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Home My Public Portal AboutSelect Board -- 2021-02-08 Minutes Office of: Town of Brewster 2198 Main Street Select Board Town Administrator _ G Brewster, MA 02631 = 1898 Phone : ( 508) 896- 3701 Fax : ( 508) 896- 8089 - iPx►oa��a� �i��//I�ItI11MIIIIB{p1\u\�� MINUTES OF THE SELECT BOARD REGULAR SESSION MINUTES DATE : February 8, 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, Assistant Town Administrator Donna Kalinick, William Meehan , Pete Dahl , Frank Bridges, Bob Young, Pete Dahl , Alex Hopper, Honey Pivirotto, Robert Tobias, Finance Director Mimi Bernardo, 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 : 02pm , 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-S 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 . 1 Select Board Announcements and Liaison Reports None . l Town Administrator' s Report Mr . Lombardi reviewed the latest State updates, and revised Governor' s orders . The State has focused their efforts on the roll out of the vaccine . A new 211 phone hotline has been established . The Barnstable County also has a phone hotline . The data pertaining to the CovicI49 is down trending . The County Health Department has a registration process for 24 hour advance notice of upcoming local vaccination sites . Local and Regional information was included in the agenda packet and is posted on the Town ' s website . Brewster currently has 380 Covid cases to date, with the peak amount of cases being logged two weeks ago . Brewster is still in the " red " designation . Both of the elementary schools will hold classes remotely until at least after the February school vacation . Chair Chaffee noted that as of this morning there were over 4, 000 appointments at Gillette Stadium . Every Thursday the State will be updating the vaccine availability . Pete Dahl feels it is important for residents to sign up for the updates/alert via Barnstable County . j I 1 www , brewster" ma . gov BoS 02- 08- 21 Page 1 of 6 i FEWBu� ' 'yTown of Brewster Office of: ��'•84 2198 Main Street Select Board �; Town Administrator _ O Brewster, MA 026314898 r - -= 600 Phone : ( 508) 896 -3701 Fax : ( 508) 896- 8089 yw '74e►o�►�t° �i�'�MgIfJM11MIIIN11N1\0�� Consent Agenda Select Board Letter to Governor Baker Regarding COVID Vaccine Supply Vote and Sign to Set Seasonal Population Vote on Public Beach Access Request - Coastal Carriers Approve February 1, 2021 Meeting Minutes Chair Chaffee noted the letter to Governor Baker requesting a vaccination site being established on Cape Cod . Residents can call 617 - 7254005 to share their concern . Selectperson Bingham moved to approve the February 8, 2021 consent agenda , 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 . FY22 Budget Overview Presentation and Discussion - Joint with Finance Committee Finance Committee Chair Pete Dahl called the Finance Committee meeting to order at 6 : 14pm , conducted a roll call vote of attendance and declared a quorum present . Mr . Lombardi recapped the process of meeting with the department heads to review their budget requests . The full day joint budget meeting with the Finance Committee will be held on February 10, 2021 with the Department Heads to review their individual department budgets . j Mr . Lombardi reviewed the FY22 Budget Overview PowerPoint presentation . The following information was taken from the presentation : i The FY21 revenue assumptions includes New Growth - $ 200k based on Assessor' s analysis, State Aid ( cherry { sheet ) — level funded at FY21 budgeted , Local Receipts — increased by 5 . 7 % from very conservative FY21 assumptions, Short-term Rental Revenues - $ 500k based on FY21 actuals to date ( +$ 400k from FY21 ) , New Solar Revenues to General Fund - $ 10k, Marijuana Revenues — still $ 0, Ambulance Receipts — increase to $ 795k reflects all Fire Department operating expenses including ambulance lease payments from General Fund , and Water and Golf Indirects - $ 150k and $ 129k respectively . Noteworthy expense drivers ( Forecast to Actual ) includes a Health Insurance — which was projected at a 5 % overall increases actual 2 . 8 % premium increase, plus applied 50% of savings from 1 month premium holiday, Cape Cod Tech — anticipate 1 . 5 % j operating increase BUT 41 % increase in Brewster enrollment ( 29 to 41 students ) leads to $ 266k assessment i increase, Nauset Regional — anticipate 2 . 5 % operating increase, but enrollment increased by . 26 %, Brewster i Elementary Schools proposed budgets — 4 . 1 % increase for Stony Brook and 4 . 8 % decrease at Eddy School , and Compensated Absences ( Employee Benefits ) — contractual obligations due to retiring Town employees are projected to increase . This equals a $ 64k difference in levy capacity between FY22 forecast and recommended budget . The FY22 Proposed Budget Initiatives includes the Assistant Town Administrator for Personnel and Social Services will become new HR Director, Adding new part-time HR Generalist position ( 19 1 hours/week ), a Project Manager position will replace outgoing second Assistant TA, which will help build www , brewstermma . gov 1 BoS 02-08-21 Page 2 of 6 I 3 Town of Brewster Office of: Select Board _ : ' 2198 Main Street Town Administrator Brewster, MA 026314898 r Phone : ( 508) 896- 3701 Fax : ( 508) 896-8089 u„u�mn�nM►pm►u��u��” organizational capacity to manage complex initiatives, Net impact ( including all benefits ) on General Fund budget of $ 119k, $ 23k of which will come online in FY23 ( pension ) , Comprehensive HR audit completed in 2020 with state grant funds provides a roadmap, Consistent with 2016 Government Study Report, 2019 MA Department of Revenue Report, FY21 - 22 Select Board Strategic Plan Goal G - 5, and broad organizational consensus based on value in better supporting our 150 Town FTEs . FY22 Proposed Budget Initiatives include investing new short-term rental revenues in housing and long-term tax relief, as follows : $ 250k to Brewster Affordable Housing Trust $ 200k to Capital Stabilization Fund to help mitigate tax impact of future major Town capital projects ( not included in forecast ), Continuing commitment to address Town ' s unfunded Other Post- Employment Benefit ( OPEB ) liability - $ 300k total FY22 appropriation to Trust Fund , Supporting Year 1 of 3 -Year plan to shift 3 remaining part-time ( 27 hour/week ) Library positions to full -time ( 35 hours/week ), 8 additional hours for Assistant Reference Librarian in FY21 will be split 50/50 between General Fund and Library State Aid . Shifting ongoing capital obligations into operating budget where possible ; +$ 25k ( $ 75k total ) in Road/ Drainage Maintenance ( DPW ) to cover costs of catch basin cleaning, street sweeping, disposal of materials, line striping, etc . , + $ 15k ( $ 20k total ) in Tree Removal/ Plantings ( DPW ), $ 15k in Irrigation Maintenance ( DPW ) and increasing investment in technology platforms ( e- permitting, new website, remote meetings, payroll , etc ) and infrastructure/cybersecurity - + $ 60k . FY22 Budget : Other Noteworthy Items include ; Cape Cod Tech School Debt Exclusion amount increased by 39 % due to enrollment shift even though debt is structured as level principal , Similar to FY21 , Departmental Budgets include contractual step increases only, and anticipated Cost of Living Adjustment and other potential contractual obligations for all Town employees as well as a funding for wage adjustments resulting from the findings of the compensation and classification study are included as a separate line in Employee Benefits since collective bargaining agreements and i Personnel Bylaws expire in June 2021 . FY22 Budget Bottom - Line include; estimated FY22 revenue totals, including $ 500k in new short-term rental revenues, are $ 45 , 995, 218, Recommended FY22 operating appropriations currently total $ 45, 971 , 021, including : $ 267, 000 General Fund transfer to OPEB Trust Fund consistent with OPEB Financial Policy ( $ 300k total annual contribution with appropriations by Golf and Water Departments ) , $ 200, 000 General Fund transfer to Capital Stabilization Fund consistent with Financial Reserves Policy, $ 250, 000 General Fund transfer to Brewster Affordable Housing Trust from new rental revenues consistent with FY21 - 22 Select Board Strategic Plan Goal H4 , 3 . 35 % operating budget increase , not including $ 450k in one -time transfers to Capital Stabilization and BAHT, $ 24k projected levy capacity . a Chair Chaffee noted the record setting golf revenues for FY21 . These are anticipated to carry on through FY22, but a conservative approach will be taking for budgeting purposes moving forward . The Golf Course 1 has future capital projects that need to be undertaken . Alex Hopper asked about the $ 500, 000 in short term revenue funds, with $ 50, 000 being allocated to the general fund . There a number of one -time costs that will absorb that revenue this fiscal year, which will be freed up in upcoming years . Bill Meehan asked about the retirement of the DPW director, and the financial impact on their department budget and other budget lines . This will be considered in both the department budget and may impact others . Honey Pivirotto asked for a i www , brewster- ma . gov BoS 02-08 -21 1 Page 3 of 6 i \\\�oa�oxA� w � o� Ipgt 9 Town of Brewster Office of: _ �'•,,+ ;� Select Board 2198 Main Street Town Administrator G Brewster, MA 02631 - 1898 kPhone : ( 508) 896- 3701 Fax : ( 508) 896-8089 N `�\�RIM iiimiau \. status update about the school consolidation report . This has been delayed by the Covid pandemic, but the discussion has recently been re- engaged by the School Committee . Ms . Kalinick will be meeting with the School Committee at their next meeting date . This will not impact the FY22 annual budget . Bob Young asked about the suspension of programs and if there was a consideration on services that could be cut . The social services are the highest impacted by the restrictions, but are the most needed . There is an assumption on the FY22 budget that services will return to pre - pandemic status . Frank Bridges requested an actual opening and closing fund balances included in the presentation . Ms . Bernardo will provide those as they currently stand to Mr . Bridges, but they cannot include that in the budget presentation as they will not know the balances of the funds until they are certified . Mr . Meehan moved to adjourn the Finance Committee meeting, Mr . Bridges second . A roll call vote was taken . William Meehan - Yes, Pete Dahl - Yes, Frank Bridges - Yes, Bob Young - Yes, Pete Dahl - Yes, Alex Hopper - Yes, Honey Pivirotto - Yes, Robert Tobias — Yes . Discuss and Vote on New Spring 2020 Town Meeting Date Due to the pandemic, the Town meeting is scheduled for May 15 , 2021 , The Whitecaps field has a construction projected planned for this spring, but Mr . Lombardi thinks it will still be usable for the Town Meeting . The general election is scheduled for May 25 , 2021 . The deadline for Citizen Petition ' s will be March 1, 2021 . Selectperson Chatelain moved to schedule Town Meeting on May 15 , 2021 and the general election to be scheduled on May 25, 2021, 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 Special Election Warrant for Nauset Regional High School Debt Exclusion Each town will need to hold a Special Town Election , and the date has been proposed for March 30, 2021 . A simple majority vote of all four towns combined will be needed for the vote to pass . Selectperson deRuyter moved to approve the Special Town Election Warrant for the meeting to be held on March 30, 2021 , 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 . Locations for the posting of the warrant will be considered to ensure proper posting . Discuss and Vote on Select Board' s Recommendation regarding Nauset Regional High School Project Mr . Lombardi reviewed the major elements of the proposed project . Tom Conrad spoke to the Board . The school facility is in need of repair, which was certified by the MSBA . The process on developing the current model has developed over years, and has proposed a building that will in use for the next 50 years . Chris Easley read the Finance Committee subcommittee report . He has concerns with the accuracy of the accounting information provided and the conclusions drawn from the report . Other Town ' s Finance Committees have responded to the report as well . The School committee would like to address the report at a future meeting, and give the Select Board a presentation on school choice . Finance Committee Chair Dahl read a prepared statement regarding the analysis . Chair Chaffee opened the discussion to public comment . a www . brewster-ma . gov BoS 02- 08- 21 Page 4 of 6 i o� VL � � �9 Town of Brewster lett of* : +' ; 2198 Main Street Select Board _ Town Administrator _ O 16 Brewster, MA 026314898 V0 y -- Phone : ( 508) 896- 3701 Fax : ( 508) 896-8089 Helga Dyer, Brewster, is concerned with the school choice program and would like to see it phased out . Mary Loftus Levine, Brewster, spoke and is in support of the school building project . She would like to see residents to consider what is gained by having a school choice program . Tom Fitzgibbons, Brewster, spoke in favor of the school building project and of the school choice program . Larry Diaz , Orleans, is not in favor of the project . Adam Lange, Brewster, asked the Select Board to consider the elementary schools and consolidation project as well as the projected future decline of enrollment of Brewster students . Casey Mecca , Brewster spoke in favor of the project . Paula Miller, Brewster, wondered if there was a criteria applied to create diversity with school choice students . Superintendent Conrad clarified that school choice students were not selected , it was dependent on availability of seats and a lottery system . Each community on the Cape consists of a different make up and population . Ms . Miller is not in favor of school choice students due to the costs . Richard Stewart, Brewster, is in favor of the project citing the 9 year development of the project and the State financial aid . Kari Hoffmann , Brewster, announced the forum to be held on school choice by the Superintendent, which will be held on March 3, 2021, and supports the project . Selectperson Whitney noted that this vote is not about school choice, but about constructing and renovating the school . The school choice discussion belongs with the regional school committee and their annual budget . He feels this project has been well thought out, well planned , and is fiscally responsible . Selectperson Chatelain agrees, and adds that the historic low interest rates equal an excellent time for borrowing . Selectperson Bingham is in favor of a new school, but does not feel that this school is the one for the taxpayers . She feels that the discussion 9 years ago should have been more transparent with the cost for school choice students and inclusion of Provincetown and Truro students in the regional district . She believes that the Brewster tax payers will bear the burden of the cost of the project and of the school choice students . Chair Chaffee is in favor of the project, noting the strong track record of Brewster supporting 1 education and investing in the students and the community . Not supporting the project will be more expensive in the future, as was demonstrated with the Fire Station Building project . Selectperson deRuyter is disappointed that the policy conversation on the makeup of the student body is showing up at the 11th hour . The project being voted on had a stipulated number by the MSBA . There is a conversation to be had on the school choice policy, but feels that should have been done long ago . He feels that the Finance Committee and their subcommittee did their work on their report in good faith , even if he does not agree with it . He feels waiting on the project is likely to cost more money . Selectperson deRuyter reviewed an op - ed piece i from the local paper summarizing the increase in costs of the current project now, and a different project in the future, resulting from a failed vote . He is supportive of the project . Selectperson deRuyter moved to recommend the Nauset High School Building project, Selectperson Chatelain second . A roll call vote was taken . Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Chatelain -yes, Selectperson deRuyter-yes, Selectperson Bingham - no, Chair Chaffee -yes . The Board vote was 4-yes, 1- 1\lo, the motion is adopted . i For Your Information Mr . Lombardi acknowledged the letters from residents on the Millstone Road Project . Funding was approved by the Town Meeting in 2015, a road bond was approved . Underpass and Snow has been completed . The www , brewster-ma . gov BoS 02-08 - 21 Page 5 of 6 i I 3 1% 6 eOsk go Town of Brewster Office of: �;ro � 2198 Main Street Select Board Town Administrator O Brewster, MA 02631 = 1898 Y w Phone : ( 508) 896- 3701 d Fax : ( 508) 896=8089 a„�rin>NnMmmiu��a�� design process of Millstone Road has included 3 public meeting forums at various stages of the projects . The project has been staked out to give a better understanding . Millstone Road is a main arterial road in the Town , and is a vital element of the infrastructure . Feedback has been incorporated from the residents, to make the road safer for drivers, walkers and bikers . Permitting has been paused at the State and local level . He is hoping a compromise can be reached for the big picture goals, and the concerns being issued . Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair None . I Questions from the Media None . Next Meetings : February 10, 16, 22 , and 24 Adjournment Selectperson Whitney moved to adjourn at 8e09pm , 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 dr ze' i Approved : —c -t” ,P12 Signed . Date Selectperson BinghanVlerk of the Board of Selectman i Accompanying Documents in Packet: Agenda , TA Report documents, Consent Items, FYI Packet, Budget Presentation, SB FY21-22Strategic Plan, FY22 Budget Calendar, Election Warrant Sample, Ballot Sample, Debt Exclusion Language Sample, NRHS packet i s i i i r i { 1 l i I www , brewster-ma . gov BoS 02-08-21 Page 6 of 6 3