HomeMy Public PortalAbout10.12.22 FinCom PacketTown of Brewster Finance Committee
2198 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631
fincommeeting@brewster-ma.gov
(508) 896-3701
MEETING AGENDA
Brewster Town Hall
2198 Main Street
October 12, 2022 at 6:00 PM
Pursuant to Chapter 107 of the Acts of 2022, 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:
Phone: Call (929) 436-2866 or (301) 715-8592. Webinar ID: 862 2956 9696 Passcode: 565167
To request to speak: Press *9 and wait to be recognized.
Zoom Webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86229569696?pwd=MUhJNGpoU3VocTZ0cTU0VGpYcWdVQT09
Passcode: 565167
To request to speak: Tap Zoom “Raise Hand”, then wait to be recognized.
When required by law or allowed by the Chair, persons wishing to provide public comment or otherwise participate in the
meeting, may do so by accessing the meeting remotely, as noted above.
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).
Finance
Committee
Harvey (Pete) Dahl
Chair
Frank Bridges
Vice Chair
William Meehan
Clerk
Andrew Evans
William Henchy
Alex Hopper
Honey Pivirotto
Robert Tobias
Robert Young
Town
Administrator
Peter Lombardi
Finance Director
Mimi Bernardo
1.Call to Order
2.Declaration of a Quorum
3.Meeting Participation Statement
4.Recording Statement
5.Public Announcements and Comment: Members of the public may address the Finance Committee 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 Finance Committee is unable to reply but may add items presented to a future agenda.
6.Town Administrator/Finance Director Report
7.Discussion and Vote on Town Meeting Warrant Articles
Article 11 (Millstone Road Temp Easements) – P. Lombardi
Article 13 & 14 (Bay Property Pool) – P. Lombardi
Article 3 (CPC) – Faythe Ellis
Article 4 (Holly Ave Conservation Restriction) – Elizabeth Taylor
Article 5 (CPC bylaw) – Faythe Ellis.
Art. 9 – Town Meeting Warrant deadline – re-vote if necessary
Art 10 – Local Comprehensive Plan
8.Liaison Reports and Assignments
9.Approval of Minutes
10.Request for agenda items for future meetings
11.Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair
12.Next Finance Committee Meeting
13.Adjournment
Date Posted:Date Revised:Received by Town Clerk:
10/3/22
Town of Brewster
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
WARRANT
for
NOVEMBER 14, 2022
at
6:00 PM
STONY BROOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
384 UNDERPASS ROAD
Please bring this copy of the warrant to Town Meeting
Large print copies of the warrant are available at the Brewster Town Offices
*DRAFT 10.07.22*
TOWN OF BREWSTER
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT
NOVEMBER 14, 2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A INDEX
B INFORMATION
C 2022 SPECIAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT
ARTICLES
ARTICLE DESCRIPTION SPONSOR PAGE
1 Outstanding Obligations Select Board
2 Capital and Special Projects Expenditures Select Board
3 Community Preservation Act Funding Select Board
4 Conservation Restriction: 0 Holly Ave (Rear) Community
Preservation
Committee
5 Town Code Amendment to Community
Preservation Act Bylaw (§ 17)
Community
Preservation
Committee
6 Town Bylaw Amendment: Limits of Debate Select Board
7 Town Bylaw Amendment: Quorum
Requirement
Select Board
8 New Town Bylaw: Reconsideration Select Board
9 Town Bylaw Amendment: Special Town
Meeting Warrant Deadline
Select Board
10 Local Comprehensive Plan Select Board &
Planning Board
11 Temporary Easements: Millstone Road
Improvement Project
Select Board
12 Private Road Engineering Services:
Vesper Pond Drive
Select Board
13 Creation of New Revolving Fund: Bay
Property Pool
Select Board
14 Bay Property Pool Funding Select Board
15 Rescind Debt Authorization Select Board
16 Local Adoption of State Statute: Local Election
Deadlines
Select Board
D TOWN MODERATOR’S RULES
E GLOSSARY OF FINANCIAL TERMS
INFORMATION FOR NOVEMBER 14, 2022
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
Services Available to the Public During Town Meeting
TRANSPORTATION:
The Council on Aging offers rides to and/or from Town Meeting. For information or to schedule
a ride to and/or from Town Meeting please call the Council on Aging at 508-896-2737 by noon
on Wednesday, November 9th. Rides are available during the entirety of Town Meeting.
CHILD CARE SERVICES:
Nauset Youth Alliance provides free childcare services for children ages 5 – 14, from
5:30 pm – 9:00 pm, in the Stony Brook School Library during Town Meeting. If you would like to
take advantage of this service, please call or email the NYA before 4:00 pm on Friday,
November 11th; 508-896-7900 or drost@nausetyouthalliance.org
TOWN OF BREWSTER SPECIAL TOWN MEETING NOVEMBER 14, 2022
Barnstable, ss
To: Roland W. Bassett, Jr. Constable of the Town of Brewster
Greetings:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby directed to notify and
inform the Town of Brewster inhabitants qualified to vote in Town affairs to meet in the
Cafeterium at the Stony Brook Elementary School, 384 Underpass Road, on Monday,
November 14, 2022, next, at 6:00 p.m. o’clock in the evening, then and there to act upon the
following articles:
OUTSTANDING OBLIGATIONS
ARTICLE NO. 1: To see what sums the Town will vote to appropriate from available funds for
the payment of unpaid obligations from previous fiscal years, including any bills now on
overdraft:
Department Outstanding Obligations Amount
a. Brewster Elementary
Schools
Wages $1,777.00
b. Utilities Eversource $144.92
c. Employee Benefits Department of Unemployment
Assistance
$2,545.00
d. Building Department WB Mason $127.99
Total
Or to take any other action relative thereto.
(Select Board) (Nine-tenths Vote Required)
COMMENT
This article will authorize the payment of outstanding bills from a previous fiscal year.
According to Massachusetts General Laws, a Town cannot pay a bill from a previous fiscal year
with the current year’s appropriation. Therefore, Town Meeting authorization is required.
Select Board: Yes 4, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 9, No 0, Abs 0
CAPITAL AND SPECIAL PROJECTS EXPENDITURES
ARTICLE NO. 2: To see what sums the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from
available funds, or authorize the Town Treasurer to borrow under and pursuant to
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Sections 7, 7(1), or 8, or any other enabling authority,
for the capital outlay expenditures listed below, including, in each case, all incidental and
related costs, to be expended by the Town Administrator with the approval of the Select Board,
except School expenditures to be made by the School Superintendent with the approval of the
School Committee; authorize leases and lease purchase agreements for more than three but
not more than five years for those items to be leased or lease purchased, and further that the
Town Administrator with the approval of the Select Board or School Superintendent with the
approval of the School Committee for school items, be authorized to sell, convey, trade-in or
otherwise dispose of equipment being replaced, all as set forth below:
Department Item Funding Source(s) /
Appropriation or
Transfer
Amount
1 Select Board
a. DBP Master Plan Update
- Phase 1 Construction
Professional services
and construction costs
of park improvements
Free Cash $255,000
b. Sea Camps
Comprehensive
Planning
Professional services
associated with
developing a
comprehensive plan
regarding future uses
of the former Sea
Camps properties
Free Cash $175,000
c. Updated Ponds Water
Quality Report
(IWRMP)
Professional services
associated with
creating a pond water
quality database and
reviewing data to
identify future needs
Water Quality
Stabilization
$50,000
d. Sea Camps Interim Uses Costs for events,
programming, and
increasing public
access/awareness
Free Cash $50,000
e. Integrated Water
Resource Planning/
Implementation
Professional services
associated with
technical assistance
regarding water
quality planning and
initiatives
Free Cash $35,000
Sub-Total $565,000
Department Item Funding Source(s) /
Appropriation or
Transfer
Amount
2 Department of Public Works
a. Sea Camps Pool Parking
Lot
Professional services
for engineering,
permitting, and
construction of new
parking area,
including but not
limited to paving,
installation of
stormwater
infrastructure, and
landscaping
Free Cash $250,000
b. Drainage/Road
Maintenance
Professional services
for engineering,
permitting, and
construction
associated with road
maintenance and
drainage
Free Cash $225,000
c. Loader/Backhoe Purchase and outfit
(1) backhoe/loader,
including but not
limited to plow
package, emergency
lighting, and radio
Free Cash $200,000
d. Pick-up Truck Purchase and outfit
(1) 4x4 pick-up truck,
including but not
limited to plow
package, emergency
lighting, and radio
Free Cash $60,000
Sub-Total $735,000
Department Item Funding Source(s) /
Appropriation or
Transfer
Amount
3. Police Department
a. Vehicle Replacement Purchase and outfit (2)
Police vehicles
Free Cash $115,000
b. Security Pen/Fencing Purchase and install
fencing and traffic
direction
signage/devices at the
Police facility
Free Cash $50,000
c. Live Scan Data Sharing Purchase and install an
electronic fingerprint
and booking
photograph system
Free Cash $42,500
Sub-Total $207,500
4. Fire Department
a. Department Staffing and
Organization Study
Professional services
associated with staffing
and organizational
analysis to determine
current and future
departmental needs
Free Cash/
Ambulance Fund
$35,000
b. Assistance to Firefighter
Grant Program Expenses
Costs associated with
providing the Town’s
required 5% local
match to accept and
expend grant funding
Ambulance Fund $20,000
Sub-Total $55,000
5. Natural Resources
a. Stony Brook Mill Retaining
Wall & Fishway
Improvements Permitting
Professional services
associated with design,
permitting and any
other related costs
Free Cash $40,000
b. Walkers Pond Water
Quality Improvements
Professional services
associated with design,
permitting, and any
other related costs
Water Quality
Stabilization Fund
$32,000
Sub-Total $72,000
Department Item Funding Source(s) /
Appropriation or
Transfer
Amount
6. Facilities
a. Town Hall Window
Replacement
Purchase and install
replacement windows
and related costs
Free Cash $150,000
b. Town Hall and Library
Elevator Upgrades
Costs associated with
software and panel
upgrades to meet new
state safety
requirements
Free Cash $10,000
c. Crosby Mansion Function
Room HVAC
Purchase and install
mini-split units in
mansion function room
and any related costs
Free Cash $25,000
d. Sea Camps Mowers Purchase mowers Free Cash $17,500
Sub-Total $202,500
7. Recreation
a. Freemans Fields Irrigation
Repair & Maintenance
Costs associated with
maintaining and
repairing irrigation
systems at Freemans
Fields
Free Cash $20,000
Sub-Total $20,000
8. Library
a. Library Elevator
Replacement
Purchase and install a
new elevator including
any other related costs
Free Cash $300,000
Sub-Total $300,000
9. Information Technology
a. Technology
Upgrades/Replacement
Ongoing information
system & equipment
improvements,
including but not
limited to the purchase
of computers,
software, servers, and
other hardware/
software throughout
the Town, including
new cloud-based
assessing software
Overlay / Free Cash $35,000
Sub-Total $35,000
Department Item Funding Source(s) /
Appropriation or
Transfer
Amount
10. Assessors
a. Valuation Services Professional services
for new growth and
cyclical inspections as
required by the
Department of
Revenue
Overlay $80,000
Sub-Total $80,000
11. Water Department
a. Tanks Exterior Painting
Engineering
Professional services
including engineering,
oversight, and
construction for
interior and exterior
repairs on Tanks 1 & 2
Water Retained
Earnings
$110,000
b. Land Acquisition for
Water Protection
Funding to assist with
acquisition costs of
former Sea Camps
Long Pond parcel
Water Retained
Earnings
$35,000
Sub-Total $145,000
12. Golf Department
a. Maintenance Equipment
Replacement
Purchase (3) three
spray rigs and any golf
maintenance
equipment
Golf Reserves $380,000
b. Cart Path Improvements Costs associated with
paving and repairing
cart paths
Golf Reserves $120,000
c. Additional HVAC/Boiler
Upgrades
Additional funding for
the replacement of the
HVAC/Boiler system
and any other related
costs
Golf Reserves $75,000
d. Irrigation Replacement
Design
Professional services
associated with the
design of a new 36-
hole irrigation system
Golf Reserves $75,000
e. Clubhouse Surroundings
& Theme Enhancements
Purchase and install
materials and supplies
to upgrade area
around clubhouse
Golf Reserves $30,000
Or to take any other action relative thereto.
(Select Board) (2/3 Vote Required)
COMMENT
The Town certified $4,641,154 in Fiscal Year 22 Free Cash, which is now available for
appropriation. If all capital and special project requests included in this article are approved by
Town Meeting, a balance of $2,586,154 in Free Cash will remain. These requests are consistent
with the Town’s 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan and with the Select Board’s Strategic Plan. To
ensure healthy financial reserves, the Town aims to maintain a year-end Free Cash balance of at
least $1M. While we anticipate additional capital requests at Annual Town Meeting in May
2022, we expect that our Free Cash balance will remain consistent with the Select Board’s
financial reserves policy even after accounting for those supplemental appropriations.
1. Select Board
1a. DBP Master Plan Update - Phase 1 Construction – These funds will be used to complete
construction activities associated with the Drummer Boy Park Master Plan Update approved by
Town Meeting in November 2021, including parking, walkway, and stormwater improvements.
A majority of this project is planned to be funded with the Town's allocation of American
Rescue Plan Act funds from Barnstable County. Phase 2 improvements, to be completed in a
few years, will include upgrades to the bandstand and playground and replacement of the
existing storage building with a new pavilion.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
Department Item Funding Source(s) /
Appropriation or
Transfer
Amount
f. Sink Hole Repairs Purchase of materials
to fill and repair sink
holes throughout the
property
Golf Reserves $20,000
g. Kitchen Equipment
Replacement
Purchase and install
replacement kitchen
equipment and other
related costs
Golf Reserves $15,000
h. Replace Forward Tees Purchase and install
materials to create
new forward tees
Golf Reserves $15,000
Sub-Total $730,000
Grand Total $3,147,000
1b. Sea Camps Comprehensive Planning – These funds will be used to assist the Town in the
comprehensive planning process for the former Cape Cod Sea Camps Bay and Pond Parcels. The
Town will use the professional services of an interdisciplinary team to assist with the
comprehensive planning. These plans will identify recommended future uses of both Sea Camp
properties as well as estimated capital & operating costs, project phasing, financing, and
partnerships. A key part of this planning will be community outreach and resident input. The
comprehensive plans will be brought to a future Town Meeting for adoption. The Town has
applied for $125,000 in grant funding to help cover these costs and any grant award will
decrease the amount of Town funding need to help complete this work.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
1c. Updated Ponds Water Quality Report (IWRMP) – The Town last prepared a comprehensive
review of pond water quality data on the 27 ponds sampled annually in 2009. This article would
engage a water quality professional to organize and synthesize the water quality data collected
since then from Brewster ponds through the Pond and Lake Stewards (PALS) bi-annual sampling
efforts. This update will include creating a water quality database of PALS water quality data
and review of this data to identify trends for key factors for each pond. The results will help
inform future Town water quality planning and initiatives.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
1d. Sea Camps Interim Uses & Site Improvements – As the Town works through developing
long-range comprehensive plans for both former Sea Camps properties, the Bay and Pond
Property Planning Committees continue to work with Town Administration and the Select
Board to identify opportunities for interim uses of the properties. These funds will help support
these efforts to host events and programming and increase public access to both properties
during this transition period.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
1e. Integrated Water Resource Planning/Implementation – These funds will supplement a
similar appropriation approved at the May 2022 Annual Town Meeting. In addition to
implementation of the Pleasant Bay Watershed permit and support for other water quality
improvement projects related to coastal waters and freshwater ponds, the funds will be used to
provide resident education about the new stormwater bylaw, to provide support and technical
assistance to the Water Resources Task Force, and to work with MA DEP on new regulations
and SRF eligible projects, including but not limited to I/A septic systems.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
2. Department of Public Works
2a. Engineer/Design & Construction of Sea Camps Parking – These funds will be used for
engineering design, permitting, and construction of a parking lot to accommodate visitors to
the pool at the former Cape Cod Sea Camps Bay Parcel. This new parking lot is expected to be
located where the existing (2) tennis courts and basketball court are, adjacent to the pool and
Arts Center. The project will include installation of stormwater infrastructure and landscaping.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
2b. Drainage/Road Maintenance – These funds will be used for professional services, including
but not limited to engineering, permitting, and construction costs, and in-house construction
costs associated with road maintenance and drainage on various public roadways in Town.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
2c. Machinery & Equipment – These funds will be used to purchase and equip one
Loader/Backhoe (current model is 2006), including but not limited to plow package, emergency
lighting and radio.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
2d. Pick-up Truck – These funds will be used to purchase and equip one 4x4 pick-up truck,
including but not limited to plow package, emergency lighting and radio.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
3. Police Department
3a. Vehicle Replacement – These funds will be used to purchase, outfit, and equip police
cruisers. The Police Department relies on these cruisers for patrol and emergency response.
Included in the cost, is outfitting the vehicle with emergency lights/siren, and equipping the
vehicle with the tools necessary for responding to a variety of emergencies. The purchased
vehicles will be replacing outgoing vehicles, which will either be repurposed for other Town use,
or sold via auction.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
3b. Security Pen/Fencing – These funds will be used to purchase and install fencing and traffic
direction signage/devices for the rear of the police facility. With the department driveway being
shared with people accessing the cemetery, Cape Cod Rail Trail, and Brewster Dog Park, there is
a lot of traffic through the area on a daily basis. Currently, there is temporary signage to
delineate public access from employee-only access. Fencing, signage, etc. will provide better
security for the rear of the building to include Police Department vehicles. These funds will also
be used to build a secure pen for the housing of a seized vehicle or other oversized items that
cannot be stored in the building.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
3c. Live Scan Data Sharing – These funds will be used to replace the existing fingerprint and
booking photograph systems. This new electronic unit will allow the current records
management system to share data directly with the fingerprint system, assuring accuracy of
reporting data to the Criminal Justice Information System, as required by state and federal law.
This system is also used for non-criminal fingerprinting for things such as firearms licensing,
Town issued permits, professional licensing, etc.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
4. Fire
4a. Department Staffing and Organization Study – These funds will be used to conduct a staffing
and organizational study to determine current and future staffing needs, organization and
delivery of fire suppression, emergency medical, and fire prevention services, identify strengths
and weaknesses, and present potential recommendations, options, strategies, and associated
costs for viable improvements in these core services.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
4b. Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program Expenses – These funds will be to meet our 5% local
match requirements for any grant funds the Town receives through this program. Due to
several recent successful AFG grant awards, available funds from previous similar articles
designed to cover the Town’s 5% cost sharing match have been reduced to a level that will no
longer support future AFG awards.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
5. Natural Resources
5a. Stony Brook Mill Retaining Wall & Fish Way Improvements – This funding will be used to
secure permitting approvals to repair the historic retaining wall supporting the headrace pond
for the mill and upgrade the fish weirs north of the street to provide safe passage for migratory
herring. Grants have been secured for 100% of the project design and 75% of the estimated
construction costs. A Community Preservation Act grant has been secured for a portion of the
required match, and the remainder of the match will likely be presented at Spring 2023 Town
Meeting, with a goal of construction beginning in Fall 2023.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
5c. Walkers Pond Water Quality Improvements – These funds will be used to undertake the
required permitting for Walkers Pond water quality improvements. The School of Marine
Science and Technology (SMAST) at UMASS Dartmouth has prepared a technical report
documenting the causes of declining water quality in Walkers Pond. They compared various
options for remediation and recommend an alum treatment followed by use of the Town's
aquatic weed harvester in following years to help reduce the nutrient content in the sediments
at the pond. The alum treatment would be funded through a Spring 2023 Town Meeting article.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
6. Facilities
6a. Town Hall Window Replacement – This funding will be used to undertake the next phase of
the window replacement at Town Hall, aimed to greatly reduce energy loss. These windows are
roughly 25 years old and have broken seals and obsolete replacement parts.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
6b. Town Hall and Library Elevator Upgrades – This funding will be used for a software and
panel upgrades for both the Town Hall and Brewster Ladies Library public elevators, identified
during a recent State Elevator Inspection. These repairs must be made before the end of the
calendar year to maintain compliance.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
6c. Crosby Mansion Function Room HVAC – This funding will be used to install new mini-split
HVAC units in the mansion’s function room. The Town has a long-term lease agreement with
the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation for the entire Crosby property, including
the mansion, and has made significant investments in this iconic historic building over the past
several decades. The Town leases space in the function room for events to help pay for
property maintenance and improvements. These units will help make the room more
comfortable for events in the hot summer months.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
6d. Sea Camps Mowers – This funding will be used to purchase mowing equipment to help
maintain the former Sea Camps bay property. The former owners auctioned off all material
and equipment prior to the Town’s acquisition of the property last year. While the Town was
able to repurpose old mowing equipment this first summer, the Department of Public Works is
responsible for mowing over 40 other Town properties and this new equipment is needed on
site for the extensive mowing needed at this location.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
7. Recreation
7a. Freemans Fields Irrigation Repair & Maintenance – This funding will be used to repair and
maintain the irrigation systems for Freemans Recreational Fields, which were installed by
volunteers over 20 years ago, while the Town develops a long-term replacement plan.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
8. Library
8a. Library Elevator Replacement – These funds will be used to install a new elevator at the
Ladies Library. This equipment has exceeded its useful life and requires frequent repairs,
limiting resident access to the facility. Town Meeting previously appropriated funds for project
design.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
9. Information Technology
9a. Technology Upgrades/Replacement – These funds will be used to purchase upgraded
desktop computers, servers, productivity and office software, backup systems, and other
hardware and software for Town departments. Computers and servers are replaced on a 3-5
year rotating schedule, and older machines are issued to users with less intensive computer
needs. $10,000 of these funds will provide for the one-time cost of upgrading our assessing
software to the cloud.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
10. Assessors
10a. Valuation Services – These funds will be used to cover contractual obligations to a private
firm for property valuation services required to annually set assessed value, collect new growth,
and perform property inspections. The funding comes from the Overlay Reserve Account, which
in turn is funded from a transfer from the balance in the Overlay Accounts of funds that are no
longer needed to cover abatements and exemptions.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
11. Water Department
11a. Tanks Exterior Painting – These funds will be used for the engineering, procurement, and
construction administration services associated with painting two water storage tanks. The
engineering consists of three phases: design, bid, and construction. This project is intended to
extend the life of the existing coating at far less cost than a full coat rehabilitation. The
intended coating system is a rust inhibitive acrylic overcoat that will provide additional
protection of the steel structure. Construction funds will be requested at the 2023 Annual Town
Meeting.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
11b. Land Acquisition for Water Protection – These funds will help cover a portion of the
acquisition costs of former Sea Camps property on Long Pond parcel (500 W.H. Besse Cartway)
for several potential public purposes, consistent with Water Commission financial
commitments when the Town purchased the property in 2021.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
12. Golf Department
12a. Maintenance Equipment Replacement – This funding will be used to replace three spray
rigs, which apply chemicals to the turf. The current sprayers are beyond their useful life and are
beginning to malfunction. The new sprayers will have a GPS system to allow for more precise
dispersion.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
12b. Cart Path Improvements – These funds will be used to repave and repair the cart paths at
Captains Golf Course. Many cart paths at the golf course are currently in disrepair and detract
from the overall golfing experience for customers.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
12c. Additional HVAC/Boiler Upgrades – This funding will be added to the already approved
funds for the replacement of the HVAC system in the restaurant/clubhouse area of the
property. This additional funding will cover the full cost of the project.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
12d. Irrigation Replacement Design – These funds will be used to hire an irrigation firm to
design a new 36-hole irrigation system for Captains Golf Course. Currently, two irrigation
systems exist at the golf course that are 23 and 17 years old. The replacement of the entire
irrigation system would create a more energy efficient system and would reduce the amount of
water needed to properly maintain the golf courses.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
12e. Clubhouse Surroundings & Theme Enhancements – These funds will be used to make
improvements to the areas of the golf course nearest to the clubhouse. These areas have
become worn and unsightly, and do not project a good image of Captains Golf Course. These
areas include the bag drop, the starters shed, fencing, signage, and landscaping. Many of these
will need replacing, or, in the case of the starters shed, have major repairs performed.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
12f. Sink Hole Repairs – These funds will be used to repair sink holes on the golf course that
have formed over a number of years. These repairs will result in safer conditions and a more
enjoyable playing experience.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
12g. Kitchen Equipment Replacement – These funds will be used to replace kitchen equipment
that is at the end of its useful life. The kitchen equipment is owned by the Town, and, in order
to maintain a fully functioning restaurant at the golf course, it is necessary to replace this
equipment.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
12h. Replace Forward Tees – These funds will be used to create new forward tees on the golf
course, as recommended by the National Golf Foundation, and to provide an additional option
for players.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT FUNDING
ARTICLE NO. 3: To see if the Town will vote to act upon the recommendations of the
Community Preservation Committee; to appropriate from Fund Balances Reserved for future
expenditure, the amounts shown below, for the purpose of future expenditures, operating and
administration expenses, and reserve funds related to Community Preservation, Historic
Preservation, Open Space, Community Housing and/or Recreation; and to authorize the Town
Administrator to enter into contracts for operating and administration related to Community
Preservation, Historic Preservation, Community Housing and Open Space and/or Recreation, all
as follows:
Purpose Item Funding Source(s) Amount
1
a. Brewster Historical
Society
Relocation and
restoration of Brewster
Schoolhouse #3
Transfer $332,200
from Historic
Preservation Fund
balance
$332,200
Sub-total $332,200
Grand Total $332,200
For Fiscal Year 2023 Community Preservation purposes, each item is considered a separate
appropriation to be spent by the Community Preservation Committee; provided however, that
the above expenditures may be conditional on the grant or acceptance of appropriate historic
preservation restrictions for historic resources, open space restrictions for open space reserves,
and housing restrictions for community housing, running in favor of an entity authorized by the
Commonwealth to hold such restrictions for such expenditures, meeting the requirements of
MGL Ch. 184 and MGL Ch. 44B Sec. 12, and to authorize the Select Board to convey or accept
such restrictions;
And further, any revenues received in excess of the estimated receipts are transferred to their
respective reserve fund balance(s) for future appropriation using the allocation formula of 50%
Open Space, 10% Housing, 10% Historical and 30% for Budgeted Reserve for CPA.
Or to take any other action relative thereto.
(Community Preservation Committee) (Majority Vote Required)
COMMENT
In May of 2005, Brewster voters approved a ballot question which allowed for the adoption of
the modified Community Preservation Act. The act appropriates a 3% surcharge on the town’s
real estate tax revenues, which are reserved in a special fund in order to finance projects and
programs for the purposes of preservation of open space, recreation, community housing, and
historic preservation. Brewster is also eligible to receive up to 100% in matching funds from the
State, although we anticipate a reduced reimbursement rate from the State for Fiscal Year
2022, which is projected at 15%. Brewster established, through a local bylaw, a distribution
schedule for the CPA funds according to the following: 50% of the funds for open space, 10%
for community housing, 10% for historic preservation, and 30% balance is available for housing,
historic preservation and/or active or passive recreation projects.
1. Historic Preservation:
a. Brewster Historical Society – Relocation and Restoration of Schoolhouse #3: The Brewster
Historical Society proposes to flake Schoolhouse #3 at 2342 Main Street and move it to
Windmill Village at Drummer Boy Park. The structure is the last remaining of the town’s 5 19th
Century schoolhouses. It will be re-assembled and restored as a schoolhouse and will also
include a cranberry history display, as this was also part of its history. The funding request
includes an additional $10,000 set aside to pay for CPC expenses for historical consulting
services related to the project.
Total Project Cost: $322,200 CPC Request: $332,200 CPC Vote: 0-0-0
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
CONSERVATION RESTRICTION ACQUISITION: 0 HOLLY AVE (REAR)
ARTICLE NO. 4: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select Board to acquire a perpetual
conservation restriction under MGL Ch. 184, Secs. 31 through 33, on a parcel of land designated
on Brewster Assessors’ Map 137 as Parcel 1, located at 0 Holly Ave (Rear), in Brewster,
Barnstable County, Massachusetts, consisting of 4.925 acres as shown on a plan of land entitled
“Plan of Land in Brewster (East), Mass. as claimed by Richard O. Staff, Scale 1 in = 50 ft.
October 1967, Schofield Brothers Registered Civil Engineers & Land Surveyors, Orleans &
Framingham, Mass.” and recorded in the Barnstable County Registry of Deeds as Plan Book 219,
Page 79, a copy of which is on file with the Brewster Town Clerk; to acquire interests in said
parcel by gift, purchase and/or eminent domain taking under MGL Ch. 79, or any other enabling
authority; to acquire said conservation restriction for conservation and passive recreation
purposes for the general public, consistent with the provisions of MGL Ch. 40 Sec. 8C and
Article 97 of the Amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and
in compliance with MGL Ch. 44B, Sec. 12(a), protecting the property for the purposes for which
it is acquired; to transfer from available funds, including, without limitation, the Community
Preservation Fund, the sum of Two Hundred Sixty-four Thousand and 00/100 Dollars
($264,000.00) to pay costs of this acquisition, and all other costs incidental and related thereto;
further, to authorize the Select Board and/or the Conservation Commission to apply for, accept
and expend any funds that may be provided by the Commonwealth or other public or private
sources to defray all or a portion of the costs of said acquisition, including, but not limited to,
grants and/or reimbursement from the Commonwealth under the Self-Help Act, MGL Ch. 132A
Sec. 11 (now, so-called LAND grants), and the Federal Land and Water Fund grants, which
grants and/or funds so received shall be used to repay all or a portion of the sum transferred
from the Community Preservation Fund hereunder; to authorize the Conservation Commission
to assume the monitoring and enforcement authority of the conservation restriction on the
property; and to authorize the Select Board and Conservation Commission to enter into all
agreements and execute any and all instruments as may be necessary on behalf of the
municipality to effect this purchase and obtain reimbursement funding; or to take any other
action relative thereto.
(Community Preservation Committee) (2/3 Majority Vote Required)
COMMENT
This article would enable the Town to continue its partnership with Brewster Conservation
Trust (BCT), working together to preserve critical open space; in this case, 4.925 acres abutting
the Town’s Baker’s Pond Conservation Area. This acquisition would preserve a walking trail
that connects existing Town trails with Nickerson State Park.
The Towns of Brewster and Orleans, along with the Brewster Conservation Trust, own 140 acres
of conservation land east and south of this proposed land acquisition. These entities jointly
manage the two-mile public walking loop trail there, with parking on Baker’s Pond Road. BCT
will purchase the land for $360,000. This article seeks to appropriate $250,000 in CPA funds to
place a conservation restriction on the property, which will be held by the Town. To offset
these expenses, the Town has applied for a State LAND grant that would reimburse the Town
for up to $130,000. Sketch map of locus attached hereto - Tax Map 137, Parcel 1, 4.925 acres.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
TOWN CODE AMENDMENT TO COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT BYLAW
ARTICLE NO. 5: To see if the Town will vote to amend the General Bylaws, Section 17, to delete
Sections 17-4 and 17-5 in their entirety, as shown below, with deletions shown in strikethrough,
with such revision to take effect on July 1, 2023:
Section 17-1. Membership of the Committee – There is hereby established a Community
Preservation Committee, consisting of nine (9) voting members. pursuant to the provisions of
Section 298 of Chapter 149 of the Acts of 2004, as amended by Sections 129-133 of Chapter
352 of the Acts of 2004. The composition of the Committee, the appointing authority and the
term of office for the committee members shall be as follows; one member of the Conservation
Commission, as designated by said Commission; one member of the Historical Commission, as
designated by said Commission; one member of the Planning Board, designated by the said
Board; one member of the Recreation Commission, as designated by the Commission; one
member of the Brewster Housing Authority, as designated by said Authority; and four
individuals to be appointed by the Board of Selectmen. Each member of the Committee shall
serve a term of three years or until the person no longer serves in the position or on the board
or on the committee as set forth above, whichever is earlier. Should any of the officers and
commissions, boards or committees who have appointing authority under this bylaw be no
longer in existence for whatever reason, the Board of Selectmen shall appoint a suitable person
to serve in their place. Any member of the committee may be removed by the Selectmen, with
prior notice to the member and a hearing, for good cause.
Section 17-2. Duties – The Community Preservation Committee shall study the needs,
possibilities and resources of the town regarding community preservation. The Committee shall
consult with existing municipal boards, including the Conservation Commission, the Recreation
Commission, the Historical Commission, the Planning Board, the Department of Public Works,
and the Housing Authority, or persons acting in those capacities or performing like duties, in
conducting such studies. As part of its study, the committee shall hold one or more public
informational hearings, at its discretion, on the needs, possibilities, and resources of the town
regarding community preservation possibilities and resources, notice of which shall be posted
publicly and published for each of two weeks preceding a hearing in a newspaper of general
circulation in the town.
Section 17-3. The Community Preservation Committee shall make recommendations to the
Town Meeting for the acquisition, creation and preservation of open space, for the acquisition
and preservation of historic resources, for the acquisition, creation and preservation of land for
recreational use, for the creation, preservation and support of community housing and for
rehabilitation or restoration of such open space, historic resources, land for recreational use
and community housing that is acquired or created as provided in this section.
Section 17-4. In every fiscal year, the Community Preservation Committee shall recommend
that Town Meeting spend, or set aside for future spending, the fixed figure of fifty (50%)
percent of the net annual revenues in the Community Preservation Fund for open space
purposes, not less than ten (10%) percent of the net annual revenues for community housing
purposes, and not less than ten (10%) percent of the net annual revenues for historic resources
purposes. In every fiscal year, the Community Preservation Committee shall recommend that
Town Meeting spend or set aside for future spending the remaining thirty (30%) percent of the
net annual revenues for community housing, recreation and historic resources purposes, but
not for open space purposes.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the net annual revenues paid into the Community Preservation
Fund shall be dedicated to open space purposes until such time as prior appropriations made
pursuant to the so-called Land Bank Act have been fully expended, even if the aggregate
amount of such expenditures exceeds 80% of the annual revenues.
Section 17-5. Provided that the Community Preservation Act is accepted at the 2005 Annual
Town Election, this section shall take effect upon approval by the Attorney General of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts and after all the requirements of Mass. Gen. Laws, ch. 40, §
32 have been met. Each appointing authority shall have thirty (30) days after the effective date
to make its appointments.
Or to take any other action relative thereto.
(Select Board) (Majority Vote Required)
COMMENT
In May of 2005, Brewster voters adopted the Community Preservation Act (CPA). The Act
appropriates a 3% surcharge on the Town’s real estate tax revenues, which are reserved in a
special fund to finance projects and programs for the purposes of preservation of open space,
recreation, community housing, and historic preservation. The state distributes matching funds,
which vary from year-to-year. Since 2005, CPA funds have supported about 70 community
preservation projects in Brewster. These initiatives have included capital improvements, land
acquisitions, assistance programs, as well as various plans and studies.
At the time of adoption, Brewster established a unique allocation formula for these funds, as
outlined in Section 17 of the Town bylaw: 50% for open space, 10% for community housing, and
10% for historic preservation. The 30% balance has been available for housing, historic
preservation, and/or active or passive recreation projects. The primary reason for this
customized approach was that Brewster, like many other Cape towns at the time, was
converting funding balances and financial obligations from the Cape Cod Land Bank and wanted
to maintain its capacity to finance open space purchases.
As required by statute, the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) annually holds a public
hearing to identify and discuss upcoming community needs and planned projects. In recent
years, it became increasingly apparent that anticipated CPA requests would outpace available
funds. In May 2021, Town Meeting approved funding to develop a 5 Year Community
Preservation Plan (CPP). Since then, the CPC has worked with a consultant to study existing
Town plans, quantify anticipated funding requests, and solicit stakeholder and resident input.
As a result of this analysis, the CPC recommends modification of the Town’s bylaw to follow the
statutory distribution formula that all but one other municipality currently have in place: 10%
for open space and recreation, 10% for community housing, and 10% for historic preservation.
The CPC determined that the statutory formula allowed the most flexibility to respond to
expected funding requests and any new requests that may emerge from the former Sea Camps
properties planning processes in the next few years. If approved, this change would take effect
in July 2023. At the same time, the CPC has developed and adopted a CPP that establishes
target allocations for each of the eligible uses of CPA funds beyond the baseline statutory
disbursements that will inform their policy decisions in vetting projects in the next five years
(add more detail about targets here – 30/30/10/10). Town Meeting will continue to have final
approval authority over expenditure of all CPA funds.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
TOWN BYLAW AMENDMENT: LIMITS OF DEBATE
ARTICLE NO. 6: To see if the Town will vote to amend the General Bylaws, Section 48-11B, by
striking the word “three” and replacing it with “one and a half”, as shown below, with additions
shown in bold and deletions shown in strikethrough:
§ 48-11 Limit of debate.
A. presenter of a motion may speak up to five minutes when presenting the motion except for
motions that the Moderator has given specific permission for more time.
B. Following speakers may have up to three one and a half minutes to speak on a motion.
C. Speakers to each motion may speak no more than twice, except for the presenter of a
motion who may speak to comments or questions made by voters with respect to the motion
presented.
Or to take any other action relative thereto.
(Select Board) (Majority Vote Required)
COMMENT
During the pandemic, several changes were made to the format of Town Meeting to adapt to
the challenges presented by COVID, including shortening the amount of time speakers could
comment on each article from three minutes to a minute and a half. This different approach
was successfully implemented for four meeting without incident. Following feedback from
residents after last May’s Town Meeting, Town officials identified several potential adjustments
to Town Meeting procedures that might make for more productive sessions in the future. This
bylaw amendment is one such proposed change. Residents would still be permitted to speak
twice on each article.
Select Board: Yes 4, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 7, Abs 0
TOWN BYLAW AMENDMENT: QUORUM REQUIREMENT
ARTICLE NO. 7: To see if the Town will vote to amend the General Bylaws, Section 48-5, by
inserting the following new sentence to the end of the section: “Once quorum has been
attained and Town Meeting has been called to order, minimum quorum requirements no
longer apply.” as shown below, with additions shown in bold:
§ 48-5 Requirement.
The quorum for Annual Town Meetings and for Special Town Meetings is hereby set at 200
registered voters. Once quorum has been attained and Town Meeting has been called to
order, minimum quorum requirements no longer apply.
Or to take any other action relative thereto.
(Select Board) (Majority Vote Required)
COMMENT
Following feedback from residents after last May’s Town Meeting, Town officials identified
several potential adjustments to Town Meeting procedures that might make for more
productive sessions in the future. This bylaw amendment, which would eliminate the need to
maintain quorum once the meeting has been convened, is one such proposed change. Some
towns have adopted a zero quorum for Town Meeting to achieve a similar policy result.
Select Board: Yes 4, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 7, Abs 0
NEW TOWN BYLAW/RECONSIDERATION
ARTICLE NO. 8: To see if the Town will vote to establish a new General Bylaw, as shown below,
with additions shown in bold, and further to authorize the Town Clerk to assign the proper
chapter and section numbers to said by-law, consistent with the current numbering system:
§XX-XX Motions for Reconsideration
A motion to reconsider an article previously voted on by Town Meeting must be made within
one (1) hour of the conclusion of the relevant vote and shall require a 2/3 majority vote for
approval. If a Town Meeting is continued from one date to another, a motion to reconsider
any article must be made on the same day as the original vote.
Or to take any other action relative thereto.
(Select Board) (Majority Vote Required)
COMMENT
Following feedback from residents after last May’s Town Meeting, Town officials identified
several potential adjustments to Town Meeting procedures that might make for more
productive sessions in the future. Brewster’s current bylaws do not address reconsideration.
Town Meeting Time does not provide clear guidance on limitations to this parliamentary
procedure; in fact, it suggests that Town’s adopt a bylaw to govern reconsideration. This new
bylaw would require that motions to reconsider be made within an hour of the relevant vote
and/or on the same date as the original vote. It would also require a 2/3 majority vote to
prevail.
Select Board: Yes 4, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 1, Abs 0
TOWN BYLAW AMENDMENT: SPECIAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT DEADLINE
ARTICLE NO. 9: To see if the Town will vote to amend the General Bylaws, Section 48-3, by
inserting the following new sentence to the end of the section to establish a deadline for
closing warrants to petitioned articles, as shown below, with additions in bold:
§ 48-3 Closing of warrant.
The warrant for the Annual Town Meeting will be closed to citizen petitioned articles 75 days
before each Annual Town Meeting and be in the hands of the Finance Committee by 60 days
before each Annual Town Meeting, commencing in 1980. The warrant for any special town
meeting will be closed to citizen petitioned articles 45 days before each special town
meeting; provided, however, that the Select Board may close the warrant for a special town
meeting at any time prior to the 15th day before such meeting if it determines that the 45-day
deadline is impractical under the circumstances of a particular meeting.
Or to take any other action relative thereto.
(Select Board) (Majority Vote Required)
COMMENT
The deadline to submit citizens petitions for inclusion on the Annual Town Meeting warrant is
75 days in advance of the meeting. Town bylaws are currently silent on deadlines for citizens
petitions for inclusion on Special Town Meeting warrants but longstanding past practice has
been to close the warrant 45 days in advance of those meetings. However, this deadline
requires a vote of the Select Board in each instance and could change year to year. Codifying
this deadline will enhance consistency and transparency for residents interested in bringing a
petition to Special Town Meeting. These changes would ensure that the Select Board retains
their statutory authority to call a Special Town Meeting on less than 45 days’ notice.
Select Board: Yes 4, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 3, Abs 0
LOCAL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ARTICLE NO. 10: To see if the Town vote to adopt an updated Master Plan for Brewster which
has been developed by the Vision Planning Committee, a copy of which plan is on file at the
Town Clerk's office and posted on the Town's website, and which plan if approved by the Town
Meeting would constitute Brewster’s Local Comprehensive Plan as defined in Section 9 of the
Cape Cod Commission Act (Chapter 716 of the Acts of 1989), or take any other action relative
thereto.
(Select Board & Planning Board) (Majority Vote Required)
COMMENT
Brewster’s 2022 Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP) is intended to help guide land use decisions
and policies in the Town for the next 10+ years. It describes how Brewster looks today and
where it wants to go in the future. Brewster’s first and only comprehensive land use plan to
date was previously adopted in 1970. The 2018 Brewster Vision Plan serves as a foundation for
this LCP. Similar to the Vision Plan’s structure, the LCP includes a Vision Statement and is
organized by the following “Building Blocks”: Community Character; Water Resources; Open
Space; Housing; Coastal Management; Local Economy; Governance; Community Infrastructure;
Solid Waste Management; and Climate Mitigation and Adaptation.
The LCP Action Plan includes specific goals, purposes, and an ambitious list of actions associated
with advancing policies, programs, and services across the Building Blocks. The LCP’s goals,
values, and actions are not intended to conflict with one another, but are to be applied as
complementary, mutually supportive, and on equal footing. Other key sections of the LCP
include a Capital Facilities Plan, which aligns capital projects contemplated in the Action Plan
with the Town’s on-going capital facilities budgeting and planning processes. This analysis
ensures that the capital requirements necessary to successfully implement the LCP are
identified. The Select Board, through their annual strategic planning process, is primarily
responsible party for implementing the LCP. This process will also include monitoring and
reporting progress to the community.
After more than two years of public meetings and input from residents and relevant
stakeholders, the Vision Planning Committee completed and released the final draft LCP in
September 2022; it was approved by the Select Board and Planning Board in October 2022, and
forwarded to Town Meeting for adoption. The LCP has been developed with general guidance
from Cape Cod Commission (CCC) staff according to its regulations, adapted to Brewster’s
specific needs and circumstances. CCC has provided feedback to the draft plan and will
formally review the LCP to certify consistency with the Cape Cod Regional Policy Plan after its
local adoption. CCC certification affords the Town certain benefits such as prioritization for
planning technical assistance. The LCP also serves as a comprehensive land use plan under
state planning law.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
TEMPORARY EASEMENTS: MILLSTONE ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
ARTICLE NO. 11: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select Board to acquire, by
purchase, gift, and/or eminent domain, permanent and/or temporary right of way, utility,
drainage, access, construction and other easements in, on, under, and across the parcels of
land at or near Millstone Road for the purpose of improving Millstone Road and for any and all
purposes and uses incidental or related thereto, and, further, to raise and appropriate, transfer
from available funds, and/or borrow a sum of money for the foregoing purposes.
Or to take any other action related thereto.
(Select Board) (Majority Vote Required)
COMMENT
The Town of Brewster is undertaking a road improvement project on Millstone Road that will
involve the installation of sidewalks and the creation of a consistent roadway shoulder. The
roadway layout of Millstone Roads consists of a variable 40- to 50-foot-wide Town owned right-
of-way. While project design is not yet fully finalized, the Town has adjusted the scope of work
to ensure that permanent easements related to sidewalk construction and drainage
improvements will not be required on any residential property on Millstone Road. However,
based on the current proposed design, it is expected that there will be temporary impacts on
residential properties while construction is ongoing.
This article authorizes the Town to enter into temporary easement agreements with residents
allowing the contractor necessary access to their property to complete the project. Residents
may voluntarily grant the Town a right of access or may seek financial reimbursement for that
access. The Town has developed a standard methodology to calculate any such payments,
which will be funded through available road project funding. Correspondence explaining the
process and options available to residents has been sent to all impacted property owners.
Copies of the plans highlighting impacted properties are also available at Town offices.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
PRIVATE ROAD BETTERMENT: VESPER POND DRIVE
ARTICLE NO. 12: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available
funds, and/or borrow a sum of money pursuant to MGL Ch. 40, Secs. 7 and 8, Chapter 297 of
the Acts of 2002, Chapter 373 of the Acts of 2006, and/or any other enabling authority, said
sum to be spent by the Town Administrator with the approval of the Select Board, to finance
temporary road repairs to the private way known as Vesper Pond Drive, including, without
limitation, costs associated with engineering, construction, and reconstruction of said way, and
costs incidental or related thereto, which costs shall be assessed by the Select Board as a
betterment under MGL Ch. 80 Sec. 1 on each parcel within the area benefiting from the
improvement, all in compliance Brewster General Bylaws, Section 157-20.
Or to take any other action relative thereto.
(Select Board) (Two-Thirds Vote Required)
COMMENT
The Town adopted a general bylaw at the 1996 Annual Town Meeting, which allows citizens to
petition Town Meeting to obtain financing assistance to undertake repairs to private ways. In
June 2022, the Select Board received a petition from residents for proposed road and drainage
improvements in the Vesper Pond neighborhood, including: Vesper Pond Road, Mayflower
Circle, Cranberry Lane, Deer Path Circle, Jam Lane, and Bay View Road. The Planning Board
approved the proposed plan in August 2022.
If approved, the Town, in coordination with impacted residents, will contract out for the repair
work. Once completed, the abutting property owners will then be required to reimburse the
Town for the full project costs, plus interest and administrative expenses, by means of
betterment assessments over a period of time. There will be no tax impacts to other residents
related to this project.
Select Board: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
CREATION OF NEW REVOLVING FUND: BAY PROPERTY POOL
ARTICLE NO. 13: To see if the Town will vote to amend the General Bylaws, Section 21-8, to
create a new revolving fund, consistent with MGL Ch. 44 Sec 53E½, for the purposes of
managing a recreational pool located at 3057 Main Street, in a manner as follows:
Revolving
Fund
Department,
Board,
Committee,
Agency, or
Officer
Authorized
to Spend
from Fund
Fees, charges
or Other
Receipts
Credited to
Fund
Program or
Activity
Expenses
Payable
from Fund
Restrictions or
Conditions on
Expenses Payable
from Fund
Fiscal Years
Bay
Property
Pool
Department
Head -
Recreation
Fees received
for pool
memberships,
programs,
and events
Pay for
Salaries,
Benefits,
Operating
Expenses,
and
Contracted
Services
Expenses shall be
related to salaries
and operations of
the Bay Property
Pool and not used
for any other
purposes
Fiscal Year
2023 and
subsequent
years
Or to take any other action relative thereto.
(Select Board) (Majority Vote Required)
COMMENT
This article will create a new revolving fund which will separately account for fees collected to
support operations of the new pool at the former Sea Camps property at 3057 Main Street.
The Town is seeking to open the pool for resident use by Summer 2023 and requires this fund
to be established in advance.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
BAY PROPERTY POOL FUNDING
ARTICLE NO. 14: To see what sums the Town will vote to appropriate from available funds for
the initial start-up costs for the operation and maintenance of a community pool at the
property located at 3057 Main Street, including the purchase of equipment and supplies, and
anything incidental or related thereto, or take any other action relative thereto.
(Select Board) (Majority Vote Required)
COMMENT
This article will appropriate $150,000 from Free Cash to cover initial start-up expenses and Year
1 operational costs for the new pool at the former Sea Camps property on Cape Cod Bay,
planned to open to residents in Summer 2023. It is expected that revenues collected from fees
will help support future year operating expenses.
Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
RESCIND DEBT AUTHORIZATION
ARTICLE NO. 15: To see if the Town will vote to repeal or rescind unused borrowing authority
authorized by previous Town Meetings, as follows:
DEPARTMENT ITEM ARTICLE / TOWN
MEETING
AMOUNT TO BE
RESCINDED
DPW Dump Truck Article 10 (2A) of the
May 2018 Annual
Town Meeting
$33,305
Fire Fire Station Article 1 of the
November 2015
Special Town
Meeting
$548,503
Debt North Pond Drive
Private Road
Betterment
Article 16 of the May
2018 Annual Town
Meeting
$21,276
Debt WH Besse Cartway
Land Acquisition
(Robinson Property)
Article 29 of the May
2018 Annual Town
Meeting
$155,100
Debt Tri-Town Septic
Demolition
Article 5 of the
December 2018
Special Town
Meeting
$33,131
DPW Fuel Depot Article 3 of the May
2019 Special Town
Meeting
$100,000
Or to take any other action relative thereto.
(Select Board) (Majority Vote Required)
COMMENT
This routine article serves to rescind authorized but unissued debt for certain capital
equipment, facilities, and/or projects that have all been fully completed.
Select Board: Yes 4, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0
LOCAL ELECTION DEADLINES
ARTICLE NO. 16: To see if the Town will vote, in accordance with MGL Ch. 41 Sec. 110A, to
authorize the Town Clerk’s office to remain closed on all Saturdays and to treat Saturdays as a
legal holiday for purposes of calculating the time frame for filing matters in that office; or take
any other action relative thereto.
(Select Board) (Majority Vote Required)
COMMENT
Acceptance of this local option statute would allow the Town Clerk’s Office to adjust voter
registration and nomination/petition paper deadlines for local elections to avoid the need to
open Town Hall on Saturdays or holidays. If adopted, relevant voter registration deadlines
could shift to the business day prior and nomination/petition papers could fall to the next
business day.
Select Board: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
And you are hereby directed to serve this Warrant with your doings thereon to the Town Clerk
at the time and place of said meeting as aforesaid.
Given under our hand and Seal of the Town of Brewster affixed this __th day of October 2022.
___________________________________
David Whitney, Chair
___________________________________
Ned Chatelain, Vice-Chair
___________________________________
Kari Hoffmann, Clerk
___________________________________
Mary Chaffee
___________________________________
Cynthia A. Bingham
I, Roland W. Bassett Jr, duly qualified Constable for the Town of Brewster, hereby certify that I
served the Warrant for the Special Town Meeting of November 14, 2022 by posting attested
copies thereof, in the following locations in the Town on the __th day of October, 2022.
Brewster Town Offices
Café Alfresco
Brewster Ladies Library Brewster Pizza House
The Brewster General Store Millstone Liquors
U. S. Post Office
_________________________________
Roland W. Bassett, Jr. Constable
TOWN CODE AMENDMENT - COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE BYLAW
Proposed changes
ARTICLE NO. 14: To see if the Town will vote to amend the General Bylaws, Section 17, to
delete Sections 17-4 and 17-5 in their entirety, with such revision to take effect on July 1, 2023,
as follows:
Section 17-1. Membership of the Committee – There is hereby established a Community
Preservation Committee, consisting of nine (9) voting members. pursuant to the provisions of
Section 298 of Chapter 149 of the Acts of 2004, as amended by Sections 129-133 of Chapter
352 of the Acts of 2004. The composition of the Committee, the appointing authority and the
term of office for the committee members shall be as follows; one member of the Conservation
Commission, as designated by said Commission; one member of the Historical Commission, as
designated by said Commission; one member of the Planning Board, designated by the said
Board; one member of the Recreation Commission, as designated by the Commission; one
member of the Brewster Housing Authority, as designated by said Authority; and four
individuals to be appointed by the Board of Selectmen. Each member of the Committee shall
serve a term of three years or until the person no longer serves in the position or on the board
or on the committee as set forth above, whichever is earlier. Should any of the officers and
commissions, boards or committees who have appointing authority under this bylaw be no
longer in existence for whatever reason, the Board of Selectmen shall appoint a suitable person
to serve in their place. Any member of the committee may be removed by the Selectmen, with
prior notice to the member and a hearing, for good cause.
Section 17-2. Duties –
The Community Preservation Committee shall study the needs, possibilities and resources of
the town regarding community preservation. Every five years, the Committee shall conduct a
public process to develop a plan that presents goals for the eligible categories and a proposed
allocation policy. The policy will include guidelines for the allocation of CPA funds, expressed as
target percentages for each eligible category. As guidelines, the actual percentages may vary by
category and from year to year.
A. On an aAnnually,nnual basis, Tthe Committee shall consult with existing municipal
boards, including the Conservation Commission, the Recreation Commission, the
Historical Commission, the Planning Board, the Department of Public Works, and the
Housing Authority, or persons acting in those capacities or performing like duties, in
conducting such studies. As part of its study, the committee shall hold one or more
public informational hearings, at its discretion, on the needs, possibilities, and
resources of the town regarding community preservation possibilities and resources,
notice of which shall be posted publicly and published for each of two weeks
preceding a hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the town.
Commented [LFG1]: Typo?
Formatted: Numbered + Level: 1 + Numbering Style:
A, B, C, … + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Left + Aligned at:
0.5" + Indent at: 0.75"
B. Every five years ending in “ “:
(1) the Committee shall conduct a public process to develop a Community
Preservation Plan (“CPP”) establishing goals for expenditures in each of the
eligible CPA categories. The CPP shall include a Target Allocation Policy (“TAP”)
setting forth nonbinding guidelines for the next five years for the allocation of
CPA funds amongst eligible expenditure categories, expressed as percentages of
estimated annual revenues.
(2) Following adoption of the CPP under Section B(1), the non-binding TAP
contained therein shall be presented to Town Meeting as a proposed
amendment to Section 17-4(B) of this bylaw.
Section 17-3. The Community Preservation Committee shall make recommendations no less
than annually to the Town Meeting for the acquisition, creation and preservation of open
space, for the acquisition and preservation of historic resources, for the acquisition, creation
and preservation of land for recreational use, for the creation, preservation and support of
community housing and for rehabilitation or restoration of such open space, historic resources,
land for recreational use and community housing that is acquired or created as provided in this
section.
Section 17-4.
A. Annual Minimum Recommendations. . As required by MGL 44B, sec.6, iIn every fiscal year,
the Community Preservation Committee shall recommend that Town Meeting spend, or set
aside for future spending, the fixed figures of fifty (50%) ten percent (10%) of CPA the
estimated net annual revenues in the Community Preservation Fund for open space and
recreation purposes, not less than ten percent (10 %) of the netCPA estimated annual revenues
for community housing purposes, and ten percent (10 %) of CPA the net estimated annual
revenues for historic resources purposes. In every fiscal year, the Community Preservation
Committee shall recommend that Town Meeting spend or set aside for future spending the
remaining thirty (30%) twenty (20%) percent of the net annual revenues for community
housing, recreation and historic resources any purposes, but not for open space purposes.
B. For each of the fiscal years FY24 through FY28, and until otherwise voted by Town Meeting,
the non-binding TAP shall be as follows: 30% open space; 30% community housing; 10%
recreation, 10% historic preservation, and 20% to be allocated as recommended by the CPC.
Actual CPC recommendations may vary from the non-binding percentages set forth in the TAP.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the net annual revenues paid into the Community Preservation
Fund shall be dedicated to open space purposes until such time as prior appropriations made
Formatted: Indent: Left: 1", No bullets or numbering
pursuant to the so-called Land Bank Act have been fully expended, even if the aggregate
amount of such expenditures exceeds 80% of the annual revenues.
In addition, the Community Preservation Committee shall apply the target guidelines developed
under Sec 17-2 to the total net revenue in the Community Development Fund and recommend
spending for open space, community housing, recreation, historic preservation, and fund
administration. The guidelines for the period FY24 through FY 28 are the following: 30% open
space, 30% community housing, 10% recreation, 10% historic preservation, with the remainder
spent among the four eligible categories and administration as the CPC recommends.
Section 17-5. Provided that the Community Preservation Act is accepted at the 2005 Annual
Town Election, this section shall take effect upon approval by the Attorney General of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts and after all the requirements of Mass. Gen. Laws, ch. 40, §
32 have been met. Each appointing authority shall have thirty (30) days after the effective date
to make its appointments or to take any other action relative thereto.
(Majority Vote Required)
Finance Committee Minutes
September 21, 2022 Page 1 of 5
TOWN OF BREWSTER
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Date: September 21, 2022 Time: 6:00 PM
MEETING MINUTES
Present: Chair Pete Dahl, Vice Chair Frank Bridges, Clerk Bill Meehan, Robert Tobias, William Henchy
(6:15), Bob Young, Andy Evans, Honey Pivirotto, Alex Hopper
Also present: Peter Lombardi, Town Administrator; Mimi Bernardo, Finance Director
Absent:
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:01 pm and announced a quorum.
Pursuant to Chapter 107 of the Acts of 2022, 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.
Additionally, the meeting may be viewed by: Live broadcast (Brewster Government TV Channel 18), Livestream (livestream.brerwster-ma.gov),
or Video recording (tv.brewster-ma.gov).
1.Public Announcements and Comment- none
2.Town Administrator/Finance Director Report
Peter Lombardi said on September 12th, the Select Board held their FY23 tax rate classification hearing as
they do every year at this time. At that hearing, Jim Gallagher, Deputy Assessor, does a great presentation,
our maximum allowable levy is a little under $41M. Our excess levy capacity is more than we originally
anticipated. Town Meeting authorized the debt exclusions for the Long Pond Property. After we pay off that
debt, anticipated to happen in the next several years, that excluded debt will drop off. The valuations across
town increased across the board 20%, residential increased 20.5% - Select Board adopted residential factor
of 1; with that, the new rate is $6.99/1,000 (decrease of 11%). As valuations increase, the rate has come
down. Jim Gallagher put together a nice slide which tracked all of these to show the dramatic changes in
valuation and the impact that has had. The median single family tax bill increased by 6.5%; 40% of that is
the debt exclusion from the Bay Property. He went on to say that DOR certified Free Cash at a little more
than $4.6M, which is another record high. We were at $4.5M last year which was an all-time high. The last
sheet is a high-level summary of budget to actual which Mimi Bernardo prepared – looking at expenses, we
were a little over 2%, in terms of departmental turn backs, but nothing too significant. Our revenues came in
at almost 6% above our benchmark. The two major factors there are both traditional and short-term rental
incomes which is about ½ of the extra revenue brought in. This was well above what we expected, both
significantly above what we have seen in any prior year. Across the board, vehicle excise tax, license and
permits, all our local receipts were at an all-time high. It has been hard to get a handle on what is part of the
pandemic dispensation and what is our new reality.
Approved:
VOTE:
Finance Committee Minutes
September 21, 2022 Page 2 of 5
Andy asked what is on the budget for short-term rentals this year? Peter Lombardi answered $750,000. We
build our revenue projections in the Winter for the following year’s operating budget and don’t have these
actuals until well after Town Meeting. So, we go off the prior year’s actuals.
Frank said he remembers the expense side and asked if we picked up about $500,000 in fringe dollars. Peter
Lombardi said that is correct. It was higher than expected. Unlike other municipalities, we typically budget
actual for health insurances. It was higher than we have seen historically.
Robert said we got about $300,000 more under educational expenses, what budget was that in? Peter Lombardi
said that was for this year’s operating budget that created that extra capacity.
Pete said Free Cash looks in great shape.
3.Overview and Discussion of Town Meeting Warrant Draft
Peter Lombardi said we have 15 Articles right now, the Warrant was opened by the Select Board on September
12th, and after their October 17th meeting, it will be closed. The deadline for citizen’s petitions is September
28th. None yet, but we will see if more come in. there might be one or two articles added in the next week or so
that are not major policy issues. He then went through all the articles one by one. We are nearing the finish line
to having all on open gov. Also with the Town Charter, expected to soon be approved by the State Legislature,
the planning process would be led by town staff much like the budget. We have typically done capital planning
on the same cycle as the annual operating budget. But most of our capital comes to Town Meeting in the fall
once we’ve certified free cash. We are starting on the five-year process earlier than usual this time and this will
become the norm - doing Capital Planning in the summer going into the fall with a summary/update in the
spring.
Frank said in the discussion with the Select Board, was there some give with the 90 second rule? That seems
very small. Peter Lombardi said it’s been 3 ½ months since that meeting, and he is unsure if that is the right
answer, it was just proposed as something that was suggested because other meetings had done so. Pete said we
are not here to discuss the meat of that article which may or may not be on this. Bill Henchy said he saw that
proposal as a little alarming and does vividly recall the last meeting due to his sunburn, but 90 seconds seems
far outside the realm of other meetings. That one seems to be ill-advised as it should be the Moderator to handle
at meetings individually. Pete asked for copies of Town Meeting Time for the Committee. Bill Meehan said that
we should encourage the Moderator to cut in and make sure that doesn’t happen again. Peter Lombardi said that
the Moderator made comments to that effect on the June 6th Select Board Meeting and encouraged anyone
interested to review that video.
Honey said that the Vision Planning Committee has done such extensive work. She is the liaison to that
committee. Hal Minus reached out to her to ask if the Finance Committee would like a presentation on their
article before the warrant goes to print. From a Finance Committee perspective, she would hope to learn what
the financial implications would be from it as well. This is really our roadmap for the next decade and is
important for us as the Finance Committee. Peter Lombardi said that on October 12th there will be a Public
Hearing. The Vision Planning Committee will make a full presentation to the Planning Committee and the
Select Board. The intent is that the plan would be finalized and approved in its final form to be included in the
warrant book that goes to print the following week. Next week might be the best week for them to make a
presentation to the Finance Committee.
4.Discussion and Vote on Town Meeting Warrant Articles
a.Article 1 – Outstanding Obligations
b.Article 9 – Bylaw Amendment – TM Warrant Deadlines
Finance Committee Minutes
September 21, 2022 Page 3 of 5
a. Article 1 – Outstanding Obligations
Bill Meehan MOVED to approve Article 1 on the Special Town Meeting Warrant to pay outstanding
obligations for the Town, subsection A Brewster Elementary School wages, the sum of $1,770; subsection
B Utilities Eversource, the sum of $304.50; subsection C Employee Benefits/Department of
Unemployment Assistance, the sum of $2,450.93; subsection D Building Department/WB Mason, the sum
of $127.99. Bill Henchy second.
Roll Call Vote: Bill Meehan – yes, Frank Bridges – yes, Honey Pivirotto – yes, Bob Young – yes, Robert
Tobias – yes, Andy Evans – yes, Alex Hopper – yes, Bill Henchy – yes, Chair Pete Dahl– yes
The Committee voted: 9-yes 0-no
Pete asked about the Brewster Elementary School wages of $1,770. Mimi Bernardo answered she received a
letter from Wanda Sanderson, who works at the school, explaining they had an employee due for a step increase
and it got missed. Unfortunately, because they are wages from a past Fiscal Year, they cannot be paid until after
Town Meeting. Pete asked what the source of funds is – Peter Lombardi answered that this all comes from Free
Cash.
Peter Lombardi did want to note that subsection C is a little bit of a moving target because we may get more
bills from the State. We knew they were behind. We thought they would find a way to not treat this as an unpaid
bill, but here we are.
b. Article 9 – Bylaw Amendment – TM Warrant Deadlines
Bill Meehan MOVED to approve Article 9 on the Special Town Meeting Warrant to amend the bylaws
with respect to Special Town Meeting Warrant deadline as printed in the Warrant. Andy Evans second.
Roll Call Vote: Bill Meehan – yes, Frank Bridges – no, Honey Pivirotto – yes, Bob Young – yes, Robert
Tobias – no, Andy Evans – yes, Alex Hopper – yes, Bill Henchy – no, Chair Pete Dahl– yes
The Committee voted: 6-yes 3-no
Peter Lombardi said the language in our current bylaws talks about the warrant closing 75 days before the
Annual Town Meeting. State Law grants discretion to the Select Board. This has always been interpreted to
apply to citizens petitions only. Full disclosure, there may be further changes to the language once we hear from
town counsel about the bylaw as written right now to clarify. Bob asked why we have two different time frames
for Special Town Meeting and regular Town Meeting. Peter Lombardi said that is not unusual. Pete said often
Special Town Meetings are called for specific issues so flexibility in a short horizon to call a special town
meeting may happen – almost on an emergency basis. Bill Henchy said he looked at the existing bylaw which is
a throwback to where the budget article was in the hands of the Finance Committee solely. There is a wrinkle in
that the General Laws that obligates the Select Board to include in the Warrant any article which is sought by 10
registered voters of the town for Annual Town Meeting or 200 registered voters for Special Town Meeting. He
thinks the intention is to set when the Warrant is closed, the Warrant is closed. Peter Lombardi said that,
historically, Brewster has taken the 75 days to be the deadline for Citizen’s Petitions only. That has been the
practice for many years. Bill Henchy asked if the Select Board presently closes the Special Town Meeting
Warrants 45 days out. Peter Lombardi answered they do not. They have kept it open closer to Town Meeting
than the 45 days. Bill Henchy said if the Select Board leaves flexibility for themselves, he would find it
appropriate that whenever the Warrant is closed, that would be the deadline for all other articles assuming it is
lawful in the General Laws. Peter Lombardi said that the intent is to clarify the number for Special Town
Meeting as it has been for Annual Town Meeting.
Finance Committee Minutes
September 21, 2022 Page 4 of 5
b.Update – Nauset Regional HS Building Project and SBC
The Committee discussed the recent meetings and seemed to have difficulty finding their meetings and zoom
links to attend the meetings and then to receive Minutes and other information on a regular basis. Peter
Lombardi said he receives emails regularly regarding their meetings and suggested Pete ask Greg Levasseur,
School Building Committee Chair, to send him the information as well. Frank said he went on the Brewster
Town Website and clicked the link to their website, but you must go in to the Nauset School Committee website
which is part of the Wellfleet website, and it has all the information there. The School Committee has updates,
the Building Committee doesn’t seem to have updates listed. Pete said it was posted on the Nauset Regional
School Committee website calendar. It does raise the issue of us being on top of the committees we are liaising
with. Honey asked if it were possible to request receiving the Minutes of those meetings. Pete said this is a huge
project and it’s important for us to be on top of any financial issues with which we need to have some
familiarity. Greg Levasseur offered to come make a presentation on the current situation. The Committee
seemed positive about that.
Pete commended the Town Administration for switching to remote so quickly and smoothly and this is how we
want these meetings to go so that as many members/people as possible can attend from wherever they are.
c.Update – NRSC Reconciliations
Bob said he hasn’t seen the reconciliations yet. He is particularly interested to understand in how the
information they provided answers the question how the Reserve for Negotiations is used for the negotiations.
How much was used for the multi-year increases in steps and lanes vs. salary increases? We saw budgets that
didn’t include some of the regional and local schools that were somehow funded without being in the budget
presented. So, he suspects this funding came out of the reserve for negotiation line item. Pete said it does pose
the question as to how their budget process went last year. It points to us having to be in attendance, where we
appoint one or more liaisons to attend these meetings where they discuss their budgets. Peter Lombardi said that
the updated Select Board strategic plan has been trying to make headway on this front for several years. This
year, we plan to develop our five-year forecast, understand what our constraints/limitations are and convey
them clearly and early to the schools so when they go through their process they can see where we can go with
an increase. They will then go through their process. If they end up coming in with a budget more than that
amount, then that would likely require an operating override to be voted at Town Meeting and at the ballot. He
has shared that with Nauset School Officials. Honey believes this is the best way to proceed. Bill Henchy
agrees.
d.Update – School Consolidation
Robert said there has been no decision, but deliberations continue. He does have information from Principal
Gauley on what the implications could be to consolidate. It seems, currently, they are leaning against
consolidation.
e.Liaison Reports and Assignments- defer
f. Town Meeting Schedule- defer
g. Request for agenda items for future meetings – please email Pete
Finance Committee Minutes
September 21, 2022 Page 5 of 5
h. Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair- none
i. Next Finance Committee Meeting – 9/28/22
j. Adjournment
Bill Meehan MOVED to adjourn the meeting at 7:57PM. Bob Young second.
Roll Call Vote: Bill Meehan – yes, Frank Bridges – yes, Bob Young – yes, Alex Hopper – yes, Honey Pivirotto –
yes, Robert Tobias – yes, Andy Evans – yes, Bill Henchy – yes, Chair Pete Dahl– yes.
The Committee voted: 9-yes 0-no
Respectfully submitted, Beth Devine
Packet of supporting materials on website for public review.