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Home My Public Portal AboutBay Parcel Planning -- 2023-08-22 MinutesTown 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: August 22, 2023 TIME: 4:00 PM PLACE: Hybrid Participation — Zoom/2198 Main Street, Brewster, MA W P PARTICIPANTS: Towd, Manager Peter Lombardi, Chair Amanda Bebrin, Selectperson Mary Chaffee, Selectperson David Whitney (remote), Karl Fryzel, Katie Jacobus, Caroline McCarley, Thomas Wingard, Patricia Hughes (remote), PeterJohnson, John Phillips, Clare O'Connor -Rice; Liaisons/Representatives: Sharon Tennstedt, JanCrocker, Gary Christen, Bill Meehan; Town Staff: Mike Gradone (Recreation Department Director), Griffin Ryder (DPW Director), Elton Cutler (COA Director) Call to Order, Declaration of a Quorum, Meeting Participation Statement and Recording Statement: Amanda Bebrin called the meeting to order at 4:03 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-up on the Second Community Forum Ms. Bebrin reported that on August 5, the Town held its second community forum at the Bay Property dining F hall. The survey and the forum results from the fist forum were presented, in addition to design concepts presented by the consultants, Reed Hilderbrand. The committee will discuss the results of the second forum at the next meeting iii September. The second survey closes on August 25. Karl Fryzel said that tf e second forum was successful. He spent a lot of time during the forum at the boat house, which got a lot of traffic, in addition to a lot of positive comments from members of the public. Several residents commented that the building could be an opportunity for revenue generation — either as a beach snack bar or aS rental space. A number of residents expressed shock at the condition of the administrative building, and that it would likely need a lot of work. Caroline McCarley said that a number of residents expressed a range of views on the health center building — ranging from those who viewed it as ideal for year-round Dousing, and others who thought it needed a considerable amount of work done to it. Clare O'Connor -Rice noted that she was in the Arts Center, and residents commented that the building was in great shape. Allowing the buildings to be open at this forum helped people to understand the conditions that the buildings arein. She noticed a willingness among residents to help to privately fundraise to assist with the restoration of the administrative building. Selectperson David Whitney said that he was stationed in the dining hall for most of the day, and that residents expressed to him their appreciation with how the process was being conducted. Patricia Hughes said that a former builder friend of hers said that it would, in BPPC 8.22.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 1 of 6 Doc ID: 88d339daec3d51793b7a6Ob5cdb77df9fOd203b2 many cases, be less expensive to simply remove some of the older structures on the property rather than trying to renovate them. Gary Christen said that he was in building 82 near the pool, a.,dormitory building, and a few residents voiced surprise that the dormitory buildings had ever been used to house people. Katie Jacobus said she noticed that a large number of attendees had not attended the first forum. Many residents expressed an interest in a community center. Selectperson Mary Chaffee said that a number of residents told her that it was far easier to evaluate the options in the online survey than it was in person. She added that it is important to get more residents involved and engaged in the process — opening buildings up for residents to see for themselves is helpful. She thanked Reed Hilderbrand for succinctly summarizing a disparate amount of data from the first forum and survey. Ms. McCarley added that the second survey was very well done, and easy to understand. J. Sharon Tennstedt said that residents' opinions about reuse of buildings were mixed. There is a huge support for a wide range of programs and activities on the property. Some residents found it overwhelming during the forum to try and make decisions. The survey is easier for lots of people. The liaison to the Finance Committee, Bill Meehan, joined the meeting at 4:28pm. Peter Johnson said that he was very impressed with the number of Sea Camps alums at the forum. Perhaps a simple event, or annual alumni ceremony, might be appropriate given their strong sentiment for the history of the property. Mr. Johnson also suggested that the Town could host a community potluck event in the kitchen in the future. Mr. Fryzel said that the cabins could have resale value at an auction —this is something the Town should consider if the community does not see fit to reuse them. John Phillips said that he heard from residents that the Town is doing a great job of handling the process. Mr. Phillips added that a number of residents suggested that the Town should look to use.the pavilion area as a source of revenue generation by renting the space for events such as weddings. Mr. Phillips noted that a concern was raised to him by residents about building a community center on the property if space was going to shortly open up at one of the schools. Mr. Lombardi explained to. committee members that he wanted them to be aware that although the survey and forums have provided essential feedback, there will be cost implications to building and sending out more surveys: Ms. O'Connor -Rice said that should the buildings be torn down, some of the materials could be reused by artists and sold — this is a revenue generating idea. Discuss Vernal Pool Report Mr. Lombardi explained that the impact of vernal pools on the bay property is relatively limited. LEC Environmental Consultants has provided an assessment of both properties. For the bay property, the only area where there is a vernal pool is on the eastern edge of the pond in the northeast corner of the property. LEC will work with the Conservation Department to map out specifically the locations and size of the vernal BPPC 8.22.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 2 of 6 Doc ID: 88d339daec3d51793b7a6Ob5cdb77df9fOd203b2 Town of Brewster 2198 Main Street Brewster, MA 02631-1898 o Y b = o Phone: (508) 896-3701 Fax: (508) 896-8089 Jm,.. many cases, be less expensive to simply remove some of the older structures on the property rather than trying to renovate them. Gary Christen said that he was in building 82 near the pool, a.,dormitory building, and a few residents voiced surprise that the dormitory buildings had ever been used to house people. Katie Jacobus said she noticed that a large number of attendees had not attended the first forum. Many residents expressed an interest in a community center. Selectperson Mary Chaffee said that a number of residents told her that it was far easier to evaluate the options in the online survey than it was in person. She added that it is important to get more residents involved and engaged in the process — opening buildings up for residents to see for themselves is helpful. She thanked Reed Hilderbrand for succinctly summarizing a disparate amount of data from the first forum and survey. Ms. McCarley added that the second survey was very well done, and easy to understand. J. Sharon Tennstedt said that residents' opinions about reuse of buildings were mixed. There is a huge support for a wide range of programs and activities on the property. Some residents found it overwhelming during the forum to try and make decisions. The survey is easier for lots of people. The liaison to the Finance Committee, Bill Meehan, joined the meeting at 4:28pm. Peter Johnson said that he was very impressed with the number of Sea Camps alums at the forum. Perhaps a simple event, or annual alumni ceremony, might be appropriate given their strong sentiment for the history of the property. Mr. Johnson also suggested that the Town could host a community potluck event in the kitchen in the future. Mr. Fryzel said that the cabins could have resale value at an auction —this is something the Town should consider if the community does not see fit to reuse them. John Phillips said that he heard from residents that the Town is doing a great job of handling the process. Mr. Phillips added that a number of residents suggested that the Town should look to use.the pavilion area as a source of revenue generation by renting the space for events such as weddings. Mr. Phillips noted that a concern was raised to him by residents about building a community center on the property if space was going to shortly open up at one of the schools. Mr. Lombardi explained to. committee members that he wanted them to be aware that although the survey and forums have provided essential feedback, there will be cost implications to building and sending out more surveys: Ms. O'Connor -Rice said that should the buildings be torn down, some of the materials could be reused by artists and sold — this is a revenue generating idea. Discuss Vernal Pool Report Mr. Lombardi explained that the impact of vernal pools on the bay property is relatively limited. LEC Environmental Consultants has provided an assessment of both properties. For the bay property, the only area where there is a vernal pool is on the eastern edge of the pond in the northeast corner of the property. LEC will work with the Conservation Department to map out specifically the locations and size of the vernal BPPC 8.22.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 2 of 6 Doc ID: 88d339daec3d51793b7a6Ob5cdb77df9fOd203b2 \\\� Town of Brewster P40Egs�`�= 2198 Main Street 3 Brewster, MA 02631-1898 _ rn`= Phone: (508) 896-3701 = Fax: (508) 896-8089 pools on both properties. Mr. Fryzel asked what this means forthe committee. Mr. Lombardi responded that it is unlikely to have much impact in the way of planning. Mr. Johnson asked if the Town mapped and located the pools, would they become state certified. Mr. Lombardi responded that he believed so, but an internal staff meeting would need to take place before this was determined. Ms. Hughes said she was pleased that this report seemed to indicate that the red spotted salamander was becoming more prevalent again in the area, which was positive. Y e Update on Shooting Range Remediation Mr. Lombardi said that the bid opening for the shooting range remediation work occurred a number of weeks ago. The Town received 6 bids. 5 of the 6 bids were consistently grouped at around $400,000. The lowest bid was around half this amount. The Town's consultants are currently working to determine the extent to which the low bidder would fully undertake the scope of work desired by the Town at the amount that they have identi?ied. The Town currently has $400,000 in funding available for this purpose. Mr. Lombardi added that`the Select Board waived fees for filing with the Conservation Commission for an RDA for an isolated vegetated wetland that is near the shooting range. Mr. Fryzel asked how filing with the Conservation Commission could affect remediation. Griffin Ryder, DPW Director, responded that the Conservation Commission will likely view this project positively, as it is a denaturalization project. Because of the proximity of the work to the vegetated wetland, the Conservation Commission needs to be notified about this work. r Update on Brewster Community Pool Mr. Lombardi reported that the pool had its closing day on August 20. The capacity limit of 200 was reached on the final day. There has been lots of positive feedback from residents on the pool's first season. The staffing plan was successful in terms of the schedule provided. $113,000 in revenue was brought in —this is roughly the amount that was forecasted. Staff are meeting for a debrief after Labor Day as they begin to plan for next year. Mike Gradone, Recreation Director, thanked all seasonal staff for their work. i Thomas Wingard asked Mr. Gradone to provide an update on the extra week of swim lessons that was provided at the end of the season. Mr. Gradone responded that this extra week of lessons went well, and that he expects more�lessons to be provided at the pool next year. If 3-4 of the lifeguards from this year attain their certificatipns to become swim instructors, which they have expressed an interest in, then lessons can be provided next;year both at the pool and at the pond. Selectperson Chaffee noted that she heard very positive feedback from residents about the pool, and some sadness at how early the season ended — next season, perhaps this is something that can be extended. Mr. Lombardi responded that extending the season next year will still be hard, but every effort will be made. Mr. Wingard said that the Boston pools shut down on the same day dueto staffing issues, so this is not an unusual situation, nor is it unique to Cape Cod. Mr. Fryzel asked if the po�l furniture has arrived. Mr. Lombardi responded that the furniture has arrived and it is now in storage on the property, and ready for use next year. Review Upcoming Approved Interim Uses and Vote on Proposed New Interim Uses BPPC 8.22.2023 ± www.brewster-ma.gov Page 3 of 6 Doc ID: 88d339daec3d51793b7a6Ob5cdb77df9fOd203b2 ' �EWs.. ,Hr \\\� B'`E�p�R;"•r�'�-. Town of Brewster r 2198 Main Street Brewster, MA 02631-1898 Phone: (508) 896-3701 -y.°a Fax: (508) 896-8089 ��A1mJi?I�ii:il�ItUG1\10 Mr. Gradone explained that there are no upcoming activities that the committee is not already aware of. The Recreation Department will be hosting running club on the bay property in the fall. Outdoor club will also be held on the bay property in October. The soccer jamboree will take a break for this yer. Touch -a -Truck is set for this coming Friday, August 25 at 5:00pm, weather permitting. Ms. Jacobus reported on the "Da Hedge" event. The event took place on August 6. Itvuas a multigenerational event, and many Sea Camps alumni also attended. They expressed their joy that the Town was bringing back this tradition. Ms. Jacobus thanked Ed Barber and Selectperson Chafee for their help putting the event together. Ms. Bebrin announced that planning for the first Town of Brewster Committee Volunteer Fair is underway. This event will take place on Saturday, September 30, from 10am-12pm at the dining .Ball. This event will be an opportunity to talk to the Chairs of boards and committees and learn about their roles in shaping our community. There will be information provided on how residents can become involved with these committees. Ms. Bebrin asked if any committee members are interested in staffing the bay property table. Ms. McCarley volunteered to help. Mr. Lombardi said that Kyle Hinkle, Brewster Chamber of Commerce Director, had expressed an interest in holding the arts and crafts fair during Brewster in Bloom on the lawn of the bay property, where it was historically held. Town staff have been consulted, and there do not appear to be any issues with bringing this event back to the bay property in the spring. Selectperson Chaffee moved to approve;the Brewster Chamber of Commerce's request to use the bay property for their May 4 and May 5, 2024, arts and crafts show. Selectperson Whitney second. A vote was taken. Selectperson Chaffee — yes, Clare O'Connor -Rice — yes, Selectperson Whitney — yes, Pat Hughes — yes, Karl Fryzel — yes, Caroline McCarley — yes, Katie Jacobus — yes, ThomasWingard — yes, Amanda Bebrin — yes, John Phillips — yes, Peter Johnson — yes:, Mr. Lombardi explained that, after reviewing with Town staff, the Movement Arts Fair could take place at the boathouse of the bay property on September 23 from 1-4pm. Mr. Fryzel moved tq approve the Cultural Council's request to use the bay property for the Movement Arts Fair on September 2:3. Selectperson Whitney second. A vote was taken. Selectperson Chaffee — yes, Clare O'Connor -Rice —:yes, Selectperson Whitney — yes, Pat Hughes — yes, Karl Fryzel — yes, Caroline McCarley— yes, Katie Jacobus — yes, Thomas Wingard — yes, Amanda Bebrin — yes, John Phillips — yes, Peter Johnson — yes. Ms. Bebrin received a request from the Chatham Bars Inn Farm Stand to use the frontdawn on the bay property for overflow parking for their second annual tomato festival. The event will take place on Saturday, August 26 from 11am-5pm, and they would be using their own volunteers to assist with parking. Pat Hughes asked if the Town would consider charging a fee for this kind of use. Mr. Lombardi responded that there is a need for a facility use policy and a fee schedule to go along with that, but this request.is somewhat_ unique as it is a neighboring property. With parking and traffic having been an issue last year, the Town would like to be supportive. Next year, an earlier plan in advance will be required, and the Town will likely charge a use fee. Ms. O'Connor -Rice suggested that Chatham Bars Inn Farm Stand could make a donation in lieu of a use BPPC 8.22.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 4 of 6 Doe ID:88d339daec3d51793b7a60b5cdb77df9fOd203b2 SWAT ' Town of Brewster ,83 z p 2198 Main Street 3� ;t = Brewster, MA 02631-1898 Phone: (508) 896-3701 Fax: (508) 896-8089 fee. Mr. Lombardi responded that the Town could not condition the use of a facility on a donation. Mr. Phillips asked about insurance and liability. Mr. Lombardi responded that they would ask Chatham Bars Inn Farm Stand to include the Town as additionally insured. Ms. Bebrin said that this would be a condition in approving the request. Mr. Johnson moved to approve the Chatham Bar Inn Farmstand's use of the bay property for overflow parking for their second annual tomato festival on Saturday August 26 from 11am- 5pm, provided that they provide volunteers to assist with said parking, and that they list the Town as additionally insured cin the appropriate insurance documents. Ms. McCarley second. A vote was taken. Selectperson Chaffee;—yes, Clare O'Connor-Rice—yes, Selectperson Whitney — yes, Pat Hughes—yes, Karl Fryzel — yes, Caroline McCarley — yes, Katie Jacobus — yes, Thomas Wingard —yes, Amanda Bebrin — yes, John Phillips — yes, Peter Johnson — yes. Vote on Meeting Minutes: July 25 2023 Ms. McCarley moved'to approve meeting minutes from July 25, 2023. Ms. Jacobus second. A vote was taken. Selectperson Chaffee'— yes, Clare O'Connor -Rice — yes, Selectperson Whitney — yes, Pat Hughes — yes, Karl Fryzel — yes, Caroline McCarley — yes, Katie Jacobus — yes, Thomas Wingard — yes, Amanda Bebrin — yes, John Phillips —yes, Peter Jhnson —yes. Discuss Future Meeting Agenda Items Ms. Bebrin noted that., the bulk of the September 19 meeting will consist of Reed Hilderbrand presenting to the committee on the results of the second community forum and survey results. Mr. Lombardi expects to disseminate this information the Friday beforehand to give committee members the chance to consider the results in advance of the meeting. Committee members should be prepared to give their feedback on the accuracy of Reed Hilderbrand's summary of the results. .! Mr. Fryzel asked if a date has been decided forthe planned third community forum. Mr. Lombardi responded that nothing had been decided yet — this should be discussed at the next meeting in September, both in terms of the timing and the format. It will likely take place in November. J Next Meetinps September 19, Octob�r 3, and October 17, 2023. F Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair: None i Adiournment ` Mr. Fryzel moved to adjourn at 5.46 pm. Ms. Jacobus second. A vote was taken. Selectperson Chaffee —yes, Clare O'Connor -Rice # yes, Selectperson Whitney — yes, Pat Hughes — yes, Karl Fryzel — yes, Caroline McCarley — yes, Katie'�Jacobus — yes, Thomas Wingard — yes, Amanda Bebrin — yes, John Phillips — yes, Peter Johnson — yes. r Respectfully submitted by Conor Kenny, Project Manager BPPC 8.22.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 5 of 6 i. Doc ID: 88d339daec3d51793b7a6Ob5cdb77df9fOd203b2 a n, ds`Q Op 69�4`'Q . Z yyyx� �a qy Approved: 09/26/2023 Town of Brewster ; 2198 Main Street Brewster, MA 02631-1898 Phone: .(508) 896-3701 Fax: (508) 896-8089 Signed: I',°_� V - 1W Accompanying Documents in Packet: Agenda, Forum Handout, Guided Tour Plan, Final Community Forum 2 Boards, Arts Center Re -Use Ideas From 2nd Forum, Letter Re: Tennis Players Use of Stony Brook, Email Re: Tennis Courts, VP Assessment Summary, CCSC Shooting Range Bid Results, Former Gun Range Remediation RDA Fee Waiver Request, LEC Bay Parcel Wetlands Map from NRI, Pool Pass Revenues Spreadsheet, Upcoming Events Flyer for 2nd Forum, First Annual Volunteer Fair Invite, Proposal for Use of Bay Property, Proposal Bay Properties — 2"d Act Open Movement Fair, Open Movement Arts Fair Report & Proposal, BPPC 7.25.23 Minutes Draft, Coastal Engineering APS BPPC 8.22.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 6 of 6 Doc ID: 88d339daec3d51793b7a6Ob5cdb77df9fOd203b2 4. S