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HomeMy Public PortalAboutBay Parcel Planning -- 2023-04-25 Minutesj40, Oft! yysr'ol�% 0�� OF'yCtOER� �g�� �i N�Cp A¢;4 s Z z• a © Town of Brewster 2198 Main Street Brewster, MA 02631-1898 Phone: (508) 896-3701 Fax: (508) 896-8089 MINUTES OF THE BAY PROPERTY PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING DATE: April 25, 202`3 TIME: 4:00 PM PLACE: Hybrid Participation — Zoom/2198 Main Street, Brewster, MA PARTICIPANTS: Town Manager Peter Lombardi, Chair Amanda Bebrin, Selectperson Mary Chaffee, Selectperson Ned Chatelain, Karl Fryzel, Katie Jacobus, Caroline McCarley, Thomas Wingard, Patricia Hughes, PeterJohnson, John, Phillips, Clare O'Connor -Rice; Liaisons/Representatives: Jan Crocker, Sharon Tennstedt, Bill Meehan, Kathleen Walker; Town Staff: Griffin Ryder (DPW Director), Mike Gradone (Recreation Department Director); Reed Hilderbrand Consultant Team & Subcontractors: Elizabeth Randall, Madeleine Aronson, David Vega-Barachowitz, Helen Fialkowski, Dan Keches, Brian Madden; Brad Crowell (YMCA Lower Cape Committee Chair) Call to Order. Declaration of a Quorum, Meeting Participation Statement and Recording Statement: Amanda Bebrin called the meeting to order at 4:06 pm and read the meeting participation and recording statements. Ms. Bebrin announced all members of the committee who were present, a quorum was declared. There were no public announcements or comments. Public Announcements and Comments None Follow-uR Discussion of Bay Property Discovery Findings & Analysis Elizabeth Randall and Madeleine Aronson of the Reed Hilderbrand consultant introduced other members of the team attending virtually, including subcontractors from other organizations. Ms. Randall invited members of the committee to ask questions regarding the discovery findings and analysis packets that had been disseminated to each of the members. 1. Clare O'Connor -Rice+ asked if the vernal pools were scheduled for testing. Brian Madden of LEC Environmental responded that this was planned to take place on April 28. Karl Fryzel asked where the vernal pools were located.$Mr. Madden responded that they were located in the areas around the pond. Caroline McCarley asked if the pond on site should be saline and qualify as a salt pond under WPA regulations. Mr. Madden responded -that they do not currently have any plans to test the salt levels in the pond. Patricia Hughes said that evidence suggests it has historically been a fresh pond. Ms. Bebrin invited committee members to raise any questions or comments arising from their most recent site visit to the property. Ms. McCarley noted that she was surprised by the slope issues on the property, and how this changes th`u nature of what can be done on the property. Ms. Hughes commented that the tour of the property and graphics provided by Reed Hilderbrand were helpful in visualizing what might be able to be done in terms of housing on the property. Ms. McCarley asked if it would be possible for Reed Hilderbrand to put a number on how many cabins were built in 1940 but have since been moved. Selectperson Chaffee DnW- A 9C Ir%'Y7 1.11....1 1........-4— ..n........, r)— 1 ^4: C Town of Brewster 0h��Cf _ 2198 Main Street — a = Brewster, MA 02631-1898 Phone: (508) 896-3701 Fax: (508) 896-8089 indicated that this information was provided by Reed Hilderbrand in their materials. Ms. O'Connor -Rice commented that the facilities that some of these properties already have is helpful for dividing them into use categories. Discuss Proposed Format & Approach to First Community Forum Ms. Aronson explained that Reed Hilderbrand has begun writing a document to summarize how they believe the forum should be structured. Ms. Aronson noted that they anticipate two sessions, because they are uncertain on expected attendance numbers and want to make sure the dining room will have enough space. The forums will take, place from 10am-12pm and fpm-3pm. On this day, the bay parcel will be available for everyone to explore:from gam to 4pm, and the goal is to introduce the planning process, share information, and gather community feedback. Pre -registration will be required. The majority of the time will be taken up by a community workshop with boards and activities around the room. The purpose of the workshop will be to educate the pubic about these parcels, to hear from the community about their values and interests, and to engage their imagination about what is possible for the future of these parcels. The boards and activities will be organized into stations. Mr. Randall explained that there will boards at each station about both the pond and the bay parcels. Mr. Lombardi added that the Pond Property Planning Committee would receive all the Reed Hilderbrand materials related to the bay parcel, and the Bay Committee would receive all of the materials pertainingto the pond parcel. Selectperson Chaffee suggested that a single statement should be placed at each station to inform residents about the different tasks associated with these stations. Ms. Hughes asked if a small packet could be put together to summarize all of the reports. Ms. Randall responded that a handout summarizing the. key takeaways in bullet point form would be provided at the forum. Ms. McCarley asked about the pre- registration process and if people who didn't register would be permitted to attend. Ms. Randall responded that the pre-registra-tion process would take place online, and that people would still be allowed to attend if they do not pre -register. Mr. Lombardi added that the facility has limited capacity, so it will be capped at 200 per session, which vyill provide a buffer for online traffic. Attendees addresses will be asked for, because we want to ensure that,, -it is Brewster residents who are attending. Jan Crocker commented that people are more apt to contribute if they are provided with provocative questions. Thomas Wingard asked if there was a rain date. Mr. Lombardi responded that a rain date was not necessary because the venue is indoors. Ms. Jacobus asked if a couple of signs could be placed at specific buildings with information for residents regarding their age and structural condition. Selectperson Chatelain asked if there was a�planned bus from the Council on Aging to help certain residents get to the forum. Mr. Lombardi responded that this hasn't been planned yet, but that CERT will be present at the forum to help with parking in general, and to help residents with restrictions to access the dining hall. The Town can offer the COA transportation service as it does for Town Meeting, but people do not tend to avail of this service. Ms. O'Connor -Rice asked if some sort of timing mechanism could be provided to ensure residents are able to see all of the structures they want to. Ms. Aronson responded that the facilitators at each station will remind onnf- n -)r k--4— ...., n... .,c people of their time; after ten minutes. Mr. Fryzel suggested that residents should be politely dissuaded from spending an indefinite period of time at each station. Ms. Jacobus asked about how Reed Hiderbrand proposed to deal with the potential issue of bottlenecking at popular stations. M. Aronson said that circulation had been considered and that the set-up plans should alleviate this potential problem. Ms. Aronson then highlighted each of the different stations: Y • Vision and Planning • Community Opportunities and Constraints • Programs and Activities • Buildings and Site Access • Landscape and Ecology • History and Inspiration • What's on Deck for 2023 Ms. Hughes asked ifMiddle School children could participate. Ms. Randall responded that this should be encouraged, that aR'ages will be selcome. Selectperson Chatelain asked about the plans for advertising the forum in the weeks leading up to it. Mr. Lombardi responded that the forum would be publicized just after Town Meeting on the project page, social media, Channel 18, and other means. Peter Johnson suggested that the Moderatorbat Town Meeting could let people know about the upcoming event. Mr. Fryzel asked if consultants would be responsible for taking notes at the station, and, if so, how this would be compiled and shared again with th'e committee. Ms. Randall responded that the notes would be generated by residents themselves, but that Reed Hilderbrand will aggregate these notes and report back to the committee. Ms. Bebrin thankedrthe Reed Hilderbrand team for all of their work to date and for attending the meeting. Presentation and Discussion on Potential Lower Cape YMCA Facility Kathleen Walker and Brad Crowell of the YMCA presented to the committee on a potential partnership with the Town at the Cap`,e Cod Sea Camps. Mr. Crowell explained that the YMCA began looking for a down -Cape location in 2016. Since then, they have carried out a site analysis, a community needs assessment and market studies in this area. Research has shown that many residents favor a partnership between the YMCA and the Town of Brewster at the former Cape Cod Sea Camps properties. However, only 5% found the site convenient, limitingpotential memberships. With this in mind, the YMCA changed the framing of their analysis, and instead began looking into how they could tailor their offerings and facility to fit the Sea Camps site. Mr..Crowell noted that the YMCA has been running early education and school-age programs in Brewster and Harwich since 2012. The YMCA is a non-profit, and so any new facility must have the likelihood of being cash -positive with revenue driven by the number of nearby houses and enthusiasm of potential members. u The. YMCA can brin6a wide slate of offerings to Brewster, such as: a wellness facility, family classes, senior programs, exercise space, youth mentoring, and volunteering opportunities. Construction of these facilities nnnr A '7C -1n^17 .,,.., L..,.,.,.4— ...... ....., n- -- 3 ..F Town of Brewster 2198 Main Street Brewster, MA 02631-1898 o Phone: (508) 896-3701 Fax: (508) 896-8089 people of their time; after ten minutes. Mr. Fryzel suggested that residents should be politely dissuaded from spending an indefinite period of time at each station. Ms. Jacobus asked about how Reed Hiderbrand proposed to deal with the potential issue of bottlenecking at popular stations. M. Aronson said that circulation had been considered and that the set-up plans should alleviate this potential problem. Ms. Aronson then highlighted each of the different stations: Y • Vision and Planning • Community Opportunities and Constraints • Programs and Activities • Buildings and Site Access • Landscape and Ecology • History and Inspiration • What's on Deck for 2023 Ms. Hughes asked ifMiddle School children could participate. Ms. Randall responded that this should be encouraged, that aR'ages will be selcome. Selectperson Chatelain asked about the plans for advertising the forum in the weeks leading up to it. Mr. Lombardi responded that the forum would be publicized just after Town Meeting on the project page, social media, Channel 18, and other means. Peter Johnson suggested that the Moderatorbat Town Meeting could let people know about the upcoming event. Mr. Fryzel asked if consultants would be responsible for taking notes at the station, and, if so, how this would be compiled and shared again with th'e committee. Ms. Randall responded that the notes would be generated by residents themselves, but that Reed Hilderbrand will aggregate these notes and report back to the committee. Ms. Bebrin thankedrthe Reed Hilderbrand team for all of their work to date and for attending the meeting. Presentation and Discussion on Potential Lower Cape YMCA Facility Kathleen Walker and Brad Crowell of the YMCA presented to the committee on a potential partnership with the Town at the Cap`,e Cod Sea Camps. Mr. Crowell explained that the YMCA began looking for a down -Cape location in 2016. Since then, they have carried out a site analysis, a community needs assessment and market studies in this area. Research has shown that many residents favor a partnership between the YMCA and the Town of Brewster at the former Cape Cod Sea Camps properties. However, only 5% found the site convenient, limitingpotential memberships. With this in mind, the YMCA changed the framing of their analysis, and instead began looking into how they could tailor their offerings and facility to fit the Sea Camps site. Mr..Crowell noted that the YMCA has been running early education and school-age programs in Brewster and Harwich since 2012. The YMCA is a non-profit, and so any new facility must have the likelihood of being cash -positive with revenue driven by the number of nearby houses and enthusiasm of potential members. u The. YMCA can brin6a wide slate of offerings to Brewster, such as: a wellness facility, family classes, senior programs, exercise space, youth mentoring, and volunteering opportunities. Construction of these facilities nnnr A '7C -1n^17 .,,.., L..,.,.,.4— ...... ....., n- -- 3 ..F -y Town of Brewster Q pF 89�'� i �j`F5 t �a 2198 Main Street q Brewster, MA 02631-1898 — Phone: (508) 896-3701 --� Fax: (508) 896-8089 would be funded through foundations, private donors, government grants and partnerships. No one will ever be turned away duelo inability to pay. Mr. Johnson said that a new facility in Brewster would prevent residents from having to drive to Barnstable to access the YMCAsthere, and would therefore be welcome. Mr. Gradone asked what type of facility would be constructed. Mr.FCrowell responded that, at this point, the answer depends on what this community is interested in, but it would be scaled to the likely size of the membership. Mr. Fryzel asked if the YMCA has given any thought to repurposing any of the existing buildings currently on site. Mr. Crowell responded that they have not yet gotten that far in their research, but they would like to engage this committee to try and figure out if it is feasible. Selectperson Chaffee asked how this idea could be included in the public forum process. Mr. Lombardi responded that the Town plans on giving residents the opportunity to offer high-level feedback on this possible partnership at one of the stations at the forum. Selectperson Chaffee suggested . that an 8t" station might be of value to discuss this partnership. Mr. Lombardi responded that this could be considered, but the Town wants to give residents the opportunity to comment on this idea without suggesting that it is anything more than theoretical at this point. Ms. O'Connor -Rice stated that she anticipates a negative reaction if the partnership has its own station at the forum. Ms.. Hughes noted that she was also hesitant to discuss a partnership with the YMCA without first having a discussion about a Community or Senior Center. Selectperson Chatelain stated that he would be hesitant not to bring this idea to the forum, due to: the fact that the committee has already discussed it — however, it should be discussed at a high level. Ms. McCarley, Mr. Wingard and Mr. Fryzel stated their agreement with Selectperson Chatelain. Ms. O'Connor -Rice responded that it would be appropriate to introduce the partnership at the forum provided it is;at a high level. Jan Crocker commented that the services provided by the YMCA are more interesting than the notion of new buildings. Ms. Hughes noted that she was also generally in agreement - regarding a high level introduction of the possible partnership at the upcoming forum. Selectperson Chaffee moved that the committee recommend including conceptual content on the YMCA, Mass Audobon, Brewster Conservation Trust and any other potential partners in the public forum process beginning May 20. Ms. McCarley second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Chaffee — yes, Selectperson Chatelain —yes, Clare O'Connor Rice —yes, Pat Hughes—yes, Thomas Wingard —yes, Karl Fryzel —yes, Caroline McCarley eyes, Katie Jacobus —yes, Amanda Bebrin — yes, Peter Johnson — abstain, John Phillips — yes. Summer 2023 Brewster Community Pool Update Mr. Lombardi commented that 175 pool passes have been sold so far for Summer 2023, including 70 family memberships. Afterghe Brewster Recreation Department announces its summer programming, it is expected that these numbers will increase again. A Pool Manager has been hired for the summer, and the Town continues to make progress in terms of hiring new lifeguards. The DPW has also finished paving the temporary parking area adjacent to the pool and access drive. r` 0nnf A -7c In^r7 ,. ......... t,..,..,.-4— --......, n....,, n -C c rnx Town of Brewster z fx 9A� 2198 Main Street a a > _ Brewster, MA 02631-1898 r =,� Phone: (508) 896-3701 Fax: (508) 896-8089 Review Uocominiz Armroved Interim Uses and Potential Vote on Proposed New Interim Use Ms. Bebrin stated that the Boy Scouts have requested permission to camp out for a night or two at the Sea Camps property in coordination with the Beautify Brewster weekend in order to carry out a beach sweep. This would occur on=April 28, 29 and 30. Mr. Fryzel moved to approve this request. Ms. O'Connor -Rice second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Chaffee — yes, Selectperson Chatelain — yes, Clare O'Connor Rice — yes, Pat Hughes — yes, Karl Fryzel — yes, Caroline McCarley -;yes, Katie Jacobus — yes, Thomas Wingard — yes, Amanda Bebrin — yes, Peter Johnson — yes, John Phillips — yes. Ms. O'Connor -Rice stated that the Nauset Youth Alliance has proposed creating painted wooden flowers to place around the Arts Center. They would be on skinny skates and would be about 8 inches in diameter. These would be installed in early June and removed at the end of the pool season. Ms. McCarley moved to allow the flowers to be placed around the Arts Center before June 26, and to be removed by August 16, 2023. A roll call vote was taken. Mr. Fryzel second. Selectperson Chaffee —yes, Selectperson Chatelain —yes, Clare O'Connor Rice —yes, Pat Hughes —yes, Karl Fryzel —yes, Caroline McCarley — yes, Kate Jacobus — yes, Thomas Wingard — yes, Amanda Bebrin — yes, Peter Johnson — yes, John Phillips — yes. E. Vote on Meeting Minutes: April 4, 2023 Due to time constraints, these minutes will be voted on at the next meeting on May 9, 2023. Next Meetings May 9 and May 20, 2023 Matters Not Reasonablv Anticipated by the Chair: None Adiournment Selectperson Chaffee moved to adjourn at 5.56pm. Ms. McCarley second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Chaffe°e — yes, Selectperson Chatelain — yes, Clare O'Connor Rice — yes, Pat Hughes — yes, Karl Fryzel — yes, Caroline McCarley — yes, Katie Jacobus — yes, Thomas Wingard — yes, Amanda Bebrin — yes, Peter Johnson — yes John Phillips yes. Respectfully submitted by Conor Kenny, Project Manager Approved: 05/10/2023 2 Signed: I < 0._� V --� �w Accompanying Documents in Packet: Agenda, Emails Re: Boy Scouts Event, Emails Re: Wooden Flowers at the Arts Center, YMCA Presentation, Minutes from 4.4.2023 onnr n -iC 'I k. ..... a......,., ., , n-. C _4r C