HomeMy Public PortalAboutVPC November 6, 2023 Meeting PacketCOMMITTEE
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Sharon Tennstedt
Chair
Amanda Bebrin
Vice Chair
Andi Genser
Patricia Hess
Suzanne Kenney
Fran Schofield
Alex Wentworth
Town Planner
Jon Idman
Administrative
Assistant
Ellen Murphy
Select Board
Liaison
Kari Hoffmann
Town of Brewster Vision Planning Committee
2198 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631
brewplan@brewster-ma.gov
(508) 896-3701
VISION PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA
2198 Main Street Room A
Monday, November 6, 2023, at 3:30 pm
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.
Members of the public who wish to access the meeting may do so in the following manner:
Phone: Call (929) 436-2866 or (301) 715-8592. Webinar ID:819 3038 8203 Passcode: 317154
To request to speak: Press *9 and wait to be recognized.
ZoomWebinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/i/81930388203?pwd=VHEvUURMM1ZFdUJNREJIbEN3SFdOZzO9
Passcode: 317154
To request to speak: Tap Zoom "Raise Hand", then wait to be recognized.
When required by law or allowed by the Chair, persons wishing to provide public comment or otherwise participate in
the meeting, may do so by accessing the meeting remotely, as noted above. Additionally, the meeting will be broadcast
live, in real time, via Live broadcast (Brewster Government TV Channel 8), Livestream (livestream.brewster-ma.gov),
or Video recording (tv.brewster-rna.ilovl.
Please note that the Vision Planning Committee may take official action, including votes, on any item on this agenda.
1. Call to Order
2. Declaration of a Quorum
3. Meeting Participation Statement
4. Recording Statement: As required by the Open Meeting Law we are informing you that the Town will be video
and audio taping as well as broadcasting this public meeting. In addition, if anyone else intends to either video or audio
tape this meeting they are required to inform the chair.
5. Approval of October 2, 2023, meeting minutes
6. Update on public outreach and education process
7. Discuss Town Meeting presentation
8. Update from Bay and Pond Property Planning Committees
9. Review Action Items from the October 2nd meeting
10. Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair
11. Next Meeting: TBD
12. Adjournment
Date Posted:
10/30/2023
Date Revised: Received by Town Clerk:
Page 1 of 2
TOWN OF BREWSTER
VISION PLANNING COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
Monday, October 2, 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, Fran Schofield, and Alex Wentworth were present. A quorum
was determined.
Also present: Kari Hoffmann, Select Board Liaison, Jon Idman, Town Planner and Ellen Murphy, Administrative Assistant
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-ma.gov.
Review and approval of September 5th meeting minutes
Sharon referred to the minutes sent out to the Committee and not the ones included in the meeting packet.
There being no changes, Amanda made a motion to approve the September 5th meeting minutes, Patricia
seconded the motion, a roll call was taken, and the September 5th meeting minutes were unanimously
approved.
Update on draft LCP approval process
Sharon thanked the Committee for attending the public hearing both in the room and virtually. Both the Select
Board and the Planning Board approved the draft LCP to be included in the Town warrant. Amanda thanked
Sharon for her excellent work addressing the Select Board and Planning Board. Sharon asked Jon when the
article needed to be written for the warrant. It was confirmed that the deadline is October 16th. Sharon will
work with Jon to emphasize what is different from last year and stress that it isn’t a mandate law or regulation.
Suzanne suggested Sharon use the news article that was included in the meeting packet and abbreviate it to fit
the article for the warrant. Sharon informed the Committee prior to a Town meeting, the Town films an
explanation of all the articles in the warrant and holds a community forum.
Update on public outreach and education process, including draft of newsletter article
Sharon provided an update from her meeting with the Brewster Chamber of Commerce. She indicated it was a
very positive presentation and the audience was engaged. She stressed the importance of Brewster business in
the LCP. Feedback after the meeting from Kyle Hinkle, Executive Director of the Brewster Chamber of
Commerce was very positive.
Sharon referred to the news article in the meeting packet. It is a combination of writing styles from both Sharon
and Amanda which seems to work quite well. The goal is to use this article to reach out to organizations to be
included in their newsletters and Homeowners Associations email distribution. A condensed version of the news
article was submitted to the COA. Sharon asked the Committee if there were any comments. The Committee
reviewed the news article and discussed the high points. Sharon suggested Committee members reach out to
the organization assigned to them and let them know the news article is coming. Sharon also suggested
Committee members send the organizations both the full version and the condensed version of the news article
and let them choose which is appropriate. Jon suggested some minor changes to the news article. Fran
suggested adding a hyperlink to the new article so readers could access the Town website and bolding the
Page 2 of 2
highlights. Andi informed the Committee that she will reach out to people she knows with a personal note
about the LCP.
The Committee reviewed the outreach list updating it along the way. A public service announcement will be
scheduled in October. Sharon and Amanda will work with Suzanne Bryan on staff at the Town Hall. As the Town
meeting gets closer Sharon strongly suggested the Committee members take a shift or two at the transfer
station, the post office, and the library to hand out the FAQs and answer questions. The Committee discussed
posting the FAQs on bulletin boards in common gathering places. Fran will add the Town Meeting and voting
reference to the top of the FAQs.
Update from Bay and Pond Property Planning Committees
Suzanne provided an update on the Bay Property. There has been a push for residents to see the property. Last
weekend’s walk was cancelled due to rain and rescheduled for the end of October. On Wednesday, October 4th
both property planning committees and the Select Board will be meeting with Hilderbrand the consulting firm to
come up with one option for each property which is based on the community forums and the survey and cost
associated with each option. This will be presented at a third community forum on November 30th with the goal
to represent at Spring Town Meeting. Kari informed the Committee this is an opportunity for the public to
provide input as well. Amanda stated ultimately both property planning committees are working on one plan
for both properties. They are still in the process of defining the priorities. Amanda provided an update on the
Volunteer Fair held at the Bay property. Approximately 30 out of 40 Boards and Committees attended, it was
very successful.
Review Action items from the September 5th meeting
Everything is on track
Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair:
Kari informed the Committee the warrant closes on October 16th. Patricia asked about an interview with the
Chronicle. Sharon informed the Committee Rich Eldred has been writing articles about Brewster, Kari confirmed
Allan Pollock is now the contact at the Chronicle. Sharon will get in touch with him.
Next Meeting Monday, November 6th
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 4:38 pm.
LCP OUTREACH ACTIVITIES TIMELINE
APPROACH SCHEDULE CONTACTS ASSIGNED COMPLETED
FAQs
Flyers and Posters
Ponds Summit 6/16/2023 Sharon
Conservation Day 7/8/2023 Committee Members
Brewster Men's Club 7/13/2023 Sharon
DJ Dance Party 7/27/2023 Suzanne
Brewster Part-time Resident Association 8/26/2023 Sharon
Brewster Chamber of Commerce 9/22/2023 Sharon
Brewster Volunteer Fair 9/30/2023 Sharon, Amanda, Jon
Town Meeting Info Session 10/30/2023 Sharon and Amanda
Cape Cod Chronicle article 10/12/2023 Sharon and Amanda
Letters to Editor 11/9/2023 Committee Members
Town website announcements N/A Jon and Conor Ongoing
Announce posting of LCP draft on Town Website July Jon and Conor
Announce/Post Public Hearing early September Jon
Town Facebook and Twitter posts October-November Suzanne Bryan
Town Meeting Warrant Article Video 10/25/2023 Sharon
Brewster PSAs October-November Suzanne Bryan Sharon, Amanda, Jon
Select Board Update 9/11/2023 Sharon and Amanda
Chamber of Commerce 9/21/2023 Kyle Hinkle Sharon
Town Committee/Board Chairs October Sharon
FinCom discussion of warrant article 10/11/2023 N/A Sharon, Amanda, Jon
Rec Department (email list)Mike Gradone Sharon
Brewster Historical Society Sally Gunning Patricia
Brewster Conservation Trust Amy Henderson Sharon
Brewster Ponds Coalition 6/23/2023 and 11/1/2023 Susan Bridges Sharon
Brewster Association of Part-time Residents Greg Jones Sharon
Brewster Chamber of Commerce Kyle Hinkle Sharon
Elementary Schools - PTO, Parent Square, digital whiteboard Christie Peterson Alex
Democratic Town Committee 10/14/2023 Katie Jacobus Sharon
COA Elton Culter Sharon
Friends of Brewster Seniors Marilyn Dearborn, Meg Morris Sharon
Brewster Ladies Library Brittany Taylor Suzanne
Brewster Conservation Trust Amy Henderson Sharon
Brewster Ponds Coalition Susan Bridges Andi
Homeowners Association (separate list)Committee Members
Our Lady of the Cape Tracey Konecnik Sharon
Brewster Baptist Church Fran
Bible Alliance Church Paula Peden Sharon
Trinity Lutheran Church Sharon
COMMUNITY EVENTS
MEDIA
GROUP OUTREACH -Presentations and/or emailed materials
GROUP NEWSLETTER ARTICLES
MATERIALS
June-July Fran, Sharon, Amanda
LCP OUTREACH ACTIVITIES TIMELINE
APPROACH SCHEDULE CONTACTS ASSIGNED COMPLETED
MATERIALSFirst Parish Church Fran
Northside Methodist Church Sharon
PB Minutes 09/27/23 Page 1 of 3
Brewster Planning Board
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
(508) 896-3701 x1133
brewplan@brewster-ma.gov
MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 6:30 pm
Brewster Town Office Building
Chair Amanda Bebrin convened a meeting of the Planning Board at 6:30 pm with the following members participating:
Charlotte Degen, Madalyn Hillis-Dineen, Tony Freitas, Rob Michaels, Elizabeth Taylor, and Alex Wentworth. Also
participating: Jon Idman, Town Planner, and Lynn St. Cyr, Senior Department Assistant. Bebrin declared that a quorum
of the Planning Board was present. The Meeting Participation Statement and Recording Statement were read.
6:32 PM PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMENT
None.
6:33 PM JOINT PUBLIC HEARING WITH SELECT BOARD
The Planning Board and Select Board will review, discuss, and potentially vote on the final revised draft 2023 Local
Comprehensive Plan (LCP) prepared and recommended by the Vision Planning Committee. There will be an opportunity
for public comment on said LCP.
Documents:
09/25/23 Draft Local Comprehensive Plan
09/27/23 Presentation: Brewster’s Local Comprehensive Plan
Motion by Wentworth to Open Public Hearing. Second by Hillis-Dineen. Vote: 7-0-0.
Select Board Chair Ned Chatelain declared that there was a quorum of the Select Board with Cindy Bingham, Mary
Chaffee, Kari Hoffmann, and Dave Whitney present. Motion by Chaffee to Open the Public Hearing. Second by
Bingham. Vote: 5-0-0.
Sharon Tennstedt, Chair of the Vision Planning Committee (VPC), gave an overview of the Local Comprehensive Plan
(LCP). She stated that an LCP describes Brewster today and where Brewster wants to go in the future. An LCP provides
direction to help guide town decisions particularly related to land use. Tennstedt stated that the LCP is not a law or
regulation and does not create any mandates or requirements for the town. Tennstedt stated that the LCP was
prepared by the VPC with guidance from the Cape Cod Commission (CCC).
Tennstedt reviewed the status of the LCP. She stated that following the outcomes of the 2022 Fall Town Meeting and
2023 Special Town Meeting, the LCP was sent back to the VPC for further study and drafting related to concerns
regarding a proposed Wing Island boardwalk project. In April 2023, following a revised charge from the Select Board,
the VPC began work again to review and revise the draft LCP to reflect Town Meeting outcomes. Tennstedt reviewed
revisions to the LCP including: updated text and data to reflect events and timelines since Fall 2022; simplified language
for improved comprehension; aligned language about proposed Wing Island boardwalk project and Drummer Boy Park
master plan with results and actions taken after, and in accordance with, 2022 Fall Town Meeting and 2023 Special
Town Meeting; clarified the term “town centers” for consistency with the 2018 Vision Plan; edited the Action Plan for
clarity and comprehension and to establish specificity for goals, purposes, and actions; and edited to further emphasize
the importance of public engagement/two-way communication between government and residents, businesses,
organizations, and other stake holders.
Approved by Select Board: 10/16/23
Vote: 4-0-0
Approved by Planning Board: 10/25/23
Vote: 7-0-0
PB Minutes 09/27/23 Page 2 of 3
Tennstedt reviewed the public’s involvement in the LCP process. She noted that this was not a plan drafted by a
consultant but by the VPC. Tennstedt stated that the LCP is based on the 2018 Vision Plan and its Building Blocks
provided the framework for the LCP. She stated that the LCP is a product of Brewster residents. The VPC consists of
resident volunteers who drafted the plan. In February 2022, the Next Steps public survey was conducted and there was
a 25% response rate. She also stated that drafts of the LCP were reviewed by community organizations and town
departments and were posted on the town website for public comment. A public hearing was held in 2022 in addition
to the current public hearing. The formatted plan was recently posted on the town website for review. Community
outreach and education has continued through the Summer and Fall 2023 and will continue through to Town Meeting.
Tennstedt reviewed the composition of the LCP including its various sections. She pointed out Section 4, the Action
Plan. Tennstedt stated that the LCP includes a Vision Statement which is a statement of community values based on the
Vision Statement from the 2018 Vision Plan with updates based on recent events and trends. Updates include a
commitment to address climate change which was not included in the 2018 Vision Statement. She reviewed the
Building Blocks which she stated are the framework of the LCP. Two additional Building Blocks have been added since
2018 - climate mitigation & adaptation and solid waste management. The Building Blocks are based on and have been
updated from the Vision Plan Summary Papers which provide an overview of existing conditions for each Building Block
as well as background, recent actions by the town, and key issues moving forward. Tennstedt stated that the Building
Blocks are not silos but complement and reinforce each other. Tennstedt stated that the Action Plan is the heart of the
LCP. It lays out goals, purposes, and actions to achieve the community’s vision for each Building Block for the next 10+
years. The Action Plan is based on goals and actions from the Vision Plan, results from Brewster’s Next Steps survey,
recommendations from community stakeholders on current needs, and recommendations from Summary Papers. She
stated that the Action Plan must be representative of the will of Brewster residents and circumstances present and
going forward. The Action Plan is not binding, exclusive or exhaustive and represents a menu of possible options.
Tennstedt reviewed how the LCP will be used in decision-making. She stated that the LCP has been clarified so residents
will have a better understanding of how the LCP will be used. Tennstedt stated that once adopted, the LCP will become
an integral part of the town decision-making process and will be implemented through town boards, committees,
departments, and community organizations. To date, the Select Board has been using the Building Blocks from the 2018
Vision Plan to organize its Strategic Plan. Tennstedt noted that a Capital Facilities Plan is included in the LCP and that
any major capital expenditure will need to go to Town Meeting for approval. There will be annual reporting on LCP
implementation. Tennstedt stated that LCP implementation does not change any public decision-making approval
processes otherwise required. For example, capital expenditures and bylaw/code amendments will still require Town
Meeting approval.
Tennstedt reviewed the next steps of the LCP process. She stated that the VPC voted to recommend adoption of the
revised draft to the Select Board and Planning Board on September 5, 2023 subject to staff formatting, editorial
corrections, and data and information updates. The formatted LCP has been posted to the LCP project page on the town
website. The Planning Board and Select Board’s role is to decide whether to endorse the revised draft and recommend
it to Fall Town Meeting for possible adoption. The VPC will continue to work on public outreach until Fall Town Meeting
in November. Tennstedt thanked the VPC members: Amanda Bebrin, Vice Chair, Andi Genser, Patricia Hess, Suzanne
Kenney, Fran Schofield, Alex Wentworth, and Kari Hoffmann, Select Board Liaison. Schofield was present at the hearing.
Genser, Hess, and Kenney joined the hearing via Zoom. She also thanked Town Planner Jon Idman and Administrative
Assistant Ellen Murphy.
Members of the Planning Board thanked Tennstedt for her presentation and thanked the VPC for all their work on the
LCP and their public outreach and engagement efforts. Bebrin, Vice Chair of the VPC, noted a conversation the VPC had
with their consultant regarding implementation and requirements to implement certain actions in the plan within a
certain time. Bebrin stated that the VPC pushed back because they do not see implementation as prescriptive but open
ended and meant to work with the Select Board’s Strategic Plan and the Capital Facilities Plan. She stated that the
Action Plan is the heart of the LCP and asked residents to review the Action Plan.
PB Minutes 09/27/23 Page 3 of 3
Members of the Select Board thanked the VPC for their work on the LCP and for their public engagement efforts.
Chaffee noted that the LCP is not a mandate but provides direction. She also stated that the plan was prepared by the
VPC based on input from Brewster residents. Hoffmann thanked members of the public who have participated in the
LCP process. Hoffmann noted that the VPC is still working on public outreach and education and thanked them for their
continued efforts.
Tennstedt thanked Hal Minis, former VPC Chair, for all his work in the vision planning process and on the LCP.
Mark Martino, 337 Lund Farm Way, stated he believes the economy will improve because of the LCP.
Ben McKelway, 1802 Main Street, stated that he wished the Planning Board and Select Board would not endorse the
LCP. He sees the plan as pro-growth and pro-development and an attempt to lure more people to Brewster which in his
opinion is already busy enough. McKelway stated that he understands the LCP is just guidance, but it is not the type of
guidance he wants the Select Board and other town boards to have. He does not support a town center, complete
streets program, zoning changes to allow for more multi-family units, or encouraging more business in Brewster.
Motion by Chaffee to Close the Public Hearing. Second by Hoffmann. Vote: 5-0-0.
Motion by Wentworth to Close the Public Hearing. Second by Michaels. Vote: 7-0-0. Taylor noted that Brewster’s last
Local Comprehensive Plan was is 1970.
Motion by Wentworth to Endorse the Revised Local Comprehensive Plan and Recommend It to Town Meeting for
Adoption, subject to Additional Editorial Corrections. Second by Hillis-Dineen. Vote: 7-0-0.
Motion by Hoffmann to Endorse the Revised Local Comprehensive Plan and Recommend It to Town Meeting for
Adoption, subject to Additional Editorial Corrections. Second by Whitney. Vote: 5-0-0. Motion by Chaffee to Adjourn
the Select Board. Second by Hoffmann. Vote: 5-0-0. Select Board adjourned at 7:08 pm.
7:08 PM APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
Approval of Meeting Minutes: September 13, 2023.
The Board reviewed the September 13, 2023 meeting minutes. Motion by Wentworth to Approve September 13, 2023
Meeting Minutes. Second by Degen. Vote: 6-0-1 (Freitas abstained).
7:09 PM COMMITTEE REPORTS
Taylor reported that the Open Space Committee is researching ownership of land in town through the Registry of Deeds.
Michaels stated that the Water Quality Review Committee is continuing its discussion on their mission and committee
charge. Bebrin announced the First Annual Volunteer Fair scheduled for Saturday, September 30th from 10 am -12 pm.
7:11 PM FOR YOUR INFORMATION
The Planning Board received information on the Brewster Communications Community Survey and a community forum
and survey on climate adaptation for Pleasant Bay.
Motion by Wentworth to Adjourn. Second by Michaels. Vote: 7-0-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:13 PM.
Next Planning Board Meeting Date: October 11, 2023.
Respectfully submitted,
__________________________________________
Lynn St. Cyr, Senior Department Assistant, Planning