HomeMy Public PortalAboutVision Planning Committee -- 2023-05-15 MinutesTOWN OF BREWSTER
VISION PLANNING COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
Monday, May 15, 2023, at 3:30PM
Sharon Tennstedt, Chair, convened the Brewster Vision Planning Committee in person with members: Amanda Bebrin,
Suzanne Kenney, Patricia Hess, and Alex Wentworth were present, Andi Gesner was absent. A quorum was determined.
Also present: Kari Hoffman, Jon Idman, Ellen Murphy, Jillian Douglass (resident)
The Chair read the Recording or Taping Notification: 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.
To submit public comment or questions to the Vision Planning Committee, please email: brewplan@b
• Review and approval of May 211 meeting minutes
Amanda made a motion to approve the May 2nd meeting minutes, Suzanne seconded the motion, a roll call was
taken, and the May 2nd meeting minutes were unanimously approved.
• Review of recent edits to the draft LCP including edits to Actions
Sharon Tennstedt asked the Committee to focus on the edits made since the last meeting. Sharon, Amanda, and
Jon met twice since the last meeting to start the process of reviewing the remaining parts of the text and any
track changes/edits visible on the document are the result of those meetings. Actions have been updated,
particularly under the Water Resources Building Block, to clarify the intent.
Starting with the Executive Summary, the Committee stepped through the document to review the changes for
substance and content. The Committee commented that the document has more context and clarity with the
proposed changes. Sharon highlighted the intent was to make a point that the Town is working closely with
residents, community organizations and businesses in the town. Amanda shared her screen allowing the
Committee to view all track changes/edits on the document. The Committee reviewed the document for
consistency.
In the Brewster Vision section of the document, Sharon indicated that "town centers" came from the Vision Plan
and will be referred to as "town centers", ( lowercase, plural and in quotes) throughout the document. The
Committee agreed to the term. Additional edits were made to Community Engagement mostly for clarity.
Sharon indicated that data that is listed in the document will be updated to reflect current data. It was decided
by the Committee to replace the terms "development" or "create" with "designate" and "identify" throughout
the document where applicable for more clarity.
Jill Scalise, the Housing Coordinator, will review the housing data and ensure it conforms. Patricia suggested
seasonal workforce housing be listed as a challenge under Local Economy as well as Housing. The Committee
discussed the number of parking spaces under Coastal Management. Chris Miller, Natural Resources will review
and provide feedback. Additional edits were made for clarity. Ellen Murphy commented on the grant in
reference to Bass Hole in Dennis, which is inaccurate, it is in Yarmouth. Sharon and Jon to clarify. Minor edits
were made to Water Resources and Governance. Kari indicated that the Town Greeter is a seasonal volunteer
position. Jon suggested an additional sentence stating currently the position is volunteer and seasonal. A
global search on terms will be performed to ensure consistency. The Committee is keeping a list of future items
that will need to be updated prior to the final draft.
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Under Solid Waste Management the approval of the nip ban was included. The Committee discussed trash and
recycling options for seasonal guests. Jon suggested the focus is on education of the property owner. The
Committee discussed wording changes to Climate Mitigation and Adaptation specifically around the term shared
infrastructure capacity. They agreed to continue to work on the wording for the next version.
The Committee moved on to the Action Plan with the goal to clarify the actions. They stepped through the
edits/changes addressing some of the highlights in the Plan. Major changes to Water Resources were
addressed. Some of the actions were repetitive under the purposes but although actions are similar, they are
targeted for different water supplies. Clarifying the language and streamlining the actions was the focus. In
Open Space, Kari suggested that access should not only be access walking trails but access to the trails such as
where parking is located for the trails. The Committee discussed proper wording. Jon reminded the Committee
we need to use the proper level of specificity with an action and take some time to consider the proper language
rather than drafting on the fly.
Patricia suggested in Local Economy, the reference to economic strategy be separate from working with the
Brewster Chamber of Commerce because they are two separate actions. The Committee agreed. The term
small business was changed to local businesses. Jon clarified use regulations in the zoning bylaw to the
Committee and suggested language that simplifies the action. There are no changes in Solid Waste. Climate
Mitigation and Adaptation language was updated to clarify some of the actions. Changes to the Implementation
and Performance Monitoring language were added for clarification.
An updated version highlighting the changes discussed will be sent to the Committee prior to the next meeting
for review. An updated Strategic Plan and Capital Facilities Plan will be provided for the final LCP. Sharon
informed the Committee that a schedule with work items leading up to the Fall Town Meeting is currently in the
works.
Jon suggested the Committee view the summary papers as a point in time (summer of 2022) and use them as
background. The Committee agreed it was the best approach. A list of high-level substantive changes that have
been made is being created and will be used as part of the education piece. This list will also be used to create
the FAQ and assist in facilitating the review by town staff.
• Review Action Items from the May 2"d meeting
Patricia informed the Committee there were no outstanding items.
The Committee discussed the June meetings, June 19th is a Monday holiday. Sharon asked if the Committee was
open to Monday, June 26th. Alex is not available. Ellen will check with Town Administration.
• Update from Bay and Pond Property Planning Committees
Suzanne informed the Committee there is a big focus on the public forum for the Bay and Pond properties this
Saturday, May 20th held at the Bay Property dining hall with a morning and afternoon session including public
engagement and feedback opportunities. Pre -registration is required. Amanda informed the Committee the
pool will be opened June 26th. First Light Beach will be opened on Memorial Weekend.
• Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair:
Kari informed the Committee there are two applicants for the vacancy. Sharon and Kari have developed
interview questions and a format. A recommendation should be sent to Select Board by the end of the week.
• Next Meeting Monday, June 51h
Amanda made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Alex seconded the motion, a roll call vote was taken, and the meeting
was unanimously adjourned at 5:34 pm.
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