HomeMy Public PortalAboutSelect Board -- 2022-06-13 Minutesor W
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Town. of Brewster
2198 Main Street
a = Brewster, MA 026314898
ti Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax:(508) 896-8089
MINUTES OF THE SELECT BOARD MEETING
DATE: June 13, 2022
TIME: 6:00 PM
PLACE: Remote Participation
Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
REMOTE PARTICIPANTS: Chair Whitney, Selectperson Chatelain, Selectperson Hoffmann, Selectperson
Bingham, Town Administrator Peter Lombardi, Paul Anderson, Bryan Webb
Absent: Selectperson Mary Chaffee, Assistant Town Administrator Donna Kalinick
Call to Order, Declaration of a Quorum, Meeting Participation Statement and Recording Statement
Chair Whitney called the meeting to order at 6:00pm and declared a quorum announcing the Select Board
members in attendance. Chair Whitney read the meeting participation and recording statements.
Public Announcements and Comment:
Erin Perry from the Cape Cod Commission shared details and invited the Select Board and Town staff to the
upcoming OneCape Summit to be held on August 11t and 2"d. Sessions will focus on housing accessibility and
affordability, marine and freshwater quality, mitigate and adapt to climate change and promote sustained
economic vitality among many other topics and challenges.
Select Board Announcements and Liaison Reports:
Selectperson Chatelain commented as member of the Affordable Housing Trust that in the FYI packet on
page 161 is information about a virtual community meeting on the Brewster Housing Production Plan. As the
Affordable Housing Trust nears the end of the process in updating the 2017 Housing Production Plan,
information will be shared at the meeting on June 161h at 6pm.
Town Administrator's Report
Mr. Lombardi briefly provided an update that Brewster, like other cities and towns, has been participating in
numerous class action suits against various parties related to the prescribing of opioids and the impacts on
our communities. Recently, several cases have been settled and funds are now being distributed, for these
particular class action suits and settlements, a little over $200M statewide is being distributed, on Cape it is
about $8.5M and for Brewster about $270K over the next 17 years. This current year, Brewster is looking at
approximately $30K. Town Administration has had internal discussions with the Police and Fire Chiefs and
the Health Director about potential opportunities to spend the funds. There will be additional meetings once
we have the exact payment amounts. Mr. Lombardi expects the recommendations to be presented to the
Select Board in the next several months.
Consent Agenda
a. Facility Use Request: Paines Creek for Scientific Study on Smooth Cordgrass Genetics and Beach
Parking Pass Fee Waiver
Select Board 06.13.2022 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 1 of 10
Town of Brewster ; Office of:
Select Board
2198 Main Street Town Administrator
3 A n = Brewster, MA 026314898
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b. Letter of Support for CPC Application for Open Space Acquisition and Authorize Town Administrator
and Conservation Commission to Prepare and Submit Applications (Burke Property-0 Anglers
Cartway)
c. One-Day Liquor License: Kate's Seafood & Ice Cream and Chatham Bars Inn Farm
d. One-Day Entertainment License: Chatham Bars Inn Farm
e. Yard Sale Restriction Waiver: Trinity Lutheran Church
f. Orleans Council on Aging Adult Day Care Program Intermunicipal Agreement
g. Acceptance of Gifts: Brewster Golf Department and Brewster Ladies Library
h. Request for Approval to Perform Cell Tower Equipment Modification Work at 1655 Main Street
i. Grant Application: Coastal Zone Management Coastal Resilience Program for Intermunicipal Shoreline
Management for Southeastern Cape Cod Bay
j. Pass Through Town Permission- Brew Run Road Race
Mr. Lombardi pointed out that the Town plans on applying for CPC funds and a state land acquisition grant to
purchase 0 Anglers Cartway, a 5 -acre parcel on the east side of Town. A property that the Select Board has
discussed in executive sessions in the past. Mr. Lombardi also thanked the Brewster Ladies Library
Association on their partnership with the little free libraries, this is a great concept and implemented well.
Selectperson Hoffman moved to approve all items on the consent agenda. Selectperson Bingham second. A
roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Bingham -yes, Selectperson Chatelain- yes, Selectperson Hoffman -yes,
Chair Whitney -yes. The Board vote was 4 -Yes, 0 -No.
Update on Water Use Restrictions- Paul Anderson, Water Superintendent
Paul Anderson reviewed the slide show that is in the packet that reviews the mandatory outdoor water
restrictions. These restrictions have been in effect since May 16th, with an odd/even schedule allowing
watering between 400am- Sam and 5pm to Spm. The aquifer is massive and is an incredible resource, but it
needs to be replenished annually with rainfall. Mr. Anderson shared that the monitoring well that is located
in Nickerson State Park measures how many feet below surface of the ground that the aquifer is at. Noting
that in the winter months is when we expect a recharge, however the rain and the snow was not at the
levels needed. For this reason, restrictions have been implemented, there is a concern that we continue to
see the same trends as in past years. Mr. Anderson reviewed the signs that have been posted around Town
regarding the restrictions, these are consistent throughout the Cape. Each town declares their own levels,
unless the State declares it for them. Unfortunately, we don't see it getting better, and have not seen the
aquifer rebound the way we have hoped.
There was some discussion regarding private wells, in order to regulate these wells there would need to be a
bylaw. Mr. Lombardi stated that with other Towns in the Monomoy Lens, in their withdrawal permit when
water level gets to a certain point, they have to implement restrictions. Brewster is mirroring these
restrictions that are not in our permit. Brewster is trying to take a unified approach across towns in the
same shared water resource. Adding that there are exemptions already in other towns who have
Select Board 06.13.2022 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 2 of 10
Tower of Brewster
° t4oF e9F,
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3 A = Brewster, MA 02631-1898
° Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
Office of: -
Select Board
Town Administrator
mandatorY restrictions per their state permit, and exemptions for certain businesses (golf courses, nurseries,
etc.) whose livelihood is on significant use of water. The Town has also applied these to our own odd/even
restrictions.
Discuss and Vote on Upcomine Public Meeting Schedule/Format for Town Committees (Select Board FY22-
23 Strategic Plan Goal G-4)
Mr. Lombardi noted that are situation has not changed, the current state expanded remote participation
program is still set to sunset on July 15th, 2022. The Senate included language in their version of the FY23
state budget that would continue the same expanded program that has been in place through December
2023. Noting that this can be a lengthy process and can go beyond the start of the fiscal year.
The recommendation is to continue with the same format that we have had for the past 3 months for the
first two weeks of July. Options are to meet in person, with no restrictions on the number of people in
attendance, meet virtually or in a hybrid format. Public participation would continue to be fully remote, and
meetings are televised. Public forums have some flexibility to be public, but there are none scheduled at this
time.
Starting on Monday July 18th, we will presumably revert back to the former State requirements for remote
participation. Hybrid meetings will be an option, but there is no fully remote participation. A majority of the
committee and the Chair have to be physically present in Town Hall. Public participation would be in person
again, we are hoping and planning to still allow for remote participation from residents since we have the
technology.
Boards and Committees have had the discretion to meet in either format, once we open public participation
to in-person, they will no longer have the decision to allow public participation, there will be less flexibility
on this particular element of meetings.
Selectperson Hoffman moved to approve the public meeting schedule and format for town committees that
is in the memo dated June 10, 2022. Selectperson Bingham second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson
Hoffmann -yes, Selectperson Chatelain- yes, Selectperson Bingham -yes, Chair Whitney -yes, The Board vote
was 4 -Yes, 0 -No.
Discuss and Vote on Proposed Revisions to Select Board Policies on Remote Board/Committee
Participation and Town Government Access Channel (Select Board FY22-23 Strategic Plan Goal G-4)
Mr. Lombardi stated that the Board had a policy on remote participation when remote participation was not
used often. At the time there were narrow allowances or exemptions for remote participation. Since then,
we have invested in the technology and have a platform where remote participation can happen much
easier. Assuming that the State's current expanded remote participation program will sunset, we have
developed an updated policy that will comply with the minimum State requirements that had been in place
pre-Covid and reflect the technology we have in place. The basic elements of the new policy are:
• Remote participation is allowed.
• A quorum of the body must be in person, including the Chair.
Select Board 06.13.2022 www.Brewster-ma.gov Page 3 of 10
U
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
• Because we have accepted the local option that was offered almost 10 years ago, we have continued
discretion to allow remote participation.
• The Open Meeting Law was updated about 3-4 years ago, initially individual members had to name a
reason why they were not going to be present, this is no longer the case, that language has been
removed.
• The Chair must work with their individual committee members to make sure a majority of the
committee will be physically present. This will be the responsibility of the Chair.
• Due to the requirement that the Chair must be physically present, we recommend that Boards and
Committees don't select a Chair who will be regularly attending remotely.
• The current policy capped the number of meetings that individual members could participate
remotely at four meetings, this new policy suggests that they must be physically present for 50% of
meetings.
• For regulatory Boards (Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Board of Health, Conservation
Commission, Historic District Committee and Select Board), they should be physically present for at
least 75% of meetings in a given fiscal year.
Once in-person attendance to residents is allowed, the Town will do their very best to keep remote
participation as an option whenever possible. For the past couple of years, all Board and Committee
meetings have been televised, broadcast on Channel 18, and/or live streamed. In allowing remote
participation, we propose that that all meetings are broadcast and/or live streamed, which means that all
meetings must take place in Town Hall. As a reminder, assuming at least one member of a board/committee
is participating remotely, there still needs to be roll call votes.
The Select Board discussed the requirements of having members physically present for their meetings, and
thU number of consecutive meetings that one could participate remotely for regulatory boards. It was
clarified that the policy is a total of 4 meetings that can be attended remotely with no more than 2 meetings
in a row by remote participation. The intention of these updates is to review participation and how much
flexibility can be granted with remote participation. Allowing flexibility offers participation from those who
may not have otherwise been able to serve.
Selectperson Hoffmann proposed to change the wording of the section "Frequency of Remote Participation"
to include that members of regulatory boards must be physically present for either 50% or 75% of "regular"
meetings, and not include a time limit on how many meetings can be missed consecutively.
Mr. Lombardi clarified that there is an understanding that if one regulatory board ran into a situation where
there were many meetings, the special or "off scheduled" meetings would not count towards the threshold.
Selectperson Bingham seconded the motion and proposed that next year at this time they communicate
with other regulatory committees about the policy.
The Board and Town Administration agreed that this policy impacts other committees and residents who
volunteer and their feedback is instrumental. However, with the current situation, the Board should adopt
Select Board 06.13.2022 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 4 of 10
1 own of Brewster Office of
2198 Main Street Select Board
Town Administrator
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
some version of the of the policy tonight and see what the State does next. Adjustments can then be made if
needed and we can have follow-up discussions regarding the policy and then get feedback from Committee
Chairs,
Selectperson Hoffmann moved to approve the policy as written, to be reviewed by Boards and Committees
for feedback in the coming months. Selectperson Bingham second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson
Chatelain- No, Selectperson Hoffmann -yes, Selectperson Bingham, Chair Whitney- yes. The Board vote was
3 -Yes, 1 -No.
Discuss and Vote on Proposed First Light Beach Policy (Select Board FY22-23 Strategic Plan SC -4)
Mr. Lombardi stated that the plan is to open our resident only beach at the Sea Camps Bay property in a few
weeks and reviewed the recommended policy that is available in the packet. A few highlights of the
proposed policy include:
• Accessed by residents who have a resident beach pass, entry is through the gates off 6A.
• Permits will be checked by seasonal recreation staff at the gatehouse.
• Access will be limited to the number of cars that can fit in the new parking lot, 50 cars. Once lot has
reached capacity, the gate will be down, and a sign will be posted on 6A that the lot is closed.
• Parking is only allowed in the parking lot, no other locations on the property.
• Lot is open from Sam — 8pm and no new vehicles will be allowed in after bpm. If vehicles remain in
the lot after 8pm they will be towed at the owner's expense.
• Pedestrian and bike access, visitors will be asked to check in at the gate house, we will not be
checking residency status. Language is included in the policy that if the property is inundated with
bike and foot traffic that gives Town employees the ability to restrict access.
• Access is intended for beach use only, with the exception of our special events that are scheduled for
July and August.
• At Spruce Hill there will be designated parking, and beach parking permits are required for this lot.
Request for those who do use this parking lot to use the Spruce Hill path to access the beach, and not
use the Sea Camps property.
• Natural Resources Department will be adding kayak racks and a lottery will be completed for those 18
spots.
Other policies are consistent with the Town's regular beach and landing policies. This is short-term public
access for the Sea Camps property, the Bay Property Planning Committee will continue to meet to review
long term accessibility.
Selectperson Hoffmann moved to approve the Select Board Policy for First Light Beach Residents Only Policy
#64. Selectperson Bingham second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Hoffmann -Yes, Selectperson
Chatelain-yes, Selectperson Bingham, Chair Whitney- yes. The Board vote was 4 -Yes, 0 -No.
Select Board 06.13.2022 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 5 of 10
s
am
1 own of Brewster Office of
2198 Main Street Select Board
Town Administrator
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
some version of the of the policy tonight and see what the State does next. Adjustments can then be made if
needed and we can have follow-up discussions regarding the policy and then get feedback from Committee
Chairs,
Selectperson Hoffmann moved to approve the policy as written, to be reviewed by Boards and Committees
for feedback in the coming months. Selectperson Bingham second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson
Chatelain- No, Selectperson Hoffmann -yes, Selectperson Bingham, Chair Whitney- yes. The Board vote was
3 -Yes, 1 -No.
Discuss and Vote on Proposed First Light Beach Policy (Select Board FY22-23 Strategic Plan SC -4)
Mr. Lombardi stated that the plan is to open our resident only beach at the Sea Camps Bay property in a few
weeks and reviewed the recommended policy that is available in the packet. A few highlights of the
proposed policy include:
• Accessed by residents who have a resident beach pass, entry is through the gates off 6A.
• Permits will be checked by seasonal recreation staff at the gatehouse.
• Access will be limited to the number of cars that can fit in the new parking lot, 50 cars. Once lot has
reached capacity, the gate will be down, and a sign will be posted on 6A that the lot is closed.
• Parking is only allowed in the parking lot, no other locations on the property.
• Lot is open from Sam — 8pm and no new vehicles will be allowed in after bpm. If vehicles remain in
the lot after 8pm they will be towed at the owner's expense.
• Pedestrian and bike access, visitors will be asked to check in at the gate house, we will not be
checking residency status. Language is included in the policy that if the property is inundated with
bike and foot traffic that gives Town employees the ability to restrict access.
• Access is intended for beach use only, with the exception of our special events that are scheduled for
July and August.
• At Spruce Hill there will be designated parking, and beach parking permits are required for this lot.
Request for those who do use this parking lot to use the Spruce Hill path to access the beach, and not
use the Sea Camps property.
• Natural Resources Department will be adding kayak racks and a lottery will be completed for those 18
spots.
Other policies are consistent with the Town's regular beach and landing policies. This is short-term public
access for the Sea Camps property, the Bay Property Planning Committee will continue to meet to review
long term accessibility.
Selectperson Hoffmann moved to approve the Select Board Policy for First Light Beach Residents Only Policy
#64. Selectperson Bingham second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Hoffmann -Yes, Selectperson
Chatelain-yes, Selectperson Bingham, Chair Whitney- yes. The Board vote was 4 -Yes, 0 -No.
Select Board 06.13.2022 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 5 of 10
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6:30am -Public Hearine. Renewal of Entertainment Licenses: BandG, LLC d/b/a Apt Cape Cod, Brewster EI
Patron d/b/a The Island Blue Crab Food &Spirits, Brewster Inn, Inc. d/b/a Woodshed; Brewster VFW Post
#9917; Brown Dog Investments, Inc d/b/a Laurino's Tavern; Bushwood LLC, d/b/a Harbor Lights Mini Golf;
Cape Cod Repertory Theatre; Friends of Brewster Elders/Brewster Council on Aging; Ocean Edge Resort
Limited Partnership d/b/a Ocean Edge Inn and Conference Center; Ocean Edge Resort Limited Partnership
d/b/a Lvnx Tavern: Shadv Knoll Tent Sites. Inc. d/b/a Shadv Knoll Campground, Sweetwater Forest Inc
d/b/a Sweetwater Forest
Selectperson Hoffmann moved to open the public hearing to vote on the following annual entertainment
licenses pending all financial obligations have been paid to the Town. Selectperson Bingham second. A rol
:all was taken. Selectperson Hoffmann -yes, Selectperson Chatelain-yes, Selectperson Bingham -yes, Chair
Whitney -yes. The Board vote was 4 -Yes, 0 -No.
Selectperson Hoffmann read the notice of the public hearing.
The Select Board directed questions to Bryan Webb, General Manager of Ocean Edge regarding amplified
music, Mr. Webb confirmed that there is no amplified music on any terraces throughout the property. There
is amplified music at the Bay Pines Pavilion and if there is a tent event on the front lawn. Also, several nights
a week throughout the summer, there is amplified music on the front lawn. Mr. Webb stated that Ocean
Edge has an internal policy that amplified music must end by 9:55pm, and the front lawn is typically
completed by 9:OOpm. The policy also includes decibel readings by the manager on duty who monitors the
noise level, readings are typically between 52 and 59 decibels.
Mr. Lombardi shared that the State had extended their outdoor dining program which supersedes local
zoning bylaws and regulations, and this has been extended through April of next year. In summer of 2020,
Ocean Edge sought an amendment through the Planning Board to their original Special Permit from 2010
which caps the number of events on the front lawn to 7 events between May and September and no more
than 2 events per month between October and April. Their amendment to allow additional events through
the Special Event process with the Planning Board ended at the end of last summer, Ocean Edge did not seek
an updated version for this summer. Mr. Lombardi noted that in terms of these events, where amplified
music takes place on the front lawn, Ocean Edge is limited to 7 events between May and September and no
more than 2 events per month October and April.
The proposed entertainment license does not seek a specific number of events since it is governed by the
Special Permit. In the past the Select Board has approved the entertainment license simply mirroring the
requirements or restrictions that exist in the Special Permit.
The following residents made comments in opposition to the Ocean Edge entertainment license, Carolyn
Noering, Jan Moore, and Canice McGarry.
Select Board 06.13.2022 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 6 of 10
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Fax; (508) 896-8089
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Select Board
Town Administrator
Chair Whitney provided a recap that the mocations of F Permit for the last two summers have
now expired, therefore Ocean Edge is limited to seven events May through September on the front lawn and
he reviewed the current restrictions on the entertainment license provided in the packet.
Selectperson Hoffmann read opposition letters received via email to the Select Board from residents prior to
tonight's meeting.
Mr. Webb in response to the letters stated that Ocean Edge does monitor noise levels during all events at
various locations on their property as to not upset neighbors, if they receive a complaint, they act upon it
immediately.
Chair Whitney offered a compromise by suggesting allowing a temporary license from now until the next
meeting on July 11th at which time the Select Board will revisit the Ocean Edge entertainment license. Chair
Whitney also requested that Mr. Webb provide the Town Administration office a list of all events, including
dates and times on the front lawn or Bay Pines Pavilion, Chair Whitney encourages neighbors and Select
Board members to visit the neighborhoods themselves during these events. The provisional license will
allow seven events, including with outdoor dining, but without entertainment for now. Mr. Lombardi
clarified the seven event restriction applies to the Front Lawn.
Selectperson Hoffmann moved to close the public hearing. Selectperson Bingham second. A roll call was
taken. Selectperson Bingham -yes, Selectperson Chatelain-yes, Selectperson Hoffmann -yes, Chair Whitney -
yes. The board vote was 4 -Yes, 0 -No.
Selectperson Hoffmann moved to approve the entertainment licenses listed in the packet, except for Ocean
Edge Inn and Conference Center and EI Patron who will not be seeking a renewal, pending all financial
obligations have been paid to the town. Selectperson Bingham second. A roll call vote was taken.
Selectperson Chatelain-yes, Selectperson Hoffmann -yes, Selectperson Bingham -yes, Chair Whitney- yes. The
Board vote was 4 -Yes, 0 -No.
Selectperson Hoffmann moved to approve the provisional entertainment license for Ocean Edge Inn and
Conference Center, pending all financial obligations have been paid to the town. Provisional License will end
on July 11, 2022. Selectperson Bingham second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Hoffmann -yes,
Selectperson Chatelain-yes, Selectperson Bingham -yes, Chair Whitney- yes. The Board vote was 4 -Yes, 0 -No.
Review List of Inactive Town Boards &Committees and Discuss Next Steps.
Mr. Lombardi stated that through managing the board and committee meetings, there are eight committees
that do not meet on a regular basis, if at all. As the Board goes through the annual board and committee
reappointment process, it is important to bring this forward to discuss potential next steps. The first four
committees are memorialized in the town bylaws, these include the Agriculture Commission, Alewife
Committee, Building Needs and Assessment Committee and the Capital Planning Committee. There is more
Select Board 06.13.2022 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 7 of 10
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information in the memo about the details of each of these committees. For these committees, if the Board
were to want to make changes or disband it would require Town Meeting action. The following are
recommendations:
• Building Needs and Assessment & Capital Planning Committee — to bring forward a warrant article to
Fall Special Town Meeting to disband. The building needs and assessment committee have not been
active in 5+ years and have not met since January 2020. At the last meeting, the Select Board was in
attendance to discuss their future. There are currently no active members. The Capital Planning
Committee had been reactivated a few years ago and helped to develop a 5 -year Capital
Improvement Plan. As part of Town Charter, it stipulates these functions will be handled by town
staff. The three atdarge committee members will not be renewing their roles for another term.
• Alewife Committee, the individual members are active working at the Mill and with our Natural
Resources Department, we need to know from them what support the Town can offer for their work
as a committee. This Committee has been in place since 1803 and has served an important purpose
over many years.
• Agricultural Commission has not met in over five years, there are technically four members of a
seven -member commission, two of them have not been sworn in, and two are up for re-
appointment. There needs to be information to the extent to which there remains a need for this
committee to stay in place.
The four ad-hoc committees that have been appointed by the Select Board over the years include the All -
Citizens access committee, Cable Television Advisory Committee, Hazardous Waste Committee and Library
Building Committee. The Hazardous Waste Committee is a staff function, there are monthly public safety
team meetings and communication on any ongoing issues, there is no need for this committee to continue.
The Cable Television Advisory Committee, primary function is negotiating the license agreement with
Comcast and related agreement with Lower Cape TV. These negotiations are now handled by administration
staff. The recommendation is to disband both committees. The AII-Citizens Access Committee has been
around since the mid -80s and remains really important. They had previously been meeting regularly and
active, however it might be worth it to review the charge and see if it needs to be refined to meet the
current needs of the Town. Based on new information provided by the State regarding the funding for the
library project, it will likely be available for FY 2025. We have been unable to locate the charge for the
committee, the Town should revisit the composition and refocus the efforts.
The Select Board will continue to discuss the future of these committees at upcoming meetings.
Status Update on Financing Options for Integrated Water Resource Capital Planning and Vote on Short-
term Plan for Brewster's Participation in Cape Cod &Islands Water Protection Fund (Select Board FY2-23
Strategic Plan Goal WR4)
Mr. Lombardi noted the policy and cost implications are significant and there have been a fair number of
recent major developments which include:
Select Board 06.13.2022 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 8 of 10
Office of.
9
Town. o Brewster ` Select Board
2198 Main Street Town Administrator
tiBrewster, MA 02631-1898
v, Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
• The Cape Cod and Islands Water Protection Fund (CCIWPF) board has officially approved
authorization of using the funds for the Cape Cod Commission to provide technical assistance to
Brewster and potentially other towns to determine SRF eligibility of the proposed innovative
alternatives or other non-traditional wastewater projects.
• The scope of services is included in the packet and is expected to take six months. Kick-off meetings
are scheduled in the next couple of weeks with Cape Cod Commission staff.
• The goal is to clearly understand the extent to which we can access not only the SRF funds, but the
all-important water protection fund subsidy for some or any of the projects. Mr. Lombardi noted it is
critical to understand how we will finance the projects and our continued participation in the
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• Earlier this spring the EPA announced a major new grant program, almost $2.5M for two projects
through their SNAP program. This is to develop a pilot program to create regional responsible
management entities (RMEs) to deal with the financing, administration, and oversight of these
decentralized septic systems and IA systems on private property. Brewster will be providing a letter
of support for the county's application. This would mean that the county would be available as a
resource if Brewster were to move forward with the IA systems, in managing them administratively
(monitoring, testing and compliance).
• The county has been looking at making changes to the existing septic loan program, the draft
recommendation is provided in the packet. Changes include looking at reducing or eliminating
interest fees as well as looking at providing loan forgiveness for income eligible homeowners. For
residents who want to convert septic system to an IA system, to qualify under the loan program, they
have to document they have a failed system. With the new proposed Title V regulations, we could
look at whether some combination of state regulations and/or related local regulations could help
systems, particularly around our ponds to be eligible for this program in a way they haven't before.
Included in the FY22 supplemental budget, is $200M where a portion is anticipated to be directed to
the CCIWPF and some other amount is intended to help fund the septic loan program, the amounts
are unknown at this point.
Mr. Lombardi stated that the full board of the CCIWPF voted to appropriate $27M from the fund to the eight
SRF eligible projects on the intended use plan. Adding it is important to note the Executive Board heard a
report earlier this spring that the actual subsidies in the first 2 years of the program have well exceeded the
benchmarks and expectations that the actuarial used to develop their projections for the fund. The good
news is that the Town is set to receive a major infusion of funding from the State. If this didn't work out, the
board is aware that their program of 25% subsidy doesn't work based on the revenues brought in on the
short-term rental tax. The commission has asked all member towns to provide a 5 -to -10 -year capital plan to
understand what anticipated demands on the fund will be.
Mr. Lombardi noted that the Town is meeting with DEP staff in the next month or so to provide feedback on
the proposed changes to the Title V regulations, specific to nitrogen sensitive watersheds on Cape. Proposed
towns would have to enter into a 20 -year wastewater permit, potentially with other towns, or to require all
septic systems within the watersheds to upgrade to IA technology within 5 years, this is a tremendous
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undertaking. The Town needs to know how the new regulations interact with our current Pleasant Bay
permit and if they were to come online and be adopted, what this would mean for our requirements for the
Herring River watershed. The Town has devoted a lot of attention and resources to this area and will
continue to work closely with Harwich to develop a plan to address those issues.
Selectperson Bingham moved that the Board rescind the previous vote to place an article on the upcoming
warrant. Selectperson Hoffmann amended the motion to include postponing any decision regarding
membership into the CCWIPF to a later date. Selectperson Chatelain second. A roll call vote was taken.
Selectperson Hoffmann -yes, Selectperson Chatelain-yes, Selectperson Bingham -yes, Chair Whitney- yes. The
Board vote was 4 -Yes, 0 -No.
For Your Information:
No comments or questions.
Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair:
None
Questions from the Media:
None
Next Meetings:.
July 11, July 25, July 27 (annual retreat), August 8, and August 22, 2022
Adjournment
Selectperson Bingham moved to adjourn at 8:34pm. Selectperson Hoffmann second. A roll call vote was
taken. Selectperson Chatelain-yes, Selectperson Bingham -yes, Selectperson Hoffmann -yes, Chair Whitney -
yes. The Board vote was 4 -Yes, 0 -No.
Respectfully submitted by Erika Mawn, Executive Assistant
Approved: 07 / 12 / 2022
Date
Signed:
Selectperson Hoffmann, Clerk of the Select Board
Accompanying Documents in Packet: TA report, Consent Agenda documents, Water Use Restriction PowerPoint, Public Meeting
Schedule/format memo, Revisions to Select Board Policies, First Light Beach Policy, Yearly Entertainment License documents, Inactive
Boards and Committees, Integrated Water Resource Capital Planning Documents, FYI documents.
Select Board 06.13.2022
www.brewster-ma.gov
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