HomeMy Public PortalAboutVision Planning Committee -- 2023-07-17 MinutesTOWN OF BREWSTER
VISION PLANNING COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
Monday, July 17, 2023, at 3:30PM
Sharon Tennstedt, Chair, convened the Brewster Vision Planning Committee in person with members: Amanda Bebrin,
Vice Chair, Suzanne Kenney, Patricia Hess, Andi Genser, and Alex Wentworth were present, Fran Schofield was absent.
A quorum was determined.
Also present: Jon Idman, Town Planner and Kari Hoffman, Select Board Liaison
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 brewster-magov.
Review and approval of June 26th meeting minutes
Andi requested a typo of the spelling of her last name be corrected in the minutes. Amanda made a motion to
approve the June 26th meeting minutes with the correction, Andi seconded the motion, a roll call was taken, and
the June 26th meeting minutes were unanimously approved.
State of comments on draft LCP from Town staff and resulting edits
Sharon Tennstedt referred to the latest LCP document sent out by Jon Idman. She informed the Committee that
they received comments from Peter Lombardi, Town Manager and Donna Kalinick, Assistant Town Manager,
which were reviewed and considered by Amanda, Jon and Sharon. Sharon provided the Committee with a high-
level summary of the changes made to the document. She indicated that updates were made beyond the Fall
2022 version, and background and existing conditions for accuracy. Edits also included additional language
suggested by Peter Lombardi emphasizing communication with residents and opportunities for public
engagement, which was included throughout the document as well as required Town Meeting approval.
Sharon went on to highlight changes made in the Action Plan specifically in Water Resources, Local Economy,
Coastal Management, Government and Housing. Jon commented that although some actions may have been in
prior Select Board Strategic plans, they are not included in the current Select Board Strategic plan and therefore
are not reflected in the LCP.
Andi suggested more clarity around the relationship diagram included in the LCP. She asked if it could be
simplified. Jon stated relationship diagram must show public engagement and Town Meeting participation. He
suggested Fran draft a more simplified version for the Committee's review. Kari informed the Committee that
the Select Board will be meeting to begin discussion on the 2024-2025 Strategic plan at the end of the week. She
indicated that it is a process and will take a couple of months. Jon informed the Committee that a revised Capital
Facilities plan reflecting the current status will also be included. This will reference the Wing Island project no
longer on the table and the new Drummer Boy Park committee. Donna Kalinick will provide the updates. The
Committee discussed when to provide an updated draft version of the LCP. Amanda made a motion to approve
the draft LCP with presented edits for publication to the website, Suzanne seconded the motion, a vote was
taken, and the Committee unanimously approved.
Andi expressed a concern regarding septic and how the Town will handle the new state laws. Kari indicated that
the Select Board and the Water Resources taskforce will be addressing concerns. The taskforce is working on a
one-page information sheet, and additional information is also available on the town website.
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• Discussion of public outreach and education, including timeline.
Sharon provided feedback from her discussion at the Brewster Men's club. She had a very positive experience
attending a captive audience and was asked to provide another update in the fall. She suggested it may be more
valuable to attend specific groups rather than attending community events and handing out flyers. She
suggested reaching out to HOA's to get the word out. Patricia agreed to reach out to condo associations at
annual meetings and leave materials at clubhouses. It was decided that the HOA list will be distributed to the
Committee members. Jon suggested when the draft LCP is announced on the website, it includes an invitation
to meet with interested parties. The Committee discussed ideas on how to reach different audiences. Sharon
will be speaking at the Brewster Chamber of Commerce meeting in September. Kari will provide school contact
information.
Review Action Items from the June 26th meeting
No outstanding items.
Update from Bay and Pond Property Planning Committees
Key themes from the survey and the first public forum, held on May 201h will be the basis for the second forum
which will be held on Saturday, August 51h. Draft design concepts from the consultant team for both properties
will also be presented and discussed.
Patricia, sitting in for Suzanne on the Pond Property provided an update. She stated that after reviewing the
suggested design concepts for the Pond Property with the consultant team at the meeting, the Committee
requested more flexible options. Kari informed the Committee at the last Pond Properties meeting Jon Idman,
Town Planner and Paul Anderson, Head of the Water Department presented the water overlay and property
restrictions for the Pond Property from a zoning perspective. Cost and time are also factors when discussing
some of the options for the Bay and Pond Properties.
Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair:
none
• Next Meeting Monday, August 71h
Amanda made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Suzanne seconded the motion, a roll call vote was taken, and the
meeting was unanimously adjourned at 4:41 pm.
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