HomeMy Public PortalAboutVision Planning Committee -- 2023-10-02 MinutesTOWN OF BREWSTER,r,. ill ;�;�Am
VISION PLANNING COMMITTEE `" ' -
MEETING MINUTES BkFI'ST R n� CLERK
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:
• 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
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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 Pond 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.
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