HomeMy Public PortalAboutSelect Board -- 2021-06-07 Minutes \aa°tutuuuu uuWiw�iw�//
Town of Brewster Office of:
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MINUTES OF THE SELECT BOARD REGULAR SESSION MINUTES
DATE : June 7, 2021 j
TIME : 6 : 00 PM
PLACE , Remote Teleconference
ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE PARTICIPATING REMOTELY : Chair Bingham , Selectperson Whitney, Selectperson
Chatelain , Selectperson Chaffee, Selectperson Hoffmann , Town Administrator Peter Lombardi, Assistant
Town Administrator Susan Broderick, Assistant Town Administrator Donna Kalinick, Elizabeth Taylor, Chris
Miller, James Barber, Chris Carlson , Jamie Veara , Mike Dodson , David Young, Mike Gradone , George Boyd ,
Sally Gunning, Faythe Ellis, James Gallaher .
Call to Order & Declaration of a Quorum Meeting Participation Statement and Recording Statement
Chair Bingham called the meeting to order at 6 : 03pm . She announced Selectboard members participating
remotely, declared a quorum present, and read the meeting participation and recording statements .
Executive Session
Chair Bingham stated that the Board would be going into executive session to consider the purchase , exchange ,
lease or value of real property if the chair declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on
the negotiating position of the public body and will return to open session .
Selectperson Whitney moved to go into Executive Session at 6 : 06 pm , Selectperson Chaffee second . A roll
call vote was taken . Selectperson Whitney- yes, Selectperson Chatelain -yes, Selectperson Chaffee-yes,
Selectperson Hoffmann -yes, Chair Bingham -yes . The Board vote was 5 -yes, 0- No .
Chair Bingham announced that we have returned from Executive session at 6 : 41pm .
Public Announcements and Comments, Members of the public may address the Select Board on matters not on the
meeting' s agenda for a maximum 3=5 minutes at the Chair's discretion . Under the Open Meeting Law, the Select Board is unable
to reply but may add items presented to a future agenda .
No discussion
Select Board Announcements and Liaison Reports
No reports or discussion
Town Administrator' s Report
Peter Lombardi provided the latest updates on the pandemic .
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Town of Brewster Office of:
Select Board
tit 2198 Main Street Town Administrator
W Brewster, MA 02631 - 1898
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• State -wide restrictions were almost entirely rescinded as of Memorial Day weekend and the State of
Emergency will formally end on June 15 , 2021 .
• Last week, Governor Baker filed legislation to continue the temporary suspension of the Open
Meeting Law through to September, though we anticipate a long-term legislative fix . Legislation also
seeks to allow for extended outdoor dining provisions through to Thanksgiving .
• Statewide public health data continues to trend in a positive direction , as of last week for the first
time since the designation program had been put in place, there were no towns in the red category .
Peter Lombardi reported that in CARES funding, which was originally appropriated last spring, the Town
received about $ 850, 000 through the program . The spending deadline was originally set for the end of this
month and recently was extended through the end of October . The Town has spent a little over. $ 300, 000 of
those funds with nearly $ 500, 000 unspent . We recently received formal confirmation from Federal and State
Government regarding American Rescue Plan Act funding that Brewster is eligible for a little over $ 1M which
will be available in two payments . The first is available this month and the second in June 2022 . These funds
will be available through 2024 . Brewster' s local share of Barnstable County' s allocation is almost $ 2M , we
expect to talk to County officials in the coming weeks on how these funds will be allocated across the Cape
over the next several years . Peter Lombardi advised that there are five categories for eligible uses including :
Public Health , offset the economic impact of the pandemic, local revenue shortfalls ( new category ) , premium
pay for essential workers ( new eligible cost) , and water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure ( also new ) .
Guidance is still being received on a regular basis from the State on how these funds can be spent and what
the eligible uses actually means there will be more to come on this topic . This is good news for Brewster to
make additional progress on the impacts that the pandemic has had on our Town and an opportunity to be
less reactive .
Peter Lombardi reported that in terms of our local health data , we are also trending in the right direction ;
our positive case totals have been in the single digits for six weeks . Regionally there is very low positivity,
hospitalization , and fatality rates . These trends are similar to where we were last summer/early fall .
• Town offices will remain open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays through the end of June .
Starting week of July 4, offices will open on Wednesdays as well .
• Beach permits are required starting on June 15 and can be purchased online or by maikin , no in -
person permit ,sales in Town Hall or the Chamber Welcome Center .
• The Council on Aging welcomed residents back as of last Tuesday . in June, they will be open on
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8am — 4pm and starting week of July 4, Wednesdays as well . Residents
will be able to meet one- on -one with staff and have small group gatherings . Transportation offerings
are also expanded this month . In - person programming is expected to begin in September .
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• Brewster Ladies Library will expand their hours on June 15 from 10am to 5pm , Tuesday through
Saturday . Further expansion hours may occur in July . Programming will take place outside through
the end of the summer .
• Brewster Reopening Advisory Coalition does not have formal plans to meet going forward . Originally
convened in May 2020 after several community listening sessions in April of 2020, the Coalition met
18 times in the past year, first weekly, then bi -weekly, then monthly . Advisory Coalition is comprised
of representatives from our business community, Chamber members, hospitality industry and real
estate agents, as well as key leaders from local non - profit, social service , and civic organizations and
select Department heads .
Peter Lombardi thanked members for their participation in creating a helpful dialogue as we navigated the
pandemic together . Their insights and feedback really contributed to shaping how we approached and
addressed issues .
Consent Agenda
• Approval of Regular Session Meeting Minutes : May 26, 2021
• Approve the appointment of Amanda Bebrin to the Vision Planning Committee
• Amend Natural Resource Commission Charge to Establish appointment terms
• Dissolve the Charter Committee ( Select Board FY21- 22 Strategic Plan Goal G - 7 )
• Approve the Orleans Council on Aging Adult Day Care program Intermunicipal Agreement
• Approve the Grant Agreement with the Stanton Foundation regarding Brewster Dog Park
• Approve the Cape Cod Hospital Auxiliary, Orleans Branch to use public ways for the Cape -Wide
Hydrangea Festival
• Approve a one -day Entertainment license at 51 Alden Drive
• Approve a one - day Liquor license at the Brewster Sportsmans Club
• Approve a one -day Entertainment license for Exit Realty, 2660 Main Street ,
Peter Lombardi took the opportunity to point out that the Town Charter is on its way to State legislation for
their review and approval . The process was 2 + years in the making with a lot of meetings, a lot of thought
and a lot of work . Town Charter has been on the radar for 30 or so years ; it is great to get it to the finish line .
Peter Lombardi thanked each of the committee members for all of their time , in particular Chair Karen
Whitney . She spent countless hours to help organize and structure the process, a testament to her hard
work was how well it was received at Town Meeting .
Selectperson Chatelain moved to approve the June 6, 2021 , Consent agenda as printed . Selectperson Chaffee
second . A roll call vote was taken . Selectperson Whitney -yes , Selectperson Chatelain -yes, Selectperson
Chaffee -yes, Selectperson Hoffmann -yes, Chair Bingham -yes . The Board vote was 5 -yes, 0- no
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Transfer of Common Victuallers License - Cafe Alfresco
James Barber and Chris Carlson joined the meeting to introduce themselves as the new owners of Cafe
Alfresco . They reviewed their plans to keep a majority of the menu the same . They look forward to their
opening ( planning for the week of June 21 ) and focusing on community relations .
Selectboard Whitney moved to approve the transfer of Common Victuallers License , Selectperson Chatelain
second . A roll call vote was taken . Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Chatelain-yes, Selectperson
Chaffee -yes, Selectperson Hoffmann— yes, Chair Bingham -yes . The Board vote was 5 -yes, 0- No
Presentation on and Discussion of Recommended Drummer Boy Park Master Plan Update ( Select Board
Strategic Plan Goal OS- 1 )- Jamie Veara Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee Chair, and Michael
Dodson , CDM Smith
Jamie Veara , Chair of the Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee thanked the following people for their
helps Patrick Ellis- DPW Superintendent, Mike Gradone- Rec , Department, Denise Rego - Council on Aging
Director, Sally Gunning- Brewster Historical Society, Hal Minis- Brewster Conservation Trust, Bob Smith - Cape
Cod Museum of Natural History, and Patricia Hughes- Natural Resources Advisory Commission .
He reviewed that there has been a tremendous amount of input from folks who have property in and around
the area and shared interest by folks throughout the Town . Jamie Veara acknowledged Chris Miller for his
hard work . He then provided background to understand how the committee has been operating . The Town
acquired the park 1988 with two particular restrictions, first, any change of use or changes to the property
had to be determined by a town meeting vote . The Committee has been mindful that the citizens determine
what will happen at this park . Secondly, there is a requirement that things have to be maintained to preserve
the natural and scenic qualities including the view of Cape Cod Bay from 6A .
Michael Dodson presented the Drummer Boy Park Master Plan , The Project goals were reviewed and noted
that they include ways to try to enhance the site features that are already there and preserve the character
of the park . Goals also include the desire to maximize the potential of the park . Michael Dodson reviewed
proposed improvements including, parking, a new playground , the vacant gift shop , nature trail
enhancements ', additional walking paths and seating areas, drainage improvements, identification of park
use areas and prioritization of Phase I improvements . Phase I Improvement Plan cost is right around $ 2M .
Selectperson Chaffee 'inquired about the proposed funding . Peter Lombardi answered broadly that the
committee is looking into grant opportunities and a good portion would likely be Community Preservation
Committee ( CPC) eligible . At the CPC annual hearing last fall, the playground was on their radar as a
potential to being upgraded in the next five years . Of the $ 2M estimate of the initial phase, close to $ 1M is
associated with the playground updates . Michael Dodson added that the roughly $ 500, 000 is specifically
being set aside for the playground .
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Office of:Town of Brewster
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Select Board
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3 Uy Brewster, MA 026314898
Y Phone : (508) 896= 3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
Selectperson Chaffee asked for a timeline of the Master Plan , Jamie Veara answered that it is essentially up
to the Select Board that would decide on the timetable of when to make a presentation or when to put
together a warrant article for Town Meeting consideration . Peter Lombardi followed up that the plan is to
have a special Town Meeting this fall in November and finalize the warrant in September . Following this
timeline, the Board has the next couple of months, if inclined , to put an article on the warrant for the Town
Meeting .
Selectperson Hoffmann requested clarification of the Phase I costs and what is included in the next phase .
Michael Dodson responded that most work would be included in Phase I , one walkway could be pushed back
to a later date . Some bigger items such as asphalt costs, curbing, walkways, the playground , improvements
to the pavilion (vacant gift shop ) are included in Phase I and are the bigger cost elements .
Chair Bingham , as the liaison to the Council on Aging, added that more and more seniors are using Drummer
Boy Park and are in favor of the shade pavilion .
David Young commented that if the Town moves forward seeking grants, it would be good to have approval
as grant agencies will be looking for these approvals .
Selectperson Chaffe added that Drummer Boy Park was identified as one of seven sites for a water bottle
filling station , this is a super amenity to have at the park . She added that it would be helpful to have
information provided on the costs of the various pieces being proposed .
Peter Lombardi further commented that with the paved pathways there is a lot more activity at the park . He
asked for clarity on the footprint of the existing and the proposed paths measurements . Chris Miller
responded that current the paths are slightly less than 6 feet, not a substantial difference to that proposed ,
adding this is all conceptual plans at this time . He also commented that the current paths were provided by
the State through a trails grant . The thought is to keep consistent with what the rest of the town ' s
pathways .
Selectperson Hoffmann mentioned that one issue could be a conservation issue of paving within the buffer
of marshlands/wetlands . She did state that this has been a gift to those with ambulatory issues .
Mike Gradone echoed that in a year when people have been looking for outlets due to COVID restrictions
and many programs were not offered , Drummer Boy Park provided opportunities for people to get out and
use the pathways .
Discuss Local Action Unit Application and Local Preference Allocation for 873 Harwich Road - Serenity
Apartments at Brewster
Donna Kalinick addressed the Board on behalf of the Housing Department and administration to provide an
update on the rehabilitation efforts at Serenity Brewster . The property was purchased by Elevation Financial
in 2020 and have since been working with Elevation Financial for a little over a year . She commented that it
is amazing to see what a private company can do in terms of moving swiftly, as they are almost complete
with Phase I renovations . Ms . Kalinick commended them for working diligently to make sure the community
spaces were rehabilitated and ready for when Phase I opens . She offered a reminder that this property had a
Development of Regional Impact through Cape Cod Commission which runs with the property. One of the
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conditions is that 10% of any of the units are deed restricted affordable , Serenity Brewster committed to
20% of the units . Ms . Kalinick reviewed that the original proposal was for 134 units, but Elevation Financial
did have to change to 132 unites due to the existing conditions of the building, noting that they did agree to
keep 27 units as deed restricted .
The Town has been working with the Department of Housing and Community Development ( DHCD ) and
Elevation Financial to put in a Local Action Unit application . This application process involves a regulatory
agreement and Elevation Financial has hired Housing Assistance Corporation to develop a fair marketing plan
that has to be submitted . Donna Kalinick pointed out that under the guideline , the Town is able to ask for up
to 70% local preference , which has been past practice for the Town . With Serenity Brewster, it is
recommended to ask for 50% local preference , for the following reason , due to no local funding for this
project . Secondly, discussions have led to ways in which to welcome new people into our community and
keeping people within the community . Serenity Brewster is 55 + housing, most units are deed restricted , but
rents are extremely reasonable . Donna Kalinick mentioned that there may be opportunities for rental
assistance through the housing programs on market rent, these are included in the flyer from Serenity
Brewster , Ms . Kalinick outlined that the plan from here is to bring same information to Housing Partnership
at the next meeting, the third week of June . She expects that the Local Action application and regulatory
agreement will need to be signed and submitted in the next 60- 90 days . She continued that the Department
of Housing and Community Development ( DHCD ) will allow Serenity to lease the market rate units in Phase I
in order to receive income to complete the rehabilitation for phase 2 . Ms . Kalinick explained that there will
be one lottery for deed restricted units in the next 120 days before phase 2 . Ms . Kalinick recognized Jill
Scalise, our Housing Coordinator who has put in a lot of time and effort in moving this community forward .
To date Serenity Brewster has had 110 expressions of interest in the units .
Peter Lombardi added that Elevation Financial has been terrific to deal with and where we have ended up
with this project is the best outcome for the Town and the community . Local preference request is the one
significant decision for the Select Board .
Selectperson Chatelain commented that this is so exciting compared to other housing . projects in town ; he
thanked Donna and Jill for their hard work . He then asked two questions, do we think we are going to get
100% credit for the units since they are all rentals ? Donna Kalinick replied that we are not going to get the
100%, just 20% as outlined . Second question from Selectperson Chatelain , with respect to Local Preference,
should we be concerned if we do not use the maximum threshold for local preference, could there be a
household in Brewster that loses out to the lottery? He stated that he is inclined to go for the most we can
go for and is curious what the drawback to doing 70% . Ms . Kalinick remarked , when talking about local
preference, that this is only for the initial lease up of the unit . She thinks that this a subject that we all
struggle with as there is arguments to go for the full 70% as well . Ms . Kalinick stated that there are a lot of
people in the 55 + demographic that have had to leave the Town of Brewster for various reasons . There are
going to be other opportunities to have discussions about local preference, in this case there are a lot of
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Town of Brewster Office of:
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Brewster, MA 02631= 1898
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units, which is an incredible addition to our housing stock . There is not a huge difference between the
proposed affordable rents and the market rate rents .
Selectperson Hoffmann commented that this is an incredible project and asked for clarification on local
preference and questioned if the 55 + community include folks under 55 with disabilities ? Donna Kalinick
responded the three categories for local preference include : current Brewster residents, household with
children in the Brewster Elementary school system and if employed by the Town of Brewster . She noted that
children are not restricted from living in Serenity Brewster . Ms . Kalinick responded that she is not sure if a 1
person with a disability that is under 55 can apply; she will get the information for the Board .
Selectperson Whitney asked if the local preference applies to the whole site ? Ms . Kalinick replied that it only
applies to the deed restricted units .
Peter Lombardi added detail about the difference between the 50% and the 70% is 14 to 19 units . DHCD are
the ones to make the determination on local preference, the Town can make a recommendation , but
ultimately the State makes the final decision . Donna Kalinick commented that in conversations with DHCD,
the agency requests real data regarding local preference and are cognizant of the fact to not exclude people .
Selectperson Hoffmann inquired about the category of units for affordable rents ; studio, one- bedroom , one -
bedroom deluxe , etc . ' Ms . Kalinick responded that this was a future conversation that is scheduled , but she
believes it will ' be a mix . The Board was invited to take a tour of Serenity Brewster.
Discuss and Vote on Upcoming Public Meeting Schedule/ Format for Town Committees (Select Board FY21-
22 Strategic Plan Goal P114)
Peter Lombardi referenced the memo regarding this topic in the e- packet . Peter Lombardi said that Open
Meeting Law is relatively complicated and with little notice , we are hopeful and anticipating the legislation
that the Governor has submitted will be turned around quickly. The context for this discussion included a 5 -
page advisory from Town Counsel ( KP Law ) who represents 100+ communities state -wide and many other
governmental entities . Town Administration has tried to think through various options on ways to move
forward . Peter Lombardi explained that for meeting and hearing schedules, we must try to stay a month or
two ahead of the meeting to plan accordingly .
Peter Lombardi reviewed that the plan to start in - person meetings with an option hybrid component in
Meeting Room A . Equipment has been purchased through our Cable Fund that will allow us to accommodate
the hybrid meeting format with continued remote participation . This plan is for Room A only at the moment,
similar equipment has been ordered for Room B and it is expected to be installed in August for use in
September .
• Starting in July, allow attendance for board /committee members and staff for the first couple of
months, public participation will remain remote through September .
• No requirements for masks, it will be optional .
• No installation of partitions, the room will have air purifiers and cleaned in between meetings ( 30-
minute window between meetings for cleaning ) .
• There will be no inquiries about vaccination status and will provide social distancing measures .
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Peter Lombardi is anticipating legislation will sort Open Meeting Law issues ; he believes there will be no in -
person physical quorum requirement .
Peter Lombardi acknowledged our several 100 volunteers who serve on boards/committees who have dealt
with operating in this remote virtual environment for the past year plus . He has received a lot of positive
feedback, and information that more people have participated due to the remote option . Mr . Lombardi
mentioned that we will have to discuss long term solutions for what the participation will be .
Selectperson Whitney questioned the limitations of 6 people per meeting and if it is conditional on the room
size ? Peter Lombardi responded yes and typically for bigger meetings we have combined Rooms A & B, but
with technology we cannot reasonable do so . Our challenge is in terms of allowing public attendance, we
could have 1 - 2 residents or 50 residents, so we have to plan for larger meetings .
Selectperson Chaffee state that she is really enthusiastic about getting back together for a social need . She
reviewed the proposed plan and noted how it can be complicated for multiple reasons . She questioned ,
looking at the bridge phase for the next couple months, with the 6 person limits, what is the purpose ?
Adding, what are we going to do on behalf of the public we serve that is better or more productive if
physically in Room A, if we cannot invite the public to be with us ? Selectperson Chaffee also commented
about the additional costs ( cleaning and video service costs ) , although the new technology will pay off down
the road .
Peter Lombardi responded that the technology is not intended to be used only during the transition period ,
long term the technology will allow more remote participation which is great news to get a broader reach .
Mr . Lombardi commented that it is important for Board to know this is part of the reason why the Town
moved forward with these purchases .
Chair Bingham questioned why we would move forward at this point, when only 6 can be present at the
same time ? Peter Lombardi stated that we need to walk before we run , take an incremental approach as we
have over the past year . He added that some local Town Halls have been closed to the public and
appointment only, re -opening their doors at this time to get back to their standard schedule . While here in
Brewster, we opened as quickly as possible in a way that made sense and was safe . He added that we did a
good job for both employees and residents . The phased re - opening plan allows public bodies to come into
Town offices, as many have expressed interest in meeting in - person , this plan meets those desires but is still
appropriate for everyone involved .
Selectperson Hoffmann inquired about how the hybrid option works . Peter Lombardi answered that those in
person will not be on laptops, persons would be sitting in the meeting like you did prior to pandemic,
microphones will pick up the audio , and video feed is the same . Large portable screens will be set up so that
those present will be able to see anyone who is participating remotely . Remote participants will be on Zoom
with no lag, like they are in the room with you . Peter Lombardi noted that this is a transition from what we
are used to, that being said he does not think this format is temporary .
Selectperson Hoffmann made a statement that she agrees with Peter Lombardi , there has been more
participation which has been the silver lining of the pandemic .
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Peter Lombardi state that for the Select Board , if all members wanted to meet in person , then staff would
sort out who would be in person and who would be remote . For larger committees, they would have to
work it out on their own on who is remote and who is in - person at any given meeting .
Selectboard Whitney moved to approve the Committee Meeting Schedule and Format for July through
September 2021 as presented . Selectperson Chatelain second . A roll call vote was taken . Selectperson
Whitney-yes, Selectperson Chatelain -yes, Selectperson Chaffee -yes, Selectperson Hoffmann— yes, Chair
Bingham -yes . The Board vote was 51myes, 0- No
Donna Kalinick thanked both Suzanne Bryan and JP Ludwig for their efforts during this incredibly challenging
task and the Town Clerks office for helping to manage the schedule . Peter Lombardi echoed Ms . Kalinick' s
comments that Suzanne Bryan and JP Ludwig have been terrific . He also thanked Donna Kalinick for her help
with coordinating the meetings .
Discuss and Vote on Disposition of Surplus Property- Barn at Spruce Hill
Chair Bingham opened with a request to at some point, it would be nice to tour all the surplus property in
Brewster . Peter Lombardi started with the Brewster Historical Society having expressed interest for over a
year in the barn structure at Spruce Hill . He continued that they are looking to re - locate the structure to
windmill village at Drummer Boy Park, though technically not part of the Town ' s property . Peter Lombardi
reviewed the memo dated June 4, 2021 , that was provided in the public e- packet on page 279 . The steps for
disposition are as follows :
• Town determines the value of property based on procedures customary in the appraising profession -
the assessed value is $ 6, 100 . Recommend disposition at 50% of the assessed value .
• Select Board declares property available for disposition and determines value and any restrictions for
future use .
• Since the Town is proposing to sell the structure for the amount that is less than the assessed value,
the Town must post notice in the State' s Central Register.
• Brewster Historical Society must file a disclosure of beneficial interested with DCAMM ( State agency ) .
• Town Counsel Oprepares purchase and sales agreement, and transaction is completed .
Currently the structure is only storing material for the Historical Society . Peter Lombardi mentioned there is
currently no set plan in place for the Barn or the residential structure on Spruce Hill , Mr . Lombardi
continued that local permitting requires Brewster Historical Society to secure a certificate of exemption from
the Historic District Committee , Brewster Historical Society has plans to submit an application to the
Community Preservation Committee ( CPC ) seeking CPA funds at Special Town Meeting in the fall . The cost of
the project is $ 63 , 000 and they are also seeking a letter of support from the Select Board .
Selectperson Chaffee questioned if the Brewster Historical Society is also requesting funds for the total
amount of the project ? Sally Gunning responded yes that they cannot afford to complete the project without
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full funding . Ms . Gunning further added that there were four buildings on the property at one time, they
were able to rescue one, one fell down on its own accord , and we remain with the house and the barn . If
something is not done soon , this will not be a conversation worth having . The Brewster Historical Society
have been boarding up windows, dealing with rodent problems, and the buildings have been vandalized .
Their request would be to have a storage building at Windmill Village without building a new one .
George Boyd , Chair of the Historical Commission addressed the group that both the barn and the house are
historic structures . The two structures that were taken down were based on demolition by delay on the part
of the Town . Now the two remaining structures, the house and the barn , George Boyd thinks there should
be an overall plan on how to restore the structures before there is a decision to move one off the property .
Mr . Boyd also added that they have issue with separating a historic house from the historic barn . He
continued , that the objective is to finance with CPC money, however there will not be any viewing of inside
of the barn once moved since it will be used for storage so there is no public access . Lastly, he commented
that since the barn has a historic foundation of stone, the moving should include the moving of the
foundation as well .
Sally Gunning wanted to clarify, that one structure that was already rescued that had been relocated to the
Cobb house is in good condition . She also commented that they can certainly do a stone foundation for an
additional $ 10, 000 .
Chair Bingham recapped that it seems like from what George Boyd added that it is a year- long project for the
Board to decide what to do with the property .
Selectperson Hoffmann addressed Peter Lombardi , regarding the Building Needs Assessment Committee , if
they provided a report of surplus properties . Mr . Lombardi replied no, they have not met for several years .
He added that when the application is submitted it will be vetted for eligibility with Town Counsel ; he cannot
say for sure it would be deemed eligible for 100% project costs as Historic Preservation . This process would
have to play out, given that Historical Society needs full funding . Peter Lombardi recommended that the
Select Board does not move too quickly through the disposition process if the project is not eligible for some
or all of the CPA funding .
Selectperson Chaffee commented that if the Board were to vote , to first declare the property available for
disposition , this would allow Brewster Historical Society to proceed with their due diligence for the CPC
process . Peter Lombardi responded that he does not believe that declaring a property as surplus would bind
the town to dispose of it . There needs to be a decision point relatively soon under 30B, as the process
requires filing a form with central register signaling disposing the property of a value other than the assessed
value .
George Boyd clarified that what we would not want the two structures to be demolished by neglect on part
of the Town . He is looking for the Town to assess the structures and decide what they want to do with these
historic structures . The option it to let them fall apart or is the Town willing to save these historic structures
as part of the Town ' s vision . Mr . Boyd added that we would not want to start with separating the barn from
the house as historic structure until we know what the Town is going to do .
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Sally Gunning added a clarification that the Brewster Historical Society' s offer to purchase the property is
contingent on CPC funding, if there is no funding, they cannot purchase the property . The concern is the
time sensitivity of this, so far to date , the Town has not worked particularly quickly on these properties .
Selectperson Hoffmann asked , do we need to determine that we want to dispose of this property to see if
the Historical Society can move forward with request to CPC funding ?
Sally Gunning responded that she is looking for a letter of support from the Select Board regarding the
purchase and restoration of the barn to bring to the CPC to request funding .
Selectperson Chatelain remarked that he is curious to see if the Brewster Historical Society had considered
the possibility of hiring a consultant to view the property for long term options for both the barn and the
house ?
Sally Gunning stated that she would have to review with the Board . She added that this issue is one amongst
others, so rather than Brewster Historical Society separate one property to explore , this might be something
better determined by the Town .
Selectperson Chaffee thanked Sally Gunning and her members for caring for the antique structure . She
expressed her appreciation to George Boyd and his vision . She stated that it would be ideal to know how the
Town would like to deal with the whole property. Selectperson Chaffee stated this is not a quick or easy
process to make determinations, especially this last year where we have been stretched very thin . This was
one activity that had to be set aside for all the other pressing priorities, not to say that this is not important,
it is just a lot of competing priorities . Selectperson Chaffee then directed a question to Sally Gunning, that if
there was no vote tonight, what does it mean for the project? Sally Gunning responded that there is no
specific timeline and that the Brewster Historic Society is always looking for spaces to put their stuff. The
concern is the timeline of the barn itself. It is a question on how quickly the Town can operate in terms of
taking action on the building, so that it does not end up demolished by neglect .
James Gallagher, Deputy Assessor said there is a self- help agreement for the property when the Town
originally purchased the property . He believes that it is spelled out what happens with the disposition of the
property. Peter Lombardi responded that he is aware of the self- help agreement, to his understanding, the
Select Board has full discretion relative to the disposition of the structures . However, there are restrictions
on public access and use of the property otherwise .
George Boyd provided a proposal ; the Brewster Historic Commission could ask the CPC for funds to engage
with their consultant to evaluate both the house and the barn . This would need to happen as soon as
possible as there is a quick time frame .
Faythe Ellis, as CPC representative responded that the source of funding would be a decision to put in front
of the Committee . Ms . Ellis stated that she believes the Town should be looking at ways to preserve the
Spruce Hill Property to set a good example for people who own historic homes that need to be preserved .
She will work with George Boyd to put together a proposal for a professional to review the property to
determine what it will take to preserve it . Chair Bingham requested that the Board be kept apprised of the
process and provided any reports that are created .
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v\`0\\e4£ulw8U// Office of:
o� o;W�L Town of Brewster
Select Board
4r �• + ; 2198 Main Street Town Administrator
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Fax: ( 508) 896- 8089
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Peter Lombardi provided information that the Town did complete a building inspection about 2 years ago,
but does not believe it included the barn , this could help with the initial analysis . Assuming we could use CPA
administrative funds, we could hypothetically turn around the consultants work in relatively short order .
Based on the outcome, it is possible to seek a small appropriation from Town Meeting to move forward .
Hopefully, the analysis would provide protentional uses for the structures . Peter Lombardi reminded the
group that Town Meeting approved $ 15 , 000 for disposition of the old Natural Resources Barn . There are a
lot of similar interests relative to wanting to make sure the barn structure remains , whether at Spruce Hill or
elsewhere .
Discuss Select Board Annual Liaison Appointment Process
Chair Bingham had provided a list of committees to the Board and requested that they each send her at least
5 committees that they want to be a liaison for . Request to have the list by Monday June 14, 2021 .
Selectperson Chaffee suggested that the line items need to be updated as some have been dissolved and
needs to be tidied up . Chair Bingham will update the list and resend to the Board .
For Your Information
No questions or comments on these items
Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair
None
Questions from the Media
None
Next Meetings: June 8, June 21 , July 12, and July 26, 2021
Adjournment
Selectperson Chaffee moved to adjourn the meeting at 8 : 58pm , Selectperson Chatelain second . A roll call
vote was taken . Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Chatelain -yes, Selectperson Chaffee -yes,
Selectperson Hoffman -yes, Chair Bingham -yes . The Board vote was 5 -yes, 0- No .
Respectfully submitted by Erika Mawn, Executive Assistant
07 / 13 / 2021 Edwa, 4 8 OAaAdwn
Approved : Signed :
Date Selectperson Chatelain , Clerk of the Board of Selectman
Accompanying Documents in Packet: Agenda, TA Report, Consent Items, Drummer Boy Park Presentation, Local Action Unit Information and
Application, PresslRelease from Governor Baker, Spruce Hill Information, Liaison Appointment List.
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