HomeMy Public PortalAboutSelect Board -- 2021-02-22 Minutes .. . �9 Town of Brewster Office of:
o + o +�+ . s Select Board
; 2198 Main Street Town Administrator
o t Brewster, MA 02631 - 1898
r - 4 Phone : ( 508) 896=3701
4 Fax : ( 508) 896= 8089
MINUTES OF THE SELECT BOARD REGULAR SESSION MINUTES
DATE : February 22, 2021
TIME : 6 : 00 PM
PLACE : Remote Teleconference
ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE PARTICIPATING REMOTELY : Chair Chaffee , Selectperson Whitney, Selectperson
Bingham , Selectperson deRuyter, Selectperson Chatelain , Town Administrator Peter Lombardi , Town
Administrator Susan Broderick, Town Administrator Donna Kalinick, 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 : 01pm, conducted a roll call vote of attendance, declared a
quorum present, and read the meeting participation and recording statements .
Chair Chaffee stated that the Board would be going into executive session to discuss strategy with respect to
collective bargaining as an open meeting will have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the
public body and the chair so declares : [ AFF Local 3763 , and would be returning to open session .
Executive Session ( Select Board plans to return to open session at 6 : 10 PM )
To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect
on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares (SEIU Local 888 and OPEIU Local 6 ) .
To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct
collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel ( Personnel Bylaw) .
Selectperson Bingham moved that the Board go into executive session at 6 : 02pm to discuss strategy with
respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position 1
of the public body and the chair so declares ( SEIU Local 888 and OPEIU Local 6 ) and to conduct strategy
sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions
or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel ( Personnel Bylaw), and will be returning to open session ,
a
Selectperson Chatelain second . A roll call vote was taken . Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Bingham -
yes, Selectperson deRuyter-yes, Selectperson Chatelain , Chair Chaffee -yes . The Board vote was 5 -yes, 0- No .
The Select Board returned to open session at 6 : 12pm .
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Review & Vote on Memoranda of Understanding with SEIU Local 888 , OPEIU Local 6, and Personnel Bylaw
Mr . Lombardi reviewed the 4 memoranda ' s new language regarding Snow and Ice Removal call back and the
extension of certain benefits in relation to Covid . Selectperson deRuyter moved to approve the memoranda
of understanding with SOL) 888, OPEIU Local 6, and Personnel Bylaw, Selectperson Bingham second . A roll
call vote was taken . Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Bingham-yes, Selectperson deRuyter-yes,
Selectperson Chatelain, Chair Chaffee-yes . The Board vote was 5 -yes, 0 - No .
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
Law the Select Board Is unable to re I but may add items resented to a future agenda*
minutes at the Chair's discretion. Under the open Meeting
None .
Select Board Announcements and Liaison Reports
None .
Town Administrator' s Report
Mr Lombardi updated the Board on the expanded resident eligibility of the vaccine . The State announced
starting March 1 , 2021 there will be no local vaccine clinics, focusing on regional and mass vaccination sites
instead . Any new vaccination information will be posted on the Town website . A letter was sent by the
members of the Cape and Island Delegations, Select Board members and Town Managers to Governor Baker
advocating for a vaccination site on Cape Cod . Regional and local public health data show a decline of Covid -
19 cases . Brewster cases have been in the single numbers for the past two weeks, however Brewster is still
designated as a Red Zone . Town offices could potentially open the week of March 8th, on Tuesdays and
Thursdays from 8 ; 30am -4pm . Chair Chaffee noted that the Brewster Select Board also sent a separate letter
to Governor Baker advocating for a local vaccination site .
Consent Agenda
Approve February 16 2021 Meeting Minutes
Selectperson Chatelain moved to approve the February 22 , 2021 consent agenda , Selectperson Bingham
second . A roll call vote was taken . Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Bingham -yes, Selectperson
deRuyter-yes, Selectperson Chatelain , Chair Chaffee -yes . The Board vote was 5 -yes, 0 - No .
Status Update on Millstone Road Pro ' ect
Mr . Lombardi gave a status summary of the project to date , including the original funding, internal and
external project advancements and public forums . A detailed memo and supporting documents were
included in the agenda packet . The goal of the Millstone Road project was to create ADA accessibility,
improve safety for vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic, provide better interconnection with existing
transportation network, and improve drainage facilities along the roadway . These goals informed the design
process and were consistent with initial public feedback and other key Town planning documents including
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the 2016 Biking Brewster Strategy produced by the Bikeways Committee and the 2018 Vision Plan . It is also
consistent with the Select Board ' s recent Climate Change and Net Zero Resolution made in October 2020 .
The project has been identified as a goal in recent Select Board Strategic Plans , Mr . Lombardi reviewed the
design elements, permitting and approvals needed , response and resolution to resident concerns , the re -
design process and the next steps of the project . Selectperson Bingham asked if the re -staking could denote
the outer edge of the sidewalk and the outer edge of the road . Mr . Lombardi clarified the meaning of the
Complete Streets policy . Selectperson deRuyter has hesitations to enter into a MOU with the Save Millstone
Road group, if they will not cease their campaign to halt the project . Selectperson Whitney asked for
clarification on the reduction of the shoulder separating the road and the sidewalk . He is concerned about
the safety of bicycle traffic, and the bicycle traffic on the sidewalk . Selectperson Chatelain asked about the
ability of a bike to traverse the curbing . Chair Chaffee referred to the one foot shoulder on Route 6A as a
similar example to the one proposed in the re - design . The side walk was reduced to the minimum under
State law, and the equipment used for snow removal is thought to be usable . The proposed number of trees
to be removed will be altered when the re- design is brought back to the 75 % design phase . The Planning
Board and Tree Warden are required to hold a hearing from the removal of shade trees in the right of way .
Replanting as mitigation will be done to compensate for the removals . Chair Chaffee opened the discussion
to public comment . Annie Dugan , 173 Beach Plum Lane, is in favor of sidewalks on Millstone Road for safety
purposes . Hal Minus, 377 Tubman Road , thanked the Town for the public engagement on this project, and
remarked on the reduction of carbon footprint the project encourages . Mr . Minis added that paths for
recreation and paths throughout town were a goal of the Vision Plan, and feels that the Millstone Road
project falls within those guidelines . Beth Finch , 26 Red Top Road , is in favor of sidewalks on Millstone Road
for bicycle, pedestrian and family use . William Henchy, 64 Old Meadow Road , has been negotiating %with Mr .
Lombardi on the Millstone Road project on behalf of the Save Millstone Road group . He noted the reasons
the group is in opposition of the project . He feels that a compromise has almost been meet , but still needs to
be further discussed . The core issue of geometry and realignment of the road is holding up the negotiations
of the MOU . He would like to continue negotiations with Mr . Lombardi . Katie Miller Jacobus, King Philip
Road , is in favor of the installation of sidewalks on Millstone Road for safety, health and wellness . Fran
Schofield , 161 Fox Meadow Drive , finds great value of living near the Rail Trail . She is a realtor and noted the
trend to move away from a vehicle orientated lifestyle . She feels that the installation of sidewalks will
improve the property value . Dick Koch , Zona Drive, is a former Brewster Police Chief and former Bikeways
Committee member . He stressed that it was crucial in Route 6A and Underpass Road to make field decisions
to benefit the residents . He feels there will always be opposition of change to some degree . Other roads in
town that are not wide enough for sidewalks are not being considered for alteration , but Millstone Road is .
He is in favor of the road improvement for bicycle and pedestrian safety . Kari Hoffman , Old Bog Road ,
referred to the Vision Plan in its relation to the project . She asked for a statement to convey that bicycles are
allowed to share sidewalks with pedestrians, so long as they yield to pedestrians . Police Chief Eldredge
confirmed the prior statement and explained that increased traffic enforcement will be in place on the road
to enforce the speed limits . Ms . Hoffman asked for the Chief' s statement to be captured and posted on the
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Town of Brewster Office of:
Select Board
2198 Main Street Town Administrator
�3 = Brewster, MA 026314898
�- w � Phone : (508) 896 =3701
R ¢ Fax : ( 508) 896= 8089
website for reference . Mr . Lombardi clarified that the road layout will be followed as it exists today, but the
layout will need to deviate if the current layout pushes the project into someone ' s yard or prevents drainage
installation . Selectperson deRuyter asked to have discussion with Mr . Henchy opened back up for
negotiations . Mr . Henchy would like involvement in the redesign . Selectperson Chatelain is sensitive to road
improvement issues and understands residents need for input on the design . He asked if there is a way to
characterize the feelings of Millstone Road residents specifically . Mr . Ellis has been in the direct field with
residents on the road , while Mr . Lombardi has been dealing directly with Mr . Henchy as their representative .
Mr . Ellis responded to the question of the curb . Access to the sidewalk would be at breaks in the road and
driveways . Mr . Ellis feels this is the most robust public engagement process that he has been a part of . The
public forum process lead the design of the project to date . Selectperson Bingham would like Mr . Lombardi
and Mr . Henchy attempt to further work out the MOU . Chair Chaffee feels this project has been an example
of a productive process, public engagement, and encourages the negotiations to continue . She noted the size
reduction of the project in response to the community' s response . She encouraged residents to review the
meetings and read the detailed memo on the project written by Mr . Lombardi . The Complete Streets policy
can be tailored to each road individually, and is not a one size fits all policy .
Review and Discuss Draft Spring 2021 Town Meeting Warrant
Mr . Lombardi reviewed the 26 articles in the spring 2021 town meeting warrant as they stand to date, which
include 3 citizen ' s petitions . The draft warrant was included in the packet for review . Spring Town Meeting is
scheduled for Saturday May 15 , 2021 .
For Your Information
No discussion .
_Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair
None .
Questions from the Media
Rich Eldred , Cape Codder, asked if the one foot shoulder on Millstone Road would accomplish the objective
of bicycle safety . Best practices for safe travel is a 5 foot bike lane, but was not feasible for this road . A 2 foot
shoulder provided more safety than the 1 foot shoulder, but given the travel lane reduction bicyclists can
choose to traverse the road way or the sidewalks .
Next Meeting s � March 1 , March 10, and March 15 , 2021
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Town of Brewster Office of:
0 0� •+, OP `y Select Board
*, 2198 Main Street Town Administrator
3 � Brewster, MA 02631 = 1898
Y �- Phone : (508) 896 = 3701
— Fax : (508) 896=8089
Adjournment
Selectperson Bingham moved to adjourn at 8 : 23pm , Selectperson deRuyter second . A roll call vote was
taken . 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
r
App roved * Signed :
Date Selectperson Bingham , Cler the Board of Selectman
Accompanying Documents in Packet; Agenda, TA Report documents, Consent Items, FYI Packet, Millstone Road documents, Draft 2021 Spring
Town Meeting Warrant, MOU' s,
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