Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAboutPlanning Board -- 2024-02-24 Minuteseaswsr Planning Board Approved: 02/28/24 \\��"Brewster oi( Cf EDEq 6y `iA ii E• r 2198 Main Street vote: 7-0-0 oe �/ Brewster, MA 02631-1898 r—= — 508 896-3701 x1133 brewplan@brewster-ma.gov _ MEETING MINUTES - Wednesday, January 24, 2024 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, Tony Freitas, Rob Michaels, Elizabeth Taylor (remotely), and Alex Wentworth. Madalyn Hillis -Dineen was not present. 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. 6:32 PM JOINT PUBLIC HEARING WITH BREWSTER TREE WARDEN Case No. 2024-02: Applicant/Owner Town of Brewster proposes selective tree cutting or removal along the approximate 2.5 mile length of Millstone Road, associated with the Town's Millstone Road Improvements Project. As Millstone Road is a town way and designated scenic road, the Planning Board will hold a joint public hearing with the Tree Warden on the proposed tree work pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 87, Section 3 and Chapter 40, Section 15C. Documents: • 01/04/24 Memorandum from Griffin Ryder, Department of Public Works Director • 01/05/24 Application with plan set and plant palette Bebrin recused herself from this application and Wentworth took over as Chair. Tree Warden Josh Sargent and Department of Public Works Director Griffin Ryder were present for the hearing. Steve Rhoads, P.E. of VHB participated remotely. Motion by Degen to Open the Joint Public Hearing with the Brewster Tree Warden on Case No. 2024-02. Second by Michaels. Vote: 5-0-0. Ryder directed the Planning Board to his memorandum dated January 4, 2024. He stated that the Millstone Road Improvements Project has been underway for some time and there had been push backs from residents due to anticipated impacts. The Town has focused on reducing these impacts including the amount of tree removal associated with the project. Ryder stated that Millstone Road runs from Route 137 to Route 6A, approximately 2.5 miles, and is a very forested area. Ryder further stated that this road was built and natural vegetation such as pin oaks and pitch pines grew up around the road. Ryder stated that there has been a lot of public input on this project. Ryder noted that certain sections of the road are outside of the road layout. He described the area near Spring Rock and an area near Lund Farm Way which is being pulled back to the right of way and off resident property. This allows for three new trees to be planted. Generally, there is not a lot of space to plant new trees along Millstone Road. Ryder stated that he has walked the site several times with Sargent and the plans have been revised based on those site visits. He gave specific examples such as elimination of grass strips so that trees could be saved. Safety and resident concerns were considered in the design. Ryder again stated that this is a very forested area. Trees are layered so in some cases removing the first row of trees is beneficial as some have been impacted by salt and trimming. He stated that not every tree proposed for removal has been identified but stand-alone trees of 9 inches or greater have been PB Minutes 01/24/24 Page 1 of 4 identified. Ryder stated that there are not any specimen trees on the road but identified an area towards the end of Millstone Road near Route 6A in which 30 -inch maples trees would remain and be maintained. The trees proposed for removal are pines, pitch pines, or oaks. There are several trees that have been damaged due to insects or fungicide as well as trees in poor shape from continuous top offs from utility companies. These trees will be removed but have not been identified as stand-alone trees for removal because they're already impacted. Ryder directed the Planning Board to sheet #10 in the plan set. He stated that there are five trees that were proposed to be removed near Pinewood Drive. The trees are in a resident's front yard and provide screening, so the design has been revised to remove a proposed grass strip in the area and keep four of the five trees originally proposed for removal. The plans will be revised and provided to the Planning Department. Ryder stated that the town has tried to work with residents on various options and has even developed a plant palette for resident's consideration in the replanting phase. A template containing trees and shrubs that work well together is being created. Ryder stated that conversations between the Town and residents will continue. The plans for tree removal will continue to be revised. As of now, there are 12 stand-alone trees proposed for removal. Wentworth asked Idman to summarize the expectations of the Planning Board for this application. Idman responded that the shade tree statute and scenic roads act allow for a joint public hearing with the Planning Board and Tree Warden. Idman suggested the Planning Board discuss any objections or concerns they have and after that discussion look to make a motion to allow the tree removal work to proceed without objection and provide conditions, if any. Bill Henchy, 64 Old Meadow Road, stated that he has a long tenure with this project and the project has come a long way. He thanked the DPW team for all their work on the project. Henchy asked that revised plans be provided and that the Planning Board include a condition in their decision that revised plans be provided the project scope changes. Taylor asked when tree removal will take place. Ryder responded that he is hopeful that construction will begin in the Fall 2024 and the trees would be cleared in the Fall. If there was a delay, the trees most likely would not be removed until the following Spring. Tree trimming would also take place at the same time. Taylor stated that she was hoping that bird nesting season could be avoided. Ryder stated that the DPW is sensitive to bird nesting season and he hopes to avoid it. Michaels stated that he was impressed with the amount of outreach that has been done. He gave an example of meeting a neighbor while on a site visit who was enthused and could not wait for the project to begin. He also appreciated the effort that has gone in to planning the tree removal. Degen appreciated all the work that has been put into the project especially the community outreach and replanting options that have been offered to the residents. She noted that high bush blueberries were proposed and thought there may be an opportunity for community blueberry picking. Freitas stated that he appreciated the public outreach. He stated that the Town has been proactive and accommodating in their approach. Wentworth also expressed appreciation for the community outreach efforts and all the work the Town is putting into the project. Motion by Degen to Close the Joint Public Hearing with the Brewster Tree Warden on Case No. 2024-02. Second by Michaels. Vote: 5-0-0. Motion by Michaels to Allow the Work Proposed in Case No. 2024-02 to Proceed without Objections subject to the Conditions that the Town: 1) Continue the public outreach, planning and decision-making process for the tree work as described in the memorandum from Griffin Ryder, DPW Director, dated January 4, 2024; 2) Submit revised plans to the Board seasonably to reflect changes in the tree work as the Project advances; and 3) Undertake the work in consideration of the bird nesting season to the maximum extent practicable. Second by Degen. Roll call vote: Taylor - yes; Michaels -yes; Degen-yes; Freitas -yes; and Wentworth -yes. Vote: 5-0-0. 6:58 PM PLANNING DISCUSSION 2023 Planning Board Annual Report. Documents: • Draft 2023 Planning Board Annual Report and photos reviewed for inclusion in report PB Minutes 01/24/24 Page 2 of 4 The Planning Board reviewed and discussed the draft 2023 Planning Board Annual Report. Motion by Degen to Approve Draft 2023 Planning Board Annual Report, as amended. Second by Wentworth. Roll call vote: Wentworth -yes; Michaels -yes; Degen-yes; Freitas -yes; Taylor -yes; and Bebrin-yes. Vote: 6-0-0. 7:05 PM PLANNING DISCUSSION CONTINUED The Planning Board will review and generally discuss the number and twe of stormwater management uermits received in 2023. Documents: 0 Spreadsheet titled "2023 Stormwater Management Permits" The Planning Board reviewed the number of stormwater permit applications received in 2023 for Planning Board (major) or Planning Department (minor) review. 51 permit applications were received. 48 permits were issued with 2 applications withdrawn and 1 application currently pending. Of the 48 permits issued, 17 were major permits including 1 modification and 31 were minor permits including 1 modification. For comparison in 2022, there were a total of 15 permits issued with 13 being minor and 2 being major. Michaels noted that of the 17 major permits approved by the Planning Board 4 were approved with a waiver. Waivers were mostly related to phosphorous. Michaels stated that Brewster standards are different from state standards for phosphorous so the Planning Board may want to consider making Brewster standards more like Massachusetts. Michaels also noted that several of the minor permits issued were for pools. There were also many permits issued for ADUs. Idman stated that it is important for the Planning Board to be cognizant of both major and minor permits. Idman stated that he expects the Planning Board will hold a public hearing with stakeholders for feedback on the stormwater management bylaw. Michaels stated that the data will be helpful in discussing the bylaw including the current thresholds and possible changes to those thresholds. Wentworth suggested the information being tracked include proposed square footage for each project so the Planning Board could more easily determine whether thresholds need to be adjusted. Taylor asked if the Planning Board should be looking at pools and regulations for drainage and treatment. Idman responded that Town Code Chapter 115 deals with illicit discharges and the DPW is the overseeing authority. Idman stated that he has worked on revisions to the bylaw and discussed them with town staff. He will continue to pursue these revisions. There is not a lot of familiarity with this bylaw and the standards are not very clear. A reference to the bylaw is included in stormwater permits issued for pools. Degen inquired as to costs. She stated that she believed the costs of stormwater management for plans and infrastructure were high. Wentworth stated that he would be happy to provide numbers for costs related to his project. He described the estimates he received thus far as massive. Freitas stated that engineers who have been before the Planning Board for stormwater permit applications have noted that additional costs related to stormwater can range between $30,000-$40,000. Idman stated that costs are something that could hopefully be discussed at a public hearing. He also noted that of all the stormwater permit applications submitted only 4-5 were for commercial projects and most permit applications were for single-family residential projects. Idman stated that costs should be considered as they relate to lot type. There are marginal lots which may require more stormwater management. Bebrin stated that further discussion on allowances for topography and use of natural elements with less disturbance as opposed to manmade stormwater infrastructure should be considered. 7:20 PM APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES Approval of Meeting Minutes: January 10, 2024. The Board reviewed the January 10, 2024 meeting minutes Minutes, as amended. Second by Michaels. Roll call vote: Wentworth -yes; and Bebrin yes. Vote: 6-0-0. Motion by Degen to Approve January 10, 2024 Meeting Michaels -yes; Degen-yes; Freitas -yes; Taylor -yes; PB Minutes 01/24/24 Page 3 of 4 7:22 PM COMMITTEE REPORTS Degen summarized the January 22"d Select Board meeting which included an executive session related to the purchase/lease of property. The Select Board meeting included discussion on the childcare subsidy pilot program, Brewster Inn licensing, Vesper Road private road betterment, the potential hiring of two additional fire/rescue staff and the use of grant funds for hiring those staff, and the Nauset Regional School Agreement. Bebrin summarized the joint meeting of Bay and Pond Property Planning Committees and the Select Board on January 23 d. The meeting focused on firming up the final masterplans for the pond and bay properties. There was a decision made to include an area designated for a future community center on the bay property plan. The current "secluded zone" was designated for municipal uses. The final forum will be held virtually on February 15th. Taylor stated that the Pond Property Planning Committee voted for the property to be used for housing and a municipal wastewater treatment plant. Bebrin encouraged the public to review the plans and documents on the Town's website and attend the final forum. 7:28 PM FOR YOUR INFORMATION The Planning Board received a notice from the Orleans Planning Board for a public hearing on February 13, 2024. 7:30 PM MATTERS NOT REASONABLY ANTICIPATED BY THE CHAIR None. There was a discussion on providing a summary of pros and cons for projects before the Planning Board as a tool the public could use to better understand projects. Idman noted that a summary may be seen as pre -judgment on regulatory matters but thought it could be useful for town wide projects. Idman announced that the Annual CPTC Conference will take place on March 16tH Motion by Wentworth to Adjourn. Second by Degen. Roll call vote: Wentworth -yes; Michaels -yes; Degen-yes; Freitas -yes; Taylor -yes; and Bebrin-yes. Vote: 6-0-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:35 PM. Next Planning Board Meeting Date: February 14, 2024. Respectfully submitted, _A6AA Lynn St. C ,Y' nior Depa ment Assistant, Planning PB Minutes 01/24/24 Page 4 of 4