin@yahoo.com; Alicia Bryant; Group - Town Health Agents (7/24/20); Jocelyn Howard; lisa@wecancenter.org; Susan Moran;
Maria Silva; Daniel Gray; Martha Taylor; Liz Kokernak; Betty Wong (CDC/DDPHSS/OS/OD); Elfriede Agyemang (CDC/DDPHSIS/CGH/DGHT); Allyssa Hathaway; Schulze, Frank (SEN); Johnson, Patrick (SEN); cjctodd@gmail.com;
Dotty Caron; lpearson@sscac.org; Group - School Superintendents (@ 8/1/20); Group - COA Directors (7-1-20); Brooke Styche; Kenneth Cirillo; Donna Giberti; Group - Assembly of Delegates (08-17-20); Elizabeth Braccia; Sandy
Faiman-Silva; brendan.dutch@masenate.gov; pauldart@pauseawhile.org; scott.mcgann@falmouthma.gov; Shaw, Christine; Gonsalves, Rita (IHS/NAS/MSH); sonnabendm@barnstablepolice.com; chrisf@capecodbuilders.org;
cflanagan@town.dennis.ma.us; Nicole Taylor; Lawson, Christopher; Jim Golden; Joanne Geake; jgeake@sandwichmass.org; Meg Payne; Dan Gates; Rick Martin; Jill Brookshire; dhciavola@capecodhealth.org; Kristine Monteiro; Janet
Schulte; melissa@nantucketchamber.org; Staniels, Jaime; kim.nahas@escci.org; Margaret Burke; Paul Speer; Liz Stapleton; Anna Marini; cdufault@monomoy.edu; htavano@monomoy.edu; asullivan@monomoy.edu; cfiocco@monomoy.edu;
cmulhall@monomoy.edu; ssears@monomoy.edu; ascottputney@heritagemuseums.org; LAHesse@mycapecodbank.com; rccollins@mashpeema.gov; wtaylor@mashpeema.gov; tmcook@mashpeema.gov; Rep. Steve Xiarhos; Rita Mitchell
(Public Health Nurse); barbaradominic612@gmail.com; Savanna Santarpio; Peckham, Ann-Marie; Endres, Sarah; Denise Galvin; denise.galvin@gmail.com; dgavron@outercape.org; Nicole Bartlett; Geoffrey Gorman; Lennon, Kevin;
amulrow@heritagemuseums.org; Helen Grimm; Hope Hanscom; George Schmidt; Ashley Lopes; ecralston@chcofcapecod.org ; Matt Poole; healthagent@aquinnah-ma.gov; Marina Lent, Chilmark BOH; Meegan Lancaster; Maura Valley ;
John Powers; rsantamaria@nantucket-ma.gov; beckie@wampanoagtribe.net; Caitlin Cantella; Michelle Aceto; Amy O'Leary; Edward Dunne (edward.dunne@falmouthpolicema.gov); preparednessgroup@capecodfive.com; Ronald Bergstrom;
Sheila Lyons; Mark Forest; Janice O'Connell; Peter Lombardi; Patricia Palmer; Robyn Sweeting; Gina Torielli; Hillard Boskey; Group - CC Chamber of Commerce Board; kip.diggs@mahouse.gov; Kevin Howard; Foley, Brenda;
bill@cataniahospitalitygroup.com; lisa@lisasellscapecod.com; elaineh@cssdioc.org; thomas.damario@mahouse.gov; Rep. Steve Xiarhos; Brad Schiff; Geoff Spillane; Beth Bullock-McGrail; Tapper, Abigail (DPH); amy@wellstrong.org;
Jennifer Clarke; Danielle Alexandrov; gconran@conranpr.com
Subject: 1/29/21: Barnstable County and Regional COVID-19 Daily Update--ABBREVIATED
Se nsitivity: Normal
(Reminder: My charts show both new confirmed and new probable cases as reported by the DPH and as they appear in MAVEN. However, I have not been able to update the number of probable cases since December 6th due to lack of access to the data. Reporting on both confirmed and
probable case numbers allows the best longitudinal comparison with past data and also most accurately reflects the incidence of new cases and thus the workloads of our town Public Health Nurses who carry out the contact tracing work.)
Good Morning All.
SUMMARY:
1. New Cases: DPH new cases reported yesterday:
Barnstable County: 120 new cas es .
Martha's Vineyard: 10 new cas es .
Nantucket: 2 new cases.
2. Hospitalizations and Fatalities: 3-day avg.hospitalizations have fallen to the upper 40's/low 50's, yet relatively high patient counts in the ICUs (16 patients) remain. Fatalities remain elevated but are in-line with rates
seen during Wave 1 last spring.
3. Schools and Childcare Centers: Due to the mildness of the flu season the DPH has removed the requirement that all school children receive a flu vaccination on or before 2/28/21. Many school districts returned to a
hybrid learning model last week.
4. Testing
5. Weekly Town Risk, and Statewide Cluster Analyses
6. Vaccination:
\u8203 ? -Vaccination in long term care facilities began on 12/28.
-Vaccination of Police/Fire/EMS began on Jan 11.
-Vaccination of Shelter/Congregate Living residents and staff began on Jan 18.
-All remaining groups in Phase 1 are now eligible to be vaccinated (including home health workers, non-COVID facing health workers).
-The DPH has adjusted its list of persons prioritized for vaccination at the beginning of Phas e 2. Group 1 now only includes persons aged 75+. Group 2 now consists of persons aged 65+, or with 2+ co-morbidites, or
residents and staff of low income and affordable senior housing.
-Planning for 4-5 sub-regional mass vaccination s ites on Cape Cod, to begin operation during Phase 2, is underway. The DPH is in discussions with the County Health Dept. to open is DPH-operated mas s vaccination site on
Cape Cod during Phase 2 of the vaccination plan.
\u8203 ? \u8203 ?-Phase 2 of the State Vaccination Plan will begin on February 1. Vaccination at local clinics during Phas e 2 will be by appointment only and appointments will be able to be scheduled once County and
local health authorities can be sure of vaccine availability from the DPH. The public will be given ample notice of planned vaccination clinics for eligible persons in Phase 2. As noted, Phase 2 Group 1 only includes
persons age 75+.
7. COVID Mutation and Changes in Transmissibility/Virulence/Other: There are three variants of concern: B117 (UK), B1351 (S. Africa), and P1 (Brazil). All three appear to be equally virulent but at least 50%
more transmis sible. Within two months of the B117 variant being identified in the UK (October) it became the dominant strain circulating there. The CDC is now posting surveillance information on the emergence of the B117
variant in the US: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/transmission/variant-cases.html.\u8203 ? Existing vaccines may be less effective against these new strains. The degree to which this may be so is being
investigated. Moderna and Pfizer are working on a booster shot to counter these new strains.
DETAIL:
1. New Cases
Daily new case numbers in Barnstable County remain high but in a downward trend following the post-Christmas/New Year's surge. 120 cases were reported yesterday.
Nantucket's 7-day average cas es per 100,000 population continues to trend lower. 2 cases were reported yesterday.
Martha's Vineyard's 7-day average cases per 100,000 population also continues to trend lower. 10 cases were reported yes terday.
Trailing 14-Day Testing and Cases by County:
PENDING NEW WEEKLY DATA
2. Hospitalizations and Fatalities
Hospitalizations and acuity of illness have increased very significantly since the second week of November and remain elevated. Cape Cod Hospital and Falmouth Hospital have suspended visitation of inpatients except
under very limited circumstances (end-of-life, etc.) and have stopped non-essential surgeries and other elective procedures.
DPH reporting of hospitalizations now has a 2-day lag; Tina Shaw of CCHC is providing me with more recent information (thank you Tina). Yesterday evening CCHC reported that there were 42 COVID patients in hospital, 16 of
which were in the ICU.
Fatalities: 2 additional fatalities were reported yesterday. The total is now 329.
Recent data on COVID fatalities in Barns table County sugges t that residents of Long Term Care/Skilled Nursing Facilities/Rest Homes represent over 50% of all fatalities (139 of 256 fatalities, as of 1/5/21). This is
a lower percentage than that seen during phase 1 of the pandemic last s pring (over 65%).
3. Schools and Childcare Centers
School districts are staying vigilant and reacting well to new cases. Most school districts on the Cape and Is lands returned to a hybrid learning status last week following the Christmas and New Year's holiday break.
DESE and the DPH (memo of 1/8/21) announced that they are seeking to introduce COVID-19 screening testing using a pooled strategy in the school setting. Schools may elect to participate by responding to a survey that
DESE/DPH have pos ted. Further information will be forthcoming.
For the 2020-2021 s chool year the DPH has mandated that all school children be vaccinated for seasonal influenza. This week the DPH extended the deadline for doing so from 12/31/20 to 2/28/21. This mandate has been
canceled by the DPH.
During Phas e 2 of the state vaccination rollout childcare center s taff are to be vaccinated alongside school staff.
4. Testing
Additional testing locations in Barnstable County for both symptomatic and asymptomatic persons remain open in Falmouth at the Fairgrounds and in Hyannis at the Melody Tent. Daily testing capacity is 50 at the Falmouth
site and 350 at the Hyannis s ite. Neither site is open daily and persons must call ahead for an appointment. Details: https://www.capecodhealth.org/medical-services/infectious -disease/coronavirus/covid-19-testing-
process/.
In late December additional tes ting by Outer Cape Community Health Services began and continues at its 3 locations in Wellfleet, Harwich Port, and Provincetown (https://outercape.org/2020/12/23/outer-cape-health-
services-to-offer-covid-19-asymptomatic-testing-beginning-december-23/). These sites may not open be daily and persons must call ahead for an appointment.
Eligibility criteria for the testing include residency in Barnstable County. Testing is done by appointment only. Tests cost $75, $110 for travel-related tests , and no one will be turned away if unable to pay for a test.
DPH-mandated routine testing in skilled nursing facilities/long term care settings (SNF/LTC) continues. This provides critical surveillance and allows these facilities to stay ahead of asymptomatic spread amongst staff and
residents. Routine testing in SNF/LTC settings has increased to weekly for staff.
In addition, the State's BinaxNOW rapid testing program (already available to schools) has been extended to visitors of nursing homes and rest home residents (LTC s ettings ) to allow visitation of residents while limiting the
risk of infection from visitors. DPH has published guidance on this. The program has also been extended to childcare centers and homeless shelters and management of thes e facilities may apply to the EEC and DPH for
testing kits.
5. Weekly Town Risk and Statewide Cluster Analyses
PENDING NEW WEEKLY DATA
6. Vaccination
All groups in Phase 1 are now eligible to be vaccinated and can be s cheduled for vaccination.
On February 1 persons in Phase 2/Group 1 (age 75+) will be eligible to be vaccinated at locations which have the vaccine available. Appointments may be scheduled for this group starting 1/27, however appointments may not
be immediately available due to overwhelming demand and still-limited supply of vaccine from the manufacturers.
Childcare staff will be eligible for vaccination alongside school staff in Phase 2.
The State has contracted with CVS and Walgreens to arrange vaccination of older adults in SNFs/congregate care. CVS, Walgreens, and Stop & Shop pharmacies will also schedule vaccinations for the groups in Phase 2,
again depending upon vaccine supply.
Vaccinations in LTCs began on 12/28 on Cape Cod.
Vaccinations of Police/Fire/EMS will began on 1/11.
Vaccination of s taff and residents in shelters, other state-funded congregate living settings, and correctional facilities began on 1/18.
Vaccination of home healthcare providers, other non-COVID facing clinical providers, and all remaining providers in Phase 1 began this week.
Vaccination of Phase 2 Group 1 (Age 75+) will begin February 1. The DPH has adjusted its list of persons prioritized for vaccination at the beginning of Phase 2, adjusting Group 1 to only include persons aged 75+,
and moving persons aged 65+ with 2+ co-morbidites and residents and staff of low income and affordable senior housing to Phase 2/Group 2.
The Barnstable County Dept of Health and Environment has organized vaccination clinics for all Phase 1 groups in the Middle, Lower, and Outer Cape. The Sandwich Health Department, in partnership with other town Health
Departments, is vaccinating all Phase 1 groups in the Upper Cape area. Planning for regional mass vaccination sites, to begin operation during Phase 2, is underway.
7. COVID Mutation and Changes in Transmissibility/Virulence/Other
The emergence of a variant of the COVID-19 virus in the UK, classified as B.1.1.7, was identified in October and publicized in early December. Reports hold that B117 is 50% - 70% more contagious than our predominant
variant now circulating (D614G). Within two months of the variant being identified in the UK (October) it became dominant strain circulating there. B117 is spreading globally and has been detected in the
US. Additional variants of concern have emerged internationally: B1351 (South Africa) and Brazil (P1) which are also highly transmissible. Existing vaccine recipes may be less effective against these three new
strains.
Researchers are working to determine if B117 differs from D614G in terms of: 1. How sick people become, 2. If natural immunity is different following infection with D614G, and 3. If immunity from vaccination differs since the
vaccine was developed during the period that D614G has been predominant. The existing vaccines may be less effective against the new strains. Moderna and Pfizer are working on a booster shot to counter these new
strains.
The CDC is now pos ting surveillance information on the emergence of the B117 variant in the US: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/transmission/variant-cases.html.
According to an article by Andrew Joseph from StatNews, "Coronavirus es evolve more slowly than viruses like flu, but they do pick up mutations as they spread. SARS-CoV-2 has been adding one or two changes a month to
its RNA genome since it emerged late last year in China, and different versions of the virus have been continuously circulating throughout the course of the pandemic. But this variant (B.1.1.7 or VUI-202012/01) showed up
with at least 17 mutations, according to one genetic analysis." (Source: https://www.s tatnews.com/2020/12/21/l oomi ng-questi ons-new-vari ant-coronavi rus/?utm_source=STAT+Newsl etters&utm_campai gn=1a74bda2ca-
MR_COPY_01&utm_medi um=email &utm_term=0_8cab1d7961-1a74bda2ca-150158417 ).
______________________
Vaira Harik, M.S.
Deputy Director
Barnstable County Dept. of Human Services
Cell: 520-271-6314
Email: vharik@barnstablecounty.org
Vaira Harik, Barnstable County Dept of Human Services
COVID Daily Update Chart Package, 1/28/21
1
Vaira Harik, Barnstable County Dept of Human Services
COVID Daily Update Chart Package, 1/28/21
2
Vaira Harik, Barnstable County Dept of Human Services
COVID Daily Update Chart Package, 1/28/21
3
Vaira Harik, Barnstable County Dept of Human Services
COVID Daily Update Chart Package, 1/28/21
4
Source: NYTimes.com:
BARNSTABLE 1/27/21 DUKES, 1/27/21 NANTUCKET, 1/27/21
Vaira Harik, Barnstable County Dept of Human Services
COVID Daily Update Chart Package, 1/28/21
5
Source: V. Harik, Barn. County Dept of Human Services; Tabulation of MA DPH Data
WEEKLY: (On Tuesdays)
Date Reported
by DPH Hospital
Hospital
Beds
Occupied
ICU Beds
Occupied
Barnstable
County
Cases
Barnstable
County
Deaths
3-Day Avg. of
Persons in Hosp.
(Med/Surg + ICU)
ICU Percent
of Beds
Occupied
4/22/2020 Cape Cod Hospital 11 5
Falmouth Hospital 13 7
(Wave 1 Peak)24 12 678 27 41.0 33%
4/28/2020 Cape Cod Hospital 18 5
Falmouth Hospital 11 14
29 19 820 39 27.7 40%
12/22/2020 Cape Cod Hospital 22 2
Falmouth Hospital 8 1
30 3 4,644 221 36.0 9%
12/29/2020 Cape Cod Hospital 41 5
Falmouth Hospital 11 2
52 7 5,181 229 58.3 12%
1/5/2021 Cape Cod Hospital 23 7
Falmouth Hospital 19 3
42 10 5,818 256 51.0 19%
1/12/2021 Cape Cod Hospital 26 14
Falmouth Hospital 9 4
35 18 6,685 277 49.0 34%
1/19/2021 Cape Cod Hospital 28 13
Falmouth Hospital 10 5
38 18 7,499 303 61.0 32%
1/26/2021 Cape Cod Hospital 22 13
Falmouth Hospital 10 5
32 18 8,303 323 46.7 36%
Hospitalizations, Last Report:
Hospital Beds
Occupied
(Last Report)
ICU Beds
Occupied
(Last Report)
Barnstable
County Cases
(Confirmed)
Barnstable
County Deaths
3-Day Avg. of
Persons in Hosp.
(Med/Surg + ICU)
ICU Percent
of Beds
Occupied
1/27/2021 Cape Cod Hospital 22 11
Falmouth Hospital 9 5
31 16 8,374 327 48.0 34%
CumulativeNot Cumulative
Barnstable County COVID-Related Hospital & ICU Beds Occupied, with Cases & Deaths
Not Cumulative Cumulative
(Wave 1 Peak)
Vaira Harik, Barnstable County Dept of Human Services
COVID Daily Update Chart Package, 1/28/21
6
Barnstable County COVID Cases and Facility-Reported Deaths in Long Term Care Facilities (thru 1/5/21)
#Facility County
Total
Licensed
Beds
Cases*
(Staff & Residents)
Deaths**
(Residents Only)
1 ADVINIA CARE AT PROVINCETOWN Barnstable 41 1-10 0
2 BOURNE MANOR EXTENDED CARE FACILITY Barnstable 142 11-30 1-4
3 CAPE HERITAGE REHABILITATION & HEALTH CARE CENTER Barnstable 123 1-10 0
4 CAPE REGENCY REHABILITATION & HEALTH CARE CENTER Barnstable 120 >30 17
5 CAPE WINDS REST HOME OF HYANNIS Barnstable 37 11-30 0
6 CAPE WINDS REST HOME OF SANDWICH Barnstable 20 0 0
7 JML CARE CENTER INC Barnstable 132 11-30 5
8 LIBERTY COMMONS Barnstable 132 11-30 1-4
9 MAYFLOWER PLACE NURSING & REHABILITATION CENTER Barnstable 72 11-30 1-4
10 PAVILION THE Barnstable 82 >30 1-4
11 PLEASANT BAY OF BREWSTER REHAB CENTER Barnstable 135 >30 19
12 ROSEWOOD MANOR REST HOME Barnstable 33 1-10 0
13 ROYAL CAPE COD NURSING & REHABILITATION CENTER Barnstable 99 >30 20
14 ROYAL MEGANSETT NURSING & REHABILITATION Barnstable 90 11-30 0
15 ROYAL NURSING CENTER LLC Barnstable 121 >30 22
16 ROYAL OF COTUIT Barnstable 120 11-30 1-4
17 SOUTH DENNIS HEALTHCARE Barnstable 128 >30 11
18 TERRACES ORLEANS (THE)Barnstable 50 1-10 0
19 WINDSOR NURSING & RETIREMENT HOME Barnstable 120 >30 1-4
20 WINGATE AT HARWICH Barnstable 135 >30 21
Totals, Barnstable County 1,932 139
(Estimated)
LTC Facility Percentage of Total COVID Fatalities in Barnstable County, 3/1/20 to 1/5/21 54%
Source: MA DPH COVID Weekly Report, 1/7/21.
*Staff and residents; **Cumulative COVID-19 deaths –includes residents only. ***Facility is closed. Data will continue to be included for completeness but will not change except for the
result of data cleaning.
PLEASE NOTE: This list includes nursing homes, rest homes, and skilled nursing facilities; reported COVID-19 cases to date represent both staff and residents. The number of cases for a
facility relies on the amount of testing conducted; facilities not included on this list may have COVID-19 cases that have not yet been identified. As of May 25th 344 nursing homes reported
that at least 90% of staff and 90% of residents had been tested.
ALSO: Data on deaths is self-reported by each facility. In accordance with long-term care regulations, nursing homes and rest homes must report deaths due to any cause in any resident,
either confirmed COVID-19 positive, or suspected to have COVID-19, even if the individual was never tested. When the number of deaths is between 1-4 residents, the number is suppressed
and reported as 1- 4, to protect possible resident identification. The Department of Public Health performs routine data quality reviews of the data it receives. This includes removing
duplicate results and updating counts if needed. Also, occasional negative tests from nursing home residents result after being reported first as presumptive and are removed. As a result
of this, the total of self-reported deaths may decrease to ensure accuracy.
Data Sources: MAVEN for confirmed cases; Individual facilities reported resident deaths to DPH Bureau of Health Care Safety and Quality’s Health Care Facility Reporting System.
Vaira Harik, Barnstable County Dept of Human Services
COVID Daily Update Chart Package, 1/28/21
7
Vaira Harik, Barnstable County Dept of Human Services
COVID Daily Update Chart Package, 1/28/21
8
MA DPH Data Dashboard, WEEKLY REPORT of 1/21/21 (for the Period 1/3/20 to 1/16/21)
City/Town Population
(March 2020
to Present)
Total Case
Count
Case Count
Last 14 Days
Average Daily
Incidence
Rate per 100K
Relative
Change in
Case Count Total Tests
Total Tests
Last 14 Days
Positive Tests
Last 14 Days
Percent
Positivity
Last 14 Days
Change in
Percent
Positivity
Barnstable 44,773 2,320 407 64.9 Higher 46,698 5,413 438 8.09%Lower
Bourne 21,026 773 140 47.6 Lower 25,508 2,948 150 5.09%Lower
Brewster 9,926 264 39 28.1 Lower 11,353 1,618 44 2.72%Lower
Chatham 5,830 167 54 66.2 Higher 6,032 575 63 10.96%Higher
Dennis 13,088 425 85 46.4 Higher 12,097 1,467 97 6.61%Lower
Eastham 4,603 65 13 20.2 Higher 3,248 283 13 4.59%Higher
Falmouth 31,190 942 190 43.5 Higher 40,502 3,600 209 5.81%Higher
Harwich 12,589 447 95 53.9 Higher 12,441 1,436 108 7.52%Higher
Mashpee 15,535 451 115 52.9 Lower 16,260 1,652 123 7.45%Lower
Orleans 5,620 102 24 30.5 Lower 4,390 477 28 5.87%Lower
Provincetown 2,583 55 8 22.1 Lower 3,437 258 9 3.49%Lower
Sandwich 21,078 656 231 78.3 Higher 19,101 2,207 248 11.24%Higher
Truro 1,968 22 <5 10.9 Higher 1,508 109 3 2.75%Higher
Wellfleet 2,760 36 7 18.1 Higher 2,094 153 7 4.58%Higher
Yarmouth 24,062 866 165 49.0 Higher 25,152 3,096 185 5.98%Higher
Barnstable County 216,629 7,591 1,573 47.1 Higher 229,821 25,292 1,725 6.82%Higher
Aquinnah 261 5 1 27.4 No Change 446 29 1 3.45%Lower
Chilmark 759 12 1 18.8 Lower 2,911 223 2 0.90%Lower
Edgartown 4,086 210 59 103.1 Higher 8,930 749 62 8.28%Higher
Gosnold 45 5 0 0 No Change 118 3 0 0%No Change
Oak Bluffs 5,209 167 34 46.6 Higher 6,004 538 36 6.69%No Change
Tisbury 4,174 211 49 83.9 Higher 11,207 919 52 5.66%Lower
West Tisbury 2,871 74 14 34.8 Lower 3,979 319 15 4.70%Lower
Dukes County 17,404 689 159 65.3 Higher 33,595 2,780 168 6.04%Higher
Nantucket 11,416 1,005 180 112.6 Lower 18,305 1,926 181 9.40%Lower
Dukes and
Nantucket Counties 28,820 1,688 337 84.0 Lower 51,900 4,706 349 7.42%Lower
State 6,964,383 458,089 73,601 75.5 Lower 12,536,712 1,221,035 83,583 6.85%Lower
Data Source: MA DPH, 1/21/21 Weekly COVID Report (https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-response-reporting); Analysis: V. Harik BCDHS.
Massachusetts COVID Testing Rates, As Applied to Barnstable County (Thru 1/16/21)
Sources: Census.gov; MA DPH Weekly COVID Report, 1/21/21. Analysis: V. Harik, BCDHS
MA Barnstable County
Population Estimate (via DPH)216,629
Barnstable County % of MA Pop.3.11%
Barn. County % of Total MA Tests 1.83%
Barn. County % of MA Tests, Past Two Weeks 2.07%
Barn. County % of MA Total Confirmed Cases 1.66%
Barn. County % of MA Confirmed Cases, Past Two Weeks 2.14%
MA % Positive Tests Last 14 Days 6.85%
Barnstable County % Positive Tests Last 14 Days 6.82%
6,964,383
Vaira Harik, Barnstable County Dept of Human Services
COVID Daily Update Chart Package, 1/28/21
9
Active COVID Clusters by Exposure Setting Type for the Period 12/20/20 to 1/16/21 (as of 1/19/21)
Source: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-response-reporting. Tabulation: V. Harik, Barnstable County DHS
Sorted by Number of Cases in New Cluster Settings
Exposure Setting Clusters
Confirmed
Cases
Close
Contacts Clusters
Confirmed
Cases
Close
Contacts Clusters
Confirmed
Cases
Close
Contacts
1 Household 22,371 57,513 ---25,142 8,107 ---47,513 65,620 ---
2 Long Term Care Facilities 91 984 ---249 2,992 ---340 3,976 ---
3 Child Care 131 395 571 260 176 295 391 571 866
4 24/7 Congregate Settings 55 300 47 82 93 36 137 393 83
5 Senior Living 36 287 92 125 657 69 161 944 161
6 Social Gatherings 37 267 90 65 14 15 102 281 105
7 Hospitals 22 138 59 47 182 104 69 320 163
8 Organized Athletics/Camps 26 88 210 27 24 45 53 112 255
9 Retail & Services 19 83 44 45 52 12 64 135 56
10 Industrial Settings 13 68 12 59 99 75 72 167 87
11 Other Healthcare 16 54 10 37 35 24 53 89 34
12 Corrections 5 49 4 18 949 74 23 998 78
13 Restaurants & Food Courts 11 42 8 52 53 43 63 95 51
14 Places of Worship 6 34 2 12 68 86 18 102 88
15 Shelters 3 32 52 4 21 .7 53 52
16 Other Workplaces 9 29 3 48 40 15 57 69 18
17 Other 3 28 8 1 ..4 28 8
18 K-12 Schools 10 25 7 54 48 29 64 73 36
19 Offices 7 24 10 10 3 15 17 27 25
20 Colleges & Universities 5 20 5 15 4 4 20 24 9
21 Other Food Establishments 1 5 .14 40 13 15 45 13
22 Recreation/Cultural ...8 22 5 8 22 5
23 Travel & Lodging ...2 ..2 ..
TOTAL 22,877 60,465 1,234 26,376 13,679 959 49,253 74,144 2,193
New Clusters: Clusters with the first case (indicated by the first positive lab result) identified during the four week period 12/20/2020 – 1/16/2021
Closed Clusters: A cluster is closed after 28 days have passed since the last confirmed case; 27,632 clusters are closed, 177,184 cases are associated with closed clusters
Ongoing Clusters: Clusters with the first case identified prior to 12/20 that has not met criteria to be closed. Confirmed cases included in ongoing clusters occurred between 12/20 and 1/16 but are associated with a cluster that
began prior to 12/20. Close contacts included in ongoing clusters occurred between 12/20 and 1/16 but are associated with a cluster that began prior to 12/20
Source of data: Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences. Long Term Care Facility Data from the National Healthcare Safety Network beginning 5/31/2020. All other data
from MAVEN and are subject to change. Only clusters consisting of two or more confirmed Massachusetts cases with a common exposure have been included.
New Clusters Ongoing Clusters
(Identified 12/20/20 – 1/18/21)(Cluster Identified Prior to 12/20 But Not
Meeting Criteria for Closing)
Total
Vaira Harik, Barnstable County Dept of Human Services
COVID Daily Update Chart Package, 1/28/21
10
Updated 1/25/21
Archived: Friday, January 29, 2021 4:32:22 PM
From: Peter Lombardi
Se nt: Fri, 29 Jan 2021 16:16:32
To: Peter Lombardi
Subject: FW: For Immediate Release: Barnstable County Clarifies COVID-19 Vaccination Process
Se nsitivity: Normal
From: Sonja Sheasley <sonja.sheasley@barnstablecounty.org>
Date: Wednes day, January 27, 2021 at 10:31 AM
To: Barnstable County Outreach <outreach@barnstablecounty.org>
Subject: For Immediate Release: Barnstable County Clarifies COVID-19 Vaccination Process
Sonja Sheasley
Communications Manager
Barnstable County
3195 Main St, P.O. Box 427
Barnstable, MA 02630
(508) 375-6896 office
(508) 221-4948 cell
http://www.barnstablecounty.org
Weekly Count of New COVID-19 Infections: March 8, 2020 – January 23, 2021
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
3/8-3/143/15-3/213/22-3/283/29-4/44/5-4/114/12-4/184/19-4/254/26-5/25/3-5/95/10-5/165/17-5/235/24-5/305/31-6/66/7-6/136/14-6/206/21-6/276/28-7/47/5-7/117/12-7/187/19-7/257/26-8/18/2-8/88/9-8/158/16-8/228/23-8/298/30-9/59/6-9/129/13-9/199/20-9/269/27-10/310/4-10/1010/11-10/1710/18-10/2410/25-10/3111/1-11/711/8-11/1411/15-11/2111/22-11/2811/29-12/512/6-12/1212/13-12/1912/20-12/2612/27-1/21/3-1/91/10-1/161/17-1/231
5 3 1 2 0 2 0 0 0
1 0 2 0 0 0 0
1 2
5
2 0 0 0 0
2 0 2 1 2 3
0 1
4
1 3
6 6
13
22
11
7
20
24 25
44
0 0
3 3
7
53
14
2 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 0
3
0 0
1
5
0 0
1 0 0 0 0
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 1 0 0 0 0 0
1 2 1
New Brewster COVID-19 Cases
Resident (224 Total)Long Term Care (104 Total staff & patients)
Ages of Brewster Residents with Active COVID-19 Infections
January 10 – January 16
0-9 years (1)
4%10-19 years (2)
8%
20-29 years (2)
8%
30-39 years (11)
44%
40-49 years (1)
4%
50-59 years (2)
8%
60-69 years (2)
8%
70-79 years (0)
0%
80+ years (4)
16%
0-9 years (1)
10-19 years (2)
20-29 years (2)
30-39 years (11)
40-49 years (1)
50-59 years (2)
60-69 years (2)
70-79 years (0)
80+ years (4)
0-9 years (5)
11%
10-19 years (5)
11%
20-29 years (5)
11%
30-39 years (2)
5%
40-49 years (9)
20%
50-59 years (6)
13%
60-69 years (6)
13%
70-79 years (5)
11%
80+ years (2)
5%
0-9 years (5)
10-19 years (5)
20-29 years (5)
30-39 years (2)
40-49 years (9)
50-59 years (6)
60-69 years (6)
70-79 years (5)
80+ years (2)
January 17 – January 23
% COVID Infections in Age Groups % COVID Infections in Age Groups
Stay involved with your child’s learning and activities at school.
Archived: Friday, January 29, 2021 4:32:28 PM
From: Peter Lombardi
Se nt: Fri, 29 Jan 2021 15:29:18
To: Peter Lombardi
Subject: FW: MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT THOMAS CONRAD - BREWSTER SCHOOLS SHIFTING TO REMOTE LEARNING MODEL
Se nsitivity: Normal
From: Carol Forgione via ParentSquare <donotreply@parentsquare.com>
Date: January 26, 2021 at 1:42:58 PM EST
Subject: M ESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT THOMAS CONRAD - BREWSTER SCHOOLS SHIFTING TO REMOTE LEARNING MODEL
\u-257 ?
Nauset
Public
Schools
Carol Forgione posted in Eastham Elementary School, Nauset Regional High School,
Nauset Regional Middle School, Orleans Elementary School, Wellfleet Elementary School
MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT THOMAS CONRAD -
BREWSTER SCHOOLS SHIFTING TO REMOTE LEARNING MODEL
Dear Staff and Families:
I am writing to inform all in our Nauset Schools Community that in the interest of public health,
I have made the decision to shift both of the Brewster elementary schools, Stony Brook
Elementary and Eddy Elementary, to a fully remote model through the February vacation
break. This decision was made in consultation with the Town of Brewster health officials and
based on the increase in community spread in the town, as well as due to increased positive
cases and close contacts identified within the Brewster elementary schools.
It is our hope that this shift to remote learning will help break the cycle of increased
transmission and that the Brewster schools can get back to in-person learning on the Monday
following the February break. The decision to return to in-person learning will be based upon
the number of active cases within the Brewster schools as well as the town of Brewster as a
whole.
Although the shift to remote learning is for the Brewster elementary schools, I am informing our
entire school community, as it is important for all to be aware of the increase in community
spread and its impact on our district.
With increased community spread and the February break approaching, vigilance with limiting
potential COVID-19 exposure will be the key to enabling Brewster to return to in-person
learning and for other schools in our district to remain in in-person learning.
Sincerely,
Thomas M. Conrad
Superintendent of Schools
View in ParentSquare Appreciate
Please do not reply to this email.
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error or w ish to disable your account, click here to unsubscribe.
ParentSquare Inc · 3905 State St, Suite 7502 · Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Archived: Friday, January 29, 2021 4:32:34 PM
From: Amy von Hone
Se nt: Tue, 26 Jan 2021 16:03:44
To: Annette Graczewski; Carmen Scherzo; Jeannie Kampas; Joe Ford; Mary Chaffee; Penny Holeman; Sherrie McCullough; Tammi Mason
Cc: Peter Lombardi; Donna Kalinick
Subject: FW: temporary closure Family School
Se nsitivity: Normal
FYI – Family School and Laurel School have both closed as a result of our increased cases in the public schools and the general population.
Amy L. von Hone, R.S., C.H.O.
Health Director
(o) 508.896.3701 X1120
(f) 508.896.4538
From: Info TFS [mailto:tfs.familyschools@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 26, 2021 3:53 PM
To: Tammi Mason <tmason@brewster-ma.gov>
Subject: temporary closure Family School
Amy,
This is a copy of the letter to families.
Dear Families,
COVID 19 continues. Positive cases are increasing in our local community. We have been in extensive conversation with the Brewster Health Department, our Health Care Consultant and with an abundance of caution Family
School will experience a temporary closure in hopes of containing further spread of the COVID19 virus in our community. Family School will be closed beginning W ednesday,January 27 and plan to reopen on Tuesday, February
16.
Our decision to pause our in person teaching, is thoughtful and careful, taking into consideration all the evidence and information presented by our professional support team. The Family School community is not experiencing a
high rate of infection at this time, however many members of the Family School Community, teachers, students and families, are close contacts in the Brewster Elementary Schools and the wider town. Even though we are not
experiencing wide infection at school, in consulting with the health professionals and with our desire to support the entire community toward wellness, we are pausing briefly.
Thank you to all for understanding and sharing the importance of preserving the health of all in our local communities. This is a difficult decision and we understand the impact the closure has on our families.These are
challenging times for all.
Please be in touch if you have questions. W e are always happy hearing from you.
Carolyn O”Leary Jane Douglass Adam Pettengill
Schools Director Assistant School Director COVID19 Screener
Jane Douglass
Assistant Director
Family Schools, Inc.
w ww .thefam ilyschools.com
N:\Board of Selectmen\E Packets\2021\02.01.21 Packet\7. TA Report\12. COVID Testing Facilities 01.28.2021.doc
COVID Testing Facilities on Cape Cod
Compiled by Brewster Health Department – For informational purposes only and does not represent an endorsement
Name Location Phone # Website Tests Available Cost Appointment
Required
Cape Cod Hospital 27 Park Street
Hyannis 02601
508-862-5595 www.capecodhealth.org PCR Swab Insurance
Accepted w/
Doctor Order
Yes
Carewell Urgent
Care
Center
484 Rte. 134
S. Dennis 02660
800-659-5411 www.carewellurgentcare.com PCR Swab
Rapid Response Antigen Swab
Antibody
$ 160
$ 160
$ 105
Yes
Coastal Medical
Transportation
Services
259 Willow Street
Yarmouthport 02675
508-694-6687 www.cmtsma.com PCR Swab
Rapid Response Antigen Swab
$ 145
$ 145
Yes
Mobile & Onsite
Testing Avail.
CVS Pharmacy 419 E. Falmouth Hwy
E. Falmouth 02536
508-540-8621 www.cvs.com PCR Swab (Self administered) Free Yes
Online
CVS Pharmacy 465 Station Avenue
S. Yarmouth 02664
508-394-0926 www.cvs.com PCR Swab (Self administered) Free Yes
Online
Outer Cape Health 710 Rte. 28
Harwichport 02646
508-432-1400 www.outercape.org PCR Swab Insurance
Accepted w/
Doctor Order
Yes
Whole Health
Pharmacy
596 W. Main Street
Hyannis 02601
508-778-5928 www.wholehealthcapecod.com PCR Swab (Self administered) Free Yes
Online
Cape Cod
Reopening Task
Force Test Sites
Cape Cod Melody
Tent
21 W. Main Street
Hyannis 02601
508-534-7103 www.BarnstableCountyHealth.org PCR Swab (Self administered) Insurance
Accepted w/
Doctor Order
$ 75 (out of
pocket)
$ 110 (Travel
Order)
Yes
Barnstable County
Fairgrounds
1220 Nathan Ellis
Hwy/Rte. 151
E. Falmouth 02536
508-534-7103
(774-330-3001
for Test
Results/Info.)
www.BarnstableCountyHealth.org PCR Swab (Self administered) Insurance
Accepted w/
Doctor Order
$ 75 (out of
pocket)
$ 110 (Travel
Order)
Yes
N:\Board of Selectmen\E Packets\2021\02.01.21 Packet\7. TA Report\12. COVID Testing Facilities 01.28.2021.doc
Outer Cape Health
Services
1. 710 Rte. 28
Harwichport 02646
2. 3130 State Hwy
Wellfleet 02667
3. 49 Harry Kemp Way
Provincetown 02657
508-905-2888 www.outercape.org BinaxNOW Antigen (Self
administered)
PCR Swab
Free Thru
2/28/2021
Insurance
Accepted w/
Doctor Order
$ 75 (out of
pocket)
$ 110 (Travel
Order)
Yes
Nauset Testing 1 Ellis Landing Road
Brewster, MA 02631
www.nausetcovidtesting.com CareStart COVID-19 Test (rapid
detection)
Abbott ID NOW Nucleic Acid
Amplification Test (NAAT)
(Self administered)
$65
$100
Yes
Online
Currently, the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) Swab Test is the only test accepted by the MA Dept. of Public Health to confirm an active case of COVID-19. The antibody and antigen tests are only effective a
minimum 5 days after exposure and requires a PCR Swab Test to confirm an active positive case. A positive antigen test will be treated as a probable COVID case and will be subject to isolation protocols. The
Brewster Health Department recommends the PCR Swab Test for the most accurate results as accepted by DPH guidelines including the MA Mandatory Travel Order effective August 1, 2020.
Brewster Select Board Meeting of February 1, 2021
Consent Calendar Items
1
8. Consent Agenda
Meeting Minutes: December 21 and 23, 2020 January 19 and 25, 2021
ADMINISTRATIVE RECOMMENDATION
We recommend the Board approve the meeting minutes of December 21 and 23, 2020 January 19 and 25,
2021
Fee Waiver: Brewster Historical Society Farmers Market
The Brewster Historical Society is requested a waiver of the $300 filing fee to the ZBA for their application
to hold Farmers Markets this summer, as a nonprofit entity under the Select Board Policy 5. In addition,
they are also requesting a waiver of the $560 entertainment license to allow rotating volunteer musicians
preform at the Markets, for a total fee waiver request of $860.
ADMINISTRATIVE RECOMMENDATION
We recommend the Board approve the fee waiver request
Appointment: Renee Dee – Historical Commission
Historical Commission Chair George Boyd has nominated Renee Dee to fill a recently vacated seat on the
Historical Commission, and the Select Board liaison to the Commission Ned Chatelain has approved the
appointment. Renee has previously served on the Historical Commission.
ADMINISTRATIVE RECOMMENDATION
We recommend the Board to approve this appointment.
Acceptance of 2020 Donations
Consistent with MGL Ch. 44 Sec 53A, the Select Board is required to regularly vote to accept gifts made to
the Town. The enclosed spreadsheet details donations made to the Town for various purposes since Spring
2020. These include over $40,000 in donations made to the Town’s COVID Relief Fund as well as $39,000
from the Brewster Whitecaps as part of their matching funds to complete facility renovation work so that
project can be completed this spring. The Brewster Association of Part-time Residents also contributed
$3,000 toward the cost of a new electronic message board to supplement $9,000 in MIIA grants for that
recent purchase. Other donations are listed as well.
ADMINISTRATIVE RECOMMENDATION
We recommend the Board to approve these acceptance of donations
Site Owner Estoppel Certificate: DSD Renewables for Captain’s Golf Course Driving Range Solar Carport
As the solar carport at the Captain’s Golf Course driving range facility moves forward, the financers for the
developers that the Town has contracted with, DSD Renewables, require the enclosed estoppels to be
executed in order to close out financing for the project. These documents are similar to those that the
Board recently approved relative to the solar array at the Recycling Center and have been reviewed by
town counsel.
ADMINISTRATIVE RECOMMENDATION
We recommend the Board to approve the execution of the site owner estoppel certificates.
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
www.brewster-ma.gov
BoS 01-19-21
Page 1 of 4
Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
MINUTES OF THE SELECT BOARD REGULAR SESSION MINUTES
DATE: January 19, 2021
TIME: 6:00 PM
PLACE: Remote Teleconference
ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE PARTICIPATING REMOTELY:Chair Chaffee, Selectperson deRuyter, Selectperson
Whitney, Selectperson Chatelain, Selectperson Bingham, Town Administrator Peter Lombardi, Assistant
Town Administrator Susan Broderick, Jay Packett, Mark O’Brien, Anne O’Connell, Amy von Hone, Fire Chief
Moran, Deputy Fire Chief Varley, Hal Minis, Sharon Rooney and Executive Assistant to the Town
Administrator Robin Young
Call to Order & Declaration of a Quorum, Meeting Participation Statement and Recording Statement
Chair Chaffee called the meeting to order at 6:04pm, conducted a roll call vote of attendance, declared a
quorum present, and read the meeting participation and recording statements.
Public Announcements and Comment: Members of the public may address the Select Board on matters not on the meeting’s agenda for a
maximum 3-5 minutes at the Chair’s discretion. Under the Open Meeting Law, the Select Board is unable to reply but may add items presented to a future
agenda.
None.
Discuss and Vote on Recommendations of Golf Commission on Proposed 2021 Captains Golf Course Rates
– Anne O’Connell, Golf Commission Chair, and Jay Packett
Chair Chaffee gave a heartfelt recognition to Mark O’Brien, as he retired as the Golf Director for the Town of
Brewster. Mr. Packett, as the new Golf Director reviewed the 2021 golf course rates. The rates are the same
as 2020, due to the FY21-FY22 projected earnings, and were unanimously supported by the Golf Commission
at their last meeting. Selectperson Bingham moved to approve the proposed 2021 Captains Golf Course
Rates, Selectperson Whitney second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson
Chatelain-yes, Selectperson deRuyter-yes, Selectperson Bingham-yes, Chair Chaffee-yes. The Board vote was
5-yes, 0-No.
Vote on Director of Golf Operations Employment Agreement with Jay Packett
A contract has been created for 1.5 years, and has been accepted by Mr. Packet and the Select Board. This
position is currently hired by the Select Board, but will shift to the Town Administrator if the Charter is
approved. Selectperson Whitney moved to approve the Director of Golf Operations Employment Agreement
with Jay Packett, Selectperson Bingham second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Whitney-yes,
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
www.brewster-ma.gov
BoS 01-19-21
Page 2 of 4
Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
Selectperson Chatelain-yes, Selectperson deRuyter-yes, Selectperson Bingham-yes, Chair Chaffee-yes. The
Board vote was 5-yes, 0-No.
Select Board Announcements and Liaison Reports
There will be a virtual public forum held on January 23, 2021 at 10am for discussion on the Town Charter.
Town Administrator’s Report
Mr. Lombardi gave an update on the current Covid-19 health restrictions. The largest impact locally is a 25%
occupancy threshold for offices, and Town offices will be closed to the public until further notice. The Cape
Cod Commission and the Cape Cod Chamber issued a 3rd round business survey. The Barnstable County
Health website health data shows an increase of positive Covid cases during this wave, higher than the initial
wave last spring. A State hotline has been open for questions on the vaccination. Brewster has reported 271
cases to date. There were 70 new positive cases in the past 3 weeks. The Town remains in the red
designation, along with two thirds of the Town’s state wide. The Covid Relief Fund has taken in over $40,000
to date. There have been 5 applications approved for financial assistance as of this week. Mr. Lombardi
encourages residents to apply for financial assistance.
COVID Update – Amy von Hone, Health Director
Ms. von Hone emphasized that the high level of Covid positive cases are attributed to community spread.
She reviewed the mask and social distancing orders, and urged residents not to gather with those outside of
their households. Ms. von Hone reviewed a presentation on the Covid vaccine that was included in the Select
Board agenda packet. This presentation explained what the vaccine is, how it works, the safety of the Pfizer
and Moderna FDA approved vaccinations, and the phased time line of who can receive the vaccine. The first
shipment of doses was received in December, and the State is currently in Phase 1. The Department of Public
Health has issued vaccinations to the Cape Cod Healthcare for hospital staff and healthcare workers, CVS and
Walgreens for long term care facilities, and the Barnstable County Health Department for first responders.
The State is currently planning for 3 large scale vaccination sites. Ms. von Hone reviewed the challenges of
the vaccine distribution. Information will continued to be posted on the Town website. Selectperson
Chatelain asked to what extent volunteer inoculators will be utilized. The County Health Department are
hiring additional staff. The Cape Cod Medical Reserve Corp have been assisting in training medical
volunteers. Volunteer registration can be done online. The Brewster Council on Aging has been taking a list
of residents who are interested in getting the vaccine, but this is not an actual registration for the vaccine.
The days between vaccinations doses varies by the maker, Pfizer is 3 weeks, and Moderna is 4 weeks. There
not a vaccine available yet for children under the age of 16.
Consent Agenda
Approval of January 4, 2020 Meeting Minutes
Appointments: Detective Jacob Zontini, Brewster Police Department – Tenure; Diane Murphy, Brewster Natural Resources Commission
Vote to Suspend Senior & Veteran Volunteer Tax Abatement Programs for 2021
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
www.brewster-ma.gov
BoS 01-19-21
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Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
Selectperson Chatelain asked for a comment on the suspension of the tax abatement programs for 2021. Mr.
Lombardi reviewed the logistics of the program, which made it difficult to have citizens in the Town Offices
due to Covid-19. It will be reinstated next year. Chair Chaffee made minor grammatical edits to the January
4, 2021 meeting minutes. Selectperson Bingham moved to approve the January 19, 2021 consent agenda at
the recommendation of Town Administration, Selectperson deRuyter second. A roll call vote was taken.
Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Chatelain-yes, Selectperson deRuyter-yes, Selectperson Bingham-
yes, Chair Chaffee-yes. The Board vote was 5-yes, 0-No.
Discuss and Vote on Updated Fire Department Staffing Plan – Chief Moran
Chief Moran and Deputy Chief Varley joined the panel. A staffing plan memo was included in the Select
Board packet. A Safer Grant was not issued to the Brewster Fire Department this cycle. He requests approval
to hire and sustain 2 new firefighter position using existing budget funds from the Call Firefighter and Safer
Grant match line items. The plan was vetted with the Town Administrator and the Finance Team. There will
be no impact on the Tax payers as this is an internal transfer of funds. The benefits of the two new hires is a
new Fire Prevention Officer position, additional night time staffing, the ability to attend to new growth and a
better insurance service office (ISO) rating. The discussion has been had internally for a year, in the event the
Safer Grant was not issued. Selectperson Bingham noted that it has been difficult to retain the call
firefighters, after training them. She also asked for confirmation that these hires would not impact the tax
payers. There will be COLA increases annually which are standard for all Town Employees, but the new salary
and benefits costs are included in the budget considerations and funding. Selectperson deRuyter noted the
year long discussion on the budget ramifications of having two new hires and reviewed the budget figures.
Chair Chaffee asked for clarification on the Fire Prevention Officer. This officer is responsible for all annual
fire inspections, quarterly nursing home inspections, smoke detector inspections, and follow up. This is
currently done as a split responsibility between Chief Moran and Deputy Chief Varley. This positon also
responds to emergency calls and is in charge of Fire Prevention education at the Schools, and Federal and
State reporting. Selectperson Chatelain asked how long this level of staffing would be sustainable. The FY25
budget has a EMS coordinator job description included to bring the department to a total of 24 employees in
FY25. Selectperson deRuyter moved to approve the updated Fire Department Staffing Plan, Selectperson
Chatelain second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Chatelain-yes,
Selectperson deRuyter-yes, Selectperson Bingham-yes, Chair Chaffee-yes. The Board vote was 5-yes, 0-No.
Update from Vision Planning Committee – Hal Minis
Hal Minis reviewed the quarterly update presentation that was included in the Select Board agenda packet.
The charge of the committee was to implement the Vision Plan and work with the Town staff and the
community to develop a local comprehensive plan based on the goals of the Vision Plan. Mr. Minis reviewed
The committee members and liaisons, their community engagement strategy, implementation steps, and the
next actions they will complete to achieve implementation. Chair Chaffee asked for clarification on the Local
Comprehensive Plan directives. The Vision Plan was generated from the desires of the community members.
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
www.brewster-ma.gov
BoS 01-19-21
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Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
A Local Comprehensive Plan will work with in the goals of the Vision Plan. Sharon Rooney explained that the
Vision Plan will help identify the broad framework of the Local Comprehensive Plan for the Town to adopt.
Update on Nauset Regional High School Project and Recommended Term of Debt Issuance
At the January 7 Nauset Regional School Committee meeting, a district wide vote was approved. It will be
held on March 30, 2021. Nauset School officials will issue the ballot language. Residents can submit absentee
ballot applications, which are anticipated to be mailed out in early February. The term of the debt issuance
analysis was updated. 6 scenarios were offered with varied interest rates. Internal discussion resulted a
favored 25 year, level debt term. Selectperson Chatelain asked if the rates could be better than anticipated,
which they could be depending on when the bond is issued. An email from Adam Lange was read into the
meeting.
For Your Information
No discussion.
Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair
None.
Questions from the Media
None.
Next Meetings: January 26, Feb 1, 2, Joint with Fin Com Feb 8, and Feb 10, 2021
Selectperson deRuyter asked for an agenda item at the next meeting on the process for a district wide vote
in regards to the school project. Selectperson Chatelain asked for a regional school committee member or a
school board representative to attend to address the Board.
Adjournment
Selectperson Bingham moved to adjourn at 7:58pm, Selectperson Chatelain second. A roll call vote was
taken. Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Chatelain-yes, Selectperson deRuyter-yes, Selectperson
Bingham-yes, Chair Chaffee-yes. The Board vote was 5-yes, 0-No.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Young
Approved: _______________ Signed: _______________________________________
Date Selectperson Bingham, Clerk of the Board of Selectman
Accompanying Documents in Packet: agenda, TA report documents, consent agenda, FYI’s, Golf contract for Jay Packett, Vision Report and
charge, Fire Department memo
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
www.brewster-ma.gov
BoS 01-25-21
Page 1 of 3
Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
MINUTES OF THE SELECT BOARD REGULAR SESSION MINUTES
DATE: January 25, 2021
TIME: 5:30 PM
PLACE: Remote Teleconference
ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE PARTICIPATING REMOTELY:Chair Chaffee, Selectperson deRuyter, Selectperson
Whitney, Selectperson Chatelain, Selectperson Bingham, Town Administrator Peter Lombardi, Assistant
Town Administrator Susan Broderick, Assistant Town Administrator Donna Kalinick, Frank Bridges, Greg
Levasseur, Chris Easley, Pete Dahl, John O’Reilly and Executive Assistant to the Town Administrator Robin
Young
Call to Order & Declaration of a Quorum, Meeting Participation Statement and Recording Statement
Chair Chaffee called the meeting to order at 6:04pm, conducted a roll call vote of attendance, declared a
quorum present, and read the meeting participation and recording statements.
Public Announcements and Comment: Members of the public may address the Select Board on matters not on the meeting’s agenda for a
maximum 3-5 minutes at the Chair’s discretion. Under the Open Meeting Law, the Select Board is unable to reply but may add items presented to a future
agenda.
None.
Update on and Discussion of Nauset Regional High School Project – Representatives from Nauset Regional
School Committee, School Building Committee, Nauset School Administration, and Brewster Finance
Committee
Chair Chaffee introduced Nauset Regional School Committee Chair Chris Easley who read a comment from
Superintendent Tom Conrad, who was unable to attend the meeting due to prior meeting commitments. Mr.
Easley explained how the deadline extensions of the MSBA had transpired to date, due to the Covid-19
pandemic. Mr. Levasseur, Chair of the Building Committee, reviewed a synopsis of the project to date. The
building for Nauset Regional High School was built 49 years ago, and is in need of upgrading. Mr. Easley
discussed the how the student population was considered for the project, with a 900-1000 student range.
The MSBA set them at 905 students. The School Choice option is decided by the School Committee, who
advised the Building Committee to plan a project for the 905 students. Chair Chaffee opened up the
discussion to the Select Board members. Selectperson Chatelain asked for information on the programing at
Nauset that would be made available to School Choice students, offering diversity to the student population.
There is an IB program at Nauset that is unique to the region, and the school offers a robust AP program. The
Arts program receives national awards annually. The intent of the Building Committee was to develop a
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
www.brewster-ma.gov
BoS 01-25-21
Page 2 of 3
Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
school that would be able to continue such programming. Selectperson Bingham discussed the large School
Choice population, and does not feel they were fully informed of the number of students since the beginning
of discussions. Mr. Lombardi asked for clarification if the time of the poll hours had been determined. This
was voted on at the last School Committee meeting. Mr. Lombardi also asked for the approved language that
would be included on the ballots for them to be mailed out. That will be voted to be finalized on January 28,
2021. Selectperson Bingham asked Mr. Easley if another extension was allowed. There was not a formal
request, but when the OPM asked the State they were advised to “vote the project.” Mr. Lombardi asked
when the debt issuance would be considered by the School Committee. This will be important to
communicate the cost impact on the residents. It will not be until the Bids on the project are returned. The
formal outreach and education plan for voters over the next few months will include themed Zoom forums
with presentations and questions and answer periods held every Wednesday night until the vote starting
February 3, 2021. These will be recorded and broadcast on local TV Channel 22. Selectperson deRuyter
considered the School Choice argument, which is integral to the program offerings at the school. He feels
that the geography and demographic of the school system is attracting young families with children in the
school district, and a new school will continue that draw. Selectperson Bingham noted the 48.5% of the
building cost that the Brewster taxpayers will have to pay. Selectperson deRuyter feels that is an investment
in the community, and it is a choice that the voters will be able to make. Pete Dahl of the Finance Committee
has noted that they have a very detailed cost report on the School Choice students. The Finance Committee
will review this at their January 27, 2021 meeting, and a copy is available to the public. He requested it be
put on the website as well. Public comment was opened to the attendees of the meeting. Betsy Smith
commented on the School Choice, and the cost of sending students to Charter Schools. John Lipman
supports the renovation and expansion project. Rheanna Hastings noted the amount of money will impact
the residents, and would like to know if they will be able to consider the School Choice after they vote on the
school, and appreciates that the forums will be offered. Alice Seltzer would have liked better communication
on the cost of the project as is, and why it was not scaled back for a smaller population. Richard Marx, the
Owners Project Manager, had direct conversation with the MSBA about an extension, and was told that it
was time to vote. The budget is capped and inflation will occur if the project is delayed. The enrollment is
set, and there is not the option to scale back the project without losing the State funding. Katie Miller
Jacobus spoke of stewardship, for the future children and generations. Fran Schofield read a letter of support
for the project. Gwen Pelletier spoke in favor of the school project. Brenda Locke is concerned why such a
large school has been designed for inclusion of school choice students, and Deborah Johnson stated that it is
not just a capital expense but an ongoing annual expense to the taxpayers. Chair Chaffee read some of the
chat comments both with concerns of the project and in favor of the project. Brewster Community Network
will be offering a forum for discussion before the polls open for voting on the project. Additional time for
conversation will be allowed at the February 1, 2020 Select Board meeting.
Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair
None.
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
www.brewster-ma.gov
BoS 01-25-21
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Office of:
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Town Administrator
Questions from the Media
None.
Next Meetings: January 26, Feb 1, 2, Joint with Fin Com Feb 8, and Feb 10, 2021
Adjournment
Selectperson Bingham moved to adjourn at 6:51pm, Selectperson deRuyter second. A roll call vote was
taken. Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Chatelain-yes, Selectperson deRuyter-yes, Selectperson
Bingham-yes, Chair Chaffee-yes. The Board vote was 5-yes, 0-No.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Young
Approved: _______________ Signed: _______________________________________
Date Selectperson Bingham, Clerk of the Board of Selectman
Accompanying Documents in Packet: Agenda, School Choice Explanation, School Choice Graph, English School Choice,
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
www.brewster-ma.gov
BoS 12-21-20
Page 1 of 5
Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
MINUTES OF THE SELECT BOARD REGULAR SESSION MINUTES
DATE: December 21, 2020
TIME: 6:00 PM
PLACE: Remote Teleconference
ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE PARTICIPATING REMOTELY:Chair Chaffee, Selectperson deRuyter, Selectperson
Whitney, Selectperson Chatelain, Selectperson Bingham, Town Administrator Peter Lombardi, Assistant
Town Administrator Donna Kalinick, and Executive Assistant to the Town Administrator Robin Young, Nicole
Camp, Stephen Leibowitz, Board of Health members: Carmen Scherzo, Penny Holeman, Annette Graczewski
Jeannie Kampas, Amy von Hone
Call to Order & Declaration of a Quorum, Meeting Participation Statement and Recording Statement
Chair Chaffee called the meeting to order at 6:01pm, conducted a roll call vote of attendance, declared a
quorum present, and read the meeting participation and recording statements.
Public Announcements and Comment: Members of the public may address the Select Board on matters not on the meeting’s agenda for a
maximum 3-5 minutes at the Chair’s discretion. Under the Open Meeting Law, the Select Board is unable to reply but may add items presented to a future
agenda.
No discussion.
Select Board Announcements and Liaison Reports
None.
Town Administrator’s Report
Mr. Lombardi updated the Board on the State Governors Covid-19 orders and noted that some towns have
taken additional measures. He also gave a brief vaccine update with the information recently provided by the
State.
Discuss and Vote on Recommendation to Temporarily Close Town Offices – Joint Meeting with Board of
Health
Chair Scherzo called the Board of Health meeting to order at 6:11pm. A roll call vote was taken and declared
a quorum present. Based on the local data as well as the State and Regional trends, a decision was made to
reduce Town Hall staffing over the past week to protect the health and safety of the residents and the
employees. The Captain’s Golf Course pro shop has been closed to the public, as well as the indoor grab and
go service at the Brewster Ladies Library. Staffing outside of Town Hall was modified. With increased local
Covid-19 cases, Administration is recommending closing the Town Hall to the public until at least January 10,
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
www.brewster-ma.gov
BoS 12-21-20
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Office of:
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Town Administrator
2021. Staff will be primarily working remotely. The Recycling Center will be open, but only for recycling and
trash disposal only. No fee items will be accepted. Data will be reevaluated the first week of January. This is
consistent with what other Cape towns have done when the Covid-19 cases have risen. Carmen Scherzo
thanked Mr. Lombardi for his communication and updates. Selectperson Chatelain asked Mr. Lombardi to
clarify if yard waste and brush was open for disposal at the Transfer Station. Due to a lack of gate attendant
for fee services, that will not be allowed, but any non-fee disposal is allowed. Selectperson deRuyter moved
to close Town Hall to in-person services, Selectperson Bingham second. Selectperson Whitney-yes,
Selectperson Chatelain-yes, Selectperson deRuyter-yes, Selectperson Bingham-yes, Chair Chaffee-yes. The
Board vote was 5-yes, 0-No. Annette Graczewski moved to close Town Hall to in-person services, Penny
Holeman second. A roll call vote was taken. Penny – Yes, Jeannie – Yes, Annette, Yes, Chair Scherzo – Yes.
The Board vote was 4-yes, 0-No.
Annette Graczewski moved to adjourn the Board of Health meeting at 6:32pm, Penny Holeman second. A roll
call vote was taken. Penny – Yes, Jeannie – Yes, Annette Yes, Chair Scherzo – Yes. 4-yes, 0-No.
Consent Agenda
Approve December 15, 2020 Meeting Minutes
Approve Department of Natural Resources MassTrails Grant Application for Proposed Wing Island
Boardwalk Design and Permitting
Declare Surplus Property: Various Vessels – Natural Resources Department
Accept Gifts: $3,000 Donation from Brewster Association of Part-Time Residents for Electronic
Messaging Board
Appointments: Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee - Stephen Najarian; Conservation
Commission - Casey Dannhauser
Selectperson Chatelain recused himself from the discussion. Chair Chaffee thanked the Brewster Association
of Part-time Residents for their donation. Selectperson Bingham moved to approve the December 21, 2021
consent agenda, Selectperson Whitney second. Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson deRuyter-yes,
Selectperson Bingham-yes, Chair Chaffee-yes. The Board vote was 4-yes, 0-No.
Interview Candidates for Nauset Regional School Committee & Appoint Member to Fill Vacancy
Robert Jacobus resigned from the Nauset Regional School Committee last week. As per the agreement with
the Nauset Regional School Committee, the Select Board will appoint a candidate until the next election.
Solicitation for a new member was posted on the website, with 3 applicants applying for the appointment.
Two applicants are in attendance tonight; Dion Dugan was unable to attend, but submitted an application for
consideration. Nicole Camp introduced herself as a Brewster Resident, who has her Master’s and PhD degree
in Psychology. She works in the school system and has worked at both a counselor and a teacher. She is
thoughtful of social emotional learning, equity and access in education. She served a one year term on the
Brewster School Committee, but did not pursue a second election due to Covid. Stephen Leibowitz has been
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
www.brewster-ma.gov
BoS 12-21-20
Page 3 of 5
Office of:
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Town Administrator
a Brewster resident, worked for Nauset SOS, served on the Brewster School Committee and has stayed
engaged with the school system through the Vision process. He has a Master’s in education, has been a
teacher, and his children have attended the school system. He feels this is a critical time with the Nauset
High School reconstruction project. Selectperson deRuyter asked both applicants if they support the High
School project as presented. Ms. Camp does support the project and has attended a number of the meetings
on the projects. She is hopeful that all 4 communities come together in support of the project as well. She
does not feel the code upgrade will be fiscally responsible. Mr. Leibowitz is also in support of the project. He
feels that as much public outreach should be done to invest in the students for the future. A number of
letters of support were read for the candidates that were emailed in. Mr. Leibowitz would only serve on the
Board until the next election. Ms. Camp would run in the next election. Selectperson deRuyter moved to
appoint Stephen Leibowitz to the Nauset Regional School Committee, Selectperson Whitney second. A roll
call vote was taken. Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Chatelain-yes, Selectperson deRuyter-yes,
Selectperson Bingham-yes, Chair Chaffee-yes. The Board vote was 5-yes, 0-No.
Update on Brewster School Committee Vacancies & Appointment Timeline
The Brewster School committee has received two resignations. A posting of the vacancies was placed on the
Town’s website and the dead line to submit an application is December 29, 2020. A joint meeting will be held
with the Brewster School Committee on January 4, 2021 to fill the vacancies.
Update on Town’s Current Efforts to Addressing Issues of Diversity & Inclusion (Select Board FY21-22
Strategic Plan Goal CC-2)
This issue was raised at the Select Board’s annual retreat, and was made a goal of the strategic plan. A series
of internal conversations with staff and residents on ideas on approach to address the issues were had. The
Board was supportive of the initiatives to date and looks forward to future discussion on the goal.
Discuss Select Board Feedback on Draft Town Charter
Selectperson Bingham requests that the other members of the Select Board review the Town Charter to
finalize the content for submission to the Town Meeting warrant, and requested it to be an agenda item for
the next meeting. Mr. Lombardi announced that the Town will be having two public forums for the residents
to provide feedback. The Charter Committee is hopeful that they will receive feedback from all Town staff
and public body members to adjust the draft document as close to a final draft as possible. Feedback will be
submitted and discussed at the January 4, 2021 Select Board meeting. Following the adoption of the Charter,
the By-laws will be reviewed and amended as needed. Until then, the Charter will supersede the By-laws. By-
law review will be every 10 years, alternating with the Charter review.
Vote on Upcoming Public Meeting Schedule/Format for Town Committees
The format for meetings in January will transition to a webinar forum for the regulatory Boards and
Committees, to allow for attendee participation. If done successfully, it will be transitioned across all Boards
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
www.brewster-ma.gov
BoS 12-21-20
Page 4 of 5
Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
and Committees in February. Selectperson Bingham asked if it was a more difficult format to maneuver. It is
slightly, but training and support is available. Selectperson deRuyter moved to transition to the webinar
format for all boards and committees through the end of fiscal year or maybe just put June 30, 2021,
Selectperson Whitney second. . A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Chatelain-
yes, Selectperson deRuyter-yes, Selectperson Bingham-yes, Chair Chaffee-yes. The Board vote was 5-yes, 0-
No.
Discuss and Vote on Proposed Select Board Policy on Fee Waivers
An outdated policy on fee waivers has been revised to create clear and consistent eligibility standards. A
history of fee waivers was included in the packet for the Board to review. Mr. Lombardi reviewed the policy
for the Board. Selectperson deRuyter commended Selectperson Bingham for driving this policy review, and
Mr. Lombardi for the thoughtfulness on the policy he created. Selectperson Bingham asked if the solar
project at Captains Golf Course would qualify, which it would as it was a project initiated by the Town.
Selectperson Chatelain moved to adopt the revised Fee Waiver policy, Selectperson Bingham second. A roll
call vote was taken. Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Chatelain-yes, Selectperson deRuyter-yes,
Selectperson Bingham-yes, Chair Chaffee-yes. The Board vote was 5-yes, 0-No.
Discuss and Vote on Fee Waiver Requests
Our Lady of the Cape Roman Catholic Church
Selectperson Bingham moved to approve the fee waiver request from Our Lady of the Cape Roman Catholic
Church, Selectperson Whitney second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson
Chatelain-yes, Selectperson deRuyter-yes, Selectperson Bingham-yes, Chair Chaffee-yes. The Board vote was
5-yes, 0-No.
Arts Empowering Life
Selectperson deRuyter recused himself from the discussion. Selectperson Chatelain moved to decline the fee
waiver request for Arts Empowering Life, Selectperson Whitney second. A roll call vote was taken.
Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Chatelain-yes, Selectperson Bingham-yes, Chair Chaffee-yes. The
Board vote was 4-yes, 0-No.
DSD - Captain’s Golf Course Solar Projects
Selectperson Bingham moved to approve the fee waiver request for DSD, Selectperson Whitney second.
Inspection Fees would not be waived. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson
Chatelain-yes, Selectperson deRuyter-yes, Selectperson Bingham-yes, Chair Chaffee-yes. The Board vote was
5-yes, 0-No.
C&C Construction – Brewster Woods
This request will be held until an upcoming meeting, after all the applications have been submitted and the
fees have been tabulated.
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
www.brewster-ma.gov
BoS 12-21-20
Page 5 of 5
Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
For Your Information
Mr. Lombardi noted the press release issued by the Nauset Regional School committee regarding the need of
each of the 4 towns to hold a district wide vote on the same day. The Town Clerks of each of the Towns are
meeting next week to determine a date to hold the vote, and the logistics of being able to vote by mail in
ballot. Mr. Lombardi would endorse the mailing of an absentee ballot to all residents of the Town of
Brewster. There will be two questions on the ballot. The School Committee is going to bring the $98 million
code compliance project to the 4 town meetings in the event that the project fails at the ballot. Selectperson
Chatelain asked for a timeline of informational discussions, which have not been set as of now, but should
begin after the first of the New Year.
Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair
None.
Questions from the Media
None.
Next Meetings: December 22, 2020 and January 4, 5, 12 & 19, 2021
Adjournment
Selectperson Bingham moved to adjourn at 7:45pm, Selectperson Whitney second. A roll call vote was taken.
Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Chatelain-yes, Selectperson deRuyter-yes, Selectperson Bingham-
yes, Chair Chaffee-yes. The Board vote was 5-yes, 0-No.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Young
Approved: _______________ Signed: _______________________________________
Date Selectperson Bingham, Clerk of the Board of Selectman
Accompanying Documents in Packet: agenda, TA report documents, consent agenda, FYI’s, fee waiver policy and requests, NRSC member
applications, BSC resignation and website announcement, committee meeting schedule memo, diversity and inclusion memo and planning guide
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
www.brewster-ma.gov
BoS 12-21-20
Page 1 of 2
Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
MINUTES OF THE SELECT BOARD REGULAR SESSION MINUTES
DATE: December 23, 2020
TIME: 12:00 PM
PLACE: Remote Teleconference
ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE PARTICIPATING REMOTELY:Chair Chaffee, Selectperson deRuyter, Selectperson
Whitney, Selectperson Chatelain, Selectperson Bingham, Town Administrator Peter Lombardi, Assistant
Town Administrator Donna Kalinick, Jeffrey Blake, Shirin Everett
Call to Order & Declaration of a Quorum, Meeting Participation Statement and Recording Statement
Chair Chaffee called the meeting to order at 12:01pm, conducted a roll call vote of attendance, declared a
quorum present, and read the meeting participation and recording statements.
Consent Agenda
Approve Fee Waiver for Christmas Tree Disposal - Transfer Station
Selectperson Bingham moved to approve the December 23, 2020 consent agenda, Selectperson Whitney
second. Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Bingham-yes, Selectperson deRuyter-yes, Selectperson
Chatelain, Chair Chaffee-yes. The Board vote was 5-yes, 0-No
Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair
None.
Questions from the Media
None.
Next Meetings: December 29, 2020 and January 4, 5, 12 & 19, 2021
Executive Session
Executive Session: To consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property if the chair declares
that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body.
Chair Chaffee stated that the Board would be going into executive session to discuss strategy with respect to
consider the purchase, exchange, taking, lease, or value of real property if such discussion may have a
detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the governmental body, and would not be returning to
open session.
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
www.brewster-ma.gov
BoS 12-21-20
Page 2 of 2
Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
Selectperson deRuyter moved that the Board go into executive session at 12:04 pm to consider the purchase,
exchange, taking, lease, or value of real property if such discussion may have a detrimental effect on the
negotiating position of the governmental body, and would not be returning to open session. Selectperson
Bingham second. Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Bingham-yes, Selectperson deRuyter-yes,
Selectperson Chatelain, Chair Chaffee-yes. The Board vote was 5-yes, 0-No
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Young
Approved: _______________ Signed: _______________________________________
Date Selectperson Bingham, Clerk of the Board of Selectman
Accompanying Documents in Packet: agenda, consent agenda
Archived: Friday, January 29, 2021 4:41:52 PM
From: Jones, S.
Se nt: Fri, 22 Jan 2021 11:48:10
To: Robin Young
Cc: brewplan; Sally C. Gunning
Subject: Fee Waiver request
Se nsitivity: Normal
Attachments:
BHS-2021 Special Permit App-20210122.pdf;
Robin:
Attached is a copy of the ZBA Special Permit Application - Special Event Venue Use for the Brewster Historical Society Farmers Market listing the time and dates of the intended events.
We expect to file this today and we request that the Select Board waive the filing fee of $300 for this.
Steve
Stephen Jones, Treasurer
Archived: Friday, January 29, 2021 4:41:56 PM
From: THOMAS & SALLY GUNNING
Se nt: Mon, 25 Jan 2021 12:24:34
To: Robin Young; Gunning, S.
Cc: Jones, S.; brewplan
Subject: RE: Fee Waiver request
Se nsitivity: Normal
Y es.
On 01/25/2021 12:21 PM Robin Young <ryoung@brewster-ma.gov> wrote:
Is this a waiver for $35 x16 events, for a total of $560?
Thank you,
Robin A. Young
Executive Assistant
To the Town Administrator
Town of Brewster
508-896-3701 x1100
Effective December 22, 2020, until further notice:
Based on current public health data, Brewster Town Offices will be CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. The Town Administration staff are working remotely, and will continue to respond to phone messages and email communications
promptly. If you need assistance, please call (508) 896-3701 ext. 1100 and or email at ryoung@brewster-ma.gov. For the latest updates on Town services, please visit www.brewster-ma.gov. Thank you for your continued
understanding and cooperation.
From: Gunning, S. [mailto:president@brewsterhistoricalsociety.org]
Sent: Monday, January 25, 2021 12:18 PM
To: Robin Young <ryoung@brewster-ma.gov>
Cc: Jones, S. <treasurer@brewsterhistoricalsociety.org>; brewplan <brewplan@brewster-ma.gov>
Subject: Re: Fee Waiver request
Hi Robin,
If you could add another request for $35 fee waiver for the entertainment license for BHS farmers market we would be grateful. The entertainment license application is attached.
Thank you!
Stay well!
Sally
S ally Gunning, President
Brewster Historical Society
PO Box 11 46
Brewster, MA 02631
508-896-9521
ww w.brewsterhistoricalsociety.org
On Mon, Jan 25, 2021 at 9:52 AM Robin Young <ryoung@brewster-ma.gov> wrote:
Good morning,
I will add this to the next Select Board agenda (February 1, 20201) for their consideration. Please see the Fee Waiver Policy attached. As per the policy please provide proof of your 501c3 for me to
include in the agenda packet.
Thank you,
Robin A. Young
Executive Assistant
To the Town Administrator
Town of Brewster
508-896-3701 x1100
Effective December 22, 2020, until further notice:
Based on current public health data, Brewster Town Offices will be CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. The Town Administration staff are working remotely, and will continue to respond to phone messages and email
communications promptly. If you need assistance, please call (508) 896-3701 ext. 1100 and or email at ryoung@brewster-ma.gov. For the latest updates on Town services, please visit www.brewster-ma.gov.
Thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation.
From: Jones, S. [mailto:treasurer@brewsterhistoricalsociety.org]
Sent: Friday, January 22, 2021 11:48 AM
To: Robin Young <ryoung@brewster-ma.gov>
Cc: brewplan <brewplan@brewster-ma.gov>; Sally C. Gunning <president@brewsterhistoricalsociety.org>
Subject: Fee Waiver request
Robin:
Attached is a copy of the ZBA Special Permit Application - Special Event Venue Use for the Brewster Historical Society Farmers Market listing the time and dates of the intended events.
We expect to file this today and we request that the Select Board waive the filing fee of $300 for this.
Steve
Stephen Jones, Treasurer
Archived: Friday, January 29, 2021 4:42:07 PM
From: Ned Chatelain
Se nt: Fri, 22 Jan 2021 14:15:38
To: Robin Young; George Boyd
Subject: RE: Letter of Resignation
Se nsitivity: Normal
Good afternoon to you both.
That works for me. Sorry to see Daphne go, but glad to see we have someone ready to step right into her role.
Have a great weekend.
Ned
From: Robin Young
Sent: Friday, January 22, 2021 12:15 PM
To: George Boyd
Cc: Ned Chatelain
Subject: FW: Letter of Resignation
Good afternoon,
Upon approval of the Select Board liaison (Ned Chatelain), we can place the appointment of Rene to the Historical Commission on the agenda of the February 16th Select Board meeting.
Thank you,
Robin A. Young
Executive Assistant
To the Town Administrator
Town of Brewster
508-896-3701 x1100
Effective December 22, 2020, until further notice:
Based on current public health data, Brewster Town Offices will be CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. The Town Administration staff are working remotely, and will continue to respond to phone messages and email communications promptly. If
you need assistance, please call (508) 896-3701 ext. 1100 and or email at ryoung@brewster-ma.gov. For the latest updates on Town services, please visit www.brewster-ma.gov. Thank you for your continued understanding and
cooperation.
From: Colette Williams
Sent: Friday, January 22, 2021 12:11 PM
To: Robin Young <ryoung@brewster-ma.gov>
Subject: FW: Letter of Resignation
FYI
Effective December 22, 2020, until further notice:
Based on current public health data, Brewster Town Offices will be CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. The Town Clerk’s Office staff are working remotely, and will continue to respond to phone messages and email communications promptly. If you
need assistance, please call (508) 896-4506 or email at TownClerk@brewster-ma.gov. For the latest updates on Town services, please visit www.brewster-ma.gov. Thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation.
*T he Commonwealth of Massachusetts Secretary of State has determined that e-mail is a public record
From: George Boyd [mailto:gboyd@nyc.rr.com]
Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2021 12:02 PM
To: Colette Williams <cwilliams@brewster-ma.gov>
Subject: Fwd: Letter of Resignation
Daphne has resigned from the Brewster Historical Commission because she moved to Harwich
I would like to nominate Rene Dee who was previously on the committee before she moved off cape but has now returned
to Brewster.
what do I need to do?
Thanks
George Boyd-------- Forwarded Message --------
Subject:Letter of Resignation
Date:Thu, 21 Jan 2021 11:28:19 -0500
From:Daphne Geanacopoulos <dpgeanacopoulos@gmail.com>
To:George Boyd <gboyd@nyc.rr.com>
I hereby resign from the Brewster Historical Commission effective today, January 21, 2021. It has been an honor to serve on the committee.
Sincerely,
Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos
FY 21 CONSENT AGENDA
SELECT BOARD
7/1/20-12/31/20
DONATION APPROVAL LIST:
DEPARTMENT:AMOUNT:
1 Council on Aging Donations 3,273.80$
2 Mill Sites & Museum Donations 371.71$
3 Brewster Covid Relief Trust Fund DoNAtions 40,597.32$ **
4 Emergency Management / BAPR 3,000.00$
5 Facilities 1,182.00$
6 Town Administration/ CPA 39,098.00$
7 Natural Resources Donations 2,250.00$
TOTAL:89,772.83$
APPROVED:____________________________DATE:__________________________
Covid Relief Donations $5,000 and up:
$21,000 The Dan & Terese Heintzelman Family Foundation
$5,000 Friends of Brewsters Elders
$7,500 Brewster Baptist Church
**$26,438.20 received in FY20; $14,159.12 received to date in FY21
DESCRIPTION:Account #
COA Donations 017-541-6172
Millsite Donations 017-699-4830
Covid Relief 082-122-1284
Donation for Electronic Message Board by Brewster Assoc. of Part Time Residents 017-122-2102
Donation for in-kind labor from Pine Harbor Wood Products for new shed N/A
Donation from The Brewster Whitcaps for Stony Brook Field Improvements 017-122-1149
DNR Donations 017-296-4830
DATE:__________________________
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
MEMORANDUM
TO: Select Board
FROM: Donna J. Kalinick, Procurement Officer
CC:Peter Lombardi, Town Administrator
RE: Stony Brook Elementary & White Caps Facility Improvements
DATE: January 29, 2021
On January 12th, bids for Improvements at the Stony Brook School & Whitecaps Facility
were opened and the low bid was $455,589.00 from Lawrence Lynch. The Whitecaps
and School Committee had jointly received an award from CPC in the amount of
$425,000. A portion of this award was to contract with JM O’Reilly for engineering
service and construction oversight. A gap of $39,089 to award the contract exists. The
Whitecaps Board has voted to fund this gap as well as provide an additional $5,000 for
contingency. At this time, we are voting to accept the $34,089 to cover the award of
the contract and will accept the contingency, if needed.
We thank the Brewster Whitecaps for their contribution and continued collaboration in
this project to make improvements, including important accessible improvements, at
the Stony Brook School and Whitecaps facility.
Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
1
Brewster Whitecaps Letterhead
Faythe Ellis, Chairperson
Brewster Community Preservation Committee
2193 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631
December 5, 2019
Dear Community Preservation Committee,
We are pleased to submit the attached application and accompanying documentation for
consideration by the Town of Brewster Community Preservation Committee.
Funding of this project will ensure improved accessibility and safety at Stony Brook Field for
all our citizens in addition to numerous visitors to our community.
As a local volunteer supported and managed organization, the Brewster Whitecaps, along
with the other nine teams of the Cape Cod Baseball League, offer the best in collegiate
summer baseball.
Approval of this request will allow us to continue our mission in an even safer and more
inclusive way.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Chris Kenney
President
2
APPLICATION FOR COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT FUNDING
Date Application Submitted: Dec 4, 2019
Name of Project Applicant: Brewster Whitecaps
Name of Co-Applicant(s): Stony Brook School
Name of Contact Person: Chris Kenney, Charles Hanson
Contact Person’s Mailing Address: 130 Griffiths Pond Rd., Brewster MA 02631
Contact Person(s) Daytime Phone Number: 774-772-1047 (Kenney) & 240-506-0058
(Hanson)
Contact Person(s) email Address: chrkenney@gmail.com & chuckhansoncc@gmail.com
Proposed Project Name: Stony Brook Field Improvement for ADA Compliance
Project Address (or assessor’s parcel ID): 384 Underpass Rd., Brewster MA 02631
Project Synopsis:
Improvements to walkways, bleachers, fencing, netting and bathroom access assuring
ADA compliance and enhance fan safety at Stony Brook Field.
Category: ☐ Open Space ☐ Historic Preservation X Recreation
☐ Community Housing
CPA funding requested $ 508,500
Total Cost of Proposed Project: $528,500
3
CPA Funding Application
1)Project Description
Title
Stony Brook Field Improvement for ADA Compliance
Short Description
Improvements to walkways, bleachers, fencing, netting and bathroom access assuring ADA
compliance and enhance fan safety at Stony Brook Field.
Background
Since 1988, each summer sees the arrival in Brewster of more than 3 dozen highly skilled
collegiate baseball players from all over the United States. They are joined by more than a
dozen college interns and a select group of college coaches. All are supported by a group of
more than 40 dedicated local volunteers who range in age from 8 to 78. Together all these
individuals make up the Brewster Whitecaps.
The Brewster Whitecaps are a nonprofit organization (501c charity) that sponsors a team
playing in the Cape Cod Baseball League — regarded as the most prestigious of all summer
baseball leagues (there are more than 35). The Cape League, as it’s familiarly known, attracts
the best collegiate players in America. It serves as an unparalleled opportunity for players to
compete against the very best of their peers and showcase their talents to numerous Major
League scouts.
Our mission is to enhance “… the Brewster community by providing an entertaining,
inexpensive way for people of all ages to enjoy collegiate baseball of outstanding quality.”
Our season extends from the second week in June through mid August. Since the season is
fairly short, volunteer efforts are required throughout the entire year. It costs nearly $150,000
annually to field a team in the Cape League. Although we draw an average of a thousand or
more fans to each of our 20 home games, the free will donations of the attendees account for
only a portion of the required revenue. Each team in the Cape League is responsible for its own
finances. Brewster’s challenge may be even more daunting than some of the other franchises.
Given our relatively small population, limited commercial development and the fact that we’re
surrounded by other Cape League teams, we try to work harder and rely on the generosity and
support of the Brewster community.
The Whitecaps have been at Stony Brook Field since 2006 (prior to that we played our home
games at CC Tech). The team raised more than $250,000 (primarily made up of a large Yawkey
Foundation grant and many in kind contributions from local contractors) to upgrade the
facility. Since then the team has steadily invested in improvements and maintenance of the
field, averaging nearly $20,000 per year over the last 5 years.
4
Players and coaches offer a series of 8 weekly clinics during the season targeted to boys & girls
6 -13. While the sessions are fee based, in conjunction with the local schools, the team offers
weekly scholarships to local Brewster kids as well as a reduced rate for participants from the
Brewster Recreation Department. Our players participate at both the Stony Brook and Eddy
field days in mid June and make frequent community appearances. Ocean Edge and CC 5 are
regular venues and “Whitecaps Day” in July at the Ladies’ Library is always well attended. We
generate additional revenue for the Nauset Schools. Nauset Food Services runs the concession
stand as a fund raiser and all funds are returned to the School Department. The team has also
arranged for the Nauset District to receive more than $2,000, each year, in direct payments
from a commercial scouting service that videotapes at Stony Brook. Many of our home games
are cablecast by Lower Cape Community TV and are available to fans who are not able to
attend our games in person. This cooperative effort has been in place for the past 4 years.
Project Goals & Planned Improvements
Phase 1: Improve access for people who are mobility challenged, add handicap seating,
improve pedestrian flow, improve fan seating and erosion control:
1.Reshaped entrance to field from parking lot path for handicap access
2.Wider walkway next to school on top of hill, allows handicap access
3.New walkways to prevent and control runoff
4.Open plaza area behind press box and first and third baselines
5.Larger stands with handicap seating. Repositioning of existing stands.
6.Handicap access walk along third baseline past new larger stands and dugout to bull
pen (requires terracing of hill behind third base dugout)
7.Remove and/or reposition items in existing playground for 10 ft walkway
8.Refurbish/replace low retaining wall opposite picnic area
Phase 2: Improve fan safety, ADA compliance and fan experience:
1.Extended safety netting
2.Add safety fencing (8 feet) past dugouts for all stands and picnic area
3.Replace stairs from school to field
4.Beach umbrellas behind center field fence
5.Add 2 new storage containers on the property
6.Construct new permanent wood souvenir booth
7.Canvas ‘sails" over picnic area (potential shaded outdoor class space)
8.All weather path from field area to Eddy School parking lot
(An engineering drawing of changes at Stony Brook Field is in appendix A
An engineering drawing of the handicap accessible bleachers is in appendix B)
2 Historic Preservation
Not applicable to this application
5
3 CPA Goals/Criteria for Recreation:
The Stony Brook Field is a vital asset to the community as a whole not just those who play or
view baseball. The field provides a large open green space for multiple activities. The field is
centrally located and close to Rt. 6A and the majority of residents and summer guests. Having
usable green open space increases the value of Brewster economically, socially and
environmentally. Improving the walkways, bleachers, bathroom access for ADA compliance
and improving safety benefits all residents. These improvements meet two important
objectives of Goal 4 of Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan of 2013. Objective 4C -
Ensure access and utilization of open space and recreation areas to all Brewster residents and
visitors. Objective 4D - Continue to reduce or eliminate accessibility barriers to open space and
recreation opportunities for senior and disabled population.
The CPC recreation criteria are addressed in detail below:
a. Support multiple active and passive recreation uses.
Stony Brook Field is used by a significant part of the Brewster community all year round.
The Whitecaps use the field for 20 home games and playoffs, for practice during the season
and for our very popular youth baseball clinics (more than 35 per season, including a free
community clinic).
Cape Cod youth baseball (Dugout Dawgs, ages 14-17) use the field in the spring and fall.
While the field is sized for high school and college baseball games, it has many additional
patrons throughout the year for activities other than baseball. The outfield is a large green
field used by Stony Brook students for physical education, recess, spring field day. Better
walkways would allow safe access for all students and especially students with temporary
physically disabling injuries.
Brewster Recreation use the field for multiple activities.
After school and summer programs by NYA and YMCA housed at Stony Brook School use the
field for recreation.
After school hours in spring, fall and all summer many families make use of the field, the
adjacent playground and basketball court. Improving the walkways and adding handicap
access stands allows easier access to senior citizens, (grandparents) and mobility challenged
individuals.
b. Serve a significant number of residents and visitors
6
The field and adjacent playground provide entertainment, recreation and fun for a large
number of residents and visitors each year. As noted earlier, the Cape Cad Baseball League is
the premier summer baseball league in the country. Having a CCBL team in Brewster is a
significant draw for visitors and more importantly provides wholesome entertainment for
residents -- young and old. Attendance at Whitecaps home games has averaged slightly more
than 1,000 per game over the last 5 years. In addition to Whitecaps games, the Whitecaps
youth clinics average 40-60 children ages 7-13 for 8 weeks each summer. The Whitecaps
sponsor a free youth clinic the 4th Saturday in June and average 60-70 participants each year.
The Cape Youth Baseball, Dugout Dawgs, run baseball (boys) and softball (girls) instruction for
Cape residents. They provide coaching and games for youth ages 14 and 17 at the Stony Brook
Field.
The facilities are used almost daily by elementary school students, Brewster Recreation
participants, and NYA & YMCA after school and summer program participants. The number of
participants is estimated at 300-400 monthly.
c. Expand the range of recreational opportunities to all ages of Brewster resident and
visitors
The current walkways pose a number of access problems. The slopes from parking lot to field
and playground are steep with holes and cracks. Poor drainage results in erosion and uneven
footing. Beyond the playground there is only uneven dirt and packed stone dust. During
games there is no handicap access to school bathrooms. The proposed improvements will
provide ADA compliant walkways to the field, playground, bathrooms and refreshment stand.
It will provide for improved drainage to minimize erosion and nagging maintenance issues.
ADA ramp compliant access to raised bleaches along with wheelchair and companion seating
will also be provided. Paved access to entire third base line bleachers and to the picnic area
along the first baseline will become available. These improvements are for all people who use
the field, residents and visitors alike.
d. Benefit other Brewster communities providing recreational resources to residents
Improved walkways, stands, fencing are essential to both handicapped, elderly, and youth for
safe access to the facilities. The proposed improvements benefit other Brewster communities
providing recreational activities at the field. They are the Brewster schools, Brewster
Recreation, after school and summer programs (NYA & YMCA), Whitecaps youth clinic
participants, all visitor to playground and basketball court.
e. Promote the use of alternative corridors that provide safe and healthy non-motorized
transportation
7
The Stony Brook field is very close to Cape Cod Rail Trail. The Trail runs between the school
and the community tennis courts. Dozens of people bike to field each game. There are 4 bike
racks around the field which are well used each game.
4 Community Benefits
The Brewster Whitecaps are a community asset. This is evidenced by the continuing fan
support and financial donations from residents, businesses and visitors. Attending games and
rooting for the Whitecaps fosters a sense of community inclusion and community spirit. The
proposed changes improve access and safety for all users of the facilities especially the
handicap, elderly, physically challenged and the very young. Additional community benefits
include:
Additional safety fencing and netting along each foul line
Erosion control at top of walkway and past the picnic area (safer walking for all users &
reduced maintenance)
5 Community Support
Select Board (letter forthcoming, pending Dec 16 meeting)
DPW Department Management (Appendix E)
Local school administration (Appendix G)
Brewster School Committee (letter forthcoming, pending 1/16/20 board meeting)
Brewster Recreational Department (Appendix H)
Recreation Committee (pending January board meeting)
All Citizens Access Committee (meeting pending)
The thousands of people who come to the games each summer, residents and visitors.
6 Timeline
Phase 1
Review plans & specification - Sept/Oct 2020
Bid posting - Oct 2020
Award of contract- Jan 2021
Project started - March 2021
Project completed - April 2021
(Construction dates coordinated with Stony Brook School administration)
Phase 2
Review plans & specification - Sept/Oct 2021
Bid posting - Nov 2021
Award of contract- Jan 2022
Project started - March 2022
8
Project completed - April 2022
7 Credentials
Board of Directors of Brewster Whitecaps: The Whitecaps Board has successfully run team for
32 years with the last 15 years at Stony Brook location. Whitecaps management has
continually improved the field and facilities over the years at Stony Brook Field – recently
installed safety netting (backstop to dugouts), built garage and batting tunnel in left field,
installed new picnic tables, and invested more than $100,000 for both turf & infield over the
last 5 years.
J.M. O'Reilly & Associates - Engineering, Specifications, project management. Local
experienced company providing civil engineering, land surveying, environmental services and
project management
Gallivan Company, Inc. - Design, specifications, pricing, installation of bleachers and
grandstands. Over 20 years experience in eastern Massachusetts.
8 Budget/Need for Public Funds
Project Budget: $528,500 (Both phases)
(Details of project budget attached in Appendix C)
Requesting: $508,500 in CPC funds
While the Whitecaps leverage almost all of our fund-raising capacity to meet annual operating
expenses, the team would be able to contribute $20,000 from reserves and special fund-raising
efforts.
Other Cape towns have provided CPC funds for similar Cape League field improvements.
Chatham Anglers received CPC funds of $450,000 for handicap seating and walkways
Hyannis Harbor Hawks received CPC funds of $700,000 for drainage improvements at McKeon
Park.
Falmouth Commodores received CPC funds totaling $477,815 for ADA lift, replacement of
dugouts, safety netting and safety padding
Harwich Recreation has requested $455,360 for Whitehouse Field lighting improvements.
9 Maintenance
Stony Brook Field is located on Town/School property.
9
Maintenance for stands, fencing and netting provided by the Brewster Whitecaps
Maintenance for walkways and grounds provided by Brewster Schools
10 Site Control and Appraisal
Not Applicable
Stony Brook Field on Town property
Appendices
List of appendices:
A. Engineering drawing of changes at Stony Brook Field
B. Engineering drawing of handicap accessible bleachers
C. Detailed Project Pricing
D. Letter of support from Brewster Select Board (Pending Dec. 16, SB meeting)
E. Letter of support from Brewster DPW
F. Letter of Support from Brewster School Board (Pending January 16 board meeting)
G.Letter of Support from Stony Brook School Administration
H.Letter of Support from Brewster Department of Recreation
I.Letter of Support from All Citizens Access Committee (pending Board meeting)
65'-0"
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2
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4
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22'-0"
2'-0"8"8'-10"7'-6 1/8"4'-2 11/16"LETTERREVISIONSBYDATE716-337-0161 1-800-525-8515
FAX 716-337-3436
E & D SPECIALTY
GRANDSTANDS AND SEATING
2081 FRANKLIN ST. - P.O. BOX 700
PROJECT NUMBER:
DRAWING NUMBER:
&
NORTH COLLINS, NEW YORK 14111
CHECKED DATE:DRAWN DATE:
DRAWN BY:CHECKED BY:
SCALE:REFERENCE DWG.
STANDS, INC.
MANUFACTURERS OF QUALITY
AGREEMENT TO THE ABOVE.
ANCE OF THIS DRAWING WILL BE CONSTRUED AS AN
PART OR WHOLE, NOT TO BE USED IN ANY MANNER
THAT MAY CONSTITUTE A DETRIMENT DIRECTLY OR
INDIRECTLY TO E & D SPECIALTY STANDS, INC. ACCEPT-
THIS DRAWING INCLUDING THE PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
SPECIALTY STANDS, INC. WITH THE AGREEMENT THAT
IS THE PROPERTY OF AND IS SUBMITTED BY E & D
IT IS NOT TO BE REPRODUCED, COPIED OR LOANED IN
UNDERSTRUCTURE:BREWSTER BASEBALLBREWSTER, MASSACHUSETTS18Q166
1
AS NOTED
JW
08-20-18
2 SECTION THROUGH SEATING NTS
1 SEATING PLAN 3/16"=1'-0"
Patrick Ellis, Superintendent
James Jones, Foreman
Ms. Faythe Ellis, Chairperson
Community Preservation Committee
Town of Brewster, MA
December 03, 2019
Dear Ms. Ellis,
It is my pleasure to write to you in support of the Brewster Whitecaps' application for Community
Preservation Act funds for the ADA improvements at the Stony Brook Elementary School field. These
improvements to the walkways, paths, and bleachers surrounding the field are very much needed.
Many different groups within the town use this area throughout the year. Safe access to the Stony
Brook field and its facilities is important to all Brewster citizens and visitors to our town. The
Whitecaps' plan is comprehensive and addresses many shortcomings that currently exist there.
These improvements will greatly improve access for the handicapped, physically challenged, children,
the elderly, all citizens and visitors to the facilities. Moreover, it will also provide added safety
features for the walkways and stairs.
The Town of Brewster will partner with the Whitecaps on this project to carry out the procurement.
The Brewster DPW will partner with the Whitecaps on this project for the inspection of construction
and installation.
Sincerely,
R. Patrick Ellis
R. Patrick Ellis, Superintendent
Department of Public Works
Department of Public Works
201 Run Hill Road
Brewster, Massachusetts 02631-1898
Tel (508) 896-3212
TOWN OF BREWSTER
2298 MAIN STREET
BREWSTER,MA 02631
PHONE:(508)896-9430
WWW.BREWSTERRECREATION.COM
WWW.TOWN.BREWSTER.MA.US
OFFICE OF
RECREATION COMMISSION
December 2, 2019
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing this letter as support from the Brewster Recreation Department.
The Brewster Whitecaps are applying for CPC grant funding for the ADA improvements at the
baseball field, at Stony Brook Elementary School. Not only do these potential improvements
help the fans that may be attending these games, but it will also improve the accessibility to
children and other citizens that use this field/facility. It will also provide added safety features,
which should also be a priority.
It should be an obligation of the Town to commit to an age friendly community, given our
demographics. I believe that these improvements will also encourage folks who may have never
seen a game before, or never been to the field, to come to a game and really experience what a
community event feels like.
It is also important to note that the Recreation Department also uses the Stony Brook field for
run club and other programs, so our participants would also be benefiting from these
improvements.
Please consider the request of the Whitecaps for these needed ADA improvements to the field at
Stony Brook. Play ball!
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mike Gradone
Recreation Director
Town of Brewster
KP Comments 1/29/21
4128-2349-5210.2
SITE OWNER ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATE
(Brewster Driving Range)
This Estoppel Certificate (“Estoppel”) is dated January ___, 2021. Reference is made to
that certain Lease Agreement for Ground Mounted and Solar Canopy Photovoltaic Energy Facility
(Brewster Driving Range), dated as of December 16, 2019, by and between Town of Brewster, a
Massachusetts municipal corporation (“Site Owner”), and Commerce Park Road Solar Project
2019, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Grantee”), concerning use of the property
described in the Agreement (the “Property”) for a photovoltaic solar power generation facility
owned by Grantee and located in Brewster, Massachusetts (the “Project”), as amended by that
certain First Amendment to Lease Agreement for Ground Mounted and Solar Canopy Photovoltaic
Energy Facility (Brewster Driving Range), dated as of August 12, 2020, by and between Site
Owner and Grantee (the “Agreement”). This certificate is delivered by Site Owner to Coöperatieve
Rabobank U.A., New York Branch (“Administrative Agent”). Capitalized terms used but not
defined herein are defined in the Agreement.
Site Owner provides to Administrative Agent, as of the date first written above, the
following statements:
1.Site Owner is the sole current owner of fee simple title in the Property;
2.Site Owner is a municipal corporation existing under the laws of The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and, in such capacity, possesses the requisite power and
authority to execute and deliver this Estoppel, and ability to execute, deliver and perform its
obligations under the Agreement;
3.The Agreement is in full force and effect and constitutes the legal, valid and binding
obligation of Site Owner, enforceable against Site Owner in accordance with its terms, except
as the enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other
similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and general equitable
principles;
4.The Agreement and the Notice of Lease, dated as of August 12, 2020, by and
between Site Owner and Grantee, as recorded in the Barnstable County Registry of Deeds on
August 26, 2020, in Book 33202 on Page 68 as Document # 44117 are the only agreements
between Grantee and Site Owner;
5.A true and correct copy of the Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit A and the
Agreement has not been further amended;
6.To the actual knowledge of the Site Owner, without the duty of inquiry, the Site
Owner is not in default of any of its obligations under the Agreement;
7.To the actual knowledge of Site Owner, without the duty of inquiry,, (i) none of
Site Owner or Grantee are in default of any of their obligations under the Agreement and (ii) no
event or condition exists that would either immediately or with the passage of any applicable grace
2 4128-2349-5210.2
period or giving of notice, or both, enable either Site Owner or Grantee to terminate or suspend its
obligations under the Agreement;
8.To the actual knowledge of Site Owner, without the duty of inquiry, there are no
legal proceedings or material disputes between Site Owner and Grantee under the Agreement;
9.Except as otherwise set forth herein, Site Owner has not assigned, pledged or
transferred any interest it has in the Agreement, and Site Owner has no actual knowledge of any
notice of and has not consented to any previous assignment by Grantee of all or any part of its
rights under the Agreement;
10.All representations and warranties made by Site Owner in the Agreement are true
and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof, except to the extent such representations
and warranties expressly relate to any earlier date, in which case such representations and
warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date;
11.To the actual knowledge of Site Owner, without the duty of inquiry, no permits,
licenses, approvals, consents or authorizations of any governmental authority are required for the
execution, delivery or performance of this Estoppel and the Agreement by Site Owner which have
not been obtained, and to the actual knowledge of Site Owner, without the duty of inquiry, each
such permit, license, approval, consent and authorization that has been obtained is in full force and
effect;
12.To the actual knowledge of Site Owner, without the duty of inquiry, there are no
actions pending against Site Owner as a debtor under any federal or state bankruptcy or any other
similar laws;
13.To the actual knowledge of Site Owner, without the duty of inquiry, there are no
proceedings pending or threatened against or affecting Site Owner before any court, governmental
authority, or arbitration board or tribunal which could reasonably be expected to have a material
adverse effect on the ability of Site Owner to perform its obligations under the Agreement;
14.Grantee does not owe any indemnity payments to Site Owner and to the actual
knowledge of Site Owner, without the duty of inquiry, Site Owner is not aware of any condition
that has arisen that would lead Site Owner to assert counterclaims, offsets or defenses against
Grantee under the Agreement;
15.To the actual knowledge of Site Owner, without the duty of inquiry, Site Owner is
not obligated to Grantee for any indemnity payments under the Agreement; and
16.Neither party to the Agreement owes the other party to the Agreement any
payments, costs and expenses under the Agreement as of the date hereof.
17.Any reference herein to Site Owner’s knowledge, awareness, actual knowledge,
notice or similar term shall refer solely to the actual knowledge, without duty of inquiry, of
______________, in his/her capacity as Site Owner’s ___________ [and also of
________________, in his/her capacity as Site Owner’s ______________] (the “Knowledge
Party”) and not to any other agent, employee, representative, board, commission or other person
3 4128-2349-5210.2
or party associated with Site Owner. Nothing herein or in said Agreements or otherwise shall
create any personal liability for any Knowledge Party. Site Owner, by signing this Estoppel, is not
waiting any of its rights or defenses, and nothing herein shall serve to vary, modify or otherwise
impair Site Owner’s rights under the Agreement.
This Estoppel is delivered solely to Administrative Agent in its capacity as such, and shall
not be relied upon by any other person without the express written consent of the Site Owner. Site
Owner disclaims any obligation to advise Administrative Agent of any changes after the date
hereof to the foregoing. Site Owner is not entering into contractual relations with Administrative
Agent or any other person or entity by this Estoppel. Nothing in or omitted in this Estoppel may
serve as a defense or offset against, or reason not to make any payment under, any letter of credit
of which Site Owner is beneficiary by any issuer of such letter of credit.
[Signature Page Follows]
[Signature Page to Site Owner Estoppel (Brewster Driving Range)]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Estoppel to be signed by
its authorized officer as of the date first set forth above.
Town of Brewster,
a Massachusetts municipal corporation
By: ____________________________
Name:
Title:
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT TO BREWSTER FINCOM FINALIZED JANUARY 2021
Is the $132 million project proposed by the Nauset Regional
School Committee worthy of Brewster FINCOM and taxpayer
support?
NAUSET
REGIONAL HIGH
SCHOOL
BUILDING
PROJECT
REPORT OF FINCOM SUBCOMMITTEE ON NAUSET REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT – 1/20/21
1 | Page
Background on Sub-Committee
1. The Nauset Regional High School (NRHS) subcommittee of the Brewster Finance Committee
was formed in December of 2019 to focus on the proposed project to renovate and expand
the regional high school and provide input to the Finance Committee in its deliberations and
final vote on the project.
2. Prior to and subsequent to the formation of the subcommittee, the Brewster Finance
Committee (FINCOM) met and attended a number of presentations held to inform all
stakeholders in the project including:
• A joint presentation by the NRHS Building Committee to FINCOM and the Select Board on
July 22, 2019
• A public presentation by the NRHS Building Committee and the Owner’s Project Manager
on August 25, 2019
• A presentation made by Nauset Regional School Committee (NRSC) and NRHS Building
Committee members on October 2, 2019
• A public presentation made by Jack McCarthy of the MSBA on November 19, 2019
• A presentation to FINCOM by NRS Committee members Chris Easley and Jim O’Leary on
December 2, 2019
• A joint presentation by the NRHS Building committee to FINCOM and the Select Board on
January 20, 2020.
The subcommittee met with members of the NRSC, NRHS Building Committee,
Superintendent Conrad and the finance staff of Nauset Regional School Administration on
two occasions in October and November 2019. The subcommittee has met seven times since
its formation in December 2019.
3. Once the full range of considerations is addressed, the key decision that needs to be made
is whether the project proposed by the Nauset Regional School Committee is worthy of
Brewster FINCOM and taxpayer support.
Current State of NRHS
4. The current NRHS is 50 years old and requires substantial work on its infrastructure.
5. Only one major project has been done since it was originally constructed.
6. It is not fully compliant with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and has other code
violations.
REPORT OF FINCOM SUBCOMMITTEE ON NAUSET REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT – 1/20/21
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Project Size and Scope
7. The proposed project scope involves a combination of renovation and new construction.
The total project cost is estimated at $132 million. The Massachusetts School Building
Authority (MSBA) has reviewed the project and committed to a contribution of $36 million.
8. The School Committee proposes to issue bonds for some period of time (20 to 30 years) to
fund the $96 million if voters in the region/district approve the project and thereby agree to
fund the debt. (APPENDIX 1/1A – COMMENTS PREPARED BY R. YOUNG FOR SELECT BOARD
REGARDING IMPACT OF 20, 25, 30 YEAR SCENARIOS AND SUPPORTING ANALYSIS)
9. All funding for the bonds or debt service would be the responsibility of taxpayers in the four
towns forming the region/district.
10. Taxpayers who are currently legally bound by their respective Select Boards to participate in
the Nauset region/district are those residing in Brewster, Orleans, Wellfleet and Eastham.
11. These taxpayers will have the opportunity to vote on whether or not to approve the NRHS
project as approved by MSBA when it is presented on the ballot on March 30, 2021.
12. The project as proposed and designed is the ONLY option for voters to consider on the
March 30, 2021 ballot.
13. The maximum student enrollment approved by the MSBA as the basis for the project is
905. (APPENDIX 2 – MEMO TO FINCOM DATED 6/30/20 FROM F. BRIDGES REGARDING
NRHS PROJECT AND INTER-DISTRICT SCHOOL CHOICE)
14. The Superintendent has strongly supported the need for a school population this size as
critical to robust programming, diversity, and essential for effective recruitment and
utilization of full-time teachers.
Student Utilization of NRHS
15. Actual student volume at NRHS for FY 2020 was as follows:
Brewster* 281 31%
Eastham, Wellfleet, and
Orleans*
335 36%
Provincetown and Truro 86 9%
CHOICE – other towns 219 24%
Total 921 100%
*4 TOWNS IN DISTRICT = 67% OF STUDENT VOLUME
REPORT OF FINCOM SUBCOMMITTEE ON NAUSET REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT – 1/20/21
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16. Average enrollment from the 4 towns in the district as well as the tuition towns
(Provincetown and Truro) decreased 2% each year since 2010 while enrollment of CHOICE
students increased an average of 4% per year. Enrollment in 2020 is comprised as follows:
67% of the youth are from the 4 towns in the district; 33% are from outside the district (9%
from Provincetown and Truro; 24% are CHOICE. (see chart in #15 above)
17. While the total budget increased 29% over these 10 years (averaging 3% per year), the
budget per enrolled student increased 39% over the period or an average of 4% per year as
student enrollment decreased an average of 1% per year. (see CHART 1 on following page)
18. The MSBA performed a demographic study supporting the 905-enrollment figure including
an expectation a 1% decline per year for students within the district.
19. The MSBA data shows a 4-1/2% decline in the student population between 2017 and the
end of construction in 2025.
20. We cannot determine the impact on enrollment of the multiple affordable housing
initiatives across the 4 towns in the region/district. In Brewster the Habitat for Humanity
community has added families with children to the town’s student population. The
Millstone project will also likely add students.
21. Eastham and Orleans have similar projects that will be coming online.
Financial Considerations
22. The School Committee makes a decision each year whether to continue the CHOICE
program and the number of students to accept in each grade.
23. Of the four towns in the Nauset regional system, Brewster funds the largest percentage of
NRHS costs at nearly half based on the percentage of its student enrollment the prior year
in relation to the other 3 district towns (see #15 for chart 281/616=47%).
24. As a result, Brewster would be obligated for about $45 million of the $96 million estimated
project debt. Brewster’s financial obligation will vary based on its student enrollment as
percentage total enrollment from the four district towns.
25. The project impacts taxpayers in three ways: operating budgets, capital budgets and debt
service.
26. Two five-year tuition agreements were executed in April 2019 with the towns of
Provincetown and Truro in which the two towns agree to an annual payment of $18,457 per
student (flat fee) through the end of 2024 school year. This fee is increased annually by 2-
1/2% for the first four years and 3-1/2 % in the final year.
27. The agreement does not require full operating costs or capital costs reimbursement nor
does it include any obligation to fund debt service on any major projects including this
project.
28. CHOICE students are students from towns throughout Cape Cod who choose and are
accepted to attend the Nauset Regional School District. State law effectively limits annual
REPORT OF FINCOM SUBCOMMITTEE ON NAUSET REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT – 1/20/21
4 | Page
operating budget reimbursement from the CHOICE student’s town of residence to $5k.
State law does not require the sending district to fund capital costs or debt service for major
projects.
CHART 1 – CREATED FROM NRHS DATA TRENDS 2010-2020
KEY BUDGET AND ENROLLMENT STATISTICS FOR LAST DECADE AT NAUSET REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
NRHS
Budget
(excludes
Region,
other
expenses)
NRHS
BUDGET PER
ENROLLMENT
TOTAL NRHS
ENROLLMENT
Total NRHS
4 member
towns
enrollment
Total NRHS
member
towns +
tuition
enrollment
Total
CHOICE
enrollment
4 Member
Towns as a %
of TOTAL
ENROLLMENT
Provincetown
and Truro
Tuition as a %
of TOTAL
ENROLLMENT
CHOICE as a%
of TOTAL
ENROLLMENT
FY10 (09/10)$9,126,011 $9,190 993 800 840 153 81%4% 15%
FY11 $9,059,459 $9,179 987 737 819 168 75%8% 17%
FY12 $9,436,281 $9,779 965 696 780 185 72%9% 19%
FY13 $9,725,011 $10,026 970 695 780 190 72%9% 20%
FY14 $10,250,107 $10,010 1024 706 810 214 69% 10% 21%
FY15 $10,730,685 $11,017 974 687 777 197 71%9% 20%
FY16 $10,968,281 $11,181 981 676 772 209 69% 10% 21%
FY17 $11,131,812 $11,780 945 642 734 211 68% 10% 22%
FY18 $11,086,421 $11,998 924 603 688 236 65%9% 26%
FY19 $11,468,531 $12,149 944 624 716 228 66% 10% 24%
FY20 $11,781,018 $12,792 921 616 702 219 67%9% 24%
% change FY10-FY20 29% 39% -7% -23% -16%43%
AVERAGE PER YEAR 3% 4% -1% -2% -2%4%
OBSERVATIONS:
Total budget increased 29% over 10 years ......... or an average of 3% per year.
Budget per student increased 39% over 10 years .....or an average of 4% per year; student enrollment has decreased an average of 1% per year.
Average enrollment from 4 towns in district and tuition towns (Ptown and Truro) decreased 2% each year; CHOICE increased an average of 4% per year.
Enrollment in 2020 is comprised of 67% youth from district and 33% outside the district (9% Ptown/Truro + 24% CHOICE).
REPORT OF FINCOM SUBCOMMITTEE ON NAUSET REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT – 1/20/21
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29. State law does stipulate some additional payment for costs associated with CHOICE
students with special education needs.
30. The State law regarding financing/reimbursement for costs related to CHOICE students,
known as the inter-district school choice, has not changed since its inception in 1991.
31. Although not required under the state law, the district provides transportation for CHOICE
students. The district does not provide transportation for tuition students from
Provincetown and Truro.
32. In a March 2020 memo, the district superintendent reports receiving $5,800 in operating
revenues on average for CHOICE students representing a deficit per student in operating
costs of $14,300 ($20,100 - $5,800). The $20,100 is the state reported average in-district
expense/pupil for the Nauset district.
33. In total for FY 2018, the district reported receiving gross reimbursement/revenues of $1.5
million for the high school from CHOICE students.
34. The five-year agreement with Provincetown and Truro requires payment of approximately
$1,643 less ($20,100-$18,457) than the actual cost per student, although Provincetown and
Truro provide for their own transportation costs.
35. Taxpayers from the 4 towns in the region/district pay nearly $25,200 per district student per
year in operating costs. The overall cost/student is about $20,100. District taxpayers are
therefore paying $5,100 or 25% more per student than the average cost in order to
subsidize unfunded costs for students from Provincetown and Truro as well as CHOICE
students.
36. Over the last ten years (2010 to 2020), the NRHS did not request increases to its operating
budget of more than 2.5% per year.
37. During this same 10-year period, total enrollment has decreased 7% and the total NRHS
budget has increased 29%. This translates to budgeted costs per enrolled student
increasing 39% during the period, and CHOICE students increasing from 15% to 24% of the
total student population.
Other Considerations
38. The Brewster Select Board has recommended a 25-year level debt repayment schedule to
the NRS Committee but the Committee has not made its decision as to the term of the
financing (20, 25 or 30 years). (APPENDIX 1/1A – COMMENTS PREPARED BY R. YOUNG FOR
SELECT BOARD REGARDING IMPACT OF 20, 25, 30 YEAR SCENARIOS AND SUPPORTING
ANALYSIS)
39. Assuming the NRS Committee approves the 25-year level debt repayment schedule, the
annual property tax increase for the Brewster household with the median home value of
REPORT OF FINCOM SUBCOMMITTEE ON NAUSET REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT – 1/20/21
6 | Page
$461,500 is about $265, inclusive of the subsidy for students from Provincetown and Truro
as well as CHOICE students.
40. Market interest rates are expected to be lower than those included in the project estimate.
41. Taxpayers have to choose between approving this project, which would commit them to
both the capital cost of the proposed project and the annual operating costs associated
with educating CHOICE and tuition students, OR rejecting the project knowing there is a risk
that an alternate project could be presented for which the state MSBA refuses to provide
funding, shifting the burden for 100% of the cost of the new project to the taxpayers.
42. If the current proposal is defeated and an alternate project is undertaken that eliminates
and/or substantially reduces CHOICE and/or Provincetown/Truro student enrollment, the
assumed $4-$5 million/year in operating cost savings from eliminating the subsidies and
educating fewer students could effectively be used to fund the four district towns’ debt
service costs for this alternate project. Assuming a 25-year bond term at a 2.25% interest
rate, this $4-$5 million/year redirection of funds would support $80-$90 million in debt.
When combined with any MSBA support, this combination could fund the entire alternate
building project with zero property tax increase versus today. (APPENDIX 3/3A – MEMO
AND ANALYSIS TO FINCOM DATED 1/19/21 PREPARED BY R. YOUNG REGARDING COST TO
EDUCATE AND THE SUBSIDY BURDEN TO THE DISTRICT TAXPAYERS OF TUITION AND INTER-
DISTRICT SCHOOL CHOICE STUDENTS)
43. If an alternate project, as described above, was developed, it is uncertain how much of the
estimated CHOICE and tuition student-related subsidy savings could be realized. This
analysis assumes that the NRSD in-district expense per pupil would remain at the state-
reported average of $20,100, an amount that is 20% higher than the average total
expense/pupil for the Top 25 Massachusetts high schools, as ranked by US News, and 9%
higher than the Monomoy school district. A concrete determination as to whether this is a
fair assumption could only be made after a new educational plan and new budgets based on
the lower enrollment are developed by the NRS Committee. The magnitude of a budget cut
that could be achieved without a negative impact on student educational outcomes is not
known.
44. Although the Superintendent and NRS Committee have asserted that a student population
of 900-1000 is needed for a robust program and excellent education, 1/3 of the Top 25 and
Top 50 Massachusetts high schools, as ranked by US News, have fewer than 750 students,
and 1/4 of the Top 50 have fewer than 500 students. (APPENDIX 4 – ANALYSIS OF
STATISTICS OF US NEWS MASSACHUSETTS TOP 25/TOP 50 RANKED HIGH SCHOOLS)
REPORT OF FINCOM SUBCOMMITTEE ON NAUSET REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT – 1/20/21
7 | Page
PROS AND CONS OF APPROVING NAUSET REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT AS PRESENTED TO
VOTERS
PROS (Reasons to Vote for the Project) CONS (Reasons to Vote against the Project)
Significant issues and concerns at current 50
year old school will be resolved in 3 to 5
years to include compliance with code and
ADA.
905 Student capacity supports leadership
desire for more diverse student population
and more robust curriculum.
Project is underway; 3 years of planning and
design work has been completed and
project has received approval from the
MSBA; failure to approve could result in
delays and potential increases in interest
and construction costs.
State commitment of this project will offset
some of the anticipated $132m costs of the
project. The net cost of the project after
receipt of the $36m from MSBA ($96m) is
approximately the same cost as bringing the
existing structures to code ($98m).
Commitment to 905 enrollment as basis for
project plan solidifies a long term commitment by
the School Committee to accepting greater
numbers of CHOICE students outside the 4 towns
in the district burdening the taxpayers with major
subsidies for these students (currently $4-$5
million per year). These savings could be used to
fund $80-$90 million toward an alternative
project – higher than the $36 million MSBA
contribution.
Voter rejection of the project would
necessitate resubmission of an alternative
project to the MSBA. There is no guarantee
that a NRHS project would be reconsidered
by MSBA in the next few years.
Provincetown and Truro (tuition students) are
not part of the region/district. While they have
agreed to pay a tuition fee, they have not
committed to paying full operating cost, capital
or any debt service costs.
The $1.3 m in taxpayer funds spent on the
feasibility study for the project as approved
by MSBA cannot be recouped.
Brewster will send about 1/3 of the student
population but will pay for about 1/2 of the
school project.
APPENDIX 1
COMMENTS BY ROBERT YOUNG, BREWSTER FINANCE COMMITTEE
MADE TO THE BREWSTER SELECT BOARD
NOVEMBER 2019
I would like to share an analysis that I have done with regard to the NRHS building project bond
financing term. I performed this analysis with the thought that we need to consider the town’s
annual debt servicing requirements in light of the NRHS project as well as other projects that
can be reasonably anticipated - as well as those that we can’t foresee. This is not to prejudge
support for any of these projects, but to better understand the flexibility a longer bond financing
term would provide.
The bottom line is that the longer the term of the bond for NRHS, the more flexibility the town
would have with regard to financing other projects without stressing the town budget or further
burdening taxpayers. This is because, although total interest payments would be greater, the
annual debt service cost would be less, thereby reducing the size of the required property tax
increase.
I believe this should be a key consideration for the Select Board in its recommendation to the
School Committee that will ultimately decide the NRHS project bond financing term. I
appreciate that the Select Board voted to recommend a 20 year bond term at its 11/4/2019
meeting, but I think this additional information and analysis needs to be presented so that the
Select Board can reconsider this position.
The schedules that were provided to the Select Board provided scenarios for 20, 25, and 30
year bond terms and assumed interest rates of 4.25%, 4.75%, and 5.00%, respectively.
The 20 year scenario calculated Brewster’s annual debt service payment at $3,387,681.94. The
25 year scenario’s annual payment equaled $3,116,110.31. The 30 year scenario’s annual
payment equaled $2,929,259.75. So, the 25 year scenario would result in annual debt service
payments $271,571.63 less than the 20 year scenario, and the 30 year scenario would result in
annual debt service payments $458,422.19 less than the 20 year scenario.
These annual reduced debt service requirements would then be available to fund future bond
issuance to support other projects without increasing the tax burden beyond what’s currently
contemplated with a 20 year NRHS bond term.
How much debt capacity would this provide? If we continue to use the scenario’s extremely
conservative interest rate assumptions, the $271k would support about $3.6MM in borrowing for
a 20 year term, $3.9MM for a 25 year term, and $4.2MM for a 30 year term. The $458k would
support about $6MM in borrowing for a 20 year term, $6.6MM for a 25 year term, and $7MM for
a 30 year term.
We can revise this analysis using today’s actual municipal bond interest rates to paint an even
more compelling picture. AA rated municipal bond interest rates are about 2.20% for 20 year
financing, 2.3% for 25 year financing, and 2.40% for 30 year financing.
Using these interest rates and Brewster’s assumed portion of the NRHS bond results in the
following: For a 20 year term, annual debt service equals $2,807,313.24. For a 25 year term,
annual debt service equals $2,388,473.46. For a 30 year term, annual debt service equals
$2,122,835.67. So, the 25 year scenario would result in annual debt service payments
$418,839.78 less than the 20 year scenario, and the 30 year scenario would result in annual
debt service payments $684,477.57 less than the 20 year scenario - lowering the annual debt
service cost even more than using the extremely conservative interest rates in the Unibank
scenarios.
Again, these annual reduced debt service requirements would then be available to fund future
bond issuance to support other projects without increasing the tax burden beyond what’s
currently contemplated with a 20 year NRHS bond term. Assuming today’s municipal bond
interest rates, the $418k would support about $6.7MM in borrowing for a 20 year term, $7.9MM
for a 25 year term, and $8.9MM for a 30 year term. The $684k would support about $11MM in
borrowing for a 20 year term, $12.9MM for a 25 year term, and $14.5MM for a 30 year term.
The upside of longer borrowing terms is greater financial flexibility in the future for other
anticipated and unforeseen projects. When considered on an individual median value
homeowner basis, the annual savings from extending the term don’t appear substantial (about
$30-$50/year). However, when looked at collectively, the ability to substantially fund future
projects without placing any further burden on the taxpayer beyond what is contemplated by the
20 year financing for the NRHS project is compelling.
The clear downside is that the total amount of interest paid would be substantially greater.
However, interest rates are at historic lows, and locking in very long term financing for a very
long term asset is prudent financial management. There is also the rationale that extending the
tenor to 30 years is a matter of fairness given that this would mean the burden of the financing
would be spread over more/different taxpayers as homeowners arrive in and leave Brewster.
Assumptions:
Total project cost to taxpayers from all 4 member communities of $97MM (assumes $140MM total project cost less $43MM MSBA subsidy)
Current 46.4225% contribution of Brewster taxpayers, based on FY20 student enrollment figures (which adjusts every year based on updated actuals)
Current Brewster median home valuation of $445,000
Current (FY20) total assessed property valuation of $4,121,908,120 4121908120 3400000 0.000824861 367.0630096 176.1902446
20 year term Conservative rate scenario Current rate scenario 25 year versus 20 year bond Conservative rate scenario Current rate scenario
Interest rate 4.25%2.20%Annual reduction in debt service $271.6k $418.8k
Total Debt Service $145.9MM $120.9MM Add'l debt capacity on a 20 year bond $3.6MM $6.7MM
Total Interest $48.9MM $23.9MM Add'l debt capacity on a 25 year bond $3.9MM $7.9MM
Impact to the Tax Rate $0.82/1000 $0.68/1000 Add'l debt capacity on a 30 year bond $4.2MM $8.9MM
Annual Impact to the Tax Bill $365/year $303/year
Total Paid by Median Homeowner $7,313 $6,062 30 year versus 20 year bond Conservative rate scenario Current rate scenario
Brewster annual debt service $3.4MM $2.8MM Annual reduction in debt service $458.4k $684.5k
Add'l debt capacity on a 20 year bond $6.0MM $11.0MM
25 year term Conservative rate scenario Current rate scenario Add'l debt capacity on a 25 year bond $6.6MM $12.9MM
Interest rate 4.75%2.30%Add'l debt capacity on a 30 year bond $7.0MM $14.5MM
Total Debt Service $167.8MM $128.6MM
Total Interest $70.7MM $31.6MM
Impact to the Tax Rate $0.76/1000 $0.58/1000
Annual Impact to the Tax Bill $336/year $258/year
Total Paid by Median Homeowner $8,408 $6,446
Brewster annual debt service $3.1MM $2.4MM
30 year term Conservative rate scenario Current rate scenario
Interest rate 5.00%2.40%
Total Debt Service $189.3MM $137.2MM
Total Interest $92.3MM $40.2MM
Impact to the Tax Rate $0.71/1000 $0.52/1000
Annual Impact to the Tax Bill $316/year $229/year
Total Paid by Median Homeowner $9,487 $6,875
Brewster annual debt service $2.9MM $2.1MM
NRHS BOND TERM SCENARIOS AND DEBT CAPACITY ANALYSIS
CONSERVATIVE RATE VERSUS CURRENT RATE SCENARIOS ADD'L DEBT CAPACITY WITHOUT INCREASING TAXES BEYOND 20 YEAR BOND FINANCING
APPENDIX 1A
APPENDIX 2
Memo to: Brewster FINCOM Chair
From: Frank Bridges
Date June 30, 2020
Re: NRHS Project and Inter-School Choice
In the June 29, 2020 Joint Brewster Select Board / Nauset Regional School Committee meeting, the Select Board reaffirmed its
support for the project and directed the NRSC to move the vote for the project to the spring 2021 Town Meeting. After the Select
Board vote, NRSC Chair Chris Easley stated that “school choice is not part of this building project” and further “it is something that
has just come up and it is new”. As part of the NRHS Finance Subcommittee investigation I reviewed the minutes and videotape of
the May, June and July 2017 NRSC meetings and the minutes of the August 2017 NRSC meeting. This information was going to be
included in the subcommittee’s future report but in the light of Mr. Easley’s recent statements I provide it now.
In February 2017, the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) invited the Nauset Regional School Committee (NRSC) to
submit a statement of interest into the MSBA’s Eligibility Period. In the subsequent months the NRSC Committee met on several
occasions to discuss the key components of the process – determining grade configuration of the facility and the student enrollment
number on which the design would be based. In its public meetings in May, June, July and August of 2017, the Committee (of which
Mr. Easley was a member and subsequently Chair) discussed these and other topics as part of the MSBA Modular 1 requirements. The
Modular 1 criterion required the NRSC to submit a report to confirm the grade configuration and certified enrollment data of the high
school to the MSBA by the end of August 2017.
At the May 11, 2017 meeting the Committee Chair stated that the Committee needed to address the size of the facility “700
or 1000 students” and to look into the impact of School Choice, and the tuition arrangements for Truro and Provincetown.
At the June 14, 2017 meeting the issues of grade configuration, Truro/Provincetown tuition enrollment and the Inter-District
School Choice program were again determined to be crucial topics for further discussion. In particular the Superintendent
indicated that the “towns have asked us to look at school choice students and look at our population”.
In the July 13, 2017 meeting the new Committee Chair (Mr. Easley) stated that long term effects of grade configuration
would be deferred for future consideration, to be studied 5 or 10 years down the road. It was suggested that a subcommittee
be formed for that study.
At the August 10, 2017 meeting, the Superintendent indicated that the MSBA representative had advised him that the
deliberations of the NRSC meetings of June and July would satisfy MSBA Modular 1 requirements. The Committee then
voted to 1) maintain the 9-12 configuration for the project and 2) maintain the Choice program in grades 6-12.
On November 8, 2017 the MSBA approved a 9-12 grade structure with an enrolled base of 905 students.
Up until the MSBA’s Invitation to Eligibility to the NRS District in February 2017, it is my conclusion based on a review of the
minutes and videotape, that the NRSC had viewed the Choice enrollment invitations as an annual decision that would impact the
curriculum of the school and the annual operating budget. Because the existing facility had been designed to accommodate 1000+
students the Board considered only the marginal impact of Tuition and Choice students on its annual budget. I believe that when
asking the Board to “look at school choice students and look at our population”, the towns were asking the Board to consider the
impact of declining district enrollment and an increasing Choice enrollment on the District ’s long term capital requirements. It is not
clear to me that the Board did so.
The minutes and video of the Nauset Regional School Committee meetings show:
No discussion of the prior period enrollment declines
No discussion of the prior period Choice enrollment incr eases at NRHS
No discussion of requiring Truro and Provincetown’s inclusion into the NRSD Agreement
No discussion of amending the Tuition Agreements with Truro and Provincetown to provide for any future capital
requirements related to their students (New 5 year tuition agreements for both towns were completed in April 2019 with
2.5% escalators in all but the last year, which will increase by 3.5%.)
The inclusion of Choice students in the proposed enrollment base was the key determinant in all of the ensuing work done by
the design team and resulted in the project under consideration by the towns.
APPENDIX 3
COST TO EDUCATE AND THE SUBSIDY BURDEN TO THE DISTRICT TAXPAYERS OF TUITION AND
INTER-DISTRICT SCHOOL CHOICE STUDENTS
BY Robert Young, Brewster Finance Committee
January 19, 2021
This is an analysis regarding the cost to educate each of the NRSD’s four member town’s pupils
which then results in highlighting the subsidy the member town’s taxpayers pay for Inter-
District School Choice students and Provincetown and Truro tuition students.
The basis of the analysis is all public data from the MA Dept. of Elementary and Secondary
Education (DESE) and the Nauset Regional School District (NRSD). It includes analyses of the
two most recent fiscal years where all data was available for the NRSD - FY18 and FY19.
Using FY 18 as an example, the analysis takes the NRSD’s total In-District expenses which DESE
uses in calculating the NRSD’s In-District Expenditure per Pupil of $20,133 for the NRSD for that
fiscal year. It then subtracts the revenues received from Choice reimbursements and
Provincetown and Truro tuition. The remainder represents the balance of expenses that it takes
to educate the member town’s pupils that must be covered by the four member towns.
Using the same calculation method as DESE, the NRSD In-District Expenditure per Member
Town Pupil was $25,162. The difference of $5,029 versus the $20,133 In-District Expenditure
for all NRHS pupils represents the premium that the member towns are paying for each of their
1,022 pupils as a result of the 347 Choice and 108 Tuition students in the district contributing
less than the $20,133 average cost to educate each of them. The District member town’s
taxpayers are subsidizing the cost to educate the non-District pupils.
The total calculated premium/subsidy for FY18 is $5.1 million split as $4.7 million due to the
Choice subsidy and $0.4 million due to the Tuition subsidy. Importantly, this analysis assumes
that the NRSD could educate just its own 1,022 students at its average $20,133 Expenditure per
Pupil. This seems plausible given that the Top 25 and Top 50 ranked high schools in MA have a
median Total Expenditure per Pupil of about $17,000 (including out-of-district expenses, so
their in-district median would be even less), and the adjacent Monomoy School District In-
District Expenditure per Pupil was $18,520.
According to this analysis, the cost of these subsidies for the median Brewster household
currently assessed at $461,500 was about $267 for FY18.
The analysis then addresses three hypothetical questions important to the taxpayers, each
assuming that the savings generated by eliminating only the Choice subsidy could be used to
support a bond payment of the same amount over varying terms. Eliminating the Choice
subsidy assumes ending participation in Choice – which is under the direct control of the NRSC.
Note: the answer to each question assumes the savings from eliminating only the Choice
subsidy (and not the Tuition subsidy) would be applied to a payment on a 25-year, level
payment bond with an interest rate of 2.25%
(1) How large of a school bond could be raised using the savings from the elimination of the
above subsidies (without raising taxes on the district at all)? Answer: $89.6 million
(2) Assuming a smaller school would then be built for $126 million with $0 MSBA state
assistance, how large of a bond would the district need (supported by new taxes) as
compared the current NRSD project bonding/tax ask of $95+ million. Answer: $36.4
million
(3) Freed-up bonding capacity for Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet that could be used
to support other town priorities without raising taxes beyond current NRSD project
(Brewster is about 1/2) Answer: $58.8 million
The analysis finishes with the following statement: Bottom line - by eliminating the Choice
subsidy, even assuming no MSBA state funding, Brewster taxpayers would support a new,
smaller Nauset Regional High School and would still have $20-$30+ million of bonding flexibility
to support, for example, a Brewster Ladies Library renovation, a Community Center, or Cape
Cod Sea Camps project without raising taxes beyond what the NRSD is currently asking the
taxpayers to support for the larger proposed NRHS project.
Source FY18
DESE EOYR18 Total In-District XP 29,551,080$ Only considered In-District expenses because Out-of-District expenses not affected by Choice/Tuition students
DESE EOYR18/Line 630 Choice Reimbursement 1,744,600$ 5,983$ 5,028$
DESE EOYR18/Line 630 Choice SPED Reimbursement 331,611$ 956$
DESE EOYR18/Line 40 Tuition from Other Dist (Reg Day)1,515,227$ 16,291$ 14,030$
DESE EOYR18/Line 40 Tuition from Other Dist (SPED)244,210$ 2,261$
Member Town's In-District XPs 25,715,432$ a Represents the total expenses that need to be covered by the member towns for its students through taxes, aid and grants
Does not offset expenses with revenue from other aid/grants because assume would be the same without Choice/Tuition students
Member Towns' Enrollment 10/1/17 (FY18)NRHS 603
NRMS 419
1,022 b
Choice Enrollment 10/1/17 (FY18)NRHS 236
NRMS 111
347 c *District 10/1/17 (FY18) Official Enrollment Data sheet shows 340 Choice, but this misses 7 P-Town NRMS Choice pupils
Tuition Enrollment 10/1/17 (FY18)NRHS 85
NRMS 23 *Only Truro 7th & 8th grades tuition into NRMS; Choice is the reported 89 + 15 Truro 6th graders + 7 P-Town pupils
108 d
25,162$ e = a/b Member Towns' Taxpayers In-District expense/Member Towns' pupil in NRMS/NRHS (reflects burden of subsidies for Choice/Tuition)
20,133$ f DESE reported In-District expense/pupil
5,029$ g = e-f Subsidy burden/Member Town pupil
5,139,506$ h = b*g Total Annual Subsidy burden for Member Towns due to Choice/Tuition
414,927$ i = d * f - tuition paid Annual Subsidy burden due to Tuition - Truro/P-Town
4,724,579$ j = h-i Annual Subsidy burden due to Choice
*Assumes NRSD can educate its 1,022 pupils at same $20,133 In-District expense/pupil
*Median expense/pupil for MA Top 25/50 high schools is about $17k (Total expense/pupil, not just In-District), so seems probable
What is the annual tax cost of the subsidy burden to the Brewster taxpayer with the town's median value home of $461,500 (assuming Brewster is 48% of NRSD)?4254853730 Brewster total assessed value
Annual tax cost for the Total Annual Subsidy burden due to Choice/Tuition 267.58$ 461500 Median Assessed Value
Annual tax cost for the Total Annual Subsidy burden due to Tuition - Truro/P-Town 21.60$ 0.00010846 Tax cost multiplier
Annual tax cost for the Total Annual Subsidy burden due to Choice 245.98$ 48%Brewster Nauset assessment %
Total Subsidy Choice Subsidy
20 year term, level payments, 2% interest rate 84,038,290$ $77,253,639
25 year term, level payments, 2.25% interest rate 97,457,279$ $89,589,275
30 year term, level payments, 2.5% interest rate 107,571,364$ $98,886,821
Assuming a smaller school would then be built for $126 million with $0 MSBA assistance, how large of a bond would the district need (supported by new taxes) as compared the current NRSD project bonding/tax ask of $95+ million.
Net cost of new, smaller school 126,000,000$ Total Subsidy Choice Subsidy
20 year term, level payments, 2% interest rate 41,961,710$ 48,746,361$
25 year term, level payments, 2.25% interest rate 28,542,721$ 36,410,725$
30 year term, level payments, 2.5% interest rate 18,428,636$ 27,113,179$
Freed-up bonding capacity for Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet that could be used to support other town priorities without raising taxes beyond current NRSD project (Brewster is about 1/2)
Current NRSD bonding/tax ask 95,200,000$ Total Subsidy Choice Subsidy
20 year term, level payments, 2% interest rate 53,238,290$ 46,453,639$
25 year term, level payments, 2.25% interest rate 66,657,279$ 58,789,275$
30 year term, level payments, 2.5% interest rate 76,771,364$ 68,086,821$
APPENDIX 3A
Bottom line - by eliminating the Choice subsidy, even assuming no MSBA state funding, Brewster taxpayers would support a new, smaller Nauset Regional High School and would still have $20-$30+ million of bonding flexibility to support, for example, a Brewster
Ladies Library renovation, a Community Center, or Cape Cod Sea Camps project without raising taxes beyond what the NRSD is currently asking the taxpayers to support for the larger proposed NRHS project
1,759,437$
2,076,211$ Total Choice Reimbursement
Total Tuition from Truro/P-Town
How large of a school bond could be raised using the savings from the elimination of the above subsidies (without raising taxes on the district at all)?
Source FY19
DESE EOYR19 Total In-District XP 30,239,017$ Only considered In-District expenses because Out-of-District expenses not affected by Choice/Tuition students
DESE EOYR19/Line 630 Choice Reimbursement 1,573,550$ 5,877$ 4,948$
DESE EOYR19/Line 630 Choice SPED Reimbursement 295,236$ 928$
DESE EOYR19/Line 40 Tuition from Other Dist (Reg Day)1,975,644$ 18,964$ 16,062$
DESE EOYR19/Line 40 Tuition from Other Dist (SPED)356,875$ 2,901$
Member Town's In-District XPs 26,037,712$ a Represents the total expenses that need to be covered by the member towns for its students through taxes, aid and grants
Does not offset expenses with revenue from other aid/grants because assume would be the same without Choice/Tuition students
Member Towns' Enrollment 10/1/18 (FY19)NRHS 624
NRMS 445
1,069 b
Choice Enrollment 10/1/18 (FY19)NRHS 228
NRMS 90
318 c
Tuition Enrollment 10/1/18 (FY19)NRHS 92
NRMS 31 *Only Truro 7th & 8th grades tuition into NRMS
123 d
24,357$ e = a/b Member Towns' Taxpayers In-District expense/Member Towns' pupil in NRMS/NRHS (reflects burden of subsidies for Choice/Tuition)
20,239$ f DESE reported In-District expense/pupil
4,118$ g = e-f Subsidy burden/Member Town pupil
4,402,221$ h = b*g Total Annual Subsidy burden for Member Towns due to Choice/Tuition
156,878$ i = d * f - tuition paid Annual Subsidy burden due to Tuition - Truro/P-Town
4,245,343$ j = h-i Annual Subsidy burden due to Choice
*Assumes NRSD can educate its 1,069 pupils at same $20,239 In-District expense/pupil
*Median expense/pupil for MA Top 25/50 high schools is about $17k (Total expense/pupil, not just In-District), so seems probable
What is the annual tax cost of the subsidy burden to the Brewster taxpayer with the town's median value home of $461,500 (assuming Brewster is 48% of NRSD)?4254853730 Brewster total assessed value
Annual tax cost for the Total Annual Subsidy burden due to Choice/Tuition 229.19$ 461500 Median Assessed Value
Annual tax cost for the Total Annual Subsidy burden due to Tuition - Truro/P-Town 8.17$ 0.00010846 Tax cost multiplier
Annual tax cost for the Total Annual Subsidy burden due to Choice 221.02$ 48%Brewster Nauset assessment %
Total Subsidy Choice Subsidy
20 year term, level payments, 2% interest rate 71,982,623$ $69,417,443
25 year term, level payments, 2.25% interest rate 83,476,599$ $80,501,818
30 year term, level payments, 2.5% interest rate 92,139,774$ $88,856,271
Assuming a smaller school would then be built for $126 million with $0 MSBA assistance, how large of a bond would the district need (supported by new taxes) as compared the current NRSD project bonding/tax ask of $95+ million.
Net cost of new, smaller school 126,000,000$ Total Subsidy Choice Subsidy
20 year term, level payments, 2% interest rate 54,017,377$ 56,582,557$
25 year term, level payments, 2.25% interest rate 42,523,401$ 45,498,182$
30 year term, level payments, 2.5% interest rate 33,860,226$ 37,143,729$
Freed-up bonding capacity for Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet that could be used to support other town priorities without raising taxes beyond current NRSD project (Brewster is about 1/2)
Current NRSD bonding/tax ask 95,200,000$ Total Subsidy Choice Subsidy
20 year term, level payments, 2% interest rate 41,182,623$ 38,617,443$
25 year term, level payments, 2.25% interest rate 52,676,599$ 49,701,818$
30 year term, level payments, 2.5% interest rate 61,339,774$ 58,056,271$
APPENDIX 3A
Bottom line - by eliminating the Choice subsidy, even assuming no MSBA state funding, Brewster taxpayers would support a new, smaller Nauset Regional High School and would still have $15-$25+ million of bonding flexibility to support, for example, a Brewster
Ladies Library renovation, a Community Center, or Cape Cod Sea Camps project without raising taxes beyond what the NRSD is currently asking the taxpayers to support for the larger proposed NRHS project
1,868,786$ Total Choice Reimbursement
2,332,519$ Total Tuition from Truro/P-Town
How large of a school bond could be raised using the savings from the elimination of the above subsidies (without raising taxes on the district at all)?
Rank Enrollment Region
Per Pupil
XP
1 Boston Latin School 1656 $19,609 from Schooldigger.com Top 25 Top 50
2 Sturgis Charter 816 $14,713 500 or less 4 16%12 24%
3 Hopkinton 1153 $15,016 501-750 4 16%6 12%
4 Advanced Math & Science Charter532 $15,125 751-1000 4 16%12 24%
5 Dover-Sherborn 665 $20,970 1001-1500 7 28%11 22%
6 Mystic Valley 365 $12,866 >1500 6 24%9 18%
7 Lexington 2212 $18,747 25 50
8 Weston 693 $25,367
9 Belmont 1294 $14,246 Median $ $17,389 Median $ $16,872
10 John O’Bryant Math & Science 1223 $19,948 from Schooldigger.com Median Enroll 1079 Median Enroll 881
11 Lynnfield 648 $15,888
12 Boston Latin Academy 1224 $19,817 from Schooldigger.com Average $ $17,521 $17,161
13 Manchester Essex 443 $18,343 Ave Enroll 1098 961
14 Medfield 828 $15,889
15 Westford Academy 1711 $14,806 not sure if this is academy or district
16 Berkshire Arts & Tech 151 $17,389
17 Bromfield School 402 $19,655 from Schooldigger.com Nauset vs.Top 25 Nauset vs.Top 50
18 Acton-Boxborough 1827 $15,697 Median $119%Median $123%
19 Sharon 1079 $16,892 Average $118%Average $121%
20 Newton South 1892 $19,395 all Newton district Just 3 districts in Top 50 have higher Cost/pupil
21 Winchester 1351 $14,121
22 Westwood 999 $18,310 FY21 9-12 Enrollment
23 Arlington 1325 $14,594 XP/Pupil
24 Nauset 907 $20,710 Ptown $30,903
25 Brookline 2043 $19,921 Truro $31,460
26 Wayland 855 $18,750 Wellfleet $29,143
27 Groton Dunstable 784 $15,606 Eastham $24,827
28 Wellesley 1569 $20,380 Orleans $22,559
29 Boston Collegiate Charter 313 $19,307 Brewster $20,168
30 Hamilton-Wenham 560 $18,362 Nauset $20,710 855
31 Duxbury 1053 $15,288 Monomoy $17,503 496
32 Lenox Memorial 245 $19,476 D-Y $15,777 652
33 Westborough 1131 $15,838 Barnstable $15,762 1,390
34 Needham 1686 $18,148 Falmouth $18,630 811
35 Ashland 769 $14,469 Sandwich $17,460 641
36 Nashoba 976 $16,589 Bourne $15,782 428
37 Cohasset 469 $16,953 Mashpee $17,643 442
38 Pioneer Charter Science 2 203 $14,353 Cape Tech $26,693 626
39 Foxborough Charter 280 $12,519 Upper Cape Tech $21,359 722
40 Pioneer Charter Science 198 $14,409
41 Concord Carlisle 1273 $22,471
42 Scituate 921 $15,995
43 Abby Kelley Foster Charter 364 $14,094
44 Newton North 2121 $19,395 all Newton district
45 KIPP Lynn 483 $18,286
46 Newburyport 766 $16,851
47 Longmeadow 957 $15,263
48 Tantasqua 720 $14,419
49 Masconomet 1143 $18,654
50 Holliston 794 $14,146
Cape School Districts
*Highlighting indicates 750 or fewer students
APPENDIX 4
www.NausetBuildingProject.com
The NauseT RegioNal high school PRojecT
Improved Building Security while preserving
existing campus and landscape.
Health & Wellness focus through improved
air quality, low-energy smart lighting that is
sustainable and designed to reduce environmental
impacts.
Energy Efficient upgrades for heating and hot
water and increased insulation in walls and roofs
throughout the renovated buildings and new
spaces.
New Technology access and capacity that align
with the delivery of modern education.
Renovated / Resized Classrooms and eight
Science labs that are designed to meet state
requirements and enhance student learning,
creativity, and innovation.
Improved Public Access to newly located
Auditorium, Fine Arts Building, Cafeteria, Music &
Performing Arts, and Gymnasium.
Community Opportunities beyond the school
day, such as: Adult Education, year-round arts &
cultural programming, health & fitness programs.
The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) partnered with the Nauset Regional School District
to support the design and construction of this renovation/reconfiguration project to provide facilities that
meet current building and accessibility codes to support the needs of students and educators.
The Plan
A 50-year-old building with aging building
systems that need ongoing repairs and upgrades
to provide an appropriate, safe, and healthy
educational environment that meets state guidelines
and requirements.
Favorable bidding climate which may provide
more options to select the best companies to
partner with on the project along with a lower
construction cost.
Historically low interest rates that would lower
borrowing costs and save taxpayer dollars.
Why Now?
Renovate Existing Buildings along with new spaces
designed to meet today’s educational requirements to
best serve the students for the next 50 years.
Provide temporary classrooms on site to ensure
uninterrupted student learning and school operations
during the construction phase.
Take advantage of the $36.6 million MSBA grant in
a fiscally responsible manner to provide an updated
school facility that will serve current and future
generations.
The Proposal
DISTRICT-WIDE VOTE:
Tuesday
March 30, 2021
Hours: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
for ballot by mail, registered voters
will receive instructions by mail
from your respective Town clerk
a YES vote
Approval for debt-exclusion funding is
passed.
Design and Bid Phase
April 2021 - January 2022
Construction Phase
February 2022 - July 2024
Completion of Project
August 2024
Voting Information
a NO vote
Without majority approval, the state
funding of $36,661,305 reverts back to
the state.
VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINES,
POLLING LOCATIONS,
and other voter information can be
obtained by contacting your Town:
www.brewster-ma.gov
www.eastham-ma.gov/
www.town.orleans.ma.us/
www.wellfleet-ma.gov/
Tax Impact Estimates
* 2.46% Interest Rate, based on 25-year bond, subject to change.
* First year bill/tax impact FY2024
* Tax impact calculations based on individual town property tax rates
Questions? Email the School Building Committee:
nausetbuildingproject@nausetschools.org
The Finances
Brewster
First Year
$76.59 per $100,000
assessed property value
Example:
$400,000 Property Value
$76.59 x 4 = $306.35
Eastham
First Year
$42.66 per $100,000
assessed property value
Example:
$400,000 Property Value
$42.66 x 4 = $170.64
Orleans
First Year
$30.99 per $100,000
assessed property value
Example:
$400,000 Property Value
$30.99 x 4 = $123.98
Wellfleet
First Year
$35.51 per $100,000
assessed property value
Example:
$400,000 Property Value
$35.51 x 4 = $142.05
Total Project Cost:$131,825,665
Anticipated MSBA Grant: - $ 36,661,305
Nauset School District:$ 95,164,360
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
MEMORANDUM
TO: Select Board
FROM: Peter Lombardi, Town Administrator
RE: Update on Town’s Current Diversity & Inclusion Efforts
DATE: December 18, 2020
In the course of our annual strategic planning process this year, the Board identified
“developing a plan to identify/address issues of diversity and inclusion, including (the)
potential formation of an advisory committee or task force” as one of our goals for
FY21. In the past few months, we have held several conversations with Town staff and
a handful of interested residents regarding different ideas for how to best approach
these issues. It is critically important that we take the right approach to this since they
impact so much of what we do in municipal government, not just in terms of policing
and social services.
Included in your packet is the Planning for Equity Policy Guide which was recently
released by the American Planning Association. This document was discussed at the
International City/County Managers Association’s Annual Conference that I attended
earlier this fall, where diversity and inclusion was one of the central themes. With our
Local Comprehensive Plan development process just getting underway, this is one
example of the many ways in which we have the ability to reframe the work that we do
and services we provide every day.
Given the many forms and directions this could take, I thought it would be appropriate,
at this time, to give an update to the Board and the community regarding what the
Town is currently doing on this front and what we plan to do in the next couple months.
Chief Eldredge has been actively involved in ongoing dialogue with the Nauset
Interfaith Association’s Martin Luther King Action Team for the past several
years. This group, with representatives from Dennis to Provincetown, seeks to
educate themselves and others about the reality of institutional, cultural and
individual racism. Their goal is to build relationships with local police and other
community leaders as well community members through educational programs,
cultural events, and citizen advocacy. One of three local Police Chiefs who
participate in these efforts, Chief Eldredge meets with the group twice a month
Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
to discuss relevant topics of police procedure and community
outreach/connections. They are currently working on a plan for a larger
(remote) meeting with members of under-represented communities in the Lower
and Outer Cape as an effort to continue to build bridges.
Brewster Police Department has had officers attend a variety of recent trainings
including: Fair and Impartial Policing; Diversity in the Workplace; and De-
escalation Training. In addition to the normal annual in-service training, all
officers will be getting a block of instruction on implicit bias this year. Chief
Eldredge is also working with the MLK Action Team on developing some
supplemental training to address issues specific to this region.
Next month, all other Town employees will receive training in Cultural Awareness
& Diversity. Offered through the Town’s insurance provider (MIIA), this training
will define cultural awareness and culture, offer compelling facts about today's
changing cultural landscape, address the unique psychological challenges
associated with building cultural awareness, and provide tools for participants to
enhance their cultural awareness.
Town housing staff are organizing an educational forum to be held in the next
few months on fair housing practices, with a particular focus on local preference.
Led by the Massachusetts Housing Partnership, members of the Select Board,
Community Preservation Committee, Affordable Housing Trust, and Brewster
Housing Partnership will be invited to attend, and the session will be broadcast
for residents to view.
In order to thoroughly weigh the merits of forming our own Brewster coalition of
residents and key stakeholders to discuss and advance these issues, we want to take
the next couple months to first better understand what other similar regional initiatives
are underway and the extent to which new or enhanced participation in those networks
would be valuable. If we do determine that organizing a new local partnership is the
best path forward, I expect that such an effort will, at least to begin, be structured
more as a community dialogue where Town officials will convene and support the
group’s work together than as a traditional Town committee.
I welcome any feedback you have at this early stage in the process and look forward to
bringing a more fully formed recommendation back to the Board in the near future.
Archived: Friday, January 29, 2021 4:16:55 PM
From: Denise Baker
Se nt: Fri, 22 Jan 2021 09:42:11
To: Baker, Denise
Subject: Advisory and Call to Action from the MMMA Diversity and Inclusion Task Force
Se nsitivity: Normal
Please see the statement below from the DEI Task Force.
Dear Members of the MMMA,
Please find the following Membership Advisory and Call to Action from the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force.
Membership Advisory
We recently became aware that one of our members, Town Manager Lisa Wong, was subjected to an intentional, direct, and hateful racist attack at a public meeting. In July of 2020 Town Manager Wong was verbally assaulted with overtly
racial rhetoric in a “zoom-bombing” incident during a Select Board meeting. This is unacceptable and must be addressed. Town Manager Wong must be supported by her peers and we need to stand together to combat racism in all forms. The
Massachusetts Municipal Management Association stands with Town Manager Wong in solidarity. We do not tolerate this behavior and strongly encourage all of us to speak out against hateful acts.
A Call for Action
Over the last eight months we have observed an increase in racial tensions nationally and in our communities across the Commonwealth. We watched and witnessed the outrage, sadness and frustration of many during protests that occurred
across the nation. We saw the racially motivated and anti-semitic symbols and language used by the disgraceful mob that attacked the Capitol building earlier this month. We have seen hate incidents arise across the Commonwealth at our
schools, in our public meetings, and in our communities. It has become clear that when a racially motivated incident occurs, social media weighs in, sides quickly emerge, and any existing undercurrent of racial tension increases. If there is not
follow-up action from community leaders, the issue festers and results in a demeaning and cruel experience making members of our communities feel unsupported and unwelcome.
These incidents rip apart the fabric of our communities. When an incident happens it is critical as leaders that we act swiftly to stand up and speak out to ensure that there is a definitive and appropriate response from the local government.
We urge Members of our association to immediately acknowledge and take the lead on addressing the following issues impacting our communities.
Stand Together Against Hate
Our communities’ leaders are made up of people of many backgrounds with different understandings of issues surrounding diversity. Being against hate is a concept that should not require much debate. Consider adopting an official policy
statement against hate.
Hate Incidents Must be Addressed Immediately
Racist statements and expressions of hate are not acceptable in our organizations or in our public meetings. We are aware of multiple incidents in the last few months where attendees in public meetings have made racist remarks directed at public
officials. In some cases these hate incidents were addressed immediately; others may have been addressed shortly after the incident; others not at all. We have worked very diligently to protect our physical workspaces from antagonistic
behavior. The time is now to extend those protections to the virtual workspace. When such an incident occurs it must be addressed immediately. Failing to address such incidents makes the victim(s) of such an attack feel abandoned. Failing to
address also sends the message to others that this behavior is acceptable.
In addressing the incident, community leaders must:
Reach out to the victim(s)
to listen
to discuss how a response can be made without further victimizing them
to get their feedback on next steps
to let them know they are supported
Issue a direct response publicly. Name the victims involved (subject to victims’ approval).
Identify short term and long term ways to address the problem
Don’t make excuses. Make a difference.
If you or your community is impacted by a hate incident please reach out to a member of our task force. We can assist you with responding and navigating the various challenges associated with leading a community through such an issue.
MM M A’s Dive rsity & Inclusion Task Force
John Mangiaratti co-chair, jmangiaratti@acton-ma.gov
Nina Nazarian co-chair, ninanazarian@yahoo.com
Adam Chapdelaine
Carol Kowalski
Tom Moses
David Nixon
Mike Sullivan
Kimberly Williams
Lisa Wong
DRAFT 01.29.21
TOWN OF BREWSTER
BUDGET & TOWN MEETING CALENDAR
FISCAL YEAR 2022
1.November 9, 2020:
FY21 Capital requests due to Town Administrator and Finance Director.
2.November 12, 2020:
Capital Planning Committee meets to review FY21 Capital requests.
3.November 18, 2020:
FY22-26 Budget forecast presentation to Select Board and Finance Committee, including
recommended FY22 budget development guidelines.
4.December 15, 2020:
FY22-25 Capital requests due to Town Administrator and Finance Director.
5.December 23, 2020:
FY22 Town Operating Budget requests due to Town Administrator and Finance Director.
6.Weeks of January 4 and 11, 2021:
Preliminary budget reviews by the Town Administrator and Finance Director with
Departments and Boards/Commissions.
7.January 28, 2021:
Deadline for Capital Planning Committee to finalize FY21-25 Capital Improvement
Program.
8.February 8, 2021:
FY22 Town Operating Budget Overview delivered to the Select Board and Finance
Committee.
9.February 10, 2021:
Department Head budget presentations to Select Board and Finance Committee.
10. February 16, 2021:
Capital Planning Committee presentation to Select Board and Finance Committee on
FY21-25 Capital Improvement Plan and supplemental FY21 Capital requests.
11. February 17, 2021:
Town Code final deadline for submittal of warrant articles for inclusion within the 2021
Annual Town Meeting warrant.
DRAFT 01.29.21
12. February 24, 2021:
Schools (Nauset and Cape Cod Tech) budget presentations to Select Board and Finance
Committee.
13.March 19, 2021:
Administrative deadline to finalize warrant articles for the May 2021 Special and Annual
Town Meetings.
14. March 29, 2021:
Deadline for Select Board’s and Finance Committee’s recommendations on the May
2021 Special and Annual Town Meeting warrant articles.
15. March 30, 2021:
District-wide vote on proposed Nauset Regional High School project
16.March 31, 2021:
Send the May 2021 Special & Annual Town Meeting warrants to the printer.
17. April 12, 2021:
Deadline to post warrants.
18.April 13, 2021:
Deadline for Select Board to place a ballot question on the Annual Town Election.
19. April 16, 2021:
FY22 Budget and Town Meeting warrant book distributed to the general public as an
insert in the Cape Codder and on the Town’s website.
20. April 27, 2021:
Town Meeting public information session.
21.May 3, 2021:
2021 Special and Annual Town Meeting held at Stony Brook Elementary School.
22.May 18, 2021:
2021 Annual Town Election.
2020 BREWSTER TOWN MEETING INFORMATION
We’ve changed Town Meeting to hold it as safely as possible in the pandemic.
DATE,
TIME &
PLACE
DATE & TIME: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020 at 10AM
CHECK-IN: Starts at 9AM
LOCATION: Stonybrook School Ball Field (“Whitecaps Field”), 384 Underpass Rd.
RAIN DATE: Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020 at 1PM
HEALTH &
SAFETY
MASKS: A mask/face covering must be worn at all times (unless medically unable)..
SOCIAL DISTANCE: Maintain 6 feet from others (except those in your household).
MICROPHONES: Sanitized between speakers; keep mask on when speaking.
TENT: A tent will offer protection from the sun/weather.
SEATING: Seats will be in pairs and singles; household members may sit together.
HAND SANITIZER: Sanitizer stations will be available; voters may bring their own.
AMENITIES
PARKING: Use school and tennis parking areas.
BATHROOMS: Port-a-potties will be available on the field.
FOOD/DRINKS: Not available.
TRANSPORTATION: Not available.
CHILD CARE: Not available; playground & basketball area will be closed.
WHAT TO
BRING
Town Warrant booklet; copies will be available at Town Meeting.
Hand sanitizer, insect repellant, sunscreen, sunglasses & water bottle if desired.
Patience.
SPECIAL
SERVICES
HANDICAPPED PARKING: Use lot at west end of school near check-in point.
HANDICAPPED BATHROOMS: Accessible port-a-potties will be available on the field.
HEARING ASSISTANCE: Transcription will be available.
MOBILITY IMPAIRED SEATING: Available.
MOBILITY IMPAIRED CHECK-IN: Please proceed to beginning of check-in line.
UNABLE TO WEAR A MASK? Seating with greater social distance will be available.
PLEASE CALL: If possible, call the Town Administrator’s office before the
meeting to let us know of your needs so we can assist you.
Phone: (508) 896-3701 ext. 1100.
WHAT NOT
TO DO
Please don’t bring your own chair or food (unless medically required).
Please don’t gather in groups on the field before or after the meeting.
ENTRY,
MEETING,
& EXIT
ENTRY: Form a socially-distanced line at entry near playground (west of school).
CHECK-IN: When invited by greeter, approach check-in station to receive voter ticket.
ENTER FIELD: Proceed to single field entrance as directed, maintaining social distance.
SEATING: A greeter will guide you to a seat.
MICROPHONES: Use closest stationary microphone to speak or raise hand for mobile “mike.”
Socially distance if there is a line at the microphone.
DEPARTURE: Voters will leave one section at a time; please wait for guidance.
CHANGES TO
IMPROVE
SAFETY
QUORUM: The Select Board reduced quorum to 20.
VOTING: All votes will be cast by raising voter ticket; there will be no voice votes.
DEBATE: The Moderator will encourage limiting debate to less than normal (2 minutes
if presenting and 1.5 minutes if speaking for or against).
FINANCE REPORT: Finance Committee report is printed in the Warrant and will not be presented.
MOTION COPIES: Only proposed amendments need to be handed to the Moderator.
FYI ITEMS (MAIL) February 1, 2021
1. Citizen Letter re: Nauset High School Building Project – Jane Lange
2. Citizen Letter re: Millstone Road Project – Jean and George Simmons
3. Citizen Letter re: Millstone Road Project – Wm. Slocum
4. Citizen Letter re: Millstone Road Project – Janet Stolzer
5. Public Meeting Notice re: Nauset High School Building Project
6. Planning Board Notice of Decision – 1000 Freemans Way
7. Statistics Update – Homeless Prevention Council
8. PRIM Statement
Archived: Friday, January 29, 2021 9:54:32 AM
From: NHRS Taxpayers
Se nt: Mon, 25 Jan 2021 13:10:00
To: selectboardmeeting
Subject: Citizen Statement for 1/25 Selectboard Meeting
Se nsitivity: Normal
Brewster Selectboard, I am seeking your help to communicate the Fin Com school report released last week to all town voters.
Voters are very confused due to conflicting statements made by Brewster elected officials regarding this project that is currently sized and priced to accommodate 100's of choice students from outside our district, and therefore outside our fiscal
responsibility.
Many of us think this is unfair to Brewster taxpayers. We would never expect the taxpayers of Harwich, Dennis, and Yarmouth to pay Brewster educational expenses. We don't expect to pay theirs either.
Brewster Fin Com provided an easy to follow analysis, and concluded the cost of the choice program is currently $4.7M annually. Brewster voters deserve to now know this when voting on a school expansion that would most likely make this
burden permanent.
I have heard there will be no town mailings to voters regarding the largest fiscal decision ever brought before voters. This is troubling, as it's avoidable if the school committee took up Representative Whelen's offer to secure a state extension.
This would allow a proper Town Meeting vote, typical for these decisions.
If the school committee is determined to bypass the town meeting process, I am asking the Selectboard to use any means available, including our town website in combination with town email distribution, to share the recent FinCom conclusion
regarding the cost of choice.
Respectfully,
Jane Lange
58 Cathedral Road
Jean & George Simmons
779 Millstone Road
Brewster, MA 02631
508-237-3550
Jfredrick779@gmail.com
January 25, 2021
Robin Young
Administrative Assistant
Dear Ms. Young,
As part of “Save Millstone Road”, we are writing to express our opposition to the proposed design and
development of the DPW proposal for Millstone Road.
Please see our letter attached. We appreciate your consideration of our concerns. The excessive scale
of this project will have lasting negative impacts on the Brewster community as well as the historic
nature, characteristics, and charm of the town. It is not in the best interest of the Brewster community
nor the interest of the numerous homeowners along Millstone Road to lose one of the dwindling
scenic roadways left on Cape Cod. We, the residents of Millstone Road, will have our land seized and
our properties and our lives forever disrupted. Our home and many of our neighbors and fellow
Millstone Road residents will be severely and unfairly impacted by the “Edge of Disturbance” that has
been staked off. The project would greatly increase the width of the current road area, tearing up our
front yards and driveways, destroying trees, gardens, fences, and largely intruding on our privacy.
Additionally, this could cause a decrease in the market value of our homes, the destruction of green
space, mature trees and protected vernal pools. To the best of our knowledge the set back of a
dwelling from a property line or road is supposed to be no less than 25’. We agree with our fellow
Millstone Road residents that it is unethical that the town essentially move the road closer to some
dwellings than what is allowed by the building code.
In addition, our section of the road is currently a short straight stretch and we already experience high
speed vehicles who accelerate due to the straight road, endangering residents, children, and pets along
this stretch. We understand that the road project would result in greater straightening which would
most certainly increase the speeding dangers to all residents and their families here.
These are our homes – and many of us have lived here for more than 20 year caring for our houses and yards as
well as the common roadside areas. This project, as currently planned, is highly detrimental to our homes, our
lives and the overall preservation of our beloved town.
We appreciate your consideration of our concerns and those of our many neighbors on Millstone Road and urge
you to reconsider the extent of the current design plan and work with the residents on a revised plan that will
benefit us all.
Respectfully,
Jean & George Simmons
Archived: Friday, January 29, 2021 9:55:08 AM
From: Slocums of Cape Cod
Se nt: Thu, 28 Jan 2021 11:36:02
To: Peter Lombardi; Patrick Ellis; Cynthia Bingham; David Whitney; Benjamin deRuyter; Mary Chaffee; Ned Chatelain; Susan Broderick; Donna Kalinick; Robin Young; brewplan; Chris Miller; Ryan Burch; Noelle Aguiar; Carol Spade
Subject: Millstone Road Project -Needs a Context-Sensitive Approach
Se nsitivity: Normal
Brewster Town Officials,
Over 300 (and counting) of your townspeople are opposed to and angry with the Complete Streets plan to double the width of Millstone Road. Lots of Save Millstone Road signs displayed throughout town in support of the members of the
Save M illstone Road FaceBook group.
The national, Complete Streets Policy is the template for this project. And Brewster’s Select Board approved its principles, 1/6/20.
“Complete Streets principles include the development and implementation of projects in a context-sensitiv e manner in which project implementation is sensitive to the community’s physical, economic, and social setting. The
context-sensitiv e approach to process and design includes a range of goals by giving significant consideration to stak eholder and community v alues. It includes goals related to livability with greater participation of those
affected in order to gain project consensus. The overall goal of this approach is to preserve and enhance scenic, aesthetic, historical, and environmental resources while improving or maintaining safety, mobility, and
infrastructure conditions.”
This could not be expressed any clearer.
A broad-based national program needs nuance and awareness of shared, community perceptions, expectations and goals to be accepted and successful at the local level.
Local decisions need local context. Local context comes from local input.
…like this…
We're not a city, like Boston or Framingham. Both South Yarmouth and Brewster are called towns, but that's where the similarity ends.
We’re called a town, but we’re really still a rural village. No town center. No commercial strip malls. It’s not hard to imagine our predecessors traveling the exact same roads we travel today, but back then those
roads were hard-packed dirt. Factory Village and the Stony Brook Grist Mill area, the W.W Knowles General Store and grand sea captains homes are all part of our daily routine. In the summer we drive past what
was the site of Fieldstone Hall, now Ocean Edge, and down Crosby Lane past Tawasentha to the beach where we can easily imagine saltworks and fish weirs on the flats.
Many of our ‘roads’ and ‘ways’ and ‘paths’ and ‘lanes’ honor those who lived here these last 300 or so years. Earliest European settlers built homes near the Paines’ Creek area in the 1650’s. Millstone Road was
one of the very first village routes. It was established in the early 1700’s. I bet the road has always curved around ’Spring Rock,’ that huge, glacial erratic boulder left behind by the last ice age about 12,000 years
ago.
Change is inevitable -and can be good. Heck, our roads are paved now. Main Street even has sidewalks and granite curbing (?!)
But our identity has not changed. We’re passionate about our history, our special places and rural neighborhood character. Physically we reside in a historic village on Cape Cod. In our hearts we are participants in a long tradition. Both places
are special places. We love Brewster. And we are determined to preserve it when threatened.
Millstone is one of only 20 roads in Brewster designated ’Scenic.’ Stony Brook, Lower Road, Tubman, Ellis Landing -the majority are called ‘roads.’ They are not ‘streets.’ And they are certainly not ‘Complete
Streets.’ And hopefully never will be.
I use Millstone traveling to and from my home on Magnet Way (named, I’m told, after a packet ship that sailed between Boston and Brewster). And I bike and walk along Millstone on my way to the Rail Trail (the Old Colony Railroad right-of-
way) and on my way from Nickerson State Park (land once owned by Samuel Mayo Nickerson, 1830-1914). (Notice all the historical references?)
Yes, I’d like Millstone Road improved, but not by doubling the width and adding sidewalks. And certainly not at the expense of our neighbors’ front yards and the trees that shade.
I find it disheartening to imagine traveling a new Millstone ’Street,’ widened and straightened into suburban mediocrity -bulldozed of personality and place. Its families dazed and damaged, distrustful of town
leaders, wandering around what’s left of their front yards while the rest of us speed by. Nope. Can’t happen.
So my vote is to modify the proje ct. Improve drainage, add flashing speed signs and targe ted e nforce ment, make the bike path inte rse ction safer, refre sh the road surface and add a foot or two for my bike (similar to the
painte d bike lanes on 6A and already calle d for in the project’s current plan). Improve the s houlders on both side s and wide n a bit only where necessary for walkers. -And le ave it at that.
I’m amazed how much community knowledge and history Brewster locals can rattle off. We’re very invested in our little village and its well-being. Yes, there should be improvements to Millstone Road.
But Complete Streets is not one-size-fits-all. Please take its stated principles to heart.
Which roads are next? Crosby Lane? Great Fields Road? Straightening Tubman some more and adding sidewalks? The responsibility for the future of Brewster is in your hands. We all have pride in this, our special place. Please listen to us.
Respectfully,
Wm. Marshall Slocum
142 Magnet Way, Brewster
Archived: Friday, January 29, 2021 9:55:21 AM
From: Janet Stolzer
Se nt: Mon, 18 Jan 2021 17:23:20
To: townadmin
Subject: Millstone Road Project
Se nsitivity: Normal
Dear Selectmen,
I am contacting you regarding the Complete Streets Initiat ive and its negative impact on Mills tone Road. As a resident on Mi llstone for the past four or so years I have
witness ed a resurgence of our nei ghborhood firsthand. Numerous home improvements, landscaping projects including gardens and fencing has taken place and has given
Millstone a rebirth of a beautiful neighborhood.
The town's plan to change the character of Mills tone will not onl y destroy all the hard work done by our community to beautify Mill stone it will destroy the character of the
neighborhood that is the reason why people choose to live in Brews ter. It is our rural character, lack of big box stores , scenic roadways and beautiful beaches that makes us a
special community on Cape Cod. The present Mi llstone plan will destroy the charm of a neighborhood.
There is beauty in the roots of Brewster and there i s no need to destroy those roots for a project that will do just that destroy the roots of a Brewst er neighborhood.
I was stopped in my front yard by two peopl e asking what all the signs were for. One of the individuals was from out of t own the other a Brewster res ident. I explained the
proposed project and both responded simultaneously, that's ridiculous and not fair to people losing their front lawns. The Brewster resident, second generation, al so added
that Mil lstone is a big part of Brewster and needs to be l eft as it always has been.
Lets all remember that a huge selli ng point of livi ng in Brewster is i t's historic charm and your propos al will destroy that, a neighborhood, and a community. The biggest
question being st ill being asked by all is why? It's not only fiscally irresponsible it's a detriment to the history that makes us all Brewst er residents.
I would hope that the Board would be open to having another discussion regarding these plans and work with the communi ty of Millstone Road and not against us.
Janet Stolzer
1105 Millstone
D Ph
TIME: 6:30PM
Project History: 2-3
Other Options: 2-10
Education 2050: 2-17
Education 2050: 2-24
School Choice: 3-3
The New Campus TBA
The Vote
PUBLIC
QUESTIONS
& ANSWERS
ZOOM LINK:
Please follow the link below to join:
https://zoom.us/j/91924602088
US: +1 929 205 6099 Webinar ID: 919 2460 2088
Nauset High School Building Project
INFORMATIONAL ZOOM MEETINGS
NAV $ (000)Target Allocation RangeActual Allocation % Month QTD FY '21 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10 YearSince InceptionGLOBAL EQUITY37,506,190 34 - 44% 43.3% 5.29 16.61 25.82 15.93 9.71 12.54 9.56 6.92 CORE FIXED INCOME13,664,474 12 - 18% 15.8% 0.08 0.08 1.39 12.11 7.38 6.32 5.54 7.41VALUE ADDED FIXED INCOME6,398,505 5 - 11% 7.4% 3.02 5.68 11.26 4.53 4.77 6.90 5.67 7.81 PRIVATE EQUITY10,936,873 10 - 16% 12.6% 11.59 11.49 30.22 26.42 20.98 20.16 19.10 15.36REAL ESTATE7,161,984 7 - 13% 8.3% 1.59 4.14 5.48 1.13 5.87 6.85 9.68 6.57TIMBERLAND2,831,799 1 - 7% 3.3% 2.20 2.54 3.25 3.54 2.38 4.38 4.75 8.00PORTFOLIO COMPLETION STRATEGIES7,624,951 8 - 14% 8.8% 3.07 5.50 7.98 0.84 1.99 3.63 3.97 4.20OVERLAY494,337 0.0% 0.6% 2.95 9.29 11.88 14.85 6.18 6.97 5.97TOTAL CORE86,686,991 100%100%4.389.7616.5812.578.8210.388.949.504.09 9.36 15.57 12.65 8.83 10.14 8.34 9.87TOTAL CORE BENCHMARK (using private equity and private debt benchmark) 22.74 8.19 12.48 10.79 7.96 9.49 7.58 9.68PARTICIPANTS CASH 220,648 0.01 0.03 0.07 0.56 1.64 1.33 0.74 3.59TEACHERS' AND EMPLOYEES' CASH8,953 0.01 0.03 0.07 0.56 1.62 1.32 0.73 2.43 TOTAL FUND86,916,592 4.379.7216.5312.538.8010.358.919.54PENSION RESERVES INVESTMENT TRUSTPeriods Ending December 31, 2020RATES OF RETURN (GROSS OF FEES)SUMMARY OF PLAN PERFORMANCEINTERIM BENCHMARK (using private equity and private debt returns) 13