HomeMy Public PortalAboutSelect Board Meeting Packet - 04.20.21
Town of Brewster Select Board
2198 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631
townadmin@brewster-ma.gov
(508) 896-3701
REVISED MEETING AGENDA
Remote Participation Only
April 20, 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: Passcode: 509224
To request to speak: Press *9 and wait to be recognized.
2. Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89092910526?pwd=WHM2V3hrVklhSTloWWhVU09kanUzQT09
Passcode: 509224
To request to speak: Tap Zoom “Raise Hand”, 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
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 Pgs. 2-44
8. Consent Agenda Pgs. 45-130
Approval of Regular Session Meeting Minutes: March 29, 2021
Fee Waiver Requests: Stony Brook School/Whitecaps Facility Improvement
Project; Water Department, Great Fields Road
Beach Access Permit: Anchor Marine for Access to Ellis Landing and Point of
Rocks
Refinance of Affordable Deed Restricted Home
Conservation Restrictions: 0 Slough Road & 0 Squantum Path
9. Town Meeting Logistics Update (Select Board FY21-22 Strategic Plan Goal PR-3) Pgs.
131-136
10. Cape Light Compact Update on Programs & New Part-Time Energy Manager (Select
Board FY21-22 Strategic Plan Goal CI-4) – Maggie Downey Pgs. 137-155
11. Status Update on Approved Brewster Marijuana Establishment: Cape Cod Grow Labs –
Chris Dias, Owner/Partner Pgs. 156-175
12. Discuss Select Board Progress on Vision Plan Goals with Representatives from Vision
Planning Committee (Select Board FY21-22 Strategic Plan Goal G-4) – Kari Hoffmann &
Sharon Tennstedt Pgs. 176-186
13. Discuss Proposed Short-Term Rental Revenue Allocation Policy (Select Board FY21-22
Strategic Plan Goals G-3 & H-1) Pgs. 187-199
14. For Your Information Pgs. 200-236
15. Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair
16. Questions from the Media
17. Next Meetings: May 3, May 15, May 24, and May 26, 2021
18. Adjournment
Date Posted: Date Revised: Received by Town Clerk:
04/15/2021 04/15/2021
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
Situation in Numbers
Massachusetts current as of 4/8
613,763 Total Confirmed Cases (click
here for more information)
17,022 Deaths among confirmed
cases
19,543,855 tests for the virus
conducted to date by MA State
Public Health Laboratory, hospitals,
and commercial laboratories.
United States Last Updated 4/8
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:
30,737,477 Total Cases
556,106 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.
Thursday, April 8, 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, 4/15/21.
In This Week’s Report:
• Latest Data: Public Health & Vaccine Data Update
• Week in Review: Key State Actions
o Individuals 55+ and Individuals with One Certain Medical
Condition Now Eligible for Vaccine
o Administration Adopts CDC Guidance for New Medical Conditions
to Expand Eligibility for More Individuals
o Administration Announces Expansion of Pre-Registration System
o Over $400 Million in New Federal Funding Now Available Through
Eviction Diversion Initiative
o FEMA to Begin Accepting Applications for COVID-19 Funeral
Assistance Starting 4/12
o DPH, Emergency Management, and Disaster Recovery Updates
o Holyoke and Chelsea Soldiers’ Homes Weekly Update
Helpful Links:
• COVID-19 Vaccine in Massachusetts
• Public Messaging Resources for Municipalities & Businesses
• Mass.gov/findfoodhelp
• Unemployment & COVID-19
• Reopening Massachusetts
• Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
• COVID-19 Cost Eligibility and Tracking Guidance
On Wednesday, Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito, joined by Secretary
of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders, Revere Mayor Brian Arrigo
and East Boston Neighborhood Health Center President & CEO Manny Lopes,
toured the vaccination site at the Oceanside Events Center in Revere.
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
Latest Data: COVID-19 Public Health Update
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
Weekly Public Health Report:
The Command Center released the Weekly Public Health Report on Thursday, 4/8. The report primarily includes
information related to cases and inspection data for Long Term Care Facilities. Data previously included in the
Weekly Report, including town-level data, contact tracing information (including active COVID cluster
information by Exposure Setting Type), are now presented in the Daily Interactive Dashboard.
Vaccine Update: For a more detailed weekly breakdown, visit the MA COVID-19 Vaccination Data webpage.
MA Dose Allocation Update:
This week, the Commonwealth received 444,930 first and second doses as part of the state allocation. These
figures do not include doses provided directly from the federal government to the Federal Retail Pharmacy
Program, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) or Community Vaccination Center (CVC). These numbers
include a one-time shipment of 108,800 J&J vaccines.
This week, first doses and second dose state allocations (total doses), were distributed among providers as
follows:
• Health systems and health care providers (excluding community health centers): 163,960
• Regional Collaboratives and Local Boards of Health: 118,230
• Mass vaccination locations: 115,890
• Community Health Centers state allocation only: 31,350
• Retail pharmacies (non-CVS) state allocation only: 4,500
• Mobile Clinics supporting long-term care facilities, congregate care, affordable/low-income senior
housing and homebound individuals: 10,000
Weekly allocations are subject to change based on federal availability, demand from providers, and obligations
to meet second doses. Providers have 10 days to use their doses and must meet specific performance
thresholds.
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
Federal Doses:
In addition to the state allocation, the federal government has increased its distribution of vaccines to CVS
Health sites as part of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Partnership as well as to certain Massachusetts federally
qualified community health centers. These quantities fluctuate on a weekly basis and are not counted as part of
the state’s weekly allocation but represent an increasing allocation to selected locations.
This week 254,490 first and second doses were allocated to the retail pharmacy program.
23 FQHCs received 88,400 doses directly from the Federal Government.
The Community Vaccination Clinic at the Hynes Convention Center was allocated 42,120 doses.
Week in Review: State Actions
Individuals 55+ and Individuals with One Certain Medical Condition Now Eligible for Vaccine
As of Monday, April 5th, residents 55+ and
residents with one certain medical condition are
now eligible to receive vaccine at any of the
Commonwealth’s over 300 vaccination locations,
including 269 pharmacy locations. With this
group, more than 1 million additional residents
will be eligible for vaccine in the Commonwealth.
The full timeline is available at
mass.gov/COVIDVaccinePhases.
The Administration was informed last week of a
one-time increased shipment of over 100,000 J&J
vaccines that arrived in the state earlier this
week. Depending on supply from the federal
government, it could take weeks for people to be
notified that an appointment is available at a
mass vaccination site.
Individuals can learn more about the
Commonwealth’s vaccination sites and pre-registration by visiting vaxfinder.mass.gov.
Administration Adopts CDC Guidance for New Medical Conditions to Expand Eligibility for More Individuals
In accordance with CDC guidelines, the Commonwealth has adopted recent additions to the list of conditions
that cause individuals to be at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Individuals with one of the following conditions are eligible for vaccination as of Monday, April 5th:
• Cancer
• Chronic kidney disease
• Chronic lung diseases, including COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma (moderate-to-
severe), interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension
• Dementia or other neurological conditions
• Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
On Tuesday, Governor Baker received the first dose of the
COVID-19 vaccine at the Hynes Convention Center mass
vaccination site.
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
• Down syndrome
• Heart conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies or hypertension)
• HIV infection
• Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system)
• Liver disease
• Overweight and obesity
• Pregnancy
• Sickle cell disease or thalassemia
• Smoking, current or former
• Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
• Stroke or cerebrovascular disease, which affects blood flow to the brain
• Substance use disorders
The Administration is building a feature into the pre-registration system to allow individuals who have already
registered to update their information to reflect the new medical conditions recognized by the CDC and
Massachusetts. This feature will be made available soon.
Administration Announces Expansion of Pre-Registration System
The Administration has announced the expansion of pre-registration to include some regional collaboratives and
improved features to allow for vaccination location selection during appointment booking.
Later this week, the Commonwealth’s preregistration system will expand to include the first regional
collaboratives to the system. The Amherst/Northampton and Marshfield regional collaboratives will be the first
to come online, and more regional collaboratives are working with the Command Center and tech teams to
ensure they meet the operational and technological requirements to be added to the preregistration system.
Next week, the user experience for the preregistration system will change for people who are contacted with
the opportunity to book appointments. People will have the opportunity to select their vaccination location
before proceeding to select from available appointments.
To date, around 1.5 million people have preregistered using the system, with over 800,000 having been
contacted with the opportunity to book appointments. The Administration will continue to make improvements
to the system in the weeks ahead, to make the process even easier as more people become eligible.
Over $400 Million in New Federal Funding Now Available Through Eviction Diversion Initiative
Today, the Administration announced that more
than $400 million in new federal funding from the
Consolidated Appropriations Act is now available
through the Administration’s Eviction Diversion
Initiative (EDI). First launched in October 2020, EDI
consists of a comprehensive set of resources that
serves individuals, families, and landlords in crisis
with financial aid, free and low-cost legal aid and
community mediation to keep people in their
homes. With a focus on preserving housing stability, the Administration has distributed approximately $80
million in state rental assistance to more than 18,000 households since the beginning of the State of Emergency
(data available via public dashboard).
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
As a result of extensive coordination detailed below, these efforts have contributed to the mitigation of the
anticipated crisis in evictions. Information tracked by the Massachusetts Trial Court shows a total of 626
executions issued in residential eviction cases from October 18, 2020 through March 28, 2021 for cases filed
after the state moratorium. This represents a reduction of nearly 85% compared to the number of executions
issued in residential eviction cases during the same span of time one year prior (3,807).
The infusion of more than $400 million in federal resources, which is expected to be supplemented by hundreds
of millions in additional dollars through the American Rescue Plan Act, allows the Commonwealth to
provide longer-term relief to low-income renters and landlords in crisis, while implementing system efficiencies
and processes for the future. This additional funding, and the flexibility created by federal regulations, enables
the Commonwealth to expand aid to more households, provide deeper and longer-term assistance to
households, and help households with utility payments. The Department of Housing and Community
Development (DHCD) has been investing heavily in and working closely with regional administering agencies
(RAAs) and the Rental Assistance Processing (RAP) Center to incorporate the new Federal Emergency Rental
Assistance Program (ERAP) funding into existing delivery service models for the Residential Assistance for
Families in Transition (RAFT) and Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) programs.
Funding highlights include:
• Income eligibility – households making up to 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) will be eligible for
funding (RAFT has an eligibility threshold of 50% of AMI).
• Longer-term assistance – households may be eligible for up to 12 months of rental arrears (plus an extra
3 months of stipends for future rent if funding allows and need is demonstrated), as well as overdue
utilities arrears up to $1,500. All rent and utility arrears must have been accrued after 3/13/20.
Currently, RAFT and ERMA can provide up to $10,000 per household for rental arrearages or stipends.
• Prioritization of funds for those most at risk, including those making less than 50% AMI and those
unemployed for 90 days or more.
In addition, DHCD, in partnership with MassHousing and the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP), will
launch a new program to allow qualified owners of income-restricted units, as well as Local Housing Authorities,
to apply for help directly on behalf of all of their income-eligible residents with past-due rent. The Subsidized
Housing Emergency Rental Assistance (SHERA) program will expedite relief for possibly tens of thousands of
eligible tenants in need, while also allowing administering agencies to concentrate on applications from non-
subsidized tenants in need of assistance.
Federal resources will also be made available to families who are eligible for Emergency Assistance (EA) Shelter,
by coupling ERAP rental assistance benefits with the existing HomeBASE benefit and housing services. This will
help those who owe arrears and are at risk of becoming unhoused, and those who are exiting EA shelter and
transitioning into permanent housing. The Administration is also pursuing two pilot initiatives: the first will allow
municipalities to provide targeted outreach and hands-on ERAP application support to communities with
demonstrated need and hard-to-reach populations, and the second provides targeted outreach strategies to
small landlords about the availability of ERAP and other state financial assistance programs.
Over the last nine months, DHCD and partners have worked to reduce paperwork, streamline the application
process, implement technology upgrades, and provide better language access. To increase capacity, DHCD and
regional agencies hired more than 200 new staff and created the new Rental Assistance Processing (RAP) Center
to lend added support with increased applications across the state. DHCD is also working to expand access and
awareness with a public information campaign and targeted outreach to vulnerable communities.
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
To address this immense increase in demand due to COVID-19, DHCD worked with administering agencies to
transform the RAFT program from a narrow, homelessness prevention program into a comprehensive disaster
relief program to stabilize renters and landlords. The RAFT program was more targeted in its aid, requiring a
court summons or other evidence that a household was facing an unstable situation, and was limited to $4,000
to address a short-term crisis. In past years, with an annual budget of roughly $20 million, RAFT served between
five and six thousand households. During this crisis, the state has already distributed about $80 million to more
than 18,000 households, more than tripling its annual output.
In February 2021 alone, the state served a record 5,463 households, spending $21.1 million through the RAFT
program to keep them in their homes. By comparison, in February 2020, the month before the start of the
public health emergency, the state issued $1.5 million in RAFT funds. February of 2021 represents approximately
a 1,300% increase in assistance over February of 2020. During the first three weeks of March, the state
distributed $23.6 million in RAFT payments to 7,445 households, putting the Commonwealth on track for
another record month. Payments from those three weeks alone represent more than the entire annual RAFT
budget in any fiscal year before the current fiscal year.
In addition, DHCD continues to see fewer families enter and stay in the family shelter system compared to the
previous year. Family shelter caseload in February 2021 was down approximately 20% compared to February
2020. Similar trends can be seen in the HomeBASE program, with new participants since October down between
30% and 60% each month compared to the preceding year. Moreover, while there was an initial increase in
post-moratorium eviction filings in November and December, new weekly eviction filings for non-payment of
rent have declined and have remained consistently below pre-pandemic levels in Calendar Year 2021.
Additionally, this week, the Centers for Disease Control extended its eviction moratorium through June 30, 2021.
The EDI effort combines financial assistance with resources for renters and landlords to avoid an eviction. The
COVID Eviction Legal Help Project (CELHP), a partnership with the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation,
Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, and the Volunteers Lawyers Project, provides free legal assistance to low-
income households facing an eviction, and free or low-cost assistance for low-income homeowners who live in a
home with rental units. Agencies have hired nearly 130 direct service staff to increase capacity, and more than
200 lawyers have been recruited to volunteer their time and expertise. To date, more than 1,000 cases have
been opened at legal aid organizations under this partnership. Additionally, with the Massachusetts Office of
Public Collaboration, professional, confidential mediation services are available across the Commonwealth for
tenants and landlords to solve lease or other housing issues outside of the court process.
FEMA to Begin Accepting Applications for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Starting 4/12
Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue
Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after
January 20, 2020. Starting on Monday, April 12, FEMA will begin accepting applications for Funeral Assistance
through a dedicated call center. Additional information on eligibility, required documentation, and how to apply
can be found by clicking here.
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
Important Updates
COVID-19 Cases in Long-Term Care (LTC) Facilities (as
of 4/8)
Residents/Healthcare Workers of
LTC Facilities 35,006
LTC Facilities Reporting at Least
One Case of COVID-19 424
Deaths Reported in LTC Facilities 9,013
Department of Public Health Updates:
• DPH issued the Weekly COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Bulletin, for the week of 4/8.
• DPH Epidemiology Line handled 436 COVID-19 calls and 90 non-COVID-19 calls for a total of 526 calls
from 3/29 through 4/4.
• As of 4/6, the Academic Public Health Volunteer Corps has 303 volunteers supporting 43 local boards of
health.
• MA211 received 5,148 calls from Monday 3/29 through Sunday 4/4 for a new total of 278,060. These
numbers do not reflect calls to the new appointment assistance call centers.
• MDPH coordinated 25 deliveries to health care entities on Tuesday (4/6) (1 PPE, 2 testing supplies, and
22 BinaxNOW kits); 22 deliveries were made on Thursday (4/8) (2 PPE, and 20 BinaxNOW kits) and 3
deliveries have been scheduled for Friday (4/9) (1 testing supplies and 2 BinaxNOW kits).
• All HMCC Regions are at Tier 2 status, in accordance with the DPH COVID-19 Resurgence Planning and
Response Guidance for Acute Care Hospitals. DPH and the COVID-19 Command Center will continue to
work closely with all regions to monitor hospital capacity statewide.
• There are currently 5 Rapid Response Teams, comprised of nursing staff, deployed to nursing homes
across the Commonwealth. Teams are also administering second doses of Pfizer vaccine to nursing and
rest home residents and vaccinating using Janssen vaccine at nursing homes and rest homes that have a
high number of residents that are unvaccinated.
Emergency Management and Disaster Recovery Updates:
Mass Care
• 2 state contracted isolation/recovery hotels in the communities of Everett and Pittsfield continue to
receive client placements: 46 individuals are currently housed in the program.
o Top 5 referring cities:
Boston (420)
Worcester (198)
Springfield (185)
Quincy (126)
Cambridge (120)
o To date, a total of 2,303 residents have been placed in these hotels for safe isolation and
recovery, an increase of 31 since last week.
Community Food Box Program Update 4/2-4/8:
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
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
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. 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
3,556 290 4
Logistics (including Personal Protective Equipment and Supplies)
• 89 orders prepared for pickup or delivery from the MEMA State Logistics Warehouse from 4/2-4/8.
• The Natick Mass Vaccination Site was supplied with 60,000 KN95. PPE deliveries were also made to
Curative Health, the Springfield vaccination site, and the Danvers vaccination site this week.
• 16 MPDH Community Health Center (CHC) program groups were supplied with 129,000 KN95 this week
• MDPH coordinated 25 deliveries to health care entities on Tuesday (4/6) (1 PPE, 2 testing supplies, and
22 BinaxNOW kits); 22 deliveries were made on Thursday (4/8) (2 PPE, and 20 BinaxNOW kits) and 3
deliveries have been scheduled for Friday (4/9) (1 testing supplies and 2 BinaxNOW kits).
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:
• FEMA Requests for Public Assistance: 664 (+1)
• Technical Assistant Requests: 522 (+4)
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
• Distributed guidance regarding FEMA’s updated COVID-19 Safe Opening and Medical Care interim
policies to all active applicants.
• New project obligations (2): $97,048.80
• Two State Agency projects were submitted to FEMA for review this week.
• FEMA obligated three new State Agency projects this week.
• MEMA has received 76 supplemental obligations for the 25% cost share match on projects that were
previously obligated at 75%.
Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Weekly Update (current as of 4/6/21)
● The Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke raised it iconic United States Flag to full staff as a symbol of hope for all
on Wednesday, March 31. 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, and continues to rebuild staff and leadership as we move forward.
● The Home continues to onboard staff, including this week a recreational therapist, and infection control
nurse, 2 CNAs, a ward clerk, and a lead staffing coordinator.
● After a public interview on Tuesday, March 30, the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke Board of Trustees voted to
appoint a Superintendent on Thursday, April 1, and the executive branch is working to onboard the
selection.
● 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 and is adopting new surveillance
testing guidance.
○ 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. 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.
○ All veteran residents’ health is being monitored and testing 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.
● The Baker-Polito Administration is moving forward on the expedited capital project to plan for the
future of the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, and the next step is passage of the $400 million bond bill which
would provide capital authorization for the major project to reconstruct the long-term care facility at
the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. Administration & Finance Secretary Michael Heffernan, Secretary of
Veterans’ Services Cheryl Lussier Poppe, and EOHHS Assistant Secretary for Administration and Finance
Alda Rego testified before the Joint Committee Bonding and Capital Authorization on Monday in support
of the bond bill, after the bill was reported favorably out of the Joint Committee on Public
Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
○ This bond bill is the next step of the expedited capital project, following the recommendations
laid out in the needs assessment report that was released on Veterans Day, following the Rapid
Planning Phase. Payette Associates is the design firm leading the design and planning phase,
building on the evaluation they previously completed, and developing a full project scope,
refining the plan, confirming the budget, timelines, and ensuring conformity with the regulatory
process. To meet the VA State Home Construction Grant’s April 15, 2021 deadline, the bond bill
must be enacted by mid-March, with a terms bill filed and enacted soon afterwards. The design
development phase must be completed by August 1, 2021 to be eligible for this cycle of the
grant program.
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○ The Commonwealth has been making capital investments to address the short and long-term
needs of the Home, including a short-term Refresh Project, a $6 million refresh of units to
significantly improve infection control for the residents and staff, and this longer-term Rapid
Planning Capital Project (www.mass.gov/HolyokeSHProject) for a future Soldiers’ Home in
Holyoke.
○ Phase III of the Refresh Project continues on the 4th Floor. The Refresh Project is an important
infection control initiative to improve the home in the immediate term for residents and staff.
● The Soldiers’ Home welcomed special Sunday visitation on April 4 so that families could celebrate Easter
together. Loved ones can visit during expanded in-person visitation hours into the evening on
Wednesdays, with visits open Tuesday – Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. –
7:00 p.m.
○ The Home re-opened in-person visitation for veteran residents and their loved ones, starting
February 10, 2021, and since then has hosted 708 visitors.
○ The Home is implementing updated guidance from DPH to ensure the safety and wellbeing of
residents, staff, and those visiting. All visitors are screened and required to wear PPE and social
distance, and negative test results are strongly encouraged before visiting. There is designated
visitation space at each Home, and high touch surfaces are sanitized after each visit.
○ At least 24 slots will be offered each day, and visits are scheduled for at least 45 minutes. Visits
can be scheduled by calling the Family Line at 413-552-4764. 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
○ The Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke will also continue to offer and support virtual visitation. The
Family Line is available for ad hoc updates with support from social work and clinical staff.
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 hosted 3 onsite vaccination clinics, the last on February 9. The first and
second vaccination clinics were held on December 29 and January 19. Following the completion of the
vaccination clinics:
○ 117 veteran residents and 225 staff have received both doses.
○ 1 veteran resident and 11 staff have received their first dose.
○ The Home is strongly encouraging all staff to receive the vaccine. On top of the efforts to
provide educational information about the COVID-19 vaccine, including COVID-19 vaccine FAQ
sheets, and vaccine informational forums with clinical staff, individuals who had not been
vaccinated received individual outreach to provide education and encourage vaccination. All
educational materials are available in both English and Spanish.
● The Soldiers’ Home continues to work with Home Base, a veteran support organization that is a
partnership of the Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital, to help improve the quality
of life, increase psychosocial interventions to address isolation during the pandemic. Home Base has
linked us to interactive virtual concerts provided by professional and amateur volunteers, 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. Home Base has extended their free veteran
counseling offerings to our Soldier’s Home families and staff.
● 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 April 6 is as follows:
○ Status:
■ 0 veteran residents are positive and not clinically recovered
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WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
■ 44 veteran residents are negative
■ 0 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.
■ 71 veteran residents have been determined clinically recovered
■ 0 veteran residents have refused testing
○ Resident locations:
■ 111 veteran residents are onsite
■ 4 veteran residents are offsite
● 2 are receiving acute care offsite
● 2 domiciliary veterans are on an extended leave of absence
○ Since March 1, 2020, there have been 77 deaths of veteran residents who tested positive
○ Following the most recent staff surveillance testing
■ 0 are positive
■ All others who previously tested positive are clinically recovered
Chelsea Soldiers’ Home Weekly Update (current as of 4/6/21)
● The Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea has re-opened in-person visitation for veteran residents and their loved
ones, starting February 10, 2021, and has since hosted 236 in-person visits with veterans.
○ Visitation is offered 7 days a week 9 AM to 7:30 PM. The Home is implementing updated
guidance from DPH to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents, staff, and those visiting.
○ Eight visitation slots will be offered each day, and visits will be scheduled for at least 45 minutes
long.
○ The Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea also continues to offer and support virtual visitation.
○ Families can request updates on their loved ones by contacting their assigned social worker, or
emailing the Home at CSH@mass.gov. Medical information can only be shared with an
authorized health care proxy.
● The Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea hosted 3 onsite vaccination clinics, the last on February 9. The first and
second vaccination clinics were held on December 29 and 30, and January 19 and 20. Following the
completion of the onsite vaccination clinics:
○ 159 residents and 208 staff have received both doses
○ 6 veteran residents and 67 staff have received their first dose.
● 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.
● 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 continues to follow infection control procedures and maintaining best
practices for the safety of veteran residents and staff and is adopting new surveillance testing guidance
following updated Guidance from the Department of Public Health.
○ 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. 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 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
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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 April 6 is as follows:
○ Residents
■ 0 veteran residents are positive
■ 124 veteran residents are negative
■ 48 veteran residents have recovered, meaning they previously tested positive and are
now clinically recovered
■ 0 veteran residents have pending tests
■ Since March 1, 2020, there have been 31 deaths of veteran residents who tested
positive
○ Following the most recent staff surveillance testing:
■ 0 employees are positive
■ All other employees who previously tested positive have been determined clinically
recovered
Communications Resources
Campaign videos added
Two new :15 second videos have been added to Trust the
Facts, Get the Vax Campaign Materials | Mass.gov. Feel free
to use them in your outreach:
• What You Need to Know
• Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones
New ‘Trusted Sources’ PSAs
Our latest videos come from Grant Williams of the Boston
Celtics and Kim Janey, Mayor of Boston. Please share these
posts via your networks using our #TrusttheFacts hashtag.
Eligibility graphics
• Use these new graphics for your newsletters and social
media showing COVID-19 vaccine eligibility dates for
everyone who lives, works, or studies in Massachusetts.
FAQ for certain workers eligible in Phase 2
• Visit COVID-19 vaccinations for certain workers | Mass.gov for an FAQ and other COVID-19 vaccine
eligibility requirements and information for workers in certain categories.
Guidance for people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19
• Until more people are vaccinated, prevention measures will be necessary, even for individuals fully
vaccinated. Review MA’s Guidance for people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
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CDC ‘plain language’ materials in multiple languages
• Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines
• Communication Resources for COVID-19 Vaccines
• Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines
• Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine
Other Public Messaging Resources for Communities:
The COVID-19 Command Center and DPH have produced many
communication resources aimed at helping communities inform and
educate residents on recent executive orders and guidance related to
COVID-19.
• Trust the Facts, Get the Vax Campaign Materials | Mass.gov
• COVID-19 Vaccine Posters | Mass.gov
• Preparing for your COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment flier |
Mass.gov
• Guide to hosting a forum on the COVID-19 Vaccine | Mass.gov
Visitors to COVID-19 resources for municipalities webpage will find these
new resources, and additional flyers, posters, and digital resources in
multiple languages on topics such as:
• When can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
• Statewide guidelines, advisories, and orders
• Staying safe in the community
• Using local public alert systems for COVID-19 information
• Materials for Business, including:
o Return to work guidance
o Employee Screening Questionnaire
o Business guidance – New, Temporary Capacity Limits
o Updated safe store tips for retailers
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
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• Hosting online classes to foster resilience and facilitate coping skills
• 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 tool 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
• 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
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WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
have fully recovered from COVID-19 have antibodies in their plasma that can attack the virus. This convalescent
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
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
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Situation in Numbers
Massachusetts current as of 4/15
626,550 Total Confirmed Cases (click
here for more information)
17,087 Deaths among confirmed
cases
20,146,905 tests for the virus
conducted to date by MA State
Public Health Laboratory, hospitals,
and commercial laboratories.
United States Last Updated 4/15
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:
31,231,869 Total Cases
561,356 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.
Mo Thursday, April 15, 2021
CO COVID-19 Command Center
Ma Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
CCenterSituation Report 23
Situation Update
The Command Center Situation Report is published weekly. The
next report will be published on Thursday, 4/22/21.
In This Week’s Report:
• Latest Data: Public Health & Vaccine Data Update
• Week in Review: Key State Actions
o Baker Administration Announces Targeted Equity Partnership with
Boston Red Sox/Community Partners and Additional Sites on Pre-
registration System
o MA Aligns Public Dashboard Data for Long-Term Care Deaths with
CDC, National Standards
o DPH, Emergency Management, and Disaster Recovery Updates
o Holyoke and Chelsea Soldiers’ Homes Weekly Update
Helpful Links:
• COVID-19 Vaccine in Massachusetts
• FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance
• Public Messaging Resources for Municipalities & Businesses
• Mass.gov/findfoodhelp
• Unemployment & COVID-19
• Reopening Massachusetts
• Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
• COVID-19 Cost Eligibility and Tracking Guidance
Wednesday, the Baker-Polito Administration, in partnership with the Boston Red Sox,
The BASE, El Mundo, CIC Health, and FEMA, announced a week-long initiative to boost
vaccine access to populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Red Sox Week
at the Hynes will take place from April 19th to the 25th, with 20,000 first dose
vaccination appointments being booked for communities of c olor. (See story below.)
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Latest Data: COVID-19 Public Health Update
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Weekly Public Health Report:
The Command Center released the Weekly Public Health Report on Thursday, 4/15. The report primarily
includes information related to cases and inspection data for Long Term Care Facilities. Data previously included
in the Weekly Report, including town-level data, contact tracing information (including active COVID cluster
information by Exposure Setting Type), are now presented in the Daily Interactive Dashboard.
Vaccine Update: For a more detailed weekly breakdown, visit the MA COVID-19 Vaccination Data webpage.
MA Dose Allocation Update:
This week, the Commonwealth received 353,660 first and second doses the state’s allocation. These figures do
not include doses provided directly from the federal government to the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program,
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) or Community Vaccination Center (CVC).
These numbers include 12,400 J&J doses that have been paused in accordance with FDA and CDC guidance.
This week, first doses and second dose state allocations (total doses), were distributed among providers as
follows:
• Health systems and health care providers (excluding community health centers): 129,300
• Regional Collaboratives and Local Boards of Health: 66,500
• Mass vaccination locations: 121,520
• Community Health Centers state allocation only: 21,640
• Retail pharmacies (non-CVS) state allocation only: 8,000
• Mobile Clinics supporting long-term care facilities, congregate care, affordable/low-income senior
housing, and homebound individuals: 6,400
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Weekly allocations are subject to change based on federal availability, demand from providers, and obligations
to meet second doses. Providers have 10 days to use their doses and must meet specific performance
thresholds.
Federal Doses:
In addition to the state allocation, the federal government has distributed over 270,000 vaccines to CVS Health
sites as part of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Partnership as well as to certain Massachusetts federally qualified
community health centers.
This week, 130,510 first and second doses were allocated to the retail pharmacy program.
23 FQHCs received 57,610 doses directly from the Federal Government.
The Community Vaccination Clinic at the Hynes Convention Center was allocated 84,240 doses.
These quantities also include J&J doses that have been put on pause, per FDA and CDC recommendation.
Week in Review: State Actions
Baker Administration Announces Targeted Equity Partnership with Boston Red Sox/Community Partners and
Additional Sites on Pre-registration System
On Wednesday, the Baker-Polito Administration
announced “Red Sox Week” at the Hynes Convention
Center to increase access to vaccines for
disproportionately impacted communities. The
Administration also announced additional regional
collaboratives that will now be available for booking
appointments on the Commonwealth’s pre-
registration system.
Red Sox Week
The Baker- Polito Administration, in partnership with the
Boston Red Sox, The BASE, El Mundo, CIC Health, and
FEMA, has kicked-off a week-long initiative to boost
vaccine access to populations disproportionately
impacted by COVID-19. Red Sox Week at the Hynes will
take place from April 19th to the 25th, with 20,000 first dose vaccination appointments being booked for
communities of color. Grassroots outreach efforts began this week in Equity Communities to fill the
appointments. Appointments are being scheduled through grassroots outreach efforts by community partners
including the Red Sox Foundation, El Mundo, The BASE, Archipelago Strategies Group, Healthcare for All, and
Boston Public Health Commission.
Red Sox Week at the Hynes is dedicated to creating a positive vaccination experience that celebrates and honors
the diverse cultures across the Commonwealth. Red Sox Week at the Hynes will include bi-lingual Spanish-
speaking staff and volunteers, added Spanish signage to help direct guests through the onsite registration and
vaccination process as well as Red Sox themed attractions including: a selfie station, Red Sox trophies, socially-
distanced visits with Wally the Green Monster and a raffle to win tickets to a Red Sox game.
From Left: Sam Kennedy, president and CEO of the
Boston Red Sox, Alberto Vasallo, president and CEO of El
Mundo Boston, and Robert Lewis, Jr., founder and
president of The Base, speak at Wednesday’s
announcement.
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Residents who have their second doses scheduled for the Hynes next week will have their appointments
honored.
Regional Collaboratives
This week, four additional regional collaboratives will be added to the preregistration booking system. The
Northborough, West Springfield, Palmer and Northampton regional collaboratives will be available for
preregistration later this week.
Additionally, users can now select their vaccination location before selecting from available appointments. Once
a user receives a booking link or code, they will proceed to a page similar to the Commonwealth’s VaxFinder
tool. Users will be able to select the vaccination location that works best for them, and then view and select
available appointments for that location.
To date, over 1.6 million people have preregistered using the state’s system, with around 1 million having been
contacted with the opportunity to book appointments. The Administration will continue to make improvements
to the system in the weeks ahead, to make the process even easier as more people become eligible.
Important Updates
Massachusetts Aligns Public Dashboard Data for Long-Term Care Deaths with CDC, National Standards
Starting today, the Department of Public Health (DPH) will use the CDC’s national definition standard on the
weekly public dashboard for deaths in long-term care facilities. This data is already collected by DPH and
submitted to the CDC and is consistent with how other states report this data using a more precise definition.
The Department will continue to collect and post the same categories of data, and in aligning with this federal
definition, will better inform the long-term care community about COVID-19 deaths now that there is more
information available on the virus. This revision also comports with the reporting requirements of the
legislatively enacted Chapter 93 of the Acts of 2020 in June 2020.
Massachusetts collects some of the most robust and detailed data in the country for COVID-19, continues to
update the information and uses this information to manage the pandemic to ensure the health and safety of
residents. To date, the Commonwealth has defined a long-term care COVID death as any resident in a facility
who contracted COVID at any time prior to their death in a facility or a hospital or other location – even those
who later recovered. The federal definition, which will be reflected in the weekly dashboard for April 15,
continues to specify a long-term care COVID death as a resident in a facility who died specifically from COVID-
related complications, whether the death occurred in the facility or a hospital or other location – but not those
who were assessed as having recovered from COVID-19. This definition is consistent with the measures used by
the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health Safety Network (NHSN) and adopted by
most states.
“Every life lost due to COVID-19 is a heartbreaking tragedy and DPH is dedicated to providing the most accurate
and up-to-date information for our providers, medical community and the public both in Massachusetts and
nationwide to track this virus and understand its impact on our most vulnerable populations,” said DPH State
Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown. “By aligning the long-term death count on the state’s weekly dashboard
with federal definitions for long-term care facilities, Massachusetts is aligning with the definition that other
states use. DPH also believes this definition better supports long-term care facilities now that so many residents
and staff are vaccinated to closely monitor the effect of COVID in a well-vaccinated but vulnerable population.”
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
Massachusetts is one of the few states in the nation that has passed state laws on COVID-19 reporting, and in
June enacted Chapter 93 of the Acts of 2020 to capture and publicly report resident and staff cases and deaths
directly related to COVID-19. This reporting has enabled DPH to identify and provide a public health response to
any clusters or trends.
“The Command Center’s decision to align the Commonwealth with the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety
Network definition of a COVID-related death in a long-term care facility is important. In early April of 2020,
Massachusetts led the nation by being among the first states to establish a transparent policy of collecting,
documenting, and making publicly available COVID-19 infections and deaths among residents and staff in
nursing facilities. Later, the federal government announced a similar transparency policy, but with a different
definition of a COVID-19 related death,” said Massachusetts Senior Care Association President Tara Gregorio.
“While today’s decision to align with the federal system’s definition will allow for standardization of data and
metrics, we continue to be devastated by the staggering loss of life and illness in the Commonwealth’s nursing
facilities. And we remain committed to doing all we can to continue to prevent and contain a resurgence of the
virus in nursing facilities.”
As of April 5, 2021 (last week’s Weekly Report), cumulative reported data showed 6,722 COVID-19-related long-
term care deaths, including deaths among probable and recovered cases. Using the updated federal definition,
as of April 12, 2021, reported data showed 5,502 COVID-19 related deaths (whether they died in the facility or
another location such as a hospital). Applying this more precise definition to the data revises the number of
COVID-19 deaths in long-term care facilities by 1,220.
A footnote will be included in the Weekly Report to indicate that
starting April 15, DPH has updated its weekly report to remove any
long-term care deaths attributed to residents who had recovered
from COVID, in alignment with the CDC. When the number of
deaths is between 1-4 residents, the number is suppressed to
protect the identity of the resident.
Department of Public Health Updates:
• DPH and the Command Center are working with a variety of partners on “Red Sox Week at the Hynes”
to boost vaccine access for communities most disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
• ‘Trusted Sources’ PSAs: DPH is asking a variety of spokespeople to self-record short videos promoting
COVID vaccine trust. Our latest comes from Dr. Eduardo Haddad, Lawrence General Hospital. Partners
are sharing via social media using our #TrusttheFacts hashtag.
• DPH issued a Health Alert regarding Cases of Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia
after Receipt of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine.
• DPH Epidemiology Line received 453 COVID calls and 86 non-COVID-19 calls for a total of 539 calls from
4/5 through 4/11.
• Time-Sensitive Funding Opportunity- Supporting Community-based Organizations to Increase
Vaccination Coverage Across Different Racial and Ethnic Adult Populations Currently Experiencing
Disparities.
o View CBO Vaccination Coverage RFP
o View Funding Restrictions
o Release Date: Monday, April 12, 2021
o Applicant Conference Call: Monday, April 19, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.
o Response Due Date: Monday, April 26, 2021, 12:00 p.m. EDT
• As of 4/15, the Academic Public Health Volunteer Corps has 306 volunteers supporting 43 local boards
of health.
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• There were 8 deliveries made on Thursday (4/15) (1 testing supplies, and 7 BinaxNOW kits) and 5
deliveries have been scheduled for Friday (4/16) (2 testing supplies and 3 BinaxNOW kits).
• DPH issued updated guidance about monoclonal antibody therapies: Updates for Patients Receiving
COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibodies Therapeutic Infusions, Bamlanivimab/Etesevimab and REGEN-COV
(Casirimab/Imdevimab)
• DPH issued updated guidance to long-term care (LTC) facilities: Update to Vaccination of Long-Term
Care Residents and Staff following the Federal Pharmacy Partnership Program. LTC pharmacies may
now request COVID-19 vaccine for LTC residents and staff.
• All HMCC Regions are at Tier 2 status, in accordance with the DPH COVID-19 Resurgence Planning and
Response Guidance for Acute Care Hospitals. DPH and the COVID-19 Command Center will continue to
work closely with all regions to monitor hospital capacity statewide.
• There are currently 5 Rapid Response Teams, comprised of nursing staff, deployed to nursing homes
across the Commonwealth. Teams are also administering second doses of Pfizer vaccine to nursing and
rest home residents and vaccinating using Janssen vaccine at nursing homes and rest homes that have a
high number of residents that are unvaccinated.
Emergency Management and Disaster Recovery Updates:
Mass Care
• 2 state contracted isolation/recovery hotels in the communities of Everett and Pittsfield continue to
receive client placements: 51 individuals are currently housed in the program.
o The last guests are scheduled to leave Hilton Garden Inn in Pittsfield on 4/19. Hotel will close
and be fully demobilized by the end of next week.
o Statewide census: 52
o Top 5 referring cities:
▪ Boston (433)
▪ Worcester (198)
▪ Springfield (185)
▪ Quincy (127)
▪ Cambridge (120)
o To date, a total of 2,344 residents have been placed in these hotels for safe isolation and
recovery, an increase of 41 since last week.
Community Food Box Program Update 4/9-4/15:
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. 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
2,070 1,150 4
Logistics (including Personal Protective Equipment and Supplies)
• 78 orders prepared for shipment or delivery from the MEMA State Logistics Warehouse from 4/9-4/15
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• As part of these orders, MDPH Community Health Centers, MDPH Community Grant Programs, and
Command Center Vaccine Equity Programs are being supported
• Orders are also being processed to support Housing Authorities and School Districts, in coordination
with both DHCD and DESE.
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:
• FEMA RPA Requests: 664
• Technical Assistant Requests: 524 (+2)
• TOTAL New project obligations (17): $20,317,514.10, including two new State Agency PW’s: MEMA –
Mass Fatality; DCR – Signage.
• Provided technical assistance to all entities with active FEMA vaccination projects to ensure they
submitted the required equity reporting documentation by 4/14/21.
• Distributed updated guidance on Public Assistance audit considerations and COVID-19 vaccination
project requirements.
• Updated COVID webpage on Vaccination cost reimbursement.
Funeral Assistance
• FEMA began processing applications for funeral assistance starting on 4/12. FEMA will provide financial
assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020 (learn more here).
FEMA COVID Funeral Assistance Program registration as of 4/14/21:
Disaster State Registrations In Process Eligible Award Amount Withdrawn Ineligible
4496 MA 1,201 1,201 0 $0.00 0 0
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NOTE: The Soldiers’ Homes are continuing regular reporting on the status of COVID-19 cases at the facilities but
are transitioning the weekly reporting to the EOHHS State Facility Dashboard which is published every
Wednesday afternoon. Cases will be reported weekly each Wednesday on this dashboard beginning next week.
Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Weekly Update (current as of 4/13/21)
● The Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke raised it iconic United States Flag to full staff as a symbol of hope for all
on Wednesday, March 31.
● 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, and continues
to rebuild staff and leadership as we move forward. The Home continues to onboard staff, and last week
brought on an additional recreational therapist, and infection control nurse, 2 CNAs, a ward clerk, and a
lead staffing coordinator.
● After a public interview on Tuesday, March 30, the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke Board of Trustees voted to
appoint a Superintendent on Thursday, April 1, and the executive branch is working to onboard the
selection.
● This week, the Commonwealth is submitting its initial grant application to the VA State Home
Construction Grant Program, the first step in the process to apply for up to 65% project reimbursement.
○ The expedited capital project is following the recommendations laid out in the needs
assessment report that was released on Veterans Day, following the Rapid Planning Phase.
Payette Associates is the design firm leading the design and planning phase, building on the
evaluation they previously completed, and developing a full project scope, refining the plan,
confirming the budget, timelines, and ensuring conformity with the regulatory process.
● Concurrently, the $400 million bond bill which would provide capital authorization for the major project
to reconstruct the long-term care facility at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, continues to move forward,
having passed favorably out of the Joint Committee Bonding and Capital Authorization.
○ The sooner the bond bill is passed, the longer the Division of Capital Asset Management and
Maintenance has to complete the design development phase (usually a 9-12 month process) by
the deadline of August 1, 2021 to be eligible for this cycle of the grant program.
○ The Commonwealth has been making capital investments to address the short and long-term
needs of the Home, including a short-term Refresh Project, a $6 million refresh of units to
significantly improve infection control for the residents and staff, and this longer-term Rapid
Planning Capital Project (www.mass.gov/HolyokeSHProject) for a future Soldiers’ Home in
Holyoke.
○ Phase III of the Refresh Project continues on the 4th Floor. The Refresh Project is an important
infection control initiative to improve the home in the immediate term for residents and staff.
● 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 and is adopting new surveillance
testing guidance.
○ 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. 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.
○ All veteran residents’ health is being monitored and testing 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.
● Last Wednesday, the Home was notified that two staff members (one direct care, one non direct care)
tested positive for COVID-19 through the surveillance testing program. Upon notification of the results,
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
the individuals were immediately directed to isolate at home per CDC and DPH guidance and Veterans
and families on the affected units were notified.
○ Following updated guidance from the Department of Public Health for long term care facilities,
as staff testing result indicated positive COVID-19 test results, the Home increased frequency
testing of all residents and staff and had to temporarily pause visitation until full house testing
was complete.
○ The Home will be doing increased testing until there are no new positive COVID-19 test results
for 7 days.
○ As of Friday, April 9, Visitation is open on all but 2 units. Visitation is suspended on these 2 units
for 14 days per DPH guidance.
○ The recreation department has increased activities with veterans during these two weeks and
encourages families and loved ones to schedule video or phone calls by calling your Social
Worker or the Family Line at 413-552-4764.
● The Soldiers’ Home expanded in-person visitation hours into the evening on Wednesdays, with visits
open Tuesday – Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
○ The Home re-opened in-person visitation for veteran residents and their loved ones, starting
February 10, 2021, and since then has hosted 741 visitors.
○ The Home is implementing updated guidance from DPH to ensure the safety and wellbeing of
residents, staff, and those visiting. All visitors are screened and required to wear PPE and social
distance, and negative test results are strongly encouraged before visiting. There is designated
visitation space at each Home, and high touch surfaces are sanitized after each visit.
○ At least 24 slots will be offered each day, and visits are scheduled for at least 45 minutes. Visits
can be scheduled by calling the Family Line at 413-552-4764. 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
○ The Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke will also continue to offer and support virtual visitation. The
Family Line is available for ad hoc updates with support from social work and clinical staff.
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 hosted 3 onsite vaccination clinics, the last on February 9. The first and
second vaccination clinics were held on December 29 and January 19. Following the completion of the
vaccination clinics:
○ 117 veteran residents and 225 staff have received both doses.
○ 1 veteran resident and 11 staff have received their first dose.
○ The Home is strongly encouraging all staff to receive the vaccine. On top of the efforts to
provide educational information about the COVID-19 vaccine, including COVID-19 vaccine FAQ
sheets, and vaccine informational forums with clinical staff, individuals who had not been
vaccinated received individual outreach to provide education and encourage vaccination. All
educational materials are available in both English and Spanish.
● The Soldiers’ Home continues to work with Home Base, a veteran support organization that is a
partnership of the Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital, to help improve the quality
of life, increase psychosocial interventions to address isolation during the pandemic. Home Base has
linked us to interactive virtual concerts provided by professional and amateur volunteers, 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. Home Base has extended their free veteran
counseling offerings to our Soldier’s Home families and staff.
● 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
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
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 April 13 is as follows:
○ Status:
■ 0 veteran residents are positive and not clinically recovered
■ 2 veteran residents are negative
■ 113 veteran residents have a pending test, due to increased testing frequency following
staff positive.
● All 71 veteran residents who are clinically recovered have pending tests this
week due to increased testing
■ 0 veteran residents have refused testing
○ Resident locations:
■ 111 veteran residents are onsite
■ 4 veteran residents are offsite
● 2 are receiving acute care offsite
● 2 domiciliary veterans are on an extended leave of absence
○ Since March 1, 2020, there have been 77 deaths of veteran residents who tested positive
○ Following the most recent staff surveillance testing
■ 2 are positive
■ All others who previously tested positive are clinically recovered
Chelsea Soldiers’ Home Weekly Update (current as of 4/13/21)
● The Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea has re-opened in-person visitation for veteran residents and their loved
ones, starting February 10, 2021, and has since hosted 266 in-person visits with veterans.
○ Visitation is offered 7 days a week 9 AM to 7:30 PM. The Home is implementing updated
guidance from DPH to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents, staff, and those visiting.
○ Eight visitation slots will be offered each day, and visits will be scheduled for at least 45 minutes
long.
○ The Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea also continues to offer and support virtual visitation.
○ Families can request updates on their loved ones by contacting their assigned social worker, or
emailing the Home at CSH@mass.gov. Medical information can only be shared with an
authorized health care proxy.
● The Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea hosted 3 onsite vaccination clinics, the last on February 9. The first and
second vaccination clinics were held on December 29 and 30, and January 19 and 20. Following the
completion of the onsite vaccination clinics:
○ 159 residents and 208 staff have received both doses
○ 6 veteran residents and 67 staff have received their first dose.
● 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.
● 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 continues to follow infection control procedures and maintaining best
practices for the safety of veteran residents and staff and is adopting new surveillance testing guidance
following updated Guidance from the Department of Public Health.
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
○ 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. 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 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 April 13 is as follows:
○ Residents
■ 0 veteran residents are positive
■ 124 veteran residents are negative
■ 48 veteran residents have recovered, meaning they previously tested positive and are
now clinically recovered
■ 0 veteran residents have pending tests
■ Since March 1, 2020, there have been 31 deaths of veteran residents who tested
positive
○ Following the most recent staff surveillance testing:
■ 0 employees are positive
■ All other employees who previously tested positive have been determined clinically
recovered
Communications Resources
Campaign videos added
Two new :15 second videos have been added to Trust the
Facts, Get the Vax Campaign Materials | Mass.gov. Feel free
to use them in your outreach:
• What You Need to Know
• Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones
New ‘Trusted Sources’ PSAs
Our latest videos come from Grant Williams of the Boston
Celtics and Kim Janey, Mayor of Boston. Please share these
posts via your networks using our #TrusttheFacts hashtag.
Eligibility graphics
• Use these new graphics for your newsletters and social
media showing COVID-19 vaccine eligibility dates for
everyone who lives, works, or studies in Massachusetts.
FAQ for certain workers eligible in Phase 2
• Visit COVID-19 vaccinations for certain workers | Mass.gov for an FAQ and other COVID-19 vaccine
eligibility requirements and information for workers in certain categories.
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
Guidance for people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19
• Until more people are vaccinated, prevention measures will be necessary, even for individuals fully
vaccinated. Review MA’s Guidance for people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
CDC ‘plain language’ materials in multiple languages
• Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines
• Communication Resources for COVID-19 Vaccines
• Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines
• Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine
Other Public Messaging Resources for Communities:
The COVID-19 Command Center and DPH have produced many
communication resources aimed at helping communities inform and
educate residents on recent executive orders and guidance related to
COVID-19.
• Trust the Facts, Get the Vax Campaign Materials | Mass.gov
• COVID-19 Vaccine Posters | Mass.gov
• Preparing for your COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment flier |
Mass.gov
• Guide to hosting a forum on the COVID-19 Vaccine | Mass.gov
Visitors to COVID-19 resources for municipalities webpage will find these
new resources, and additional flyers, posters, and digital resources in
multiple languages on topics such as:
• When can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
• Statewide guidelines, advisories, and orders
• Staying safe in the community
• Using local public alert systems for COVID-19 information
• Materials for Business, including:
o Return to work guidance
o Employee Screening Questionnaire
o Business guidance – New, Temporary Capacity Limits
o Updated safe store tips for retailers
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:
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
• 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
• 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 tool 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
• Donate to the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
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
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
1
Donna Kalinick
From:Amy von Hone
Sent:Tuesday, April 13, 2021 12:46 PM
To:website
Subject:FW: Statement from the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment on Johnson
& Johnson Vaccine
Importance:High
Amy L. von Hone, R.S., C.H.O.
Brewster Health Director
(O) 508.896.3701 X1120
(F) 508.896.4538
From: Bethany Traverse [mailto:Bethany.Traverse@barnstablecounty.org]
Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2021 12:13 PM
Subject: Statement from the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment on Johnson & Johnson Vaccine
Importance: High
Statement from the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment
on Johnson & Johnson Vaccine
Barnstable, MA- April 13, 2021 - Today, the FDA and CDC recommended that U.S. federal distribution channels,
including all vaccination sites, pause the administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine until a review of the vaccine
is completed. This is in response to an extremely rare occurrence of potentially dangerous blood clots, which was
reported in 6 individuals nationwide.
Barnstable County has halted the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine as of today. Two small Johnson & Johnson
clinics planned for today and tomorrow have been canceled. All other clinics hosted by Barnstable County will
continue to use the Pfizer vaccine. Barnstable County has administered 1,400 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine
since January of this year.
2
Barnstable County advises Johnson & Johnson vaccine recipients who received their shot within the last three weeks to
contact their health care provider if they experience severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath.
More than 6.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine have been administered in the U.S., the vast majority
with no or mild side effects.
The other two authorized vaccines, from Moderna and Pfizer, make up the vast share of COVID-19 shots administered
in the U.S., and are not affected by the pause. Barnstable County has predominantly received the Pfizer vaccine.
Currently, 3,500 Pfizer doses are received on a weekly basis.
Press Contact:
Sonja Sheasley, Communications Manager | (508) 375-6896 | Sonja.sheasley@barnstablecounty.org
###
Bethany Traverse
Health Communications Coordinator
Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment
3195 Main Street/P.O. Box 427
Barnstable, MA 02630
Phone: (508) 375-6844
Email: Bethany.traverse@barnstablecounty.org
1
Donna Kalinick
From:Amy von Hone
Sent:Friday, April 16, 2021 1:10 PM
To:website
Cc:Tammi Mason; Denise Rego; Regina Egan; Lauren Zeller
Subject:FW: Important Announcements Regarding Vaccine Clinic Registration
Amy L. von Hone, R.S., C.H.O.
Brewster Health Director
(O) 508.896.3701 X1120
(F) 508.896.4538
From: Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment [mailto:covid-19@barnstablecounty.org]
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 1:08 PM
To: Amy von Hone <avonhone@brewster-ma.gov>
Subject: Important Announcements Regarding Vaccine Clinic Registration
Barnstable County No Longer Providing 24-Hour Notice Prior to Opening of Clinic Registration
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this picture from the Internet.
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Important Announcements Regarding Changes to the
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Registration Process
Barnstable County is transitioning to the new, state-
run vaccine pre-registration system, called Color.
Here's what you need to know:
In order to get a first-dose vaccine appointment at one of our clinics, you
must pre-register through the Mass.gov website. Simply click the link below:
Preregister for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment | Mass.gov
Once you are pre-registered, the system will alert you via your preferred form
of communication (phone, email or text) when there is an opportunity for you
2
to schedule an appointment. Appointments are offered based on eligibility
and availability of vaccine.
We will no longer be posting our clinics on www.maimmunizations.org.
We are no longer sending emails notifying the public of upcoming clinic dates
and specific clinic registration opening times.
Barnstable County clinics will continue to take place weekly at the Cape Cod
Community College gymnasium. The clinics are indoors and wheelchair
accessible.
First dose clinics will not take place every week; some weeks will serve to
provide second doses to those who received their initial vaccination at one of
our earlier clinics.
Over the coming weeks, vaccine availability at select pharmacy
locations is expected to increase substantially.
If you are able to find an appointment elsewhere while you are waiting to be
contacted by the state system (for example, at your local pharmacy or
grocery store), there are several clear avenues to opt out. The state system
will only notify you regarding appointment openings at publicly run
clinics.
If you are no longer interested in receiving emails from Barnstable County, simply
click the "unsubscribe" button below. We will continue to use this forum sparingly for
updates and information as necessary.
Barnstable County Department of Health and
Environment | www.barnstablecountyhealth.org
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Barnstable County | 3195 Main Street, Barnstable, MA 02601
Unsubscribe avonhone@brewster-ma.gov
Update Profile | Customer Contact Data Notice
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PRESS RELEASE
Information from the Cape Cod Commission
Press Contacts
Erin Perry, Deputy Director | (508) 744-1236
eperry@capecodcommission.org
Sarah Colvin, Communications Manager | (508) 744-1271
sarah.colvin@capecodcommission.org
Cape Cod Commission introduces COVID-19 Recovery and Resiliency Toolkits for Cape Cod’s local businesses
Industry-specific strategies for addressing current challenges and planning for business continuity
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (April 8, 2021) – The Cape Cod Commission is pleased to present the second round of its COVID-
19 Recovery and Resiliency Workshop Series, an initiative designed to support business owners who are navigating the
economic impacts of the pandemic and planning for future resiliency. This round of virtual workshops will introduce
COVID-19 Recovery and Resiliency Toolkits.
The toolkits span a broad range of subject areas including online sales and marketing, risk assessment, and
collaboration/networking practices. Participants will learn about industry-specific strategies tailored to address the
challenges facing Cape Cod businesses. The webinar series schedule is as follows:
• April 26 at 3:00 PM: Food Service & Restaurant Businesses
• April 28 at 3:00 PM: Retail & Product-Based Businesses
• April 29 at 6:00 PM: Accommodations Businesses
• May 3 at 4:00 PM: Arts, Culture & Recreation Businesses
• May 4 at 3:00 PM: Service-Based Businesses
This round of virtual workshops builds on an initial presentation of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and other
funding resources, and the first round of workshops which introduced the Commission's broader business recovery and
resiliency efforts and provided examples of business resiliency and continuity in action. The presentation slides and video
recordings from these workshops are available here.
This workshop series is funded by a U.S. Economic Development Administration CARES Act grant and is designed to help
support Cape Cod businesses as they recover from the impacts of the pandemic and increase their resiliency. The Cape
Cod Commission has been working with Boston-based consultant Revby to facilitate the workshops, develop the economic
resiliency toolkits, and identify relevant strategies for local and regional economic recovery.
All interested Cape Cod business owners are invited to attend this free workshop series, but space is limited, and
registration is required. Business owners unable to attend their own industry's workshop are encouraged to participate in
a different workshop that fits their schedule.
For more information and to register, please visit capecodcommission.org/business.
###
ABOUT THE CAPE COD COMMISSION: The Cape Cod Commission is the regional land use, planning, economic development and
regulatory agency for Barnstable County, Massachusetts. It was created in 1990 to serve the citizens and 15 towns that comprise
Cape Cod. The Commission works toward maintaining a healthy balance between economic progress and environmental vitality.
“Keeping a Special Place Special” describes the agency’s mission to protect the region’s unique qualities. The 19-member volunteer
Cape Cod Commission board represents a wide spectrum of the community and provides oversight for a staff of 40
professionals. For more information, visit www.capecodcommission.org
1
Donna Kalinick
From:Vaira Harik <vharik@barnstablecounty.org>
Sent:Thursday, April 15, 2021 7:41 AM
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
Subject:4/15/21, Charts Only: Barnstable County and Regional COVID-19 Update
Test Positivity Rates (14-day average, as of 4/14/21):
Barnstable County: 5.14% (vs. 5.79%) (lower vs. previous fortnight)
Dukes & Nantucket Counties: 8.31% (vs. 8.33%) (no change)
A test percent positivity rate below 5% suggests that an outbreak is on the way to containment.
2
3
4
WILL BE UPDATED TONIGHT:
WILL BE UPDATED TONIGHT:
5
Weekly Count of New COVID-19 Infections: March 8, 2020 – April 10, 2021
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
53
24
20
8 8
5
10
13
21
32
21 22
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 2 1 0
2
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
3/15-3/213/22-3/283/29-4/44/5-4/114/12-4/184/19-4/254/26-5/25/3-5/95/10-5/165/17-5/235/24-5/305/31-6/66/7-6/136/14-6/206/21-6/276/28-7/47/5-7/117/12-7/187/19-7/257/26-8/18/2-8/88/9-8/158/16-8/228/23-8/298/30-9/59/6-9/129/13-9/199/20-9/269/27-10/310/4-10/1010/11-10/1710/18-10/2410/25-10/3111/1-11/711/8-11/1411/15-11/2111/22-11/2811/29-12/512/6-12/1212/13-12/1912/20-12/2612/27-1/21/3-1/91/10-1/161/17-1/231/24-1/301/31-2/62/7-2/132/14-2/202/21-2/272/28-3/63/7-3/133/14-3/203/21-3/273/28-4/34/4-4/10New Brewster COVID-19 Cases
Resident (416 Total)Long Term Care (108 Total staff & patients)
Ages of Brewster Residents with Active COVID-19 Infections
March 28-April 3
0-9 years (0)
0%
10-19 years (2)
9%
20-29 years (4)
19%
30-39 years (5)
24%
40-49 years (2)
9%
50-59 years (1)
5%
60-69 years (6)
29%
70-79 years (1)
5%
80+ years (0)
0%
0-9 years (0)
10-19 years (2)
20-29 years (4)
30-39 years (5)
40-49 years (2)
50-59 years (1)
60-69 years (6)
70-79 years (1)
80+ years (0)
0-9 years (3)
14%
10-19 years (1)
4%
20-29 years (3)
14%
30-39 years (3)
14%
40-49 years (2)
9%
50-59 years (4)
18%
60-69 years (4)
18%
70-79 years (2)
9%
80+ years (0)
0%
0-9 years (3)
10-19 years (1)
20-29 years (3)
30-39 years (3)
40-49 years (2)
50-59 years (4)
60-69 years (4)
70-79 years (2)
80+ years (0)
April 4-April 10
% COVID Infections in Age Groups % COVID Infections in Age Groups
BREWSTER RESIDENT VACCINATION TOTALS DATA AS OF 4/08/2021
Town Age Group Population
Proportion of
town
population
Individuals
with at least
one dose
Individuals
with at least
one dose per
capita
Proportion
of town
individuals
with at least
one dose
Fully
vaccinated
individuals
Fully
vaccinated
individuals
per capita
Proportion
of town
fully
vaccinated
individuals
Partially
vaccinated
individuals
Partially
vaccinated
individuals
per capita
Proportion
of town
partially
vaccinated
individuals
Brewster 0-19 Years 1,539 16%43 3%1%***37 2%2%
Brewster 20-29 Years 681 7%204 30%4%102 15%3%102 15%6%
Brewster 30-49 Years 1,444 15%623 43%12%311 22%9%312 22%17%
Brewster 50-64 Years 2,323 23%1,236 53%24%538 23%16%698 30%39%
Brewster 65-74 Years 2,349 24%1,727 74%33%1,282 55%38%445 19%25%
Brewster 75+ Years 1,592 16%1,348 85%26%1,141 72%34%207 13%11%
Brewster Total 9,926 100%5,181 52%100%***1,801 18%100%
* = total < 30 individuals
Brewster Select Board Meeting of April 20, 2021
Consent Calendar Items
1
8. Consent Agenda
Meeting Minutes: March 29, 2021 Select Board Regular Session Meeting
ADMINISTRATIVE RECOMMENDATION
We recommend the Board approve the meeting minutes of March 29, 2021 as presented.
Fee Waiver Request:
a) Stony Brook Elementary & Brewster White Caps Site Improvements Project- Building
and Electrical Permit Fees
Site improvements, funded with a CPC grant and Whitecaps funds, are in progress at the
Stony Brook Elementary School and Whitecaps Facility. Permit fees associated with this
project are being requested to be waived as it is a Town sponsored project.
b) Water Department – Great Fields Road, Determination of Applicability Fee
The Water Department is requesting a fee waiver of a determination of applicability fee
through the Conservation Commission to review their proposed water main project on
Great Fields Road.
ADMINISTRATIVE RECOMMENDATION
We recommend the Board approve the about fee waiver requests, after consultation and
approval from all relevant department heads.
Beach Access Permit: Anchor Marine for Access to Ellis Landing and Point of Rocks
Anchor Marine is requesting access to Ellis Landing and Point of Rocks to perform annual
beach nourishment during the week of May 3 to 7.
ADMINISTRATIVE RECOMMENDATION
We recommend the Board approve this beach access request with approval from the
Conservation Agent.
Refinance of Affordable Deed Restricted Home
Refinance of an affordable home at 6 Sachemus Trail. The Select Board is asked to approve
the mortgage refinance request of Kelly Allen for 6 Sachemus Trail, an affordable home on
Brewster’s Subsidized Housing Inventory. The Select Board’s approval will be contingent
upon the approval of the refinance by the MA Department of Housing and Community
Development.
ADMINISTRATIVE RECOMMENDATION
We recommend the Board approve the refinance of an affordable deed restricted home at
6 Sachemus Trail.
Brewster Select Board Meeting of April 20, 2021
Consent Calendar Items
2
Conservation Restrictions: 0 Slough Road & 0 Squantum Path
The Compact of Cape Cod and the Brewster Conservation Trust requests the Select Board
approval under MGL Ch. 184, ss. 31-33. These properties contain many features of
conservation value.
ADMINISTRATIVE RECOMMENDATION
We recommend the Board approve and sign the conservation restrictions.
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
www.brewster-ma.gov
BoS 03-29-21
Page 1 of 5
Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
MINUTES OF THE SELECT BOARD REGULAR SESSION MINUTES
DATE: March 29, 2021
TIME: 6:00 PM
PLACE: Remote Teleconference
ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE PARTICIPATING REMOTELY: Selectperson Whitney, Selectperson Bingham,
Selectperson deRuyter, Selectperson Chatelain, Town Administrator Peter Lombardi, Assistant Town
Administrator Susan Broderick, Assistant Town Administrator Donna Kalinick, Executive Assistant to the
Town Administrator Robin Young, Eric Barber Adam Lange,
ABSENT: Chair Chaffee
Call to Order & Declaration of a Quorum, Meeting Participation Statement and Recording Statement
Vice Chair deRuyter called the meeting to order at 6:00pm, conducted a roll call vote of attendance, declared
a quorum present, and read the meeting participation and record ing statements.
Vice Chair deRuyter stated that the Board would be going into executive session to discuss strategy with
respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position
of the public body and the chair so declares: IAFF Local 3763, and would be returning to open session.
Selectperson Bingham moved to go into Executive Session at 6:32pm 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: IAFF Local 3763, and would be returning to open session, Selectperson
Whitney second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Bingham-yes,
Selectperson deRuyter-yes, Selectperson Chatelain. The Board vote was 4-yes, 0-No.
Open Session Anticipated to Commence at 6:15 PM - Discuss and Vote on Fiscal Year 2021 IAFF Local 3763
Collective Bargaining Agreement
Selectperson Bingham moved to sign the Fiscal Year 2021 IAFF Local 3763 Collective Bargaining Agreement,
Selectperson Chatelain second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Bingham-
yes, Selectperson deRuyter-yes, Selectperson Chatelain. The Board vote was 4-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 3-5 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
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
www.brewster-ma.gov
BoS 03-29-21
Page 2 of 5
Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
Select Board Announcements and Liaison Reports
Selectperson Bingham recognized the Brewster Ladies Library for sending home age appropriate book s with
the grab and go lunches.
Town Administrator’s Report
Mr. Lombardi gave a recap of the Covid-19 vaccination measures taken in Massachusetts and on Cape Cod to
date. Supply has begun to improve, but there is still a very high demand on the system. Over 30% of the Cape
Cod population over 20 years old has had their vaccinati on. The Visiting Nurses Association, Outer Cape
Health, the Health Department and Council on Aging are working with the Fire Department in providing
vaccinations for home bound elders. The Town has been moved back to the red designation with 43 positive
cases reported last week. This is trending across the middle and upper Cape towns. The in-person district and
town elections will take place tomorrow March 30, 2021 at the Brewster Baptist Church. Vote by mail ballots
may be returned by 7pm on March 30, 2021. The vote by mail option was extended by the Governor until
June 30, 2021. This will apply to the local annual election in May.
Consent Agenda
Meeting Minutes: March 10, 2021 Joint Finance Committee Meeting
Appointments: Tenure Appointments (Police Officer and Keeper of the Lockup) for Officers Jessica R. Ahlman and Stephen J.
Hathaway
Refinance of Affordable Deed Restricted Home
Fee Waiver Request: Brewster Housing Authority – Permit Fees for Brewster Woods; Brewster Conservation Trust - Special
Permit Application for 409 Great Fields Road; Brewster Housing Authority - Building Permit Fees for Sunny Pines; Brewster
White Caps - Recycling Center Fees; and First Parish Brewster UU - Beach Permit Fee
2021 Razor Clam Regulations
Second Letter to Gov. Baker Urging More COVID Vaccine for Cape Cod
Selectperson Bingham moved to approve the March 29, 2021, Selectperson Chatelain second. A roll call vote
was taken. Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Bingham-yes, Selectperson deRuyter-yes, Selectperson
Chatelain. The Board vote was 4-yes, 0-No.
Discuss and Vote New Hawker & Peddler License – Eric Barber of Rooftop Power
Selectperson Bingham moved to approve the Hawker & Peddler License for Mr. Barber of Rooftop Power,
Selectperson Chatelain second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Bingham-
yes, Selectperson deRuyter-yes, Selectperson Chatelain. The Board vote was 4-yes, 0-No.
Presentations and Votes on Citizens Petitions for Spring 2021 Town Meeting
Private Road Betterment – Donna Cormier
Ms. Cormier of Mayflower Circle, would like to see the process for changing the vote of a private road
betterment from a 50% plus one to a two third vote. Mr. Lombardi recalled that the Board took a vote on
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
www.brewster-ma.gov
BoS 03-29-21
Page 3 of 5
Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
this petition last spring. The betterment bylaw was put in place to finance needed private road repairs. Over
the past 25 years, 23 private way betterments have been voted on. If the vote was changed, half of those
projects would not have been approved. Half of the remaining would have on ly passed by a single vote. If
this vote process was to change, there is concern that many of the aging private roadways would not be
repaired. Selectperson Bingham moved to support the petition to change the voting threshold for private
road betterments, Selectperson Chatelain second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Whitney-no,
Selectperson Bingham-no, Selectperson deRuyter-no, Selectperson Chatelain - no. The Board vote was 0-yes,
4-No.
Punkhorn Parklands Hunting Ban – Betsy Smith
Ms. Smith would like to see hunting banned in the Punkhorn Parklands as there is a large amount of
pedestrian travel in the area. The Water Commission did not take a position on this proposed ban, and the
Conservation Commission was opposed to the proposed ban. A lette r in opposition of the Citizen Petition
was sent in by Scott Collum and was read into the record. A recent hunting bylaw in Provincetown was
approved by the Attorney General. This petition could be amended on Town Meeting floor to amend it to a
bylaw, which a simple majority would be needed to pass. Selectperson Whitney asked if the area in the
petition was the entirety of the Punkhorn area, which it was. Selectperson Chatelain is opposed on the
merits of the petition, in order for the Town to retain control of wildlife management in Brewster. Ms. Smith
referred to language in the petition that allows professionals to control wildlife population if needed.
Selectperson Whitney moved to support the Punkhorn Parklands Hunting Ban Citizen’s Petition, Selectpers on
Bingham second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Whitney-no, Selectperson Bingham-no,
Selectperson deRuyter-no, Selectperson Chatelain-no. The Board vote was 0-yes, 4-No.
Nauset Regional School District School Choice Program – Helga Dyer
Ms. Dyer presented her petition regarding the school choice program to the Select Board. The language of
the petition was sent to Legal Counsel for review. Selectperson deRuyter is hopeful that the Regional School
Committee and Administration opens up this debate at their level, where the discussion is more appropriate.
Adam Lange, 58 Cathedral Road, acknowledged his frustration with the Regional School Committee and the
School Choice program. Selectperson Whitney moved to support the Nauset Regional School District School
Choice Program Citizen’s Petition, Selectperson Bingham second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson
Whitney-no, Selectperson Bingham-yes, Selectperson deRuyter-no, Selectperson Chatelain-no. The Board
vote was 1-yes, 3-No.
Discuss and Vote on Spring 2021 Town Meeting Warrant Articles
Article’s 1, 2 and 3 are consistent with the School’s budget presentations to the Select Board and Finance
Committee on March 10, 2021. Selectperson moved to approve Article 1 of the Town Meeting Warrant,
Selectperson Bingham second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Bingham-
yes, Selectperson deRuyter-yes, Selectperson Chatelain-yes. The Board vote was 4-yes, 0-No. Selectperson
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
www.brewster-ma.gov
BoS 03-29-21
Page 4 of 5
Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
moved to approve Article 2 of the Town Meeting Warrant, Selectperson Bingham second. A roll call vote was
taken. Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Bingham-yes, Selectperson deRuyter-yes, Selectperson
Chatelain-yes. The Board vote was 4-yes, 0-No. Selectperson moved to approve Article 3 of the Town
Meeting Warrant, Selectperson Bingham second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Whitney-yes,
Selectperson Bingham-yes, Selectperson deRuyter-yes, Selectperson Chatelain-yes. The Board vote was 4-
yes, 0-No. Selectperson Whitney moved to approve Article 5 Town Operating Budget in the amount of
$21,616,218.00, Selectperson Bingham second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Whitney-yes,
Selectperson Bingham-yes, Selectperson deRuyter-yes, Selectperson Chatelain-yes. The Board vote was 4-
yes, 0-No. A discussion was had by the Board and the Town Administrator regarding Enterprise Funds.
Selectperson Whitney moved to approve Article 6 Golf Department Budget, Selectperson Bingham second. A
roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Bingham-yes, Selectperson deRuyter-yes,
Selectperson Chatelain-yes. The Board vote was 4-yes, 0-No. Selectperson Whitney moved to approve Article
7 Water Department Enterprise Fund, Selectperson Bingham second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson
Whitney-yes, Selectperson Bingham-yes, Selectperson deRuyter-yes, Selectperson Chatelain-yes. The Board
vote was 4-yes, 0-No. Selectperson Whitney moved to approve Article 10 Cable Revenues, Selectperson
Bingham second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Wh itney-yes, Selectperson Bingham-yes,
Selectperson deRuyter-yes, Selectperson Chatelain-yes. The Board vote was 4-yes, 0-No. Selectperson
Whitney moved to approve Article 23 Town Code Amendment Private Road Betterment, Selectperson
Bingham second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Bingham-yes,
Selectperson deRuyter-yes, Selectperson Chatelain-yes. The Board vote was 4-yes, 0-No.
Discuss Town Response to Eversource’s Yearly Operational Plan and Vegetation Management Plan
Mr. Lombardi updated the Board on the Eversource’s Yearly Operational Plan and Vegetation Management
Plan that was recently sent to the Town. They plan to apply herbicide along their powerline rights of way in
Brewster. A public statement has been drafted, which was read into the record. Selectperson Chatelain
moved to approve the public statement and to publish it on the Town website, Selectperson Bingham
second. . A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Bingham-yes, Selectperson
deRuyter-yes, Selectperson Chatelain-yes. The Board vote was 4-yes, 0-No.
Discuss Plans for Summer 2021 Permit Program (Beach, Recycling Center, and Shellfishing) and Vote on
Proposed Temporary Revisions to Select Board Policy 22 – Public Beaches and Landings
The processing of mail-in and online permits will start on April 12, 2021. There will be no in person sales of
permits again this year. The mail in form will be sent with the spring tax bills and will be online by the end of
the week. The online sales portal will also be open as of April 12, 2021. There will be online only non-resident
day and seasonal passes. Signage will be updated at the Town beaches and landings. Parking enforcement
will begin June 15th until the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. The trash , recycling bins, and temporary
bathroom facilities will be available mid-May. They will be cleaned following the State and Federal
guidelines. Non-resident shellfishing will not be issued again this summer. The Beach Ambassador program
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
www.brewster-ma.gov
BoS 03-29-21
Page 5 of 5
Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
will be run 7 days a week from 10am to 4pm for Covid-19 regulation education. Limited parking restriction
will be in place in early May at certain beaches to allow for proper social distancing. Policy 22 has language
specific to where to purchase permits, and temporary revisions will need to be made to the policy.
Selectperson Chatelain asked if the permit department could be considered to be altered long term. It will be
considered. Selectperson Whitney moved to approve temporary revisions to Policy 22, Selectperson
Chatelain second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Bingham-yes,
Selectperson deRuyter-yes, Selectperson Chatelain-yes. The Board vote was 4-yes, 0-No.
For Your Information
An advertisement for Request for Proposals for the Elementary Feasibility Study was included in the packet;
the funding for this was approved for at a prior Town Meeting.
Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair
None.
Questions from the Media
None.
Next Meetings: March 30, April 5, and April 20, 2021
Adjournment
Selectperson Bingham moved to adjourn at 8:10pm, Selectperson Chatelain second. A roll call vote was
taken. Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Bingham-yes, Selectperson deRuyter-yes, Selectperson
Chatelain. The Board vote was 4-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 Items, FYI Packet, Draft 2021 Spring Town Meeting Warrant,
permit information, policy #22, draft statement Eversource
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
MEMORANDUM
TO: Brewster Select Board
FROM: Donna J. Kalinick, Assistant Town Administrator for Community
Development & Finance
RE: Stony Brook Elementary School & Whitecaps Facility Improvements
DATE: April 15, 2021
The Brewster School Committee and Brewster Whitecaps were awarded Community
Preservation Funds to make site improvements. The Town went out to bid and
contracted with Lawrence Lynch to perform the work. Site work commenced in the first
week of March and is expected to be complete by the 3rd week of May.
In conjunction with this project, we have had two permits, a building permit and an
electrical permit. The total for these permits is $600.00.
As a Town sponsored project, we request the Board waive the fees in accordance with
policy #5.
Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
Select Board
Town Of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, Massachusetts 02631-1898
(508) 896-3701
FAX (508) 896-8089
April 20, 2021
Ms. Kelly Allen
6 Sachemus Trail
Brewster, Ma 02631
Dear Ms. Allen,
At their meeting of April 20, 2021, the Brewster Select Board voted to approve your request to refinance
your home at 6 Sachemus Trail, Brewster.
The vote of approval stipulated that the loan be at a fixed rate and the principal loan amount should not
exceed $167,500.
This consent is valid subject to obtaining the prior written approval of the Department of Housing and
Community Development. By copy of this letter to that Agency, we are confirming that the Town of
Brewster has approved your request.
Sincerely,
Mary Chaffee
Chair, Select Board
Enclosure
cc: Bertha Borin, DHCD
2021 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, May 15, 2021 at 10AM
CHECK-IN: Starts at 9AM
LOCATION: Stonybrook School Ball Field (“Whitecaps Field”), 384 Underpass Rd.
RAIN DATE: Sunday, May 16, 2021 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.
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
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 (2.5
minute 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.
Brewster Town Meeting
Saturday, May 15, 2021 @ 10am, Stony Brook School
Voter
Parking
Voter
Parking
Voter Movement Map
Town Moderator Information for Brewster Voters
Brewster Voters:
Brewster Town Meeting is being held under unusual circumstances and will be
held outside for our safety. We want to reduce the chance of infectious disease
transmission, so it is important we conduct the Town’s business as efficiently as
possible.
Given these conditions, and the need to balance public health concerns with the
need to carry out the Town’s business, we are changing some meeting procedures. To
prepare voters in advance and to minimize the length of my opening remarks, I’m
providing information here that will be helpful to everyone who plans to attend.
1. Disclosures: I have filed disclosures with the Town Clerk about organizations I have
had relationships with.
2. Check-in: Will start at 9am. Please form a socially-distanced single line at the
check-in area at the west side of Stony Brook School. A greeter will direct you to a
check-in station. If you have a mobility issue, please move to the beginning of the
check-in line.
3. Town Warrants: Copies of the Town Warrant will be available; voters are invited to
bring their own copy.
4. Seating: Seats will be set up in singles and pairs, and will be socially distanced.
Greeters will guide you to a seat. Members of the same household may take seats
together.
5. CERT: Members of the regional Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
will provide direction and assistance during Town Meeting. They will be wearing
visible attire. For safety, please follow their instructions.
PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND TOWN MEETING IF YOU MAY HAVE COVID,
INCLUDING IF YOU HAVE:
Any COVID symptoms (e.g., fever, chills, cough, loss of appetite or sense of taste or
smell, and fatigue). See www.CDC.gov for more information.
Had contact in the previous 2 weeks with a person diagnosed with COVID.
6. Town Officials Participating in Town Meeting: The following will be in attendance:
Select Board: Chair Mary Chaffee, Ben deRuyter, Cynthia Bingham, David
Whitney, Ned Chatelain
Town Administrator: Peter Lombardi
Assistant Town Administrators: Susan Broderick, Donna Kalinick
Town Clerk: Colette Williams
Finance Committee: Chair Pete Dahl, Frank Bridges, William Meehan, Honey
Pivirotto, Robert Young, Alex Hopper, Robert Tobias, and Andrew Evans.
Finance Director: Mimi Bernardo
Town Counsel: Jonathan Silverstein of KP Law
Constable: Roland Bassett, Jr.
7. Finance Committee Report: The Finance Committee report appears in the Warrant
and will not be provided as a presentation at Town Meeting.
8. Meeting Rules of Order
Brewster uses “Town Meeting Time: A Handbook of Parliamentary Law” as
well as local practice and tradition.
Please be respectful and courteous to others.
All questions or comments should be directed only to the Moderator.
9. Time Clock. Because of the unusual circumstances of this meeting, and the need to
reduce the time we are together, I will encourage briefer debate than normal. Under
our bylaw, presenters may speak for 5 minutes and others for 3 minutes. For this
meeting, I will recommend:
Presenters of a warrant article may speak for 2.5 minutes.
Others may use 1.5 minutes to speak for or against.
10. Voting
All voting will be done by a show of hands using voter tickets.
There will be no voice votes.
The Moderator will evaluate the show of hands and announce the result.
Voters may challenge the Moderator’s result; if more than 7 request a count,
one will be done.
11. Consent Calendar. To expedite action, voters will act on a consent calendar:
Consent Calendar: A group of routine and/or non-controversial items to be
voted as a group.
12. Microphones
Stationary microphones will be set up at the front of each aisle in the voter
seating area.
Mobile microphones will be available if you wish to speak from your seating
area; raise your hand to alert a microphone manager.
Please remain masked when speaking at a microphone and avoid handling
the microphones. An assistant can adjust the microphone for you.
If there is a line at the microphone, please stay 6 feet from others including
seated voters. Flags in the ground will mark 6-foot intervals.
The microphones will be sanitized between speakers.
State your name and address when you speak.
13. Lottery system: For Annual Town Meeting, we will continue to use a lottery system
to determine the order that certain articles are considered.
14. Motions
Amendments:
o If a minor amendment is proposed, the Moderator may accept it
verbally.
o If a longer amendment is offered, provide it in writing to the Town Clerk
or her staff.
If you are unclear at any time about an action, raise your voter ticket to be
recognized and state, “Point of order.”
15. Departure:
Please remain seated when we adjourn.
Voters will be dismissed one section at a time for safety and will depart from
right field.
Please maintain social distance and keep your mask on until you are in your
vehicle.
Please do not gather in groups.
16. Services
If you need handicapped parking, special seating, or any other type of
assistance, please contact the Town Administrator’s office (508-896-3701 ext.
1100) before Town Meeting. We want to make sure we have the services you
may require.
Port-a-potties will be available on the baseball field; some will be accessible.
Space will be available for voters using wheelchairs.
Handicapped parking will be available near the check-in point at the
playground (at the west end of the Stony Brook School).
Those with impaired mobility should move to the front of the check-in line.
We regret that we cannot offer food and beverages, childcare, or
transportation assistance at this meeting.
There will be no access to Stony Brook School during Town Meeting.
17. Handouts/Flyers: A designated area will be available for anyone wishing to
distribute materials to voters.
18. Thank you. I appreciate your commitment to conducting the Town’s business and
your attention to efforts that will keep us all safe.
Thank you,
Charles Sumner
Brewster Town Moderator
=
*data is through 2019 and includes all the CLC territory
*Starting in 2019, participant counts no longer included individual participation in the retail lighting
program, thus the change in participation rates from 2018-2019.
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CAPE LIGHT COMPACT
SENIOR ANALYST, SPECIAL PROJECTS
($80,051 - $108,070)
The Cape Light Compact’s Senior Analyst, Special Projects position is responsible for
providing professional, technical and administrative work supporting the Cape Light
Compact’s Energy Efficiency and renewable energy projects. This is a multi-functioned
position, ideal for a candidate who understands with the ins and outs of a municipal
energy organization, and who thrives on variety, task-oriented work and new challenges,
while interacting with people both inside and outside the organization to support daily
operations. Bachelor’s Degree in environmental studies, business, marketing
communications, or a related field. Minimum of five year’s progressively responsible
experience. Two years of administrative experience in the energy industry, preferred.
Massachusetts P.E. and/or C.E.M. a plus. The job description can be found at
www.capelightcompact.org/employment. This position will remain open until filled.
Please submit resume on or before Tuesday, February 9, 2021 by 12:00 NOON,
addressed to:
Cape Light Compact Administrator
mdowney@capelightcompact.org
or
261 Whites Path, Unit #4
South Yarmouth, MA 02664
Cape Light Compact JPE is an EOE
CAPE LIGHT COMPACT
SENIOR ANALYST, SPECIAL PROJECTS
($80,051 – $108,070)
Definition
Professional technical and administrative work supporting the Cape Light Compact’s Energy
Efficiency Programs and renewable energy projects; all other related work, as required. Multi-
functioned position, ideal for a candidate who understands with the ins and outs of a municipal
energy organization, and who thrives on variety, task-oriented work and new challenges, while
interacting with people both inside and outside the organization to support daily operations.
Supervision
Works under the general direction of the Commercial & Industrial Program Manager. Functions
independently, referring specific problems to supervisor, when necessary, for clarification or the
interpretation of policies and procedures.
Performs highly responsible functions of a complex nature; exercises considerable independent
judgment in implementing Cape Light Compact energy efficiency programs within the commercial
and industrial and residential programs. Scope of duties include project management and
coordination with applicable Compact energy efficiency program
Job Environment
Work is generally performed under typical office conditions; some work is performed at a
customer’s building/site or outdoors at a under varying weather conditions. There can be major
fluctuations in the work volume, due to state mandated deadlines; increased customer demands,
unexpected needs, and events scheduled in unanticipated or short-time frames. Required to meet
with customers throughout the Cape and Vineyard. Required to attend evening meetings, as needed
and may be required to attend regional meetings throughout the northeast.
Makes frequent contact with electric customers primarily in the commercial sector, including multi-
family, Compact vendors and consultants. Contacts are in-person, by telephone, correspondence
and generally cover technical assistance, advice, referral services and general information. Has
routine contact with the Cape Light Compact Governing Board, town officials, and industry
representatives. Has occasional contact with the media and the public.
Operates a computer and general office equipment, and an automobile.
Has access to departmental-related confidential information, such as pending lawsuits and bid
documents.
Errors in judgment could result in delay or loss of service, financial and legal repercussions.
Essential Functions
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types
of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them
from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
Assists the Energy Efficiency Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Program Manager in achieving the
C&I program energy savings goals defined in the Compact’s Energy Efficiency Plan.
Responsible for recruiting commercial and industrial customers to participate in the Compact’s
energy efficiency program through direct outreach to commercial and industrial customers, and
other methods as appropriate.
Proactively communicates with commercial customers, landlords, business groups, multi-family
project developers and engaging these customers early-on in project development; including
retrofitting of existing building and new constructions.
Monitors multiple sources such as the newspaper, Chamber meetings, Town groups, etc. for any
large projects, including multi-family, in the Compact’s territory and serves as a liaison between
the customer and Compact staff to ensure customer and Compact achieve projected energy savings
from the installation of proposed measures; including customer outreach, ongoing monitoring of
projects and any new developments, and will work with existing staff and vendors to ensure that
customers are well positioned to take advantage of the programs and offerings.
Serves as the part-time Energy Coordinator for Town of Brewster on a pilot program basis. Tasks
to be performed through the pilot include:
Coordinate and oversee town energy grants and pursue new grant funds as directed
Perform internal review of existing and proposed solar PV projects and associated electric
utility schedule Z’s
Develop and oversee system for routine reconciliation of municipal electric usage and net
metering credits from solar PV projects
Provide monthly updates on town energy projects to Assistant Town Administrator
Serves as the primary point of contact for the Town on energy related issues
Compiles and writes written reports on programs and services for the Cape Light Compact
Governing Board, towns, state agencies, the media and the general public.
Performs similar or related work, as required, directed, or as situation dictates.
Recommended Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s Degree environmental studies, business, marketing communications, or a related field.
Minimum of five year’s progressively responsible experience. Two years of administrative
experience in the energy industry, preferred. Massachusetts P.E. and/or C.E.M. a plus.
Knowledge, Ability and Skill
Knowledge. General knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of Massachusetts energy
efficiency programs and energy policy. Understanding of the Cape Light Compact and role of
municipal aggregators under the Massachusetts Restructuring Law. General understanding of
Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Programs.
Ability. Ability to plan, organize and coordinate multiple commercial energy efficiency projects.
Ability to track project updates including analyzing problems and formulating recommendations.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with electric utility customers,
engineering consultants. Ability to meet deadlines. Ability to maintain effective working
relationships. Ability to communicate effectively, orally, and in writing.
Skill. Excellent project management, organizational and administrative skills. Excellent
communication skills. Advanced computer skills; Microsoft Office products.
Physical Requirements
Minimal physical effort generally required in performing duties under typical office conditions.
Occasional light physical effort is required when conducting field inspections. The employee is
frequently required to sit, drive long distances, talk and hear, and use hands. Specific vision related
requirements include viewing a computer screen for extended periods.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and
employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements
of the job change.
Energy Manager Tasks
The following is a list of current tasks that could be undertaken by a part-time energy manager for the
Town of Brewster, working in partnership with the Cape Light Compact on a pilot program in 2021. This
list is not exhaustive, but it represents the current opportunities.
0 General
- Secure and maintain associated energy grants
- Coordinate with other overlapping grants/efforts (ie. MVP), if applicable
- Provide monthly reporting/updates to appropriate parties (ie. Town contact, Select Board)
- Attend the energy committee meetings, as necessary (at most monthly meetings)
- Investigate other opportunities for both energy savings and revenue (ie. Clean Peak standards)
- Communication and educational outreach on all energy initiatives to residents (content
development and schedule for release). Town to disseminate through traditional avenues.
- Climate initiatives and alignment with the anticipated Town Meeting warrant on net zero
emissions
1a. Solar and/or Storage Projects (most timely of all tasks)
- Assist with proposal review, internal review of Schedule Z, installation schedule coordination,
and maintenance of solar systems.
- Work with vendors and CVEC to obtain local approval and program launch
- Track project implementation, work with department heads/ staff on review, installation,
training and final inspection/sign-off
- Coordinate with CVEC, if applicable, on review on the accounts, usage, and production.
- Primary role in regular reconciliation of usage and credits in coordination with finance office
(who serves as a check)
- Work with CVEC and/or third-party consultant on maintenance of the systems (ie. overgrown
around solar arrays) as well as data acquisition system review (i.e. production reports that
shows lower than expected usage) and issue resolution
- Work with planning department on solar siting (and potential by-law change) to assure that sites
are appropriate and in-line with community standards
1b. Green Communities
- Track project implementation, work with department heads/ staff on review, installation,
training and final inspection/sign-off
- Prioritize projects for the next phase – Competitive Grants – most likely Fall 2021 or beyond
- Coordinate with Green Communities’ REPA point-of-contact
* These tasks are currently under the DOER’s Regional Energy Planning Assistance (REPA) Grant with
funding until May 31, 2021, but it could continue past this time.
2. Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
- Assist with review of locations
- Work with Eversource (as applicable), DOER, DEP or other associated infrastructure and
equipment grants and funding.
- Coordinate onsite review and analysis of various systems
- Work with the Town and/or vendor on potential charging mechanisms and ongoing
maintenance costs (ie. network charges)
Assumptions
- The majority of the work will take place remotely except for onsite work.
- Town staff will:
o Identify Brewster’s primary area of focus relative to energy projects
o Sign off on necessary documents
o Provide access to financial proof of payment, invoices, etc. that are necessary for grant
applications, documentation, and/or reporting
o Coordinate access to buildings and sites (where necessary)
o Respond to inquiries from CLC as needed
o Identify a primary point of contact
o Provide feedback on priorities
Provisional License Executive Summary 1
CAPE COD GROW LAB, LLC
MCN281275
MPN281446
BACKGROUND & APPLICATION OF INTENT REVIEW
1. Name and address of the proposed Marijuana Establishment:
Cape Cod Grow Lab, LLC
1399 Freemans Way, Brewster, MA 02631
2. Type of license sought (if cultivation, its tier level and outside/inside operation):
Cultivation – Tier 2 (5,001 to 10,000 sq. ft) / Indoor
Product Manufacturing
3. Applicant is a licensee or applicant for other Marijuana Establishment license(s):
Applicant is not an applicant or licensee for any other Marijuana Establishment
license.
4. List of all required individuals and their business roles in the Marijuana Establishment:
Chris Dias—Owner/Partner
Artak Sahakyan—Owner/Partner
Joshua Flanders—Manager
5. List of all required entities and their roles in the Marijuana Establishment:
No other entity, other than the applicant, appear to have direct or indirect
authority over the Marijuana Establishment.
6. Applicant’s priority status and information pertaining to co-located operations:
General applicant.
7. The applicant and municipality executed a Host Community Agreement on July 25, 2018.
8. The applicant conducted a community outreach meeting on May 1, 2018 and provided
documentation demonstrating compliance with Commission regulations.
2
9. The Commission sent the municipal notice to the Town of Brewster on November 27, 2018.
The Commission did receive a conditional response from Brewster stating that the applicant
is currently in compliance with local bylaws, however, a change in the bylaws was approved
by the municipality and is currently awaiting approval by the Attorney General’s office. The
new bylaw, if approved, would ban marijuana establishments in Brewster.
10. The applicant proposed the following programs for its Positive Impact Plan:
a. Mentor and accelerate ten (10) startup companies in the city of Wareham;
b. Provide operational consulting for new business owners; and
c. Host a series of workshops which will educate business owners in the areas of
crafting business plans and optimize marketing of their brands.
SUITABILITY REVIEW
11. There were no concerns arising from background checks on the individuals or entities
associated with the application.
12. There were disclosures of past civil or criminal actions, occupational license issues, or
marijuana-related business interests in other jurisdictions.
MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS REVIEW
13. The applicant states that it can be operational within eleven (11) months of receiving their
provisional license.
14. The applicant’s proposed hours of operation are the following:
Monday - Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
15. The applicant submitted all applicable and required summaries of plans, policies, and
procedures for the operation of the proposed establishment. The summaries were determined
to be substantially compliant with the Commission’s regulations.
16. The applicant proposed the following programs for its Diversity Plan:
a. Provide training and actively recruit female and minority employees;
b. Partner with minority-serving institutions to develop a recruiting pipeline; and
c. Establish development and mentorship opportunities.
17. Summary of cultivation plan (if applicable):
3
The applicant submitted a detailed cultivation plan that demonstrated the ability to
comply with the Commission’s regulations.
18. Summary of products to be produced and/or sold (if applicable):
a. Flower;
b. Pre-rolls;
c. Vape Cartridges; and
d. Capsules
19. Plan for obtaining marijuana or marijuana products (if applicable):
Not applicable.
20. ISO 17025 Certifying Body and Certificate Number (if applicable):
Not applicable.
RECOMMENDATION
Commission staff recommend provisional licensure with the following conditions:
1. Final license is subject to inspection to ascertain compliance with Commission regulations;
2. Final license is subject to inspection to ascertain compliance with applicable state laws and
local codes, ordinances, and bylaws. Furthermore, before the issuance of a final license, the
Commission will review de novo the proposed marijuana establishment's compliance with
local bylaws. As part of this process, the Commission may seek additional information
from the provisional licensee and the town of Brewster as to compliance.
3. The applicant shall cooperate with and provide information to Commission staff; and
4. Provisional licensure is subject to the payment of the appropriate license fee.
The applicant has demonstrated compliance with the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth
and suitability for licensure. Therefore, the applicant is recommended for provisional licensure.
Stakeholder Outreach
Vision Plan Implementation Progress
The Vision Planning Committee is tracking what has been done to achieve the goals of the Vision plan.
We are interested in identifying actions that have been taken that will help achieve the goals and
purposes including but not limited to the actions that are identified in the Vision Plan. This interview
will help the Committee start to track actions that have been taken or are in progress and we will ask for
another interview in about six months. From this, we will produce an annual Vision Plan implementation
report that will be presented to the Select Board and broader Brewster community.
At the same time, the Vision Planning Committee is working on the development of a Local
Comprehensive Plan which will build on the Vision Plan and include a targeted action plan.
The goal and purposes of the each building block have been provided to help facilitate the following
Q&A conversation.
Question 1: Since adoption of the Brewster Vision Plan in 2018, has your (organization/department)
seen specific progress on the goals of the Vision Plan for (insert Building Block, i.e Water Resources).
What specific actions have been taken or are in progress?
Question 2: What do you attribute to the successful implementation of specific goals and actions? For
goals and actions that have seen less progress, what have been the barriers to implementation?
Question 3: Since the adoption of the Vision Plan, has there been a shift in the priority of specific
actions from the Vision Plan? What kind of shift? Are there actions or items that were not in the Vison
Plan but that should be included in a Local Comprehensive Plan to achieve the same or similar goals
Question 4: How have Climate Change considerations altered or been integrated into what your
(organization/department) does? To what extent should Climate Change related goals and actions
receive priority status in the Comprehensive Plan’s targeted action plan?
Question 5: Do you have any specific recommendations for the Vision Planning Committee as they work
toward Vision Plan implementation and development of the Local Comprehensive Plan for Brewster?
10 TOWN OF BREWSTER VISION PLAN • 2018
PURPOSE 2
Expand the volunteer base to increase the use of citizen
expertise and build diversity in decision-making
1.Create a volunteer clearinghouse to identify opportuni-
ties,reach newcomers and partner with diverse groups
like retirees and young people. Establish a volunteer
coordinator and/or a citizen advisory board. Survey available
skills and match to needs.
2. Create shorter term, more flexible, task force oppor-
tunities to use vital citizen expertise. Establish term limits
for boards and committees to encourage new ideas and
new committee members. Establish a regular (annual or
semi-annual) open house during which town departments
and boards can share what they do and what qualifica-
tions are needed to participate. Invite citizen involvement.
continued on page 11
Governance
GOAL: Create a more open and inclusive town government
that encourages participation by all citizens by improving
two-way communication, expanding volunteer opportunities,
and encouraging customer friendly service.
PURPOSE 1
Expand and improve communication to citizens about Town plans and activities
1. Improve the Town web site both to add more timely and complete content and
to make that content easily searchable and accessible.
2. Improve the town meeting process to reach a wider community audience
through, for example, changing the day of the week, the time of day, or the manner
in which citizens participate.
3. Expand Town email to a larger audience. Offer email sign-up more widely for
example at voter registration, the library, and the Council on Aging. Consider opt out
rather than opt in sign-up.
4.Strengthen and expand the Town’s social media presence. Use platforms that
reach younger citizens like Instagram.
5. Share more information on warrant articles prior to Town Meeting through
groups like Brewster Community Network, homeowner associations, special inter-
est groups and the Chamber of Commerce. Mail the warrant to every household.
6.Improve the working relationship between town government and citizens: expand
opportunities for governing bodies to hear citizens’ concerns, establish Select Board
open office hours and other opportunities for dialog, expand opportunities for input
from part-time residents, create a “What’s Happening in Town Hall”newsletter or similar
communication, and provide information in tax bills about how taxes are spent.
Governance
continued
PURPOSE 3
Strengthen the customer service approach to Town services
1.Create a welcome packet for new citizens and business owners
with complete and easy to follow instructions on how to get
things done.
2.Make customer service a priority by providing employee
training and assessing employee performance using customer
service as a criterion.
3.Establish an ombudsman and greeter in Town Hall to facilitate
citizen interaction with town departments and get things done
simply and quickly.
4.Consolidate and simplify the permitting processes for busi-
nesses and homeowners; create administrative approvals for simple
requests.
TOWN OF BREWSTER VISION PLAN • 2018 11
Examples of stakeholders
• Select Board and Town Administration
• Citizens and Town Meeting
• Town Employees
• Town Planner and Planning Board
• Information Technology Department
• Public Relations
• Zoning Board of Appeals
• Council on Aging
• Schools and school organizations
• Local Homeowners associations, clubs, groups and committees
Page 1 of 4
BREWSTER VISION ADVISORY GROUP
SUMMARY PAPER
GOVERNANCE
OCTOBER 2017
I.Background
The Brewster Vision workshops provided detailed and valuable feedback from residents about
the Town’s treasures, challenges and opportunities in the context of governance. The primary
themes that emerged from the workshops relative to governance include:
•A desire for government to be more transparent and customer-service oriented, and to
further embrace technology to better communicate and engage citizens in town-wide
decision-making processes;
•A highly valued school system that is treasured by existing residents and one that
attracts people to Brewster; and,
•An opportunity to more proactively engage both Brewster’s skilled retiree population
and general citizenry of every age in Town affairs.
In 2016, the Government Study Committee completed its 2-year look into the Town’s
organizational structure, duties and responsibilities of various Boards and Departments, and
overall methods of communication. The Committee’s final report identified recommendations
for the Town to consider, ranging from the form of governance to adopt to the number of
boards and committees with overlapping charges. Many of the recommendations are playing
out in the form of difficult conversations about committee consolidation, length of service
terms, and whether Board and Committee members should be elected or appointed.
The report also called for development of a Local Comprehensive Plan, which the Visioning
process is a strategic first step toward that end, and development of a near-term Information
Technology Plan and a Communications Plan.
Brewster is part of the Nauset Public School System, which was identified as a treasure for its
reputation for providing quality education, and as an institution which also attracts people to
live in our community. The system includes both the Nauset Regional middle and high schools,
and the Eastham, Eddy (Brewster), Stony Brook (Brewster), Wellfleet, and Orleans elementary
schools, as well as the Nauset integrated pre-school. With approximately 2,500 students
Page 2 of 4
enrolled across eight schools, the district benefits from low teacher-student ratio and is
recognized as one of the best public school systems in the State.
Current Status of the Town’s Communication Tools
The Town has long maintained a website where current information is posted by department,
as well as developed bulletin boards, informational brochures and an email list with more than
300 subscribers on Town initiatives. The Town has also created dedicated websites for projects
where taxpayers have invested significant resources, such as the Water Planning website,
accessible from the Brewster homepage, where interested persons can learn about projects,
progress and results.
The Town also records public meetings for viewing on Channel 18 and online in an effort to
increase transparency and better inform the public of governance decisions. While this move
certainly increased opportunities for citizens to see what is being discussed during public
meetings, it may be worth discussing whether this format deters citizens from both speaking
publicly during meetings and/or serving on local boards and committees.
In more recent years, the Town has developed a presence on social media through the
Facebook and Twitter platforms to help foster communication with a broader audience. And
yet, the recommendation of the Government Study Committee and comments received from
workshop participants is that both communication and customer service need improvement.
The Town may wish to further discuss development of a Communications Plan, as
recommended by the Government Study Committee.
Volunteerism
Another common theme from the Vision workshops was Brewster’s robust volunteer
community. The vast majority of the Town’s small committees are propelled by volunteers.
Volunteers also help make Town Department programs, such as the Natural Resources
Department’s FLATS shellfish program, and the COA’s Meals on Wheels program, so successful.
The Garden Club is another important volunteer group that contributes to the rural and scenic
beauty that adds to Brewster’s highly valued community character by maintaining flowers and
plantings at busy intersections throughout Town. Managing volunteer programs does require
resources in staff time, however; the Town should continue to explore ways to engage both
Brewster’s skilled retiree population and younger generations in volunteer opportunities.
II.Key Issues Moving Forward
Enhanced communication, transparency, customer service and identifying methods for
engaging citizens of all ages continue to pose a challenge to improved governance in Brewster.
There may be opportunities for technology to play a role in addressing some of these
challenges, which the Vision process may explore. However, another rather prominent sub-
theme, which was also discussed by the Government Study Committee, was low turn-out at
Page 3 of 4
Town Meeting. Brewster is somewhat unique in that it holds two standing Town Meetings per
year; one Annual and one Special. Whereas other communities (Orleans, Chatham, Eastham,
Harwich and Dennis) only hold an Annual Town Meeting, and then schedule a Special Town
Meeting when necessary to conduct Town business not addressed in the Annual. Would one
Town Meeting a year, offered at a different time of day/day of week improve turn-out? What
other opportunities might there be to improve turn-out?
Enhanced Customer Service
Supporting small business was identified as a challenge during the workshops, specifically
zoning and permitting hurdles. The Government Study Committee recommended creating a
consolidated “Inspectional Services Department”, which may help to serve small business
interests and deliver more efficient customer service through consolidated permitting. Several
communities across the Cape have moved toward some form of this consolidation model, but
have more broadly included permitting functions, as well. Orleans, Chatham, Harwich, and
Barnstable have all created “Community Development” departments, which seem to be
successful in terms of streamlining the permitting and inspections process for applicants, but
these departments are not without internal management challenges and they provide no
escape for the heavily regulated landscape in which we all live and do business. The Town may
want to further understand the successes, challenges and benefits of a Community
Development model for Brewster.
III.Discussion and Draft Goals
Discussion items:
•How can Brewster leadership and Town staff increase communication and provide
improved customer service to residents? What are examples of tools to explore? (i.e.
My Town Government, a website overhaul, Digital Community Bulletin Board, etc.)
•Would a greater number of persons be interested in serving on Boards and Committees
if term limits are reduced (i.e. from 5 years to 3 years), and if elected positions transition
to appointed positions?
•Would one Town Meeting per year increase participation? Should the date and time of
Town Meeting be re-considered to increase participation?
•What is a Community Development Department, and is it right for Brewster?
Draft Vision Goal
Goal: Create a more open and inclusive town government that encourages participation by all
citizens through improved communication, expanding volunteer opportunities, and,
encouraging customer friendly service
Purposes:
Page 4 of 4
1. Expand and improve communication to citizens about town plans and activities
2. Expand the Town’s volunteer base to increase the use of citizens’ expertise and build more
diversity into decision-making
3. Strengthen the customer service approach to town services
Taking Action Turning the Plan into action
The Vision Plan is intended to be a living document, guiding the near- and long-term decisions
on which our community’s future is built. Therefore, it is imperative that the goals guide
actions of Town government and community organizations and that the relevant stakeholders
play their part in implementing the actions presented in the Plan. Implementation will involve
figuring out the details and making the actions work in the context of town capacity, financial
and fiscal constraints, and the legal framework for town action. Overall, the Select Board,
Town Boards and Committees, and citizens through Town Meeting will oversee turning the Plan
into action. Implementation will be most effective if there is a true partnership between town
government and the community to assure that the goals laid out in the Plan are reached.
What the community can do to promote the implementation of the Vision Plan.
TOWN GOVERNMENT
Adopt the Vision Plan as a formal action of the Select Board
and assign responsibility for implementation.
Communicate the Vision Plan, including important milestones
and progress towards implementation through a variety of
traditional and innovative vehicles.
Make the Vision Plan a guide for policymaking and town decisions
(budgeting, town warrant articles, town mission statement).
Engage Town department heads and town staff to take owner-
ship of the Vision Plan and integrate it into their daily work and
future plans; restructure and reorganize staffing as needed.
Create a Vision Implementation Committee to shepherd and
oversee implementation and to keep the Vision Plan in the
forefront of Town priorities, including ongoing stakeholder
involvement.
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
Embrace the Vision Plan, organize meetings and other communications
to build awareness and understanding about the Vision Plan.
Use the Vision Plan to guide organizational plans, take on Vision Plan
projects related to organizational mission for implementation or
collaboration with Town.
Help foster two-way communication with the Town, organize meetings
and other forms of communication to educate people about issues and
provide feedback.
CITIZENS
Work together to create a culture of engagement, talk with friends and
neighbors, make a difference.
Act, vote, attend meetings.
Get involved in a Vision Plan issue, volunteer.
TOWN OF BREWSTER VISION PLAN • 2018 13
FY21-22 Select Board Strategic Plan
Vision Building Block Goal #Goal Description Higher Priority Timeline Vision Plan FY20-21 SB Plan Primary Responsible Party Other Key Stakeholders
Community Character CC-1 Determine policy position on potential changes to Community Preservation Act fund allocation
formula X FY21 Community Preservation
Committee
Select Board; Finance Committee; Open Space
Committee; Affordable Housing Trust;
Historical Commission; Recreation
Commission
CC-2 Develop plan to identify/address issues of diversity and inclusion, including potential formation of
task force or advisory committee FY21 Select Board & Town
Administration
Affordable Housing Trust; All Citizens Access
Committee; Police Chief
CC-3 Engage stakeholders to determine policy position on residential exemption and other potential
local tax relief policy options FY21-22 X X Tax Relief Working Group
Select Board; Finance Committee; Board of
Assessors; Brewster Association of Part-Time
Residents
CC-4 Continue to implement Age-Friendly Community Action Plan and modify as needed FY21-22 X X Council on Aging Board & Dept Select Board; Town Administration
Open Space OS-1 Complete Drummer Boy Park Master Plan Update in coordination with proposed Wing Island
boardwalk project X FY21-22 X X Drummer Boy Park Advisory
Committee Select Board; Town Administration
OS-2 Develop and execute updated plan for Dog Park project (requires future discussion to determine
whether to include in Strategic Plan)??X X Dog Park Committee
Select Board; Town Administration; Friends of
Brewster Dog Park; Community Preservation
Committee
Housing H-1 Identify Affordable Housing Trust operating/capital needs, develop funding plan, and establish
permanent funding mechanism X FY21 X X Affordable Housing Trust &
Finance Team Select Board; Finance Committee
H-2 Establish housing rehabilitation program and long-term rental assistance program X FY21 X X Affordable Housing Trust Town Administration; Housing Coordinator
H-3 Develop affordable housing off Millstone Road
X FY21-22 X X Affordable Housing Trust
Select Board; Community Preservation
Committee; Town Administration; Housing
Coordinator
Local Economy LE-1 Complete and launch electronic permitting platform, and develop Guide to Doing Business in
Brewster to assist residents, contractors, and businesses in navigating local permitting processes FY21-22 X Town Administration IT Director; Building Dept; Health Dept;
Planning Dept
LE-2 Consider designating Underpass Road as District of Critical Planning Concern with Cape Cod
Commission FY22 X X Town Planner Planning Board; Select Board; Town
Administration
Coastal Management CM-1 Complete gap analysis of local land use regulations along the coastal bank and assess merits of
Cape Cod Commission model bylaw FY21 X Town Planner
Natural Resources Commission & Dept;
Planning Board; Conservation Commission;
Board of Health & Dept
CM-2 Support new Natural Resources Commission in implementing the Coastal Resource Management
Plan and other similar initiatives FY21-22 X Natural Resources Dept Select Board; Town Administration
CM-3 Work with MA Department of Conservation and Recreation on Rail Trail extension across Route 6A
down to Linnell Landing FY21-22 X X Town Administration
Natural Resources Dept; Dept of Public
Works; Legislative Delegation; Cape Cod
Commission
CM-4 Investigate feasibility of new aquaculture program off Wing Island and update related Department
of Natural Resources regulations as necessary FY22 X Natural Resources Dept Select Board; Town Administration
Water Resources WR-1 Develop clear timeline/plan for moving water quality initiatives forward and determine whether to
remain in Cape Cod and Islands Water Quality Protection Fund FY21 X X Water Quality Working Group Select Board
WR-2 Identify preferred approach(es) to best address nitrogen and phosphorus mitigation in
environmentally sensitive areas FY21-22 X X Water Quality Working Group Board of Health; Conservation Commission;
Brewster Ponds Coalition
WR-3 Develop and propose stormwater management bylaw (MS4 permit)FY21-22 X X Stormwater Working Group Planning Board; Select Board
WR-4 Evaluate vulnerable Water Department utility infrastructure, determine possible
improvements/modifications, and implement as possible/applicable FY22 X Water Dept Town Administration
1
FY21-22 Select Board Strategic Plan
Vision Building Block Goal #Goal Description Higher Priority Timeline Vision Plan FY20-21 SB Plan Primary Responsible Party Other Key Stakeholders
Governance G-1 Present the annual budget in an easily accessible format and provide detailed review of Town's
financial status on regular basis X FY21 X X Finance Team Select Board; Finance Committee
G-2 Complete design/launch of new, more user friendly Town website and optimize BGTV’s potential as
communication tool X FY21 X X Website Working Group Town Administration
G-3 Adopt financial policies that are in accordance with 2019 MA Department of Revenue report and
best practices, and implement short- and medium-term recommendations of DOR report as
applicable
X FY21-22 X Finance Team Select Board; Finance Committee
G-4 Continue to implement Vision Plan and develop Local Comprehensive Plan that addresses the
following key policy issues: 1. Develop a high-level growth policy 2. Identify and evaluate policies /
zoning bylaws that recognize and take advantage of potential synergies between affordable
housing development and open space preservation 3. Perform a comprehensive review of zoning
bylaws, with particular attention to ones that support more housing choice
X FY21-22 X X Vision Planning Committee
Planning Board; Town Planner; Select Board;
Affordable Housing Trust; Open Space
Committee
G-5 Update Select Board Policy on Board and Committee meetings to improve transparency and
provide better access to information FY21 X X Town Administration Select Board; IT Director; BGTV
G-6 Identify funding to support creation of new Human Resource Department to focus on the following
key initiatives: 1. Implement findings from HR audit 2. Develop succession plans for key staff
positions 3. Complete compensation and classification study and related staffing analysis of all
union and non-union Town personnel, and implement recommended changes 4. Foster a culture
that views residents as customers and Town services as the product - be proactive, transparent,
and engaged
FY21-22 X Town Administration Select Board
G-7 Develop and seek adoption of Town Charter and associated bylaw changes FY21-22 X Charter Committee Select Board; Town Counsel;
Boards/Committees & Town Depts
G-8 Foster stronger relationships with Nauset School District officials, especially regarding finances
FY21-22 Town Administration
Select Board; Finance Committee; Nauset
Regional School Committee; Brewster School
Committee; Nauset School Administration
G-9 Actively recruit residents to fill vacancies and provide training/ guidance to volunteers serving on
Town Boards and Committees FY21-22 X X Select Board & Town
Administration Town Counsel
G-10 Determine merits of making longer-term changes to traditional municipal service models – applying
lessons learned from pandemic response FY21-22 Town Administration Select Board; Dept Heads
2
FY21-22 Select Board Strategic Plan
Vision Building Block Goal #Goal Description Higher Priority Timeline Vision Plan FY20-21 SB Plan Primary Responsible Party Other Key Stakeholders
Community Infrastructure CI-1 Complete School Consolidation and Community Center Feasibility Studies via a transparent and
engaging public process and work with key stakeholders to determine appropriate next steps X FY21-22 X X
Community Center Planning
Committee; Nauset School
Officials
Council on Aging & Dept; Recreation
Commission & Dept; Brewster Elementary
Schools; Local/Regional Social Service
Agencies (Veterans, etc)
CI-2 Determine support for the Brewster Ladies Library renovation project
FY21 Select Board
Brewster Ladies Library Association Board and
Dept; Town Administration; Capital Planning
Committee; Finance Committee
CI-3 Complete comprehensive assessment of Captains Golf operations, finances, and capital needs, and
determine feasibility of transitioning to enterprise fund FY21-22 Golf Dept & Finance Team Golf Commission; Select Board; Finance
Committee
CI-4 Implement 5 Year Green Community Energy Reduction Plan, manage ongoing solar projects with
assistance from new Energy Manager, and reduce greenhouse emissions whenever possible FY21-22 Town Administration Select Board; Energy Committee; Facilities
Manager
CI-5 Complete Hazard Mitigation Plan and seek to implement Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness
projects that support climate change adaptation FY21-22 X Town Planner & Town
Administration
Dept of Public Works; Natural Resources
Dept; Water Dept; Fire Dept
CI-6 Continue to invest in road infrastructure in the following key areas: 1. Complete design and
construction of Millstone Road 2. Develop Complete Streets Prioritization Plan and seek project
grant funding 3. Complete update to Pavement Management Plan 4. Develop comprehensive Road
Capital Plan & consider merits of seeking 2nd major road bond
FY21-22 X X Town Administration & Dept of
Public Works Select Board; Capital Planning Committee
Pandemic Response &
Recovery
PR-1 Continue to deliver essential services to residents while reducing risk of coronavirus transmission in
all municipal activities, properties, and facilities X FY21-22 Town Administration Select Board; Town Depts
PR-2 Communicate effectively with the public, town employees/volunteers, business community, and
visitors about town policies/actions related to the pandemic X FY21-22 Town Administration & Health
Dept Select Board; Town Depts
PR-3 Encourage and facilitate voting by mail for upcoming elections, and implement pandemic safety
measures for in-person voting at elections and Town Meeting FY21 Town Administration & Town
Clerk Town Depts
PR-4 Determine and implement best approach to Board/Committee meetings FY21 Select Board & Town
Administration BGTV; Facilities Manager
PR-5 Communicate and coordinate local response/recovery efforts with regional partners FY21-22 Town Administration Select Board
PR-6 Continue to monitor and support employee wellness FY21-22 Town Administration Select Board; Dept Heads
3
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: Short-Term Rental Revenue Background & Policy Considerations
DATE: April 15, 2021
Following up on our initial discussion on this topic held shortly before the pandemic, we
are seeking your feedback one final time in order to develop a formal financial policy
regarding allocation of short-term rental (STR) revenues. Here are salient points for
your consideration:
Establishing a permanent funding mechanism for the Affordable Housing Trust
(AHT) remains a priority goal in the FY21-22 Select Board Strategic Plan
Our initial FY21 budget conservatively estimated $250k in STR revenues and
planned to appropriate $150k to the AHT and $150k to Capital Stabilization
Our final revised FY21 budget projected just $100k in STR revenues based on
the uncertainty posed by the pandemic and appropriated $200k to General
Stabilization
Town Meeting voted to appropriate another $1M in Free Cash to General
Stabilization in September 2020
Based on favorable economic indicators, the Select Board voted to appropriate
$500k to Capital Stabilization and $250k to the AHT from General Stabilization in
March 2021
Brewster has historically collected $1.1-1.2M in revenues from traditional lodging
taxes (FY14-19)
In FY20, Brewster collected a total of $1.5M in revenues from traditional lodging
and STRs (the first year a surcharge was imposed on STRs)
Starting in FY21, the MA Department of Revenue separately accounted for STR
revenues from traditional lodging tax collections
According to state records, Brewster has collected $916k in STR and $946k in
traditional lodging revenues through the first 3 quarters in FY21
We typically collect $60-70k in traditional lodging revenues in Q4 (March-May),
bringing our estimated total FY21 traditional lodging receipts to just over $1M
(exactly in line with our budget projection); we expect similar actual annual STR
totals, which will serve to considerably boost our FY21 certified Free Cash total
(+~$900k)
Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
According to regional data, the traditional lodging industry was down 15-20% in
Summer 2020
Our FY22 budget conservatively estimates $1.1M in traditional lodging and $500k
in STR revenues and, consistent with our earlier policy discussion, appropriates
$250k to AHT and $225k to Capital Stabilization
In terms of developing and adopting a formal financial policy to address this issue, we
propose the following elements for your consideration:
Allocate 50% of projected STR revenues to AHT
Allocate the 50% balance of STR revenues as follows:
o At least 25% to Capital Stabilization (until that reserve fund balance totals
10% of the Town’s total General Fund annual operating budget amount,
consistent with our Financial Reserves policy)
o Priority one-time capital projects/acquisitions
o No more than 10% to targeted investments in our operating budget that
advance goals identified in the Select Board’s Strategic Plan, preferably
those that relate to the revenue source (eg1. inspectional service staff if
the Town were to locally regulate short-term rentals; eg2. tourism/
communication staff/initiatives)
Our STR revenue assumptions to date have been very conservative for these reasons:
1.Imposition and collection of this surcharge is still relatively new (FY21 was the
first year the state would allow municipalities to project any STR revenue in their
budget)
2.STR revenue data from the state is new (it was aggregated with traditional
lodging in FY20)
3.Town does not regulate STRs (uncertain revenue collection rates)
4.Entire lodging industry was impacted by the pandemic (traditional more than
STRs but we had no baseline STR data)
We plan to increase our STR revenue estimates in future fiscal years to more closely
align with actuals. In the meantime, our certified Free Cash totals may be higher than
they have been historically (recognizing that FY20 was an outlier given the timing of our
Annual Town Meeting and certification of Free Cash). Accordingly, in the next few
years, we may choose to seek Town Meeting’s approval to appropriate some portion of
these increased Free Cash funds to AHT, Capital Stabilization, and/or our Capital Plan to
bolster our near term commitments to those initiatives.
I look forward to our discussion and your feedback on this important policy matter.
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: Discussion on Development of New Select Board Financial Policy on
Allocation of Short-term Rental Revenues
DATE: February 28, 2020
One of the priority goals of the Select Board identified in the FY20-21 Strategic Plan is
to “establish a permanent funding mechanism for the (Brewster) Affordable Housing
Trust”. One such mechanism that has been discussed is directing a portion of funds
from short-term rental revenues for this purpose and including a corresponding line
item in the Town’s operating budget.
For FY21, we are conservatively projecting short-term rental revenues at $250k.
Following up on our discussion earlier this week, the Board expressed its support for
allocating $150k to the Affordable Housing Trust (AHT) and the $100k balance to
Capital Stabilization of these new revenues in next year’s operating budget. Given
available levy capacity for FY21, we have recommended an additional $50k
appropriation to the Capital Stabilization fund in next year’s budget. While we expect
that our projections for short-term rental revenues will likely increase in the years
ahead, those estimates are difficult to calculate at this point given the lack of data we
have been provided by the Department of Revenue to date.
In addition, we are recommending appropriating another $250k in available FY19 Free
Cash to the AHT and have included a standing $75k appropriation from Free Cash to
the Trust in our 5 Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). While Free Cash totals
vary from year to year, we have averaged $2.4M over the past decade and have
developed a sustainable CIP that meets our anticipated non-major capital needs in line
with these historical totals.
As you know, we have begun to develop, review, and formally approve new Financial
Policies consistent with the recommendations of the Department of Revenue’s report
last June. The creation of a new funding stream is a unique opportunity that doesn’t
present itself often in municipal government. The Financial Reserve policy that the
Board approved last month calls for setting aside a certain percentage of short-term
rental revenues to be transferred in to the Capital Stabilization fund. Please let us know
Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
if you’d like the Finance Team to develop a policy that specifically addresses how we
plan to allocate these new revenues going forward, including how much should be
directed to the Capital Stabilization fund, AHT, and/or any other purpose. I look
forward to your feedback.
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
www.brewster-ma.gov
BoS 03-02-20
Page 1 of 6
Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
MINUTES OF THE SELECT BOARD MEETING
DATE: March 2, 2020
TIME: 6:00 PM
PLACE: Brewster Town Office Building, 2198 Main Street
PRESENT:Chair Whitney, Selectperson Bingham, Selectperson deRuyter, Selectperson Dickson, Selectperson
Chaffee Town Administrator Peter Lombardi, Assistant Town Administrator Susan Broderick, Robin Young,
Call to Order/ Pledge of Allegiance
Chair Whitney called the meeting to order at 6:00pm.
Citizens Forum - Members of the public may address the Select Board at this time for a period not longer than 5 minutes. The Select Board is unable to
respond to comments as it could be a violation of the state’s Open Meeting Law which requires a specific topic to appear on the agenda for public discussion to
occur. A topic raised by a member of the public may be added to a future meeting agenda if deemed warranted by the Select Board Chair.
No discussion.
Select Board Announcements & Liaison Reports
Selectperson deRuyter announced a 3rd community engagement session on the Millstone Road Affordable
Housing Project will be held on Tuesday March 10, from 6-8pm at the Brewster Ladies Library
Town Administrator’s Report
Monthly Department Reports will be sent to the Board in the next few days, and they will be posted on the
website.
Consent Agenda
Selectperson Bingham moved the consent agenda, Selectperson Chaffee second. The Board voted 5-Yes 0-
No.
Vote on Public Beach Access Request – Crawford Land Management
Update of Corona Virus
Health Director Amy von Hone instructed the Board and the public to not panic in regards to the Corona
Virus. It is a flu like illness that started in China. It has spread to 68 countries, with 90,000 cases worldwide.
Of which 80,000 are in China. As of now there are 43 cases in the United States. She participates weekly in
conference call with the MA Board of Health. Massachusetts only has one confirmed case as of today. The
FCDC is handling all incoming travelers from outside of the US. Anyone traveling from China is being
quarantined for 14 days. There is a very low risk on Cape Cod at this point. Preventative maintenance include
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
www.brewster-ma.gov
BoS 03-02-20
Page 2 of 6
Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
washing hands, avoid touching the face with your hands, and stay home if you are not feeling well. Sanitary
wipes can be used to disinfect surfaces. Any case found in a town would result in contact of the towns Health
Department. Schools have been contacted and distributed an informational hand out. Selectperson Chaffee
reaffirmed the need to frequent handwashing and technique. Assembly of Delegates Barnstable County
provides emergency response. They were involved in lengthy phone conferences discussing preparations in
the event it is needed.
Status Update from Dog Park Development Committee on Potential Relocation of Dog Park Project
Tom Lincoln updated the Board on the progress of the Dog Park Development Committee. They have been in
contact with Stanton Foundation, that a new site may be chosen for the park, but the cost of developing a
new set of plans and bid documents would have to be paid for by the Town, and approved by the Stanton
Board of Directors. Friends of Brewster Dog Park nonprofit was anticipating raising $70,000.00 for the dog
park construction. As of now they have $31,000.00 in pledges. Grant funding will also be sought by the
committee. They are looking at direction from the Select Board on how to proceed. Selectperson Chaffee
recalled the 8 potential options that were provided to the Select Board back in December. Alternative sites
option was removed from consideration, as it was not favorable cost wise. Selectperson Bingham inquired
about asking for an increase of CPC funding. Selectperson Dickson encourages the committee to raise the
additional funds needed above the Stanton Foundation award and if the design could be scaled back a bit to
try to do that. Carmen Scherzo, President of the Friends of Brewster Dog Park, asked the Select Board would
allow the DPW to do some of the site preparation work. He also noted that this is a half million dollar park as
designed, and the town would only have to pay for half of that after the Stanton Grant. Mr. Lombardi noted
the willingness of the DPW director, but there is no guarantee that next winters weather is going to be
reliable. The more the project is scaled back, the more overhead the contractor will have to bear and that
will affect the cost of the bid. Any significant redesign and documents will need to be paid for by the Town,
as all of the Stanton foundations design grant has been spent. The materials were the cost drivers of the
project. The project has been put out to bid two times. Chair Whitney asked if the committee has considered
bringing a Capital Article to Town Meeting. Mr. Lincoln had said they have not, as they did not feel like with
the financial struggles of the town in the recent years that it would pass. Selectperson Chaffee feels the
solution would be best if the committee raised as much in grant and pledges as possible, then obtained CPC
funding. Nauset disposal will provide removal of waste. Agway has a foundation that will provide disposal
“Mutt Mitts” which will reduce the primary upkeep costs of the park.
Presentations and Votes on Citizens Petitions for Spring 2020 Town Meeting
Climate Emergency & Net Zero Declaration – Chris Powicki
Chris Powiki submitted a citizen’s petition for Climate Emergency and Net Zero Declaration. The petition was
drafted with input from various residents, the Town Administrator and Selectperson Chaffee. This is a non-
binding article. Mr. Powiki read the article. Changes in the environment are having local impacts. The
language focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the town’s vulnerability. This falls in line with
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
www.brewster-ma.gov
BoS 03-02-20
Page 3 of 6
Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
the designation of the town as a green community. The third part of the petition engages the Select Board
and the Town Administration to integrate the priorities into their strategic planning efforts and direct
departments to facilitate such objectives as much as feasibly possible. The municipal operation itself has a
small footprint, but the municipality can do many things to reduce emissions throughout the town which
would also double as a cost saving measures. The citizens will be doing community outreach, public forums
and community events. He applauded the Town Administration for having direct involvement with the
crafting of the petition’s language. Fran Schofield, is a founding member of the Cape Cod climate change
initiative spoke of the power of collaboration to make an effective change. The local level should be the
focus of interest and activism. A similar petition will be brought to each community on Cape Cod to work
toward Net Zero. Selectperson Chaffee feels that even though this is a non-binding resolution she feels it will
be a framework for the town to make a variety of decisions in the future, as well as be a part of the Select
Board policy and goals retreat. Selectperson Dickson feels setting a goal of net zero emissions will hold them
accountable to do so. Selectperson Bingham moved Article as printed in the warrant, Selectperson deRuyter
second. The Board voted 5-Yes 0-No.
Five-Year Plan for Dog Park – Jillian Douglass
Jillian Douglass submitted a citizen petition for the Select Board to delay the construction of the dog park
until a 5 year plan has been drafted to provide a commitment to the dog park. Looking at the scope and scale
of the project she feels it really should be an ongoing plan. Costs for replacement of items will occur more in
the 10 year range. As this is a one-time Stanton grant she would like to know how the park will be
maintained in the future. There is no cost analysis of the park, and the funding of the park and its upkeep
could deter funding from other projects. She feels this is a solid waste collection and disposal project. She
was encouraged to hear that Nauset Disposal could volunteer the service, but she does not expect that to be
a permanent solution. Nor would she consider the plastic bags from Agway. She discussed her concerns of
the amount of excrement that could accumulate from the site and feels the town needs a planned manner in
which to handle it. She is also concerned of the use of plastic bags to contain the excrement and the increase
of the product to the waste stream. As well, the contact of the mowers and contact of town owned property
that would come into contact with it. Management of the rules and regulations of the park should be
considered in the plan as well. Ms. Douglass feels that this is a special interest group, and encourages them
to find other private interests that will support the cost of the park. Selectperson Dickson does not agree
with the article, as he feels helping the quality of life for one part of the population assists in improving the
life of the community as a whole. Not everyone owns a bike that would use the bike path, not everyone has
children that use the schools, and not everyone has a use for a playground. He does not feel that the dog
waste will increase throughout Brewster, and having a dog park will condense it to one location where there
is more of a likelihood it will be picked up. He feels this article is in opposition of the Dog Park. Selectperson
Chaffee noted several reasons she could not support the article. She has been a support to the committee
and engaged with the work that they have done; which she noted as measured and orderly. She feels the
dog park would be an amenity to the Town, and encourage residents to get to know other residents. There
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
www.brewster-ma.gov
BoS 03-02-20
Page 4 of 6
Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
are 1000’s of public dog parks in the US that have waste management plans. There are things that had to
happen first, before the committee began to draft their own management plan. She also feels that the
language of the petition is flawed, as the land was already authorized to be used for a dog park. Selectperson
deRuyter supports the article, as he feels it is creating a business plan for an expensive project. He has not
seen an ongoing cost analysis of the park and that they cannot count on business indefinitely providing the
services of waste removal. Carmen Scherzo replied to the petitioner. The plastic bags are biodegradable. The
Friends committee will have a memorandum of understanding that they will continue the ongoing
maintenance, and support. They are meeting with Latham center’s staff to discuss the possibility of those
individuals to assist in property maintenance. The Stanton Foundation offers capital improvement grants
after the dog park has been built and open for one year. They are trying to reduce the costs and the use of
sweat equity to make it more attractive to residents. Selectperson deRuyter moved article 24 as printed in
the warrant, Selectperson Dickson second. The Board voted 1-Yes 4-No.
Discuss Process to Appoint New Audit Committee Members
The Attorney General approved the bylaws that town meeting created last year. They can now move forward
with creating the Audit committee. Based on the charge there are staggered terms of memberships, with 3
members appointed by each the Finance Committee and the Select Board, and one member appointed by
the moderator. Finance Committee members can be appointed to the committee if they so choose. Mr.
Lombardi would like to post the vacancy of the committee, and work with one Select Board member to
present the favored nominations to the entire Board. The moderator would like to follow this tract as well
and the Finance Committee will be discussing their approach at an upcoming meeting. Selectperson
deRuyter would like at least one member have municipal experience in some capacity as it is different than a
private company. Selectperson Chaffee supports the idea.
Vote on Proposed FY21 Operating Budget Appropriations to Brewster Affordable Housing Trust Fund and
Capital Stabilization Fund
This was initially discussed and voted on at last meeting but the Chair requested a vote with a full
committee. $150,000.00 would be appropriated to each fund from the short term rental revenues. There
would be a separate appropriation for the remainder from free cash. Selectperson Bingham moved the FY21
Operating Budget Appropriations to Brewster Affordable Housing Trust Fund and Capital Stabilization Fund,
Selectperson Chaffee second. The Board voted 5-Yes 0-No
Vote on Proposed FY21 Operating Budget Appropriations to Brewster Affordable Housing Trust Fund and
Capital Stabilization Fund
Selectperson Chaffee recused herself from the conversation. Selectperson Bingham thought the Board was
going to wait until we could determine how much revenue would generated before it was decided how it
would be utilized. Mr. Lombardi feels that $250,000 is a conservative number. It should be more in future
fiscal years. The financial reserves policy the select board created noted that the short term rental funds
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
www.brewster-ma.gov
BoS 03-02-20
Page 5 of 6
Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
would be used for the capital stabilization fund. Selectperson deRuyter would like a better grasp of the
revenue source before allocating it. His past declaration of needing a permanent funding mechanism for the
housing trust in order for it to have a long term impact supports proposing adopting a policy that 50% of
short term rental tax revenue is budgeted to the housing trust fund on an annual basis. This money is derived
directly from the resource that causes the housing crisis. Not defining the entire 100% gives the flexibly of
using some of the funds. If some portion is placed into the operating budget, it cannot be used without a
town meeting vote. Strategy of how they allocate the new funding resource was considered. The capital
stabilization fund was used this time, because they know there are projects on the horizon which would
lessen the impact of the tax rate on the residents. Selectperson Dickson supported Selectperson deRuyter’s
proposal, as did Chair Whitney. This could be reallocated as a financial policy at a later time down the road
by a future board. The Board further discussed where to allocate the other 50% of the funds to. Selectperson
Bingham would like 25% to be used in the stabilization fund and 25% to OPEB. Mr. Lombardi reminded the
Board they had adopted a policy and funding plan for OPEB at a prior meeting. Chair Whitney would like the
TA to recommend to the Board where the other 50% should go annually. Mr. Lombardi will develop a policy
and bring that back to the board at a future meeting. Selectperson Dickson would like to see wording that he
intent of the remainder of the funding to be used for non-budgetary matters, but not exclusively preclude it.
Review and Vote on Select Board’s Capital Expenditures Plan Report to Town Meeting
A one page summary was included in the packet. This is consistent with the capital improvement plan from
the capital planning committee. The bylaw calls out that a 5 year plan be placed in the warrant. Selectperson
deRuyter asked about the amount for Stonybrook. That would be for replacement of the roof and shingles
approved by the elementary school committee last fall. That could change in the future, after the
consolidation studies. Selectperson Dickson asked about the Nauset MSBA funding to be added to grants and
gifts line. Selectperson Dickson moved to approve the Select Board’s Capital Expenditures Plan Report to
Town Meeting, Selectperson deRuyter second. The Board voted 5-Yes 0-No.
Review and Vote on FY21 Departmental Budgets
Selectperson Dickson moved to approve the FY21 Departmental Budget, Selectperson Chaffee second. The
Board voted 5-Yes 0-No.
Review and Vote on Spring 2020 Town Meeting Warrant Articles
Selectperson DeRuyter moved Warrant article 4, Assessment Formula for Nauset Regional Schools,
Selectperson Bingham second. The Board voted 5–Yes 0-No
Selectperson deRuyter moved Warrant article 5, Town Operating Budget, Selectperson Bingham second. The
Board voted 5–Yes 0-No
Selectperson deRuyter moved Warrant article 6, Golf Department Reserve Fund, Selectperson Bingham
second. The Board voted 5–Yes 0-No
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
www.brewster-ma.gov
BoS 03-02-20
Page 6 of 6
Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
Selectperson deRuyter moved Warrant article 7, Water Department Enterprise Fund, Selectperson Bingham
second. The Board voted 5–Yes 0-No
Selectperson deRuyter moved Warrant article 12, Skipping Program, Selectperson Bingham second. The
Board voted 5–Yes 0-No
Selectperson deRuyter moved Warrant article 13, Acceptance of Grants and Gifts, Selectperson Bingham
second. The Board voted 5–Yes 0-No
Selectperson deRuyter moved Warrant article 14, Repair & Resurface Town Roads/Chapter 90 Funds,
Selectperson Bingham second. The Board voted 5–Yes 0-No
Selectperson deRuyter moved Warrant article 15, Capital Stabilization Fund, Selectperson Bingham second.
The Board voted 5–Yes 0-No
Mr. Lombardi further explained the article and would like to add withdrawal from stabilization article with
the capital article. Selectperson deRuyter moved Warrant article 22, Town Code Amendment/Placement of
Articles, Selectperson Bingham second. The Board voted 5–Yes 0-No
FYIs
Mr. Lombardi noted the formal acknowledgement of the Green Communities Designation. He publicly
thanked Donna Kalinick and the Energy Committee and Margaret Song from Cape Light Compact. This
funding will include $10,000.00 to fund a part time energy manager position.
Future Meetings – March 16 &30, April 13 & 27, 2020
Adjournment
Selectperson Chaffee moved to adjourn at 8:20 pm, Selectperson deRuyter second. The Board voted 5-Yes 0-
No.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Young
Approved: _______________ Signed: _______________________________________
Date Selectperson Dickson, Clerk of the Board of Selectman
Accompanying Documents in Packet: agenda, consent agenda, citizens petitions, audit committee language, capital plan, budget
information, town meeting warrant, fyi’s
Town of Brewster Financial Policies
FINANCIAL RESERVES
PURPOSE
To help the Town stabilize finances and maintain operations during difficult economic periods, this
policy establishes prudent practices for appropriating to and expending reserve funds. To best plan
for long-term financial sustainability, Brewster can use its reserves to finance emergencies and other
unforeseen needs, to hold money for specific future purposes, or, in very limited instances, to serve
as revenue sources for the annual budget. Reserve balances and related policies can also positively
impact the Town’s credit rating and consequently its long-term cost to fund major capital projects.
APPLICABILITY
This policy pertains to the short- and long-range budget decision-making duties of the Select Board,
Town Administrator, Finance Committee, Water Commission, and Golf Commission. It also applies to
the related job duties of the Finance Director and Board of Assessors.
POLICY
The Town is committed to building and maintaining its reserves so as to have budgetary flexibility for
unexpected events and significant disruptions in revenue-expenditure patterns and to provide a
source of available funds for future capital expenditures. The Town will strive to maintain overall
general fund reserves in the level of twelve to twenty percent (12-20%) of the annual operating
budget. Adherence to this policy will help the Town withstand periods of decreased revenues and
control spending during periods of increased revenues. There are multiple types of reserves,
including free cash, stabilization funds, special revenue fund reserve balances, overlay surplus, and
retained earnings (as appropriate).
A.Free Cash
The Division of Local Services (DLS) defines free cash as “the remaining, unrestricted funds from
operations of the previous fiscal year, including unexpended free cash from the previous year.” DLS
must certify free cash before the Town can appropriate it.
To generate appropriate levels of free cash, the Town Administrator will propose budgets with
conservative revenue projections, and department heads will carefully manage their appropriations
in order to produce excess income and budget turn backs. The Town shall set a goal of managing its
budget such that annual free cash balances are certified in the range of five to seven percent (5-7%)
of the annual general fund operating budget.
To the greatest extent possible, the Town will limit its use of free cash to funding one-time
expenditures (such as capital projects, snow and ice deficits, or emergencies) and capital reserves.
The Town shall set a goal of maintaining its minimum year-end unappropriated free cash balance in
the range of two to two and a half percent (2-2.5%) of the annual general fund operating budget. The
Town will appropriate the excess above this target range to build reserves or to offset unfunded
liabilities.
B.Stabilization Funds
A stabilization fund is a reserve account allowed by state law to set aside monies to be available for
future spending purposes, including emergencies or capital expenditures, although it may be
appropriated for any lawful purpose. As detailed below, the Town has established two (2)
stabilization funds, each of which is accounted for and reported as a trust fund, regardless of
authorized use.
General Stabilization: The Town will endeavor to maintain a minimum balance of five percent (5%) of
the annual general fund operating budget in its general stabilization fund. Withdrawals from general
stabilization should only be used to mitigate emergencies or other unanticipated events that cannot be
supported by current general fund appropriations. When possible, withdrawals of funds should be
limited to the amount available above the five percent (5%) minimum reserve target level. If any
necessary withdrawal drives the balance below the minimum level, the withdrawal should be limited
to one-third of the general stabilization fund balance. Further, the Town Administrator will develop a
detailed plan to replenish the fund to the minimum level within the next two fiscal years.
Capital Investment [Stabilization]4: The Town will annually appropriate available free cash, after
current capital needs have been met and consistent with maintaining minimum year end
unappropriated free cash balances, and/or XX percent of new short-term rental revenues effective
July 1, 2020 to this fund5 until the targeted balance of ten percent (10%) of the general fund operating
budget is attained. By sustaining a funding balance at these target levels in this reserve, the Town
can balance debt with pay-as-you-go practices and protect against unforeseen costs.
C. Retained Earnings and/or Business-Type Operations Surplus
The Water Department’s and Golf Department’s finances each are managed as (quasi) enterprise
funds. Accounting for the revenues and expenditures of these operations separately from the general
fund allows the Town to effectively identify each operation’s true service delivery costs—direct,
indirect, and capital — and set user fees at a level sufficient to recover them. Revenues in excess of
estimated water/golf receipts or unspent water/golf appropriations closeout to a water/golf surplus
account at the fiscal year end. Water/golf surplus must first be applied to indirect costs and then may
be appropriated to fund water/golf-related general and capital expenses or to reduce water/golf rates.
Under this accounting, the Town may reserve each department’s generated surplus (referred to as
retained earnings or special revenue fund reserve balances).
For each (quasi) enterprise fund, the Town will maintain a reserve amount at twenty percent (20%)
of the operation’s total budget, at minimum, but any reserve may be significantly higher if major
infrastructure improvements are necessary. The Golf Department will attain this twenty percent
(20%) reserve balance by FY25 and shall seek to maintain it thereafter. These reserves shall be used
to provide rate stabilization and to fund major, future capital projects. To maintain the target reserve
levels for each enterprise requires the Water Commissioners and Golf Commissioners to periodically
review, and when necessary, recommend adjusting user rates, with the approval of the Select Board
as appropriate.
4 Requires the town to adopt a fund under M.G.L. c 40, § 5B.
5 Revenues can only be dedicated to a special purpose stabilization fund established under M.G.L. c 40, § 5B, not the
current fund established by special act. Dedication requires town meeting action. See DLS publication on
Stabilization Funds
D. Overlay Surplus
The purpose of the overlay reserve is to offset unrealized revenue resulting from uncollected
property taxes, abatements, and exemptions. It can be used for other purposes only after it is
determined to have a surplus. Therefore, unlike the other two types of general fund reserves,
this policy does not set a consistent, specific funding target for the overlay surplus. Rather, each
year as part of the budget process, the Board of Assessors will vote to raise an overlay amount
on the annual tax recapitulation sheet, such that the overlay balance is maintained at an amount
equal one to two percent (1-2%) of the annual general fund operating budget, taking the
following factors into account:
Current balance in the overlay account
Three-year average of granted abatements and exemptions, and any upcoming changes
to the Town’s exemption program
Potential abatement liability in cases pending before, or on appeal from, the Appellate
Tax Board (ATB)
Timing of the next DLS certification review (scheduled every five years)
At the conclusion of each fiscal year, the Board of Assessors will submit to the Town
Administrator and Finance Director an update of the overlay reserve with data that includes, but
is not limited to, the gross balance, potential abatement liabilities, and any transfers to surplus.
If the balance exceeds the amount of potential liabilities, the Select Board may request that the
Board of Assessors vote to declare those balances surplus and available for use to fund the
Town’s capital improvement plan or for any other one-time expense.
REFERENCES
M.G.L. c. 40 §5B
M.G.L. c. 59 §25
M.G.L. c. 44 §53F1/2
Brewster Capital Planning policy
DLS Best Practices: Free Cash and Special Purpose Stabilization Funds
DLS Form: Dedication of Revenue to Stabilization Fund
DLS Informational Guideline Releases 08-101: Enterprise Funds, 17-20: Stabilization Funds and
17-
23: Overlay and Overlay Surplus
Government Finance Officers Association Best Practices: Fund Balance Guidelines for the General
Fund and Working Capital Targets for Enterprise Funds
EFFECTIVE DATE
This policy was adopted on January 6, 2020.
FYI ITEMS (MAIL) April 20, 2021
1. March 2021 Housing Coordinator Report
2. Cape Cod Times Article re; Habitat New Project, Finch
3. Update Assembly of Delegates; Mary Chaffee
4. Email from resident; John Cleary
5. MA Dot Notification of Work
6. Lower Cape Outreach; 3rd Quarter Report
7. Joint Base Cape Cod Update
8. Public Comment Submission to MDAR from Town of Brewster; re
Eversource 2021 Yearly Operation Plan
9. CVEC Net Metering Credit & Billing February 2021
10. Conservation Commission Notice to Abutters; Ocean Edge Resort
11. Letter from Brewster Sportsmen’s Club re: Article 25 of the Town Meeting
Warrant, Citizen’s Petition; Hunting on Town Property
Brewster Housing Coordinator Update March 2021
Jill Scalise
Ongoing Activities/ Projects
1.Community Outreach and Education (Housing Production Plan (HPP) Strategy #13)
Responded to email and phone requests for information and assistance, 51 total requests for housing
information (33) or assistance (18). Office hours held on Thursdays from 10-12.
Website Announcement for Community Development Block Grant.
Wrote Annual Report. Met with representatives of Vision Planning Committee about Brewster housing.
2.Millstone Parcel (Select Board Strategic Plan Goal H-3, HPP Strategy #15)
At public Housing Trust meetings, Laura Shufelt, Mass Housing Partnership (MHP), is working with the
Trust to draft the Millstone Request for Proposal (RFP). Discussion of specific focus areas began in March.
Led Millstone property tours for Trust members. Met with Water Department about water easement.
3.Brewster Affordable Housing Trust Fund (BAHT) (HPP Strategy #7)
Continued work on Millstone property, Rental Assistance Program and SHI. Information throughout update.
4.Brewster Rental Assistance Program (B-RAP) (Strategic Plan H-2) with COVID emergency assistance
Program managed by Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC). CPC grant request of $150,000 for two
additional years of funding. Request presented to Finance Committee, unanimous support.
5.Brewster COVID -19 Fund
Applications, interviews, follow-up & funding continue. For info: covidrelieffund@brewster-ma.gov
6.Brewster Housing Partnership (BHP) (HPP Strategy #16)
Local Preference & Fair Housing virtual educational forum held with Select Board, CPC & Trust.
Presentations by MHP, Asst. Town Administrator Donna Kalinick & Housing Coordinator.
7.Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) (HPP Strategy #10)
Refinance request for affordable home processed, then recommended to and approved by Select Board.
Follow-up regarding several affordable homes with concerns.
8.Redevelop Existing Properties for Affordable Housing (HPP Strategy #6)
Elevation Financial Group is redeveloping 873 Harwich Rd. into 131, age 55+ rental units. Waiting on
Elevation for fair housing component and next steps with DHCD.
Latham Centers, Inc. staff review, rehabilitation of property includes potential creation of affordable
apartments for young adults in an educational program.
9.Comprehensive Permit Projects (HPP Strategy #14)
Brewster Woods (30 affordable rental units): Infrastructure work progressing. With Ms. Kalinick, met with
MassWorks liaison regarding grant progress and use. Bi-weekly construction meetings.
10.Collaboration (HPP Strategy #9)
Participated in HOME Consortium, MA Making the Case for Affordable Housing Zoom meeting, MHP
listening tour & CHAPA Municipal Engagement meeting. Met with representatives from Hingham Trust.
New Projects/ Upcoming Activities.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) of $1.3 million awarded for home rehabilitation and
childcare in Dennis, Brewster and Wellfleet. Applications not yet available.
Habitat for Humanity- Red Top Road- Local Initiative Program (LIP) presentation to Select Board April 5th
for two affordable homes on land donated by resident.
Personnel
Worked with: Assessor, Building Dept., CPC, Finance Comm., Health Dept., Housing Partnership, Housing
Trust, Planning Dept., Vision Planning Comm., Select Board and Town Administration.
Participated in Housing Trust & Finance Comm. meetings & Local Preference and Fair Housing forum.
Attended trainings: Housing Choice briefing & Lower Cape Housing Institute RFP training,
4/9/2021 Brewster resident subdivides land for construction of affordable homes
https://www.capecodtimes.com/story/news/2021/04/09/brewster-needed-more-affordable-housing-elizabeth-finch-had-land/7125875002/1/2
NEWS
'Unsung hero:' Brewster needed more affordable
housing. Elizabeth Finch had the land.
Doug Fraser Cape Cod Times
Published 4:00 a.m. ET Apr. 9, 2021 Updated 3:37 p.m. ET Apr. 9, 2021
BREWSTER — Working on affordable housing lately has been like walking through quicksand, according to Assistant
Town Administrator Donna Kalinick.
“You make steps forward, and real estate costs keep going up, and you say, ‘This can’t keep going like this,’” she said.
But it can, and it likely will.
Driven by demand from those seeking refuge from pandemic-beleaguered cities, the median home sales price for
Barnstable County jumped to $479,000 in 2020, a nearly 17% increase over the previous year. In 2016, the price was
already high at $362,500, but homes are selling fast, and there’s just a third of the inventory there was four years ago.
It can take years to get affordable and worker housing proposals built, and many times towns face opposition from
neighbors worried about their property values, the environmental impacts and their own quality of life.
So, it is heartening when private property owners such as Elizabeth Finch step up to help.
Two years ago, Finch went to Habitat for Humanity with a proposal to subdivide her nearly 58,000-square-foot lot into
three lots, with affordable homes built on two of them. She would continue to live in her current home.
“She is a humble person and an unsung hero. I see her as being an inspiration to other people thinking about how they
can help with the housing crisis,” Kalinick said of Finch’s decision to subdivide her modest-sized property.
It’s a move that cuts against the grain of most people’s thinking on what is typically their most valuable asset.
Homeowners cherish the privacy and value of a larger lot.
“I don’t need an acre and a half,' Finch said. "I love it. I love all the space I have, but I don’t need it."
Proposal to subdivide goes before Select Board
On Monday night, the Brewster Select Board unanimously approved the application by Habitat for Humanity to
subdivide part of the lot into two approximately 12,000-square-foot lots, with the remaining 34,160 square feet
reserved for Finch’s existing home.
The application, along with a letter of support from the board, will now go to the state Department of Housing and
Community Development. If DHCD approves, a project eligibility letter will be issued and the application will go to the
Brewster Zoning Board of Appeals for Chapter 40B permit approval, explained Elizabeth Wade, the director of land
acquisition and project development for Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod.
Read more: Orleans ZBA gives comprehensive permit to Pennrose LLC for affordable housing project
Habitat for Humanity requires that homebuyers work with volunteers for between 250 and 500 hours building the
home. The two homes on Finch’s lots will sell for about $168,000, and a family of four can make no more than 65%
4/9/2021 Brewster resident subdivides land for construction of affordable homes
https://www.capecodtimes.com/story/news/2021/04/09/brewster-needed-more-affordable-housing-elizabeth-finch-had-land/7125875002/2/2
($62,790) of the region’s median income, which for the Barnstable metropolitan statistical area is $96,600.
“This is an excellent example of someone who has a real passion for affordable housing making a donation and
sacrifice,” Wade said. It was unique in her experience, Wade said, for someone to subdivide their lot in order to build
affordable housing and remain living there.
Brewster zoning laws normally allow only a single house on a lot, with a minimum of 60,000 square feet to build a new
home in most residential districts, and 100,000 square feet in what is known as a rural residential district. Zoning of
over an acre for new buildable lots became common on the Cape as a way to protect natural resources and the region’s
rural character from runaway development that started in the 1970s.
Minimum lot size in Brewster’s residential rural district, for instance, went from 15,000 square feet in 1960 to 40,000
square feet in 1971, then 100,000 square feet in 1978.
Larger lots cost more money, driving up the cost of housing, and mean fewer homes can be built on the remaining lots.
Affordable housing and open space
Finch is a former president of the Brewster Conservation Trust and sits on their board of directors. She says she worries
about the conflict between open space and housing.
"My passion for some years has been land conservation," she said. "It's important for so many reasons, like water
quality and habitat."
Read more: Colliding crises: COVID, lack of affordable housing cause Cape Codders to turn to RVs
While she says the trust has worked to differentiate between land for housing and that needed to protect water, habitat
and other conservation objectives, Finch says she's concerned for the families and others who can no longer afford to
live on Cape and enjoy all that has been preserved.
"It's so easy for people to move here, tear down a home and build large houses that no one can afford," Finch said.
"There should be mixed neighborhoods," by income level and home size.
Brewster has done more than most Cape towns to address the housing crisis. The town currently has 5.6% of its year-
round housing stock listed by the state as affordable, according to Kalinick, which is the sixth-highest percentage of the
Cape's 15 towns. Brewster has a goal of reaching 10% affordable housing by 2025.
Read more: Renters struggle to keep housing in Cape Cod's hot real estate market
Habitat for Humanity recently completed and sold 14 homes on Paul Hush Way. The town also secured an agreement
for 20% of a proposed 131-unit makeover of a former nursing home to be affordable rental housing, and an additional
30 units of affordable one-, two- and three-bedroom rentals are now under construction as Brewster Woods. The town
is also working on up to 90 bedrooms of affordable rental housing on Millstone Road.
But one-third of the town’s residents are considered cost-burdened — they spend more than 30% of their income on
housing — while 43% of the town’s housing stock is used only seasonally.
"I came here in 1972, and so did many of my friends,” Finch said. “None of us could afford to live here now, and our
children can't afford to live here either."
Contact Doug Fraser at dfraser@capecodonline.com. Follow him on Twitter: @dougfrasercct.
Mary Chaffee, PhD, JD, RN, FAAN
Brewster Delegate and Deputy Speaker, Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates
3195 Main Street, Barnstable, MA 02638
www.barnstablecounty.org/regional-government/assembly-of-delegates
BRIEF TO BREWSTER SELECT BOARD ON ASSEMBLY AND COUNTY ACTIVITIES
April 5, 2021
1. 17th Session of the Assembly of Delegates/Reorganization
a. 17th Session began Jan. 6, 2021.
b. Patrick Princi, Barnstable, was elected Speaker and Mary Chaffee, Brewster, was
elected Deputy Speaker.
2. COVID-19 Response
a. Barnstable County has established a robust, multi-pronged COVID response
including collaborating with Cape Cod Health Care and the Cape Cod Medical
Reserve Corps on vaccine distribution.
b. The County provides extensive information to the public through its website and
established a COVID help line: (774) 330-3001, Monday – Friday, 8am-4:30pm.
c. The County offers email notification of County vaccine clinics and residents can sign
up at the County COVID website.
d. The Assembly has authorized emergency spending for COVID expenses over the
past year, receives regular updates from County Health Director Sean O’Brien, and
has voted to send letters to Governor Baker requesting sufficient resources for Cape
Cod residents.
3. FY22 County Operating Budget
a. The Assembly is responsible for approving the County’s annual budget; process is
conducted each spring with departmental hearings.
b. The Barnstable County FY2022 Budget is proposed to be $20,024,90, a decrease of
8.17% or $1,636,345 less than the FY2021 revised budget.
c. Governor Baker signed a law in January 2021 removing the Barnstable County
Sheriff’s pension liability from the County. This would have been $1.7 million this
year (8% of the County budget) and has been a significant burden. Barnstable
County had been the only Massachusetts County responsible for paying this liability.
4. Climate Emergency Resolution
a. The Assembly passed a Climate Emergency Resolution in February 2021 similar to
those passed by Brewster and 11 other Cape Cod towns.
b. It resolves that the County will reduce net greenhouse gas emissions from human
activity to zero as soon as feasible.
5. New County Administrator
a. Jack Yunits, Barnstable County Administrator for the past five years, has recently
stepped down. Mr. Yunits leaves the County in strong organizational and financial
shape.
b. The County Commissioners appointed Beth Albert as the new County Administrator.
Ms. Albert has served as the County’s Director of Human Resources since 2008.
6. Assembly Meetings
a. 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month at 4pm.
b. The Assembly is meeting remotely at this time.
c. Meetings can be viewed online; see County website “Meeting Center”:
https://www.barnstablecounty.org/calendar-2/
1
Donna Kalinick
From:John Cleary <john@mouseclicks.com>
Sent:Thursday, April 1, 2021 4:33 PM
To:Donna Kalinick
Subject:Fwd: Question on Vote on Proposed Temporary Revisions to Select Board Policy 22 – Public
Beaches and Landings
Hi Donna,
Just in case this did not get into the packet. Mary was not present for that meeting so I am not sure if she relayed my
thoughts.
Thanks,
John Cleary
508-896-4695
Begin forwarded message:
From: John Cleary <john@mouseclicks.com>
Subject: Question on Vote on Proposed Temporary Revisions to Select Board Policy 22
– Public Beaches and Landings
Date: March 25, 2021 at 3:15:45 PM EDT
To: Mary Chaffee <mchaffee@brewster-ma.gov>
Hi Mary,
Do you know if the SB is leaning towards reduced parking for the beaches and landings this summer?
If yes, I am requesting that the board not restrict parking but instead limit the suggested number of people allowed at the
beach. That way people might be less likely to park in the boat trailer slots and it is a more accurate way to control access.
Often people show up to launch kayaks and boats and they would not count towards beach capacity.
Best,
John
PLEASE NOTE ***Drivers who are traveling through the affected areas should expect delays, reduce speed, and use
caution. All scheduled work is weather dependent and/or may be impacted due to an emergency situation.
For additional traveler information, please visit MassDOT’s Travel Information Service at mass511.com
Created: 11/1/17
District 5
Municipality Work Notification Form
MassDOT will be conducting work in your community in the near future. The following project
information is being forwarded for distribution to appropriate Municipal Departments.
For questions, please contact the District 5 Construction Office at 508-884-4281.
Resident Engineer cell phone numbers are for the use of Municipal Officials only, and
should not be distributed to the general public. Please direct all public questions and
complaints to the District 5 Construction Office.
Project Location (City/Town): Brewster
Estimated Start Date of Work: 4/20/21
Project Type: Stormwater Improvements and Related Work along Sections of Rtes. 6 and 28,
Resident Engineer: Malcolm Lavalley (774) 561-2195
Description of Work: Installation of temporary construction signage, construction of 8
stormwater BMPs, installation of drainage pipe and drainage structures, exiting drainage
structure modification and incidental items necessary to complete the work.
Contractor: C.C. Construction Inc., Project Manager Chris Correa (508)398-1811
Hours of Operation (Day/Night): 700AM – 3:30PM, Monday to Friday
Description of Traffic Management: Shoulder and/or right lane closures as needed, managed
with police details.
Estimated Duration of Work: Approx. 1 year (4/3/22 Completion Date)
Additional Information: N/A
Lower Cape Outreach Council, Inc.
REPORT TO THE TOWN OF BREWSTER
FISCAL YEAR 2021
Quarter:1. Jul - Sept.2. Oct - Dec 3. Jan - Mar 4. Apr - Jun Year to Date
Service Provided
Cash Assistance $19,152.46 $40,684.69 $41,179.83 $0.00 $101,016.98
# of Households **50 68 77 0 195
Food: Value in $$14,600.00 $12,640.00 $15,080.00 $0.00 $42,320.00
# of Orders **90 79 93 0 262
# of Adults 117 97 130 0 344
# of Children 85 66 0 0 151
# of Seniors 31 26 0 0 57
Thanksgiving Baskets in $$2,000.00 $2,000.00
# of Orders **25 25
# of People 76 76
Clothing Value in $$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
# of Orders **0 0 0 0 0
# of Adults 0 0 0 0 0
# of Children 0 0 0 0 0
# of Seniors 0 0 0 0 0
Holiday Toys Value in $$750.00 $750.00
# of Families **9 9
# of Children 17 17
** Total Units of Service 140 189 170 0 499
Value per Unit of Service $241.09 $296.69 $330.94 #DIV/0!$292.76
TOTAL CASH VALUE $33,752.46 $56,074.69 $56,259.83 $0.00 $146,086.98
Joint Base Cape Cod
Update
April 2021
Volume 1, Number 1
Volume 1, Number 1
Welcome from the Office of the Executive Director,
Joint Base Cape Cod
I am pleased to present Joint Base Cape Cod’s newsletter. Joint Base Cape Cod
(JBCC) is a full scale, joint-use base home to five military commands training for
missions at home and overseas, conducting airborne search and rescue missions,
and intelligence command and control. JBCC supports a wide range of training
for homeland defense and security missions for the various commands and
conducts large scale joint training exercises with both military and civilian first
responders. The primary roles of the Joint Base Cape Cod (JBCC) Executive
Director are to ensure inter-agency communication and coordination, and ensure
government and community stakeholders are kept informed and engaged.
Annual State of the Reservation Report
The annual State of the Reservation Report for Training Year 2020, for the Upper
Cape Water Supply Reserve / Camp Edwards Training Area at Joint Base Cape Cod,
has hit the streets and is just waiting to be read. This report packs in a lot of
information, boasts a bunch of maps, tables, figures and even some pictures too.
The report can be found at https://www.massnationalguard.org/ERC/
publications.htm
The current Annual State of the Reservation Report (the Annual Report),
established by the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act process and required
by state law (Chapter 47 of the Acts of 2002), is the result of many years of
environmental reviews and submissions by the Massachusetts Army National
Guard.
The Annual Report describes the nature and extent of military training and other
activities taking place in the Camp Edwards Training Area/Upper Cape Water
Supply Reserve. In addition, it describes the status of the Massachusetts Army
National Guard’s compliance with environmental laws, regulations and the
Environmental Performance Standards, a set of 19 standards established in
Chapter 47 of the Acts of 2002 guiding military and civilian usage of the Camp
Edwards Training Area/Upper Cape Water Supply Reserve. The Annual Report
illustrates that military training can occur in the Camp Edwards Training Area/
(Continued on page 2)
In this Issue
Welcome
-1-
Annual State
of the Reservation Report
-1-
Military Commands
-4-
Environmental Programs
-5-
More Information
-5-
Joint Base Cape Cod Update 2 Ap ril 2021
Upper Cape Water Supply Reserve in a manner that is compatible with the natural resources purposes of water supply and
wildlife habitat protection.
The Annual State of the Reservation Report covers the Massachusetts National Guard’s Training Year 2020, which ran from
October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2020; therefore, information provided in the report generally encompasses an individual
training year rather than calendar year. The report ’s primary focus is the review of the Massachusetts Army National Guard’s
environmental programs relative to compliance with applicable local, state and federal regulations. Each year, the report
provides information on military training levels, range area usage, resource
management activities, environmental indicators for training activities, and coordination
among other activities and projects, such as the regional water supply and the
remediation program activities. Cape Cod Air Force Station and the US Coast Guard
Communications Station are both located within the boundary of the Upper Cape Water
Supply Reserve; however, they are not subject to Chapter 47 of the Acts of 2002 and the
Environmental Performance Standards (Chapter 47 of the Acts of 2002, Section 15).
The report also provides information on environmental reviews for proposed
Massachusetts National Guard and other projects within the Upper Cape Water Supply
Reserve.
The Annual Report is structured as follows:
Section 1, Introduction, discusses the structure of Joint Base Cape Cod and the
environmental management structure pertaining to activities in the northern training
areas of Camp Edwards.
Section 2, Small Arms Ranges and Military Training Activities, provides an update on the
return to live fire at the Small Arms Ranges at Camp Edwards and associated activities.
This section also provides information on military training that occurred in the Reserve
during Training Year 2020. Data is provided on the levels of training in the various training areas in the Reserve and range
usage, as well as at the various training support area facilities in the Cantonment Area on Camp Edwards.
Section 3, Environmental Program Management, focuses on environmental management programs operated by the
Massachusetts Army National Guard in the Reserve and program compliance with the Environmental Performance Standards
for the Reserve for the training year.
Section 4, Remediation Program Activities, provides a summary of remediation activities undertaken in the Reserve during the
training year by the Installation Restoration Program and the Impact Area Groundwater Study Program.
Section 5, Miscellaneous Military and Civilian Activities and Environmental Program Priorities, provides information on major
activities undertaken during Training Year 2020 that may not be directly related to a Massachusetts Army National Guard
environmental management program, actions in the Reserve, or specific Environmental Performance Standards for the
Reserve.
The Annual Report is the culmination of a year-long effort by the military and civilian employees of the Massachusetts Army
National Guard, Training Site Camp Edwards, the Environmental & Readiness Center, the Natural Resource Program, and the
Environmental Management Commission to provide valuable information on the state of the Reserve to interested
stakeholders and the community at large. The Annual Report is provided to the Environmental Management Commission’s
Environmental Officer, and the Commission’s Science Advisory Council and Community Advisory Council for their input.
Annual State of the Reservation Report Key Terms
Upper Cape Water Supply Reserve—The Upper Cape Water Supply Reserve was established by Chapter 47 of the Acts of 2002
as public conservation land dedicated to three primary purposes: water supply and wildlife habitat protection; the
development and construction of public water supply systems, and, the use and training of the military forces of the
commonwealth; provided that, such military use and training is compatible with the natural resource purposes of water supply
(Continued from page 1)
(Continued on page 3)
A soldier training on Sierra Range at
Camp Edwards.
Joint Base Cape Update 3 April 2021
and wildlife habitat protection. It comprises—and for the purposes of this report, may be synonymous with—Camp Edwards’
14,886-acre northern training area. Cape Cod Air Force Station and US Coast Guard Communications Station Boston are both
located with in the boundary of the Upper Cape Water Supply Reserve; however, they are not subject to the Environmental
Performance Standards.
Camp Edwards Training Area—The Massachusetts Army National Guard Camp Edwards Training Site (Camp Edwards Training
Area) is the major training area for Army National Guard soldiers in the Northeast. It is approximately 14,886 acres located on
the northern portion of Joint Base Cape Cod. At Camp Edwards, soldiers practice maneuvering exercises, bivouacking, and use
the small arms ranges. The Upper Cape Water Supply Reserve also is located
on the 14,886 acres of Camp Edwards. It comprises—and for the purposes of
this report, may be synonymous with—Camp Edwards’ 14,886-acre northern
training area.
Environmental Performance Standards —The Environmental Performance
Standards are a list of requirements, or standards for performance, that
guide both military and other users in the protection of Camp Edwards’
natural and cultural resources and the groundwater beneath the Reserve.
The Environmental Performance Standards are based in large part on
existing federal, state, and Department of Defense regulations. In some
cases, the protections offered by the performance standards are more
stringent than those offered by other regulations. These standards apply to
the Upper Cape Water Supply Reserve within the Camp Edwards Training
Area. Although Cape Cod Air Force Station and the US Coast Guard
Communications Station are located within the boundary of the Upper Cape
Water Supply Reserve, the Environmental Performance Standards do not
apply to them as they were excluded by Chapter 47 of the Acts of 2002.
Training Year—A training year runs from October 1 to September 30 and is based on the federal fiscal year. Information found
in the annual State of the Reservation Report is compiled by training year. This Annual State of the Reservation Report is for
Training Year 2020 (October 1, 2019 – September 30, 2020).
Training Support Area—There are separate facilities and equipment that can simulate live military training; these are grouped
under the Training Support Area. The majority of the training activities associated with these facilities are conducted in t he
Cantonment Area of Camp Edwards. Training Support Areas include Kelley Tactical Training Base, the Calero Mobile Military
Operations on Urban Terrain Site, the Engagement Skills Trainer and the Virtual Convoy Operations Trainer.
Small Arms Ranges —Small arms ranges allow live-fire qualification training with weapons of a small caliber, i.e. pistols, rifles
and semi-automatic and automatic rifles. Small arms training is designed to train a soldier to be “qualified” in the use and
maintenance of his or her assigned weapon. There are four active small arms ranges on Camp Edwards, which the
Massachusetts Army National Guard uses for weapons familiarization, weapons zeroing (essentially customizing it to give the
soldier a more accurate shot) and qualification.
Impact Area—The 2,200 acre Impact Area is located in the center of the Upper Cape Water Supply Reserve/Camp Edwards
Training Site. The small arms ranges are situated around the perimeter of the Impact Area, with range firing toward the Impact
Area. The 330-acre Central Impact Area is located within the Impact Area; it was the primary target area for artillery, mortar
and other firing activities from the early 1900s until firing ceased in 1997.
Cantonment Area—The southern 7,200-acre developed area of Joint Base Cape Cod with roads, utilities, office and classroom
buildings, training support areas, and housing. There are numerous federal, state and county entities located there.
The Annual State of the Reservation report encompasses a large amount of information and makes reference to many letters,
reports and other documents that were developed over the course of Training Year 2020. Many of these are available on-line
at https://www.massnationalguard.org/ERC/publications.htm
(Continued from page 2)
An Eastern Box Turtle being monitored by the
Natural Resources Program. The radio
transmitter is visible on the back left of the shell.
Joint Base Cape Cod Newsletter 4 April 2021
Military Commands at Joint Base Cape Cod
Joint Base Cape Cod (JBCC) is a full scale, joint-use base home to five military commands training for missions at home
and overseas, conducting airborne search and rescue missions, and intelligence command and control. These military
commands work to protect the land, sea, and air of the northeastern United States. In addition, military units and service
members who work and train at JBCC are also participating in missions around the world.
Camp Edwards, Army National Guard
Camp Edwards, encompassing 15,000 acres of JBCC, is the primary military training facility for National Guard and Army
Reserve soldiers throughout New England. Camp Edwards' primary mission is to prepare soldiers for combat missions
overseas as well as missions to serve and protect the homeland stateside. Training facilities at the base include a Tactical
Training Base, used to simulate an overseas Forward Operating Base, urban operations training facilities, small arms
ranges, convoy training, and state-of -the-art simulators. The facilities are also available for use by civilian first
responders. Camp Edwards is also home to a National Guard aviation battalion with utility helicopter and air traffic
control companies, three engineer units and the Regional Training Institute.
102nd Intelligence Wing, Air National Guard
The 102nd Intelligence Wing, operating out of Otis Air National Guard Base in the southern portion of Joint Base Cape Cod,
performs intelligence processing, exploitation and dissemination by analyzing and interpreting information from manned
and unmanned reconnaissance aircraft as well as signals within the cyberspace domain; transforming this material into
decision quality intelligence for use by decision makers in the planning and execution of global operations. The wing also
maintains a cyber-engineering and installation mission that represents the planning, designing and installing of critical
communication infrastructure, wherever and whenever needed. Ancillary missions such as civil engineers, air base ground
defense, and chemical, biological, and radiological response by expeditionary medical personnel, ensure support not only
for the wing’s federal mission, but that of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through homeland response to domestic
emergencies. The wing also maintains and operates base-wide services such as the drinking water supply, the wastewater
treatment plant, roads, electrical power, and operates environmental programs ensuring that current operations are
conducted in accordance with all state, federal and Department of Defense environmental requirements.
Base Cape Cod, US Coast Guard
Established in August 2014, Base Cape Cod serves as the single Deputy Commandant for Mission Support touch point for
the support of Coast Guard operations within the Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island Region of the 1st Coast
Guard District, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our operational partners to ensure the delivery of professional,
responsive, and cost-effective services to the American public.
Air Station Cape Cod, US Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod (ASCC) was established in August 1970. Air Station Cape Cod, operates with MH -
60T Jayhawk helicopters and HC-144A Ocean Sentry fixed-wing aircraft, and is the only Coast Guard Aviation facility in the
northeast. As such, ASCC is responsible for the waters from New Jersey to the Canadian border. ASCC maintains the
ability to launch a helicopter and/or fixed -wing aircraft within 30 minutes of a call, 365 days-a-year, 24 hours-a-day, and
in nearly all weather conditions. Our Mission includes: Search and Rescue, Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Marine
Fisheries, Aids to Navigation, and Logistics.
6th Space Warning Squadron, Cape Cod Air Force Station
The 6th Space Warning Squadron (6 SWS) is located in Sagamore, MA on Cape Cod Air Force Station and is part of Space
Delta 4, a United States Space Force organization focused on missile warning operations at Buckley Air Force Base in
Colorado. The unit operates the Upgraded Early Warning Radar with the designation of AN/FPS-132. “TEAM 6,” consists of
Department of the Air Force Airmen and Guardians, Royal Canadian Air Force Airmen, DoD civilians, and InDyne
employees. Cape Cod AFS has three missions. The unit provides accurate and timely missile warning and space surveillance
data to U.S. and allied decision makers for the safety and security of North America. Cape Cod AFS is the only land-based
East coast radar site in the United States with this mission. Next, 6 SWS provides mid-course interceptor guidance data to
the Missile Defense Agency to eliminate intermediate and long -range ballistic missile threats. Lastly, 6 SWS tracks Earth -
(Continued on page 5)
Joint Base Cape Cod Newsletter 5 April 2021
For More Information
More information and links to the military commands’ and environmental programs’ websites may be found on
JBCC’s website: https://www.massnationalguard.org/jbcc/index.html
Public Notifications
If you would like to be notified of public meetings, base tours or when documents are made available for review,
please email Emily.d.kelly2.nfg@mail.mil to be added to the email notification list.
Environmental Programs at Joint Base Cape Cod
Three environmental programs are located on JBCC; two with missions to clean up historical contamination related to past
practices and one with a mission to ensure that current military training is protective of the environmental resources on
and under JBCC.
Massachusetts National Guard Environmental & Readiness Center
The Environmental and Readiness Center (E&RC) at Camp Edwards was created in January 2001 by the Massachusetts
Army National Guard in order to provide the expertise and resources necessary to follow through on its commitment to
provide realistic training for National Guard and other Soldiers while protecting the wildlife habitat and groundwater of
the Camp Edwards Training Area/Upper Cape Water Supply Reserve. Along with, and as part of, Camp Edwards the E&RC
is responsible for ensuring that current training is conducted in a manner that is compatible with environmental protection
of the Massachusetts Army National Guard training lands on JBCC.
Army National Guard Impact Area Groundwater Study Program
The Impact Area Groundwater Study Program is addressing groundwater contamination and its sources on and emanating
from Camp Edwards on the northern 15,000 acres of JBCC. Groundwater treatment and source removal began in
2004. Seventeen groundwater treatment systems have been constructed to address seven groundwater plumes
contaminated with RDX and perchlorate. The IAGWSP is treating 4.1 million gallons of groundwater per day and more than
14 billion gallons of groundwater have been treated to date. Approximately 125,000 tons of soil have been removed and
treated or disposed of off -site. Decision Documents have been signed for all of the IAGWSP’s sites and final remedial
actions are underway.
Air Force Civil Engineer Center Installation Restoration Program
The Installation Restoration Program (IRP), managed by AFCEC under the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), is responsible for the investigation and cleanup of contamination from past
military practices at the JBCC. The program has managed over 100 source areas and 18 groundwater plumes in various
stages of cleanup. AFCEC is currently treating approximately 8 million gallons of contaminated groundwater per day at
eight treatment plants. Four groundwater plumes have been cleaned up, one of which has been officially closed. Two of
the ten Military Munitions Response Program (MMRP) sites have also been closed.
orbiting objects, including high interest items such as the International Space Station, any object that deviates from its
known orbit, or any new orbiting object. This critical tracking information is electronically transmitted to the 18th Space
Control Squadron at Vandenberg AFB, CA, where it is used to maintain the satellite catalog; serving the essential roles of
collision avoidance and situational awareness.
(Continued from page 4)
Public Comment Submission to MDAR
from the Town of Brewster, etal. -
Recommending and requesting that the Massachusetts
Department of Agricultural Resources deny approval of
Eversource Energy’s, Eastern MA 2021 YOP Plan for
Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard.
Submitted jointly and severally 9 April 2021 by:
- The Brewster Select Board,
- The Superintendent of Public Works for the Town of
Brewster,
- The Water Department for the Town of Brewster,
- The Brewster Conservation Trust,
- The Brewster Conservation Commission, and
- The Brewster Natural Resource Advisory Commission
To:
Clayton Edwards, MDAR Right of Ways Coordinator
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
251 Causeway St., Suite 500
Boston, MA 02114
and
Taryn LaScola, MDAR Pesticide Coordinator
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
251 Causeway St., Suite 500
Boston, MA 02114
Bruce Taub, Special Counsel, Town of Brewster, etal.
P.O. Box 2712, Orleans, MA 02653
617-529-7129; brucetaub@gmail.com
Public Comment Submission to MDAR from Town of Brewster, etal.
recommending and requesting that the Massachusetts Department of
Agricultural Resources deny approval of Eversource Energy’s, Eastern MA
2021 Yearly Operational Plan for Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard.
This submission is presented jointly and severally by the Brewster
Massachusetts Select Board through the Brewster Town Administrator, the
Superintendent of Public Works for the Town of Brewster, the Town of
Brewster Water Department, the Brewster Conservation Trust, and the
Brewster Conservation Commission this 9th day of April 2021.
Claim Summary - It is the position of the elected governing body of the
Town of Brewster (the Select Board) and a variety of citizens, agencies, and
employees of the Town of Brewster who have submitted public comments
contending the Eversource 2018-2022 VMP was flawed and deficient and
should not have been approved by MDAR, which in doing so abrogated its
responsibilities to the citizens of Brewster in failing to make a fair and
informed appraisal of the 2018 VMP as it stood at the time of its submission.
Inasmuch as the Eversource 2018-2022 VMP was fatally flawed and
negligently authorized, it is the Town of Brewster’s position that the 2021
YOP – which by definition reliably conforms to the 2018 VMP – is itself
fatally flawed. The objections listed herein were all included in Brewster’s
Public Comments offered in opposition to the granting of the 2018 VMP.
They apply by extension to Brewster’s opposition to approval of the 2021
YOP.
In addition to the previously enumerated objections to the Eversource 2018-
2022 Five Year VMP (herein recapitulated) the Town advances this new
and very serious objection to this year’s VOP, to wit: Since the submission
of the Eversource 2018 VMP, the Best Available Scientific Information
(BASI) on the harmful effects of glyphosate has evolved. In November
2020, the EPA released a draft Biological Evaluation (BE) assessing risks to
listed species from labeled uses of glyphosate. (Listed species refers to those
that are federally listed as endangered or threatened, as well as experimental
populations and those species that are proposed and candidates for listing).
The draft BE was conducted according to the Revised Method for National
Level Listed Species Biological Evaluations of Conventional Pesticides.
This method incorporates: Recommendations from the National Research
Council of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS); EPA’s “lessons
learned” during the first three pilot BEs; Comments received during
consultation with federally recognized tribes; and Input provided by U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S.
Department of Agriculture. The Draft BE for glyphosate is found at:
https://www.epa.gov/endangered-species/draft-national-level-listed-species-
biological-evaluation-glyphosate. The Draft BE evaluated glyphosate use in
Rights of Way as well as other geographic areas. This information was not
available in 2018. The findings of the Draft BE are that glyphosate, when
used in locations similar to those found in Brewster, is likely to injure or kill
93% of the plants and animals protected under the Endangered Species Act.
The Draft BE also found that glyphosate adversely modifies critical habitat
for 759 endangered species, or 96% of all species for which critical habitat
has been designated. The Town of Brewster includes critical habitats for
listed species in proximity to Eversource Rights-of-Way. In light of the
current ongoing EPA evaluation of glyphosate use in rights-of-way, the
health and safety priorities of the Town of Brewster, and the fact that
Eversource failed to incorporate the EPA Draft BE re glyphosate in its 2021
YOP, the 2021 Eversource YOP must be denied and rejected by MDAR.
Further Assertions:
1. The Town of Brewster, MA, and the agencies, departments, and
citizens of the Town of Brewster contend the 2018 – 2022 VMP submitted
by Eversource Energy, Inc. seeking authorization and permission from
MDAR to manage vegetation on all Eversource RoWs on Cape Cod and the
Islands using pesticides in a “safe, environmentally responsible and efficient
manner” is significantly defective and deficient at so fundamental a level of
construction and documentation that it ought to have been rejected until
Eversource could better satisfy standard VMP requirements.
2. No herbicides shall be applied within 50 feet of private wells. The
flow of groundwater in Brewster’s extremely porous sandy soil, at some
proposed pesticide treatment locations is only between 10 and 20 feet below
proposed spray sites. The Monomoy lens under the Town of Brewster from
which all Brewster draws ALL its drinking water is far closer at dozens of
places to Defendant Eversource spraying surfaces than is permitted by
statute, all as competently documented by the maps, charts, and data found
at https://groundwaterwatch.usgs.gov/countymap.asp?sa=MA&cc=001; and
http://www.capecodcommission.org/index.php?id=169&maincatid=49.
3. Herbicide applications in Massachusetts are rigorously restricted
within 100 feet of wetland resources – marshes, bogs, vernal pools, etc. All
along the right of ways in Brewwster are many many properties with
marshes, bogs, vernal pools, and Conservation Restrictions within 100 feet
of wetland resources.
4. The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources may not
exempt Eversource from the statutory requirement not to apply herbicides
within 50 feet of any public well and within 100 feet of any private well.
Fifty feet is fifty feet - in all directions - up, down, or sideways - especially
where within the same regulations the word “lateral” distance is used where
needed and intended.
5. MDAR’s own standards cannot be relaxed. The spraying of toxic
herbicides by Eversource in and about the ground level surface soils on
power company rights of way in the Town of Brewster and on or about Cape
Cod and the Islands, with its sole source, shallow aquifer and fragile
environment, cannot be allowed by MDAR or any other agency at below
minimum statutory distances. Petitioners intend to demonstrate in a separate
Court action to be filed in Superior Court in 2021 that MDAR has willfully
or negligently granted authority to Eversource in violation of MDAR’s own
mandate.
6. The 2018 – 2022 Eversource VMP failed to adequately take into
account geologic, geographic, climactic, environmental and legal factors in
determining the best approach to controlling vegetation, including attention
to soil types, moisture levels, elevation and land use patterns, groundwater
locations and flow, actual species composition, density, and growth rates.
This flaw in the 2018 VMP carries over on the same grounds to the 2021
YOP.
7. MDAR is required by regulation to establish and formulate
procedures whereby the advice or relevant advisory councils shall be sought
incident to the development of policy or the adoption, amendment or repeal
of regulations related to the administration and maintenance of RoWs. The
Town of Brewster sees no evidence that MDAR or Eversource ever sought
such advice. Not in 2018 and not in 2021.
8. To properly assess and evaluate any VMP, documentation of
compliance and documentation of prior outcomes is crucial. There is no
evidence that such data exist in the files of Eversource or MDAR, neither
currently, nor historically.
9. MDAR is required to submit an annual report to the clerks of the
senate and the house of representatives and the joint committee on natural
resources and agriculture describing the efforts taken and the progress made
toward reducing pesticide use, furthering the use of integrated pest
management and other alternate pest control methods in the commonwealth.
No such reports have been made available. Without them it is virtually
impossible to either defend or properly assess the Eversource VMP and prior
year’s successes or failures.
10. MDAR is mandated to promote “public health and general welfare by
preventing the pollution and securing the sanitary protection of all such
waters used as sources of water supply and ensuring that public water
systems in Massachusetts provide to the users thereof water that is safe, fit
and pure to drink.” This standard has not been met.
11. The public and the Town of Brewster deserves to be presented with
competent evidence. Without competent measurable evidence no permission
to spray may be granted. For a population that must work vigilantly to
protect its water supply, many persons in Brewster and on the Cape and
Islands would prefer to minimize how many chemicals enter their
groundwater, regardless of how supposedly safe or less expensive they are.
12. A coherent body of evidence indicating that the chemicals and
chemical mixtures Eversource plans to apply and MDAR already approved
could be toxic below the regulatory lowest observed adverse effect level for
chronic toxic effects. Why is the public only provided with a patently self
serving, dated, boilerplate document with absolutely no reference to the
neurodevelopmental, reproductive, and transgenerational effects of the very
chemicals Eversource proposes using. A growing body of knowledge
suggests the predominance of endocrine disrupting mechanisms caused by
environmentally relevant levels of exposure to these chemicals. The 2021
YOP and the 2018 VMP completely fail to acknowledge the legitimacy of
these concerns.
13. As people have seen time and again here on the Cape and Islands and
in the Town of Brewster, chemicals that were once thought to be safe have
turned out to be severely problematic. Towns like Brewster whose water
needs are served by a sole-source aquifer, live with the daily reality that
what some might see as a superabundance of caution is really more an act of
common sense.
14. The Town of Brewster, MA, ETAL contends the 2018 – 2022 VMP
submitted by Eversource Energy Inc contains numbers of assertions and
conclusions absent the necessary underlying support with which an evaluator
of the VMP could make a proper assessment. Naturally it follows that the
2021 suffers the same defect. Without competent documentation by
Eversource and MDAR, the public, the citizens of the Commonwealth, and
the land owners near proposed chemical applications - within feet of an
entire population’s drinking supply – are being asked to guess, or perhaps
trust, without the fundamental data a fair assessment requires.
15. The Town of Brewster asserts that a reasonably complete and current
VMP requires sufficiently adequate substance and documentation such that
an informed and consciencious public, the scientific community, and the
elected and appointed governing bodies required to act, comment, and/or
rule upon such VMPs can do so in a timely and meaningful manner. There
is no way to adequately assess the Eversource 2018 Cape Cod and Islands
VMP by these standards without comprehensive documentation of full
compliance by Eversource with all state and federal laws and regulations at
least as an historical and presumably documented fact. But there is none.
16. There is a burden, an obligation to our lands and planet, to our soils
and waters that belongs on Eversource and without any substantial and
detailed documentation of Eversource’s past practices and outcomes neither
the Town of Brewster and its component departments, nor MDAR, can
know what is needed to know to make the most sensible and intelligent
decisions when real objective data is absent.
17. Any competent and complete VMP requires a detailed description of
the VPM Program, showing specifically how it will minimize the amount
and frequency of herbicide application. There is none in the 2018
Eversource VMP or the 2021 Eversource YOP.
18. The Department failed to comply with MGL 132B and did not
submit an annual report to the clerks of the senate and the house of
representatives and the joint committee on natural resources and agriculture
“describing the efforts taken and the progress made toward reducing
pesticide use, furthering the use of integrated pest management and other
alternate pest control methods in the commonwealth.” Without seeing the
annual report the Department is required to submit to the clerks of the senate
and the house of representatives and the joint committee on natural resources
and agriculture describing the efforts taken and the progress made toward
reducing pesticide use, furthering the use of integrated pest management and
other alternate pest control methods in the commonwealth. And no such
report has been made available. Without access to such a report the Town of
Brewster, etal., cannot adequately assess what Eversource is intending.
19. The 2018 VMP on which the 2021 YOP relies is mostly “boilerplate,”
extremely dated, and/or out of date.
20.The Department with the approval of the Pesticide Board shall by
regulation establish and formulate procedures whereby the advice or relevant
advisory councils shall be sought incident to the development of policy or
the adoption, amendment, or repeal of regulations related to the
administration of this chapter. There is the no suggestion in the VMP or
YOP that in evaluating the VMP and YOP MDAR sought said advice or
counsel.
21. MDAR is mandated to design, develop and implement the system in
order to collect, evaluate, summarize, retain and report information on the
use of pesticides in each major category of use in the commonwealth,
including agriculture, forestry, industrial, commercial and homeowner uses.
Additionally MDAR is required at least one time each year, collect the best
data practicable from each major category of pesticide use in a manner that
will allow such data to be used for public health purposes, including, but not
limited to, epidemiological studies. This material ought to be part of any
comprehensive VMP at the time of its submission. It was not.
22. The policy, technical, and scientific bases underlying the VMP are
outdated and uncritically reported; the most recent citation is an NHESP
report done for a 321 CMR 10.00 review published in 2009. Fifteen of the
references cited were published between 1974 and 2000; the remaining
fifteen were published between 2000 and 2009. There are frequent
comments referring to “most current” treatment methods, but this claim is
practically meaningless since the most recent citation was published in 2009.
23. The VMP cites “the longest, most respected and benchmark study” for
the foundation of its IVM program, but it misspells the name of one of the
principal authors (Burns should be Byrnes). The section on Integrated
Vegetation Management continues “There [sic] work has spanned new fields
of research...” but does not provide any examples of studies in the
past ten years that are based on the benchmark studies. On page 12 of the
VMP we read “utility arborists...need to follow new regulations and
advances in the field of utility arboriculture,” again without a single
example.
24. A number of species are considered threatened or endangered (T&E)
species by the State of Massachusetts (https://www.mass.gov/service-
details/list-of-endangered-threatened-and-special-concern-species). An
examination of this list indicates that some of these species live on Cape
Cod, including threatened and endangered plants, invertebrates, and other
species. Pesticides are proposed to be applied in an area where shallow
aquifers exist. An ecological risk assessment should be conducted and the
results made available to the Public. The herbicides proposed for use should
be evaluated based on application rates, the timing of the applications,
herbicide persistence, leaching potential, the presence of T&E species,
potential exposure of these species directly to these herbicides, and potential
impact of these herbicides on the food we. Examples of this risk assessment
approach are presented in the Biological Opinions (BIOPs) protocol
developed for various pesticides by NMFS and NOAA.
(http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/consultation/pesticides.htm). The lead
scientifically accepted research supporting these conclusions are:
Relyea, R. 2005. The lethal impact of roundup on aquatic and terrestrial
amphibians. Ecological Applications 15: 1118–1124.
Relyea, R. 2005.The impact of insecticides and herbicides on the
biodiversity and productivity of aquatic communities. Ecological
Applications 5: 618–627.
25. In the 2018 VMP, precautions are listed for herbicide applications
and licensed applicators appling these chemicals. However, even if these
precautions are taken, pesticides will still make their way into untreated
areas through leaching, runoff, and atmospheric movement no matter how
carefully the applications are applied. Quoting Dr. Johnn Stark of the
Washington State, State Department of Ecology and the State Dept of
Agriculture which has routinely monitored pesticide concentrations in
surface water systems in agricultural areas, particularly streams and rivers…
(https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/summarypages/1303002.html). “All
of the methods to minimize off-site movement of toxins listed in the
Eversource VMP are used in Washington State at even greater distances,
because buffer zones are quite large for pesticide applications … Yet
pesticides are routinely detected in every surface water system evaluated.”
26. Residue analysis for the herbicides being applied to ROWs needs to
be conducted periodically for ground water aquifers and surface water
systems in and around the spray areas. We are aware of no such testing. It
is our view that this is an exquisitely easy matter for MDAR to execute.
27. Much of the literature cited in the VMP is quite old. Great progress
has been made in terms of ecological risk assessment. Toxicity studies on
Roundup have shown that this and other herbicides can have negative
impacts on animals and plants, see Relyea above. These studies appear not
to be mentioned by Eversource.
28. Pesticide application rates/timings are not included in these
documents. This is a major flaw in the VMP.
29. Chemicals such as aminopyrlid are very persistent in the
environmental and have a high potential to leach and runoff.
30. Chemical toxicity needs to be viewed in the context of mixtures along
with inert ingredients as established in the BIOPs where they go into detail
about inerts and mixtures and why they are important in any risk assessment.
Inert ingredients have been shown to be toxic in a number of studies.
Eversource should not be trying to “sell” the state on a plan the corporation
hopes to “get away with.” The citizens of Brewster – We the People -
through and with the town government which represents the citizenry of our
town are far and away the best and wisest judges of what is best, good, and
affordable relative to our long term future and current anxieties.
31. Attempts to review, assess, appraise, and comment on said VMP - and
provide feedback to Eversource and MDAR - by citizens, scientists, and
town boards of health, water, and/or conservation commissions - cannot be
adequately conveyed given the lack of fundamental documentation re
applications and results. The absence of this data for the years 2015, 2016,
and 2017 at the time of publication of the 2018 Eversource Cape and
Martha’s Vineyard VMP renders any attempt to make a rational and credible
evaluation a nullity. As such the VMP should have been denied.
32. The Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program
(NHESP) is responsible for the conservation and protection of hundreds of
species of plants and animals that are not hunted, fished, trapped, or
commercially harvested in the commonwealth, as well as the protection of
the natural communities that make up the endangered species’ habitats. The
NHESP’s BioMap2 website focuses on species of conservation concern,
priority and exemplary natural communities. Altogether over 4,000 (four
thousand) acres, or 46.2% of Brewster’s 25.5 square miles, are protected as
critical natural landscape areas. Conservation core habitats included in this
protection in Brewster are recognized to protect fifteen plant species and two
species of birds, three reptiles, and six insects.
33. In New England, the term “vernal pool” is used to refer to a wide
variety of temporary, fish-free wetlands. In the narrow sense, a vernal pool
is a temporary wetland which fills each spring (vernal: spring)
and dries each year. Leo Kenney and Matthew Burne (2000. A Field Guide
to the animals of Vernal Pools; MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife
NHESP & Vernal Pool Association) have written a useful guide to the
animals that are characteristic inhabitants of vernal pools in Massachusetts.
They define Vernal Pools as wetlands that are or may become isolated from
other surface waters and have relatively long periods during the year in a
completely dry state. Because the pools do not support any fish species, an
unusual community of organisms exists in vernal pools, organisms whose
annual life cycles have adapted to the challenges of living in this specialized
type of habitat. These “obligate” species and such animals are good indicator
species for the environmental health of the pool and the surrounding
neighborhood. The Town of Brewster and the public health, safety, and
environmental protection departments within the Town stand firmly Public
committed to maximum compliance with all public health, safety, and
environmental protection concerns in the Town of Brewster. We expect no
less of Eversource and of MDAR. We focus here on only two types of
organisms that are of particular concern due to their relationship with vernal
pools in Brewster: spotted salamanders and fairy shrimps.
34. The blue-spotted salamander (taxonomic binomial name Ambystoma
lateralis) is on the commonwealth list of Threatened and Endangered
Species. These important salamanders use vernal pools for the aquatic phase
of their amphibious life, which includes spawning, egg development, and
larval phases. Adults then move out of the shallow waters and live under
cover for several years in moist terrestrial sites that are well beyond existing
protected sites listed in Eversource’s 2018 VMP's Appendix V. Salamander
skin is thin, moist, and highly permeable to absorbing chemicals, including
those chemicals associated with pesticide spraying and inescapably
associated with chemical spray drift. During a two year study in northeastern
MA, Windmiller et al [Windmiller, B., et al., 2005. Variation in terrestrial
habitat use by four pool breeding amphibian species. J. Wildlife Mgmt 69:
1481-1493] found that 60% of adult salamanders overwintered more than
100 meters from the edge of their breeding pools. Windmiller’s scientific
survey provides clear and convincing evidence that failure to maintain a
suitable habitat beyond 100 meters from breeding pools is actually a breach
of Massachusetts statutes subject to penalties and fines. Windmiller's
studies also suggest that narrow protective bands around breeding ponds are
far less effective than previously thought due to disproportionate
representation of males and underrepresentation of females within these
narrow buffer strips. The 2018 Eversource VMP Appendix 5 for critical sites
calls for only a 10 foot wide no-spray restriction, and is clearly inadequate in
light of the mandate to preserve the ecological niches of fauna living in these
critical ecosystems (2) (a) In another study, Windmiller et al. [Windmiller,
B., et l. 2008. Herpetological Conservation 3: 41-51] documented declines
of breeding amphibian populations, including the very blue-spotted
salamanders being referenced herein following loss of upland forest habitat
around vernal pools at two sites within MA.
35. Semlitch and Bodie (2005) (Semlitsch, RD, JR Bodie, 2005.
Biological Criteria for Buffer Zones around Wetlands and Riparian Habitats
for Amphibians and Reptiles. Conservation Biol. 17: 1219-1228) argue that
while the protection of water resources of vernal pools is recognized under
NHESP, it is also unarguable that terrestrial upland areas surrounding
wetlands are core habitats for numerous semiaquatic species. Summarizing
data for 19 frog, 5 snake, 28 turtle species, and 13 salamander (including
Ambystoma lateralis salamanders) biologists concluded that core terrestrial
habitat was between 125 and 300 meters beyond the outer margins of the
pools. These results make uncontrovertibly clear that much larger areas of
terrestrial habitat surrounding wetlands are critical for maintaining viable
populations of several types of protected amphibians and reptiles.
36. In Massachusetts, several species of shrimp are recognized as obligate
vernal pool species, which indicates that they are restricted to vernal pools,
and that their presence alone constitutes an accepted marker for establishing
certification of a water body as a vernal pool, thereby guaranteed protection
by the Commonwealth and several departments thereof. Fairy shrimp are
small crustaceans which, as adults, resemble the more widely known and
closely related brine shrimp, whose early developmental phases are heavily
relied upon as food organisms in both the aquarium and aquaculture trades.
37. Kenney and Burne (2001) report that two closely related species of
fairy shrimp are confirmed in Eastern MA. Eubranchipus vernalis is
common and widespread. A second species, E. intricatus, is a state-listed
rare species. Neither MDAR or Eversource make required
acknowlegements or considerations regarding these protected species.
38. There are NHESP certified Vernal Pools throughout Cape Cod and in
Brewster. Salamander egg masses are readily visible in late spring
according to Noelle Bramer, Town of Brewster Conservation Agent, and
adults can be found typically under upland cover, away from the pools,
which generally dry up as the summer progresses.
39. Vernal pools in Massachusetts are given protection through several
regulations (the Wetlands Protection Act Regulations, Title V of the
Massachusetts Environmental Code, and the Forest Cutting Practices Act
Regulations). McGuire (2010. Sustainable approaches to managing small-
scale ecosystems: a case study of vernal pool protection in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. J Sustainable Development 3: 3-8)
provides a thoughtful summary of the failures of the current regulatory
scheme for vernal pool protection. Most of these require that the pool be
certified by the NHESP, which maintains an active database of information
concerning individual species which tabulate observations from registered
observers. Needless to say, any and all Massachusetts VMPs must account
for the protection of these organisms and compliance with Environmental
and Species Protection law. The Eversource 2018 VMP clearly fails to do
so and must be rejected on these grounds alone. So too the 2021 YOP.
40. Any reasonably complete and current VMP requires sufficiently
adequate substance such that an informed and consciencious public, the
scientific community, and the elected and appointed governing bodies
required to act, comment, and/or rule upon such VMPs can do so in a timely
and meaningful manner. There is no way to adequately assess the
Eversource 2018 Cape Cod and Islands VMP by these standards without
comprehensive documentation.
41. The severe impact of pesticides as causally related to the world wide
bee extinction crisis and the severe consequences that extinction may have
on food production worldwide, is nowhere referenced. We also note that
almost the entire European Union has instituted a ban on neonicotinoids
based on their harms to pollinators and Canada's pesticide regulatory agency
recommended banning the most widely used neonicotinoid based on harms
to aquatic ecosystems. Indeed the EPA's own research leaves no question
that neonicotinoids pose unacceptable risks.
42. Without documentation or data at the ready with which to show what
the pesticide usage and efficacy on Cape Cod RoWs has been over the last
three (3) years, 2015, 16, and 17, prior to the authorization of a new 5 year
VMP was not ethically acceptable.
43. Since the submission of the Eversource 2018 VMP, the Best
Available Scientific Information (BASI) on the harmful effects of
glyphosate has evolved. The draft BE was conducted according to the
Revised Method for National Level Listed Species Biological Evaluations of
Conventional Pesticides. The Draft BE for glyphosate is found at:
https://www.epa.gov/endangered-species/draft-national-level-listed-species-
biological-evaluation-glyphosate. The Draft BE evaluated glyphosate use in
Rights of Ways. This information was not available in 2018. The findings of
the Draft BE are that glyphosate, when used in locations similar to those
found in Brewster, is likely to injure or kill 93% of the plants and animals
protected under the Endangered Species Act. The Draft BE also found that
glyphosate adversely modifies critical habitat for 759 endangered species, or
96% of all species for which critical habitat has been designated. The Town
of Brewster includes critical habitats for listed species in proximity to
Eversource Rights-of-Way. In light of the current ongoing EPA evaluation
of glyphosate use in rights-of-way, the health and safety priorities of the
Town of Brewster, and the fact that Eversource failed to incorporate the
EPA Draft BE re glyphosate in its 2021 YOP, the 2021 Eversource YOP
must be denied and rejected by MDAR.
Respectfully submitted,
The Town of Brewster, etal.
By and with its elected Select Board
Bruce R. Taub, Special Counsel
P.O. Box 2712
Orleans, MA 02653
617-529-7129
brucetaub@gmail.com
BBO#544080
April 15, 2021
To: The Brewster Select Board and Town Administrator
From: The Board of The Brewster Sportsman’s and Civic Club
We respectfully request that this letter be read into the public record.
The Board of Directors of the Brewster Sportsman’s and Civic Club, representing over 100 members of the Brewster and
surrounding communities, requests the creators of the citizens petition to ban hunting and various other activities
within the Punkhorn Public lands to respectfully withdraw their petition. Furthermore, if not withdrawn, we request that
The Select Board, Town Administrator and all Town Departments not provide support for that petition.
The Punkhorn Parklands were created specifically “for conservation purposes, passive recreation and water protection”
and authorized the Conservation Commission “to manage and control the property.”
Supporting this petition damages these corner stones of the Punkhorns creation by banning passive recreation activities
and taking away from the Conservation Commission a valuable and effective conservation tool to manage wildlife. It
was determined by a recent State study that showed the Punkhorns is currently experiencing an over population of
deer, a situation that leads to disease among the species, spreading of the tick population, and increased incidence of
vehicle collisions. The Conservation Commission has already shown their ability to implement a proper, safe and
effective conservation harvesting program with the use of community hunters in managing wildlife in the Mother’s Bog
public land. While the petition allows for the use of “sharpshooters,” this would impose a tax burden on our community,
likely waste the animals being harvested, takes away community recreational opportunity, and interferes with the
Conservation Commission’s ability to manage the property as they were entrusted to do so by the citizens of this
community in 1987.
The petition calls for banning the recreational activity of archery. Target and silhouette archery is one of the fastest
growing family outdoor activities, and areas of the Punkhorn would prove ideal for this activity, as would the other
recreational activities listed in the petition.
We will also state that there is no reason(s) listed on the petition for such a ban of the listed activities, most of which the
State already has laws, governed by MGL Chapter 131 and specifically Section 59. This petition appears to be a solution
looking for a problem that does not exist.
With that said, it is hard not to recognize the importance and relevance of the National Forest Service’s moto “Land of
many uses – and many users.” The Punkhorn Parklands are public lands with a rich history of varied uses and users
from commercial to recreational endeavors, as well as hunting dating back thousands of years by the Saquatucket Tribe.
To purposefully discriminate against the citizens of this Town and surrounding communities by blocking access to use
and users of the flora and fauna on those public lands, goes against everything open public lands and conservation
efforts are about. Not to mention this Town’s pledge of “inclusion for all.” We should be looking at how we can include
more people in the enjoyment and use of our public natural resources, not blocking them, or labeling the “right” or
“wrong” uses or users of that public resource. We know better than to have such practices in this day and age.
This Club was founded in 1973 with core principles that include conservation, and civic duty which hold true today in our
efforts to foster public land use, education and enjoyment of our natural resources for all uses and users. Our hope is
that we and our community may continue to do just that in the public Punkhorn Parklands.
Additionally, the Club offers its meeting space to further discuss this issue with stakeholders.
Thank you for your time.
Respectfully,
The Board of The Brewster Sportsman’s and Civic Club.