HomeMy Public PortalAboutVPC 05/16/22 Meeting Packet
Town of Brewster
Vision Planning Committee
2198 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631
brewplan@brewster-ma.gov
(508) 896-3701
MEETING AGENDA
2198 Main Street, Room A
Monday, May 16, 2022 at 3:30 PM
Pursuant to Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021, this meeting will be conducted in person and via remote means, in accordance
with applicable law. This means that members of the public body may access this meeting in person, or via virtual means.
In person attendance will be at the meeting location listed above, and it is possible that any or all members of the public
body may attend remotely. No in-person attendance of members of the public will be permitted, and public participation
in any public hearing conducted during this meeting shall be by remote means only.
Members of the public who wish to access the meeting may do so in the following manner:
Meetings may be joined by:
1. Phone: Call (929) 436-2866 or (301) 715-8592. Zoom Meeting ID: 819 3038 8203 and Passcode 317154
To request to speak: Press *9 and wait to be recognized.
2. Zoom Webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930388203?pwd=VHEvUURMM1ZFdUJNREJIbEN3SFdOZz09 and enter Passcode 317154
To request to speak: Tap Zoom “Raise Hand” button or type “Chat” comment with your name and address, then wait to
be recognized.
Additionally, the meeting will be broadcast live, in real time, via Live broadcast (Brewster Government TV Channel
18), Livestream (livestream.brewster-ma.gov), or Video recording (tv.brewster-ma.gov).
Vision Planning
Committee
Hal Minis
Chair
Sharon Tennstedt
Vice Chair
Amanda Bebrin
Andi Genser
Patricia Hess
Suzanne Kenney
Fran Schofield
Paul Wallace
Admistrative
Assistant
Ellen Murphy
Select Board
Liaison
Kari Hoffman
Finance Committee
Liaison
Honey Pivirotto
1. Call to Order
2. Declaration of a Quorum
3. Meeting Participation Statement
4. Review and Approval of May 2nd meeting minutes
5. Review LCP maps – Tighe & Bond
6. Review and Discuss Building Block recommendations/actions
a) Community Infrastructure
b) Coastal Management
c) Climate Mitigation
d) Community Character
e) Solid Waste
f) Review recommendation for other Building Blocks
7. Review schedule for action plan discussion with Town staff and Stakeholders June 13 & 14
8. Communication Update
9. Update on Sea Camps Planning
10. Update on LCP roadmap and Tighe & Bond status report
11. Items for next agenda
12. Review Action items from May 2nd meeting
13. Next Meeting: Monday June 6th
14. Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair
15. Adjournment
Date Posted: Date Revised: Received by Town Clerk:
5/12/22
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TOWN OF BREWSTER VISION PLANNING COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
Monday, May 2, 2022, at 3:30PM
Virtual Meeting
Hal Minis, Chair, convened the Brewster Vision Planning Committee via remote participation with members: Sharon
Tennstedt, Amanda Bebrin, Suzanne Kenney, Andi Gesner, and Patricia Hess were present. Paul Wallace and Fran
Schofield were absent. A quorum was determined.
Also present: Kari Hoffmann and Ellen Murphy
The Chair read the Recording or Taping Notification: This meeting will be conducted by remote participation pursuant to
Governor 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 Town has established specific email
addresses for each board and committee so the public can submit comments either before or during the meeting. To submit
public comment or questions to the Vision Planning Committee, please email: brewplan@brewster-ma.gov.
Review and Approval of April 19th meeting minutes:
Andi made a motion to approve the April 19th meeting minutes, Sharon seconded the motion, a roll call was
taken, and the April 19th meeting minutes were approved unanimously.
Action Planning teams and schedule:
a)Local Economy
Patricia provided an overview of purposes and actions. She highlighted actions such as working
collaboratively with the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce for branding and fostering small business
including in-home businesses that are compatible with the Town’s character. She questioned if the
term Green Economy should be changed. Hal suggested changing the term to grow Brewster’s
economy. The Committee agreed. Patricia suggested form base zoning which focuses on the
physical form of the development rather than the use of the development. Hal suggested the terms
explain in more detail the action and build public awareness for form base zoning. Patricia
commented on modifying and simplifying the permitting process which is a common thread across
many of the Building Blocks. She also stated fostering small businesses that are compatible with the
character of the town. Kari reminded the Committee of the staff review process that is very
valuable for businesses in the Town.
b)Housing
Sue Kenney reviewed the purposes with the Committee. She stepped through the actions for each
of the purposes. She discussed zoning changes, housing choices and building single family housing
on non- conforming lots, Town incentives, reaching the state housing goal of 10% by 2025, and
holding a public forum to educate the public on affordable housing. Andi clarified some of the
actions are also approaches to implement the action. Hal suggested the actions be more specific to
provide more direction. Amanda suggested allowing mixed uses in commercial and business areas
be included. She commented that changing zoning can be a long process and an overarching
approach may be more cohesive. Kari suggested changing the use table which could affect more
than one zone. Amanda suggested reaching out to the Town Planner on the best method. The
Committee then went on to discuss ADUs. Andi suggested incentives for ADUs to address some of
the Housing issues. Hal suggested wording the action to explore incentives for greater ADUs.
Amanda informed the Committee that there are organizations that will provide information and
guidance to homeowners who are considering ADUs, and it might be helpful to add a phase in the
action for connecting to local resources. The Committee continued to discuss non-conforming lots
and what it might entail. It was also suggested to work collaborating with other towns to address
affordable housing opportunities. Amanda confirmed that more than three units is considered
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multi-family. The Committee discussed options for seniors such as age-in-place which was
highlighted in the survey comments. Amanda suggested an organization that does rehabilitation
would provide an opportunity for accessibility within the home. Sharon stated the challenge is to
find in-home workers, which is not the responsibility of the Town. The Committee also touched
upon housing options for seasonal workers.
c)Water Resources
Andi reviewed the purposes with the Committee. She provided the actions within each purpose.
She highlighted land purchases to protect the drinking water around well fields and ponds. Hal
indicated with the Natural Resources Protection bylaw limits location and layout of development.
Amanda indicated the septic would be the limiting factor, which is also a factor for development.
Hal suggested strengthening ground water protection in commercial zones. Amanda also
highlighted the new Storm Water bylaw. Andi indicated they are suggesting an action to fully
implement the Storm Water bylaw. They also discussed the protection of pond water. Amanda
informed the Committee that education was in the works for the Storm Water bylaw. Andi
reinformed the education of the protection of water quality to the public. The Committee also
discussed the alternatives to septic systems. Kari suggested encouraging residents to pump their
septic systems more frequently. Hal noted the private golf courses should model their process after
the Captain’s golf course for fertilizer use.
d)Open Space
Hal provided the Committee with an overview of the purposes and actions. The highlighted areas
included extending the Rail Trail from Nickerson State Park to the State beach property, increase
recreational areas and nature trails, complete the Wing Island boardwalk. Also discussed were
prioritizing land acquisition in drinking water supply areas and, focusing on developing areas of high-
density growth.
e)Governance
Sharon provided the Committee with an overview of the purposes and actions taken for each
purpose. She discussed improving communications with a formal communications plan that would
provide updated information for residents. She recommended actions that were taken from a
government studies committee in 2016. Amanda indicated that many of these items are in progress
with the new town website that will be rolled out in the next couple of months. Hal indicated the
Town needs input for the requirements. Hal suggested the Town website educational material
include fact sheets. Sharon suggested expanding the volunteer base, address challenges of elected
vs. appointed positions on Boards and Committees and reduce term limits. Amanda disagreed and
stated very few Board members are elected. It was decided to remove this action from the list and
include more ad hoc committees and ways for the residents to engage. Kari informed the
Committee that on the new Town website there is a function to streamline the permitting process.
Discuss review of VPC action ideas with Town staff, Boards and Stakeholders
Hal, Sharon and Sharon Rooney met with Town Administration to discuss timeline and format. It was decided
on half-day workshops, the weeks of June 6 and June 13 to review action ideas. The remaining 5 Building Blocks
will be reviewed at the next meeting on May 16 and then the plan is to get the recommendations to select Town
staff prior to the half-day workshops. Hal asked the Committee to provide their availability for the weeks of
June 6 and June 13 both morning and afternoon by a show of hands. Ellen tallied up the count and will submit
to Hal who will reach out to Town Administration to determine the schedule.
Communication – review current and future actions:
Hal informed the Committee the announcement of the survey results has been posted to the Town website.
Patricia will send the publication informing the public of the survey results to the Cape Codder. Sue suggested a
postcard be sent out to everyone who received the announcement of the survey directing them to where they
can review the results on the website and thanking them for participating. Ellen will check the cost to send out
postcards and the remaining budget. Hal asked Kari about timing for an update to the Select Board. Kari agreed
that an update outlining the process and next steps. Kari will reach out to the Select Board for a date. Town
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Administration requested Hal to speak at the Town Department Head meeting to provide an update and next
steps to include them in the process.
Update on LCP roadmap and status report on Tighe and Bond tasks:
Once the workshops are completed and actions are finalized with Town staff, Tighe and Bond will look at the
Capital Improvement plan (CIP) in relation to the actions to ensure capital improvements that are required in
the action plan are reflected in the CIP. Tighe and Bond will then put together the draft of the action plan and
summarize all the summary papers. The Committee will review the draft over the summer and be ready for a
public hearing in early September. Tighe and Bond will finalize the action plan and be ready for Fall Town
meeting. After Town meeting it will go to the Cape Cod Commission for certification. Sharon Rooney agreed to
the plan. She also provided an update on changes to the Land Use Summary paper.
Review Action Items from April 19th meeting:
Patricia informed the Committee that the action items have been covered. Maps for Town Center with location
% will be displayed in the Town Hall and Library. Sharon Rooney asked for the % to transfer to a digital format.
Sharon will send to Sharon Rooney to include in the plan.
Next Meeting: Monday, May 16th Select Board room person to person.
Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair:
None
Sharon made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Andi seconded the motion, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at
5:46 pm.
Community Infrastructure Actions
Overarching action
Complete and begin implementation of master planning for the former Cape Cod Sea camps
properties including integrating Vision Plan elements
Purpose 1: Create a community Center for people of all ages
If the Bayside property is selected as the community center campus, consider alternate uses for
the Eddy School including housing or other public purposes
Purpose 2: Expand bike and pedestrian trails and paths for recreation and transportation throughout
town
Develop a town-wide plan for expanding bike and pedestrian paths and sidewalks, possibly
including road improvement priorities, reducing speed limits, Brewster-branded rest stops on
the CCRT, a continuous sidewalk from Orleans to Drummer Boy Park, a complete Streets design
which is compatible with Brewster’s character, and non-road-based path opportunities
Pursue the development of the CCRT extension from Nickerson State Park to Cape Cod Bay
including the consideration of alternatives for crossing Rt 6A
Purpose 3: Provide active recreation opportunities and facilities including those for youth
Implement the Master Plan for Drummer Boy Park
Coastal Management LCP Action Recommendations
Purpose 1: Protect coastal resources in ways that preserve coastal ecosystems and the character of
the Town and coastal neighborhoods
Evaluate the potential for implementing a flood plain bylaw to, among other things, “restrict or
prohibit development and uses on Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage (i.e., 100-year coastal
floodplain) and its buffer zones
Increase public awareness of the importance of healthy coastal wetlands and natural processes, and
the need to protect these resource areas
Work with the Planning Board and stakeholders to evaluate changes to local zoning and
regulations to preserve scale, character and resources in the coastal planning area
Purpose 2: Maintain and expand public access for all through public consensus and explore
alternate modes of transport and access points
Explore alternative transport options for beach access from remote locations.
Identify options for off-site parking and potential parking retreat locations
Maintain and, where feasible, enhance peak seasonal parking demand/capacity at beaches and
landings
Complete the permitting and construction of the Wing Island Boardwalk
Complete the planning and implement beach access at the former Cape Cod Sea Camps Bayside
property
Purpose 3: Adapt to climate change projections and advance adaptation and resiliency techniques
that are financially and environmentally sustainable
Monitor and assess physical processes to support short-term management decisions and long-term
planning, including 5 -year update of projections of sea level rise and storm surge, modeled
impacts of these forces on public beaches and landings, infrastructure, private property, and
coastal resources
Update the 2015 Century Scale Sediment Budget in tandem with the sea level rise projections to
assess trends in sediment movement within the littoral cell that encompasses Brewster’s shoreline,
in collaboration with Dennis, Orleans and Eastham
Preserve coastal landforms and vegetation that provide buffers to erosion caused by storm surge
Community Character
LCP Action recommendations
4/27/22
Purpose 1 Provide social opportunities and services for all
LCP Action: Consider the repurposing of existing buildings at identified sites (Eddy School and
Sea Camps) and allocate capital funds for a multigenerational community center
LCP Action: Promote age friendly ADA requirements on infrastructure
Purpose 2: Maintain the Town’s historic heritage and style
LCP Action: Reinforce building design along Rt. 6A to preserve historic character and revise
regulations accordingly
Purpose 3: Maintain the Town’s small-town feel and scale through appropriate development
LCP Action: Declare a District Critical Planning Concern for an area encompassing a potential
town center and place a moratorium on further development to allow the Town to develop
appropriate regulations regarding mixed use potential for the town center with parking
considerations and a plan for a walkable and bikeable use (including to bike paths)
Vision Planning Committee
SOLID WASTE
Draft Actions
1.Conduct a Recycling Center user-wide survey (based on permits) to
determine the most effective method of communication so that changes in
procedures can take quickly place when most economically advantageous to
the Town.
2.Prepare a local on-going multi-media campaign covering what, why and how
to recycle typical household materials.
3.Since the transfer station building is no longer used for its originally designed
purpose, conduct an analysis of the transfer station site, including traffic
circulation, with the objective of meeting current disposal and recycling
needs through a combination of re-arranging the current site and potentially
building a new facility.
Vision Planning Committee
Updated Building Block Actions
from May 2nd VPC
Local Economy
Housing
Water Resources
Open Space
Governance
Local Economy Actions
Purpose: Grow Brewster’s economy based on the Town’s natural beauty and resources
LCP Action: Proactively work with the Brewster Chamber of Commerce to develop a brand and provide
incentives to promote new and existing businesses which build on the town’s rural character and
natural resources including, but not limited to, the Cape Cod Bay, beaches, ponds, parks, open space,
and Rail
Trail.
Purpose: Foster small businesses compatible with the town’s character and promote year-round
employment
LCP Action: Review, change and expand zoning to allow different types of small business and allow in
home businesses compatible with the town’s character.
LCP Action: Consider form-based zoning as a way to focus on the physical form of development rather
than the type of business. Gain public awareness/understanding for the concept of form-based zoning.
LCP Action: Modify/simplify the business permitting process for new businesses and start-ups in order
to attract small businesses to the town.
Vision Planning Targeted Goals
5/2/2022
Housing:
Purpose 1: Promote housing choices to allow families, older adults, and seasonal workers to
live, work, and prosper
LCP Action: Study possibility of establishing multiuse zoning incorporating mixed uses in high
density commercial sections of town and village business areas.
LCP Action: Evaluate ADU bylaw and explore incentives for greater number of ADU’s and
connect owners to community resources
LCP Action: Review what non-conforming lots exist that might be eligible for development of
affordable housing
LCP Action: Leverage existing local & regional groups to conduct public forums to educate
general public on what affordable housing means and why it’s important in the town of Brewster
LCP Action: Support creative funding and collaborative partnerships (public/private) in the
development of needed affordable housing including incentives for year round rentals
LCP Action: Work collaboratively with other towns to increase opportunities for affordable
housing
LCP Action: Analyze requirements for single family housing with aim of promoting more
opportunities for various types of housing
LCP Action: Prioritize the re-use of existing buildings for affordable housing
Purpose 2: Provide opportunities for aging population
LCP Action: Explore solutions to allow residents to age in place including subsidizing physical
adaptations; co-housing and a review of co-pairing situations.
Purpose 3: Address housing needs of year-round and seasonal worker:
LCP Action: Review zoning restrictions and propose creative solutions including use of sea
camps dormitories and other non-traditional designs
Vision Planning Committee Targeted Goals
5.2.22
Input from Committee
Water Resources:
Purpose 1: Protect town wellfields by expanding open space acquisition and other measures
LCP Action: Continued land purchases--in critical and contiguous areas-- to protect the drinking
water and limit further development around land that protects the aquifer, in particular around
wells and ponds
LCP Action: Strengthen groundwater protection in industrial zones
Purpose 2: Improve pond water quality through public education regulation and
mitigation activities
LCP Action: Fully implement stormwater bylaw and share information to the public
LCP Action: Education to citizens on water quality issues and what people can do to make a
difference in their own homes including fertilizer use, installing a rain barrel, cleaning septic
system every 3 years
Purpose 3: Protect water quality in marine watersheds
LCP Action: Promote and research use of alternative systems to septic and develop financial
assistance programs
LCP Actions: Explore cluster sewage treatment systems for multifamily and neighborhoods in
areas of town impacted by individual septic systems
LCP Action: Conduct dialogues with private golf courses on nutrient redirection modeled after
the approach at Captains Golf Course
Open Space BB
LCP Action Recommendations
Purpose 1: Improve public access to and expand the use of recreational areas
LCP action: Actively pursue the development, including final design, permitting, and construction, of the
Cape Cod Rail Trail extension from Nickerson State Park to the State beach property, in collaboration
with the Department of Conservation and Recreation
LCP action: Increase the importance of recreation and the positive effect of woodlands in climate
mitigation as criteria for land acquisition
LCP action: Complete the permitting, funding, and construction of the Wing Island boardwalk
LCP action: Develop an integrated trail system for the Long Pond Woodlands and former Sea Camps
Long Pond property.
Purpose 2: Prioritize environmentally sensitive areas for preservation
LCP action: Continue to prioritize land acquisition in drinking water supply areas
Purpose 3: Maintain Open space through density and development standards
LCP action: Revise the Zoning by-law to direct growth away from priority natural resource areas while
directing development to areas of public services, economic activities, and transport where it is
appropriate
LCP action: Develop design standards for environmentally sensitive areas
GOVERNANCE
PURPOSE 1: Expand and improve communication to citizens about Town plans and activities
Develop a written Communications Plan that informs Town residents about how to find relevant
information on the Town website concerning the affairs of the Town, including:
updates regarding membership of Boards and Committees,
meeting agendas and minutes,
parties responsible for posting and updating information, and
required timeframe for posting (e.g., number of days after a meeting must minutes be
posted).
Include the status (appointed vs elected) of each Town Board and Committee on their
respective Town website page in order to improve transparency and consistency.
Include a resource section on the Town website that includes educational materials including
videos (e.g., by link to Vimeo, BGTV or LCTV files) and fact sheets on topics such as zoning,
permitting, ADUs, and other matters of high interest.
PURPOSE 2: Expand the volunteer base to increase the use of citizen expertise and build diversity n –
making
Continue the use of Town-wide activities and ad hoc committees to engage residents in Town
affairs.
Change to appointed rather than elected positions on Town Committees, Boards, and
Commissions where allowed by law and reduce term limits (i.e., from 5 years to 3 years) to
address the challenge of recruiting volunteer members.
Develop a central database of volunteers to assist with recruitment of qualified volunteers
across all Town Departments and appointed Committees.
Post volunteer openings on the Town website for Town Departments and appointed
Committees as well as for community organizations that support Town functions and activities
in order to enhance resident access to volunteer opportunities.
Acknowledge contributions of active volunteers and recognize volunteers when they complete
their commitment in order to improve volunteer retention.
PURPOSE 3: Strengthen the customer service approach to Town services
Consider ways to consolidate inspectional functions of the Building and Health Departments
that would offer the following advantages: increased communication among staff, increased
coordination regarding one structure and the required inspections, increased planning for the
future of the department, consistency of messaging, increased accessibility for residents, and
possible ease of scheduling.
Actions VPC Meeting May 2 2022
Actions Responsibility Time
Amend actions as discussed Team members May 16
Send article to Cape Codder Patricia ASAP
Check budget and cost of postcards Ellen May 16
Plan update for Select Board Hal and Kari May 16
Attend Department Director meeting to
update on LCP
Hal May 16
Send info on town center percentages to
Sharon R.
Sharon T May 16
Post town center percentages on maps at
Town Hall and library
Ellen May 16
Next Meeting In Person at Town Hall All May 16