HomeMy Public PortalAbout03.15.23 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
March 15, 2023 at 6:00 PM
This meeting will be conducted in person at the time and location identified above. This means that at least a quorum of
the members of the public body will attend the meeting in person and members of the public are welcome to attend in
person as well. As a courtesy only, access to the meeting is also being provided via remote means in accordance with
applicable law. Please note that while an option for remote attendance and/or participation is being provided as a courtesy
to the public, the meeting/hearing will not be suspended or terminated if technological problems interrupt the virtual
broadcast or affect remote attendance or participation, unless otherwise required by law. Members of the public with
particular interest in any specific item on this agenda, which includes an applicant and its representatives, should make
plans for in-person vs. virtual attendance accordingly.
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.
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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 Manager
Peter Lombardi
Finance Director
Mimi Bernardo
1.Call to Order
2.Declaration of a Quorum
3.Meeting Participation Statement
4.Recording Statement - As required by the Open Meeting Law we are informing you that the Town will be video
and audio taping as well as broadcasting this public meeting. In addition, if anyone else intends to either video or audio
tape this meeting they are required to inform the chair.
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 Manager/Finance Director Report
7.Spring Town Meeting Warrant Articles - Discussion and Vote
CPC Article and Funding Requests – Faythe Ellis
HHS Budget Presentation – Sean Parker
Conditions on Acceptance of Select Board Acceptance of Anonymous Gifts – Citizens Petition
FY 2024 Town Operating Budget
8.Liaison Reports and Assignments
9.Approval of Minutes (Dates)
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:
3/3/2023
03/11/23 Page 1 of 6
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT FUNDING (Annual Town Meeting)
ARTICLE NO.9 : To see if the Town will vote to act on the report of the Community Preservation
Committee on the Fiscal Year 2024 Community Preservation Budget and to appropriate or
reserve for later appropriation monies from the Community Preservation Fund annual revenues
or available funds for the administrative and operating expenses of the Community
Preservation Committee, the undertaking of Community Preservation Projects and all other
necessary and proper expenses for the year, with each item considered a separate
appropriation to be spent by the Community Preservation Committee, all as set forth below:
Estimated revenues FY24
a. Estimated FY24 tax surcharge $1,223,691
b. Estimated FY24 state contribution (25%) $ 358,153
c. FY24 Estimated Total: $1,581,844
FY24 Appropriations and Allocations
a. Historic Preservation Reserve appropriation (10%) $158,184
b. Community Housing Reserve appropriation (10%) $158,184
c. Open Space/Recreation Reserve appropriation (10%) $158,184
d. Budgeted Reserve (65%) $1,028,199
e. Administrative Expense (Budgeted Reserve) ( 5%) $ 79,092
f. Designated Reserves for Open Space $31,449
g. Undesignated Fund Balance $315,520
h. Total $1,928,182
Purpose Item Funding Source(s) Amount
1 Historic Preservation
a.Designated Reserves for
Historic Preservation
Transfer to reserve
from estimated annual
revenues in accordance
with G.L. c.44B, §6
Fiscal Year 2024 CPA
estimated annual
revenues
$158,184
Sub-total $158,184
2 Community Housing
a.Designated reserves for
Housing
Transfer to reserve
from estimated annual
revenues in accordance
with G.L. c.44B, §6
Fiscal Year 2024 CPA
estimated annual
revenues
$158,184
Sub-total $158,184
3 Open Space/Recreation
a. Community
Preservation Bonded
Debt Service
Payment of debt
principal and interest
for the BBJ Property,
$158,184 from Fiscal
Year 2024 CPA
estimated annual
$189,633
03/11/23 Page 2 of 6
and Bates Property
bonds
revenues and
$31,449 from
Designated Reserves
for Open Space
Sub-total $189,633
4 Budgeted Reserve
a.Administration Expense Administration and
operating expenses for
Community
Preservation
Committee
Fiscal Year 2024 CPA
estimated annual
revenues
$79,092
b. Designated for
Budgeted Reserve
Transfer to reserve
from estimated annual
revenues in accordance
with G.L. c.44B, §6
Fiscal Year 2024 CPA
estimated annual
revenues
$1,028,199
Sub-total $1,107,291
5 Undesignated Balance CPA Reserves
a. Brewster Council on
Aging – Accessible
outdoor furniture for
Freeman’s Fields
Purchase and
installation of
accessible benches and
picnic tables
Undesignated
Balance CPA
Reserves
$9,670
b.Town of Brewster Town
Administration-
Housing Coordinator
Payroll and operating
costs for Part Time
Housing Coordinator
position to assist public
with affordable
housing program
Undesignated
Balance CPA
Reserves
$70,850
c.Friends or Relatives with
Autism & Related
Disabilities (FORWARD) -
FORWARD at the Rock
Phase II
8 units of affordable
rental housing in
Dennis for
developmentally
disabled adults
Undesignated
Balance CPA
Reserves
$125,000
d.Housing Assistance
Corporation (HAC) – 107
Main Street, Orleans
Affordable Rental Housing
14 units of affordable
rental housing in
Orleans
Undesignated
Balance CPA
Reserves
$55,000
e.Preservation of
Affordable Housing Inc.
(POAH) and Community
Development Partnership
(CDP) – Juniper Hill in
Wellfleet
46 units of affordable
rental housing in
Wellfleet
Undesignated
Balance CPA
Reserves
$55,000
Sub-total $315,520
03/11/23 Page 3 of 6
Grand Total $1,928,812
For Fiscal Year 2024 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
G.L. c.184 and G.L. c.44B, Section 12, and to authorize the Board of Selectmen 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 10%
Open Space/Recreation, 10% Housing, 10% Historical and 70% 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 (CPA). 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 2024, which is projected at 25%. In Fall 2022 Brewster adopted, through a local
bylaw, a distribution schedule for the annual CPA funds beginning in FY24 as follows: 10% of the
funds for open space and recreation, 10% for community housing, 10% for historic
preservation, and the 70% undesignated reserve balance is available for any CPA eligible
project. The 2022 bylaw also established a non-binding 2023-2027 Target Allocation Policy as
follows: 30% for Open Space, 30% for community housing, 10% historic preservation, 10%
recreation, and 20% for any CPA eligible project.
1. Historic Preservation:
a. Designated Reserves for Historic Preservation – This item transfers money from FY24
estimated annual revenues to the Historic Preservation reserve for future appropriation to
meet the minimum 10% statutory allocation.
2. Community Housing:
a. Designated Reserves for Community Housing – This item transfers money from FY24
estimated annual revenues to the Community Housing reserve for future appropriation to meet
the minimum 10% statutory allocation.
03/11/23 Page 4 of 6
3. Open Space:
a. Community Preservation Bonded Debt Service- This item pays for the $196,658 in FY 2024
principal and interest on 3 CPA (BBJ 1 and 2 and Bates) open space acquisitions that were
financed via long term bonding.
4. Reserves for Community Preservation:
a. Administrative Expense- This item will fund the costs associated with general administrative
and operating expenses, including but not limited to legal and other professional consulting
services, related to carrying out the operations of the Community Preservation Committee. The
Community Preservation Act allows up to 5 % of expected annual revenues for this purpose.
b. Designated for Budgeted Reserve - This item transfers money from FY24 estimated annual
revenues to the Budgeted Reserve for future appropriation to meet the minimum statutory
allocation.
5.Undesignated Balance/CPA Reserves:
a. Brewster Council on Aging – Accessible outdoor furniture for Freeman’s Fields – This item
will fund the cost of 8 weather resistant accessible benches and 2 picnic tables at Freeman’s
Way fields to provide opportunities for exercise, socialization and intergenerational activities
for residents. The installation will increase accessibility and enhance the improvements for this
complex planned by the DPW and Recreation Department.
Total project cost: $9,670 Funding requested: $9,670 CPC vote: 8-0-0
b. Town of Brewster- Housing Coordinator – This item will fund the part-time Housing
Coordinator position. The Community Preservation Committee has supported the Housing
Coordinator position since 2017. The hiring of a housing coordinator was identified as a key
strategy in the Brewster Housing Production Plan. The Housing Coordinator holds hours for the
public weekly, supports multiple town committees, including the Housing Trust and Housing
Partnership, works with regional housing agencies and organizations in town to promote
housing choice. The Housing Coordinator is an integral part of the Town housing efforts,
outlined in both the Town Vision Plan and the Select Board strategic plan. The Housing
Coordinator helps to acquire, create, preserve and support community housing. The FY24
request is to fund the position at 30 hours per week with the CPC providing funding for the
salary and the Town providing funding for all benefits of the position. Our housing program
continues to be a partnership of many town entities.
Total Project Cost: $ 105,000 CPC Request: $ 70,580 CPC Vote: 9-0-0
c. Friends or Relatives with Autism & Related Disabilities (FORWARD) - FORWARD at the Rock
Phase II - The project is new construction of eight affordable and supportive one-bedroom
03/11/23 Page 5 of 6
apartments at 131 Hokum Rock Road in Dennis to be completed in 2024. The housing is for
Cape Codders with autism and related disabilities who can live independently. These
individuals still need supportive services, health and safety supervision and access to 24 hour
emergency response, but do not require a congregate setting with round the clock staffing. All
apartments will be built at ground level, and all will be barrier free, fully accessible, and
designed to accommodate the sensory needs of residents with developmental disabilities.
Supportive services will be provided by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental
Disabilities (DDS) which will select and place all residents. Affordability is restricted to incomes
less than 30% of Area Median Income and all rents will be subsidized through project-based
vouchers. FORWARD has been awarded CPA funding from Dennis ($685,000). Besides this
Brewster request, FORWARD has applied for CPA funds from Yarmouth and Barnstable to be
decided at Spring Town Meeting. FORWARD also plans to submit CPA grant applications to
Orleans, Sandwich and Bourne. FORWARD is seeking $120,000 of Brewster CPA funds for hard
construction expenses. The amount requested includes a $5,000 set-aside for CPC legal
expenses related to the award.
Total Project Cost: $4,325,000 CPC Request: $125,000 CPC Vote: 7-2-0
d.Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC) – 107 Main Street, Orleans Affordable Rental
Housing – The project at 107 Main Street in Orleans will be a high-quality affordable rental
community with 14 rental units in a single structure with three sections in the style of a historic
Cape Cod home to be completed in 2023. All 14 units will be affordable to households earning
up to 80% of area median income, in accordance with applicable state regulations and
guidelines. The proposed project will be an asset to the surrounding neighborhood. It is well
designed both architecturally and environmentally and fits well within the context of the area in
which it will be located; the location is an excellent smart growth site close to downtown
Orleans and various amenities. HAC did not originally intend to request CPA funds from
surrounding towns, but construction cost escalation over the past year created a funding gap
on the project. Besides this Brewster request, HAC has applied for CPA funds from Eastham
($100,000), Chatham ($100,000) and plans to apply to Harwich. Wellfleet declined the funding
request. HAC is seeking $50,000 of Brewster CPA funds for hard construction expenses. The CPC
amount requested includes an additional $5,000 to be set aside to pay for Brewster CPC legal expenses
related to the award.
Total Project Cost: $6,764,786 CPC Request: $55,000 CPC Vote: 6-1-1
e.Preservation of Affordable Housing Inc. (POAH) and Community Development Partnership
(CDP) – Juniper Hill in Wellfleet - Juniper Hill is the proposed development of 46 affordable
housing units located at 95 Lawrence Road in Wellfleet to be completed in 2025. Juniper Hill
will be the first such housing development in decades in Wellfleet that can serve populations
and stabilize the regional economy. The Town of Wellfleet recognized this need as it released a
9 acre town owned lot for development in 2021 and designated POAH and CDP as joint
developers in December 2021. The property will be divided into 2 parts: an Upper Village of 22
03/11/23 Page 6 of 6
two bedroom and three bedroom town homes oriented for family housing , and a Lower Village
with a multifamily elevator building consisting of 24 one and two bedroom flats. 35 of the 46
apartments will be targeted for families earning at or below 80% area median income (AMI),
with the remaining workforce apartments intended as “workforce” housing for households
earning up to 120% AMI. Wellfleet is contributing $1.5 Million in CPA funding to this project.
Besides this Brewster request, POAH/CDP have requested CPA funds from Orleans ($100,000)
and Provincetown ($100,000) The CPC is recommending approval of $50,000 in Brewster CPA
funds to POAH/CDP for hard construction costs excluding apartments intended for families
earning more than 100% AMI.
Total Project Cost: $32,128,643 CPC Request: $55,000 CPC Vote: 8-0-0
Pete—
As requested at the meeting on Wednesday night, I am following up with my request for a discussion
on two substantive issues that involve Town money and Town land in the context of the struggle to
develop affordable housing.
As you know, I am an affordable housing advocate. In my professional life, I have been advocating
and permitting affordable housing for years. Those efforts have been successful at developing
substantial numbers of affordable housing units across the Commonwealth. I have also successfully
obtained a substantial judgment for my legal fees against a Town that filed a baseless case to block
an affordable housing development. I have much experience in this area.
When an affordable development is permitted, the approving entity (usually the ZBA) has the option
of requiring local preference in the initial lease-up of the development. Local preference is slightly
controversial, because it is perceived by elements within DHCD (and with some justification) as a
perpetuation of the barriers to entry to housing that c. 40B was enacted to remove.
I share some of these views, and I think the issue is fairly debatable. In the case where an
affordable housing development is proposed by a private developer, my own view is that the
question is properly left to the ZBA and the developer to work out.
However, I have a very different view when affordable housing is built using either Town land or
Town money. In that case, my strong view is that the highest level of local preference should be
afforded to Brewster residents because Brewster resources are creating the housing.
That brings me to the Community Preservation funding requests. You might recall that I raised this
issue last year, but the discussion was in the context of the budget and the Committee’s requests,
and I was voted in the minority. I do recall that several members thought the issue was interesting
and worthy of further discussion.
I ask that we have that discussion, as a separate item. The requests to be considered this Town
Meeting cycle include (1) $50,000 to fund housing at 107 Main Street in Orleans to be constructed
by HAC; (2) $100,000 to fund housing by POAH at Lawrence Road in Wellfleet; (3) $120,000 to fund
Phase II of the housing for disabled persons in Dennis (we already funded $80,000 for phase I, so
this developer is looking for a total of $200,000 from Brewster).
These are substantial sums. Counting the $80,000 already funded for the Rock development in
Dennis, these total $350,000 of Brewster Community Preservation funds —that are going directly to
the developers of affordable housing in other Towns, no strings attached and with no guarantee of
preference for Brewster residents in need of housing. Look at the pro-forma for the Wellfleet
project. It includes a paid developer fee (allowed under DHCD guidelines) of $2,399,901.
Why are we funding this? At least the per sq, ft cost of $350.42 in Wellfleet is reasonable, but that is
with a free land donation from the Town of Wellfleet. The Orleans project has a per sq. ft. cost of
$539.41 and a developer fee (lists as “Developer Fees / OH”) of 756,754.00—and this includes a
donation by Orleans of the land, and a direct construction subsidy from the Town of Orleans of
$876,000. These construction numbers are profligate.
Why are we contributing to subsidize these developer fees at all?
Moreover, in the case of the Lawrence Road development in Wellfleet ($100,000 request), their
response to the RFP specifically notes in multiple places that they will provide a lottery for the units
with local preference as a necessary component—meaning that Wellfleet residents will receive
preference. The Orleans ZBA required in its Comprehensive Permit for the Main Street
development that the maximum local preference allowed by law (70%) be granted to Orleans
Residents.This is precisely the policy I advocate for Brewster—but also further highlights the
question of why is Brewster sending Brewster taxpayer money to fund a developer to build housing
with a local preference to Orleans and Wellfleet residents?
I would think that these very substantial monies would be much better spent as direct subsidies for
rent to Brewster residents or to build housing in Brewster, rather than the assist developers in other
Towns, or put to some other use that benefits Brewster taxpayers.
The Forward development in Dennis may be a different case because their request states that the
project will not have a local preference requirement and is for special needs persons, clearly a
worthy effort, and the Committee should be aware of this distinction.
We are also being asked to fund $50,000 for the Brewster Housing Coordinator, which I obviously
support. As to that effort, however, I would like a discussion with the Brewster Housing Trust and
the Brewster Housing Partnership as to their views on local preference, as we regularly support
those Committee efforts with Town resources. I would think that this would be a separate discussion
with those Committees on these same policy issues.
Would you please circulate my thoughts in the packet, and I look forward to a discussion at the next
Finance Committee meeting.
Thanks,
Bill
William C. Henchy
165 Cranberry Highway
Orleans, MA 02653
508-255-1636 (w)
508-246-6776(cell)
508-255-1325—fax
whenchy@henchylaw.com
www.henchylaw.com
Housing Trust 5 Year-Plan FY23-27
12.29.22
FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26 FY27
Carryforward Balance 1,195,879 1,190,879 893,879 714,569 1,053,821
Anticipated Revenues 1,891,900 2,870,580 2,344,461 2,519,557 2,425,927
Appropriations 1,896,900 3,167,580 2,523,771 2,180,304 2,567,196
End Balance 1,190,879 893,879 714,569 1,053,821 912,553
FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26 FY27
Projects:Funding Source
Housing Coordinator CPA- Salary Only 66,900 70,580 74,461 78,557 82,877 Benefits paid by the Town-approx. 35K/ year
Housing Program Asst.BAHT Salary Only -42,000 44,310 46,747 49,318 19 Hours- new non-benefitted position
Rental Assistance CPA 150,000 150,000 150,000
Preservaton of SHI Homes CPA 300,000 200,000
Buy Down Program CPA 300,000 300,000
Housing Production Plan CPA 30,000
212 Yankee Drive BAHT 75,000
Town Development of Other Properties BAHT 500,000 500,000
Outside Applications for Funding BAHT 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000
Millstone Road Community Housing CPA/BAHT 1,000,000
Legal Expenses CPA/BAHT 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000
Housing Rehabilitation-Child Care Vouchers CDBG-Regional Grant 1,300,000 1,500,000 1,700,000 1,700,000 1,700,000 Town is lead community for Dennis, Wellfleet and Brewster
Total Appropriations:1,896,900 3,167,580 2,523,771 2,180,304 2,567,196
Sources
Short Term Rentals Allocation 375,000 400,000 420,000 441,000 463,050 Financial Forecast 5% escalator
CPA Housing Coord. Wages 66,900 70,580 74,461 78,557 82,877
CPA Rental Assistance 150,000 150,000 150,000
CPA for SHI Homes -200,000
Proceeds on Re-sale of SHI Homes 150,000
CPA Buy Down 300,000 300,000
CPA Housing Production Plan 30,000
CPA Millstone Rd. Community Housing 250,000
Grants & Donations
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)1,300,000 1,500,000 1,700,000 1,700,000 1,700,000
Total Revenues:1,891,900 2,870,580 2,344,461 2,519,557 2,425,927
CPA Rev 216,900 820,580 224,461 378,557 262,877
CPA Exp 516,900 570,580 224,461 378,557 262,877 390,675.00 5 year average
Estimated annual CPA revenue 1,492,304 1,529,612 1,567,852 1,607,048 1,647,225
Target Allocation Policy- Housing 30%447,691 458,884 470,356 482,115 494,167
TAP - Open Space 30%447,691 458,884 470,356 482,115 494,167
TAP - Recreation 10%149,230 152,961 156,785 160,705 164,722
TAP- Historic 10%149,230 152,961 156,785 160,705 164,722
CPA Recommended 20%298,461 305,922 313,570 321,410 329,445
1,492,304 1,529,612 1,567,852 1,607,048 1,647,225
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
MEMORANDUM
TO: Brewster Boards & Committees
FROM: Donna J. Kalinick, Assistant Town Manager
RE: Recent Lottery Information
DATE: February 15, 2023
As discussed at the last ZBA hearing, the Select Board has purview over the request to
the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) regarding Local
Preference. The Select Board on behalf of the Town can ask for up to 70% which
requires justification and approval by DHCD. It should be noted that Local Preference is
only for people who live in Brewster, work in Brewster, including employment at the
municipality or have kids in the schools that are located in Brewster.
In order to provide clarity around the recent affordable housing lotteries that took place
for Brewster Woods and Serenity Brewster, I have compiled the following information,
based on lottery data provided by Housing Assistance Corporation who was the lottery
agent for both lotteries. The backup data is not included because it includes personal
information of the applicants.
Brewster Woods: 30 units of affordable rental housing at 30 to 60% of the Area Median
Income (AMI) and one unit at 80% of the AMI; 3 of the units were not included in the
lottery because they were specific to adults transitioning to independent living. Brewster
Woods had a 70% Local Preference for the lottery which was 21 units.
For the 27 units that were available for the lottery, there were 128 qualified applicants
and another 112 applicants that were not qualified, a total of 240 applications.
Of the 128 applicants, 40 were in the local preference pool for 21 units. 64 applicants
were from other towns on Cape Cod; 24 were from off-Cape, of those, 4 were from out
of state. 81% of the applicants were from on-Cape towns, including those who qualified
for the local preference pool.
Of the 112 non-qualified applicants, 89 were from Cape Cod towns and 23 were from
off-Cape, with 2 from out of state. 80% were from Cape Cod towns.
Office of:
Town Manager
Housing
Serenity: 27 Affordable units, age 55 and up in the lottery at up to 80% AMI. Serenity
had 50% Local preference for the 27 units or 14 units. There were 53 qualified
applicants and another 19 applicants that were not qualified. A total of 72 applicants.
For the 27 units that were available for the lottery, 14 were in the local preference pool,
27 were from other towns on-Cape; 13 from off-Cape, 4 of those were from out of
state. 81% of the applicants were from on-Cape towns, including those who qualified
for the local preference pool.
Of the 19 non-qualified applicants, 15 were from on-Cape towns, 3 were from off-Cape
and 1 was not identified. 80% were from on-Cape towns.
We are keenly aware that due to the rising cost of housing and the lack of available
rentals in Brewster, many residents have been forced to leave Brewster and locate
either in another Cape town or off-Cape. Furthermore, we recognize that the need for
housing is a regional problem.
To: The Brewster Select Board and The Brewster Finance Committee
From: Sean Parker, Chairperson, Health and Human Services Committee
Date: February 22nd, 2023
RE: Health and Human Services Committee Funding Recommendations
Below please find the Health and Human Services Committee’s funding recommendations for 17
non-profit agencies that support Brewster citizens. We are grateful for the services of these 17
incredible agencies. Every year, these agencies help our neighbors through tough times, and
times have never been tougher than they are now.
AGENCY FY24
Recommended
FY23
Award
FY22
Award
AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod $5,000 $5,000 $4,000
Alzheimer ’s Family Support Center $11,000 $11,000 $10,000
Cape Abilities $7,000 $7,000 $7,000
Cape Cod Children’s Place $10,500 $10,500 $9,000
Consumer Assistance Council $600 $600 $600
Duffy Health Center $1,500 $1,000 $1,000
Elder Services of Cape Cod $9,120 $8,600 $8,600
Family Pantry of Cape Cod $5,000 $5,000 $5,000
Food 4 Kids–Church of the Holy Spirit $3,500
Gosnold $12,000
Homeless Prevention Council $15,000 $15,000 $15,000
Independence House $12,000 $10,000 $9,000
Lower Cape Outreach Council $12,000 $10,000 $9,500
Nauset Together We Can $1,500 $1,500 $1,500
Nauset Youth Alliance $16,000 $16,000 $17,000
Outer Cape Health Services $15,000 $15,000 $15,000
Sight Loss Services $2,000 $1,500 $1,500
South Coastal Counties Legal Services $4,350 $4,250 $4,200
Total $131,070 $121,950 $129,900
This year, we had two new applicants: (1) Cape Cod Christian Academy requesting $10,000, and
(2) Food 4 Kids sponsored by Church of the Holy Spirit requesting $3,500. Both organizations
are faith-based, so we contacted Town Counsel through Town Project Manager Conor Kenny.
Town Counsel determined that the services provided by Cape Cod Christian Academy are not
eligible for town funding due to the fact that Cape Cod Christian Academy is operating as a
private school; the Committee voted unanimously to remove the application from consideration.
On the other hand, Town Counsel determined that Food 4 Kids is eligible for town funding
because the provided services are not religious in nature, and they are free to all children. The
mission of Food 4 Kids is to provide free food and free books to Cape Cod children during the
summer when school is out. In the summer of 2022, Food 4 Kids provided 2,684 free meals to
Brewster children at an estimated cost of $16,138. The Committee voted unanimously to
recommend fully funding the $3,500 request from Food 4 Kids.
Of the 16 re-applying organizations, the Committee voted to recommend level funding for 10
organizations and increased funding for 6 organizations. In total, the 17 eligible organization
requested $141,070, and the Committee recommends granting $131,070. Although the consensus
of the Committee is that most organizations are worthy of full funding, the Committee did its
best to trim as much as possible to be consistent with recent budgets. The Committee’s FY24
recommendation is 0.9% above the approved FY22 budget of $129,900. (The FY23 budget was
anomalous due to Gosnold’s unexpected withdrawal of its request of $12,000.)
The needs of Brewster residents are on the rise, and the costs to meet those needs are also on the
rise. A 2.5% annual budget increase allows us to recommend substantial funding for all the great
organizations that apply, even if the 2.5% annual budget increase does not permit funding their
requests in full. The impossible challenge is when new organizations apply. As it stands, in order
to fund a new organization, we have to defund returning organizations, but those returning
organizations are continuing to do essential work at increasing costs. Going forward, the Health
and Human Services Committee intends to consult with the Select Board, Finance Committee
and Town Manager ’s Office to come up with a solution consistent with the values and economics
of the Brewster community. One possible solution is that the Committee makes two sets of
recommendations instead of the one traditional set for all applicants. The first set would be
funding recommendations for returning organizations, and the Committee would follow town
budgetary guidelines. The second set would be additional funding recommendations for the
additional organizations. Of course, this is but one solution, and the Committee looks forward to
working with the Select Board, Finance Committee and Town Manager ’s Office to come up with
the right solution for Brewster.
Following is but one highlight from each organization that reapplied for funding:
Aids Support Group of Cape Cod, in FY22, in addition to a Cape-wide overdose prevention
program, served 47 Brewster residents with prevention and screening services and 11 Brewster
residents with medical case management.
Requested Funding: $5,000
Recommended Funding: $5,000
Alzheimer ’s Family Support Center, in FY22, served 279 Brewster residents for a total of
1,031 hours of services including support groups, ongoing phone support, counseling, care
consultation, memory screenings, education, outreach and social and cultural events with a
conservatively estimated total cost of $36,085 per year.
Requested Funding: $15,000
Recommended Funding: $11,000
Cape Abilities , in FY22, served 19 Brewster residents with vocational training, supported
employment, day habilitation, life skills, community-based day supports, residential services,
adult family care and shared living.
Requested Funding: $7,000
Recommended Funding: $7,000
Cape Cod Children’s Place, in FY22, served 125 Brewster parents and children with family
support visits, play groups, and parenting education classes (700 Units of Service).
Requested Funding: $11,000
Recommended Funding: $10,500
Consumer Assistance Council , in FY22, closed 16 Brewster cases for whom they
recouped/saved $9,071.
Requested Funding: $1,100
Recommended Funding: $600
Duffy Health Center, through their In From The Streets Program in FY22, served 2 Brewster
clients by providing 32 nights of emergency safe shelter with a conservatively estimated total
cost of $3,520.
Requested Funding: $1,500
Recommended Funding: $1,500
Elder Services, in FY22, delivered 8,731 free Meals-on-Wheels to 90 Brewster residents with an
estimated total cost of $107,827.
Requested Funding: $9,120
Recommended Funding: $9,120
Family Pantry of Cape Cod, in FY22, provided food (6,496 grocery bags of food), clothing,
healthy-eating education and a mobile pantry to 557 Brewster residents, for an estimated total
cost of $53,873.
Requested Funding: $5,000
Recommended Funding: $5,000
Homeless Prevention Council, in CY21, provided case managers enabling a broad range of
individualized services for 256 Brewster clients with an estimated total cost of $86,058.
Requested Funding: $18,000
Recommended Funding: $15,000
Independence House, in FY22, provided an array of services including counseling, advocacy
and basic needs to 290 Brewster children and adult survivors through programs such as the Child
Witness to Violence Program and Child Sexual Assault Services with an estimated total cost of
$84,476.
Requested Funding: $12,000
Recommended Funding: $12,000
Lower Cape Outreach Council, in FY22, served 259 Brewster households through cash
assistance, food, clothing, Thanksgiving baskets and holiday toys with an estimated total cost of
$201,528.
Requested Funding: $12,000
Recommended Funding: $12,000
Nauset Together We Can , in FY22, served Brewster middle schoolers through 144 visits to the
free Youth After School Program which provides a safe, healthy, social environment for students
to do homework, play and relax with adult supervision and mentoring.
Requested Funding: $3,500
Recommended Funding: $1,500
Nauset Youth Alliance , in FY22, served 37% of Brewster elementary schoolers by providing
after-school education, care and enrichment, with an estimated total cost of $369,797.
Requested Funding: $16,000
Recommended Funding: $16,000
Outer Cape Health Services, in FY22, provided 1,222 Brewster residents with 6,457 billable
visits and 15,568 unbillable encounters (including uninsured patients and interactions with phone
callers, web users, lab staff, pharmacy staff etc.).
Requested Funding: $15,000
Recommended Funding: $15,000
Sight Loss Services, in FY22, provided 364 units of service (support groups, education,
referrals, home independence, adaptive aids and advocacy) to 64 Brewster residents with an
estimated total cost of $10,944.
Requested Funding: $2,000
Recommended Funding: $2,000
South Coastal Counties Legal Services, in FY22, provided free legal services to 23
low-income and/or elderly Brewster residents with an estimated total cost of $42,550.
Requested Funding: $4,350
Recommended Funding: $4,350
The members of this committee continue to be impressed with the work of these agencies in their
efforts to support our townspeople. It is clear that Brewster residents seek out these agencies for
support, especially in times of crisis; it is also clear that the agencies seek to find new and more
effective ways to meet the needs expressed by our residents. We hope you will approve our
recommendation for a 0.9% funding increase over FY22.
Finance Committee Minutes
December 28, 2022 Page 1 of 5
TOWN OF BREWSTER
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Date: December 28, 2022 Time: 6:00 PM
MEETING MINUTES
Present: Chair Pete Dahl, Vice Chair Frank Bridges, Clerk Bill Meehan, Robert Tobias, William Henchy,
Alex Hopper, Honey Pivirotto
Also present: Peter Lombardi, Town Administrator; Donna Kalinick, Assistant Town Administrator; Mimi
Bernardo, Finance Director
Absent: Bob Young; Andy Evans
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:03 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 following up on the joint session with the Select Board earlier this month, talking about the
Nauset School Officials continually asking for feedback of the member towns about the term of the debt for the
Nauset High School project. They have done that throughout the Town Administrators and Finance Directors
and the consensus of that group has been that we recommend a 25-year level debt term based on the latest
project numbers and interest rates provided by our financial advisers. The difference between the 25- and 30-
year level debt terms is a savings to the taxpayers of about $1300. Brewster’s obligations for the project would
be about $12 million less with a 25-year level term. So, the Select Board voted their recommendation to the
district for a 25-year level debt term, consistent with the recommendations of the other towns so far. Frank
asked if the savings would be for Brewster only, for the life of the deal. Peter Lombardi answered yes, for the
life of the project, holding all costs, interest rate, our split of student enrollment, and median value home, etc.
which would be $34 more per year for the average resident for the 25-year term – so, $466 vs. $432. The Select
Board did vote at their last meeting to recommend the project.
3.Reserve Fund Transfer
Donna Kalinick said we have a request on behalf of the Facilities Director, Tom Thatcher, for $15,000 for a
Reserve Fund Transfer. On November 15th it was discovered that the two vaults that operate in the building
Approved:
VOTE:
Finance Committee Minutes
December 28, 2022 Page 2 of 5
holding all our critical records, both current and historic, the HVAC temperature control units had failed. Tom
Thatcher called McDonnell Mechanical who did a service call trying to diagnose the problem. After several
attempts, it was discovered that a board had failed. These units are approximately 15 years old and are not able
to receive replacement parts. The recommendation is to replace the units. The current units cannot function with
our current AC system downstairs. To replace the units, the cost is $13,300 plus service calls amounting to
approximately $1,092. We did go through the emergency waiver process through the state because the cost is
over $10,000 where we are typically required to do an advertised quote process for anything over that amount.
We received approval from the state for the full waiver. We would like to go ahead and schedule these repairs
as quickly as possible since we are going on 60 days where the temp control is not in place other than
circulating fans.
Bill Meehan MOVED to approve the request as stated, $15,000 transfer from the Reserve Fund. Frank
Bridges second.
Roll Call Vote: Bill Meehan – yes, Frank Bridges – yes, Robert Tobias – yes, Bill Henchy – yes, Honey
Pivirotto – yes, Alex Hopper – yes, Chair Pete Dahl– yes
The Committee voted: 7-yes 0-no
4.Nauset Regional High School Project – Debt Exclusion for Additional Funding –
Discussion and Vote
Pete said we have an election coming up on Jan 10th for an amount of $38 million, increase in the Nauset
Regional School Building Committee Budget for the new building. While we don’t have the ability to bring this
to Town Meeting, we do want to take a position. Using the notes provided by the School Building Committee,
the bids came in $38 million higher. This issue is whether to recommend. Peter Lombardi said it is important to
differentiate between the additional funding that the school district is seeking and the debt exclusion which are
two separate elections where people may take two different positions on each of the questions. Pete said
regardless of the recommendation, should it pass, it would seem very important we support the override because
we don’t want our municipal government impacted each year to make up that $38 million. Bill Henchy said
Peter’s position is exactly the position the Town Administrator should take. But that number goes to the heart of
the matter. If the Town of Brewster were to live within its levy limit, it would be dramatically short as a result
of this new debt addition. If it goes outside the levy limit, the impact is passed to the taxpayers. If it stays inside
the levy limit, the impact is born by the town administration. The tax impact would stay within the 2.5%
limitation. He supports the exclusion but wants to make clear what the choices are. Peter Lombardi said at the
25-year level debt term, it is almost exactly at $4.25 million in terms of our increased assessment for that debt.
Pete said let’s first take up the issue of the $38 million overage.
Frank asked about the questions the committee had sent to the Nauset school officials related to if the project
was not approved via town vote, what would the impact be to our tax rate on the expenses. Peter Lombardi said
we did not receive an answer to that. There was some supporting documentation around some of the other
questions around what had been cut dealing with project scope. Frank said that question was pertinent because
then the voters have a good understanding of the financial consequence, never mind the educational
consequence of not going through with this. Pete said we got a Capital Project Expenditure report which listed
the monies expended and the monies encumbered to date. That was equaling $21 million but that doesn’t
explain the $28 million that has already been committed. Bill Meehan said the bids that came in were $31
million of the budget and the other $7 million of the request was to cover that $7 million discrepancy.
Honey said she thinks the discussion we just had really touches on the essence of her concerns which are that
it’s extremely difficult for us, and the residents of the community, to understand exactly what is going on with
this $38.1 million. Bottom line, we are going to have to go forward with the $38.1 million. It’s not feasible to
Finance Committee Minutes
December 28, 2022 Page 3 of 5
start over. We have allowed this building to go forward for about 50 years with minimal work where it has
deteriorated extensively. She would have felt a lot more confident about what is going on if her question about
what effort was made to really cut this project back had been addressed. She did not hear a substantive response
with a project running over by that amount. That school is a wreck, she isn’t comfortable with this, but feels it
must move forward, but make sure the debt is excluded as there is no way, with the limited budget this town
has, it can absorb $4.2 million/year. Bill Meehan will oppose the $38 million additional funding but will support
the debt exclusion. It is inappropriate, it is bloated, founded on ill assumptions – he opposed at the start and
opposes now.
Frank will vote in favor of the increase and in favor of the debt exclusion. He felt the project was ill considered
in its origin. He feels we are put in this position because no one in this room wants to see $28 million go down
the drain on a project not moving forward. It is a tough decision. Bill Henchy feels the Town and the committee
have been put in a position to have to accept an unpleasant choice. He will vote ‘no’ on the debt but ‘yes’ on the
exclusion. He is not persuaded by the presentations from the school building committee that there is no
alternative to this deal or no deal. He believes the bid climate will improve. He is troubled by the lack of
information based on direct requests and doesn’t see how it’s rational to build a 900-student school to service a
population of 800 students where that number is declining. We have large segments of our community who are
on fixed incomes and retired and that kind of jump in debt is a real issue for that segment. He is also troubled
that the school committee would not commit to the idea of renegotiating the capital costs to be included in the
payments from Truro and P-Town when they renegotiate next year. He understands they have a 50-year-old
building depreciated and not well maintained, education is a prime municipal obligation, but the way it has been
presented, if you vote yes, you are accepting the conundrum you have been placed in.
Alex is going to echo much of what Honey said. He will vote in favor of both. It is clear we are in a precarious
situation for the town and the district. This is a bad time to take out a loan on your own home, let alone to this
scale, but this has been a very long project, and this is the nature of how things move through town hall. It has
gotten more and more expensive through the years. He will support reluctantly. The school needs to be re-built.
Robert Tobias will vote in favor of additional funding and the excluded debt. It is going to be an expensive
school no matter what. If he looks down the road, he believes it will end up costing as much as this bill now. At
least we do have the state money, where others were not able to receive any. It might be too big, but he likes the
possibility of putting Grade 8 in there as well. Pete said he wants to try to find a way to yes. The question of
what your plan is to bring Truro and P-Town into the district. There is no plan. To him, that means the Nauset
School Committee thinks it ok for Brewster to pay the debt of Truro and P-Town and that is terribly unfair. The
Brewster taxpayers do not need to be paying this debt. He cannot get over that. This is doable and there are
other ways this could have been done. A smaller school could have been built. For that, he will vote against this
but will vote for the override. Bill Meehan said if you vote yes for this entire project, you will be voting no for
many projects in the future about which you know nothing. That is inevitable and unavoidable.
Bill Meehan MOVED to support the additional $38.1 million in funding for the Nauset Regional High
School Project. Frank Bridges second.
Roll Call Vote: Bill Meehan – no, Frank Bridges – yes, Robert Tobias – yes, Bill Henchy – no, Honey
Pivirotto – yes, Alex Hopper – yes, Chair Pete Dahl– no
The Committee voted: 4-yes 3-no
Bill Meehan MOVED to approve the question on the January 10th ballot for the debt exclusion for the
$38.1 million. Frank Bridges second.
Roll Call Vote: Bill Meehan – yes, Frank Bridges – yes, Robert Tobias – yes, Bill Henchy – yes, Honey
Pivirotto – yes, Alex Hopper – yes, Chair Pete Dahl– yes
The Committee voted: 7-yes 0-no
Finance Committee Minutes
December 28, 2022 Page 4 of 5
Robert Tobias asked about the letter in the packet dated December 12 to Chris Easily from Concerned Citizens
of Orleans, Brewster, Eastham, and Wellfleet. What was nature of that in the packet? Frank said it is basically a
strong recommendation to the school committee to seek to include Truro and Provincetown in the regional
school agreement. At this point, he has no idea why they would want to do that but thinks that is the way to
approach them. To not extend their tuition agreements past 2024 and invite them to join the district. He would
want to do that sooner rather than later to let them know they would not be renewed and would not be
“Choiced” in. He liked the letter. Pete said the letter was interesting, but it depends on the Nauset Regional
School Committee to open this back up. Although if 51% of the district can propose an amendment to the
district including opening the district up to new communities. Peter Lombardi said it is actually 10% of the
cumulative towns in the member towns that can initiate a petition to open it. He believes it is registered voters.
Honey wonders at what point legal action has to be taken by these 4 towns on some of these issues because we
don’t get valid answers from the school committee when we raise those concerns. If it takes 10% of the people
in these towns having to vote on something, maybe we have to reach that point. Raising our voices in a strong
and appropriate manner in these meetings has accomplished nothing. It may be closer to 4 years that we have
been discussing these issues. Peter Lombardi said he believes that that petition then brings warrant articles to
each of the 4 towns’ Town Meetings which then have to take action on reopening the agreement. It is a multi-
step process. Bill Henchy asked about having taken a vote on reopening the agreement. Pete said we have not
taken a vote. Bill Henchy asked if we should be on record with that. Robert said he was thinking of a different
forward action. He knows the town administrators are meeting with the Nauset School Administration, he
would make a request to have an agenda item on the next joint meeting to discuss Truro and Provincetown
remaining at the school and the Choices they are in. He would make a motion.
Robert said he would like to move to recommend Brewster Town Administrator add an agenda item to the next
district Town Administrator Meeting with the Superintendent, a discussion on Truro and Provincetown paying a
fair share of Capital Costs. Peter Lombardi said it would be best to put this item on a future agenda and the
committee can discuss at that point. We can provide copies of the district agreement in advance. Pete said we
can put that as an agenda item at a future meeting. This will continue to be an open issue and become an even
greater issue as hundreds of dollars hits the taxpayers.
5.Liaison Reports and Assignments - defer
6. Review and Approval of Minutes – none
7. Request for agenda items for future meetings – please email Pete
8. Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair- none
9. Next Finance Committee Meeting – Joint w Select Board 1/11/23 6PM REMOTE
Review of the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan.
10. Adjournment
Bill Meehan MOVED to adjourn the meeting at 7:05 PM. Frank Bridges second.
Finance Committee Minutes
December 28, 2022 Page 5 of 5
Roll Call Vote: Bill Meehan – yes, Frank Bridges – yes, Robert Tobias – yes, Bill Henchy – yes, Honey Pivirotto
– yes, Alex Hopper – yes, Chair Pete Dahl– yes.
The Committee voted: 7-yes 0-no
Respectfully submitted, Beth Devine
Packet of supporting materials on website for public review.
Finance Committee Minutes
January 11, 2023 Page 1 of 5
TOWN OF BREWSTER FINANCE COMMITTEE
JOINT MEETING WITH
SELECT BOARD
Date: January 11, 2023 Time: 6:00 PM
VIRTUAL MEETING MINUTES
Present: Finance Committee - Chair Pete Dahl, Vice Chair Frank Bridges, Clerk Bill Meehan, Robert
Tobias, Alex Hopper, Honey Pivirotto, Bob Young, Andy Evans
Present: Select Board - Chair Whitney, Selectperson Chatelain, Selectperson Bingham, Selectperson
Chaffee, Selectperson Hoffmann
Also present: Peter Lombardi, Town Administrator; Donna Kalinick, Assistant Town Administrator; Mimi
Bernardo, Finance Director
Absent: William Henchy
Chair Dahl called the meeting to order at 6:01 pm and announced a quorum. After the Meeting Participation
statement, Select Board Chair Whitney called the Select Board to order.
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 Manager/Finance Director Report
Peter wanted to acknowledge the special election yesterday, they have their funding, and we have our debt
exclusion. Approximately $4.25M. We will be in communication with Nauset officials around the debt and
timing of the debt issuance and impact on resident tax bills for next year. The State Legislature and former
Governor Baker approved our Special Act creating a Town Charter. Thanks to Bill and Cindy and their
participation in that committee. It was a lot of work, but we have our own constitution now. There will be some
changes relative to capital planning which we will talk about going forward. Pete congratulated Peter Lombardi
and Donna Kalinick on their new titles because of the Charter as Town Manager and Assistant Town Manager.
3.Presentation of FY23-27 Capital Improvement Plan, including supplemental FY23
Capital requests – Finance Team
Peter Lombardi addressed the committees joined by Mimi Bernardo and Donna Kalinick as your Finance Team.
He wanted to start by mentioning we typically have this joint meeting around this time yearly. The town has a
Approved:
VOTE:
Finance Committee Minutes
January 11, 2023 Page 2 of 5
5-year capital improvement plan, what it comprises are all the known projects, capital expenditures and
investments, infrastructure, facilities, our fleet, etc. that really looks at things wholistically looking at the needs
of the community and tries to create a sustainable model while also being fiscally responsible. Historically, the
plan has been developed in consultation with the Capital Planning Committee, however, with the Charter, those
responsibilities have become more of a staff led process. In terms of what we are presenting tonight, we have
met with Department Heads this summer and again in the past month and really look back on last year’s plan
and understand what is new and different in terms of priorities, new initiatives, projects, or acquisitions we had
on our radar. We developed a series of recommendations we have here tonight. In the past, there was a large
spreadsheet, which was difficult for others to access. We have moved to the open.gov platform, an online
platform. It was a fair amount to take on initially but brings a lot of benefits and is very much in line with the
goals and strategic plan of the Select Board in terms of this being an ongoing goal in continuing to improve
outreach, communication and outreach and accessibility of town finances to our residents.
Our agenda for tonight, we start with the very big picture of the 5-year capital plan overview structured by
department. There is a requirement that the Select Board present a 5-year capital plan for all projects over
$100,000 to the residents at the Annual Town Meeting in the spring.
He will then hand it to Mimi Bernardo for her to go over All the Funding Sources Summary. She will also talk
about Planned Free Cash Investments. Then they will look at the Nauset & Brewster Elementary Schools Detail.
After that, Donna Kalinick will look at the Spring 2023 Capital Requests. And we will close with telling Our
Capital Stories. Then we will wrap up with questions. Peter Lombardi then went through the slide presentation
slide by slide.
Major Projects
Nauset Regional High School Renovation
Stony Brook School Roof & HVAC
Millstone Road Improvements
Captains Maintenance Building & Irrigation System
Rail Trail Extension to Linnell Landing
Millstone Road Community Housing
Ongoing Commitments
Integrated Water Resource Management Planning
Fleet, Facilities, and Equipment Re-investments
Remaining Policy Questions
Drummer Boy Park Improvements
Wing Island Access Improvements
Community Center
Future Cape Cod Sea Camps Projects
Peter Lombardi then went through the Capital Projects List – mostly highlights – starting with those approved
already and included in the plan. The next column is Spring of 2023 and you combine them to get the total
aggregate need for this current fiscal year.
Peter Lombardi then handed it over to Mimi Bernardo to talk about the funding sources that were chosen to
fund the projects on the list. Mimi Bernardo said that because we do leverage many funding sources, it makes it
very manageable. It keeps us focused on what needs to be done, and we can always reprioritize as we go along.
Free Cash is the primary funding source of the capital improvement plan, but that doesn’t mean that free cash
funds the largest and most complicated projects, which we know is debt, excluded debt preferably. The Water
Department and Golf Department are Enterprise Funds. They pay for their own debt and if they don’t borrow
Finance Committee Minutes
January 11, 2023 Page 3 of 5
for their projects, they use their retained earnings which is their free cash equivalent. Just because you are a
Brewster taxpayer, and you pay taxes, you are technically funding projects that are paid for with General Fund
money. The capital at the Golf Course and the Water Department is only funded through their receipts. So just
because you play golf, and you don’t have town water, you are funding golf course projects, but you aren’t
funding water projects. The fire department usually has very healthy receipt reserve fund for appropriation
account from their ambulance receipts. That balance usually runs about $2M. They use some of it to pay for
their annual operating budget and for their capital. They can usually get the equipment they need. Short term
debt is paid through the tax levy. Excluded debt will increase now based on last night. Funding sources are
diversified and sustainable. For capital stabilization we have a healthy balance there and we aren’t planning to
use that in the next five years. She then went through the Capital Funding Sources Summary.
Peter Lombardi then went on to the Nauset Regional & Brewster School FY23-FY27 Capital, information
received from the school staff. The School Committee will take this up and vote on their 5-year plan next week.
There isn’t a lot of supporting detail around this, but it will unfold over the next couple months. All 4 towns
approved an annual capital allocation that goes to the region that increases 2.5% each year. It increases each
year. For Brewster it is $275,000 and raised from the tax levy – what we pay to the district to support their
capital needs across all the districts. With the major capital needs for the Stony Brook School, one important
item to note is that if the combined total of these projects over a 3-year period exceeds 30% of the assessed
value of the facility, then other codes and requirements are triggered. Two projects totaling approximately
$11M for both.
Donna Kalinick then went through the Spring 2023 Capital Projects. Some of them have been mentioned
already if they were $100,000 or more. Some are under that and are ongoing items. The majority of our Capital
requests are funded at our Annual Town Meeting. We did fund approximately $2M of the $3M total for this
fiscal year. She discussed Public Works projects and Water Department projects, also the Cape Cod Sea Camps
remediation. We are working with a consultant and will get that out to bid soon. She then went through
highlights of projects that were not already discussed. Donna Kalinick also went over the Free Cash Balances &
Appropriations. They are really hoping they will be able to accurately forecast theses revenues. If there is any
type of recession, it is often these types of revenues that are hit – rental tax, meal tax, and motor vehicle tax.
Right now, Free Cash is healthy with a year end balance of $1.15M which is 2.3% of the annual operating
budget for the general fund.
She turned it over to Peter Lombardi to talk about our Capital Stories – the fun part! Peter Lombardi said it is
the fun stuff. We do lots of things well, we don’t always do the best job telling our stories. We hope this new
way of looking at these stories can help us to do that on the Open Gov platform being as transparent as possible.
Significant funds are being appropriated, and we are hopeful this helps folks navigate this much easier. There is
a high-level overview of the project, funding sources, and when we think that project will come online. We are
excited about this, we hope you have been able to take some time to look at the pages and if not, will be able to
do so soon. He then opened it up for questions.
Pete thanked the Finance Team for a great presentation. Bill Meehan said this is by far the finest presentation
we have received. Don’t underestimate the work that went into this. Will the town of Brewster support two
elementary schools for the indefinite future? Peter Lombardi said there was a feasibility study about the
possibility of combining those two schools. Recently, the School Committee took a vote to not recommend
consolidation at this time but expressed a willingness to continue to monitor enrollment and reopen discussions
when enrollment dropped to around the mid-50 mark. For the most part, once they get to 3 classes/grade,
consolidation becomes a lot easier practically speaking in terms of the State. As we talk about major looming
expenditures, that is a policy discussion that will come up again in the context of what could be a significant
debt exclusion to cover the cost of that work. Andy said the presentation was excellent and wanted to ask Peter
Finance Committee Minutes
January 11, 2023 Page 4 of 5
Lombardi about cost estimates for major projects. Given our experience with the Nauset Regional High School
and the difficulty they had in making accurate cost estimations effected by covid, etc., do we have greater
competence in the cost estimates for the major projects, so we don’t have to go back and up all the estimates as
we did in the school projects. Peter Lombardi answered our projects aren’t on the same scale as the High School
project. We have seen increases on the facilities side, less so on horizontal construction. We don’t have a lot of
major facility projects on our medium-term horizon, but we will continue to track it. That is part of the reason
we update this plan annually. Frank said this was a very well thought out plan. When he looks at the summary
page, at the totals, he is concerned with what he can and cannot see in this Capital Plan. Such as the Golf
Course - $10.5M - Peter Lombardi answered that on that question, in the Capital Plan, reflects our annual debt
obligations because that is how it will be financed. If you go to the detail in the Golf Budget, you will see there
are annual lease payments for those projects. Frank saw $400,000 in remediation costs at the Bay Property.
Peter Lombardi answered it is for a former shooting range on the property. That is a conservative estimate for
what we think the project cost will be. We have done analysis on both properties, and this is the only part that
needs to be cleaned up/ lead removal, we are planning to use ARPA funds for that work.
Selectperson Chaffee thanked the team for the presentation – she has some concern about the proposed Linnel
bike path extension. She would support pausing that project while the work goes on to develop the long-term
plan of the Bay Property. $9M she would support holding off on. Peter Lombardi said at the same time we are
finalizing design of the new Millstone Road improvements that includes a crossing from the new sidewalk over
to the Sea Camps property. It is a fair point with a lot that has changed since we first initiated that project.
Selectperson Chatelain said he shares Frank’s concerns about the school improvements. How will the decision-
making work there between the town boards and the school committee? Peter Lombardi said the School
Committee has care, custody, and control of both schools and are the primary decision makers. They would
want to look at a couple of decades of what systems really makes sense. Generally, to this point, Town
Administration, and our Energy Manager have been working with school officials on this early feasibility work,
this is the really known major capital project. He is hopeful there will be some sensitivity on the school’s part
for working with the town in terms of what makes the most sense – overall, timing, and means of financing, etc.
More to come on that. It is very early on. It does bare a lot of attention in the coming months. Selectperson
Chatelain hopes the School Committee, as it goes through the process, that all 4 options get considered. Peter
Lombardi said that if the schools were to consolidate, it would only make sense at the Stony Brook School.
Reinvestment in the Stony Brook School does make good long-term sense. Selectperson Hoffmann echoed the
thank you and thought the Capital Stories are just great and hopes the residents will really go in and look at all
of this! The report we received was helpful as we move through this. She wonders with the library’s change
with the decision not to invest in renovation, and with the electronic records and archival database project, will
they be included in the project? Peter Lombardi said that primarily included existing Town records in paper and
hard copy in town offices transitioning to an electronic format for ease of access. Relative to the library, with
the decision not to move forward with the major renovation, the Board of the library is going back and looking
at where their priorities lie. Their director is set to retire in a couple of months, and the Board is eager to sit
down with the new director and see what they think will be the capital needs for the future. Selectperson
Whitney thanked the group as well for an excellent presentation. The addition of the Capital Stories is
tremendous and hopefully will really help people understand what the Capital Projects are funding.
Selectperson Hoffmann MOVED to adjourn the meeting at 7:52 PM. Selectperson Chaffee second.
Roll Call Vote: Selectperson Chatelain - yes, Selectperson Bingham - yes, Selectperson Chaffee - yes,
Selectperson Hoffmann – yes, Chair Whitney - yes
The Select Board voted: 5-yes 0-no
4.Nauset Regional High School Project – Discussion - none
Finance Committee Minutes
January 11, 2023 Page 5 of 5
5.Nauset Regional High School Budget – Discussion - none
6.Liaison Reports and Assignments - defer
7. Review and Approval of Minutes – Joint SB/FinCom 12/5/22 & 12/12/22; FinCom
10/19/22 & 11/30/22
Bill Meehan MOVED to approve the 10/19/22 Minutes as presented. Andy Evans second.
Roll Call Vote: Bill Meehan – yes, Frank Bridges – yes, Robert Tobias – yes, Bob Young – yes, Andy
Evans – yes, Alex Hopper – yes, Chair Pete Dahl– yes
The Committee voted: 7-yes 0-no
Honey left the meeting before the vote was taken.
Bill Meehan MOVED to approve the 11/30/22 Minutes as presented. Andy Evans second.
Roll Call Vote: Bill Meehan – yes, Frank Bridges – yes, Robert Tobias – yes, Bob Young – yes, Andy
Evans – yes, Alex Hopper – yes, Chair Pete Dahl– yes
The Committee voted: 7-yes 0-no
Bill Meehan MOVED to approve the 12/5/22 Joint Minutes, the Finance Committee portion, as presented.
Frank Bridges second.
Roll Call Vote: Bill Meehan – yes, Frank Bridges – yes, Robert Tobias – yes, Bob Young – yes, Andy
Evans – yes, Alex Hopper – yes, Chair Pete Dahl– yes
The Committee voted: 7-yes 0-no
Bill Meehan MOVED to approve the 12/12/22 Joint Minutes, the Finance Committee portion, as
presented. Frank Brides second.
Roll Call Vote: Bill Meehan – yes, Frank Bridges – yes, Robert Tobias – yes, Bob Young – yes, Andy
Evans – yes, Alex Hopper – yes, Chair Pete Dahl– yes
The Committee voted: 7-yes 0-no
8. Request for agenda items for future meetings – please email Pete
9. Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair- none
10. Next Finance Committee Meeting – TBD
11. Adjournment
Bill Meehan MOVED to adjourn the meeting at 7:57 PM. Frank Bridges second.
Roll Call Vote: Bill Meehan – yes, Frank Bridges – yes, Robert Tobias – yes, Bob Young – yes, Alex Hopper –
yes, Andy Evans – yes, Chair Pete Dahl– yes.
The Committee voted: 7-yes 0-no
Respectfully submitted, Beth Devine
Packet of supporting materials on website for public review.
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
www.brewster-ma.gov
BoS 02.08.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 1 of 2
Office of:
Select Board
Town Manager
MINUTES OF THE JOINT MEETING WITH SELECT BOARD & FINANCE COMMITTEE REGULAR SESSION
DATE: February 08, 2023
TIME: 8:30 AM
PLACE: 2198 Main Street & Remote public participation
PARTICIPANTS: Chair Whitney, Selectperson Chaffee, Selectperson Hoffmann (remote), Selectperson
Bingham, Selectperson Chatelain, Town Manager Peter Lombardi, Assistant Town Manager Donna Kalinick,
Finance Director Mimi Bernardo, Finance Committee members: Chair Pete Dahl, Frank Bridges, Robert
Tobias, Andrew Evans (remote), Honey Pivirotto, William Meehan
ABSENT: Robert Young, William Henchy, Alex Hopper
Call to Order & Declaration of a Quorum, Meeting Participation Statement and Recording Statement
Chair Whitney called the meeting to order at 8:30am. A quorum was declared, and all Select Board members
were announced. Chair Whitney read the meeting participation and recording statements.
Public Announcements and Comment: None
Finance Committee Chair Dahl called the meeting to order , declared a quorum and announced all Finance
Committee members.
FY24 Budget Presentations
The Select Board and the Finance Committee reviewed and discussed department budgets with the
respective department heads as follows:
Town Clerk- Colette Williams
Police Department- Chief Eldredge
Building Department – F. Davis Walters
Health Department – Amy von Hone
Department of Public Works – Griffin Ryder
Natural Resources Department – Chris Miller
Planning- Jon Idman
Brewster Ladies Library- Cindy St. Amour and Nori Morganstein
Finance Committee member Meehan moved to adjourn at 12:48pm. Member Young second. A roll call vote
was taken. Member Pivirotto-yes, Member Evans-yes, Member Tobias- yes, Member Meehan-yes, Member
Bridges-yes, Chair Dahl-yes. The Finance Committee Board vote was 6-Yes, 0-No
Next Meetings:
February 9 (Wing Island Access Forum), February 10 (Joint with Finance Committee), February 13, February
27, March 6 (Special Town Meeting), March 13 and March 20, 2023
Doc ID: 99d6b05b4bbb6b42a3fb74588a3b81c0d372bbb7
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
www.brewster-ma.gov
BoS 02.08.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 2 of 2
Office of:
Select Board
Town Manager
Adjournment
Selectperson Chaffee moved to adjourn at 12:48pm. Selectperson Hoffmann second. A roll call vote was
taken. Selectperson Chaffee-yes, Selectperson Bingham- yes, Selectperson Hoffmann-yes, Chair Whitney-yes.
The Board vote was 4-Yes, 0-No.
Respectfully submitted by Erika Mawn,
Executive Assistant
Approved: __________________ Signed: _________________________________________
Date Selectperson Hoffmann, Clerk of the Select Board
Link to the Town of Brewster online budget book:
https://stories.opengov.com/brewsterma/published/F9CdtNNmzu
02 / 27 / 2023
Doc ID: 99d6b05b4bbb6b42a3fb74588a3b81c0d372bbb7
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
www.brewster-ma.gov
BoS 02.10.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 1 of 2
Office of:
Select Board
Town Manager
MINUTES OF THE JOINT MEETING WITH SELECT BOARD & FINANCE COMMITTEE REGULAR SESSION
DATE: February 10, 2023
TIME: 8:30 AM
PLACE: 2198 Main Street & Remote public participation
PARTICIPANTS: Chair Whitney, Selectperson Chaffee, Selectperson Hoffmann (remote), Selectperson
Bingham, Selectperson Chatelain, Town Manager Peter Lombardi, Assistant Town Manager Donna Kalinick,
Finance Director Mimi Bernardo, Conor Kenny, Finance Committee members: Chair Pete Dahl, Frank Bridges,
Robert Tobias, Andrew Evans (remote), Honey Pivirotto, William Meehan
ABSENT: William Henchy, Alex Hopper, Robert Young
Call to Order & Declaration of a Quorum, Meeting Participation Statement and Recording Statement
Chair Whitney called the meeting to order at 8:30am. A quorum was declared with four members of the
Select Board present and one member present via Zoom. Chair Whitney read the meeting participation and
recording statements.
Public Announcements and Comment:
None
Finance Committee Chair Dahl called the meeting to order, declared a quorum with four members present
and one remote.
FY24 Budget Presentations
The Select Board and the Finance Committee reviewed and discussed department budgets with the
respective department heads as follows:
Water Department, Paul Anderson
Town Buildings & Maintenance, Tom Thatcher
Fire Department, Chief Robert Moran
Golf Department, Jay Packett
Recreation Department, Mike Gradone
Council on Aging, Elton Cutler and Sharon Tennstedt
Human Resources, Susan Broderick
Finance Dept: Assessors (Jim Gallagher), IT (Kathy Lambert), Finance (Mimi Bernardo),
Treasure/Collector (Lisa Vitale), Benefits & Debt
Administration, Town Hall Operations, & All Others
Finance Committee member Meehan moved to adjourn at 1:54pm. Member Tobias second. The Finance
Committee Board vote was 5-Yes, 0-No
Doc ID: 99d6b05b4bbb6b42a3fb74588a3b81c0d372bbb7
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
www.brewster-ma.gov
BoS 02.10.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 2 of 2
Office of:
Select Board
Town Manager
Next Meetings:
February 13, February 27, March 6 (Special Town Meeting), March 13 and March 20, 2023
Adjournment
Selectperson Bingham moved to adjourn at 1:55pm. Selectperson Chaffee second. A roll call vote was taken.
Selectperson Hoffmann-yes, Selectperson Chaffee- yes, Selectperson Bingham-yes, Chair Whitney-yes. The
Board vote was 4-Yes, 0-No.
Respectfully submitted by Erika Mawn,
Executive Assistant
Approved: __________________ Signed: _________________________________________
Date Selectperson Hoffmann, Clerk of the Select Board
Link to the Town of Brewster online budget book:
https://stories.opengov.com/brewsterma/published/F9CdtNNmzu
02 / 27 / 2023
Doc ID: 99d6b05b4bbb6b42a3fb74588a3b81c0d372bbb7