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Home My Public Portal AboutSelect Board -- 2023-02-09 Minutes_ _ _� �\�oo`�p E W s rgiiip��j e ,� � � ' - - faBrewster -' \�� '�( ,,cr+fECoeq Bio •�.� /ice „-. ... �OWii' ® .. - _ - _ _ 1 reet _ 3 � aA a Brewster, MA 02631-1898 _ ,y Phone: (508) 896-3701 � �� www.brewster-ma.gov //��Oii SEB Are,A�e°� ��\\\\\ MINUTES OF THE SELECT BOARD MEETING DATE: February 9, 2023 TIME: 6:OOPM ..PLACE: 2198 Main Street &Remote public participation ..,,Office of: ' Select Board Town Manager REGULAR SESSION PARTICIPANTS: Chair Whitney, Selectperson Chaffee, Selectperson Hoffmann, Selectperson Bingham, Selectperson Chatelain, Town Manager Peter Lombardi, Assistant Town Manager Donna Kalinick, Department of Natural Resources Director Chris Miller - '!Wl�3�F�i _ Call to Order &Declaration of a Quorum, Meeting Participation Statement and Recording Statement__ Chair Whitney called the meeting to order at 6:OOpm. A quorum was declared, and aII Select Board members present were announced, member Hoffmann present on Zoom. Chair Whitney read the meeting participation and recording statements. Wing Island Access Public Forum - -- -Chair--Whitney shared-that-thegoal of -the presentation is to provide the pubic -with the facts: -The - - -- _ _ - _. presentation was given by Chair Whitney, Donna Kalinick, Chris Miller, Peter Lombardi and Ned Chatelain and included the following information: • The Issue: Access to Wing Island o -The plank walkway crossing the marsh to Wing Island was meant for a temporary seasonal - measure. Current access does not prevent regular access on the marsh and are not compliant with Federal Law and have not been permitted by the State. • Where We Are Today: a timeline of Town activities relative to the issue was reviewed. • Stakeholders and Participants who care about the issue, many different people and groups have an interest in how access to Wing Island is handled now and in the future. • The Decision -makers; Brewster Select Board and Town Staff have a duty to provide factual information for the community to consider. Ultimately Town Meeting voters will determine the future of how we access Wing Island. • Wing Island Access History: Road and Bridge at Paines Creek, Footpath, Planks &Bridge • Overview of Wing Island Area (Quivett Creek, Wing Island, Stoney Brook, Museum of Natural History, Drummer Boy Park and Conservation Lands) • Current Conditions of Wing Island • Wing Island Environment (total size 122.1 acres) • Wing Island Care &Management (responsibility of the Brewster Department of Natural Resources) • Evaluating Future Access Options: Community Demographics and Public Access to Conservation Land • Sea Level Rise &Climate Change Impacts • Laws &Regulations Applying to Wing Island Access o Federal Law, State Law, Brewster Regulations and Conservation Restriction on Wing Island (Quivett) Marsh BoS 02.09.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 1 of 5 Doc ID: 99d6b05b4bbb6b42a3fb74588a3b81cOd372bbb7 2 3 0 r W g °'p/iii„ �o��"P° ;'�' - _ �:T'own of Brewster ; - 2198 Main Street- Brewster, MA 02631-1898 Phone: (508) 896-3701 www.brewster-ma.gov Review of Five Options for Future Access to Wing Island Office of: Select -Board _ _ _ - Town Manager o Option 1: Elevated Walkway to Wing Island &Drummer Boy (L-shaped), the scaled down version of what was originally presented at the first forum. o. Option 2: Elevated Walkway to Wing Island (current route) _ _ - - o -Option 3: Maintain Current At=Grade Planks (Town does -not have approval from the State for --- - - the current planks and would not be able to secure a Chapter 91 license as they are now) o Option 4: Remove Existing At -Grad Planks o Option 5: New At -Grade Walkway (not viable and would not be permitted) • Wing Island Carrying Capacity Analysis (study will be available on the Town's website) _ ___________�_ Conclusi_on_of tFze stu_dy_showe_d that__Wing Island can accommodate the predicted. volume_of ____ _ _ visitors and avoid degradation of resources that could be caused by overuse. o Carrying capacity and projected use with a boardwalk was reviewed, analysis conclusion estimated increased use would not negatively impact Whig Island. o Recommendations to reduce harmful Wing Island impacts were presented. • Boardwalk Visibility and Aesthetics were reviewed. •� --Estimated Costs of Boardwalk Options; all include -conservative pricing assumptions and 30% -- -._ - _- _ _ contingency: o Option 1 L=shaped boar=dvvalk (including new connection to Drummer Boy Park) _ $3M ----- ---------- o Option 2A: I -shaped boardwalk (including new mars -h overtook at Cedar Ridge Reserve)= 1.9M o Option 26: I -shaped boardwalk (no new marsh overlook at Cedar Ridge Reserve) _ $1.8M • An update on the gift offer was reviewed; the donors have expressed their interest in terminating their offer at this time. • Special Town Meeting (March 6, 2023) Article Review; each Citizens Petition Article was reviewed, along with Town notes on each article and Town Counsel opinion. Full opinions of Town Counsel will be included in the Select Board packet of their next meeting. • Long-term Wing Island Protection with a Conservation Restriction Select Board Chair Whitney opened the meeting to public comment. The following is a brief review of comments made by the public, for full details, please see the public forum recording. Doyle, Lisa, Harwich Road- inquired about the "Pros and Cons" for each option, these were created by the Select Board and Town Administration. Locke, Sandra, Plymouth Ma -representing the Friends of Wings Island- read a letter from the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History Board of Trustees. Delano, Matilda, Barons Way- expressed that she is in favor of the Boardwalk. Brides, Susan, Candlestick Lane- Expressed her thanks and shared she is in favor of a new Boardwalk, also expressed her frustration with the situation. Ms. Bridges asked the cost of the Special Town Meeting, Mr. Lombardi anticipates the meeting will cost between $5-$10K. BoS 02.09.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 2 of 5 Doc ID: 99d6b05b4bbb6b42a3fb74588a3b81cOd372bbb7 .,, �,,. , o ,,�`'`_- " � 2198 Main Street 3 � p v = Brewster, MA 02631-1898 � _ __ ,v,` Phone: (508) 896-3701 ///�� FOOHPOPA 0� ��\\\� - www.brewster-ma.gov Office of: - Select Board Town Manager Duan, Annie, Beach Plum Lane- expressed her concern with the costs of the Special Town Meeting and thanked the Town for providing the forum and for their research. Finnegan, Sue, Blueberry Pond Drive- shared her experience with accessibility with tides at Wing Island and - noted wildlife concerns in disrupting this area.-- - - - - - - - — - - - Smith, Betsy, East Gate Road- asked about Town Counsel opinion on the articles and if the articles are intended to be binding. Chair Whitney responded that he believes their opinion on all three articles states that they would be only the sense of the meeting and not binding. Swaluk, Joe, Quasons Path- shared his experience with the tides at Wing Island and the current planks. Also shared his thoughts on consulting groups. Devault, Marjorie, Beechtree Drive- thinks option 2 might make sense and wants to protect the marsh. Appreciates the Select Board providing options._. .. _ _ _ _ _ _ Ortiz, Nancy, Run Hill Road- mentioned boardwalks at other sites and her concerns with planks directly on the marsh. Suggested to close -access to Wing Island to an appropriate solution can be found. - Rawlins Carol Pond View Drive- strongly in favor of the Boardwalk. Requested an email to allow those who -are not going to be in attendance at the meeting provide their opinion about the Boardwalk, Chair Whitney - noted that comments and opinions can be sent to wingisland@brewster-ma.gov. Locke Brenda Main Street- concerned that the Boardwalk will bring people in from all over, and this will be anew tourist destination. Friends of Wing Island trying to preserve the natural habitat. Feels the Select Board has not been listening. Kaser, Gary, Walker Road- sad to see the damage to the marsh, does not want to see the Island destroyed. Wood, Bill, Pine Pond Road- suggested that to separate the Boardwalk from the Cedar Ridge Preserve, extend the walkways at Drummer Boy Park into Cedar Ridge Preserve and create an overlook that is handicapped accessible. Stranahan Sarah Main Street- Questioned the Carrying Capacity Analysis assumptions used for number of cars at Drummer Boy Park, believes that with the public functions that happen on weekends there are a lot more vehicle traffic. Expressed that she would like to have this reviewed again with real data. Zimmerber�, Betty, Flyin� Mist Lane- inquired about what information was included in the Carrying Capacity Analysis, specifically about flora and fauna. Amy Ball from the Horsley Witten Group reviewed the consulting groups methodology and process for the Carrying Capacity. BoS 02.09.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 3 of 5 Doc ID: 99d6b05b4bbb6b42a3fb74588a3b81cOd372bbb7 �2 QOF _o �' - � w�t�'�i�i�ii, . � � - Office of: '7�'® ra ®f Brewster � . �� " - 2198 Main Streef Select Board N� � ; Town Manager a = Brewster, MA 02631-1898 y` Phone: (508) 896-3701 � ,,� www.brewster-ma.gov McKelway, Ben, Main Street- expressed his concerns with the Boardwalk and asked the Select Board to abandon the plans. Ellis, Christopher, Pinewood Drive -.in favor_of the project and believes it would be an asset to the Town. Quinton, Tracy, Paines Creek Road- feels that the Select Board isnot taking into consideration everyone's opinion on the Boardwalk. Concerned with the amount of trash that will pollute the environment. Exert, Leonard, Six Penny Lane- appreciates the work that has gone into the project, against the Boardwalk ______ for many_ reasons_Doesn'tundeistand why the Town is_pursung the_project with_ov_erwhelming opposition._____ _ Selectperson Chaffee clarified that the Board is providing information that was asked in previous meetings. Adding that Brewster voters will ultimately decide on how to handle the problem of access to Wing Island. Selectperson Chatelain added that -the forum isnot to advocate any particular course of action, butstrictly provide context and information. ------ -Powers- Rebecca-hain-Street- Business owner -of two businesses that -are tourist driven business doesn't support this project. Ms. Powers shared her thoughts on accessibility and mobility for visitors. __ _ -- _ -----Gretoj Jill,-Duneward-Lane=stated-that-it-doesn't-serve anyone to make -exaggerated -statements -about -the---- --- parking at Drummer Boy Park, and we should look at the actual data. The strongest argument she sees is about accessibility. Johnson Debra Foster Road- biggest opposition to the project is money, includes ongoing maintenance, emergency situations, and weather. Noted that taxes are already high and asked to stop the spending. Chesnut, Amy, Main Street- in support of the Boardwalk, appreciative of the Select Board providing facts. Read a quote by John Hay. O'Neil, Mary, Eagle Wind Lane- feels this is not an important or necessary priority for the Town. We have the opportunity to prevent the loss of more wildlife. Suggested to put together a committee to think through this project and leave Wing Island as a nature preserve. Bundock Donna Nelson Street- against the Boardwalk and would like to protect Wing Island. Suggested that the Town focuses on the Sea Camps property. Concerned with the costs of upkeep and increase in taxes. Johnson, Peter, Stony Brook Road- In support of the Boardwalk, believes a lot of people want to treat the resource with respect but have different opinions on how to do that. Depuy, John, Main Street- clear that there is a decisive issue in front of us, two parties both well intentioned and it is good to have forums to debate both sides. Troubled that the Town mentioned the Warrant Articles BoS 02.09.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 4 of 5 Doc ID: 99d6b05b4bbb6b42a3fb74588a3b81cOd372bbb7 - - O �y4pf — 9m"d� 3 �` � 5 f N� __' 3 u p D= � _ y= .@ W�1 � ��St� - ., . ,: Office of: „ , � ... , Select Board ` "� -2198 Main Street Town Manager Brewster, MA 02631-1898 Phone: (508) 896-3701 www.brewster-ma.gov as written could only be advisory, as the articles were drafted with significant legal and other guidance. Asked if the articles are only advisory, to please work with Friends of Wing Island so that they could be binding. __ _ _ - __ - -Daniels,-Anne &Norman, George -Darby Cartway —questioned the Carrying Capacity Analysis of the number -- - - of cars, using the data we have to arrive at a plausible explanation isn't an excuse. McKenna, Steve, Slough Road- asked if the costs estimate included environmental permitting costs for the project. Mr. Lombardi answered that the estimates are construction estimates only, the design and _-______�ermitting_is cov_ered_� the previous_appropriations that_hav_e been made the State_Grant and the gift. __ .Selectperson Chatelain noted that there is not a path forward with this project if it is not supported at the Special Town Meeting. Douglass, Jillian, Pebble Path- Shared that the reason that the Friends of Wing Island didn't propose a Conservation_Restriction (CR) was that there is a lack of trust with the Town and who would be responsible in - ---creating-the C-R� Suggested that there be a -much more -public -process -to work together -in looking at the ---------------- Stony Brook valley as a resource that needs to be protected. Jacobus Katie,—King Philip Road= -shared -that our -elected -works for-as-andtivorkreallyhard- This is important ----- to everyone. Hope to maintain civil discourse to be informed to make an intelligent vote at the Special Town Meeting. Selectperson Chaffee shared that Town Staff are available to help residents write citizens petition in a format that will have certain effects. Mr. Lombardi shared that Town Counsel opinion is that they are non-binding and will convey a sense of the meeting, there can be further discussion on the articles. Adding that just because this may be the case, doesn't mean the votes at Town Meeting don't matter and don't impact policy decisions by the Town and the Select Board. Depuy, John, Main Street -drawn the line between capability and intent, with something so important as this, we don't question the intent of anyone, but want the capability that what is voted is enacted. Adjournment Selectperson Bingham moved to adjourn at 8:09pm. Selectperson Chaffee second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Chaffee -yes, Selectperson Bingham- yes, Selectperson Hoffmann -yes, Selectperson Chatelain- yes, Chair Whitney -yes. The Board vote was 5 -Yes, 0 -No. Respectfully submitted by Erika Mawn, Executive Assistant Approved: 02 / 27 / 2023 Signed: Date BoS 02.09.2023 it i � , %/ i Selectperson Hoffmann, Clerk of the Select Board www.brewster-ma.gov Page 5 of 5 Doc ID: 99d6b05b4bbb6b42a3fb74588a3b81cOd372bbb7