Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAboutPlanning Board -- 2021-11-10 Minutes a � ws Brewster Planning Board Approved : 1126/22 °,muoinii,�� k a t�oER; F, 2198 Main Street Vote : 6=0-0 Brewster, MA 02631 - 1 898 o = y (508) 896 -3701 x1133 brewplan@brewster-ma . gov BREWSTER PLANNING BOARD MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, November 10 , 2021 at 6 : 30 pm Brewster Town Office Building (virtual ) Chair Paul Wallace convened a remote meeting of the Planning Board at 6 : 31 pm with the following members participating remotely : Amanda Bebrin , Charlotte Degen , Madalyn Hillis-Dineen , Mark Koch , and Elizabeth Taylor, Roberta Barrett did not participate . Also participating remotely : Lynn St. Cyr, Senior Department Assistant , Kari Hoffmann , Select Board Liaison , Griffin Ryder, Superintendent , Department of Public Works , Chris Miller, Director, Department of Natural Resources , and Peter Lombardi , Town Administrator. This meeting will be conducted by remote participation pursuant to Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021 . 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 ) . The Planning Board Packet can be found at: http '//records. brewster-ma. gov/weblinWO/fol/118269/Row1 . aspx or by going to the Planning Department page on the Town of Brewster website (www . brewster- ma . gov) . Wallace declared that a quorum of the Planning Board was present . 6 : 33 PM CITIZEN ' S FORUM No citizen comments . 6 : 34 PM PLANNING DISCUSSION Discuss and vote on proposed Planning Board Stormwater Management Regulations . Documents . • 11 /05/21 Stormwater Management Regulations Lori Kennedy and Mark Nelson of the Horsley Witten Group participated in the meeting . Kennedy reviewed the most recent draft of the regulations with the Board . i Bebrin asked for clarification on disconnected impervious surfaces . At the last meeting , different options were discussed including possible waiver. Kennedy stated that disconnected impervious surfaces were included in Section 6 . 2 Post- j Construction Stormwater Management as a best management practice option . More detail will be provided in the fact sheets that will be available to applicants . Kennedy noted that one revision not included in this version of the regulations was further clarification on walkways , impervious versus pervious . Additional details on walkways can also be included in the fact sheets being prepared . Bebrin recommended removal of the notifications outlined in Section 7 . 8 . She stated that they are not required by MS4 . She suggested an annual report could be submitted with the information being sought through notifications . Kennedy stated she would like to discuss removal of some (C , D , and H ) of Section 7 . 8 further with staff. Taylor would like to see j the notifications remain as they are needed by the DPW, Conservation Commission , and Building Department . i There was a housekeeping change discussed related to the definition of applicant to ensure that the definition is the same in the bylaw and regulations . There was additional discussion on including a definition in the bylaw for land disturbance permit . Kennedy suggested revision the bylaw so that the definition of applicant is the same as in the regulations . St. Cyr requested a change be made to Section 5 . 7 B ( 3) allowing for the Chair or a designated member of the Stormwater Authority to sign the permit instead of all members . The Board agreed with this change . St . Cyr requested the required number of copies of each application submitted be changed to twelve as that is what is currently required for Planning Board applications . The Board agreed with this change . PB Minutes 11 /10/21 Page 1 of 5 i 3 Nelson stated that Horsley Witten has developed a list of forms and applications that are not part of the regulations but will be created in support of the regulations . Horsley Witten will work with staff to develop these forms and applications . Griffin Ryder stated that he would be happy to help in the preparation of the applications . Motion by Taylor to Adopt Stormwater Management Regulations , as discussed and amended , pending Town Meeting and Attorney General Approval of Stormwater Management Bylaw and Town Counsel Review . Second by Bebrin . Vote : Degen -aye ; Hillis -Dineen -aye ; Bebrin -aye ; Koch -aye ; Taylor-aye ; and Wallace-no . Vote : 5 - 1 -0 . 6 : 50 PM PLANNING DISCUSISON CONTINUED Discuss proposed Stormwater Management General Bylaw and revote Planning Board recommendation , as needed . The Board discussed taking a re-vote on the Stormwater Management Bylaw. A straw poll was taken with Degen , Hillis- Dineen , Bebrin , Koch , and Taylor expressing support for the bylaw. Wallace does not support the bylaw for several reasons including that he believes it will be a burden on the public . Motion by Degen to Re-vote Planning Board Recommendation on Stormwater Management General Bylaw. Second by Taylor. Vote : Degen -aye ; Hillis -Dineen -aye ; Bebrin -aye ; Koch -aye ; Taylor-aye ; and Wallace-aye . Vote : 6 =0-0 . Motion by HIIIIIS -Dineen to Recommend the Stormwater Management General Bylaw to Town Meeting . Second by Degen . Vote : Koch -aye ; Taylor-aye ; Bebrin -aye ; Hillis -Dineen -aye ; Degen -aye ; and Wallace -no . Vote : 5 = 1 =0 . 6 : 55 PM PLANNING DISCUSSION CONTINUED Discuss public outreach and education on proposed bylaws amendments on stormwater management, water quality protection district and floodplain district. Documents : • 11 / 10/21 Stormwater Management Bylaw Overview • 11 / 10/21 Summary of Proposed Bylaws for Town Meeting The Board reviewed the handouts provided by Kennedy and Nelson . Koch stated that the handouts are very helpful . He appreciated that the handouts also include references to projects that do not require a permit. Taylor requested that the handouts be shared on the front page of the town website . Peter Lombardi stated that both documents could be put on the Town ' s website and the stormwater management document would be handed out at town meeting . The Board agreed that the stormwater management handout would be helpful for town meeting . Hoffmann appreciated the handouts provided by Horsley Witten . She also appreciated that the stormwater management handout included projects that do not require a permit . She asked for clarification on whether a hard packed driveway or dirt road would require a permit. Kennedy responded that she considered compacted dirt in the same group as gravel therefore compacted dirt roads and driveways would not need a permit for paving . Kennedy further stated that if there was more than 10000 SF of land disturbance from excavating for the paved road than a permit would be required . The Board discussed possible revisions to the handout regarding projects that were exempt from permitting . Nelson suggested that additional guidance documents could be created for the applicants that would provide more definition as it related to compacted dirt and gravel . The Board agreed that changes to the handout were not necessary . i The Board discussed outreach methods including postings to the town website and social media and email blasts . 7 : 11 PM PLANNING DISCUSSION CONTINUED Discuss town meeting procedures including presentation of proposed bylaw amendments on stormwater management, water quality protection district and floodplain district . The Board discussed the presentation of the proposed bylaw amendments . Degen will present the floodplain district bylaw. Degen asked for thoughts on anticipated questions and Hoffmann responded that questions would most likely be directed to Nelson and staff. Nelson confirmed that he will attend town meeting . Bebrin and Hoffmann will present the stormwater management bylaw . Kennedy summarized the amendment that needed to be made to the stormwater management bylaw in the definition of applicant . Kennedy will forward amendment language to Lombardi for motion j drafting by town counsel . Lombardi summarized an amendment to the water quality protection district bylaw . The definition stating that the committee is comprised of eight members will be revised to seven members as one of the committees involved was dissolved by town meeting vote several years ago . Bebrin will present the water quality protection district bylaw . PB Minutes 11 /10/21 Page 2 of 5 The Board discussed the presentation of the bylaws to town meeting . Bebrin asked the Board if they would like her to present a timeline of the Board ' s work on the bylaw amendments . Koch stated that he did not think a review of the entire process was necessary . Lombardi suggested Bebrin discuss the re-vote that was taken on the stormwater management bylaw and note that the vote reflected in the warrant book is different and explained why it changed . Taylor agreed the re- vote should be discussed . Hillis- Dineen suggested that Bebrin keep the presentation short and simple and let town meeting attendees know that the town is trying to come into compliance with state regulations with the proposed stormwater management bylaw . Degen suggested Bebrin also provide attendees with the reason for the negative vote . Wallace thanked Kennedy and Nelson for all their work on the proposed bylaws . 7 : 23 PM PLANNING DISCUSSION CONTINUED Presentation of 2021 Open Space and Recreation Plan ( OSRP ) by Krista Moravec Senior Planner, Horsley Witten Group vote on 2021 OSRP and discuss letter of support to the Division of Conservation Services . Documents : • 10/21 /21 Memorandum from Krista Moravec including 1 /9/ 14 Planning Board letter of support • 2021 Draft Open Space and Recreation Plan Krista Moravec , Senior Planner, Horsley Witten Group presented the 2021 Open Space and Recreation Plan ( OSRP ) . Moravec noted that letters of support from the Planning Board , Select Board , and Cape Cod Commission were required as part of the submission of the OSRP to the Division of Conservation Services : She thanked Chris Miller, Elizabeth Taylor, Mike Gradone , and staff at the Cape Cod Commission for all their help with the OSRP . Moravec explained that the OSRP was a tool for meeting community open space goals . Open space is land that is important for its character and ecological function , It can be public or private land . There are eleven required sections in the plan . The community profile discusses demographics and provides information on housing , economics , land use , and development. There are inventories for environmental resources and open space and recreation resources . A key part of the plan is the analysis of needs which sets the stage for the goals and the objectives of the plan . There is a 7-year action plan . The 2021 OSRP will also highlight accomplishments since the previous OSRP in 2014 including preservation of land , policies on protection of water quality , town outreach on best practices , local events , and new recreational opportunities . Moravec summarized the Open Space and Recreation Inventory . The inventory includes town-owned recreation and conservation land . It includes schools and non- profit lands such as Brewster Conservation Trust. The inventory also includes state recreation and conservation land . Privately owned recreation lands such as golf courses and campgrounds are also included in the inventory . Chapter 61 Program land also known as " current use" land is included as well . This land is taxed based on use and includes forest, agriculture , open space and recreation uses . The plan includes several maps showing various resources . Moravec reviewed the analysis of needs within the plan which includes community needs , natural resource protection needs , and management needs . A community survey garnered almost 600 responses . The town has also participated in numerous studies and initiatives . Moravec stated that the community highlighted a need for coastal public access including improving and maintaining access with additional parking being emphasized . The community also expressed a a need for recreational opportunities for new activities and programs and a community center. Drummer Boy Park was also mentioned as a location for recreational opportunities . Moravec stated that resources are also important for health and wellness including promoting active lifestyles for all ages . Walking and biking were also important to the community . Ecotourism was another strong community need . The survey revealed the need to target specific groups such as youth and young families and provide more youth programs . The survey also expressed consideration for the aging population and their needs . Persons with disabilities were also considered and access to resources was also a community need . Moravec reviewed Resource Protection Needs outlined in the plan . Water quality protection including drinking water, freshwater ponds , and coastal watersheds were important needs for consideration . Wildlife habitat protection including maintaining wildlife corridors was also a need raised . Moravec stated that maintaining sensitive resources and corridors may be achieved through regulations and partnerships with non -profits . Local agriculture is also a need included in the plan . Moravec stated that supporting regional farms , markets , and community gardens was mentioned during outreach efforts . People expressed an interest in wanting to know where their food comes from . Climate change and natural hazards were areas of concern and mitigation efforts for sea level rise , storm surge , and coastal flooding were of noted importance to, protect vulnerable areas . i r Page 3 of 5 PB Minutes 11 /10/21 1 I Moravec reviewed the Management Needs section of the plan . She stated that respondents would like to see the town continue to maintain facilities and programming while also considering new activities such as pickleball . For conservation areas , resource management such as maintenance of trails was noted as a need . Staffing and volunteers are an important resource for these efforts . Climate change data also needs to be monitored by the town and infrastructure adapted accordingly . The plan notes the need for consideration of climate change and natural hazards and investment in the mitigation of their impacts . Responses also included consideration for lessons learned from COVID- 19 . The town should reach out to other local towns to discuss and share lessons learned . Moravec reviewed the five goals of the OSRP . The first goal is to protect the town ' s drinking water supply to meet the needs of residents and visitors today and in the future . Objectives of this goal include protecting the existing public supply wells from land -based sources of contamination and coordinating wastewater management planning efforts with protecting drinking water resources . The Planning Board can help to meet this objective by continuing to enforce the Water Quality Protection District bylaw and implementing the Integrated Water Resource Management Plan ( IWRMP) . The second goal is to protect open space and recreation opportunities that maintain Brewster' s rural character and small coastal community identity and support a sustainable local economy as a center of ecotourism . One of the objectives of this goal is to protect upland wooded , open field , coastal , and wetland parcels that preserve and enhance community character. Continued review and work on the town 's bylaws to protect scenic landscapes and important habitat is necessary . The third goal is to preserve and enhance habitat diversity and protect marine and fresh surface water resources to maintain their important ecological functions and values to the community . One of the objectives of this goal is to protect marine and freshwater resources from pollution and degradation . The Planning Board can assist with this objective through continued implementation of the IWRMP and through implementation of bylaws and regulations such as stormwater management . The fourth goal is to provide a variety of recreation and open space opportunities to promote healthy and active lifestyles for Brewster residents ensuring equitable access for all users and abilities . One of the objectives of this goal is to use a comprehensive approach for recreation land management . The Planning Board can assist by supporting long- range planning and maintenance of recreation land . The Planning Board ' s support of the town 's Complete Streets program will help with this goal . The fifth and final goal is to support coordination and communication of regional open space and recreation needs . One of the objectives of the goal is to work with local towns to protect water quality such as Pleasant Bay . The Planning Board can assist with continued implementation of the IWRMP . Moravec stated that final submission tasks include acquiring letters of support from the Planning Board and Select Board . Presentations have also been made to the Open Space Committee and Recreation Commission . Wallace asked Moravec to speak to the history of the OSRP . Moravec has been working with Chris Miller, Elizabeth Taylor, Mike Gradone , and representatives from the Cape Cod Commission including Jessica Rempel on the plan update since March 2020 . There have been extensive updates to the data and information presented in the plan . Taylor worked extensively on the updates . Public outreach efforts included the survey and public meetings were also held . There were also extensive meetings with committees and staff. Moravec noted that one of the appendices included with the report is a history of conservation efforts in the town . Moravec further noted that Taylor compiled the information andq has worked on the document over many years . Moravec stated that an approved OSRP is required for the town to submit for grant funds through DCS . A draft OSRP was submitted to DCS and DCS provided feedback which the committee has been working to respond to and provide a more complete plan . Taylor stated that she has been working on these plans since the midm90s and it is nice to submit an update . She encouraged people to review the information on historic conservation efforts in Brewster and let her know if there is information that needs to be added or corrected . Hillis- Dineen said the OSRP was a very impressive document and thanked all who worked on it. She stated that eco-tourism will be an important part of Brewster' s future and for the Cape Cod area . Degen thanked everyone who worked on the plan and noted she has enjoyed reading it and feels a sense of pride in the town for preparing the plan . She asked if the community garden fits into the plan and Moravec stated that it fits in under the protection of agriculture . Miller noted that the community gardens are owned by the Brewster Conservation Trust and PB Minutes 11 /10/21 Page 4 of 5 are very popular. The Trust works with the Council on Aging to assign plots and there is currently a waitlist. There have been discussions about expanding or acquiring more land for additional community gardens . Taylor stated that more community gardens are needed and that they should be considered by the Board when reviewing applications such as housing developments . Wallace agreed that the Board should consider recommending community gardens when reviewing development applications . Bebrin thanked Moravec for the presentation . She mentioned the Complete Streets program and was glad to see an emphasis put towards infrastructure and how people get around because not everyone has cars . Bebrin stated that people should be able to get around by walking and cycling . Moravec noted the importance of connecting resources to allow for people to travel with more ease . Koch was thankful for the presentation and all the work that has gone into the plan . He stated that some people may use the plan to oppose housing efforts . Wallace agreed with Koch ' s comment regarding competing interests and stated that there is strong support for maintaining open space in Brewster. He stated that eco-tourism is very important to Brewster' s future . Wallace suggested the OSRP be shared with the Vision Planning Committee . Miller stated that the town is under strict guidelines from the state as to what is to be included in the OSRP and housing is not a part of the plan , but the town does have a Housing Production Plan . Miller suggested a good tool to use is the Vision Plan which gathers information for many reports to form the vision for the community and housing is a priority in that plan . Moravec agreed with Miller and stated that in drafting the plan , it was acknowledged that housing and open space both need consideration . Moravec stated that the committee used the Vision Plan as a starting point for this plan . Taylor mentioned a plan being produced by the APCC and HAC that reviews lands in Brewster best suited for housing and open space . She believed the plan would be available in January . Hoffmann stated that the presentation was very impressive and asked about plans to bring it to the Select Board and ec stated that a date was being worked on to resent to the Select Board . A ' ion Planning Committee . Moravec 9 p Vis g presentation to the Vision Planning Committee is not planned . Motion by Degen to Support the 2021 Open Space and Recreation Plan and Direct Staff to Draft a Letter of Support for the Chair' s Signature . Second by Taylor. Vote : Degen -aye ; Hillis -Dineen -aye ; Bebrin -aye ; Koch -aye ; Taylor-aye ; and Wallace -aye . Vote : 6 -0 -0 . 8 : 03 PM PLANNING DISCUSSION CONTINUED Approval of Meeting Minutes : November 2 , 2021 . The Board reviewed the November 2 , 2021 meeting minutes . Motion by Degen to Approve November 2 , 2021 Meeting Minutes , as amended . Second by Bebrin . Vote : Koch -aye ; Hillis -Dineen -aye ; Taylor-aye ; Bebrin -aye ; Degen -aye ; and Wallace -aye . Vote : 6 -0 -0 . 8 : 06 PM FOR YOUR INFORMATION St . Cyr stated that there are no applications currently scheduled for the December 8th meeting . Hoffmann suggested residents arrive to town meeting early as there is limited space due to social distancing . Motion by Degen to adjourn . Second by Taylor. Vote : Degen -aye ; Bebrin -aye ; Taylor-aye ; Hillis -Dineen -aye ; Koch -aye ; and Wallace-aye . Vote : 6-0-0 . Meeting adjourned at 8 : 08 pm . Next Planning Board Meeting Date : 12/08/21 Respectfully submitted , Lynn SUCyr, Senior D6 artment Assistant, Planning PB Minutes 11 /10/21 Page 5 of 5