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2198 Main Street
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MINUTES OF THE SELECT BOARD MEETING
DATE: December 18, 2023
TIME: 5:30 PM
PLACE: 2198 Main Street, Room A
W LO-
S Board
1 anager
REGULAR SESSION
Participants: Selectperson Chaffee, Selectperson Hoffmann, Selectperson Whitney, Selectperson Bingham,
Town Manager Peter Lombardi, Project Manager Conor Kenny, Lindsay Erreca (AT&T), Mike Gradone
(Recreation Director), Bay Property Planning Committee and Recreation Commission Members: Amanda
Bebrin, Katie Jacobus, Karl Fryzel, Caroline McCarley, Tom Wingard, Roland Bassett, Jay Packet (Director of
Golf Operations), Brook Clenchy (Nauset Schools Superintendent), Nauset Regional School Committee
members: Tom Fitzgibbons, Rick Draper
Remote Participants: Selectperson Chatelain, Selectperson Bingham, Clare O'Connor Rice (BPPC), Chris Ellis
and Marie Enochty (Recreation Commission), Ryan Burch (Natural Resources Director)
Absent: BPPC Members: Pat Hughes, Peter Johnson, John Phillips
Call to Order Declaration of a uorum Meetin Partici tion Statement and Recordin Statement
Vice Chair Chaffee called the meeting to order at 5:40pm, declared a quorum and read both the meeting
participation and recording statement.
Executive Session
To consider the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property if the chair declares that an open
meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body- 3057 Main Street &
400 W.H. Besse Cartway
Selectperson Hoffmann moved to enter executive session. Selectperson Whitney seconded the motion. A
roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Chatelain-yes, Selectperson Bingham -yes, Selectperson Hoffmann -yes,
Selectperson Whitney -yes, Chair Chaffee -yes. The vote was 5 -Yes, 0 -No.
The Board returned from executive session at 6:OOpm.
Public Announcements and Comment
Chair Chaffee stated that Selectperson Bingham has left the meeting, but the Select Board still has a
quorum.
Select Board Announcements and Liaison Reports
Selectperson Hoffmann thanked the Brewster Garden Club, who together with the help from the Brewster
Men's Club hung swag and wreaths around Town.
Town Manager's Report
Mr. Lombardi acknowledged the members of the Martin Luther King Action Team, including Police Chief
Eldredge, who met to discuss the impacts of policing on minorities in our communities. Members are being
Select Board 12.18.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 1 of 10
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recognized by the Barnstable County Human Rights Commission with the Rosenthal Community Champion
Award.
At the Sea Camps third community forum there were over 250 residents in attendance. There was good
feedback and conversation in the breakout groups. The comment period was through December 10, and we
received over 100 comments submitted. The consulting team will be sharing the key takeaways from the
forum and the comment period to the planning committees in early January. All meeting materials, video,
and the presentation are available on the Town website. The Town is planning to host the fourth and final
forum on Thursday Feb 151h at 6pm, details to follow.
The State has been working to assemble funding for both canal bridges and has applied for over $113 for
federal funding. The State has committed $700M for the Sagamore Bridge and has been awarded over
$370M in Federal Grant funding for the project.
The Department of Environmental Protection issued their new Title 5 and Nitrogen Sensitive Watershed
regulations in July, at the time the requirement was to take effect this January, however they have pushed
this out another 6 months. Mr. Lombardi shared that the Town has submitted our watershed permit Notice
of Intent for the Herring River watershed and the exemption application for the Bass River Watershed and is
planning on doing the same for the Swan Pond watershed. For Brewster residents the new Title 5
regulations, including transitioning to IA Technologies within 5 years, is on hold.
Special Town Meeting approved $100K in November to develop a Pond Management Plan and conduct a
pond pilot study, the Natural Resources Advisory Commission will lead this initiative. More information is
available in the packet materials.
Discuss and Vote on AT&T Cell Tower Lease Amendment 1557 Main Street
Conor Kenny stated that AT&T is requesting to install a new diesel generator at 1657 Main Street. The
equipment modification request includes a new generator that would need to be constructed outside the
existing leased area, which requires an amendment to the lease. Mr. Kenny shared that Town counsel has
reviewed the draft least amendment with no concerns, the Fire Department expressed some concerns that
AT&T have agreed to and revised their pian. The rent for AT&T will increase by $250 per month. Linsday
Erreca, AT&T representative, noted that they are proposing to install an emergency backup generator to
support AT&T's wireless facility. AT&T will be adding an additional 250 sq ft plus buffering that is accounted
for in the additional monthly rent. She shared that AT&T is willing to provide landscaping around the
generator at the Town's request.
Selectperson Hoffmann recommends that the Select Board approves the lease amendment and the
associated generator work with the condition that AT&T secures the necessary permits from the building
department and modifies their plans to incorporate the Fire Departments requests. Selectperson Whitney
seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Chatelain-yes, Selectperson Hoffmann -yes,
Selectperson Whitney -yes, Chair Chaffee -yes. The Board vote was 4 -Yes, 0 -No.
Select Board 12.18.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 2 of 10
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Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Meeting Minutes: July 21 and December 4, 2023
b. Appointments: Amanda Bebrin (Bay Property Planning Committee) and Corey Gill (Zoning Board of
Appeals)
c. Facility Use Applications: Brewster Conservation Trust
d. Letter of Support to Brewster Cemetery Association for Community Preservation Act Funding
e. Request to Declare Surplus Items for Sale: Captains Golf Course
f. Town Landing and Public Beach Access Request: Point of Rocks
g. Fee Waiver Request: Brewster Historical Society
Selectperson Hoffmann provided an amendment to the minutes for July 21, 2023, on page 5.
Selectperson Hoffmann moved to approve the Consent Agenda with the amendments as printed in the
packet. Selectperson Whitney second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Chatelain-yes, Selectperson
Hoffmann -yes, Selectperson Whitney -yes, Chair Chaffee -yes. The Board vote was 4 -Yes, 0 -No.
Discuss and Vote on Friends of Brewster Dog Park Reguest to Purchase & Install Two Gazebos at Brewster
Dog Park
Mr. Lombardi shared that the Friends of Brewster Dog Park have expressed interest in a fundraising
campaign to fund two medium size gazebos, one in each of the dog park areas. These gazebos measure
12x16 with a minimum clearance of at least 7ft underneath. These are wood structures with a metal roof
and the proposal is to install them over existing benches in each of the designated areas. To cover the
bench area, the gazebos would also need to cover the paved walking paths. A local construction company,
Mazzeo Construction has volunteered time and service. Selectperson Chaffee confirmed that the
Department of Public Works has reviewed the request and conducted a site visit.
Selectperson Hoffmann moved to approve the request from the Friends of Brewster Dog Park to purchase
and install two gazebos at the Brewster Dog Park. Selectperson Whitney second. A roll call vote was taken.
Selectperson Chatelain-yes, Selectperson Hoffmann -yes, Selectperson Whitney -yes, Chair Chaffee -yes. The
Board vote was 4 -Yes, 0 -No.
Debrief on Summer 2023 Brewster Community Pool & Discuss Recommendations for Summer 2024- Joint
Meeting with Bay Property Planning Committee & Recreation Commission Select Board FY24-25 Strate is
Plan Goal SC -1
Bay Property Planning Committee Chair Amanda Bebrin called the meeting to order at 6:25pm, declared a
quorum and completed a roll call. Recreation Commission Chair Roland Bassett declared that a quorum was
not present for tonight's meeting and announced members who were in attendance.
Mr. Lombardi stated that the Town set realistic expectations on opening a community pool and tried our
best to keep things simple in the first year to be able to build on success. Throughout the season we
gathered data and acknowledged the complications and constraints that the Town was faced with. The
Select Board 12.18.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 3 of 10
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Town had a fantastic season with great programming for our residents. Previously data was shared about
year one, looking at lessons learned and receiving feedback for improvements.
Recreation Director, Mike Gradone provided a recap of the 2023 Season and provided the following
recommendations for 2024:
• Pool Opening and Closing dates: June 15, 2024 —August 18, 2024 (extending the season by at least
one week). The Town is unable to keep the season longer due to staffing constraints as most
lifeguards leave in mid-August.
• Hours of Operation: 7 days a week from 6am — 6pm (continue with closure on Wednesday mornings
for chlorine treatment).
• New offer of private pool rentals on Friday and Saturday evenings from bpm — 8pm.
• Eligibility to continue for Brewster residents only and include:
o Allow non-resident Town/School employees to purchase passes (similar benefit currently in
place for beach, shellfish, and Recycling center permits)
• Programing will be similar to the 2023 season, with the following additions:
o Start lap swim one hour earlier
o Expand swim lesson classes and options to almost double for 2024 and remove pool
membership requirement for swim lesson participants
o Add more water aerobics classes
Mr. Lombardi reviewed that Town Meeting last fall approved a new revolving fund to manage pool
revenues and expenses with $200K for startup costs and $250K for the pool parking lot. The 2023 expenses
included:
• Estimated operating expenses was $125K, actual operating expenses was $100,676 (does not include
gatekeepers who have been funded through American Rescue Plan Act funds which will not continue
forever and will eventually come online).
• A part-time administrative assistant was hired at the Recreation Department, the peak season costs
are incorporated in the actual expenses. Ultimately will be a cost that the Town will have to account
for.
• Year 1 start-up expenses were estimated at $75K, actual expenses were $69,351.-
•
69,351:• Balance of $29,972 in start-up funds which has now been allocated to cover offseason capital:
• Of the $250K for the parking lot project, less than $70K was used due to Department of Public Works
in house services, $150K of the funds have been reappropriated to the Millstone Road Improvement
project. We have a balance of $32,258.
Mr. Lombardi then reviewed the 2023 pool revenues which came in at a little over $113K in total revenues,
with the largest percentage of pool memberships purchased were family memberships. The remainder
were evenly split over the other four categories (individuals, individuals +1, seniors, and seniors +1). We
sold over 350 guest passes, we originally worried about hitting the 100 -swimmer threshold, but quickly
realized we would have capacity to allow for more guests. We allowed residents to purchase up to 20 guest
passes and didn't run into any issues. The Town held four drop-in days, these were not as well attended as
anticipated, as we sold about 180 passes. The Town will have a little over $100K in the pool revolving fund
Select Board 12.18.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 4 of 10
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for next year. Mr. Lombardi stated that for the 2024 season, the Town recommends keeping the same fee
structure and increasing the maximum number of guests passes to 25 per membership. Registration for
next year will be through the MyRec online platform managed by the Recreation Department. We suggest a
$250 fee for private pool rentals for a two-hour period.
In closing Mr. Lombardi thanked those involved in making the 2023 season a success, the Town received
consistent positive feedback from residents about the facility, programs, and staff.
Members of the Bay Property Planning Committee had the opportunity to share their feedback:
• Member Fryzel inquired about private party rentals and the limitations and responsibilities. Mr.
Gradone responded that the details are still being worked out, but the fee will cover the operating
expenses.
• Member Jacobus is in favor of rentals for potential revenue and asked about lifeguard training if that
would also bring in additional revenue. Mr. Gradone shared that eventually there could be a
regional program that might bring in revenue from other Towns, but as of now the training is for
Brewster staff.
Recreation Commission member Chris Ellis asked to consider early morning open swim time for families
with young children who are up early, and member Enochty asked to consider swim lessons for children
with special needs.
Bay Property Planning Committee member Fryzel motioned to adjourn; member Jacobus seconded the
motion. A roll call vote was taken. Member Jacobus- yes, member Fryzel- yes, member Chaffee -yes,
member Whitney -yes, member McCarley-yes, member O'Conor Rice -yes, Wingard-yes, Chair Bebrin-yes.
The vote was 8 -Yes, 0 -No.
Discuss and Vote on Proposed 2024 Captains Golf Course Rates and Additional Non -Resident
Memberships
Golf Director Jay Packett presented the Captains Golf Course 2024 daily fee schedule which includes the
daily greens fees for non-residents and cart fees. In reviewing the 5 -year financial forecast plan, it was
decided to propose a flat 5% increase for green fees. And 8% for cart fees. Included in the packet is a
spreadsheet of the 2023 rates and the proposed 2024 rates.
Mr. Lombardi noted that the 5 -year financial forecast was presented to the Golf Commission to help inform
their decisions in recommendations for 2024 rates. This helps in looking ahead at looming capital, to make
sure decisions around rate increase would not have a significant compounding effect in future years. Mr.
Lombardi shared that for this year they are recommending a 5% increase, 6% the following year and then
7% in future years. The Golf Commission anticipates that they will have at least 5% annual rate increases for
memberships and green fees each year going forward to make sure the enterprise fund is self-sustaining
and that we are able to make the major capital investments to the irrigation and maintenance facility. It
was noted that the rate increases are consistent with other course rates across the cape.
Select Board 12.18.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 5 of 10
Mr. Packett shared that through today for calendar year 2023, there have been 91,301 rounds, in which
44,598 were guests. There is almost a 50/50 mix, which is what the Golf Commission looks for.
Selectperson Hoffmann moved to accept the proposed 2024 Captains Golf Course rates. Selectperson
Whitney second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Chatelain-yes, Selectperson Hoffmann -yes,
Selectperson Whitney -yes, Chair Chaffee -yes. The Board vote was 4 -Yes, 0 -No.
Mr. Packett noted that the recommendation is to add an additional 25 non-resident memberships for the
2024 calendar year. Adding that in 2022 a moratorium was put in place allowing non-residents to join the
Captains Golf Course because of the boom after Covid. This year when it came to tee time access, there
were very few times when people got shut out completely, though their tee time may have not been their
desired time, they still had the ability to play. Mr. Packett doesn't feel that 25 new members would have a
negative effect.
Selectperson Hoffmann moved that the Select Board approves the proposed 2024 additional non-resident
memberships as presented. Selectperson Whitney second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson
Chatelain-yes, Selectperson Hoffmann -yes, Selectperson Whitney -yes, Chair Chaffee -yes. The Board vote
was 4 -Yes, 0 -No.
Update on Reguest to Amend Regional School Agreement & Status of Tuition agreements for
Provincetown & Truro- Tom Fitz ibbons &Rick Drayer, Nauset Regional School Committee.
Mr. Lombardi reviewed that the Select Board had previously conveyed interest in reviewing the Regional
Agreement that had not been revised in 20 years. The Select Boards in all three other Towns also expressed
interest and support in re -opening the agreement. In early Fall, the School Committee had engaged with
their legal counsel to start to look at the regional agreement and potentially make some changes. Parallel
with this, was Brewster's interest in either seeking to have Truro and Provincetown join the district or
negotiate new tuition agreements so that their contributions would incorporate the costs of the High School
project.
Rick Drapper noted that Brewster had requested specially to adjust how enrollment is currently calculated
and change to a rolling average. In review with their counsel, the Nauset Regional School Committee was
advised that to change this requires an amendment to the entire agreement. It was also discovered that
the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESS) regulations and Mass. General Law changes
have affected items in the agreement that needed to be addressed. Mr. Drapper shared that a
subcommittee has been formed with one member from each of the district Towns who has reviewed the
agreement piece by piece including counsel's recommendations and questions. There is a meeting
scheduled for January in which the committee will review the rough draft of the agreement.
Representation on the School Committee Board is specified by Mass General Law and is based on the
population of each Town. Mr. Drapper reviewed that Brewster has four committee members each with one
vote, Orleans has three members each with .8 votes, Eastham has two members each with 1.1 votes and
Wellfleet has one member with 1.4 votes, this is ten members with ten total votes. Mr. Drapper noted that
Select Board 12.18.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 6 of 10
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Mr. Packett shared that through today for calendar year 2023, there have been 91,301 rounds, in which
44,598 were guests. There is almost a 50/50 mix, which is what the Golf Commission looks for.
Selectperson Hoffmann moved to accept the proposed 2024 Captains Golf Course rates. Selectperson
Whitney second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Chatelain-yes, Selectperson Hoffmann -yes,
Selectperson Whitney -yes, Chair Chaffee -yes. The Board vote was 4 -Yes, 0 -No.
Mr. Packett noted that the recommendation is to add an additional 25 non-resident memberships for the
2024 calendar year. Adding that in 2022 a moratorium was put in place allowing non-residents to join the
Captains Golf Course because of the boom after Covid. This year when it came to tee time access, there
were very few times when people got shut out completely, though their tee time may have not been their
desired time, they still had the ability to play. Mr. Packett doesn't feel that 25 new members would have a
negative effect.
Selectperson Hoffmann moved that the Select Board approves the proposed 2024 additional non-resident
memberships as presented. Selectperson Whitney second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson
Chatelain-yes, Selectperson Hoffmann -yes, Selectperson Whitney -yes, Chair Chaffee -yes. The Board vote
was 4 -Yes, 0 -No.
Update on Reguest to Amend Regional School Agreement & Status of Tuition agreements for
Provincetown & Truro- Tom Fitz ibbons &Rick Drayer, Nauset Regional School Committee.
Mr. Lombardi reviewed that the Select Board had previously conveyed interest in reviewing the Regional
Agreement that had not been revised in 20 years. The Select Boards in all three other Towns also expressed
interest and support in re -opening the agreement. In early Fall, the School Committee had engaged with
their legal counsel to start to look at the regional agreement and potentially make some changes. Parallel
with this, was Brewster's interest in either seeking to have Truro and Provincetown join the district or
negotiate new tuition agreements so that their contributions would incorporate the costs of the High School
project.
Rick Drapper noted that Brewster had requested specially to adjust how enrollment is currently calculated
and change to a rolling average. In review with their counsel, the Nauset Regional School Committee was
advised that to change this requires an amendment to the entire agreement. It was also discovered that
the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESS) regulations and Mass. General Law changes
have affected items in the agreement that needed to be addressed. Mr. Drapper shared that a
subcommittee has been formed with one member from each of the district Towns who has reviewed the
agreement piece by piece including counsel's recommendations and questions. There is a meeting
scheduled for January in which the committee will review the rough draft of the agreement.
Representation on the School Committee Board is specified by Mass General Law and is based on the
population of each Town. Mr. Drapper reviewed that Brewster has four committee members each with one
vote, Orleans has three members each with .8 votes, Eastham has two members each with 1.1 votes and
Wellfleet has one member with 1.4 votes, this is ten members with ten total votes. Mr. Drapper noted that
Select Board 12.18.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 6 of 10
the subcommittee will be recommending adding a member from Wellfleet with each member having .7
votes.
Mr. Drapper reviewed that the recommended draft agreement will be presented to the School Committee,
if approved it will be sent to DESE for review and then to each Town's Select Board and then ultimately to
Town Meetings. If approved at all of the Town Meetings, it will be sent to the Commissioner for signature.
Mr. Drapper noted that once approved by the School Committee they plan on holding information meetings
for the public to understand how the school district works. Realistically the agreement would be in effect
for the 2025-2026 school year.
Selectperson Chatelain requested that the School Committee think about public outreach and conducting a
campaign to educate the public before the agreement is approved. Mr. Lombari expressed his concern with
the School Committee not soliciting feedback from the Towns who initiated the request for review of the
regional agreement. Select Boards vote to place items on warrants for Town Meeting approval, Mr.
Lombardi thinks it would be helpful to have their feedback before DESEs review and things move forward in
a regulatory way.
Mr. Drapper responded that the School Committee is concerned with how stringent DESE can be and they
want to present something that will be approved knowing that changes can be made to the agreement in
the future.
There was discussion on the methodology used to calculate each member Towns capital and operating
annual assessments. Mr. Drapper shared that there are two ways to calculate the methods, the Statute
Method and the Alternative Method, however the Alternative method is not compliant with DESE and must
be voted on each year when approving the budget. The School Committee will present the Alternative
method and if voted down will use the Statutory Method. Mr. Drapper noted that this information will be
included in the agreement, he also stated that the School Committee is recommending that the agreement
be reviewed every five years. It was clarified that the School Committee would present the Alternative
method, if Towns decided to vote against the budget using this method, it would revert to the Statutory
Method. Ms. Hoffmann also expressed that public outreach will be important throughout the process.
Superintendent, Brooke Clenchy, noted that legal counsel has been involved in establishing a process that
can be utilized in the future when deciding tuition agreements with Truro and Provincetown. Through
regular meetings with the three district superintendents the key focus has been to be fair and equitable.
Ms. Clenchy stated that the new contract needed a "course correction" and that both Truro and
Provincetown are 100% responsible for their special education costs and transportation costs, which is
different than choice students. The goal is to have a 5 -year agreement with the option to renegotiate in
years 4 and 5. Both districts declined to join the regional school district at this time.
Ms. Clenchy noted that since the two districts pay for their own special education and transportation costs,
it is impossible to compare any of the per pupil averages. Significant points for the new contract include:
• A five-year duration
Select Board 12.18.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 7 of 10
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the subcommittee will be recommending adding a member from Wellfleet with each member having .7
votes.
Mr. Drapper reviewed that the recommended draft agreement will be presented to the School Committee,
if approved it will be sent to DESE for review and then to each Town's Select Board and then ultimately to
Town Meetings. If approved at all of the Town Meetings, it will be sent to the Commissioner for signature.
Mr. Drapper noted that once approved by the School Committee they plan on holding information meetings
for the public to understand how the school district works. Realistically the agreement would be in effect
for the 2025-2026 school year.
Selectperson Chatelain requested that the School Committee think about public outreach and conducting a
campaign to educate the public before the agreement is approved. Mr. Lombari expressed his concern with
the School Committee not soliciting feedback from the Towns who initiated the request for review of the
regional agreement. Select Boards vote to place items on warrants for Town Meeting approval, Mr.
Lombardi thinks it would be helpful to have their feedback before DESEs review and things move forward in
a regulatory way.
Mr. Drapper responded that the School Committee is concerned with how stringent DESE can be and they
want to present something that will be approved knowing that changes can be made to the agreement in
the future.
There was discussion on the methodology used to calculate each member Towns capital and operating
annual assessments. Mr. Drapper shared that there are two ways to calculate the methods, the Statute
Method and the Alternative Method, however the Alternative method is not compliant with DESE and must
be voted on each year when approving the budget. The School Committee will present the Alternative
method and if voted down will use the Statutory Method. Mr. Drapper noted that this information will be
included in the agreement, he also stated that the School Committee is recommending that the agreement
be reviewed every five years. It was clarified that the School Committee would present the Alternative
method, if Towns decided to vote against the budget using this method, it would revert to the Statutory
Method. Ms. Hoffmann also expressed that public outreach will be important throughout the process.
Superintendent, Brooke Clenchy, noted that legal counsel has been involved in establishing a process that
can be utilized in the future when deciding tuition agreements with Truro and Provincetown. Through
regular meetings with the three district superintendents the key focus has been to be fair and equitable.
Ms. Clenchy stated that the new contract needed a "course correction" and that both Truro and
Provincetown are 100% responsible for their special education costs and transportation costs, which is
different than choice students. The goal is to have a 5 -year agreement with the option to renegotiate in
years 4 and 5. Both districts declined to join the regional school district at this time.
Ms. Clenchy noted that since the two districts pay for their own special education and transportation costs,
it is impossible to compare any of the per pupil averages. Significant points for the new contract include:
• A five-year duration
Select Board 12.18.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 7 of 10
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• The base number will be $23,108
• The increase for year 2 and 3 is 3% per year
• The opportunity to renegotiate in year 4 and an increase in year 5
Selectperson Chaffee acknowledged that both Truro and Provincetown have a great deal of pride in their
identity, Brewster does too and as a member of the region we pay for the debt, noting the unfairness that
has been communicated about the tuition agreement. Selectperson Chaffee noted that in the process
described to create the latest agreement, there didn't seem to be an opportunity for our community
leaders, finance committee leaders, Select Board members or public to have any visibility in the process or
to participate. Ms. Clenchy responded that legal counsel noted the responsibility of the administration to
work with the School Committee to complete this agreement.
Ms. Clenchy will be providing the Select Board more information about not applying the portion of increases
to offset debt, as this has not been conveyed to Town Manager's in previous meetings. It would be helpful
to understand where in the statute that there is a prohibition against tuition agreements paying for capital
or debt.
There was discussion about the base number, Mr. Fitzgibbons shared that the clearest way to begin was to
use a DESE number. The 2021- 2022 costs per pupil was $23,341, then added 7.8% as that was the increase
on the budget. The base of $25,161 is the amount of money that would cover the operating expenses,
ultimately what was negotiated was $26,500 as the base. Considering Special Education and transportation,
the negotiation settled at $23K. Mr. Fitzgibbons added that this is a very robust contract, with a 12%
increase over last year with a correction included and two years of inordinate expense.
Selectperson Chatelain expressed his thoughts on the base number noting that it is important that our per
pupil costs is higher than the DESE number. He also asked why the district is confident in a 3% increase in
the out years and requested the same for budget increases for Brewster without Special Education and
transportation.
Discuss and Vote on Potential Changes to Non -Commercial Shellfish Rules & Regulations
Last month the Select Board discussed the best way to approach our Senior Shellfish permits, ultimately the
Board decided to legacy the residents who had previously purchased lifetime permits at no cost going
forward. These permits will need to be renewed annually at no cost; all new Senior Shellfish permits will
have a $15 cost annually. The Natural Resources Department has developed some recommended changes
to the non-commercial shellfish regulations to try to clarify different distinctions.
Ryan Burch noted the popularity of the program and how the department talked with staff and assistant
wardens to review the different scenarios that they have faced including:
• Multiple generations in the same household, can there be a Senior permit and Family permit in the
same household?
• If one spouse qualifies for a Senior permit and the other partner is younger, can they have a Senior
permit and a family permit?
Select Board 12.18.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov IPage 8 of 10
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2198 Main Street Town Manager
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
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Phone: (508) 896-3701
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www.brewster-ma.gov
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Can someone in the same household as a Senior permit holder use their permit to harvest shellfish?
Is the senior shellfish permit solely for the person named on the permit?
Does a Senior shellfish Permit holder have to be engaged in the harvest actively or can someone else
in the household harvest if the Senior permit holder is present, say in the parking lot)?
The goal was to simplify the permits and redefine the Family Shellfish permit and add a definition of a
Senior Shellfish permit. The recommendations are:
• Family Shellfish Permit (add-on to existing definition): Each family permit may name up to four
people on the permit that meet the qualification defined above. The named permit holder must be
actively engaged in shellfish harvest activities and present at the location of the harvest activities. If
additional names need to be added, proof of legally domiciled residence in the Town of Brewster is
required. Only one Family Shellfish permit may be issued per residential address.
• Senior Shellfish Permit (add-on to existing): This permit is for the sole use of the qualified person
named on the permit. This permit cannot be used by spouses, children, or grandchildren even if
domiciled in the same residence. The permit holder must be actively engaged in shellfish harvest
activities and present at the location of the harvest activities. Only one Senior Shellfish permit may
be issued per residential address.
• Household Permits (new regulation): In the case where multiple generations occupy the same
residential address, there may be one Senior Shellfish Permit and one Family Shellfish Permit issued
to the same residential address. In the case where one spouse qualifies for a senior shellfish permit
and one does not, the second spouse may purchase a Family Shellfish permit or assist the senior
holder in fishing.
Selectperson Hoffmann clarified that any family member that is listed on the Family Shellfish permit may
use the permit. She continued that Senior Shellfish permit holders want the ability to bring someone with
them as long as they are present and actively taking part in shellfish harvest but can only take their limit as
outlined on the permit. Mr. Burch responded that this is correct and will look at clarifying the regulations.
He also clarified that the Senior shellfish permit holder needs to be actively engaged in the harvesting of
shellfish. This is consistent with how other Towns regulate their permits.
Selectperson Hoffmann moved that the Select Board accept the changes to the non-commercial shellfish
rules and regulations with the amendments discussed. Selectperson Whitney second. A roll call vote was
taken. Selectperson Chatelain-yes, Selectperson Hoffmann -yes, Selectperson Whitney -yes, Chair Chaffee -
yes. The Board vote was 4 -Yes, 0 -No.
FYIs
None
Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair
None
Questions from the Media
Select Board 12.18.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 9 of 10
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Town of Brewster Office '
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Select Board
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2198 Main Street Town Manager
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Brewster, MA 02631-1898
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Phone: (508) 896-3701
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www.brewster-ma.gov
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Next Meetin&s
January 8, January 10, January 22 and January 23, 2024
Adi ournment
Selectperson Whitney moved to adjourn at 8:29pm. Selectperson Hoffmann second. A roll call vote was
taken. Selectperson Chatelain-yes, Selectperson Hoffmann -yes, Selectperson Whitney -yes, Chair Chaffee -
yes. The Board vote was 4 -Yes, O -No.
Respectfully submitted by Erika Mawn,
Executive Assistant
Approved: / _ d Signed:
Date Selectperson Hoff "Clerk the Select Board
Accompanying Documents in Packet: Agenda, TM Report, Consent Agenda items, Brewster Dog Park Gazebo Request, Brewster
Community Pool Information, 2024 Captains Golf Course Rates and Memberships, Non -Commercial Shellfish Rules & Regulations,
Regional School Agreement & Tuition Agreement Information, AT&T Cell Tower Information, His
The Bay Property Planning Committee approved the meeting minutes at their January 9, 2024
meeting.
Select Board 12.18.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov IPage 10 of 10