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Home My Public Portal AboutSelect Board -- 2023-07-24 MinutesMINUTES OF THE SELECT BOARD MEETING DATE: July 24, 2023 TIME: 5:45 PM PLACE: 2198 Main Street Office of: Select Board Town Manager REGULAR SESSION PARTICIPANTS: Chair Chatelain, Selectperson Bingham, Selectperson Hoffmann, Selectperson Chaffee, Town Manager Peter Lombardi, Assistant Town Manager Donna Kalinick, Building Commissioner Davis Walters, Attorney Jamie Norcross, Cape Light Compact Executive Director Maggie Downey and Program Manager Briana Kane, Colin Odell, Kim Crocker Pearson REMOTE PARTICIPANTS: Selectperson Whitney, Finance Director Mimi Bernardo Call to Order, Declaration of a Quorum, Meeting Participation Statement and Recording_ Statement Chair Chatelain called the meeting to order at 5:45pm, read the meeting participation and recording statement and declared a quorum. Executive Session To consider the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property if the chair declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body. Selectperson Hoffmann moved to enter the Executive Session. Selectperson Bingham second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Bingham -yes, Selectperson Hoffmann -yes, Selectperson Chaffee -yes, Selectperson Whitney -yes, Chair Chatelain-yes. The Board vote was 5 -Yes, 0 -No. The Select Board returned from Executive Session at 6:00pm. Public Announcements and Comment None Select Board Announcements and Liaison Reports None Town Manner's Report Mr. Lombardi shared information regarding the following topics: • Mass Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) o Issued their tentative determination denying Holtec's proposal to dispose of treated wastewater from the Pilgrim Powerplant into Cape Cod Bay as part of their decommissioning plan. o DEP asserts that the proposal conflicts with the Ocean Sanctuaries Act which affords Cape Cod Bay with significant protections. Select Board 7.24.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 1 of 6 Town of Brewster p-�� pDLR""4 - 9 �/ °�''` 2198 Main Street Brewster, MA 02631-1898 G Phone: (508) 896-3701 VP www.brewster-ma.gov R-��o' MINUTES OF THE SELECT BOARD MEETING DATE: July 24, 2023 TIME: 5:45 PM PLACE: 2198 Main Street Office of: Select Board Town Manager REGULAR SESSION PARTICIPANTS: Chair Chatelain, Selectperson Bingham, Selectperson Hoffmann, Selectperson Chaffee, Town Manager Peter Lombardi, Assistant Town Manager Donna Kalinick, Building Commissioner Davis Walters, Attorney Jamie Norcross, Cape Light Compact Executive Director Maggie Downey and Program Manager Briana Kane, Colin Odell, Kim Crocker Pearson REMOTE PARTICIPANTS: Selectperson Whitney, Finance Director Mimi Bernardo Call to Order, Declaration of a Quorum, Meeting Participation Statement and Recording_ Statement Chair Chatelain called the meeting to order at 5:45pm, read the meeting participation and recording statement and declared a quorum. Executive Session To consider the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property if the chair declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body. Selectperson Hoffmann moved to enter the Executive Session. Selectperson Bingham second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Bingham -yes, Selectperson Hoffmann -yes, Selectperson Chaffee -yes, Selectperson Whitney -yes, Chair Chatelain-yes. The Board vote was 5 -Yes, 0 -No. The Select Board returned from Executive Session at 6:00pm. Public Announcements and Comment None Select Board Announcements and Liaison Reports None Town Manner's Report Mr. Lombardi shared information regarding the following topics: • Mass Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) o Issued their tentative determination denying Holtec's proposal to dispose of treated wastewater from the Pilgrim Powerplant into Cape Cod Bay as part of their decommissioning plan. o DEP asserts that the proposal conflicts with the Ocean Sanctuaries Act which affords Cape Cod Bay with significant protections. Select Board 7.24.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 1 of 6 o The Select Boad submitted a letter consistent with Association to Preserve Cape Cod's assertions, many other Towns and environmental organizations submitted similar comments to DEP. o Formal public comment on DEP's ruling regarding the denial runs through August 28, 2023. Community Pool o Temporarily closed this past weekend for unexpected maintenance and sanitation. Reopened this morning as scheduled. o Two drop-in days left, Friday July 28th and Sunday August 6th. o Sold almost 700 season passes to residents and over 300 guest passes to date, a little over $110K in revenues so far. o Reminder that Brewster Recreation will be hosting a DJ dance party this Thursday at the Bay property at 6pm. Nauset Regional High School o Construction continues to proceed, last week Nauset school officials issued $91M in short- term debt to finance the costs associated with the renovation work, this is consistent with the financing plan. o Secured a 5% interest rate, after applying the premium it was a 3.7% total interest cost, slightly lower than the funding assumptions built into the FY24 operating budget. o Reminder that this is the first of two -debts coming online for the project, this is included in FY24 and will affect resident tax bills next fall. A second half of similar size will impact residents in FY25. Barnstable County Regional Dispatch o The program has long provided regional public safety dispatch services on Cape which directly support the Fire Department and answers all cell calls including Police. o The new Sheriff has expressed an interest in expanding these services and building a new facility to support the expansion. Mr. Lombardi will be meeting with Town leaders and the Sheriffs office to get their input and feedback. Tax Relief o The presentation from the Finance Team to the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) on the possibility of bringing the CPA exemption to Town Meeting in the Fall as targeted local tax relief is included in the packet. o The CPC unanimously supported the proposal. There will be more to come at the Select Board meeting on September 11, 2023. Mr. Lombardi shared that the second Community Forum is planned for Saturday August 5. There will be three sessions and the property will be open from 12pm — 5pm. About a dozen buildings will be open so residents can have a better sense of the condition and provide informed feedback at the forum and the follow up survey. Registration is open on the Town's website. Select Board 7.24.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 2 of 6 Town of Brewsteroffice of: .a�°°'°e�E'"sr`'� % ,�`��°e� a F� ° Select Board A 2198 Main Street Town Manager ; v m ` Brewster, MA 02631-1898 c y Phone: (508) 896-3701 r w _ = www.brewster-ma.gov %��i/iipfa o The Select Boad submitted a letter consistent with Association to Preserve Cape Cod's assertions, many other Towns and environmental organizations submitted similar comments to DEP. o Formal public comment on DEP's ruling regarding the denial runs through August 28, 2023. Community Pool o Temporarily closed this past weekend for unexpected maintenance and sanitation. Reopened this morning as scheduled. o Two drop-in days left, Friday July 28th and Sunday August 6th. o Sold almost 700 season passes to residents and over 300 guest passes to date, a little over $110K in revenues so far. o Reminder that Brewster Recreation will be hosting a DJ dance party this Thursday at the Bay property at 6pm. Nauset Regional High School o Construction continues to proceed, last week Nauset school officials issued $91M in short- term debt to finance the costs associated with the renovation work, this is consistent with the financing plan. o Secured a 5% interest rate, after applying the premium it was a 3.7% total interest cost, slightly lower than the funding assumptions built into the FY24 operating budget. o Reminder that this is the first of two -debts coming online for the project, this is included in FY24 and will affect resident tax bills next fall. A second half of similar size will impact residents in FY25. Barnstable County Regional Dispatch o The program has long provided regional public safety dispatch services on Cape which directly support the Fire Department and answers all cell calls including Police. o The new Sheriff has expressed an interest in expanding these services and building a new facility to support the expansion. Mr. Lombardi will be meeting with Town leaders and the Sheriffs office to get their input and feedback. Tax Relief o The presentation from the Finance Team to the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) on the possibility of bringing the CPA exemption to Town Meeting in the Fall as targeted local tax relief is included in the packet. o The CPC unanimously supported the proposal. There will be more to come at the Select Board meeting on September 11, 2023. Mr. Lombardi shared that the second Community Forum is planned for Saturday August 5. There will be three sessions and the property will be open from 12pm — 5pm. About a dozen buildings will be open so residents can have a better sense of the condition and provide informed feedback at the forum and the follow up survey. Registration is open on the Town's website. Select Board 7.24.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 2 of 6 ��°e��wsr�Ury%� Town of BrewsterOffice of: P� � j°�"�� "° �•� o .oF °q -, 9 Select Board 2198 Main Street Town Manager a s - Brewster, MA 02631-1898 r� _^ ^ y = Phone: (508) 896-3701 --� 7 Z - www.brewster-ma.gov /�//ir.Ree Nv�Oe/9G OQQO�\\�� 1148/1"... Consent Agenda a. Meeting Minutes: June 26 and July 10, 2023 b. Appointments: Election Workers; Kimberley Crocker Pearson to Pleasant Bay Alliance Technical Resource Committee and Water Quality Review Committee; Chris Ellis to Pond Property Planning Committee c. Fee Waiver Requests: Eddy Elementary School (Transfer Station) and Natural Resources Department (Building Department Fees) d. One Day Entertainment License Applications (with Fee Waiver Request): Brewster Recreation Department, Northside United Methodist Church, and Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters e. One Day Liquor License Applications: Chatham Bars Inn Farm, Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters, and Susan Connor (Crosby Mansion Event) f. Facility Use Application for Drummer Boy Park: Northside United Methodist Church (with Fee Waiver Request), By the Bay Shows for Summer 2024 and Alzheimer's Family Support Center g. Grant Application: Water Department Master Plan h. Declare Surplus Property: Select Banners in Sea Camps Dining Hall Selectperson Hoffmann moved to approve the Consent Agenda for July 24, 2023, as recommended including the staff department comments. Selectperson Bingham second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Bingham -yes, Selectperson Hoffmann -yes, Selectperson Chaffee -yes, Selectperson Whitney -yes, Chair Chatelain-yes. The Board vote was 5 -Yes, 0 -No. Discuss and Vote on Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee Apaointments Selectperson Whitney, as liaison to the committee, noted that there were nine qualified applicants for the four at -large positions. The Town Moderator and Selectperson Whitney interviewed all applicants and recommended four applicants to be appointed to this committee. Mr. Lombardi clarified that there are representatives from the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, Historical Society and Conservation Trust that will also serve on the committee. Selectperson Whitney moved that the Board approve the following appointments to the Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee; Jillian Douglass, Allyson Felix, Devin McGuire, Katharine Scott. The appointment from the Natural Resources Committee is Patricia Hughes, the Council on Aging Board is Jay Greene, and Recreation Commission is Chris Ellis. Selectperson Hoffmann second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Bingham -yes, Selectperson Hoffmann -yes, Selectperson Chaffee -yes, Selectperson Whitney -yes, Chair Chatelain-yes. The Board vote was 5 -Yes, 0 -No. Discuss and Vote on Proposed Chan es to Building Department Fee Schedule Building Commissioner Davis Walters introduced the agenda item, noting that the last time the fees were adjusted was in 2018. The reason for the proposed changes is to simplify the existing fee schedule to be integrated into the online permitting system and make the fees more logical to residents. Mr. Lombardi noted the primary goal is not revenue driven, as there are instances where we are trying to right size staff time for fees that are calculated. It was stated that the finance team is supportive of the recommended Select Board 7.24.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 3 of 6 1041�@Rewsrm,,b� ,F Office of; Town of Brewster k.«�.� F ° `°e"� �y Select �� 2i98 Main Street Town Manager Brewster, MA 02631-1898 O� y' r IFL72 Phone: (508) 896-3701 = r1 www.brewster-ma.gov pI00�0\��\\�� changes. Ms. Kalinick added that there will be a communication plan in place to notify potential users ahead of implementation, if approved the new fee scheduled would start in September. Selectperson Chaffee moved to approve the new Building Department fee schedule as presented in the packet. Selectperson Hoffmann second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Bingham -yes, Selectperson Hoffmann -yes, Selectperson Chaffee -yes, Selectperson Whitney -yes, Chair Chatelain-yes. The Board vote was 5 -Yes, 0 -No. 6:30r m Public Hearink- Seasonal All Alcohol Liquor License Application: Brewster Pico LLC- 239 Underpass Road Selectperson Hoffmann moved to open the public hearing for the Seasonal All Liquor License application for Brewster Pico LLC, 239 Underpass Road as noticed in the Cape Codder on July 1411 and 21St, 2023. Selectperson Bingham second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Bingham -yes, Selectperson Hoffmann - yes, Selectperson Chaffee -yes, Selectperson Whitney -yes, Chair Chatelain-yes. The Board vote was 5 -Yes, 0 - No. Attorney Jamie Norcross noted that Brewster Pico LLC has been open for food service for a couple of weeks and the plan is to offer alcoholic beverages to enjoy along with the food. One item to discuss is the seating area as there is a patio area and additional seating on picnic tables on the grass. Attorney Norcross stated that signage will be placed notifying customers that beverages cannot be moved from the premises, they also intend on monitoring the area with employees to keep the beverages on the property. The liquor license and ability to serve beverages will be a nice feature for the Town and the restaurant. There were no public comments. Selectperson Hoffmann inquired about indoor seating, Mr. Norcross noted that there is no indoor seating, just the deck area and picnic tables on the lawn. It was noted that rope would be placed to section off the area where beverages can be consumed. Selectperson Hoffmann moved to approve the application as submitted. Selectperson Bingham second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Bingham -yes, Selectperson Hoffmann -yes, Selectperson Chaffee -yes, Selectperson Whitney -yes, Chair Chatelain-yes. The Board vote was 5 -Yes, 0 -No. Selectperson Hoffmann moved to close the public hearing. Selectperson Bingham second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Bingham -yes, Selectperson Hoffmann -yes, Selectperson Chaffee -yes, Selectperson Whitney -yes, Chair Chatelain-yes. The Board vote was 5 -Yes, 0 -No. Cape Light Compact Update- Maggie Downey, Executive Director Maggie Downey reviewed the presentation that is included in the packet, some key highlights included: • New Power Supply Rates that run from June 2023 to December 2023, the rates are about $.02 lower than Eversource's basic service rates. Increases are expected this winter. Select Board 7.24.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 4 of 6 • Review of Brewster Energy Efficiency Results for 2022. There were 1,284 participants in the Energy Efficiency program. Customer savings were over $146K and incentives/rebates totaled $2,752K to Brewster residents and businesses. • Reminder about the Energy Efficiency Program, the Cape Light Compact's website has the most up to date programs, as some may have changed and there are new incentives. For 2023, highlights include: o No -cost energy assessments for residents and businesses o Decarbonizing home heating system offerings o Summer sizzler June through August 3111 o Old Freezer/Refrigerator rebate office o E -Bike incentive for income eligible customers o Energy Star appliance rebates • Cape & Vineyard Electrification Offering- a coordinated effort by the Cape Light Compact to decarbonize 100 homes on Cape Cod and/or Martha's Vineyard through the installation of: o Weatherization, heat pumps, solar PV panels, batteries, and electric stoves Ms. Downey encouraged residents and businesses to visit the Cape Light Compact to learn more information about programs, incentives, and eligibility. Programs are available for year-round, part-time residents and renters. Mr. Lombardi noted that on the new Energy and Climate Action Committee their charge includes education and outreach about the opportunities and programs that Cape Light Compact offers. The goal is to hire a part-time Energy Manager position by January 2024. Ms. Downey and Colin Odell reviewed the advocacy support that Cape Light Compact provides for the Cape and the Vineyard. Update on Approved Eversource 2023-2027 Vegetation Management Plan and Discuss 2023 Yearly Ogrational Plan The Town was notified that the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture Resources (MDAR), has approved Eversource's 2023-2037 Vegetation Management Plan (VMP). The plan as approved expressly allows for application of herbicides for maintenance purposes along the utility right of ways. Brewster has taken an active position in litigating against the application of herbicides over the past 5 years and generally has been successful in curbing the application. The approved VMP includes a Yearly Operational Plan (YOP), in its draft the YOP indicates that Eversource only plans to apply herbicides in one section of the right of way in Bourne for this year. Mr. Lombardi shared that Kim Crocker Pearson serves on an advisory council that gives us more insight into this work. The council has recommended changes/improvements to the process the State uses to designate sensitive areas under the VMP and YOP. In part of Ms. Crocker-Pearson's work deficiencies in Eversource's mapping of the sensitive areas in Brewster have been identified. The YOP has a comment period through the first week of August, there are concerns with the overall VMP. Select Board 7.24.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 5 of 6 Town of Brewster Office of. .#P��\aE"'srF'� f'" e " 9 o "F' ' Select Board m9 a 2198 Main Street Town Manager = y Brewster, MA 02631-1898 _ —= Phone: (508) 896-3701 www.brewster-ma.gov • Review of Brewster Energy Efficiency Results for 2022. There were 1,284 participants in the Energy Efficiency program. Customer savings were over $146K and incentives/rebates totaled $2,752K to Brewster residents and businesses. • Reminder about the Energy Efficiency Program, the Cape Light Compact's website has the most up to date programs, as some may have changed and there are new incentives. For 2023, highlights include: o No -cost energy assessments for residents and businesses o Decarbonizing home heating system offerings o Summer sizzler June through August 3111 o Old Freezer/Refrigerator rebate office o E -Bike incentive for income eligible customers o Energy Star appliance rebates • Cape & Vineyard Electrification Offering- a coordinated effort by the Cape Light Compact to decarbonize 100 homes on Cape Cod and/or Martha's Vineyard through the installation of: o Weatherization, heat pumps, solar PV panels, batteries, and electric stoves Ms. Downey encouraged residents and businesses to visit the Cape Light Compact to learn more information about programs, incentives, and eligibility. Programs are available for year-round, part-time residents and renters. Mr. Lombardi noted that on the new Energy and Climate Action Committee their charge includes education and outreach about the opportunities and programs that Cape Light Compact offers. The goal is to hire a part-time Energy Manager position by January 2024. Ms. Downey and Colin Odell reviewed the advocacy support that Cape Light Compact provides for the Cape and the Vineyard. Update on Approved Eversource 2023-2027 Vegetation Management Plan and Discuss 2023 Yearly Ogrational Plan The Town was notified that the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture Resources (MDAR), has approved Eversource's 2023-2037 Vegetation Management Plan (VMP). The plan as approved expressly allows for application of herbicides for maintenance purposes along the utility right of ways. Brewster has taken an active position in litigating against the application of herbicides over the past 5 years and generally has been successful in curbing the application. The approved VMP includes a Yearly Operational Plan (YOP), in its draft the YOP indicates that Eversource only plans to apply herbicides in one section of the right of way in Bourne for this year. Mr. Lombardi shared that Kim Crocker Pearson serves on an advisory council that gives us more insight into this work. The council has recommended changes/improvements to the process the State uses to designate sensitive areas under the VMP and YOP. In part of Ms. Crocker-Pearson's work deficiencies in Eversource's mapping of the sensitive areas in Brewster have been identified. The YOP has a comment period through the first week of August, there are concerns with the overall VMP. Select Board 7.24.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 5 of 6 FYls No comments Town of Brewster 2198 Main Street Brewster, MA 02631-1898 Phone: (508) 896-3701 www.brewster-ma.gov Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated b the Chair None questions from the Media None Next Meetings August 17 and August 21, 2023 Office of: Select Board Town Manager A_d i ournment Selectperson Hoffmann moved to adjourn at 7:08pm. Selectperson Bingham second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Bingham -yes, Selectperson Hoffmann -yes, Selectperson Chaffee -yes, Selectperson Whitney -yes, Chair Chatelain-yes. The Board vote was 5 -Yes, 0 -No. Respectfully submitted by Erika Mawn, Executive Assistant Approved:s,. �/ Signed: Date a Selectperson 14ofnGnn, Clerk of the Select Board Accompanying Documents in Packet: Agenda, Town Manager's Report, Consent Agenda items, Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee Info, Building Department Proposed Schedule of Fees, Seasonal Liquor License application, Cape Light Compact update, Eversource VMP, HIS. Select Board 7.24.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 6 of 6