HomeMy Public PortalAboutConservation Commission -- 2023-12-26 Cancelled (2)ea,E:W S
O. b k
O? `N
CONSERVATION
COMMISSION
Michael Tobin
Chair
Casey Chatelain
Vice Chair
COMMISSIONERS
Bruce Evans
Gary Kaser
Kimberley Crocker
Pearson
Ron Slowek
Steve McKenna
STAFF
Chris Miller,
Natural Resources
Director
Bill Grafton,
Conservation
Administrator
Cassandra West,
Senior Department
Assistant
Town of Brewster Conservation Commission
1657 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631
(508) 896-4546
CONSERVATION COMMISSION MEETING
CANCELLATION NOTICE
2198 Main Street
December 26, 2023 at 6:00 PM
Due to a lack of quorum, the public meeting of the Brewster Conservation Commission
scheduled for December 26, 2023 has been cancelled.
Next Meeting: January 09, 2024
Date Submitted: Date Revised: Received by Town Clerk:
12/13/2023
t''_i;i:
NAUSET REGIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL
"...a sage,-espectfvl and hurtunng ehvlrohmeht wA;cA pronates acadeh+lc excellence and self-esteem+"
DR. PETER COHEN I PRINCIPAL
MIKE CILIBERTO I ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
BRETT COSTELLO I ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
NRMS School Advisory Council MEETING
DECEMBER 21, 2023 - 3:30pm-4:30pm in Room 269
AGENDA
What is a school council?
A school council is a representative, school building -based committee composed of the
principal, parents, teachers, community members and, at the secondary level, students,
required to be established by each school pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws
Chapter 71, Section 59C.
Check -In - 5 Minutes
Of 0
Reflections on First 6 Months at NRMS - Dr. Cohen -15 minutes
• Strengths
• Challenges
• Priorities
Budget Update -15 minutes
School Improvement Plan - 30 minutes
• Review MissionNision Statements
• Begin to Create list of items for consideration related to the district Strategic Plan
0 21 st Century Skills
o Global Citizenship
o Social -Emotional Learning
o Professional Development
o Community Schools
NAUSET REGIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL
"...a sage, rerpectful and hartur-hij ehvirohm.eht wkicA promoter academic excellence and Self-esteem"
DR. PETER COHEN I PRINCIPAL
MIKE CILIBERTO I ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
BRETT COSTELLO I ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Nauset Regional District Mission, Vision, and Core Values
• Our mission is to prepare each student to succeed in an ever-changing world by
providing a rigorous academic program that integrates social -emotional learning and
global awareness.
• Our vision is to provide enriching, diverse, and innovative opportunities to prepare
students to be lifelong, self-directed learners and contributing members of society. By
learning how to think critically, problem -solve, and collaborate with others, students will
be able to'reflect on their learning, set goals for themselves, and persevere when facing
obstacles in a complex world. We will foster a global perspective through authentic
learning experiences, expansion of the traditional classroom beyond the walls of the
schools, and development of education partnerships and opportunities across the
community, the United States, and countries world wide.
• We believe that education should inspire a passion for learning and that:
o Every child matters
o Evey child is unique
o Ely child deserves to feel safe
1;
GOAL 1 - 21st Century Skills Enable students to practice and apply 21st Century Skills
throughout the PK -12 curriculum to acquire deeper learning and be prepared for our
ever-changing world.
GOAL 2 - Global "Citizenship Develop the cognitive, interpersonal, and intrapersonal
competencies fundamental to global citizenship and cultural proficiency as well as the ecological
understanding and skills needed to sustain our environment.
GOAL 3 - Social ;Emotional Learning Facilitate students' and adults' development of the skills
needed to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show
empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible
decisions. x
GOAL 4 - Professional Development Provide ongoing professional development that supports
the Strategic Plan=by expanding teachers' application of interdisciplinary, authentic,
research -based, and innovative teaching strategies.
GOAL 5 - Community Schools Create partnerships between the school and the community at
large where all members of the community can come together to learn, to teach, and to share
ideas.
Next Meeting: Thursday January 18 at 3:30pm
Posted 12.13.2023 Arlynn Consiglio
P1
Nauset Public Schools
Municipal Representatives Meeting
Tuesday, December 19, 2023 @11:OOAM
This meeting is fully remote via Zoom
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https:/1us02w&.zoom.uslj185380248625
Or One tap mobile:
+13126266799„85380248625# US (Chicago)
+16468769923„85380248625# US (New York)
Webinar ID: 853 8024 8625
AGENDA
1.
CALL TO ORDER
2.
AGENDA CHANGES
3.
CITIZEN'S SPEAK
4.
PRIORITY BUSINESS:
A. Election of Municipal Representative in Nauset Regional School District Collective Bargaining in
accordance with M.G.L. c.150E, §1 and 603 CMR 41.04.
S. ADJOURNMENT
Posted 12.13.2023 Arlynn Consiglio
T'
Nauset Public Schools
Municipal Representatives Meeting
Tuesday, December 19, 2023 @11:OOAM
This meeting is fully remote via Zoom
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
htt;)s: !,' us02web.zoo m.us/i 185380248625
Or One tap mobile:
+13126266799„85380248625# US (Chicago)
+16468769923„85380248625# US (New York)
Webinar ID: 853 8024 8625
erriunn
1.
CALL TO ORDER
2.
AGENDA CHANGES
3.
CITIZEN'S SPEAK
4.
PRIORITY BUSINESS:
A. Election of Municipal Representative in Nauset Regional School District Collective Bargaining in
accordance with M.G.L. c.150E, §1 and 603 CMR 41.04.
5. ADJOURNMENT
_;REI STE .' T0"WIN _r
REwSTF///°''ii Town of Brewster
O�.'oF "E60ER 9y�,,'9 iii
Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee
o = 2198 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631
~ ' — bikewaysQbrewster-ma.gov
(508) 896-3701AP
19
BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN MEETING MINUTES
2198 Main Street
October 7, 2023; 5.00 p.m.
1) Call to Order
Bicycle and
Pedestrian
Commitee
2) Declaration of a Quorum
a. Six (6) of the seven (7) committee members present. Five (5) members actively sworn in and able to
vote, quorum is met.
List of Board
3) Meeting Participation Statement
Members and
positions
4) Recording Statement
Joseph Sullivan
5) Introductions of new members
Chair
a. Sharon Donahue
b. Kelly Messier
Susan Riseman
Vice Chair
6) Vote to approve previous meeting's minutes
a. Joe Sullivan read the minutes of the previous meeting. John McLaughlin made the motion to approve
John McLaughlin
the minutes, seconded by Roland Bessette. Motion was 5-0-0.
Member
7) Update from David Whitney, Select Board
a. Mr. Whitney gave numerous updates regarding the Millstone Road Project. Updates included road
Roland Bessette
crossings across Millstone Road, easier access into Nickerson State Park, and permission from the state
Member
level in order to have the crosswalk go directly to the sidewalk in front of the lawn in front of First Light
Beach. The Rt 6A crossing will also have a pedestrian -requesting -access blinking light.
Chell Bitzer
b. Mr. Whitney is still waiting for feedback regarding extending the Rail Trail to Crosby and Linnell
Member
beaches. DCR does not currently have funds to move the project forward.
c. Discussion regarding where crosswalks can be placed. Crosswalks cannot go across a state road if it
Sharon Donahue
doesn't end at a sidewalk. There has been approval to put a raised crosswalk on Underpass Road in front
Member
' of the elementary school.
Kelly Messier
8) 1" Annual Volunteer Fair and Appreciation Event recap
Member
a. Committee members agreed that the event was well -executed. Attendees of the event brought thoughtful
questions to the Committee members, such as how to inform the public that wheeled modalities are
Select Board
allowed on sidewalks. One solution to be explored is to paint symbols onto the sidewalks, which require
Liaison
confirming with DPW, and with the state if the sidewalks are along Rt 6A.
David Whitney
9) Update from Susie Johnson, Nickerson State Park, DCR
a. Ms. Johnson gave a number of updates as the interim superintendent for Nickerson State Park, including
Brewster Select
there are 8 miles of trails in the park, an update on the number of accidents in the park, getting new
Board
equipment to cut back brush, the placement of Americorps members, the goal of removing invasive
species, hopes for more staff, that dirt trails are meant for walkers and not for bikes, an existing order
Guest.
with Dig Safe to move the stop sign at the northeast corner of Underpass�Road, and that the Rail Trail is
Susie Johnson
a state park so it technically closes between dusk and dawn.
Nickerson State
b. The Committee had a discussion with Ms. Johnson regarding who is responsible for repairs and
Park, DCR
maintenance, how paving funds are allocated, explanation of how far property lines extend out from the
trail so as to determine what land is DCR-owned and what is town -owned (or privately owned), as well
as who would manage hydration stations once installed.
10) League of American Bicyclists' Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) designation in 2024
a. Explanation of what BFC designation means, how an area can improve, how an application is discussed
and evaluated.
b. Motion to propose to the Select Board to support the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee's submitting of
an application in 2024 for BFC designation was made by Sharon Donahue and seconded by Roland
Bessette. Motion was 5-0-0.
11) MassBike Lights Brigade event discussion
a. If it occurs, the MassBike Lights Brigade would not be an official committee meeting, it would be
informal and informative of handing out lights and helping cyclists install them onto their bikes. It
would be beneficial to be able to have the information on the town's website.
12) Bike.Month May 2024 Discussion
a. The discussion for Bike Month in May 2024 should start during the next Bicycle and Pedestrian
Committee meeting in order to begin coordinating with other departments as well as to decide on
logistics such as dates, etc.
13) Brewster Conservation Day 2024 Save the Date July 13, 2024
The date has not officially been determined but will most likely be on July 13, 2024. The Bicycle and
Pedestrian Committee will have a tent during the event, which will take place at Drummer Boy Park.
14) Election of committee clerk
a. This agenda item is continued until the next meeting due to having multiple new committee members.
15) Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair
a. There were no items discussed that were not reasonably anticipated.
16) Next .Meeting: Nov 2, 2023
17) Adjournment
TOWN OF BREWSTER
Brewster, Massachusetts 02631
(508) 896-3701
GOLF COMMISSION
Minutes of November 14th, 2023
&kF.�i'S7'F�R
Commissioners Present: Andrea Johnson (Chair), John Kissida (Vice Chair), Rob David, Jim Juras,
Anne O'Connell, Jay Paggi, and David Valcourt.
Others Present: Jay Packett (Director of Operations), Colin Walsh (Superintendent), Susan Olin (9-
Holers Association), Terry Ivester — Remote (Ladies 18 Holers)
THIS MEETING WAS VIDEO RECORDED. The meeting may be viewed at: https://reflect-brewster-
ma.cablecast.tv/CablecastPublicSitelshow17774?site=l
Andrea Johnson read the meeting participation statement and called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
Declaration of a Quorum — Seven Commissioners present which constitutes a quorum.
Public Comment — No public comment
Superintendent's Report (Colin Walsh) - Colin Walsh began by noting the onset of fall weather. He
highlighted improvements in course conditions, mentioning the occasional frost delays and the need for
caution during those times. The mowing of the golf courses had reduced, and the focus shifted to leaf
cleanup, acknowledging the extended period for this task. Colin Walsh detailed ongoing projects,
including bunker rebuilds on par threes and drainage work on hole 10 Port. He commended the
maintenance team for their efforts, citing the effectiveness of the recently acquired Kubota backhoe.
Updates on specific projects included a sinkhole repair on seven port and upcoming repairs to the cart
paths. Colin Walsh mentioned the irrigation system blowout was rescheduled post -Thanksgiving, delayed
due to compressor issues. He touched on safety and pesticide training programs, emphasizing the
commitment to staying updated on regulations.
Colin Walsh provided information on the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the well project and the
finalized maintenance building study report, signaling progress on these fronts. A new piece of capital
equipment, a rough mower, had arrived after a two-year wait, replacing a well-worn unit. Colin Walsh
acknowledged the positive impact of such additions on staff morale.
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In personnel updates, Colin Walsh reported on seasonal staff finishing their tenure and upcoming layoffs,
along with the retirement of Jerry Hough, expressing gratitude for Hough's over 10 years of dedicated
service.
Director of Operations Report (Jay Packett) – Jay Packett started his financial report with an overview
of the Budget Status through October. He pointed out that the current budget used was at 46%, exceeding
last year's 40%. Notable increases were observed in diesel fuel and credit card expenses. Jay Packett
expressed concern over the latter, as the budget couldn't be adjusted, and an increase in credit card
transactions has incurred higher expenses.
Jay Packett then provided a summary of the financial performance for October 2023. Increases were
observed in pro shop sales, greens fees, and carts, contributing to an overall surplus of approximately
$49,000. Pro shop sales played a significant role, rising by nearly $10,000. Jay Packett was optimistic
about maintaining positive trends.
Calendar year statistics were presented, showcasing substantial gains in membership revenue, greens fees,
carts, and pro shop income. The overall surplus compared to the same period in 2022 amounted to
$400,000.
Moving to fiscal year totals, Jay Packett pointed out a surplus of about $90,000 in green fees. Carts also
demonstrated noteworthy increases, resulting in a grand total surplus of almost $142,000. Despite
October's operating expenses exceeding projections due to pre -ordered maintenance supplies, Packett
emphasized an overall fiscal year projected surplus of $268,000.
The financial report concluded with Jay Packett noting a successful October in terms of play totals, with
9,307 rounds recorded—the second highest ever. Calendar year play totals reflected a substantial lead of
1,882 rounds compared to the same period in 2022. Jay Packett attributed these positive trends to the
efforts of Colin Walsh and his team, expressing gratitude for their consistent hard work. Jay Packet then
asked for any questions and comments on the financial data presented.
Anne O'Connell raised concerns about the high percentage of credit card usage, prompting discussions
about potential surcharges or incorporating fees into the overall cost structure. John Kissida and Rob
David shared insights on existing precedents and alternative approaches, suggesting potential discounts
for cash payments. Packett committed to exploring these options in collaboration with the town treasurer
and the finance team.
Business Manager Update – Jay Packett provided an update, stating that second -round interviews for the
position were conducted with three candidates. The panel, consisting of himself, Peter, Donna, Mimi, and
Susan (HR director), participated in the interviews. Following the meetings, they engaged in a discussion,
and it was revealed that there would be further communication with the candidates during the week.
While details were limited at the moment, Jay Packett expressed hope to share more information in the
next meeting, indicating ongoing progress in the hiring process.
Calendar of Events - Jay Packett presented the golf course's 2024 calendar events, highlighting key
activities and tournaments scheduled throughout the year. The presentation covered adjustments like an
earlier opening due to aeration considerations, hosting US Junior amateur qualifiers, and significant
events in each month. A request to host an event for Women's Week on October 14th generated concerns
among the commission members regarding it being Columbus Day weekend. The Women's Week golf
tournament is part of the annual Women's Week festivities in Provincetown, scheduled for October 12th
to 20th, 2024. The event aims to attract around 100 to 110 participants. The organizer specifically
requested hosting the golf tournament on October 14th, coinciding with Columbus Day. Despite an
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expressed preference for an alternative date, the organizer cited scheduling constraints. The decision was
made to not host the tournament. The calendar discussion involved considerations for the schedule,
potential adjustments, and the general approval of the presented calendar. Jay Packett presented the 2024
calendar events for the golf course. Notable points include:
March 30: Opened 36 holes earlier than usual due to the calendar structure, starting aeration on April 8.
April: Aeration scheduled for the second week.
May 4th: Annual Martha White Tournament.
June: Consideration for hosting US Junior amateur qualifiers on June 17.
July: No association play in the first week, couples' championship on the 13th, and parent-child event on
the 21 st.
August: Club Championship spans two weekends, 17th -18th being the busiest.
September: CUDA Cancer Fundraiser on the day after Labor Day, Nine-Holer's Association Invitational
on the 5th, and Captain's Invitational on the 7th -8th.
October: Various charity events, with Columbus Day affecting the schedule. Member -Member moved to
the weekend of the 26th -27th.
November: Course closures for maintenance starting from the 4th, one course closed Monday -Thursday,
both open Friday -Sunday.
Discussion and possible vote on 2024 daily fees, cart fees and range fees (Andrea Johnson) — The
Commission discussed tee time percentages. The current setup, with 50% members and 50% daily fee
players on the member course and 25% members and 75% daily fee players on the second course, was
considered effective. Jay Packett and the commission agreed on maintaining this ratio. A motion for the
recommendation to keep the current tee time percentages was approved and would be presented to the
Select Board for approval. Anne O'Connell then presented non-resident waitlist data, noting a decrease in
non-resident members from 386 to 377. Despite this, she suggested allowing up to 25 new non-resident
members for the next golf season. Discussions ensued regarding the decrease in non-resident
memberships, strategies for handling unresponsive individuals on the waitlist, and potential adjustments
to non-resident fees. Dave Valcourt proposed setting a target membership number around 1150 as a
compromise for AFPs and daily fee players. The commission agreed to decide on non-resident
memberships by the first meeting in February, with a motion to allow up to 25 new non-residents for the
2024 season being approved.
Discussion of 2024 Membership rates (Andrea Johnson) - The focus then shifted to daily fees, with
Anne O'Connell expressing reluctance due to the absence of an updated financial forecast. Jay Packett
shared information about a meeting to update the five-year financial forecast for the golf course. John
Kissida emphasized the importance of additional information, specifically average rounds played per
category and cart usage percentages. The discussion touched upon the potential impact of fee increases on
membership and the need for careful consideration to avoid discouraging golfers. Jay Packett provided
insights into the rates charged by other courses in the area based on his research. The conversation delved
into the need for revenue generation and the necessity of a balanced approach. John Kissida suggested
gathering more data, such as the average number of rounds per category and cart usage percentages, to
make informed decisions. Dave Valcourt advocated for a fiscally responsible approach, considering
deferred maintenance, capital improvements, and the goal of having 20% of the budget as retained
earnings. Andrea Johnson referred to Peter Lombardi's recommendation for a minimum 5% annual
increase over the next five years. Dave Valcourt emphasized the importance of informing and explaining
the decisions to the membership. The discussion expanded to projections of cost increases and the need
for transparency in the budgeting process. Colin Walsh highlighted that significant capital items were
included in the capital plan and Anne O'Connell acknowledged that as an enterprise fund, expected to
meet the requiements by the State of retained earnings. The discussion concluded on potential
adjustments to fee structures based on peak play times and the consideration of weekdays. John Kissida
proposed exploring ways to increase revenue during high -demand periods. The meeting was then quickly
shifted to approval of a minutes as time was running short.
Strategic Planning Updates (Commission) - None
Questions and Comments from Associations and Liaisons: None
Review and approve minutes (10/10 & 10/24) — Both 10/10 and 10/24 minutes approved with
amendments.
Future Agenda Items and Meetings (11/28 & 12/12) —Speaking on the maintenance building study was
added to the future agenda for meeting on 11/28.
Matters not anticipated by the Chair: - Andrea Johnson acknowledged the new requirement for more
detailed agendas. She expressed that she had been informed the day before that stating "department heads
giving us an update" would no longer suffice. Instead, detailed information had to be provided. Andrea
Johnson mentioned the potential loss of the ability to provide general strategic planning updates. She
indicated that she would be reaching out to request detailed information when seeking agenda items. The
emphasis was on creating specific and informative agendas so that anyone looking at them would have a
clear understanding of the topics to be discussed. Andrea Johnson also clarified that if a matter wasn't on
the agenda, it couldn't be discussed during the meeting.
A motion to adjourn was made - Motion was approved and the meeting was adjourned.
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