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HomeMy Public PortalAboutSelect Board -- 2023-09-18 Minutes11 ,�\,�°°""�E'"Sr"'°%, Town of Brewster O��OF ELGEq eq� lei a' 2198 Main Street N. 3� a = Brewster, MA 02631-1898 o = y = Phone: (508) 896-3701 www.brewster-ma.gov conp t B 5 B_.. MINUTES OF THE SELECT BOARD MEETING DATE: September 18, 2023 TIME: 5:30 PM PLACE: 2198 Main Street, Room A Office of: Select Board Town Manager REGULAR SESSION Participants: Chair Chatelain, Selectperson Whitney, Selectperson Bingham, Selectperson Chaffee, Assistant Town Manager Donna Kalinick, Health Director Amy Von Hone, Katie O'Neill, Nauset Regional School Committee members- Tom Fitzgibbons, Chris Easley, Rick Drapper, Cathryn Lonsdal Absent: Selectperson Hoffmann and Town Manager Peter Lombardi Call to Order Declaration of a Quorum, Meeting Participation Statement and Recording Statement Chair Chatelain called the meeting to order at 5:30pm, read the meeting participation, the recording statements and declared a quorum. Executive Session Selectperson Chaffee moved to enter the executive session to discuss strategy with respect to litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares in the case of Parisis Filippatos v. Town of Brewster Select Board and to review and vote on executive session minutes at 5:31pm. Selectperson Whitney second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Bingham -yes, Selectperson Chaffee -yes, Selectperson Whitney -yes, Chair Chatelain-yes. The Board vote was 4 -Yes, 0 -No. The Board returned to open session at 6:01pm Public Announcements and Comment None Select Board Announcements and Liaison Reports None Town Manager's Re ort Ms. Kalinick provided the following update: • There was minimal damage in Brewster regarding Tropical Storm Lee with just a few trees down. • Reminder about the Town's First Annual Volunteer Fair on Saturday September 301h in the dining hall at the Bay Property. Residents can come from 10am —12p to learn about boards and committees and potential volunteer opportunities. After, members from boards and committees are welcome to join us for an appreciation luncheon. • The short communication survey was launched and is open through October 10th. There are 20 questions and is important to receive feedback about how we communicate with our residents, community and stakeholders. This will help to guide how we handle communications moving forward. Select Board 9.18.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 1 of 6 11 E IVai Office of; Town of Brewster ,,""o""' , OQ O �;IDA`B9. 9 Select Board �:: 2198 Main Street Town Manager MA 02631-1898 Brewster, o _ y` Phone: (508) 896-3701 _ a _- # www.brewster-ma.gov Fg oleo 9. Consent Agenda a. One Day Liquor License Applications: Chatham Bars Inn Farm (8) & Bizzotto Wedding (Crosby Mansion) b. One Day Entertainment License Applications: Chatham Bars Inn Farm. Bizzotto wedding (Crosby Mansion) & Movement Arts Cape Cod Inc. (with fee waiver) c. Fee Waiver Request for Temporary Sign Permits: Movement Arts Cape Cod, Inc. d. Facility Use Applications: Drummer Boy Park Gazebo & Crosby Landing Beach e. Fall 2023 Tax Bill Insert: Local Comprehensive Plan FAQs Selectperson Chaffee moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Selectperson Bingham second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Bingham -yes, Selectperson Chaffee -yes, Selectperson Whitney -yes, Chair Chatelain- yes. The Board vote was 4 -Yes, 0 -No. Discuss and Vote on Inter munici al Agreement for Public Health Excellence Grant Ms. Von Hone introduced the grant noting that this is to enhance sharing of services and collaboration between communities as needed. Program administrator, Katie O'Neill, shared a PowerPoint presentation, highlights include: • The grant program is designed to encourage towns/cities to expand sharing of staff & resources with an intent to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of public health. • Funded directly from the State Action for Public Health Excellence (SAPHE) Program • An overview of the history of Public Health Excellence (PHE) grant • Review of the benefits of the grant program • Review of allowable expenses including PHE staff, support staff, a consultant, travel, health communication, technology hardware and software, training and credentialing, nursing supplies, inspection supplies, membership fees, occupancy, and agency support. • Review of unallowable expenses which include food, gift cards and incentives, supplanting existing municipal funding for public health services, purchasing a vehicle, capital expenses, airfare or out-of- state travel, equipment (only allowable with prior consent from DPH), academic programs, training provided by external vendors for businesses, camps, or clinics to meet public health regulations, multiyear service payments. • Review of the Mission for the CAPE PHC, which is to Curate, Advocate, Provide and Engage • Review of possible funding options • Note that the governance board includes a representative from each of the participating towns • Review of the Towns financial obligations — no obligations of repayment for any funds spent through the grant, anything incurred outside of the scope is the responsibility of the municipality, any funds contributed by the grant program can only be used for shared public health services, program is supported through State Tax dollars, towns may opt out of the grant at any time without penalty. Amy Von Hone stated that the Town should participate as there is nothing to lose. The Board of Health approved at their September 9t" meeting. There are clear benefits of this program, Ms. Von Hone noted that the challenge is that the Cape would be the biggest collaborative through the program right now. Adding Select Board 9.18.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 2 of 6 that one of the goals of the county is to collaborate for more money since we have a larger group compared to others across the State. In the short term, the Health Department could utilize wellness programs and help fill in gaps in the Health Department. The State recognizes the need to better the public health system across the state. The Select Board provided comments and feedback on the program, sharing that this is a great opportunity for regional solutions. Since this is a renewable program, Ms. O'Neill noted that as long as the program is meeting the workforce standards at the county side, it can be automatically renewed through the state budget process. Ms. Kalinick confirmed that there is no money is coming to or being expended by the Town and all is completed through the program, including reporting of the funds. Selectperson Chaffee moved that the Town of Brewster become a participant in the Intermunicipal Agreement for Public Health Excellence. Selectperson Whitney second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Bingham -yes, Selectperson Chaffee -yes, Selectperson Whitney -yes, Chair Chatelain-yes. The Board vote was 4 -Yes, 0 -No. Discuss & Vote on Local Preference Designation Spring Rock Villa a Housing Pro'ect 0 Millstone Road Ms. Kalinick reported that the request was made in writing with justification to the State and provided a quick overview of the project. The Board had requested 55% local preference with a corresponding 15-20% regional preference. The State will grant the 55% local preference and 15% regional preference. The regulation of the comprehensive permit allows up to 70% of local preference. There are a total of 31 units that will either be local or regional preference. Selectperson Bingham moved to have 24 units in Local Preference and 7 units in the Regional Preference pool at Spring Rock. Selectperson Whitney second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Bingham -yes, Selectperson Chaffee -yes, Selectperson Whitney -yes, Chair Chatelain-yes. The Board vote was 4 -Yes, 0 -No. Follow-up on May 2023 Select Board Letter to Nauset Regional School Committee Seeking to Amend Re Tonal School A reement Ms. Kalinick provided an overview of the Board's desire to amend the Regional School Agreement which has not been changed in 20 years. A couple of the highlights of the request include: • Assessments for both the Annual Operating budget and the Capital is based on a single year's enrollment, the Select Board requested that the agreement looks at a 3 -year rolling average. • Request a better understanding of how transportation costs are apportioned to member towns, particularly as it pertains to the transportation expenses of charter and school choice students. • The extent to which current proportional representation of the Nauset Regional School Committee remains reflective of the current student population, the regional school committee was determined 20+ years ago. • Interested in having an agreed upon schedule for reassessing and potentially amending the regional school agreement, this is standard practice in Town charters. Select Board 9.18.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 3 of 6 flown of Brewster \,, \0 V E`oeR B,g�`'9��� Select Board 2198 Main Street Town Manager 3�� n = Brewster, MA 02631-1898 o Phone: (508) 896-3701 www.brewster-ma.gov // that one of the goals of the county is to collaborate for more money since we have a larger group compared to others across the State. In the short term, the Health Department could utilize wellness programs and help fill in gaps in the Health Department. The State recognizes the need to better the public health system across the state. The Select Board provided comments and feedback on the program, sharing that this is a great opportunity for regional solutions. Since this is a renewable program, Ms. O'Neill noted that as long as the program is meeting the workforce standards at the county side, it can be automatically renewed through the state budget process. Ms. Kalinick confirmed that there is no money is coming to or being expended by the Town and all is completed through the program, including reporting of the funds. Selectperson Chaffee moved that the Town of Brewster become a participant in the Intermunicipal Agreement for Public Health Excellence. Selectperson Whitney second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Bingham -yes, Selectperson Chaffee -yes, Selectperson Whitney -yes, Chair Chatelain-yes. The Board vote was 4 -Yes, 0 -No. Discuss & Vote on Local Preference Designation Spring Rock Villa a Housing Pro'ect 0 Millstone Road Ms. Kalinick reported that the request was made in writing with justification to the State and provided a quick overview of the project. The Board had requested 55% local preference with a corresponding 15-20% regional preference. The State will grant the 55% local preference and 15% regional preference. The regulation of the comprehensive permit allows up to 70% of local preference. There are a total of 31 units that will either be local or regional preference. Selectperson Bingham moved to have 24 units in Local Preference and 7 units in the Regional Preference pool at Spring Rock. Selectperson Whitney second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Bingham -yes, Selectperson Chaffee -yes, Selectperson Whitney -yes, Chair Chatelain-yes. The Board vote was 4 -Yes, 0 -No. Follow-up on May 2023 Select Board Letter to Nauset Regional School Committee Seeking to Amend Re Tonal School A reement Ms. Kalinick provided an overview of the Board's desire to amend the Regional School Agreement which has not been changed in 20 years. A couple of the highlights of the request include: • Assessments for both the Annual Operating budget and the Capital is based on a single year's enrollment, the Select Board requested that the agreement looks at a 3 -year rolling average. • Request a better understanding of how transportation costs are apportioned to member towns, particularly as it pertains to the transportation expenses of charter and school choice students. • The extent to which current proportional representation of the Nauset Regional School Committee remains reflective of the current student population, the regional school committee was determined 20+ years ago. • Interested in having an agreed upon schedule for reassessing and potentially amending the regional school agreement, this is standard practice in Town charters. Select Board 9.18.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 3 of 6 • Strongly encouraged the Nauset Regional School Committee to make all reasonable efforts to either seek amendments to the regional school agreement to include Provincetown and Truro in the district in FY25 or to update their tuition agreements which are set to expire in June 2024, such that those towns would pay their proportional share of the regions' debt effective FY25. Chris Easley, Chair Nauset Regional School Committee, stated that legal counsel has reviewed the request to provide a methodology to proceed. As required by DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) the agreement will now be on a 5 -year cycle for review. The entire regional agreement will be updated based on the requests from the Towns. The School Committee will begin the process in late October and review any other issues that may need adjusting or amending in the agreement, including determining the representation on the school committee, to meet the DESE requirements. Tom Fitzgibbons stated that the tuition agreements with Provincetown and Truro will be renegotiated this Fall, however the school committee cannot force them to join the region. He also noted the transportation issues due to bus driver shortages. Schools have been forced to consolidate routes and they are working on solutions. Mr. Easley included that the establishment of the school committee is based on the town population, not student population. Mr. Easley stated that this process will take at least a year and reviewed potential steps that will be involved, adding that DESE will be involved throughout the process. All updates and amendments will be submitted to DESE to get preliminary approval to be presented to all four member Towns on Town Meeting warrants. If approved by all Towns, it is then sent back to the State for final approval. The Select Board encouraged the school committee that the agreement with Provincetown and Truro should be equitable with other member towns and requests that the committee is transparent throughout their process. Mr. Fitzgibbons noted that transportation is not provided to Truro and Provincetown and any special education expenses are charged back to the Towns for payment. Ms. Kalinick requested that the School Committee negotiate with Provincetown and Truro to be responsible for some of the payment for the large renovation at the High School as it has a direct correlation to how our residents are being taxed. Mr. Easley stated that the goal in the upcoming negotiations, quality education, shouldn't be a discount. Discuss and Vote on Fall 2023 Special Town Meeting Warrant Articles Ms. Kalinick noted there are four additional articles for the warrant that the Board will review at a later meeting date, an article for an appropriation for a Police Officer litigation settlement and two citizens petitions. For tonight, the three articles are: • General Bylaw amendment for the Golf Commission o Changes have been proposed along with amendments to make sure the bylaw is in line with the Town Charter. Select Board 9.18.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 4 of 6 Town of Brewster Office of: V Select Board 2198 Main Street Town Manager 3� a a = Brewster, MA 02631-1898 Q ' r - Phone: (508) 896-3701 y= www.brewster-ma.gov • Strongly encouraged the Nauset Regional School Committee to make all reasonable efforts to either seek amendments to the regional school agreement to include Provincetown and Truro in the district in FY25 or to update their tuition agreements which are set to expire in June 2024, such that those towns would pay their proportional share of the regions' debt effective FY25. Chris Easley, Chair Nauset Regional School Committee, stated that legal counsel has reviewed the request to provide a methodology to proceed. As required by DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) the agreement will now be on a 5 -year cycle for review. The entire regional agreement will be updated based on the requests from the Towns. The School Committee will begin the process in late October and review any other issues that may need adjusting or amending in the agreement, including determining the representation on the school committee, to meet the DESE requirements. Tom Fitzgibbons stated that the tuition agreements with Provincetown and Truro will be renegotiated this Fall, however the school committee cannot force them to join the region. He also noted the transportation issues due to bus driver shortages. Schools have been forced to consolidate routes and they are working on solutions. Mr. Easley included that the establishment of the school committee is based on the town population, not student population. Mr. Easley stated that this process will take at least a year and reviewed potential steps that will be involved, adding that DESE will be involved throughout the process. All updates and amendments will be submitted to DESE to get preliminary approval to be presented to all four member Towns on Town Meeting warrants. If approved by all Towns, it is then sent back to the State for final approval. The Select Board encouraged the school committee that the agreement with Provincetown and Truro should be equitable with other member towns and requests that the committee is transparent throughout their process. Mr. Fitzgibbons noted that transportation is not provided to Truro and Provincetown and any special education expenses are charged back to the Towns for payment. Ms. Kalinick requested that the School Committee negotiate with Provincetown and Truro to be responsible for some of the payment for the large renovation at the High School as it has a direct correlation to how our residents are being taxed. Mr. Easley stated that the goal in the upcoming negotiations, quality education, shouldn't be a discount. Discuss and Vote on Fall 2023 Special Town Meeting Warrant Articles Ms. Kalinick noted there are four additional articles for the warrant that the Board will review at a later meeting date, an article for an appropriation for a Police Officer litigation settlement and two citizens petitions. For tonight, the three articles are: • General Bylaw amendment for the Golf Commission o Changes have been proposed along with amendments to make sure the bylaw is in line with the Town Charter. Select Board 9.18.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 4 of 6 \ 'Town of Brewster Ce ° i<' ,- 6 �9% '3 Select Board 2 ° 2198 Main Street Town Manager Brewster, MA 02631-1898 o Phone: (508) 896-3701 www.brewster-ma.gov o Financial management and hiring are authorities in the Charter that lie with the Town Manager. o The major point is that the Golf Course is a enterprise fund in the way it is managed. Selectperson Whitney moved to recommend the article to Town Meeting. Selectperson Bingham second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Bingham -yes, Selectperson Chaffee -yes, Selectperson Whitney -yes, Chair Chatelain-yes. The Board vote was 4 -Yes, 0 -No. • Fire Union Contract o Funding for the agreement was carried in the FY24 budget, there is no funding component with the article. Selectperson Whitney moved to recommend the article to Town Meeting. Selectperson Bingham second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Bingham -yes, Selectperson Chaffee -yes, Selectperson Whitney -yes, Chair Chatelain-yes. The Board vote was 4 -Yes, 0 -No. • Community Preservation Act Exemption Selectperson Whitney moved to recommend the article to Town Meeting. Selectperson Bingham second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Bingham -yes, Selectperson Chaffee -yes, Selectperson Whitney -yes, Chair Chatelain-yes. The Board vote was 4 -Yes, 0 -No. Review Status of FY23 Goals & Discuss and Vote on FY24 Town Manager Goals Not discussed this evening Update on Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates- Mary Chaffee Ms. Chaffee provided an overview of Barnstable County government: • Established in 1988 with two co -equal branches, a legislative and executive branch. • The mission of county government is to enhance the quality of life for all County citizens by offering a number of services that some towns could not provide themselves. • The FY24 County operating budget is $21,633,532. • Current projects and initiatives include: o American Rescue Plan Act Funding received $41M and to date has been fully expended. ■ $10M made available to the towns (Brewster is eligible for just under $500K) o Aquifund provides low interest loans to homeowners who must replace their septic systems. o Freshwater Pond Quality "Freshwater Initiative", aimed at gathering solid data about the health of the Cape's almost 900 ponds. Determine recommendations on how to protect and preserve water quality. o County Broadband and Digital Equity, not all areas on Cape have reliable broadband internet access. The Cape Cod Commission is undertaking an assessment of the Cape's internet access. Select Board 9.18.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 5 of 6 \ E'"�",� Town of Brewster � iG Select 2198 Main Street Town Manager 3 A a = Brewster, MA 02631-1898 o Phone: (508) 896-3701 r www.brewster-ma.gov GNPOP�tOg\\ Residents can take part in a "Speed Survey" to assess how fast and efficient your internet is working. o Assembly Meetings -1t & 31d Wednesdays of each month at 4pm and can be viewed online at the County website ipecod.eovlcounty-lxovernmentlmeeting-centeti., FYIs No questions/comments Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair None [questions from the Media None Next Meetin"s September 27 (Joint with Planning Board regarding Local Comprehensive Plan), September 27 (Joint Meeting with Planning Board on Local Comprehensive Plan), October 2, October 4.(Joint Meeting with Bay Property Planning Committee & Pond Property Planning Committee), and October 16,2023 Ad; ournment Selectperson Chaffee moved to adjourn at 7:27pm. Selectperson Bingham second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Chaffee -yes, Selectperson Bingham -yes, Selectperson Whitney -yes, Chair Chatelain-yes. The Board vote was 4 -Yes, 0 -No. Respectfully submitted by Erika Mawn, Executive Assistant Approved: I Signed: All _ Date Selectperson Hoffm n,/Clerk of the Select Board Accompanying Documents in Packet: Agenda, TM Report, Consent Agenda items, IMA for Public Health Excellence Grant, Local Preference designation Spring Rock Village, Fall 2023 TM Warrant information, NRSC amendment request, Town Manager Goals, Barnstable County of Delegates Update, FYIs. Select Board 9.18.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 6 of 6