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Home My Public Portal About04.10.24 FinCom PacketNantucket STRs - info Town of Brewster Finance Committee 2198 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631 fincommeeting@brewster-ma.gov (508) 896-3701 MEETING AGENDA 2198 Main Street April 10, 2024 at 6:00PM 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 (312) 626 6799 or (301) 715-8592. Webinar ID: 862 2956 9696 Passcode: 565167 To request to speak: Press *9 and wait to be recognized. Zoom Webinar: Zoom Webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86229569696?pwd=MUhJNGpoU3VocTZ0cTU0VGpYcWdVQT09 Passcode: 565167 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 18), Livestream (livestream.brewster-ma.gov), or Video recording (tv.brewster-ma.gov). Please note that for any item agenda item listed the Finance Committee may take official action including a vote. 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.Public Announcements and Comment: Members of the public may address the Finance Committee on matters not on the meeting’s agenda for a maximum of 3-5 minutes at the Chair’s discretion. Under the Open Meeting Law, the Finance Committee is unable to reply but may add items presented to a future agenda. 6.Town Manager/Finance Director Report 7.Audit Committee Appointment 8.Town Meeting Warrant Articles – Discussion and Vote Art 22 – Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee Report Additional Capital Request – School Regionalization Study 9.Nauset Regional School District Budget FY25 10.Nauset Regional School District Agreement – Update and Discussion 11.Liaison Reports 12.Approval of Minutes 13.Request for agenda items for future meetings 14.Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair 15.Future Finance Committee Meetings 16.Adjournment Date Posted:Date Revised:Received by Town Clerk: Finance Committee Harvey (Pete) Dahl Chair Frank Bridges Vice Chair William Meehan Clerk Patrick Buckley Andrew Evans William Henchy Alex Hopper Robert Tobias Robert Young Town Manager Peter Lombardi Finance Director Mimi Bernardo Page 1 of 18 Report on the 2021 Drummer Boy Park Master Plan Submitted by Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee April 8, 2024 Page 2 of 18 Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee Members Katharine Scott, Chair Devin McGuire, Vice Chair Chris Ellis (Recreation Committee), Clerk Jillian Douglass Allyson Felix Jay Green (Council on Aging) Patricia Hughes (Natural Resource Commission) Liaisons/Representatives (non-voting) Select Board: David Whitney Cape Cod Museum of Natural History Representative: Ray Hebert Brewster Conservation Trust: Hal Minis Brewster Historical Society: Sally Gunning Town Support Sta Town Manager: Peter Lombardi Natural Resources Director: Chris Miller DPW Director: Griin Ryder Recreation Director: Mike Gradone COA Director: Elton Cutler Page 3 of 18 Table of Contents 1. Background and Charge Page 4 2. Committee Planning Process Page 5 3. Recommendations for Action Page 7 Appendices A: Summary of 2021 Master Plan Actions Page 10 B. Survey Results Page 11 Page 4 of 18 1. Background and Charge In 1946, Ocean Acres, a 52 lot subdivision was approved for what is now Drummer Boy Park. Fortunately, the subdivision was never built. In 1974, the Brewster Historical Society (BHS) received a deed for one acre from then owner Tony McGowan, and subsequently moved the Nickerson Windmill to the site from East Brewster. Seeking to protect the view of the windmill, the Brewster Conservation Trust (BCT) purchased an acre house lot running from Rt 6A to the BHS property in 1986. Then in 1988, the Town successfully negotiated the purchase of the full 17 acre parcel, including the museum/gift shop for a public park, currently Drummer Boy Park. Adding to the complex, BCT purchased an additional abutting house lot to further protect the view of the park in 2013 and in 2014 the Town purchased the Cedar Ridge parcel to the east, now under the custody of the Conservation Commission. Together, all of these parcels constitute what can be called the Drummer Boy complex. Drummer Boy Park is under the care and custody of the Brewster Select Board which is responsible for the Park’s management and issuing permits for all large events. The ﬁrst master plan for the park was adopted in 1995. In the summer of 2020, the Town received a state grant to develop an updated Master Plan for Drummer Boy Park. With these grant funds, the Town hired a consultant to review the park’s condition and uses, help develop plans and designs for expanded or alternative uses, estimate costs for such plans, and conduct public outreach regarding the park’s future. The Select Board formed an ad hoc Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee (DBPAC) charged with evaluating existing and potential future uses of the Drummer Boy Park property and developing an updated Master Plan to present to Town Meeting. The committee was appointed in Fall 2020 and produced their recommended Master Plan in Summer 2021. The Plan was unanimously adopted by Town Meeting in November 2021 and the original committee was disbanded shortly thereafter. Recognizing that the Town was also in the early stages of planning for a potential elevated boardwalk to Wing Island via the adjacent Cedar Ridge Reserve property, that possibility was referenced in the Plan. Due to resident concerns about the connections between the Master Plan and the proposed boardwalk in Summer/Fall 2022, funding to implement Phase I of the Plan was rejected by Town Meeting in November 2022. A Special Town Meeting was then convened in March 2023 to act on three citizen petitions. Article 3 of that warrant originally sought to rescind the Drummer Boy Master Plan vote of 2021. Town Meeting ultimately voted to refer the 2021 Drummer Boy Master Plan to a new committee to be appointed by the Select Board in conjunction with the Moderator, to study and report to the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting. In March 2023, the Select Board approved an updated charge for a new Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee: The Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee will re-evaluate the 2021 Drummer Boy Park Master Plan and will deliver a report to the May 2024 Annual Town Page 5 of 18 Meeting. This report may include an updated Master Plan, but any such plan shall not incorporate or include any new means of access to Wing Island. The DBP Advisory Committee is an ad hoc committee. The Committee was tasked with reviewing the overall goals and recommendations identiﬁed in the 2021 Master Plan and determining whether any changes would be appropriate. The Select Board encouraged the Committee to conduct public outreach and solicit resident feedback in developing their report for Town Meeting. After interviewing candidates with the Moderator, the Select Board appointed members to the Committee in July 2023 and they held their ﬁrst meeting in September 2023. 2. Committee Planning Process The DBPAC went through a multi-step process to complete its review of the 2021 DB Master Plan and develop recommendations for actions. First, the committee reviewed the relevant aspects of several existing Town of Brewster plans. These included the following:  Open Space and Recreation Plan  Coastal Management Plan  Local Comprehensive Plan  Updates on the Sea Camps Planning processes In addition, the committee conducted an extensive site visit to Drummer Boy Park including walking the existing trails, inspecting the parking areas, and viewing the existing structures (storage building/gift shop and gazebo) and playground. During the visit, the committee members also were briefed by representatives of the Brewster Historical Society and Brewster Conservation Trust about their respective activities at the Drummer Boy complex. The committee met twelve times between September 2023 and April 2024. Most of their time was spent reviewing the 2021 Drummer Boy Park Master Plan and analyzing the results of the committee’s community survey. 2.1 2021 Drummer Boy Park Master Plan The goals of the 2021 plan were to:  Preserve the character of the park and enhance the views of the Bay  Collaborate with the Brewster Historical Society and the Brewster Conservation Trust in preserving the character of the complex and enhancing its use  Plan for increased use and provide additional access to and throughout the park  Identify park use areas. The original Committee identiﬁed opportunities and constraints at Drummer Boy, based on the existing conditions and uses of the park itself and the adjacent properties owned by the Brewster Historical Society (Windmill Village) and the Brewster Conservation Trust Page 6 of 18 (Windmill Meadows). The Committee also considered use patterns of visitors to the park and of the large events which are held there over the course of the year, primarily during the summer months. Drawing on Figure 4.1 in the Master Plan document, the Committee recommended actions covered four general issues: parking, stormwater, accessibility and connectivity, and amenities. The plan identiﬁed two implementation phases. The ﬁrst focused on improving parking, pedestrian access, and stormwater infrastructure. The second identiﬁed amenity up-grades to the playground, gazebo, and replacing the storage building (old gift shop) with a shade pavilion. A summary of the actions which the current Committee used as a general framework for their review is found in Appendix A. 2.2 Drummer Boy Park Survey Recognizing the importance of gathering the community’s preferences for determining priorities for Drummer Boy Park moving forward, the Committee designed and issued a survey to gauge visitor use patterns and the importance of potential improvements at the park. The survey was live from January 29 to February 14, 2024. It contained both scaled responses on agreement or importance of issues and space for open comments. A summary of the survey results is attached as Appendix B. With 1,470 respondents, or approximately 15% of the age eligible population, the Committee was pleased with the high turnout for the survey. While all segments of the population were represented, the 60 to 81 age range was well above its proportion of the population as per the census (56% of respondents versus 42% of the population) whereas the 15-25 age group was underrepresented (0.6% of respondents compared to 6.8% of the population). Those who took the survey were generally full-time residents (78%) who have been in town for more than 20 years (43.5%). Unfortunately, a majority of respondents indicated that they only visit Drummer Boy occasionally or infrequently. The majority of respondents preferred no change to the current parking arrangements, maintaining the current number of spaces, and using “green”/permeable materials if changes are made. There was very little support for the curbing and parking arrangements shown on the 2021 Master Plan. There were several comments about moving large events to the Sea Camps. The majority of respondents were neutral about current stormwater conditions at Drummer Boy, although there was slight to moderate support for establishing stormwater management features. There was a clear preference for alternative or “green” stormwater techniques such as rain gardens. There were several comments about addressing stormwater issues on the playground. Most people were satisﬁed or neutral about current accessibility and connectivity at Drummer Boy. There was moderate support for placing additional benches along the trails Page 7 of 18 and for selective clearing of understory and invasive vegetation to maintain/enhance the view of the marsh and bay. Among the amenities at the park, putting in year-round toilets, installing a water station, and renovating and relocating the playground closer to a shade pavilion (repurposed existing building) near the playground were slightly to moderately important. Overall, the sentiments expressed through the survey responses convey the message that residents want the park to remain largely as it is now and that improvements at Drummer Boy should not be prioritized over other projects in Brewster. 3. Recommendations for action 3.1 Framework for actions The planning process has revealed several key considerations which frame how improvements or changes at Drummer Boy should be evaluated. The Committee has taken these into account in developing their recommendations. Drummer Boy Park is a community treasure, and the preference is to maintain its natural character and to minimize formal improvements. The Committee recognizes how special the park is to our residents and they want to make recommendations that are responsive to recent public feedback. The Town is facing signiﬁcant demands on its ﬁnancial resources, including potential improvements on the Sea Camps properties, ongoing renovation of Nauset Regional High School, anticipated capital investments in the Stony Brook Elementary School, and others. Recommendations for Drummer Boy Park must be considered in this context as the Town balances competing capital project priorities. There is a clear preference for low-cost solutions where they may be available and eective, and to try to identify alternative funding sources to help oset costs. In addition to the preferences expressed in the survey, the condition and safety of infrastructure at Drummer Boy has to be taken into account in assigning priorities. Infrastructure that is increasingly unsafe or that is deteriorating to the point that it may not be used or re-purposed should be considered in the near term rather than the long term. In the design and implementation of actions, the Town should strive to identify alternative solutions and “green” techniques. With these points in mind, the following goals guide the Committee’s selection of recommended actions and their priority:  Preserve the character of the park and retain its open setting Page 8 of 18  Maintain existing infrastructure, making improvements where they improve safety and enhance usability  Explore a range of implementation solutions where needed from conventional to low cost, emphasizing green techniques where possible  Seek alternative funding sources and implement improvements in phases within the context of other town projects 3.2 Committee Recommendations Based on the totality of these considerations, the Committee identiﬁed the following recommendations for each of the four areas to include in their report to the 2024 Annual Town Meeting: Parking  Preserve formal and informal parking as it is – maintain the status quo but continue to monitor impacts on the park  Consider adding limited traic calming measures Stormwater  Maximize low-impact, cost-eective solutions to improving drainage, including addition of rain gardens and/or vegetated swales where possible and appropriate  Communicate educational value of stormwater management techniques Accessibility  Add several accessible benches to the existing paved loop trail to make it more user friendly  Replace the existing sign on RT. 6A with a sign that is consistent with other recent Town signs Amenities  Continue to selectively prune and/or remove invasive species, especially to maintain marsh vista  Improve the playground to make it safe and accessible to all, shifting the new structures away from wetlands and/or to a slightly higher elevation  Repurpose the existing building to a shade pavilion or build new open-air structure (re-using existing concrete slab) and provide several new accessible picnic tables for use there  Maintain the bandstand/gazebo as needed and add a new small storage shed for the Brewster Band  Extend portable toilet availability to year-round  Install a water station and additional bike racks Page 9 of 18 In 2022, the playground was identiﬁed as nearing the end of its useful life by a certiﬁed playground safety inspector. While the Committee recognizes that the playground will be the largest cost element of these recommendations, they also believe those improvements can likely be funded through a variety of alternative sources, thereby reducing the impact on Brewster ﬁnances and taxpayers. While the playground and shade pavilion are viewed as priority initiatives, those improvements will also require the greatest additional planning. In the meantime, many of the other recommendations are relatively low cost and could be implemented sooner than later. In response to public input, the Committee is expressly not recommending the addition of any new paved walking trails or parking areas. In the committee’s view, their remaining recommendations represent the minimum investments in the park to ensure it can continue to serve as a community treasure and destination for residents and visitors. Page 10 of 18 APPENDIX A 2021 Drummer Boy Park Master Plan Recommended Actions (Summarized from Figure 4.1, Recommended Master Plan, of the 2021 Master Plan) Issue Action Phase Parking 1. Install curbing along entry driveway and around perimeter of parking area 1 2. Create parallel bus parking places on both sides of entry driveway 1 3. Create controlled access point to open space lawn at end of entry driveway 1 4. Create formal parking spaces around circle 1 Stormwater 1. Create rain gardens: southern side of circle, northern side of Rt 6A, on either side of entry driveway 1 Accessibility 1. Add new asphalt walking trail along eastern stonewall to sidewalk on Rt 6A at southeast corner, continue around northern side of circle, along boundary of Historic Village and Windmill Meadows and then back along Rt 6A to entry driveway 1 2. Accessibility improvements on nature trail 1 3. Create deﬁned access point to Windmill Village 1 4. Create connector from Windmill Meadows trail to asphalt walkway 2 Amenities 1. Convert existing storage building to shade pavilion 1 2. Create new accessible restrooms 1 3. Gazebo improvements and construction of small storage shed for gazebo 2 4. Install water station near shade pavilion 1 5. Install bike rack at circle 1 6. Selective pruning and invasive species removal for marsh vista improvement 1 7. New playground integrated with new pavilion and picnic tables 2 Page 11 of 18 APPENDIX B SURVEY RESULTS RESPONDENT CHARACTERISTICS AGE n % Town Census % 15-25 9 0.6 6.8 26-40 189 13.0 14.3 41-60 360 24.7 20.8 61-80 816 56.0 42.6 Over 80 83 5.7 10.1 RESIDENCE n % Full-time 1126 78.8 Part-time 321 22.2 YEARS OF RESIDENCE n % 5 or less 278 19.2 6-10 252 17.4 11-20 289 19.9 More than 20 630 43.5 FREQUENCY OF PARK VISIT n % Frequently (a few times each month 356 24.2 Sometimes (several times a year) 781 53.1 Occasionally (once or twice a year) 308 21.0 Never 25 1.7 Page 12 of 18 WHAT RESIDENTS LIKE / WOULD LIKE TO DO AT THE PARK USERS n=1412 NON-USERS n=25 n % n % Walk or run on paved paths 659 46.7 7 29.2 Walk woodland trail 818 57.9 7 29.2 Picnic 300 21.3 11 45.8 Visit the playground 570 40.4 0 --- Play on grassy fields 391 27.7 1 4.2 Walk a dog 389 27.6 5 20.8 Organized group activities 182 12.9 3 12.5 Meet / visit with family or friends 514 36.4 3 12.5 Enjoy the vista 729 51.6 4 16.7 Attend events (concerts, craft fairs, Conservation Day, Holiday tree lighting) 1006 71.3 11 45.8 Visit the Historical Village and Windmill 620 43.9 3 3 Visit the Whale Rock and trail on Windmill Meadow 339 24.0 4 4 Visit the Cedar Ridge Preserve 240 17.0 3 3 Other 88 6.2 0 --- Page 13 of 18 PARKING Satisfaction with Current Parking (5-point measure) n Mean SD 1352 3.8 1.0 Potential Improvements (4-point Measure of Importance) n Mean SD Designating and marking paved parking spots to improve safety, circulation, and availability of parking spaces 1342 1.9 1.1 Using materials other than asphalt pavement, such as crushed stone or permeable pavement or pavers, for parking areas 1321 2.5 1.2 Maintaining a similar number of parking spaces as available now 1332 3.0 1.0 Adding curbing to prevent parking on grassy fields (except for planned large events) 1327 1.6 1.0 Making no changes to the informal parking arrangement currently available 1324 3.0 1.1 Page 14 of 18 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT Satisfaction with Current Stormwater Conditions (5-point measure) n Mean SD 1269 3.2 1.0 Potential Improvements (4-point Measure of Importance) n Mean SD Establishing stormwater management features (drainage improvements such as catch basins) to minimize flooding and ponding and to remove stormwater from heavily used areas 1300 2.5 1.1 Using a variety of alternative stormwater management techniques, including "green" techniques such as rain gardens and vegetative swales wherever possible 1306 2.9 1.1 P a g e 15 | 18 ACCESSIBILITY AND CONNECTIVITY Satisfaction with Current Accessibility and Connectivity (5-point measure) n Mean SD 1228 3.6 1.1 Potential Improvements (4-point Measure of Importance) n Mean SD Extending current network of paved paths 1261 2.0 1.1 Adding distance markers on paved paths 1271 1.7 1.0 Placing additional benches at spaced intervals for those with mobility challenges 1278 2.6 1.0 Making the woodland trail more accessible 1273 2.4 1.2 Establishing more formal connections to the Brewster Historical Society and Brewster Conservation Trust properties 1273 2.2 1.1 Creating a trail to the adjacent Cedar Ridge property 1273 2.3 1.1 P a g e 16 | 18 Selectively clearing some understory vegetation and invasive species to enhance the marsh and bay views 1278 2.6 1.1 Selectively clearing some trees and shrubs along Route 6A to enhance the roadside view 1279 1.6 1.0 P a g e 17 | 18 PARK AMENITIES Satisfaction with Current Amenities (5-point measure) n Mean SD 1196 3.5 1.0 P a g e 18 | 18 Amenities - Potential Improvements (4-point Measure of Importance) n Mean SD Building an ADA compliant covered pavilion with picnic tables on the site of the current storage building 1265 2.2 1.1 Putting in year-round toilet facilities 1268 2.5 1.2 Installing a water station 1267 2.7 1.1 Relocating and renovating the playground to be ADA- compliant and closer to the shade pavilion for better drainage 1264 2.5 1.2 Upgrading or improving the bandstand /gazebo 1268 2.1 1.0 Adding appropriately sized signage to identify all of the amenities at the park 1269 2.0 1.0 Adding appropriately sized signage to explain the history and ecology of the area 1268 2.4 1.0 Adding a viewing platform overlooking the marsh 1266 2.3 1.2 Moving some large events to other locations in town 1266 1.9 1.1 Town of Brewster 2198 Main Street Brewster, MA 02631-1898 Phone: (508) 896-3701 townmanager@brewster-ma.gov MEMORANDUM TO: Select Board FROM: Peter Lombardi, Town Manager RE: Proposed Charge for Reconstituted Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee DATE: March 30, 2023 In Summer 2020, the Town received $33,000 in state grant funds through the Community Compact best practice program to develop an updated Master Plan for Drummer Boy Park. Originally purchased by the Town in 1988, the first Master Plan for Drummer Boy Park was adopted by Town Meeting in 1995 and has informed the Town’s overall approach to the property since. With these grant funds, the Town hired a consultant, CDM Smith Inc., to review the park’s condition and uses, help develop plans and designs for expanded or alternative uses, estimate costs for such plans, and conduct public outreach regarding the park’s future. To shepherd this important work, the Select Board formed an ad hoc Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee charged with evaluating existing and potential future uses of the Drummer Boy Park property and developing an updated Master Plan to present to Town Meeting. The committee was appointed in Fall 2020. The seven (7) member committee was comprised of one (1) representative from the Recreation Commission, one (1) representative from the Council on Aging, one (1) representative from the Natural Resources Advisory Commission, and four (4) Brewster citizens at large. Given their proximity to the park and shared interest in its future use, representatives from the Brewster Historical Society, Brewster Conservation Trust, and Museum of Natural History were invited to attend and participate in the committee’s meetings on a regular basis. The committee was supported by the Natural Resources Director, the Council on Aging Director, the Recreation Director, and the DPW Director. From December 2020 through June 2021, the committee met and developed a series of schematic concept plans that culminated in the presentation of a recommended plan to the Select Board in June 2021. Office of: Select Board Town Manager The goals of the plan were to:  Preserve the character of the park and enhance the views of the bay  Collaborate with the Brewster Historical Society and the Brewster Conservation Trust in preserving the character of the complex and enhancing its use  Plan for increased use and provide additional access to and throughout the park  Identify park use areas The plan identified two implementation phases. The first focused on improving parking, pedestrian access, and stormwater infrastructure. The second identified amenity upgrades to the playground, gazebo, and replacing the storage building (old gift shop structure) with a shade pavilion. Recognizing that the Town was then in the early stages of planning for a potential elevated boardwalk to Wing Island from Drummer Boy Park via the adjacent Cedar Ridge Reserve property, that possibility was referenced in the plan. The plan was presented to and unanimously adopted by Town Meeting in November 2021. Following the Town Meeting vote, the Select Board disbanded the committee in December 2021. In May 2022, Town Meeting appropriated $75,000 to advance design and permitting for Phase I improvements as outlined in the plan. The Town hired Horsley Witten to help develop their design plans and assist with permitting. In parallel with these actions related to Drummer Boy Park improvements, the Town secured $50k in state grant funding to advance design and permitting for a new boardwalk to Wing Island and a $30k contribution from a then anonymous donor via the Brewster Conservation Trust. Town Meeting approved $50k for this project in November 2021. To ensure coordination between the two projects, Horsley Witten was hired to assist in these efforts as well. In August 2022, the Town hosted a public forum focused on conceptual plans for the Wing Island boardwalk. Many residents expressed concerns about this proposal over the ensuing months. At the same time, Horsley Witten developed conceptual plans for Phase I improvements to Drummer Boy Park, seeking to formalize parking, improve drainage, and provide better and safer pedestrian access. The anticipated costs of this work were approximately $750k. In November 2022, Town Meeting did not approve the $255k appropriation proposed by the Town for Phase I, in large part due to concerns about the connections between this work and the proposed boardwalk. Following that vote, all design work was suspended and no further action has been taken in advancing Drummer Boy Park Master Plan implementation. The Town continues to maintain the property, including making repairs to the playground. In March 2023, a Special Town Meeting was convened to act on three citizens petitions. Article 3 originally sought to rescind the Drummer Boy Park Master Plan vote by Town Meeting of November 2021. Ultimately, Town Meeting voted to refer the 2021 Master Plan to a newly reconstituted committee to be appointed by the Select Board in consultation with the Moderator who would then report back to Town Meeting in May 2024. Although this process will be led by this new committee, there is currently no funding in place to support their efforts, outside of Town staff time. For the Select Board’s consideration, I offer the following draft charge for the committee: PURPOSE: The Drummer Boy Park (DBP) Advisory Committee will re-evaluate the 2021 Drummer Boy Park Master Plan and will deliver a report to the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting. This report may include an updated Master Plan, but any such plan shall not incorporate or include any new means of access to Wing Island. The DBP Advisory Committee is an ad hoc committee. APPROACH: The DBP Advisory Committee will review the overall goals and recommendations identified in the 2021 Master Plan and will determine whether any changes are appropriate. This review process should consider other recent Town strategic planning documents, including but not limited to the Town’s recently updated Open Space and Recreation Plan. It should also account for ongoing community input regarding potential future public uses of the Sea Camps properties. The DBP Advisory Committee will conduct public outreach and solicit resident feedback in developing their report for Town Meeting. MEMBERSHIP: The DBP Advisory Committee will consist of seven (7) members to be appointed by the Select Board in consultation with the Moderator and will include: one (1) Natural Resources Advisory Commission member; one (1) Council on Aging member; one (1) Recreation Commission member; and four (4) members from the community at-large. The Select Board will make appointments to seat the new committee as soon as is practicable. The term of committee appointments will be through May 2024. The Select Board will appoint a liaison to the DBP Advisory Committee. The DBP Advisory Committee will be supported by the Natural Resources Director, COA Director, Recreation Director, DPW Director, and/or Town Administration as necessary. Non-voting representatives from the Brewster Historical Society, Brewster Conservation Trust, and Museum of Natural History will be invited to attend and participate as appropriate. Once the Select Board approves the committee’s updated charge, we will then post an announcement on the homepage of the Town website and on the Town’s social media platforms soliciting letters of interest from residents interested in serving. The Select Board will then follow their standard committee appointment policy; however, in this instance, that process will also include the Moderator in the initial screening phase. Consistent with that policy, recommended candidates will be included in the FYI section of a future Select Board packet 2 weeks in advance of formal appointment. Town of Brewster Citizen Petitioned — Special Town Meeting Report March 6th, 2023 Report of the Citizen Petitioned - Special Town Meeting Monday, March 6th, 2023 In accordance with the Warrant, the Citizen Petitioned - Special Town Meeting was held at the Stony Brook Elementary School, 384 Underpass Road on Monday, March 6th, 2023. A quorum was present with 848 of 8592 eligible voters. 9% The counters and tellers were Anne Best, David Briggs, Lauren Elliott-Grunes, June Cameron, Robert Harris, Julie Menges, Sharon Ryone, Charlie Winn, Thaddeus Nabywaniec, and Jayanne Monger, Assistant Town Clerk. The Citizen Petitioned - Special Town Meeting of March 6th, 2023 was called to order by Moderator Charles Sumner at 6:12pm_ Town Meeting was held indoors in the Elementary School gymnasium. The Moderator, Charles Stunner made a few announcements before proceeding with Town Meeting. He has filed a Conflict of Interest statement with the Town Clerk. Due to the overflow crowd, the library has been set up for seating as well. Benjamin DeRuyter was the Deputy Moderator appointed and sworn by the Moderator to preside over the Library. Brewster follows Town Meeting Time for their Town Meeting rules of order, but the Moderator has some discretion on time limits, and as a courtesy he has allowed for the petitioners to have extra time while presenting their articles. Posting and return of service of the Citizen Petitioned - Special Town Meeting warrant was confirmed. There being no objections the Moderator began dispensing with the articles, which after discussion with the petitioners will be called in Article order, not by lottery. 6:17vm NO FURTHER WING ISLAND BOARDWALK FUNDING ARTICLE NO. 1: To see if the Town will vote to adopt the following: No funds previously appropriated by the Town shall be expended by the Town in any way, including without limitation for staff time, or to pay any consultant or professional or outside contractor, for any design, permitting, construction, or promoting in any way of a boardwalk to Wing Island, or other re -design or modification of the existing access to Wing Island, provided that any invoice for payment submitted by such consultant or professional or outside contractor prior to the date of the warrant for this Special Town Meeting may be paid from sums previously appropriated or grants or gifts previously received; nor shall the Treasurer approve for payment any warrant for payment approved by the Select Board that includes an authorization for payment of any sums that would be in violation of this Article. It is further the sense of the Town Meeting to the Select Board, and the Select Board is hereby advised by the Town Meeting, that, no grants or gifts received by the Town which the Select Board is authorized by law to accept or expend, shall be expended for staff time, or to pay any consultant or professional or outside contractor, for design, permitting, construction, or promoting in any way of a boardwalk to Wing Island, or other re -design or modification of the existing access to Wing Island, or to take any other action relative thereto. (Citizen's Petition) (Majority Vote Required) MOTION made by Citizen Debra Johnson: I move Article 1 as printed in the warrant. ACTION on the Main Motion: Adopted by a greater than majority. Voter Cards. Page 1 of 3 Town of Brewster Citizen Petitioned -- Special Town Meeting Report March 6th, 2023 AMENDMENT made by Citizen Doug Wilcock: I move that the following amendment be made to Article 1 so that the phrase which, if passed, shall remain in effect until March 6, 2028 be inserted in the introduction to the article so that Article 1 reads: To see if the Town will vote to adopt the following which, if passed, shall remain in effect until March 6, 2028: ACTION on this Amendment: Defeated. Voter Cards. AMENDMENT made by Citizen Carol Marie Anderson: I move to remove, starting, halfway down in the first paragraph, from the word provided to the word received. ACTION on this Amendment: Defeated. Voter Cards. At 7:10pm a motion was made to "Move the previous question" by Citizen Tim Hackert. This was adopted by a Moderator declared greater than 2/3 majority. Voter Cards. 7:16pm TRANSFER CARE, CUSTODY AND CONTROL OF WING ISLAND AND CHANGE USES ARTICLE NO. 2: To see if the Town will vote to transfer the care, custody, and control of the land acquired by the Town of Brewster pursuant to an Order of Taking dated July 14, 1961 and recorded on July 28, 1961 in Barnstable Deeds at Book 1123 Page 170 (Wing Island, so-called) from the Select Board to the Brewster Conservation Commission to be used for conservation, open space, and passive educational purposes, said land to be managed by the Conservation Commission for such purposes, or to take any other action relative thereto. (Citizen's Petition) (Majority Vote Required) MOTION made by Petitioner John Dupuv: I move the Town vote to transfer the care, custody, and control of the land acquired by the Town of Brewster pursuant to an Order of Taking dated July 14, 1961 and recorded on July 28, 1961 in Barnstable Deeds at Book 1123 Page 170 (Wing Island, so-called) from the Select Board to the Brewster Conservation Commission to be used for, and permanently dedicated to, conservation and open space purposes, said land to be managed by the Conservation Commission for such purposes. ACTION on the Main Motion: Adopted by a Moderator declared 2/3 vote. Voter Cards. At 7:41pm a motion was made to "Move the previous question" by Citizen Tim Hackert. This was adopted by a greater than 2/3 majority. Voter Cards. lo -Moderator Sumner took this opportunity to recognize former State Representative Timothy Whelan and current State Representative Christopher Flanagan. 7.s2pm RESCIND DRUMMER BOY MASTER PLAN VOTE ARTICLE NO. 3: To see if the Town will vote to rescind its vote to accept the "2021 Drummer Boy Park Master Plan" taken under Article 12 of the November 15, 2021 Special Town Meeting or to take any other action relative thereto. (Citizen's Petition) (Majority Vote Required) MOTION made by Petitioner Jillian Douglass: I move that the Town vote to reconsider the vote to accept the "2021 Drummer Boy Park Master Plan" take under Article 12 of the November 15, 2021 Special Town Meeting; and that the 2021 Drummer Boy Master Plan be referred to a new committee to be appointed by the Select Board in conjunction with the Moderator, to study and report to the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting. ACTION on the Main Motion: Adopted by a greater than majority. Voter Cards. A Motion was made to "Move the previous question" by Tim Hackert. This was adopted by a Moderator declared greater than 2/3 majority. Voter Cards. Page 2 of 3 Colette M. Williams, MMC/CMMC Town Clerk Brewster, MA Town of Brewster Citizen Petitioned - Special Town Meeting Report March 6th, 2023 At 8:O7pm a motion was made to "Move the previous question" by Citizen Jim King. This was adopted by a Moderator declared greater than 2/3 majority. Voter Cards. Select Board Chair David Whitney motioned to dissolve the Special Town Meeting of March 6th, 2023. Majority vote. Voice. The Citizen Petitioned - Special Town Meeting of March 6th, 2023 was dissolved at 8:09pm by a majority vote. Voice. --- A True Copy Attest: . Page 3 of 3 COMMENT The Brewster floodplain district was first adopted as a zoning overlay in 1985. The bylaw has been amended over time as subsequent district boundaries and state and federal regulations have changed. The amendments proposed in this article are designed to incorporate recommended changes from the state’s updated model floodplain bylaw. No changes to the floodplain district boundary are proposed as part of this zoning bylaw amendment. Select Board: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0 Planning Board: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0 DRUMMER BOY PARK MASTER PLAN UPDATE ARTICLE NO. 12: To see if Town will vote to accept the 2021 Drummer Boy Park Master Plan, or to take any other action relative thereto. (Select Board) (Majority Vote Required) COMMENT After purchasing the Drummer Boy property in 1988, a Comprehensive Master Plan was developed and adopted by Town Meeting in 1995. That plan identified opportunities and constraints for the site and developed a programmatic plan for the property via a phased implementation approach. Some of these improvements, including the bandstand, playground, and walking paths, have been implemented. Twenty-five years later, Drummer Boy Park continues to provide diverse active and passive recreational uses for countless residents and visitors, and it remains a vital community asset. In 2020, the Select Board established the Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee to review the park’s current condition and uses, develop designs for expanded or alternative uses, and estimate costs and funding scenarios for such future plans. The resulting updated Master Plan was informed by feedback from residents and relevant stakeholders such as the Brewster Historical Society and Brewster Conservation Trust, who own adjacent properties. The goals of this new Plan are to preserve the character of the park, improve views of the bay, enhance existing uses, and provide additional access to and throughout the park. The Plan also seeks to account for future increased use given the proposed construction of a new elevated boardwalk to Wing Island from the Town-owned conservation land immediately to the east of Drummer Boy. Additional details and more information on the Plan can be found on the Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee on the Town website or in the Town Administrator’s office. Select Board: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0 59 60 60 SPECIAL TOWN MEETING NOVEMBER 15, 2021 Town Clerk Brewster, MA (3) The Building Commissioner shall require the applicant to cause a qualified professional to provide records of elevation and/or floodproofing levels for new construction or substantial improvement within the flood district. H. Designation of community Floodplain Administrator. The Town of Brewster hereby designates the position of Building Commissioner to be the official flood plain administrator for the Town. I. Severability. If any provision of this section should be disapproved by the Attorney General or invalidated by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the section shall not be affected thereby. The invalidity of any section or sections or parts of any section or sections of this § 179-7 shall not affect the validity of the remainder of the Town of Brewster's Zoning Bylaw. J. Abrogation. The provisions found in this Floodplain Overlay District section shall take precedence over any less restrictive conflicting local laws, ordinances or codes. K. Liability. The degree of flood protection required by this bylaw is considered reasonable but does not imply total flood protection. • L. Requirement to submit new technical data. If the Town acquires data that changes the base flood elevation in the FEMA mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas, the Town will, within 6 months, notify FEMA of these changes by submitting the technical or scientific data that supports the change(s.) Notification shall be submitted to: FEMA Region I Risk Analysis Branch Chief 99 High St., 6th floor, Boston, MA 02110 And copy of notification to: Massachusetts NFIP State Coordinator MA Dept. of Conservation 81. Recreation, 251 Causeway Street, Boston, MA 02110 (Planning Board) (Two Thirds Vote Required) Motion made by Planning Board Member Charlotte Degen: I move to approve Article No. 11 as printed in the warrant. ACTION: ADOPTED by a Moderator declared greater than 2/3 vote — Voter Cards 7:15pm DRUMMER BOY PARK MASTER PLAN UPDATE ARTICLE NO. 12: To see if Town will vote to accept the 2021 Drummer Boy Park Master Plan, or to take any other action relative thereto. (Select Board) (Majority Vote Required) Motion made by Drummer Boy Park Committee Member Jamie V e ara: I move to approve Article No. 12 as printed in the warrant. ACTION: ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY — Voter Cards OTHER BUSINESS ARTICLE NO. 13: To act upon any other business that may legally come before this meeting or to take any other action related thereto. (Select Board) (Majority Vote Required) Motion made by Select Board Chair Cynthia Bingham: I move that that the Town vote to dissolve the Fall 2021 Special Town Meeting. ACTION: ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY — Voter Cards The Special Town Meeting of November 15th, 2021 was dissolved at 7:23pm. True Copy Attest: Page 30 of 30 Town of Brewster, Massachusetts Drummer Boy Park Master Plan Final Report October 2021 Photo: Brewster Conservation Day ‐ July 2018 i Table of Contents Section 1 Study Purpose and Team 1.1 Study Purpose ............................................................................................................................................................ 1-1 1.2 Project Team ............................................................................................................................................................... 1-1 Section 2 Data Collection and Existing Conditions Analysis 2.1 Data Collection ........................................................................................................................................................... 2-1 2.2 Existing Conditions .................................................................................................................................................. 2-1 2.3 Initial Site Visit with Town ................................................................................................................................... 2-4 2.4 Opportunities and Constraints............................................................................................................................ 2-4 2.5 Site Visit with Advisory Committee .................................................................................................................. 2-6 Section 3 Schematic Concept Plans 3.1 Concept Plan I ............................................................................................................................................................. 3-1 3.2 Concept Plan II ........................................................................................................................................................... 3-3 3.3 Concept Plan III ......................................................................................................................................................... 3-6 Section 4 Recommended Master Plan 4.1 Recommended Master Plan Overview ............................................................................................................. 4-1 4.2 Phasing Strategy ........................................................................................................................................................ 4-4 4.3 Order of Magnitude Project Budget .................................................................................................................. 4-4 Section 5 Conclusion List of Figures Figure 2-1 Drummer Boy Existing Conditions ..................................................................................................... 2-3 Figure 2-2 Brewster Opportunities and Constraints ........................................................................................ 2-5 Figure 3-1 Drummer Boy Park Concept Plan I .................................................................................................... 3-2 Figure 3-2 Drummer Boy Park Concept Plan II ................................................................................................... 3-4 Figure 3-3 Drummer Boy Park Concept Plan III ................................................................................................. 3-6 Figure 4-1 Drummer Boy Park Recommended Master Plan ......................................................................... 4-2 Figure 4-2 Drummer Boy Park Use Area Plan ..................................................................................................... 4-3 Figure 4-3 Drummer Boy Park Phase I Improvements Plan ........................................................................ 4-5 Appendices Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Appendix E Proposed Raised Boardwalk to Wing Island Order of Magnitude Opinion of Probable Project Cost, Phase I Order of Magnitude Opinion of Probable Project Cost, Phase II Drummer Boy Park Master Plan Presentation, June 7, 2021 Meeting Minutes 1‐1 Section 1 Study Purpose and Team The Town of Brewster purchased a property in town in 1988 that was occupied by a museum and residence building. In 1995 the Town of Brewster in collaboration with Mary Smith Associates, P.C. Landscape Architects & Planners completed a Master Plan Study on Drummer Boy Park. That Master Plan was presented to and approved by Town Meeting on May 1, 1995. The study identified the opportunities and constraints for the site and developed a programmatic plan to maximize the potential into the future via a phased implementation approach. Some of these improvements, including the bandstand, playground, and some walking paths, have already been implemented. In 2020 the Select Board established the Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee to review the park and revise the Master Plan. CDM Smith was hired by the town to assist the committee in preparing the revised design. 1.1 Study Purpose The purpose of this study is to update the Master Plan for Drummer Boy Park considering the current needs of the town. Identifying specific opportunities and constraints at the site allows local representatives and the public to understand the site better and then decide how best to structure a plan to protect the resource as well as meet the needs of the community for many years to come. Factoring in knowledge and concepts from existing user groups as well as potential user groups is an important component of this master plan development. 1.2 Project Team This project was coordinated for the town by an advisory committee which included the Brewster Department of Natural Resources, Department of Public Works, the Council on Aging, Recreation Department, Conservation Trust, local historical organizations, Brewster residents, and CDM Smith, and comprised of the following individuals: Committee Members  E. James Veara, Chair  John Kissida, Vice Chair  Cherlyanne Lombardi, Clerk  Andrea Nevins  Stephen Najarian  Tom Wingard, Brewster Recreation Commission Representative. Section 1  Study Purpose and Team 1‐2 Advisory Members  Bob Smith, Cape Cod Museum of Natural History  Sally Gunning, Brewster Historical Society  Hal Minis, Brewster Conservation Trust  Chris Miller, Director, Brewster Department of Natural Resources  Patrick Ellis, Superintendent, Brewster Department of Public Works  Michael Gradone, Director, Brewster Recreation Department  Denise Rego, Director, Brewster Council on Aging  Patricia Hughes, Brewster Natural Resources Advisory Commission Representative Consultants  Michael Dodson, CDM Smith  David Young, CDM Smith Several town staff members, elected and town officials, user groups and members of the community also provided input at committee meetings, community meetings, and general correspondence. 2‐1 Section 2 Data Collection and Existing Conditions Analysis A significant amount of data was collected by the project team and town representatives during preparation of the master plan. Understanding the parks uses and user groups, and site constraints and opportunities is an important step in master plan development. 2.1 Data Collection The town provided property limits and ownership of parcels around Drummer Boy Park which identified opportunities to provide connections to adjacent properties. Historic plans were provided that included the historic residential dwelling as well as the museum that was demolished. A site plan that was developed by J.M. O’Reilly & Associates, Inc. was also provided that showed limits of the recently installed asphalt walkway meandering through the site and also wetland limits. The limits of wetland and wetland buffers were used to define limits of proposed improvements. The town also provided information for the abandoned gift shop, which is useful to understand the vacant structure’s potential for reuse. A Playground Safety Audit as prepared by Playground Inspections of New England, LLC, and Nancy White a Certified Playground Safety Inspection. The audit identified that the playground is in need of many improvements including improved drainage, deteriorated structures, and accessibility improvements. The Town has taken care of any immediate safety issues that were noted. 2.2 Existing Conditions The park is sited between Old Kings Highway (Route 6A) to the south and Quivett Creek and Wing Island to the north. Old Higgins Farm Windmill and Windmill Village owned by Brewster Historical Society and Windmill Meadows owned by Brewster Conservation Trust are located to the west, and a wooded parcel owned by the Town is located to the east. This wooded parcel is under the care, custody, and control of the Conservation Commission. The close proximity to these town resources provided the opportunity to integrate each parcel together as one cohesive park. Further to the east is the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History with a sidewalk leading to the park. When driving into the site, the driver’s view is partially blocked by an existing hydrangea shrub. Vehicles are able to drive counterclockwise around a central green that holds the town’s seasonal tree that is decorated during the holiday season in December. The parking area is laid out organically and vehicles parallel park on each side of the drive aisle. When spaces within the paved area are fully occupied, vehicles park off of the pavement area where there was once grass but is now mostly bare soil. Adjacent to the parking area, the vacant gift shop stores equipment used by a local band that plays at the bandstand. The view of the playground is unfavorably blocked by this vacant building. The playground surfacing is covered with wood chips and is not considered accessible by Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (MAAAB). Section 2  Data Collection and Existing Conditions Analysis 2‐2 The parking area and playground open to a meandering walkway that was paved in 2020. This leads visitors around the site with a few seating areas located to take advantage of views of Quivett Creek. Another wooded trail was developed in the woods on the western side of the property. Some visitors walk through a partially exposed wooded trail on the east side of the parcel to access an existing gravel road to access Wing Island. Existing features were captured and labeled on an Existing Conditions Plan (Figure 2‐1). This space was intentionally left blank. 1 ),*85( Section 2  Data Collection and Existing Conditions Analysis 2‐4 2.3 Initial Site Visit with Town In October of 2020 CDM Smith visited the site with town officials to discuss goals, identify opportunities and constraints, and review improvement priorities. Upon entering the site, it was clear that one of the goals of the project is to enhance the views of Quivett Creek and the bay. Another goal emphasized was to preserve the character of the park. Drummer Boy Park is used for many passive activities including walking, picnicking, bird watching, and enjoying the outdoor environment. Recreational activities at the site include frisbee, playing catch, and use of the playground. The Brewster Band performs at the gazebo weekly during the summer months providing an opportunity for the community to gather and view live music. Organized activities including craft shows, farmer’s markets, fairs, festivals, and weddings occur at the site throughout the year. For these events, tents and vehicles are grouped in open lawn areas that are identified prior to the event. It is a goal to identify the park use areas based on the organized activities scheduled at the site. Drummer Boy Park attracts many people of all ages for different activities. Increased use at the park creates a desire for additional parking, but it was stressed that if too many parking spaces are provided, the character of the park would become compromised. The stated goal of the Advisory Committee was not to create a “large, paved parking lot” 2.4 Opportunities and Constraints Improvements are needed to serve current and future needs of the community. The site has significant potential to enhance the existing features and increase activities. There is great opportunity for the Town, Brewster Historical Society and Brewster Conservation Trust to collaborate on future integration of their properties to form the Brewster Drummer Boy Park Complex. From the data collected and observations on site, an Opportunities and Constraints plan was prepared (Figure 2‐2). An opportunity was identified to selectively clear understory vegetation to enhance views of Quivett Creek. The view is currently constrained from vegetation along the edge of the creek as well as partially from trees along Old Kings Highway. View corridors were identified and added to the plan. Selective clearing could also provide additional shaded seating areas accessible from the existing walkways. The existing wooded trail has become overgrown with invasive vegetation, and there is an opportunity to manage the vegetation, while proving better visual access to the trail and making it more easily accessible. There are opportunities to expand pedestrian walkways to the wooded parcel on the east as well as the Windmill Village on the west. This would create a setting where visitors could access the adjacent parcels and increase the overall use of the site. There are plans to create a connection to Wing Island in the future with a boardwalk, and access to the boardwalk would likely come from Drummer Boy Park. The planned location can be found in Appendix A. Increased pedestrians entering the site will need to be considered when planning walkway locations and widths. Due to the current use at the site and the anticipated increase in use for the future, there is an opportunity to increase the structured parking area while still preserving the character of the 1 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 OPPORTUNITY TO ENHANCE VIEW OF BAY OPPORTUNITY FOR SELECTIVE VEGETATION PRUNING TO PROVIDE SHADED SEATING WING ISLAND EDGE OF WETLAND 50’ BUFFER 50’ BUFFER WETLAND TO PRIVATE DRIVE PREVAILING SUMMER WINDSPREVAILING WINTER WINDS NORTHEAST WINTER STORM WINDS PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS TO IMPROVE ADA ACCESS AND SAFETY OPPORTUNITY TO SEPARATE PRIVATE RESIDENCE DRIVE TRAFFIC NOISE WATER PUDDLING WATER PUDDLING WATER PUDDLING WHALE ROCK OLD HIGGINS FARM WINDMILL AND WINDMILL VILLAGE (BREWSTER HISORICAL SOCIETY) OLD HIGGINS FARM WINDMILL AND WINDMILL VILLAGE (BREWSTER HISTORICAL SOCIETITY) POOR LINE OF SIGHT ENTERING AND EXITING THE PARK MAINTAIN VISTA THROUGH VEGETATION MANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITY TO INCREASE PARKING OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT PARK TO FUTURE WING ISLAND BOARDWALK CONSERVATION COMMISSION PROPERTY OPPORTUNITY TO MANAGE VEGETATION AND MOW (SEASONALLY) TO STONE WALL OPPORTUNITY TO ADD OUTDOOR EXERCISE EQUIPMENT SUN ANGLES 100’ BUFFER 100’ BUFFER NO BUILDING WITHIN 100’ BUFFER ZONE NO BUILDING WITHIN 50’ BUFFER ZONE OPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE ENTRANCE TO NATURE WALK INVASIVE VEGETATION REQUIRES MANAGEMENT FEMA 100 YEAR FLOOD BOUNDARY BFE=14 VIEWS VIEW S VIEWS VIEW S FIGURE 2-2 Section 2  Data Collection and Existing Conditions Analysis 2‐6 site. As an alternative, expansion of the existing parking area could be considered if deemed necessary by the town in the future. Because of the existing soil there are some areas on the site where puddles form and should be addressed by proposed improvements. There is an opportunity to create rain gardens intended to collect and infiltrate stormwater in the wet areas around the site. There is an opportunity to add restrooms to the park allowing visitors to stay longer. However, due to the poor draining soils most of the site is unable to accommodate a Title 5 leaching field. The only area suitable for a leaching field is on the eastern portion of the site in the location of the previously demolished residential property. Ideally, restrooms would be included in the area of the vacant gift shop. The existing playground, located too close to the wetland, is often wet, is outdated, not identified as accessible by the MAAAB, and does not provide a source for shade. There is an opportunity to demolish the existing playground and shift to the south, closer to the vacant gift shop. The vacant gift shop could be renovated into a shade structure pavilion. This would preserve the character of the existing structure, would provide shade, and would open the views from the parking area to the playground. 2.5 Site Visit with Advisory Committee In December of 2020, CDM Smith met with the Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee to review the Existing Conditions Plan, Opportunities and Constraints Plan, and to identify additional opportunities that the park could provide. Expansion of structured parking to the open lawn on the southwest corner of the site was discussed. Though it would create many additional parking spaces, there were concerns that it would reduce the natural character of the site and it was determined that the parking area should not be expanded. It was recommended that the drive aisle and parking spaces be reconfigured to maximize parking spaces while reducing the overall paved area. 3‐1 Section 3 Schematic Concept Plans Utilizing the data collected, Opportunities and Constraints Plan, and comments from the Advisory Committee, schematic concept plans were created and presented at each monthly meeting with the Advisory Committee. During each meeting thoughtful feedback was provided, and the schematic plans evolved into the Recommended Master Plan. 3.1 Concept Plan I In January of 2021 CDM Smith presented the first Schematic Concept Plan (Figure 3‐1). Approximately 50 straight in parking spaces were proposed around the existing drive and staggered to reduce the overall width of pavement. It was proposed to selectively prune and remove vegetation between the park and the bay to enhance and open views. The existing hydrangea at the entrance should be pruned or removed and replaced with a low-growing shrub so that the sightline leading into the park is not blocked. The playground area was proposed to be increased in size and extend over the existing walkway to the east. Adjacent to the playground, it was proposed to convert the abandoned visitor center to an open pavilion. The roof may be able to be preserved and the walls removed though a thorough structural investigation would be required. Stormwater and wet areas within the site are proposed to be handled by rain gardens. This would be a sustainable way of encouraging stormwater to infiltrate and be stored in a controlled space. It would also add interest and color to the site, while providing habitat to pollinators and other species. This space was intentionally left blank. Conceptual Site Plan A 1/6/2021 Section 3  Schematic Concept Plans 3‐4 3.2 Concept Plan II In February of 2021 CDM Smith presented the second Schematic Concept Plan (Figure 3‐2) addressing comments from the Advisory Committee. It was recommended to include an asphalt sidewalk along the access drive, providing pedestrian access from Old Kings Highway into the park. The sidewalk along the drive would include a vertical granite curb to serve as protection from potential conflict with vehicles. An additional asphalt walk would connect from the park entrance around the open space on the southwest corner of the park and connect to the existing mowed walk at windmill meadows. This asphalt walk would continue to the north and connect to the shade pavilion, and other access throughout the site including the nature walk. All new asphalt walking trails, parking spaces and drive aisle should be finished with a chip seal to naturalize the appearance of the asphalt. A restroom with potential tight tank is located inside of the shade structure. Vegetation on the eastern portion of the site would be selectively cleared to expand the park and add potential passive seating areas. Large shade trees would be protected to encourage shade but invasive species and understory would be removed. A new asphalt walk would extend over the eastern existing walk through the existing stone wall and continue to the gravel driveway that leads to Wing Island. The playground area was reduced in size so that it would not extend the existing walk. This was requested from the advisory committee so that there was a separation between children playing in the playground and the other users of the park. This space was intentionally left blank. FIGURE 3-2 Section 3  Schematic Concept Plans 3‐6 3.3 Concept Plan III In March of 2021 CDM Smith presented the third Schematic Concept Plan (Figure 3‐3) addressing comments from the Advisory Committee. At the entrance to the park, it was determined to include parallel parking spaces to accommodate three cars on each side of the drive. The length of these spaces would also allow one bus to park on each side. Parking arrangement was refined to maximize parking spaces while providing access to the open lawns. A three-tiered parking strategy was proposed. At low volume, vehicles can park only in paved parking spaces. During busier times, vehicles could park in the lawn areas between the paved parking spaces. During large events one or multiple open lawn areas would be permissible to park. An additional asphalt walk is proposed to connect to the sidewalk on Old Kings Highway and run along the stone wall on the eastern side of the park. This walk would continue and connect to the existing asphalt walk. Additional rain gardens were placed adjacent to the access road to serve as vehicular control to keep vehicles outside of the open space lawns, except when authorized by the town. It was recommended that accessible portable restrooms would be included either inside the shade pavilion or directly outside. Outside of the gazebo band stand, a small storage shed was proposed to house the band equipment. This structure would be set back in the woods so that no views would be blocked of the bay. N © 2 0 2 0 FIGURE 3-3 4‐1 Section 4 Recommended Master Plan Utilizing the data collected, Opportunities and Constraints Plan, and comments from the Advisory Committee, and Schematic Concept Plan development, a Recommended Master Plan (Figure 4‐1) was created. This plan was used to identify a phasing strategy and identify the Order of Magnitude Project Budget. 4.1 Recommended Master Plan Overview Final modifications were made to the previous schematic to incorporate all comments from the Advisory Committee, adjacent user groups, and members of the community. It was determined that the vacant gift shop will be converted to a shade pavilion or demolished to install a new shade pavilion. Additional analysis is required to determine the feasibility of converting the vacant gift shop to a shade pavilion. It was also recommended to analyze the gazebo to determine the remaining life and provide improvement recommendations. Two accessible portable restrooms are proposed inside of the shade pavilion. The front façade on the front of the vacant gift shop will be protected to block views of the restrooms and keep the character of the historic building. A bike rack and water fill station were added to the plan outside of the shade pavilion. Park use areas were identified and a Park Use Area Plan was created (Figure 4‐2). This plan can be distributed to vendors or event users of the park to instruct which open lawn space to utilize or to park when the town grants permission. Project goals include the following:  Preserve the character of the park and enhance the views of the bay.  Collaborate with the Brewster Historical Society and the Brewster Conservation Trust in preserving the character of the complex and enhancing its use.  Plan for increased use and provide additional access to and throughout the park  Identify park use areas  Collaborate with local advisory committee representing the town and coordinate with adjacent user groups Design criteria was identified including the following:  New asphalt walking trails are to be 6 feet in width  New asphalt walking trails, parking and road are to be installed with chip seal  Understory to be selectively cleared against eastern stone wall  50 asphalt parking stalls to be provided INNOVATED 6' WIDE SEATING AREA 6I ALL,SIONAOE_STRUCTURE_FO BAND AND GARDENING EQUIPMENT MANAGE VEGETATION SELECTIVE CLEARING AND CLEARING TO STONE WALL OF UNDERGROWTH PASSIVE SEATING AREAS VISTA VEGETATION MANAGED 8 REPLACED WITH NATURAL POLLINATOR FRIENDLY SEEDED AREAS ASPHALT WALKWAY EDGE OF WETLAND B0' BUFFER ZONE 100' BUFFER ZONE SELECTIVE CLEARING OF INVASIVE SPECIES, ESPECIALLY VINES AND UN'DE'RSTORY NATURE WALK ENTRANCE ENHANCED WITH SHADE TOLERANT VEGETATION AND RAIN GARDEN ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS TO EXISTING NATURE WALK FEMA 100 YEAR FLOOD BOUNDARY SFE = 14 OUIVETT CREEK ELECTIVE CL /f / / / // ^;. / EXISTING GRAVEL ROAD WING )STAND a / /`- -�> / ,/ it. if /t OPEN SPACE 1 GAZEBO IMPROVEMENTS y�EXIST /1G SEAr(NG TWO ACCESSIBLE- / `` `J RESTROOMS WITH EXISTING FRONT FACADE PROTECTED WATER FILL \ STATION I 3 1 6 ( WETLAND 1 FARING F 1 � ;. 4 � •\ � � - ' 1 I 1 � ! / / 1: / f J I 1 -,7 r / / i =1 1 ! 1 -- - _ \ 100' SUFFER. \ ZONE 50' BUFFER ZONE F EDGE O / / / WETLAND 1 —BIKE RACK ON CONCRETE PAD OVERFLOW PARKING �. TO PRIVATE RESIDENCES 1 PATHWAY CONNECTION TO GRAVEL ROAD -LIMIT OF CUR EXISTING OLD HIGGINS FARM WINDMfLL AND Vc, 1 WINDMILL VILLAGE (BREWS TER 7- HISTORICAL SOCIE rv) -EXISTING VEUIDOR 1 /� PARKING FOR OCIFETITgeEn TS • kvx11 1 1r ref - I RAIN GARDEN CHIP SEAL ASPHALT DRIVE AISLE AND PARKING RAIN GARDEN CONTROLLED ACCESS TO OPEN SPACE WITH SIGNAGE - —RAIN GARDEN —6' WIDE ASPHALT WALKWAY — —RAIN GARDEN EXISTING BUILDING CONVERTED TO SHADE PAVILION - PLAYGROUND WITH INTEGRATED SEATING AND PICNIC TABLES LIMIT OF CURB ACCESS TO WINDMILL VILLAGE —INVASIVE SPECIES — — _� — MANAGEMENT AREA EXISTING t4W ORNLL MEADOWS 1 (BREWS TER COINSERVATiON TRUST) — CONNECT ASPHALT WALKWAY TO EXISTING NATURE WALK NOTES: AERIAL IMAGE OBTAINED BYCOOCLE MAPS IS APPROXIMATELY SCALED. PROPERTY LINE INFORMATION OBTAINED BY TOWN GIS AND MAY NOT MATCH AERIAL IMAGE DRUMMER BOY PARK TOWN OF BREWSTER, MA Smith RECOMMENDED MASTER PLAN APRIL 2021 B A 2 1 C D PARK USE AREA LIMITS 1. 2. GAZEBO SHADE PAVILION FIGURE 4-2 LEGEND Section 4 · Recommended Master Plan 4-4  Native plantings and flowering trees to be utilized  Views of the bay are not to be blocked 4.2 Phasing Strategy Due to the size and complexity of the improvements identified in the Recommended Master Plan, it is planned that the park improvements will be implemented in two or more phases. Decisions on what elements are to be prioritized will be determined by many factors including available funds and community interest. For the purposes of this study, a Phase I Improvements Plan (Figure 4-3) was created. This plan can be implemented in several sub-phases. The majority of the Recommended Master Plan is included in the Phase I Improvements Plan; however, the playground is planned to be constructed in the second phase and the southwestern walking path is planned for a future phase. 4.3 Order of Magnitude Project Budget In order to plan for project funding and schedule, an Order of Magnitude Project Budget (Appendix B and C) was created for the first phase and second phase. The budget identifies estimated demolitions costs, material costs, contractor costs for overhead and profit, engineering costs, and costs for analyzing the feasibility of implementing improvement for the vacant gift shop and bandstand gazebo. A 25 percent contingency is included in the budget to account for project unknowns. As the final design is refined the contingency will be reduced and the elements to be included in the first phase of implementation will be identified. OCT. 2021 5‐1 Section 5 Conclusion Obtaining feedback from the community is an important step in planning improvements to public spaces. It is critical that members of the community and park users have a voice to inform and educate designers about their priorities and needs. The improvements to Drummer Boy Park were presented via zoom on April 26, 2021 to the public and positive feedback was received. The Advisory Committee Met in May to review and discuss comments from the public. In Brewster, the Select Board act as the Park Commissioners, and changes to the park are required to be reviewed by the Selectmen prior to being presented at Town Meeting. On June 7, 2021 the improvements to Drummer Boy Park were presented to the Select Board (Appendix D). The Master Plan for Drummer Boy Park will be presented at the Town Meeting in the fall of 2021 for approval. A‐1 Appendix A Proposed Raised Boardwalk to Wing Island [b Locus Map, Massachusetts PROPOSED RAISED BOARDWALKTO WING ISLAND AND ADJACENT TRAIL SYSTEMS CREATED BY: DAJ02/01/21CREDITS: MASSGIS Proposed Elevated BoardwalkExisting TrailTidal Salt MarshTown of BrewsterBrewster Historical SocietyMuseum of Natural HistoryBrewster Conservation TrustUnpaved Road J o h n W i n g T r a i lJohn W i n g T r a i l D r u m m e r B o y P a r k T r a i l sDrummer B o y P a r k T r a i l s W i n d m i l l M e a d o w sWindmill M e a d o w s J o h n & K r i s t iJohn & K r i s t iHay T r a i lHay T r a i l L e e B a l d w i n T r a i lLee B a l d w i n T r a i l O s p r e y P o l e a n d W e b c a mOsprey P o l e a n d W e b c a m C e d a r R i d g e T r a i lCedar R i d g e T r a i l WING ISLANDWING ISLAND QUIVETT MARSHQUIVETT MARSH DRUMMER BOY PARKDRUMMER BOY PARK MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORYMUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY W i l d f l o w e r G a r d e n s T r a i lWildflower G a r d e n s T r a i l WINDMILL VILLAGEWINDMILL VILLAGE 0 0.1 0.20.05 Miles ± B‐1 Appendix B Order of Magnitude Opinion of Probable Project Cost, Phase I Drummer Boy Park Brewster, MA Phase I ORDER OF MAGNITUDE OPINION OF PROBABLE PROJECT COST 7/16/2021 Based on Phase I Improvements Plan dated July 2021 ITEM QUANTITY UNIT UNIT COST TOTAL Site Preparation Erosion and Sedimentation Control 1 ls $5,000.00 5,000$ Temporary fencing and safety signage 1 ls $5,000.00 5,000$ Clear and Grub/ Vegetation Selective Clearing (Approximately 80,000 square feet)1 ls $15,000.00 15,000$ Site Preparation Subtotal 25,000$ General Site Improvements Bituminous concrete walkway 500 sy $45.00 22,500$ Full depth bituminous concrete access drive and parking with chip seal 2,300 sy $70.00 161,000$ Mill and Overlay bituminous concrete access drive and parking with chip seal 900 sy $35.00 31,500$ Renovate existing vacant gift shop or install new shade pavillion 1 allowance $200,000.00 200,000$ 10' wide by 18' length storage shed on concrete 1 ea $15,000.00 15,000$ Granite Curbing with 6" Reveal 550 lf $45.00 24,750$ Concrete Pavers 1,400 sf $30.00 42,000$ Accessibility Improvements to Nature Trail 1 ls $15,000.00 15,000$ Two (2) 6' x 6' accessible portable restroom 2 ea $5,000.00 10,000$ Bench with Poured Concrete Pad 5 ea $2,700.00 13,500$ Rain Garden (Approximately 10,500 square feet)1 ls $50,000.00 50,000$ Loam and Seed Disturbed Areas 1 ls $5,000.00 5,000$ Plantings 1 allowance $50,000.00 50,000$ Signage 1 allowance $10,000.00 10,000$ Bike Rack on Concrete Pad 1 ea $4,000.00 4,000$ Miscellaneous Work and Cleanup 1 ls $20,000.00 20,000$ General Site Improvements Subtotal, rounded 674,300$ Project Subtotal 699,300$ Subtotal Direct Costs 699,300$ Contactor Mobilization/Demobilization - 5% (Rounded)35,000$ Subtotal Direct Costs plus Mobilization/Demobilization 734,000$ Div 01 (Gen. Cond.) and General Contractors OHP - 15% (Rounded ) 110,000$ ESTIMATED CONSTRUCTION COST, ROUNDED 844,000$ Contingency - 25%, (Rounded) 211,000$ TOTAL CONSTRUCTION COST, ROUNDED 1,055,000$ Engineering- 15%, (Rounded) plus $8K for existing building analysis, plus $25K for playground 60% design. 190,000$ ESTIMATED TOTAL PROJECT CONSTRUCTION COST WITH CONTINGENCY AND ENGINEERING 1,250,000$ 1 C‐1 Appendix C Order of Magnitude Opinion of Probable Project Cost, Phase II Drummer Boy Park Brewster, MA Phase I ORDER OF MAGNITUDE OPINION OF PROBABLE PROJECT COST 7/16/2021 Based on Phase II Improvements Plan dated July 2021 ITEM QUANTITY UNIT UNIT COST TOTAL Site Preparation Erosion and Sedimentation Control 1 ls $2,000.00 2,000$ Temporary fencing and safety signage 1 ls $2,000.00 2,000$ Demo Existing Playground 1 ls $10,000.00 10,000$ Clear and Grub 1 ls $2,000.00 2,000$ Site Preparation Subtotal 16,000$ General Site Improvements Playground with Poured in Place Surfacing 1 ls $500,000.00 500,000$ Bench with Poured Concrete Pad 2 ea $2,700.00 5,400$ Bituminous Concrete Walkway (Southwest Path)105 sy $45.00 4,725$ Rain Garden 1 ls $10,000.00 10,000$ Loam and Seed Disturbed Areas 1 ls $2,000.00 2,000$ Plantings 1 allowance $5,000.00 5,000$ Miscellaneous Work and Cleanup 1 ls $5,000.00 5,000$ General Site Improvements Subtotal, rounded 532,100$ Project Subtotal 548,100$ Subtotal Direct Costs 548,100$ Contractor Mobilization/Demobilization - 5% (Rounded)27,000$ Subtotal Direct Costs plus Mobilization/Demobilization 575,000$ Div 01 (Gen. Cond.) and General Contractors OHP - 15% (Rounded ) 86,000$ ESTIMATED CONSTRUCTION COST, ROUNDED 661,000$ Contingency - 25%, (Rounded) 165,000$ TOTAL CONSTRUCTION COST, ROUNDED 826,000$ Playground Final Design ($55K), Bidding Services ($8K), Services During Construction ($35K) 98,000$ ESTIMATED TOTAL PROJECT CONSTRUCTION COST WITH CONTINGENCY AND ENGINEERING 920,000$ 1 D‐1 Appendix D Drummer Boy Park Master Plan Presentation, June 7, 2021 June 7, 2021 Drummer Boy Park Master Plan Chris Miller, Director Dept. of Natural Resources James Veara, Committee Chair Michael Dodson, RLA CDM Smith David Young, P.E. CDM Smith Brewster Conservation Day 2 Town of Brewster purchased property in 1988. Select Board act as the Park Commissioners, changes to the park are required to go to Town Meeting for approval. Initial Master Plan for Drummer Boy Park was presented at the May 1, 1995 Town Meeting and was approved. The existing museum/residence building was removed, and the bandstand and playground were added. A walking path through the grassy field was created and later paved to allow better accessibility. A trail through the woods behind the playground was also established. In 2020 the Select Board established the Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee to review the park and revise the Master Plan. CDM Smith was hired by the town to assist the committee in preparing the revised plans. The new Master Plan will go to Town Meeting in fall 2021 for approval. Project History 3 Advisory Committee – Thank you! James Veara John Kissida Cherylanne Lombardi Chris Miller Patrick Ellis Andrea Nevins Tom Wingard 4 Hal Minis Michael Gradone Sally Gunning Stephen Najarian Denise Rego Bob Smith Patricia Hughes Project Goals Preserve character of the park Enhance and preserve views of the bay Increase use and access Identify park use areas Collaborate with local advisory committee representing the Town Plan development coordinated with adjacent user groups This is your park! 5 Existing Park and Surrounding Area 6 Existing Park and Surrounding Area 7 Existing Vacant Gift Shop and Gazebo 8 Existing Playground 9 Drainage Challenges 10 Opportunities and Constraints 11 Proposed Improvements Parking improvements New playground Improvements to vacant gift shop Nature trail enhancements Additional walking paths and seating areas Drainage improvements Identification of park use areas Prioritized Phase I Improvements 12 Design Criteria 6-ft wide asphalt walking trails Selectively clear understory against eastern rock wall Provide 50 parking stalls using town requirements Utilize native plantings and flowering trees Do not block views to bay 13 Recommended Master Plan 14 Recommended Master Plan 15 Phase I Improvements Plan 16 Phase I Improvements Cost: Approximately $2 Million Park Use Area Plan 17 Questions and Discussion 18 E‐1 Appendix E Meeting Minutes Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee John Kissida ChoryIanne Lombardi Andrea Nevins E, James Vesta Tom Wingard Stephen Naf arlan Natural Resources Director Chris Miller Council on Aging Director Denise Rego Recreation Director Mike Gradone Public Works Director Patrick Ellis Town of Brewster Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee draminerboymecting@brewster-ma.gov gov MEETING Minutes Wednesday February 3, 2021 at 1:00pm 1, Call to Order • Chris called the meeting to order at 1:00PM 2, Declaration of a Quorum • Chris declared a quorum was present • Members in Attendance: John Kissida, Cherylanne I.,oxnbardi, Stephen Najarian, Andrea Nevins, James Veira; Not Present: Tom Wingard • Other Attendees: Mike Dodson, CDM Stnith; Patrick Ellis, Public Works Director; Mike Gradone, Recreation Director; Sally Gunning, Brewster Historical Society; Chris Miller, Natural Resources Director; Hal Minis, Brewster Conservation. Trust; Denise Rego, Council on Aging Director; Bob Smith, Cape Cod Museum of Natural History; Dave Young, CDM Smith 3, Meeting Participation Statement • Chris read the meeting participation statement 4, Public Continent • No public comments on items not on the agenda were made 5, Introductions 6. Election of committee chair, vice chair, and clerk • Nominations to serve as chair, vice chair, and clerk ()John Kissida accepts vice chair nomination o Jamie Veira accepts chair nomination o Cherylanne Lombardi accepts clerk nomination ()Jamie makes motion to vote on all nominations; seconded by John; unanitnous vote in favor of all nominations 7, Discuss Overall Project Objectives & Proposed Project Timeline 8, Review Current Park Uses and Discuss Potential Desired Park Uses, including Update on Proposed Wing Island Boardwalk :Project 9, Review Existing Conditions Site Base Plan and Discuss Consultant Analysis of Opportunities and Limitations • Review of Revised Existing Conditions Plan o Mike D, shares updates to Existing Conditions Plan (graphic) o Hal of Brewster Conservation Trust suggests inclusion of BC'I' land (south and west of Windmill Villageland) o Bob of Cape Cod Museum of Natural History suggests correction of boundary lines (lot lines of private residences) o Chris shares that the wooded trail pathway has been modified and should be updated on the Plan Page 2 o Mike D. discusses vistas added, references public cornment about clearing of trees along rock wall, and queries committee members for input o Jon clarifies prior discussion of "selective clearing" of brush and undergrowth, not trees, as desirable approach; underscores the importance of stating rationale for selective clearing (Le. to expose stonewall; invasives control, improve vista) oChris suggests exposing the stonewall (neighboring conservation land on north side - wetland buffer zone - may limit selective pruning) o Consensus to protect shade trees and provide invasives control o John refers to public cornment to not expand formal parking area near GA.; Mike follows up with additional public comment to not add new curb cut to entrance -- committee consensus on both points made o Dave clarifies aim of Existing Conditions Plan under consideration (opportunities and constraints), not a Master Plan oHal poses opportunity to integrate BHS and.BCT properties with DBP; extend walking paths from wooded path to BHS and BCT lands; Sally concurs BHS is in agreement with walking paths along backside of property o John calls for inclusion of BHS and BCT parcels to be named on analysis of existing conditions to consider the incorporation of their features on the Master Plan o Chris and John suggest discuusion of private properties from existing conditions plan (refer to updated property lines) a Hal clarifies entities that define the DBP site under study (BFIS, BCT, and town property to be treated as an integrated whole) ■ Review of updated Conceptual Site Plan o Mike D. shares updates to Conceptual Site Plan (graphic) • Discussion of Tvalldng path relative to Conceptual Site P/an oMike D, discusses opportunities: for woodland trail connection to BHS and BCT; extension of walking path from BCT toward entrance; proposal of sidewalk and curbing Page 3 along open lawn (east of entrance); proposal of formal parking spaces along entrance roadway and loop 0 jamie suggests need to separate pedestrian/vehicular traffic, inquires about controlled access to open lawn space - Will it be flat to allow for vehicles to traverse into open lawn space? Is access wide enough for 2 -way traffic? o Mike G, inquires into split rail fence option to separate entrance road from open lawn space to the east o Chris inquires into ease of access to overflow parking on open lawn space with a possible split rail fence a Mike D. refers to existing split rail fencing on the site that may be more consistent with character of DBP; Chis proposes concern over a permanent post (various options open to consideration) n Chris queries crosswalk location suggested in Conceptual Site Plan - concern for pedestrian safety ()john refers to prior discussion of entrance (l,e. perhaps, reducing entrance footprint); agrees with Chris regarding crosswalk safety concerns; suggests parking be relocated closer to/inside circle (i.e. remove at least 6 spaces nearest entrance); suggests defining overflow parking space without use of curbing; undecided with regard to split rail fence/posts; favors fewer barriers (Le. vertical) to overflow parking a Jamie agrees with elimination of parking spaces along entrance road and fenceless point of access to open space lawn a John mentions drainage improvements required for potential pathway connecting BCT property to entrance ()Chris refers to existing split rail, suggests granite curbing and flower beds along entryway o Cherylanne agrees with relocating crosswalk and eliminating parking spaces along entryway; suggests a more natural barrier (i.e, large rocks) to overflow parking on open space; inquires into parking space surfacing and proposes use of porous pavers as a potential option for consideration o Mike D. mentions asphalt as material under consideration for parking usage; refers to drainage issues regarding porous pavers Page 4 oJohn agrees with Mike regarding challenges of establishing porous pavers and suggests chip seal and accompanying rain gardens to limit access to open lawn space ()Rain gardens shown in areas where water currently collects (graphic) ()Chris comments about increasing walking trails on property, connecting sidewalk from playground to wooded trail (following property boundary), behind Windmill Village, toward grassy Wildflower Meadow trail, intersecting at loop; suggests paving as more efficacious than stonedust o Dave refers to previous meeting discussion of extending walkway near stonewall to connect to conservation land ()Chris shares town submission of application for trail to Wing's Island Boardwalk (ADA compatible); refers to conservation restriction in terms of parking near eastern boarder of DBP o Hal emphasizes need to anticipate increased usage of DBP, heightened visitor interest, and greater demands for parking with Wing's Island access; proposes parking near stonewall (i,e, soft surface) as a consideration; recommends a provision made for consideration of future parking demand o Jamie disagrees with formal parking lot in place of open space; suggests parking occur "organically" ■ Parking under consideration relative to Conceptual Site Plan- o Mike D. suggests offering vendors a parking plan for events (town charged with designating/mapping out spaces for heavy use) o john suggests defining overflow parking areas during heavy usage without paving o Patrick proposes parking spaces reconfigured (i.e, parallel parking) around loop to lesson the visual impact of formalized parking spaces and increase availability of space o Steve agrees with unstripped parallel space, not to block traffic flow and rain gardens/flower island along split rail fencing o Bob shares Hal's concern over increased parking demand with successful construction of boardwalk to access Wing's Island Page 5 o Cherylanne proposes consideration of multiple iterations of a Master Plan (Le, offering a plan that is consistent with exisiting parking demands and a second option that reflects anticipated parking demands) o Mike D, prepared an earlier graphic that includes increased parking to accommodate greater need, which could be revisited as a later conceptual option to consider as necessary ()Chris discusses expansion of opportunities for park visitors to enjoy the grounds relative to increased access to acreage through town partnerships (13HS, BCT) o Dave classifies usage in terms of tiers (Le, day-to-day; interest in Wing Island; larger events such as craft fairs) c� Ha1 stresses importance that existing plan allow for flexibility (i,e, changing future needs) oMike G. agrees with parallel parking (Le, school bus) - consensus reached o Patrick refers to using pervious pavement (depending on permeability rates) for parking spaces o Chris proposes a controlled access point near open space south of Windmill Village o Mike D. asks for committee input on controlled access points (Le, split rail vs post w/ chain) to limit vehicle access where a curb does not exist o Denise favors post and chain over split rail fence option and mentions rescue truck access o Chris suggests a post option with roping o Cherylanne disagrees with a post and chain option and concurs that a rope would likely be durable and easy to remove as necessary and is in favor of a less permanent structure more consistent with character of park o Patrick offers art example of a roping system at Mayflower Beach, Dennis and split rail fencing throughout town (Le, conservation land, beaches) o John proposes signage (removable); questions whether it is even necessary to have permanent structures in place at controlled access points; opposes post and chain option; favors openness of park Page 6 o Dave will plan to offer different layout options for designating controlled vehicle access points • Discussion of playground relative to Conceptual Site Plan o Mike D. shares split rail fencing option to demarcate playground area and contain playground users a Mike G. discusses drainage issues/water table within the playground area and suggests shifting its location toward building o Mike D. discusses possibility of elevating playground o John agrees with locating playground closer to building and suggests an examination of the playground footprint, perhaps reducing the space o Mike G, offers to investigate playground elements utilized in current space at D]3P and draw comparisons to school playgrounds in town with regard to overall playground space allocation; will look into fencing requirements o Chris proposes picnic areas/ benches at west end of playground (without clearing) using hard surfacing to mitigate flooding that occurs in woodchipped area a Mike D, suggests swingset locations backing up to woodlands (i,e,, safety precaution); designated swing areas; fibrous playground surfacing o Mike G. suggests the current building be repurposed into an open air space for families to gather • Discussion ofrestroom facilities relative to Conceptual Site Plan c� Dave asks for committee input on type of restroom facility and location o Chris sees no issue with the use of a serviced tight tank (Le. portable trailer/ temporary) o John proposes temporary usage consistent with year-round demand; Jamie agrees o Cherylanne agrees with open air structure to provide shelter (i.c., rain/shade) and suggests some separation/delineation between spaces (Le, separate open air structure/pavillion from restroom facilities and from actual playground space) while maintaining a coherent integration of the spaces o John agrees that the play area should remain independent from the structure (open air pavillion) n Cherylanne suggests reconsideration of restroorn location Page 7 o Chris mentions portable unit must be accessible for the purpose of pumping o Patrick suggests looking into space between parking loop and current building (relatively flat, open, unused area) to consider locating restroom facilities at front entrance oMike D. proposes vertical playground structures as one way to reduce square footage of playground area o Dave asks about band storage needs (remain in question) ()Jamie proposes storage on east side of building and offer restroom facilities that are less prominently displayed o Cherylanne suggests potential space for restroom facility west of playground (between the current building and grassy area that abuts private road in the direction of Windmill Village); does not advocate for increased playground square footage but recognizes the multiage age use of playground and benefit of spacing out elernents in an area where kids are running around in all directions; not in favor of fencing around playground unless it is a requirement; only concern is playground proximity to any additional parking lanes • Discussion of Gazebo/Bandstand & Windmill Village relative to Conceptual Site Plan oJohn queries into band stand condition and the potential for storage of band equipment at the band stand rather than at the location of the current building oMike D. offers landscaping as an option to conceal storage around bandstand a John proposes the possibility of storage within a newly designed and replacement bandstand or along its backside o Sally of Brewster Historical Society asks for clarification of walkway surfacing material and location relative to BHS property; suggests a painted crosswalk over private road; mentions BHS split rail fence along property line and parking loop and current designation of vendor parking space o Chris suggests reworking design of Conceptual Site Plan to more accurately depict property boundaries o]ohn recommends revisiting the conceptual design plan earlier devised for BHS and distributed to the committee, Page 8 which includes a handicap parking space and access ramp to Windmill Village oSally shares designated entrance to BHS property o Patrick mentions the present one-way directionality of parking loop that is unregulated yet understood and followed by residents and visitors alike without the presence of signa.ge; cautions against overprescribing parking rules/regulations and related signage o John suggests flowering trees to offset parking expansion and offers species exatnples for rain gardens as well o Cherylanne suggests additional rain garden to the east of the playground adjacent to the swings (right/back side of current building); mentions the need to keep restroonl facilities central but in consideration of available space and the desired focal points of entry into the park ()Chris mentions provisions for emergency helicopter use 10. Discuss agenda items for next meeting 11, Future Meeting -- March 3, 2021 • Jamie - next meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 3rd at 1prn 12. Other Business not anticipated by Chair within last 48 hours 13. Adjournment • John Kissida makes motion to adjourn; Cherylanne seconds the motion; all in favor http://video.brewster-rna,gov/CabletastPublieSite/show/52057clrannel— 1 Date Approved: April 7, 21121 Drummer Doy Park Advisory Conuiiittee John Ktssida Cheiylamne Lombardi Andrea Nevins - E• James Veira Tom Wingard Stephen Najarian Natural Resources Director Chris Miller Council on Aging Director Denise Rego Recreation Director Mike Gradone Public Works Director Patrick Ellis Town of Brewster Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee druminerboymeeting@brewster-ma.gov MEETING Minutes Wednesday March 3, 20Z. at 1;OOpm it r�Clus�'is—G f�fsi�-i }•L. i. i��a 1. Cali to Order • Jamie called the meeting to order at 1:OIPM 2, Declaration of a Quorum • Jamie declared a quorum was present • Members in Attendance: John l(issida; Vice Chap; Cherylanne Lombardi, Clerk; Andrea Nevins; James Veira, Chair; Tom Wingard, Stephen Najarian • Other Attendees: Mike Dodson, CDM Smith; Mike Gradone, Recreation Director; Sally Gunning, Brewster Historical Society; Patricia Hughes, Member of Natural Resources Advisory Commission; Chris Miller, Natural Resources Director; Hal Minis, Brewster Conservation Trust; Denise Rego, Council on Aging Director; Bob Smith, Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, David Young, CDM Smith 3. Meeting Participation Statement • Jamie read the meeting participation statement 4, Public Continent • No public comments on items not on the agenda were made 5. Introductions 6. Discuss Overall Project Objectives & Proposed Project Timelinze • Review of Proposed Schedule for Project Completion Mike D. discusses goals of current meeting: to review schematic drawings of updated plans and define priorities prior to April 7i}l meeting when costs estimates are identified and recommended future phases are clarified; a community meeting is scheduled for April 21st; Master Plan is on schedule to be finalized on May 5th; the committee plans to present to the Select Board a month after finalizing the plan o Dave suggests the committee consider the format and logistics of the upcoming community meeting o Chris Miller suggests an in -person community meeting will not likely be feasible given the current social distancing guidelines and will check with the Town Administrator for recommended process for o Cherylanne asks, "Will there be another scheduled site visit?" o Jamie is in favor of a second site visit -- o Mike D, proposes the consideration of an outdoor community meeting on site Page 2 ❑ Jamnie suggests seeldng Town guidance on format for gathering community input o Hal refers to Brewster Conservation Day as an example of a successful outdoor tented gathering on site o Jamie reiterates the need to consider state COVID restrictions on size of gatherings and distancing and is in favor of a committee site visit 7. Review Current Park Uses and Discuss Potential Desired Park Uses, including Update on Proposed Wing Island Boardwalk Project a. Form Follow Function: Andrea Nevins o Andrea discusses park needs of older adults such as exercise venues and social activities; mentions qualifications for parks suited to older adults - safe walking traits, strategic placement of seating/ benches, shade trees o Andrea offers a PowerPoint on age -friendly parks o Andrea expresses enthusiasm for converting the exisiting building into an open-air pavilion for.multiple uses such as exercise programs, art activities, parties, etc. o Mike G. agrees with the need for a shade structure with portable picnic tables so that the space o Cherylanne mentions the need to consider the surfacing of the open-air pavilion a Mike G, reached out to Nauset Disposal; handicap accessible Porta Potty available for use an a seasonal basis seems to be the most feasible option ❑Torn Wingard inquires as to whether the Health Dept, has been contacted regarding a tight tank option oChris refers to soil contraints per the site evaluation completed as part of the initial Master Plan and volunteers to reach out to the Health Dept, b, Story Walk oChris describes Story Walk concept and provides background information of proposal by resident and Brewster Ladies Library o. Hal discusses success of past Brewster Conservation Trust Story Walks and the preference of i3CT to continue to offer them on a periodic basis without installation of any permanent structures on Trust lands o Mike G. suggests to place a permanent structure such as this on the wooded trail rather than along the paved path Page 3 °Chris suggests that Freeman's Fields may be an alternative to Drummer Boy Park °John opposes signage on the open space lawn/paved pathway of Drummer Boy Park Cherylanne agrees that the wooded trail would be a more perferable location for any installation of permanent Story Walk structures and suggests that the texts be regularly rotated to avoid stale signage; Cherylanne shares her view of opportunities Story Walks may afford multiple age groups with regard to shared reading experiences, vocabulary development, and knowledge building through complex themes addressed in texts selected o Chris references the Little Free Library seasonally placed at the Park entrance and the willingness of the Brewster Ladies Library to take the lead on maintaining the Story Walk o Cherylanne inquires as to whether an elevated boardwalk might be installed to connect the wooded trail over the wetlands to the playground rather than to the private road o Dave Young expresses concern that the wooded trail is not handicap accessible and suggests consideration of Story Walk structures installed along the perimeter of the playground o Mike G. clarifies that fencing around the playground is not a requirement and expresses concern over structures placed in the wetlands that presently border the playground ° Jarnie agrees with John's remarks on signage and suggests the Story Walk may be something to integrate at a later phase a Chris concurs that the intergration of a Story Walk may be feasible at a later phase o TOM recommends a boardwalk or elevated walkway over the wetlands to create a connected pathway o Hal agrees that the Story Walk works well on circular trails and does not view Trust property on Drummer Boy as well suited for a Story Walk a Cherylanne agrees with locating Story Walk signage within the wooded trail and set back off the trail; Cherylanne proposes that the Story Walk project might povide an impetus for leveling the grade of the trail and making it more senior friendly Page 4 o Chris plans to reach out to the resident who proposed Story Walk and the Building Commissioner 8. Review Existing Conditions Site Base Plan and Discuss Consultant Analysis of Opportunities and Limitations ■ Mike D. introduces the proposed Conceptual Plan and dsiscusses revisions to the plan with regard to parking, vehicle control, rain gardens, and walkways ()Jamie wonders about walkway surface o Mike suggests asphalt for continuity's sake and recommends widening the walkways (6-8') a Pat is in favor of expanded walking opportunities but is not in favor of widening paths beyond 6' nor using pavement in order to maintain the rural character of the Park o Chris mentions that existing Town sidewalks are all paved and suggests that the additional paved loop within the multi -use lawn area from Windmill Meadow toward the entrance may not be necessary if an, additional pathway is created in conjunction with the planned. Wing Island boardwalk • Paved walkways a Cherylanne appreciates the addition of rain gardens and more natural barriers but is not in favor formalized asphalt walkways cutting through open space lawn and would rather see walking paths that extend along the perimeter of the Park, perhaps along the rockwall, o Jamie is not necessarily in favor of additional asphalt visible from 6A on either the east or west side of the parking area; Janie is in favor of a crosswalk and rain gardens o John suggests the additional walking path on the west may be desirable in a later phase and could be made less visible from 6A with rain gardens; favors parallel parking plan and would like to further consider parking surfacing to avoid creating the look of an expanded parking lot; expresses initial enthusiasm for potential path along the rockwall but wonders how a walkway may be integrated into the existing gravel path beyond the rockwall; would like to consider narrowing the park entrance/ exit; recommends connecting to Windmill Village; agrees with connecting playground and wooded trail for the possible inclusion of a Story Walk loop Page 5 a Mike D. queries committee about the proposed paved path to the east and Conservation Commission land where a gravel path presently exists a Chris identifies an existing break in the stonewall o Jamie is in favor of eliminating the asphalt path along the stonewall o Andrea is also in favor of eliminating the asphalt path along the stonewall and recommends a path in the wooded area toward the north east corner of the Drummer Boy parcel with views of the Bay and potential space for benches and picnic tables • Historic Windmill Village o Hal clarifies its name, Windmill Meadows, not "butterfly garden"; agrees that the additional asphalt pathways shown on the plan should be reconsidered at a later phase of the project; recommends interpretative signage to invite visitors to the Historic Windmill Village, Windmill Meadows, etc.; such signage should represent the various demerits of the park as an integrated whole and perhaps be Located near the parking area o Mike 1), sums up the committee's intent to present the paved pathways (east and west) as a later phase proposal o Bob asks if it would be possible to show the existing paved pathways in a different shade on the diagram to differeniate between existing versus proposed walkways o Jamie would like different phases of the Master Plan to be depicted on separate diagrams c� John suggests that handicap accessibility from the parking area to Windmill Village would require consideration of the vertical grade and refers to the plan he earlier prepared for Brewster Historical Society that accounts for the sloped land o Sally clarifies that Windmill Village is not presently handicap accessible and will likely require additional planning and preparation on the part of the Brewster Historical Society to comply; states the preferred entrance to Windmill Village as the opening in the split rail fence in line with the windmill o All in agreement that parking improvements should be Phase t • Pathway along east property line near stonewall Page 6 o Chris inquires as to whether other committee members would like paved pathway along the stonewall given the potential connectivity to the exisiting sidewalk o Cherylanne wonders if two parallel paths (Le, paved path along stonewall and gravel path beyond) might be duplicative; agrees that additional paved pathways should be considered at a later phase and proposes strategic placement of seating areas, perhaps nearby a rain garden as a pathway endpoint rather than continuing a fully paved loop; inquires into visually representing aspects of the Master Plan (Le, walkways, seating, parking, relocating of structures, etc.) separately in addition to holistically o Chris suggests the anticipated additional use of the gravel path would be more resepectful of neighbors 11 visitors entered the park and were directed to the gravel path at its midpoint o Steven is not in favor of two parallel paths along each side of the stonewall and inquires into the location of the break in the wall as a point of connection; would prefer to reduce the three-way paved junction to a two-way o Dave suggests that benches may be purposeful near the stonewall at its highpoint to overlook the Bay oPat does not support hardening of proposed walkway along the east side of Park; recommends seeking public input regarding the pathway along the east property line and to clearly indicate it as either Phase 1 or 2; suggests that the vistas are the park's defining attribute a Jamie concurs that public comment is desirable o Mike D. o Chris suggests parking spaces in beach lots have been kept narrow • Playground, shade structure, and restrooms o Jamie recommends playground as a Phase -1 improvement o John agrees that the playground area and strategic seating should be a part of Phase 1; suggests the connector between the proposed Wing Island boardwalk and park should be a meandering path and avoid the paved Y -shape intersection depicted on the graphic; recozninends additional seating areas along the pathway to benefit seniors Page 7 o Mike D, queries the committee with regard to preferred quantity and type restrooms a Jarnie belives two restrooms will be sufficient and agrees with their placement near the shade structure o Tom agrees with two restrooms; refers to Halls earlier comments about interpretive signage and suggests placement of a graphic/sign be located in a centralized location near open air structure and parking o Cherylanne agrees that two restrooms would be sufficient; and raises concern about its placement directly connected to the open-air shade structure; anticipates pavilion uses (Le, ceremonies, social gatherings, exercise programs, picnics, etc,) and recommends separation of restrooms from proposed open-air structure and perhaps relocating restooms on the west side of present building; nearer Windmill Village a Chris mentions that a Porto Potty could be reasonable concealed with constructing a wall(s) that frame the restrooms o Cherylanne recommends utilizing exisiting treescape to conceal restroom facilities o Mike G. agrees that the restroom should be shielded with a wall(s) or fencing, and the playground should be incorporated in Phase 1 o Jamie states he must leave the meeting early and requests next month's agenda include approval of meeting minutes ()Chris recommends making use of a portion of the exisiting building as a restroom facility ()John assumes the role of committee chair in Jamie's absence o Chris suggests a bottling filling station be included near the shade structure/restroom area • Gazebo/band stand o Committee is interested in needs of the Brewster band with regard to storage requirements; Chris Miller is looking into uses, needs, and dimensions of current bandstand o Rain gardens and planting around playground area o John recommends the plan account for a greater expanse of rain gardesns o Pat suggests members of the Association to Preserve Cape Cod may be a resource in determining plant species Page 8 o John suggests cost savings if community -based organizations are involved in plantings; proposes the entrance to the nature walk be visually enhanced, and proposes a tree planting budget o Chris suggests height requirements for plantings so as not to obstruct the vistas as plants flourish o John asks Mike G, to determine an estimated playground budget to replace the play structure in its entirety and recommends seating and plantings surrounding the playground o Playground size (square footage) based on playground utilization and surfacing material under consideration. 9. Discuss agenda items for next meeting • Cherylanne asks, "What is our plan for getting the word out to the public that we are interested in their input?" • Chris will work with chair and Town leadership to determine process fox public meeting and a date to schedule such meeting • Approval of meeting minutes will be on next agenda 10. Future Meeting - April 7, 2021 1 pm 11, Other Business not anticipated by Chair within last 48 hours 12, Adjournment • Pat makes motion to adjourn; Andrea seconds the motion; alt in favor • Meeting is adjourned at 3:14PM http:I/video,brewster-nma,govlCableeastPublieSitefshow/5269?ehannei-1 Date Approved: April 7, 2021 Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee John Klssida Cherylanne Lombardi Andrea Nevins E, James Veara Tom Wingard Stephen Najarian Natural Resources Directo► Chris Miller Council on Aging Director Denise Rego Recreation Director Mike Gradone Public Works Director Patrick Bilis Town of Brewster Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee drummerboyineetin_g@brewster-ma.gov MEETING Minutes Wednesday January 6, 2021 at 1:00prn 1. Call to Order at 1:03 pin by Chris Miller 2, Roll call and Declaration of a Quorum declared by Chris • Members in Attendance: John Kissida, Cherylanne Lombardi, Andrea Nevins, Stephen Najarian, Jamie Veara; Not present: Tom Wingard. • Other Attendees: Mike Dodson, CDM Smith; Patrick Ellis, Public Works Director; Mike Gradone, Recreation Director; Sally Gunning, Brewster Historical Society; Chris Miller, Natural Resources Director; Hal Minis, Brewster Conservation Trust; Denise Rego, Council on Aging Director; Bob Smith, Cape Cod Museum of Natural History; David Young, CDM Smith 3. Meeting Participation Statement read by Chris Miller 4. Public Comment: none 5. Introductions. • New committee member, Stephen Najarian, was introduced; the Natural Resources Advisory Commission representative will be chosen at their Thursday January 7tt, meeting. 6, Election of committee chair, vice chair, and clerk was tabled until the next committee meeting by John Kissida., second by Cherylanne Lombardi, Unanimous vote in favor, 7, Discuss Overall Project Objectives & Proposed Project Timeline; and Review Current Park Uses and Discuss Potential Desired Park Uses, including Update on Proposed Wing Island Boardwalk Project: Discussion led by Michael Dodson, CDM Smith, • Mr. Dodson shared his screen and presented the originally prepared plan. • Discussion of the site visit by committee and opportunities/constraints that were observed. • Discussion on modifications to include on general site plan "Opportunities and Constraints": o Property lines o Integrate adjacent properties (BCT, Historical, Conservation parcel). Include all buildings, "whale rock", paths etc. 'basically integral b the park', Scale out plan to show up to Museum property and trail to Wing Island, or have a second plan showing out to Wing Island/big picture. o Show other off site structures, across 6a and to west and east, that abut parcel(s). Page 2 Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee John ICissida Cheryhwne Lombardi Andrea Nevins E. James Veara Torn Wingard Stephen Najarian Natural Resources Director Chris Miller Council on Aging Director Denise Rego Recreation Director Mike Gradone Public Works Director Patrick Ellis Town of Brewster Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee drumrnerboymeeting ej brewster-ma.gov MEETING Minutes Wednesday January 6, 2021 at l:00pnt o Parking callout discussed during site visit; more discussion on parking on subsequent plans to be discussed today. o Brief discussion on parking south of circle. General agreement that we are not discussing a large formal parking lot as not in character for site, o Discussion on desire for additional vista pruning at north end, plus along east side of grass area, o Additional pruning is beyond existing permit but management should be part of discussion, o Vegetation at northeast blocks view of Wing Island. o View of island available from adjacent conservation land; there was a vista prune plan on that parcel, o Access to Wing Island; will be submitting a grant proposal for a raised boardwalk to Wing Island from adjacent conservation land, a Larger volume of people will be present at park if improved access to Wing Island, • Mike Dodson shared a draft plan (Dr urnmer BoyPark_ConceptA_7. ,6.2021. pdf), a Plan adds parting along existing oval, instead of parallel parking, extends straight in spots and reduces drive isle width to 20'. Increase to approximately 50 spaces, o Discussion on how various groups have been using space at island and south, a Aerial. view of site shows wean to grass demonstrating where people regularly park along drive isles. a New sketch showing a potential design for formalized parking design south of circle. Could be grass pave or just two strips of pavement with grass between, split rail etc. to designate areas, o Initial parking could be expanding parking at circle as shown in plan. Secondary design could add another 50 cars to south of oval, o Jamie: Likes idea of dedicated parking along oval, Prefer more "organic" use like now to south of oval versus formal design. o Mike: design along loop would accommodate daily use and Wing use, Perhaps a way to "rotate" parking along lawn areas, Page 3 Drummer Boy Paris Advisory Committee John Kfssicla Cherylanne Lombardi Andrea Nevins B, James Veara Tani Winga d Stephen Najarian Natural Resources Director Chris Miller Council on Aging Director Denise Rego Recreation Director Mike Gradone Public Works Director Patrick Bills Town of Brewster Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee dnuntnerboymeeting@brewste►-ma„gov MEETING Minutes Wednesday January 6, 2021 at 1;DOptn Formalize plan when taking reservations and designate where use is allowed. o John: Likes plan around circle, does not like plan to south of circle. Need to check zoning for drive/parking space size. Parting at circle should not be across from each other; lirnit large expanse of parking, Limit size of adjacent spots, 4-5 max. Need to provide access places to additional parking on lawn for events. Vendors could provide plans for parking/ use, o Dave Young: Design was for day-to-day users as primary, then to events, Depends on time of year, grass condition, etc, Formalize like a site -plan review for larger events, town decide on how to use park, o Middle ground especially if boardwalk is in use (parking plan south of island), More liI<e surnrner peak use, Was just one concept for talking purposes. Use rain gardens for drainage, low area for parking so does not affect vista from road, o Chris: Would like to see some kind of control to "open lawn" area. Want to control to keep parking along circle first, and not driving out to park there on a daily basis. Could be split rail, gates, etc. to allow use for larger events, etc. o This is a master plan, could be phased, or options if uses increase over time/ needs change. o Hal: Agree, we have some idea on daily/event use. Improvements we are discussing will bring more use, more cars. If boardwalk goes through, pretty considerable draw. Will boardwalk users compete for daily use? Contrary to Chris, do we need an intentional parking area on southeast side for wing island access? o Chris: if we designate a parking area at southeast, we should provide a walkway along eastern side of parcel. o Patrick: Great opportunity for stormwater in rain garden, obligated to control drainage. o Post and rail or post and rope system to control parking an lawn area; need for that now to keep people from parking across area into vista. o Recommend a chip seal treatment on pavement; can change color for parking stalls, etc. Tone down the 'black' pavement, Page 4 Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee John K1ssicia Cherytanne Lombardi Andrea Nevins B. ,ones Veara Tom Wiii and Stephen Najarian Natural Resources Director Chris Miller Council, on Aging Director Denise Rego Recreation Director Mike Gradone Public Worsts Director Pa trick Ellis Town of Brewster Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee drum merboymeeting @ brews ter -ma ,gov MEETING Minutes Wednesday January 6, 2021 at 1:0Oprn o john: natural stone versus pavement. Start with signage "parking on pavement only" etc.? Too much tall rail fencing "playpen" look, o Chris, really only was thinking of along eastern side of driveway, low rail for better control, area that can be opened. o Patrick: could be curbing; may want to extend sidewalk along that side, Would cut that off, Leave sidewalk on 6a, step onto pavement, o Most new vehicles/SUVs make curbing easily crossed, o Walkway entrance to park for accessibility to site via foot. o Not much access to site by bike due to Rt. 6a and limited length of sidewalks. Causeway across marsh narrow, limits biking/walking east of Museum. To west, not much walking along 6a. Mostly people come by vehicle. a Organic parking, green space, look is what people in town want. o Hat: re Bike access, in future, desireabie to extend sidewalks past lemon tree, lakes plaza; limit is marsh crossing. Future offset boardwalk? Culvert was made extra wide to allow sidewalk on either side. Town as advocate to MassDOT is only way this will happen, o Hal: On analysis plan, show the foot path through woods on west side crossing the road and including paths on Historical and BC'I' meadow property, whale rock, etc. o Emphasis on connectivity of three parcels. o Include other buildings on historical society property, whale rock, path, o Patrick: Vista very big part; should be included in plan, Long term plan should emphasize preservation of vista. Mowing phragmites at marsh can be done. Tara Nye at Horsley Witten semi annual mowing projects could be example. Native grasses instead of tall phragmites. o Chris: Look at vista from various locations due to elevation; phragmites mostly impacts vista near north end north of band stand, Loolc at vista heights; lot of wind at site, and we may want a varied elevation; not just grasses. Look at from Rt, 6a, Page 5 Drummer Boy Parlc Advisory Committee John Kisstda Cherylanne Lombardi Andres Nevins E, James Veara Tom Wingard Stephen Najarian Natural Resources Director Chris Miller Council on Aging Director Denise Rego Recreation Director Mike Craclone Public Works Director Patrick Ellis Town of Brewster Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee d rummerboymeeting t7 brewster-ma. gov MEETING Minutes Wednesday January 6, 2021 at 1:00pm path above bandstand, bandstand, path at north. Most appropriate views from each paint. o Hai: Other vistas at site; windmill, view of Cape Cod Bay; should identify them in plan and how to maintain. o Only unobstructed view of ocean in Brewster from 6a. • o John: include control of invasives in planning. Not just at north, also invasives in woods. o Photos in 1995 master plan shows only one or two trees in vista versus now; document to show what we are trying "to bring back", o Stephen: Appreciate concept A parking plan. o Mike: sounds like we are not going to formalize parking south of circle, Primary parking around oval, different configuration. Open some spaces for bigger events, but not formalized, o John: need to loop at where tents have been set up and where parking has occurred; Master plan should include recommendations on where parting and tents should be conducted. Set some guidelines on how to set up and vary. o Sally, we designate area for parking and market stalls (much on our property). Visitors to market designated parking along fence by BCI , o Castleberry does tents in wet area to south and park on lawn area up to gazebo. By the Say sets up tents on lawn area. Wet area often set off by caution tape. o There is not a formal process from town telling them where they can set up and park, Town should be telling vendors where to set up and park. o Hal, Brewster Conservation Day mid July may attract up to 1000 people on a Saturday; parting on open lawn and south of circle, tents surround circle and in center of circle. o Chris: suggest we lirnit any driving to south of new paved path, not allow up to bandstand. o Mike: Plan can designate five or six "zones" on property to direct what can be done in each area, o Parking along circle is parallel; can block access to informal parking to south. o Could be adding gates to keep those areas available, Page 6 Drummer Boy Park Advisou Committee John Kissida Cherykmne Lombardi Andrea Nevins E. James Veara Tom WIngar•d Stephen Najarian Natural Resources Director Chris Miller Council on Aging Director Denise Rego Recreation Director Mike Gr•adone Public Works Director Patrick Ellis Town. of Brewster Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee d r t€ rnnrerb oy ineeti ng(a3, brews f er -r na, go v MEETING Minutes Wednesday Januaiy 6, 2021 at 1:00pin o Discussion on how to direct/limit where people park for different events, Parking/activity areas a/b/c/d etc, Rotate areas and more formality to maintain condition of park etc, o Discussion on where to place tents/ activities. May be push back from long term vendors. o Some smaller events may occur more to north (weddings, etc.) but they do not generate real vehicle traffic. • Discussion on how park is used in various events. • Discussion on potential changes to parking along entry road and circle, • Discussion on additional formalized parking and drainage south of circle. If wet area addressed, vendors may be very happy to use that area near street. • Even without formal parking layout we should address drainage, rain gardens. • Review of vistas, opportunities to increase views of marsh and ocean. Vegetation management plan along 6a. Not remove trees but keep eye on vista, maintain, Look at island and sight lines at entrance. • Review where drainage enters site from Rt. 6a, address in master plan. • If drainage/rain gardens are established, the area to south of circle may be used more, • Look at Rt. 6a vista and plan for vegetation management/ pruning as needed to maintain vista, o Expansion of playground, do we extend to east across walkway and move walkway? Will not impact view and will make playground more visible, Pergola for shade and visual element? o John: Do we need to expand beyond current size? Spoke about pulling it closer to structure, away from poor soils/wetland, Need help from Recreation on need and how large/user groups, Open space/master plan discuss needs? Was located behind building to block view from Rt. 6a Page 7 Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee John Kissida Cherylanne Lombardi Andrea Nevins E. Janes Veara Tom Wingard Stephen Najarian Natural Resources Director Chris Miller Council on Aging Director Denise Rego Recreation. Director Mike Gradone Public Works Director Patrick Ellis Town of Brewster Drumtner Boy Park Advisory Committee dzununerbovnieeting( brewstei-ma,gov MEETING Minutes Wednesday January 6, 2021 at 1:ODpmn • Have Nancy White evaluation. Existing will be outdated by time of implementation, • Can walkway go through playground or is separation needed? • Patrick; downside to this playground seems to be soils/wet, • Not many other locations in town for a playground with these features, • Place playground on a mound/elevate and keep in same location? Hard to relocate to another site, • Could move it slightly off wetland buffer/filled area, move south. • Mike; if structure opened up, shade structure only, will remove some concerns that it is blocked by building, Could include fencing around playground? Could be split rail, etc. in character with site, Current design usually has some form of control over area, Playground improvements in plan? • Why complicate with fence? Lived on site this long without one. • Dave Young: playground was never "approved"? per original; was it ever approved? Same for bandstand. • Sally; was much discussed at at least one town meeting (acceptance of gift). Include as a design element in the new plan and town meeting will accept it now, • Any change in use, change in vista, structures on site need town meeting approval. Any of those items would require funding and likely would go to town meeting anyways, • Mike: Design for playground, sounds like moving away from wetland, same general area, Fencing? Visual border, plantings, • Playgrounds in town: one at each school, but not accessible except evening/weekends, Only other is this one. Discussion about adding one at Freemans Way fields, Should ask recreation commission about needs, size, etc. • Mike: eastern side of park, pull back vegetation to stone wall/property line? Improves vistas, expands size of park. Page 8 Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee John Kissida ChevyJanne Lombardi Andrea Nevins E, James veaca Tomb Wingard Stephen Najarian Natural Resources Director Chris Muter Council an Aging Director Denise Rego Recreation Director Mike Gradone Public Works Director Patrick Ellis Town of Brewster Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee drurnmerboymeeting@brewster-nna,goy MEETING Minutes Wednesday January 6, 2021 at 1:ODpnm + Andrea: Could include alcoves, seating, exercise stations, storage for band equipment, game tables, but not in vista. Keep shade trees, • Understory clearing, shade trees remain. • At north end within wetlands jurisdiction and pretty well vegetated now, • Andrea: Also consider wind, affect on park. • Chris: Would need to maintain some vegetation to hide structures from vista at Rt, 6a, • Patrick: East side could be more like the meadow at BCI; mow once per year, not just lawn, Adds depth, but not weekly mowing schedule, • Mike: add pollinator seed mix, etc. • Habitat, most missing part is flowering plants. ■ Entrance to woodland trail: Instead of just a. sign, open up a bit, shade garden, add perenials and help define opening better, • Cherylanne: Bandstand plantings, incorporate to storage so band doesn't need to store equipement in building but nearer. use, • Chris: Brewster Band and Brewster Garden Club both use site; should get feedback. Garden club does plantings at entrance and around bandstand, • John: pathway at southeast end, would this add to site pathways? ■ Chris: Could incorporate existing "driveway" on conservation land into a new path leading towards boardwalk, Expands available area of park. On aerial view it is visible, • Parking for island possible on that parcel? Conservation restriction may not allow a parking lot on that parcel. How to access, put in road across park? New curb cut would be complicated. • Cherylanne: Any collaboration with Museum to allow parking for Wing Island access? Page 9 - Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee John Kissida CItelylanne Lombardi Andrea Nevins E rattles Veara Tom Wingad Stephen Najarian Natural Resources Director Chris Miller Coiuncil. on Aging Director Denise Rego Recreation Director Mike Gradone Public Works Director Patrick Ellis Town of Brewster Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee dr ttnrnrerbovmeeting@brewster-ma, gov MEETING Minutes Wednesday January 6, 2021 at 1.O0pm • Bob: Issue for over 20 years; lots are private, has been a difficult issue already for Museum, Busy museum days lots on both side are full with rnuseurn goers, Constantly "chasing away" people who want to go to the island; have been sending them to Drununer Boy. • Cherylanne: Utilities and condition? • Chris: Power line to several locations, also water service to several locations, building, island, bandstand, No idea of condition/age, Need to evaluate needs for this and whether it is sufficient. • Craft fairs generally don't use power; some events use limited power at circle, band may use it for lighting, amplification? Power line in open field area at east, then underground to existing building, circle and bandstand, Similar for water service. • Next agenda: Very similar topics on next agenda, • Chair, vice chair, clerk nominations/vote • No public comment during meeting, • Next meeting February 31 ,1 pm. • Agenda sent by Mike Dodson sets deadlines, topics, • Chris to reach out to garden club, recreation, band, • Other Business not anticipated by Chair within last 48 hours: None. • Motion to Adjourne by ramie Veara, seconded by John I<issida. Roll call vote was unanimous in favor. Meeting adjourned at 2:59 pm. ht :1 / video.brewster-ma.gov/CablecastPublicSite/ show/ 5124?channel-.1 Date Approved: April 7, 2021 s DRUMMER BOY PARK MASTERPLAN REPORT, BREWSTER, MA, SPRING r995 II ! SMITH Mary Smith Associates, P.C. Landscape Architects & Planners 30 Chestnut Street, Quincy, MA 02169 (617) 770-4717 / Fax (617) 773-7655 We would sincerely like to thank the following individuals for all of their hard work and participation in this project. The Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee Members: George Flemming, Chairman Arthur Chapin Louise Crocker R. Christine Durgin Duane Sawhill David Thyng Charles Sumner We would also like to thank the following for all of their help in researching and completing this study. Jillian Douglas, Liana Rasmussen, Janine Perry, Mary Louise and Ruth Eddy, Bill Neilson, Paul Bowker, Susan Lindquist, Barbara Brewer, the All Citizens Access Committee and the Playground by the Bay Committee. The topographic plan used as a basis for our work was produced by Bennett 8c O'Reilly Inc. of Brewster, Massachusetts. There were a great many kind and helpful citizens that are not mentioned here by name, but we sincerely appreciate your help and hospitality over these last few months. -i- Mary Smith Associates was engaged by the Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee to develop a masterplan for the Drummer Boy Park in Brewster MA. This 17 acre park in the western part of Brewster holds a special place in hearts of the residents and many people are concerned with the future uses of the park. The master plan is intended to accommodate: • The bandstand concerts • "Festival -type" uses, such as the Historic Society's Antique Fair and the Brewster in Bloom Festival • The playground • Maintain the park -like atmosphere The challenge has been to locate all of these activities so that they will not conflict with one another and to preserve and, in fact, enhance the view of the bay. The committee's program for use and activity indicated that we look at the following: • The existing location of the bandstand • Walking/Hiking Paths • Where to locate the playground • Gift Shop - Include its improvement to provide public rest rooms and a small kitchen. Alternatively, consider option to remove the building. • Residence Building - Include option to renovate and repair structure; another option to move and renovate structure; final option would be the removal of this structure. • Develop use option to facilitate use of property for large-scale activities such as the concert series and Historical Society fund-raisers. • Picnic areas • Trash and recycling containers • Various parking facility alternatives • Natural open space The current uses of the site are "festival type" events like Brewster in Bloom, the Antique Show and Fair sponsored by the Brewster Historic Society, and the Sunday night band concerts in the summer months. To develop this masterplan we researched the history of the site, performed a Site Analysis and a Use Analysis, created a map of opportunities and constraints for developing activities in the park, considered the program provided by the committee and developed six different schemes for a masterplan. After reviewing the six schemes with the committee we produced the masterplan that was presented at a public meeting on April 6, 1995. With further refinement this plan was presented to the town meeting on May 1, 1995 as the committee's Masterplan for the Drummer Boy site. Site Analysis See Site Plan L --1 Views The sweeping vista of Cape Cod Bay from this site makes a lasting impression on any visitor to this site. This is one of the only views out to the Bay afforded to travelers on route 6A through Brewster. The locations of the view sheds from the street are indicated on the Site Analysis Plan. Plant Materials There are many plant communities on this site. The forest is made up of a mixture of White Pines, Pitch Pines, Red Oaks, White Oaks, Eastern Red Cedars, Cherries and understory plants. The Bayberry thicket area contains Northern Bayberry, Blueberry, Cat Briar, and Sumac. Approximately half of the site is covered by turfgrass maintained as a lawn. There are two types of wetlands on site. There is a small freshwater bog in the forest and the north edge of the site borders on a large salt marsh that makes up the edge of Cape Cod Bay. Existing Buildings Three existing buildings are located in the Drummer Boy Park. The condition of the existing residence and vacant gift shop have been evaluated by the committee. Their findings appear later in this report. The Bandstand / Gazebo is a relatively new addition to the park donated by the Brewster Board of Trade. Wetland and Flood Zones Along the north border of the site is the salt marsh. There is no survey available that identifies the "top of coastal bank". The Brewster Conservation Commission will treat the 12' contour as the top of coastal bank until a definitive survey locates it on this site. From site observations the top of coastal bank does not seem to be in the same location as the 12' contour. The bank seems closer to the salt marsh. The 12' contour and the 100' buffer zones are indicated on the site analysis. Soils and Slopes According to the soils survey of Barnstable County, there are five different types of soil on the Drummer Boy site. They are, from the south to the north of the site; Plymouth Loamy Coarse Sand, Hinesburg Sandy Loam, Belgrade Silt Loam, Amostown Sandy Loam and Ipswitch, Pawcatuck and Pawunuck Peats. The peat soils are located in the salt marsh and can not be disturbed. All of the upland soils have severe limitations for development of septic systems. The only soil on the site that can contain a septic system is the Hinesburg Sandy Loam where the existing septic system is located. The high water table and limited permeability restrict its use for septic systems, but enlarging the absorption field helps to overcome its limited permeability. All of the upland soils on the site are well suited for forest, meadow and lawn uses. The slopes on site are gently rolling between 0% and 8%. Sun and Wind Approximately half the site is in the full sun all day long. The winds are predominately from the west. Winter winds are from the north west except in the case of a "Nor -Easter" winter storm. The summer breezes are out of the south west during the day and become onshore breezes as the warm air rises in the evenings. Wildlife The wildlife on this site is comprised mainly of small mammals, birds, amphibians and insects. Deer tracks in an area of disturbed soil indicate the occasional passing through of larger animals. liaLL.14'Dt aL NWT rum. y WiNDMIW -7 pr.O.1 1'•'7i P1hN 5L+JN6TT 1 O'RCII.U(, IAIG. vxrve -trd eft 1�1 0 N w to 0 110 76(.LL IN rLLT gnaw.. seaming Wan......... aaana, . 4 Inn 1Z -t1 rA�Aruu= PIX1uNIW Pe -A15 it 1,1 5 1IX n�1 wNlTe-rlr ir-, rr¢.tl REp 7 QGm jGNGRt\`S;Al DRUMMER BOY PARK 5171 N\INLY515 /kW S.a7TN AI0OCJATL.. P.G. y0D.0 0!a ALCarT0C 1 r FLANKILA M O0.sTNOR SR.57 Qam.CY. W .a1H ({00,77.-4701.4 (.1T)T/Y1f3f an 5 L-1 Use Analysis See Site Plan L�2 The site is currently the home of "festival type" events such as, Brewster in Bloom, the Antique Show and Fair sponsored by the Brewster Historic Society, and the Sunday night band concerts in the summer months, Buildings Currently the Bandstand is the only building on site that is used. The Residence seems to be used for storage and the gift shop is vacant. Annual Events There are several "festival type" events that occur on the site each year. The event displays are set up in the area between the street and the driveway circle. Parking occurs on the grass in front of the residence and between the gift shop and residence. Bandstand The site plays host to a very popular series of band concerts on Sunday evenings during the summer months. During band concerts parking occurs on the grass all across the front of the site. Use of the driveway The driveway provides access to the Historical Society's property as well as neighboring properties to the west. Frequently the driveway will be used as parking for one or two cars of visitors to the park. History The use of this site has a very interesting history. Before the 1820s a large portion of the site was covered by saltworks. The U.S. Coast Survey of 1868 indicates some still remaining saltworks, a little pasture land and no trees. A 1938 aerial photograph shows all pasture and no trees on the site. The existing forest is no more than 50 years old, and possibly even younger. Tony McGowan purchased the land in the 1950s before it was subdivided into house lots. He lived in the residence and operated the Drummer Boy Museum. The Town of Brewster purchased the land in 1988. Later the museum was demolished and the gift of the bandstand was accepted. Haigh-glxac rWy► - Hiciwnis WINVNILk 1 1— .' -Y pooh 7-i-74 Pv.N r5- eA4N Tr I o'M161LU(, INC. 1 o\-9 ;-m1 .-,— SCALL IN rr 13,0 aId•Oline. 1.1111. IH• 5-Y.• yeast A arda- y. _ . (v5- OVtKLA71'- ru6Llt- 1OII.E1i 14.L t . 111 NSA ay 1.4.515 ....... DRUMMER BOY PARK Borrwumlimndwasos u 5E- ANN,1515 NARY burr» A[s0CLATIL RC:. LAND.[API ARO4Ir1Cr7 Y RAMS= K CHIRNVT TrUIZT QVWCY. IM Rll{I lflr)rr0-1117 • V ({17)775-1659 OAT. L-2 Opportunities and Constraints See Site Plan L-3 After examining the committee's program, the site analysis and the use analysis, a series of possible opportunities and constraints to development were compiled. There are two major constraints to development on the site. The first is the fragile wetlands that need to be protected. No development can take place within the 100 foot buffer zone of the wetlands without conservation commission permission. The second constraint are the poorly drained soils. The only soil that can provide adequate drainage for a septic system is the Hinesburg Sandy Loam. Given these constraints, there are still a great many opportunities to enhance and preserve the open character of the park. The following are a few of the opportunities identified on the plan. The opportunity to: • Create a more informal setting with the removal of the hedge and partial removal of the circular drive. • Renovate the giftshop, add public toilets and connect to the existing septic system. • Improve views to bay by removing all buildings and restoring grades to predevelopment levels. • Repair and improve public tiolets on first floor of existing residence and abandon those in basement. • Preserve open character of site with proper maintenance and selective clearing. • Create an open informal edge by selectively adding or removing vegetation. • Improve views across marsh by selectively cutting spaces into the thicket at edge. • Gain visual access to the bog with selective clearing and pruning. • Improve views to bay with selective clearing and pruning. • Conceal new development by tucking it into woods. orroRTL urr rD CiP'JJ V19LIAL jO WITH SCI.FGTiV- U Ei KiN6 & rRurJl,1 QrrDTLNIT( To I- ov dIt�1S rn 'M �Ilf}i SP -LE -114.- Kl�ki'4- orrc*.Turlirc co N.EVJ vWtrUr-v47 pf 'Tu/.61n14 WT() 1400(7 .. t>•t 4 gate_ KO404 w46INy wINOH1IA OrrOKTUNIT1 TO C. - Art. I'1Ov - INFDRruL WITH me KanovAL O I{wt PAKTIAL r-e-maJM O r G1KC14LA. pruV�. SuwpY Irk 1-1-71 P6AN rY e4NCTT 4 O'FG16UT, INC. orroKtuNlrr 1v Inrros16- VIG J ALKO' h1AK5 1 ter SC CLtI/%IY burfikki 5PP [ r%a 1 Jro D+ Jt*1 AT p oo iw S4n6F W rrsr dmessr. 51•11.1 swans gum., No rx-m-Voski J rn too' vIE-TL url'r zoNr6 orz- P6A7D PUNK �orroRTUNIr( TVG V T`t Ar1 0 .4.1 INFDKI \At. F VG4e., " t0'IrJ(a Off, rrmV11JL1 1 ON OPPOP1 JIq TV rKphp-fcv� Orel UtntcktT 0ITr- WITH rrzore-r-- I N T .nuN 'J . 5�1 oTN - ci IJy Hlu��ulG 5yJPY LAV'1 • ONI=( 5011- ON 51.eT1-. OrrOKrUJITY To Y PP47- t7 13L -AL - TOILET$ 0i-1 h1F1r non g. Q APPdJVON rriOhE IN 1 5aMe-h1-r VrrolctuNIT'( TO Ir1rROVt VI v.v./ TO Pa,Y t5T ICttr1ovikka Pt41WINUh 1,1e.-ESfoIKING (AA\ 1V P'K�pGVP-I.0E-rw:-NT Lv EL5 •OrPOK1LLOVr1 ro - O A - (,n r'Hor, APP TO Nogg-i C, 'SYS1- \ arlrH Purr. mAy DRUMMER BOY PARK Balm., ltuselsucas O19POKTUNITeS L CONSTRAINTS 1 It i I , 1111'111 It .uY SWTH A/LOCUMS. P.C. LOmSura uamcn rta)a+ni 0, ;ve WALL AJ 90- mu', 3.1-"1- 9 5 L - 3 Based on our opportunities and constraints plan and the program from the committee, Mary Smith Associates developed six different schemes for the park. Schemes 1- 6 See Corresponding Site Plan Schemes 1-6 Scheme # 1 1. Open views through site by removing both buildings. 2. Keep development on the east side of park. 3. New Visitor's Center located near the street looks like a house. 4. Playground located at the top of the hill with paths connecting to loop. 5. Cut back the forest to expose the bog. Create a boardwalk over the bog. 6. Event space stays in front. Primary event parking in the woods - secondary event parking in the meadow. 7. Plant a few great trees to separate the two lawn areas. Scheme # 2 1. Open two views to the water. 2. Repair residence foundation and update public toilets on the first floor. Abandon toilets in basement. 3. Remove gift shop building. 4. Playground at the front of the site. Four foot picket or open fence for safety. 5. Accessible stone dust path system to open picnic area. 6. Cut back large swath through woods. Leave forest around the bog in the center of the site. 7. Primary event parking in woods and secondary event parking in open space. Scheme # 3 1. Eliminate hard edges at field tree line by selective clearing and planting more trees. 2. Develop internal views including an open view to the bog. 3. Develop paths, trails and teaching areas. 4. Expand the existing residence building and add the handicap accessible walk, landing and furnished overlook, and new first floor bathrooms. 5. The playground and the play field parking area adjacent to each other. The playground is tucked partly into the woods. This alignment created as a multi -use space. 6. Expand the view to the bay by removing the small gift shop and cutting back some woods. 7. Keep gazebo/ bandstand in place. 8. Park 300 - 400 cars for events. 9. Eliminate part of circular drive to create a meandering, less formal drive. Scheme # 4 1. Increase the width of the view to Cape Cod Bay from the road and provide new views within site. 2. Open woods up at the north (Bay side) of site, exposing the stone wall. 3. Playground is tucked back into the wooded area. 4. Repair and renovate existing residence into a Visitor's Center with accessible first floor bathrooms. Event parking clustered near the Visitor's Center for approximately 300 cars. 5. Remove the gift shop and add overlook and handicap accessible paths. 6. Eliminate park of driveway circle. 7. Use bog and woods for trails, boardwalks, and teaching areas. 8. Open up wooded edges by selective clearing, creating softer, shady areas for picnics. 9. Keep gazebo in place. Scheme # 5 1. Remove both buildings, no new buildings or bathrooms added. 2. Soften the edges of the woods by clustering trees. Selective clearing to prevent straight "wood -lot" edges. 3. Open up the views within and across the site. 4. Create a new "field" for play or to park 100 cars during an event. 5. Plant some trees to screen views to the playground, tucked in next to the field. 6. Create trails around the bog and through the woods. 7. There is a more open view to the bay from the street. 8. Park 350 - 400 cars for special occasions. 9. Eliminate part of circle drive. 10. Handicap path to overlook with benches. Scheme # 6 1. Open views to the bay by removing both existing buildings 2. New Visitor's Center hidden from road by plantings. The views to the bay from both sides of the new building are expanded. 3. Events space to be on both sides of driveway. 4. The playground is tucked into the woods. Create an open swath to water for views. 5. New parking for Visitor's Center near new building off circle. 6. Path and picnic overlooks along marsh edge. 7. The cranberry bog remains surrounded by woods and is accessible by path and by boardwalk. 8. Handicap accessible overlook with benches and shade trees at the top of the hill. 9. New views created within site. voir4/•o.PcK. Hey,.- H•a.ig> wnlo nu L luavcf Ftbi 7-1-11 ►W1 MrNCTT L O•W?I 6 • .6 i. Ii. ]CALF IN Iuf SO. Al A. • iw1t7 Pu6yfdgt paul e6.6111. --C (WI JYsIM KS ( TLIL .ry ..r . - r DRUMMER .-. BOY PARK .. II II i I l 1111'1'11 uuf airtw M.130 Arm P.c Loa:co ► ""°""' et.i rmm-nn•�,r.mrsrw rwXis-b•PUL Nalw. saand> vnavrnt 1 JY:MI Y*.n'1 9-I'91 PIA+1 ►Y 6y J 1T L' O'ReILU(I INL. !CAI-% M !MT 4 cloulgol NA1JblU7p[p' �'6L• OaCVWsf rtl'.TD' . iK N�uJgoKbnT QAJE rjP,+ie.r *'2 19.49 �tm1 IH�aaflK T.L 4HOdf, Aill*R11611 n+w11 . wa.•nr ►tcw 7-1.71 Y+nN JT L O'M1tILUe I1c. fcAL. IN Fur • AM rr'• t. Tv- nuAw ▪ pRe� wrlDLr. ▪ u uhPh T1cEE5 11071031° el-fri-Pls<i' r►M+ar" rMr+;. rulltino+4. • «ntitn-ovu rnvK Nrirrrnu lue'VV rsw1 1.1- 1 pUN h' C4r1sJetrr L o'RTILur, rt. P r MLC 114 pur ._..n. .,..es. 6./1171p AF -LA 'JIL J5 i• }lap lay rr ,r6.1. p►iwf-pwx Hrxt• MAIN, w.+vrm 4. L wlwar rcD'1 t -I-,1 MN H Mq . rr t O'FCI U.% INK. lcALc IN fur N vst 4+nr+l �row2lr, f.G Leeman Yernieri bmittirr QITA9'* 11en1f4♦71f -ii M1nImW�l Wity,-,,, listo. I llat°KY t -I^41 tvaJ MONO. __..... Ara Y M.r pI, vOc ooln s Toe DRUMMER BOY PARK .a:;-,.;i... - I ' I�'I• ',., !Jt , ,+ WroY�J�HI.T , rb. lr , fir. ell` ` .. Masterplan The committee chose which opportunities to pursue, reviewed all of the schemes and made recommendations for refinement. Following is the committee's recommendation with regards to the existing buildings. The committee reviewed the condition of the former residence building and the gift shop building. A cost analysis was performed by David Thyng, Brewster's building commissioner and Arthur Chapin, a professional structural engineer, who serves on the Drummer Boy Advisory Committee. After a thorough examination of the residence building, it was determined that, in order to make this structure usable as a public building, it would cost the town approximately between $60,000 and $110,000 to complete the necessary repairs. The major deficiencies discovered were: • Insufficient bearing capacity for the floors. • Lack of insulation • Deficiency of heating, electrical and plumbing systems. • Failure of the structure's foundation, which would necessitate replacement. In addition to the initial capital expense, the town would need to appropriate an annual maintenance budget. The committee decided that there was no reason for the town to undertake such expenses, particularly in light of the fact that no specific need for this building has been identified. The review of the gift shop building revealed that it is a sound structure with greater potential for renovation for public use. This structure is approximately 1,500 square feet in size. The cost to bring this building up to public code would be approximately $30,000. This renovation would include the possible installation of insulation, a heating system, public rest room facilities, and a small kitchen. Maintenance of this structure would be substantially less expensive, due to its smaller size and simple construction. Based on these determinations the Drummer Boy ad hoc Committee unanimously recommended that the residence building be removed and the gift shop building be renovated to become a Visitor's Center. Based on the comments on schemes 1-6 from the committee and the concerned citizens, MSA developed a masterplan for the Drummer Boy Park. The final Masterplan is at the end of this section on drawing L-4. Areas were identified to continue to be used as they are currently. The events will be held in the front area between the driveway and the street. Event parking will continue to be in the front to the east of the driveway. Parking for the summer band concerts will be on both sides of the driveway in the front of the site. No cars will be allowed north of the old gift shop on the lawn. The existing gift shop will be renovated to contain a kitchen and bathrooms. This new Visitor's Center will be used for community meetings as well as a base for all of the site events. The gravel parking area will be better defined by improving the edge between the gravel and the lawn. This will become the handicapped parking for the site. The privet hedge will be relocated to open the lawn and make it more usable for events. The flagpole will be relocated to the entry of the Visitor's Center. The existing residence will be removed from the site. It could be offered to a charity or an organization like Habitat for Humanity to remove from the site. If they could not move it for use as a residence, they could use pieces in other construction in progress. The basement will be filled in and a overlook area will be paved on the top of the knoll. This overlook will offer sweeping views of the park and the bay. Shade trees and benches will encourage visitors to pause and enjoy the view. An accessible path will connect the Visitor's Center and handicap parking to the overlook. This path will then meander down the slope to the bandstand. Another accessible path will connect the Visitor's Center and bandstand directly. The path will continue down to the top of the coastal bank to provide panoramic views of the bay, Wings Island and back into the park. The accessible path system will provide a variety of experiences through an open grassy field, to the top of the knoll, at the edge of the woods, into the bandstand, into the woods, and between a wildflower meadow and the Bayberry thicket. The wildflower meadow will be established to echo the meadow maintained by the Conservation Trust to the west of the park. The educational walks and butterfly observation that currently occur in the Conservation Trust meadow can be extended to this new meadow. The meadow also provides a handsome transition from the mown lawn to the Bayberry thicket and increase the species diversity in the park. Shade trees will be clustered in a few positions throughout the park to provide shade and frame views. A hiking trail system will continue from the second overlook at the bay through the woods and connect back to the driveway and to the playground. The playground will be located directly behind the Visitor's Center. A surprise view out to the rest of the park and to the Bay will be provided by selective pruning and removal of branches. This will be a perfect area for a bench for people watching their children in the playground, In this new park everyone will enjoy a more open view of the bay. From the street your eye will travel over a rolling expanse of lawn and a wildflower meadow, to a thicket of Bayberry, across the saltmarsh then out to the bay. Thanks to the hard work of your Drummer Boy Advisory Committee and all the concerned citizens who helped, this Masterplan maintains and enhances the beautiful views to the Bay for all the citizens of Brewster. 4 -- SURPRISE VIEWS FROM SMALL CLEARING 12' CONTOUR 100' BUFFER ZONE -- TRAILS THROUGH WOODS SELECTIVE CLEARING FOR PATHS AND AN OCCASIONAL SURPRISE VIEW TO MARSH AND BAY 16 '5 2J SELECTIVE CLEARING OF UNDERBRUSH FOR A SURPRISE VIEW OF SAY 15 VISITOR'S CENTER WITH KITCHEN AND BATHROOM ADDITION. PUMP CONNECTION TO EXISTING SEPTIC SYSTEM EVERGREEN SCREEN GRAVEL PARKING AREA ID HARRIS -BLACK HOUSE HIGGINS FARM WINDMILL CONSERVATION TRUST MEADOW REMOVE PRIVET HEDGE AND GROUPS OF CEDARS 1 EVENT AND/OR RELOCATE FLAGPOLE -1 SURPRISE VIEW • PhR` ate` 141 ETLAND ZZ 21 SALT MARSH OPEN VIEW TO VISITOR'S CENTER PARKING AREA SELECTIVE PRUNING AT STREET FOR VIEWS THROUGH SITE 1 .---:-%_:;---'" 1c,..„„f_- 2 /� suP.We /Furl 1-'-19 PUN Dr FNd.1CTT 4 o• rd. I L.,.;i J . 10 Ile ht tee ... Pf-Lq .4- OPENxIEW MOW ONCE A YEAR IN AUTUMN. OVERSEE/ WITH WILDFLOWER MIX. 8 ID ILA -12' CONTOUR PICNIC TABLES TUCKED AT EDGE OF WOODS ALONG ACCESSIBLE PATH SYSTEM 100' BUFFER ZONE BANDSTAND WATER ACCESSIBLE PATH SYSTEM ELECTRIC CONNECTION SHADE TREES ADDED IN LAWN AREA TO SOFTEN EDGE OF W0005 SEPTIC TANK LEACHING PIT RESERVE SEPTIC ACCESSIBLE OVERLOOK AREA BENCHES INCORPORATED INTO DESIGN OF OVERLOOK DRUMMER BOY PARK B, , M..arAua.>a r»1 PLAN 1 1 1 I Sill ill MARY s.uraAnocur[f. P.0 W.NCANI uovncra a MA Bula A. 3 ., �' n 5- 1 q5 L REPORT OF THE DRUMMER BOY AD HOC COMMITTEE INTRODUCTION A seven member ad hoc committee was appointed by the Board of Selectmen in early November of 1991 to study the situation that resulted from the complete take over of the Drummer Boy land and buildings. This committee was charged to report back to the Board of Selectmen with their suggestions by February 26, 1991. This deadline was specified to allow the Selectmen time to study any further ideas and to place the matter before Brewster voters at the Annual Town Meeting on May 11, 1992. PROCEDURE The Committee as appointed consisted of the following Brewster residents: Charles Dedon, Sally Desmond, Robert Franklin, Terry Ladd, William Nielsen, Paul Saint, and Robert Wilkinson. Charles Sumner became the ex -officio member. The first meeting was held on November 4, 1991, and at that time elected William Nielsen as chairman. The following guideline considerations were set forth as criteria for deliberation: 1. The intention of the Town in buying the property. 2. Assessment of land and buildings. 3. The voice of the public as to usage. 4. Financial considerations. Numerous posted meetings were held in November, December, January, and February at which the use of the property was reviewed within the context of the guidelines. In early November the Committee toured the grounds and all three buildings to better assess site conditions. In addition, a public hearing was held on December 4, 1991 at which the Committee heard from many interested citizens as to their ideas on the use ofthe property. CONSIDERATIONS I. The intention of the Town in buying this property The Town's feelings as stated in the purchase and sale agreement dated December 15, 1987 reads as follows: "The Town of Brewster agrees that in the development and the use of the property, all development and use will be designed, sited, and maintained so that no harm is done to the natural and scenic qualities of the area and so that the fragile wetland, dune and upland areas will be protected to prevent erosion and to preserve critical habitats and the area's natural scenic qualities, including the unparalleled view of Cape Cod Bay from Route 6A." 1 The summary statement on Article 1 of the Special Town Meeting of January 25, 1988 reads as follows: ..The Board of Selectmen feel this is a prime opportunity for the Town of Brewster to purchase a parcel of land that contains an unparalleled view of Cape Cod Bay from Route 6A. The parcel contains 500 feet of frontage on Route 6A and a significant frontage on the fragile wetland and dune area on Cape Cod Bay." "Finally, we intend to amend the article at Town Meeting to require that any future use of this property will have to be reviewed and approved by Town Meeting." II. ASSESSMENT OF LAND AND BUILDINGS With the change of occupancy and complete ownership/control from the McGowan family to the Town of Brewster, come a number of potential problems that must be faced. Both short-term and long- term, before any of the buildings can be occupied or opened to the public, the property must conform to current codes and regulations. Changes are required in the septic system, electrical., plumbing and handicap access to conform with the new Americans with Disabilities Act. III. THE VOICE OF THE PUBLIC AS TO USE. The Committee heard and weighed the following proposals: A. Maintain the property as it is. B. Establish a public park. * C. Keep the Museum in operation. D. Establish a Tourist Information Center in the Gift Shop building. E. Rent the residence to a caretaker to maintain the grounds.. * F. Demolish all existing buildings. * G. Build an Elementary School. * H. Convert existing buildings to a Town Hall. * I. Build a new Town Hall on the property. * J. Build an Astronomical Observatory. * K. Use the land for recreational activities. * L. Have the Historical Society move and operate buildings. M. Use the residence for club/group meetings * N. Build a Crematorium. * 0. Create a walk-on cemetery. P. Locate a bandstand on the property. * Q. Lease Gift Shop for sale of antiques/gifts. * R. Use land for elderly housing. S. Add picnic tables and swings for children. T. Continue to hold antique and art shows on the grounds. * U. Convert the land to a Community Farm. * V. Lease buildings for a Medical Center/Sanitorium. * W. Lease the buildings for a Research Center. 2 After consideration of all aspects of each of these uses, those proposals that have been indicated with an asterisk (*) were eliminated for the present time, because one or more of the guideline criteria made them impractical or non -viable options at this time. IV. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS This represents a major stumbling block, as any use of the property/buildings involves a financial obligation. The Committee's recommendations have taken the position that with Brewster's present financial difficulties., any use must severely curtail additional expense to the Taxpayers. Bearing this in mind, please note that for the immediate future, the only suggested expense involves a system for security of the buildings. V. RECOMMENDATIONS A. A PShort term solution, in light of the current financial condition of Brewster and our general economy, is to mothball the buildings. However, we the Committee would very strongly urge the Town to have an adequate security system installed without delay. Mothballing would allow Brewster to buy time to actively pursue use of the buildings by financially solvent groups or organizations that would agree. to meet required codes and regulations. B. We suggest that the Town consider allowing the Brewster Board of Trade and/or the Chamber of Commerce availability of the "Gift Shop" building as an Information Center for visi Ors to our Town, _provided that such a program would. be cost free in all respects to the: taxpayers. C. We applaud the offer of the Brewster Board of Trade to donate a bandstand for concerts on the Drummer Boy land. This bandstand would then become part of the Town's normal maintenance program. D. We also suggest the Town seek a caretaker to reside in the residence, rent free. The caretaker would agree to pay all related building expenses, such as heat, electricity, water, phone, insurance, etc. The caretaker would also be responsible for maintenance of the grounds, including cutting the grass, and would agree to act as a resident security guard. E. The concept of an astronomical observatory is laudable, but the Committee feels that such a use would compromise the Town's original intention for acquiring the land, and that the consequence of a required 25 year lease is essentially the same as selling the land. Therefore it is the conclusion of the Committee that this is not an appropriate use of the site. F. This leaves the museum building in question. To date no group or organization has come forward to offer the money needed in order to meet building codes and regulations. As this museum is one of a kind and a true asset to Brewster, 3 we urge the Selectmen to continue to search for an appropriate museum related use as a means of preserving this cultural resource. While our immediate short-term recommendation is to keep the buildings mothballed, we urge the Selectmen to keep looking. The Committee also suggests that if the Board of Selectmen agree with the museum proposition, that every effort be made.to obtain the museum's paintings and related exhibits for inclusion in a future museum. G. Although not specified in this Committee's original scope and purpose, we would like to recommend the establishment of a permanent Land Committee. In light of the evolution of the Town as a major land holder, we suggest that the Board of Selectmen consider appointing a permanent Land and Buildings Management Body/Committee to coordinate with all Town entities controlling land, to serve as an interim authority for oversight of land not yet designated to a specific department, and to develop a comprehensive long-term Land Management Plan for all Town Lands. CONCLUSION This report is meant to serve as a summary of the Committee's full deliberations. All letters received by the Committee, as well as detailed minutes of all meetings, including the public hearing, are being submitted with this report in order to provide back-up information and a complete file for reference and/or review. Our recommendations are based on conditions existing at this time and should be evaluated on that basis. This Committee wishes to express its appreciation to ,the many citizens, societies, and organizations who came forward with timely proposals for the use of this valued Drummer Boy property. We wish also to stress that any future use must take into consideration the intent of the Town in purchasing this land. Respectfully submitted, William S. Nielsen, Chairman Date For the Drummer Boy Ad Hoc Committee: Charles S. Dedon Sally C. Desmond Robert M. Franklin Terry Ladd Paul F. Saint Robert L. Wilkinson Charles L. Sumner 4 T B,oac61 OrkaE 282 DEED OF LIFE ESTATE AND REMAINDER WITH RETAINED LIFE ESTATE SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS 12468 LEWIS A. McGOWAN, JR., of Route 6A, Brewster, Barnstable County, Massachusetts 02.631, in consideration of ONE DOLLAR ($1.00) paid by Elizabeth McGowan and NINE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($950,000.00), paid by the Inhabitants of the Town of Brewster, and retaining a life estate in the Grantor, grants to ELIZABETH McGOWAN, Route 6A, Brewster, Barnstable County, Massachusetts 02631, during her life, and the remaining fee interest, WITH QUITCLAIM COVENANTS, to THE INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN OF BREWSTER, a Municipal Corporation having its principal place of business at the Town Offices, 6 Main Street, Brewster, Barnstable County, Massachusetts ;i 1141�tlu V Massachusetts, together with the buildings thereon, hounded 02631, the land in Brewster, Barnstable County, r,14 1111111 and described as follows: v� a tflie 1 c� < 41prol i iih O riy 'E r. Q 1* 4 6 5 6 E C:$ cri co 3luVlsNe LOT #2 as shown on, "Division Plan of Land in Brewster made for Lewis A. McGowan, Jr. Scale: 1 in. = 100 ft. Feb., 1988 Slade Associates, Inc., Reg. Land Surveyors, Rte 6 & Pine Pt. Rd., Wellfleet, MA. and recorded with Barnstaple Deeds in Plan Book z f q , Page ?,,Ss-' . Containing an area of about 17 acres, more or less and including the the fee in the two "Right -of -Way" areas shown within Lot #2 on said plan. This conveyance does not convey to either Grantee any express or implied rights in nor easements over Lot 1 as shown on said plan. Meaning and intending to create life estates to the said McGowans to be held in common and conveying the remainder to the Town of Brewster. Said reserved life estate and conveyances shall be subject to the following additional reservations and conditions: 1. Retaining in the Grantor a right of way easement for all purposes for which ways are used in the Town of. Brewster over the "Right of Way and Existing Right of Way as shown on said plan appurtenant to Lot 1 as shown on said plan. Said easement shall include the right to construct a subdivision road over said easement to access two residential lots to be created from Lot 1 and to install underground utilities under and along said right of way and strips 10 feet wide abutting said right of way, and to locate drainage easements and utilize same as required to obtain Planning Board approval for a subdivision plan and to construct said road in accordance therewith. • 600K6i,%OPAGE 283 2. DURING THE TERM OF THE AFOREMENTIONED LIFE ESTATES, MR. AND MRS. MCGOWAN SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO RESIDE IN THE RESIDENCE ON THE PREMISES AS WELL AS TO OPERATE THE "DRUMMER ROY MUSEUM AND GIFT SHOP." DURING THE PERIOD OF THIS OPERATION, THE GRANTOR SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT OF ALL COSTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OPERATION OF THE MUSEUM AND GIFT SHOP AND ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE OPERATION OF THE SAME SHALL REMAIN THE PROPERTY OF THE GRANTOR. DURING THE TERM OF THE AFOREMENTIONED LIFE ESTATES, THE GRANTOR SHALL AT HIS OWN EXPENSE BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CARE, MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP OF THE BUILDINGS AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS AS WELL AS THE GROUNDS SURROUNDING THE SAME. 3. DURING THE PERIOD OF THE AFOREMENTIONED LIFE ESTATES, SHOULD THE LIFE TENANTS OR THE SURVIVOR OF THEM, BECOME INCAPACITATED, EITHER PHYSICALLY OR MENTALLY AND TAKE UP RESIDENCE OTHER THAN ON THE PREMISES; THEN, AND IN THAT EVENT, THE GRANTEE INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN OF BREWSTER SHALL HAVE THE OPTION TO TERMINATE THE LIFE ESTATE OF THE LIFE TENANTS OR THE SURVIVING LIFE TENANT BY PAYMENT OF $50,000.00 TO THE LIFE TENANT OR TENANTS OR THEIR LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE. THE RECEIPT OF SUCH PAYMENT SHALL FORTHWITH TERMINATE THE LIFE TENANCY AND ALL RIGHTS ACCRUING TO THE LIFE TENANTS OR THE SURVIVING LIFE TENANT THEREUNDER. THE GRANTEE INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN OF BREWSTER SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE A DEED OF SAID INTEREST FROM THE LIFE TENANT OR TENANTS OR THEIR LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE. 4. FOLLOWING THE CONVEYANCE OF THIS PROPERTY TO THE GRANTEES AND DURING THE PERIOD OF THE LIFE TENANCIES, ALL OBLIGATIONS AN➢ REPONSIBILITIES FOR REAL ESTATE TAXES ON THE SUBJECT PROPERTY BOTH LAND AND BUILDINGS SHALL BE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE GRANTEE INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN OF BREWSTER. 5. FOLLOWING THE CONVEYANCE OF THE PROPERTY TO THE TOWN AND DURING THE PERIOD OF THE LIFE TENANCY, THE GRANTEE INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN OF BREWSTER SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT OF THE FIRE AND CASUALTY INSURANCE ON THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS ON THE PREMISES. SUCH INSURANCE COVERING FIRE AND EXTENDED COVERAGE SHALL BE FOR THE REPLACEMENT VALUE OF THE BUILDINGS AND SITE IMPROVEMENTS AND ANY DEDUCTIBLE SHALL BE PAID BY THE GRANTEE INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN OF BREWSTER IN THE EVENT OF ANY LOSS. 6. FOLLOWING THE CONVEYANCE OF THE PROPERTY TO THE GRANTEES AND DURING THE TERM OF THE AFOREMENTIONED LIFE ESTATES, PERSONAL INJURY AND LIABILITY INSURANCE SHALL BE MAINTAINED ON THE RESIDENCE, DRUMMER BOY MUSEUM AND GIFT SHOP IN A MINIMUM AMOUNT OF ONE MILLION ($1,000,000.00) DOLLARS; HOWEVER, THE PAYMENT OF THE SAME SHALL BE BORN BY THE GRANTOR AS PART OF THE OPERATION OF THE DRUMMER BOY MUSEUM AND GIFT SHOP. THE GRANTOR AGREES THAT AS OF THE DATE OF THE CLOSING HE WILL MAINTAIN THE AFOREMENTIONED PERSONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE IN A MINIMUM AMOUNT OF $1,000,000.00 ON THE SUBJECT PREMISES AND SHALL CAUSE TO BE NAMED THE TOWN OF BREWSTER AS A CO-INSURED ON SAID POLICY. THE GRANTEE INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN OF BREWSTER, COMMENCING ON THE DATE OF CLOSING SHALL MAINTAIN FIRE INSURANCE AND EXTENDED COVERAGE INSURANCE ON THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS ON THE PREMISES AND SHALL CAUSE TO HAVE NAMED THE GRANTOR AND GRANTEE ELIZABETH MCGOWAN AS CO -INSUREDS ON SAID POLICY. eooX6170e1GE 284 7. THE GRANTOR FURTHER AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND SAVE HARMLESS THE GRANTEE INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN OF BREWSTER FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL CLAIMS OF WHATEVER NATURE ARISING FROM ANY ACCIDENT, INJURY, OR DAMAGE WHATSOEVER CAUSED TO ANY PERSON, OR TO THE PROPERTY OF ANY PERSON, OCCURRING DURING THE LIFE TENANCIES AND THE OPERATION OF THE DRUMMER BOY MUSUEM AND GIFT SHOP IN, OR ABOUT THE SUBJECT PROPERTY OR THE BUILDINGS CONSTRUCTED THEREON. THIS INDEMNITY AGAINST ALL COSTS, EXPENSES AND LIABILITIES INCURRED SHALL INCLUDE COSTS, EXPENSES AND LIABILITIES INCURRED IN OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUCH CLAIM OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT THEREON AND THE DEFENSE THEREOF. 8. WITH RESPECT TO THE AFOREMENTIONED POLICIES OF PERSONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE, THE SAME SHALL BE NON -CANCELLABLE WITH RESPECT TO THE GRANTEE INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN OF BREWSTER WITHOUT TEN (10) DAYS PRIOR WRITTEN NOTICE TO SAID GRANTEE AND THROUGHOUT THE TERM OF THE LIFE ESTATES A DUPLICATE POLICY ORIGINAL OR CERTIFICATE THEREOF SHALL BE DELIVERED BY THE GRANTOR TO SAID GRANTEE. 9. THE GRANTOR AGREES THAT DURING THE TERM OF THE AFOREMENTIONED LIFE ESTATES WHILE HE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CARE, MAINTENANCE, AND UPKEEP OF THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS ON THE PROPERTY AND GROUNDS, THAT HE SHALL INDEMNIFY THE GRANTEE INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN OF BREWSTER AGAINST ALL LIABILITIES, EXPENSES AND LOSSES INCURRED BY SAID GRANTEE AS A RESULT OF: (A) FAILURE OF THE GRANTOR TO PERFORM ANY COVENANT OR AGREEMENT REQUIRED TO BE PERFORMED IN CONNECTION WITH THE CARE, MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP OF THE BUILDINGS. (B) ANY ACCIDENT, INJURY OR DAMAGE WHICH SHALL HAPPEN IN OR ABOUT THE SUBJECT PREMISES OR APPURTENANCES CAUSED BY ANY ACTIVITIES OCCURRING ON THE PREMISES DURING THE LIFE ESTATE OR AS PART OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE GRANTOR IN CONNECTION WITH THE OPERATION OF THE MUSEUM AND GIFT SHOP. (C) ANY MECHANICS LIEN, SECURITY AGREEMENT OR ATTACHMENT, FILED AGAINST THE SUBJECT PROPERTY, OR ANY MATERIALS USED IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONSTRUCTION, REPAIR, OR ALTERATION OF THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS ON THE SUBJECT PROPERTY. For title, see deed of Leonard Dubin and'Philip Dubin to Lewis A. McGowan, Jr., dated September 9, 1959 and recorded with Barnstable Registry of Deeds in Book 1054, Page 1. WITNESS my hand and seal this 7/ day of March 1988. Lewis A. McGowan, Jr. COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS BARNSTABLE, ss. /f44rk,/ l / 1966. Then personally appeared the above named Lewis A. McGowan, Jr. and acknowledged the foregoing instrument to he his free act and deed, before me, My commission expires: d ry Public y/r`',5 4/4,41,0 C. R',c (place notary seal t re) Report of the SPECIAL 1UN MEETING January 25, 1988 ,booK617O 11GE S.T.M. 1/25/88 In accordance with the warrant the Special Town Meeting was held in the Brewster Elementary School Cafetorivan, Monday January 25, 1988. This Meeting was called to order at 7:20 P.M. by the Moderator, Stephen L. Doyle. The tellers were Dorothy Grenier, Edwin Blease, June Gallant, and J. Ogden J. Tyl.dsley, Jr. Checkers were Dorothea Dugan, Jean Gage, Carl Scrivener, Margo Cathie. A Quorum of 229 was present. ARTICIF 1. I move that (A) the Board of Selectmen is hereby author- ized to purchase for municipal purposes from Lewis A. McGowan, Jr., for the sum of NINE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND ($950,000) DOLLARS, the land and buildings thereon, situated in West Brewster, Barnstable County, Massachusetts, located on the northerly side of Route 6A, containing approximately seventeen (17) acres, more or less, having five hundred (500) feet of frontage, more or less, on Route 6A, to be shown on a plan drawn by Slade Associates, and being a portion of the premises described in the deed to the seller from Leonard Dubin of Waltham, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, and Philip Dubin of Dennis, Barnstable County, Massachusetts, said deed being dated September 9, 1959, and recorded with the Barnstable Registry of Deeds in Book 1054, Page 1, said land comprising all of the seller's property set forth in said deed excepting two residential building lots comprising 5.85 acres, more or less, on the westerly side of the property, which will be retained by the seller and which will be shown on a plan hereinafter referred to; the land shall be conveyed subject to a forty (40) foot wide right of way to access the retained two lots and subject to obtaining Planning Board approval therefor; said right of way shall comprise the existing way shown on Plan of Land in Brewster for Lewis A. McGowan, Jr., dated June 3, 1974 and recorded with Barnstable Deeds in Plan Book 293, Page 61, plus an extension of said right of way northwesterly to the two lots shown on said plan; subject to a life estate to be granted to Lewis A. McGowan, Jr. and Elizabeth McGowan by the Town of Brewster, and accord- ing to the executed purchase and sale agreement, between Lewis A. McGowan, Jr., as seller, and the inhabitants of the Town of Brewster, as buyer, which is on file in the office of the Town Clerk; (B) the sum of $950,000 is hereby appropriated to finance the cost of acquiring such land and that to raise this appropriation, the sum of $200,000 shall be transferred from available funds in the Treasury and the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, is authorized to borrow the sum of $750,000 under and pursuant to Chapter 44, Section 7(3), of the General Laws, as a,irnded and supplemented, or any other enabling authority, by the issuance and sale of bonds or notes payable to Lewis A. McGowan, Jr. over a term of seven (7) years from the date thereof in accordance with the terms of the purchase and sale agreement hereinbefore described; (C) the further sum of $20,000 is hereby appropriated and shall be raised by transfer from available funds in the Treasury for the first payment of interest on the bonds or notes issued hereunder and costs associated with the transaction; and (D) the Board of Selectmen and other Town officers and officials are hereby authorized to take any and all action deemed by them necessary to complete the transactions authorized herein; and that any future use of this property shall be determined by Town Meeting action. ADOPTED YES 504 MO 10 ARTIGLF 2. To act on any other business that may legally come before this meeting. There being no other business to dome before this meeting, it was adjourned at 8:25. REGORGED MAR 1188 AUG- 1 E5 41- MON e 0 353 2 T SSON ',+FEF4RIFt P e2 ZISSON AND VEARA ATTORNEYS AT LAW RICHARD t. ZISSON EDWARD E. VEARA PAUL. V. BENATTi JILL J. BR0FSKY E. JAMES VEARA Ms. Jillian Douglass Administrative Assistant Board of selectmen Town of Brewster Brewster, MA 02631 Re: Use of Drummer Boy Property Dear Ms. Douglass: AT WELLESLEY OFFICE PARK 45 WILLIAM STREET WELLESLEY, MASSACHUSETTS 02181 TEL (617) 43E-2100 FAX (617) 237-0766 828 MAIN STREET -BOX 2031 OLO KINGS HIGHWAY OENNIS, MASSACHUSETTS 02638-1530 TEL 4508) 385-60.31 FAX #508) 385-69.14 August 15, 1994 Recently, you contacted this office, on behalf of the Board of Selectmen, to request a legal opinion on various issues surrounding the use of the Drummer Boy property. 1 have researched the matter, and this letter is written to convey my response. My analysis of the queries contained in the Request are set forth here below, in the order in which they were presented to me in your letter. The first issue raised in your Request concerned the legality of the Board of Selectmen's recent vote regarding a playground On town -owned property. The factual history, as 1 understand it, began with the meeting of the Board,, at which time the Playground Committee proposed to donate playground equipment to the Town for use on Town property. Evidently, the committee considered a number of different Town -owned sites, and its first preference is. the Drummer Boy property. At the meeting, the Selectmen voted 3-2 to establish a recreation site on the . Drummer Boy Property or at a site to be determine&, At the time of the vote, Town Administrator, Charles Sumner, indicated that such a vote would not need Town 'Meeting approval because the Selectmen merely approved the concept of accepting a volunteer built playground somewhere in the Town with the focus being on the Drummer Boy property. Kr. Sumner explained that this would allow the Committee to begin the fund-raising efforts as soon as possible and allow time for an Advisory Committee to wer-k on the specific details of the proposal. U G- 1 5- 9 4 11014 e CJ ZIeGON s 'EARA P O<3 ZlSSoN AND VEARA Ms. Douglass August 15, 199~4 Page 2 The challenge to this Vote stems from the fact that, at a January 1988 Special Town Meeting, the Town mandated that "any future use of [the Drummer Boy) property shall be determined by Torn Meeting. Obviously, the Board of Selectmen's most recent vote on the Playground was taken. without Town Meeting approval.. It is my opinion that the Board of Selectmen were fully within their authority when they rendered their vote on the playground and that the vote was not improper. The Board of selectmen didnot authorize the Committee to put the playground on the :Drummer Boy property. The Vote merely authorized the donation of the playground to the Town, at a location to be determined after a study was completed, with the help of the Advisory Board. Although the vote reflected a Preference for the Drummer Boy site, it also very clearlyy-mandated that other sites also be considered. While it is true that the #hoard does not have the authority to mandate the uses to which the Drummer Boy property is devoted due to the January 1488 .Special Town Meeting, it is also true that this most recent vote by the Board did not include such a mandate. This recent vote simply authorized the donation of a playground at a site to be determined. Your next query concerned some restrictive language contained in the Purchase and Sale Agreement (hereinafter referred to as NM") whereby the Patin agreed to purchase the Drummer Boy Property. Article 32 of Schedule "B" of the P&S addresses the uses to which the -Town agreed to put the property. In relevant part, it states the followings "The Town of Brewster agrees that in the development and the use of the property all development and .use will be designed, sited and maintained so that no harm is done to the natural and scenic qualities of the area and so that the fragile wetland, dune, and upland areas will be protected to -prevent erosion and to preserve critical. habitats and the area's natural scenic qualities, including the unparalleled view of the Cape Cod Bay from Route 6A." The Purchase and sale Agreement further provides in Article 12 that: "The acceptance of a deed by the BUYER or his nominee as the case may be, shall be deemed to be a full :performance and discharge of elrery agreement s. and obligation cshJvcs herein contained or expressed, except such as are, by the terms hereof, to be performed after the delivery of said deed." AUG-1 MOH 8 4 -et z ssoN e. VEARA P 04 ZISSON AND VEARA Ms. Douglass August 15, 1994 Page 3 The language from Article 32 of the P&S in which the Town agreed to limit the uses of the property is still binding on the Townn due to Article 12 of the P&S. A P&S agreement is a contract which is binding on the parties to the extent of the terms contained therein. In addition to maintaining the unparalleled view of Cape Cod Bay from Route 6A, the Town also agreed to maintain the natural, scenic and environmental aspects of the property. Technically, because of the broad and vague language used - in the P&S, any activities which would disturb these interests violates Article 32; .however, the parties, intent .as they were negotiating the contract is instructive for determining the extent of the restrictions. Because the McGowans have both passed away, their intent can only be determined from existing records. Incidentally, only the McGowans and their estates would have standing to object to any action taken by the Town in violation of the agreement. it is my opinion that Article 32 probably encompasses permanent structures that would affect the interests listed in the p&S. Temporary structures and activities, however, have less effect on these interests due precisely to their temporary nature, and, therefore.such activities more than likely do not fall within the precepts of Article 32 of the P&S.. Your next query centered around Town Meetings discussion which concerned limiting the property to "open space" uses only. It. is My opinion that debate alone during Town Meeting does not have any 3,egal force or effect on the use to which the Town puts the property. At this time, only a new Town Meeting vote could specify exclusive open space use. Because the words "open space" do not appear in the P&S or in any Town vote, they are not binding on the Town. The requirement that the Town maintain "the unparalleled' view of Cape Cod Bay from Route 6A" obviously refers to the view that already existed and therefore buildings existing at that time are in compliance. You nekt asked if a playground and bandstand are permitted uses on the Drummer Boy property. It is my opinion that, as it stands right now, a playground could not be built on the Drummer Boy property without Town Meeting approval. The bandstand has already been constructed and, technically, its construction ,s4o/Afoll 4 -ho 19 Town 1,14.et n Vota- as it wa- oonstr cte without ,+ w..g . � nasv vvaao csv •.c.s .r i4aa Vii �. Town approval. YHowever, subsequent Town Meeting could be used to ratify the Board's vote on the bandstand and this would rectify any current misstep. As for whether the bandstand violates the P&S, this would depend on how much the structure impedes the view of the r ►LIG--1S-'9+# MOH -41 ZISSON +v'EARA P 0S ZISSON AN D VEARA ms. Douglass August 15, 3.994 Page 4 Bay from Route 6A and interferes with the natural and environmental qualities of the area.. Whether it impedes the view is a factual issue which can perhaps only be decided after an objective analysis by a disinterested party. If the Conservation Commission approved the bandstand, then it is doubtful it interferes with intent of the agreement that the natural and environmental qualities of the parcel not be disturbed. Moreover, it must be recalled that various buildings have been removed from the site and that the Town had only to maintain the quality of the Bay view as it once existed. To the extent that the addition of the bandstand and the removal of several buildings represented a net increase or improvement of the view of the Bay, the P&S provisions were not transgressed. You next asked if the "open space" restriction affects the existing buildings. As I have already noted, no -such "open space" restriction -exists because there is no Town vote concerning this issue, merely debate and discussion. It might be argued that the restriction contained in Article. 32 of the P&S concerning the reservation of "the unparalleled view of Cape Cod Bay from route A" pertains to the existing buildings, as well. It is my opinion, however, that the language in the P&S does not apply to those buildings. That restriction explicitly speaks of "the unparalleled view", which can Only mean the view which existed at the time the p&S was being negotiated. At that time, those buildings were already in existence and, therefore, their continued existence does not violate the P&S. With regard to the uses the remaining buildings can serve and what activities cart be conducted in then, it is my opinion that this should be decided by Town Meeting. The p&S and the Deed do not include any restrictions regarding the use Of those buildings. Nevertheless, please see my discussion regarding these structures and the building code further on in this response. Your next inquiry concerned the fact that the Deed reflecting the transfer Of the Drummer Boy property does not include any language regarding the use to which the Town agreed to devote the property. The Town, as the grantee party, is bound by the deed's terms. The Town is also bound by the written contract which constitutes the Purchase and Sale Agreement (hereinafter, "P&S"). Normally, as Article 12 of the P&S sets forth, the execution of the deed nullifies all prior agreements not contained in the instrument; however, Article 12 goes on to state that obligations contained in the P&S which were to take place after the delivery of the deed are to remain in effect against the party so obliged. Because Article 12 of the P&S extinguishes only those obligations which would arise before the delivery of the deed, the use restrictions contained in Article 32 of that agreement remain effective. The deed would prevail if it contained language related FiUG-1S-'9.l- 11CMN Z I SSON & 4rE iRA P ZISSON AND VEARA Ms. Douglass August 15, 1994 Page 5 to the use of the land. Because the deed is silent on this topic, the P&S restrictions are not displaced. Your Request next asks what effect the January 1988 vote had on the authority of the Board of _selectmen to approve periodic events on the property. As r already noted, Article I of the 19$8 Special Town Meeting states that "any future use of this property ahail be determined. by Town. Meeting." Whether the Town Meeting vote restricts the Board of Seleota"en''s authority to allow periodic events to take place -on the property depends on an interpretation of the intent of those. Who voted to approve it. The vote appears geared mostly to approving the purchase of the land by the Town. The last clause of the vote, which limits the determination of any future use to Town Meeting action, must be interpreted within the context of the vote. and the discussions which preceded it.• Given the broad nature of the language contained in the text.of the vote, the words "future u.se" were probably intended by the Town Meeting to refer to permanent future uses of the property; however, the word "any" comes directly before the term "future Use," and this casts a doubt about the true meaning of the clause. Because I do not have a copy of the minutes of the Meeting, I cannot discern the true intent underlying this clause. In any event, as.1 noted above, a new Town Meeting vote can be utilized to clarify any ambiguity. A new vote can be used to alter or repeal any prior Town restriction placed on the use of the property. Furthermore, a future Town Meeting can clarify the distinction between ongoing events and single occurrence events and can also give the Board o£ Selectmen the authority to decide whether to approve those uses. Thus, if such a vote were passed, the Board -would obviously 'have jurisdiction over those activities, Your Request next raises the issue of the current "use .policy" of the Board of selectmen and what it authorizes the Selectmen to do. Ordinarily, under M.O..L. c. 40 §3, the Board of Selectmen control the disposition of property, unless Town Meeting places control of the property in another board's hands. Such a Special Town Meeting Vote is, of course_, binding on the Board of Selectmen. This is precisely what happened with the Drummer Boy property. Needless to say, however, the Town can .always amend a prior vote at another Town Meeting. Thus, the selectmen still have full authority to determine the use of all town -owned property without the need for a town vote, except the use of the Drummer Boy property.. The .Selectmen, therefore, do not need Town Meeting approval of their "use policy" as it concerns other town -owned property; however, their "use policy* cannot apply to the use of the Drummer Boy property because of the restriction imposed by 1988 Meeting. Therefore, it is my opinion that the Selectmen do not, at this time, have the authority to rule, on a case by base basis, 11 Atic— 1 S— 4 Mot -1 S a 43 Z 15S ON & VEARA P 07 ZlssoN AND VEARA Ms. Douglass August 15, 1994 Page 6 upon the various uses of the Drummer Boy property. Approval of the "use policy" by Town Meeting would not change that fact. Your final question concerned the liability and risk exposure represented by the existing structures on the Drummer Boy property. Because the buildings do not comply with the codes governing use of public buildings, the exposure of the Town is great. Because of recent amendments to the Massachusetts Tort Claims Act, towns are no longer immune from tort suits. It is my opinion, therefore, that the Town demolish or remove the buildings or else bring them in conformance with the pertinent codes. 1 also strongly suggest the select*en review the Town's insurance policies to ensure that the structures are afforded full coverage. This concludes my response to your Request. Should you have any more questions regarding these matters, please do not hesitate to call. Cordially, 1044°A - Edward E. Veers Town Counsel STF/ j a cc: Board of Selectmen i�� Definitions from Black's Law Dictionary Special Deluxe Fifth Edition - 1981 (Page 984) Open Space - Any parcel or area of land or water essentially unimproved and set aside, dedicated, designated or reserved for public or private use or enjoyment or for the use and enjoyment of owners and occupants of land adjoining or neighboring such open spaces. Common Open Space - An open space area within or related to a site designated as a development and designed and intended for the use or enjoyment of residents and owners of the development. Common open space may contain such complimentary structures as are necessary and appropriate for the use of enjoyment of residents and owners of the development. Structure - Any construction, or any production, or piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts joined together in some definite manner. That which is built or constructed; an edifice or building of any kind. A combination of materials to form a construction for occupancy, use or ornamentation whether installed on, above, or below the surface of a parcel of land. Archive d: Thursday, April 4, 2024 4:34:48 PM From: DOR DLS Community Compact Se nt: Friday, March 29, 2024 9:35:09 AM To: DOR DLS Community Compact Cc: Cronin, Sean R. (DO R) Subje ct: FY24 Community Compact Efficiency & Regionalization (E&R) Grant Importance : Normal Se ns itivity: None Thank you for applying for a C ommunity Compact Efficiency & Reg ionalization (E&R) Grant. The competition for the $600,000 of available funding was intens e, with 38 applications tota li ng $4.3 mil li on. Although we were not able to provide a g rant to your community this year, we anticipate offering this grant program ag ain in fis cal yea r 2025. All eligible communities will be notified directly when the fis cal year 2025 application phas e opens . We thank you for taking the time to apply for this grant program. 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If you have received this email in error, pleas e notify the s ender im m ediately and delete the em ail from your em ail sys tem. Eﬃciency & Regionalizaon Grant – Nauset Elementary Schools (Feb 2024) Purpose - describe the proposed project, including purpose of the grant request, project objecves, and the challenge(s) this project would address: The Nauset Regional Public School District serves four (4) member towns on the Lower & Outer Cape: Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, and Wellﬂeet. The District is currently comprised of a fully regionalized middle school (Grades 6-8) and high school (Grades 9-12) as well as four (4) separate elementary school districts – one for each member town. Each elementary district develops its own budget, and each is governed by their own respecve Elementary School Commiee. The Nauset Regional School Central oﬃce staﬀ provide administrave support to the 4 elementary districts and the regional district. Orleans, Eastham, and Wellﬂeet each have a single elementary school. Brewster has two elementary schools (Grades PK-2 & Grades 3-5). Although the District administers a Pre-K program in Brewster & Eastham, there is generally limited coordinaon or sharing of services/resources across the elementary schools. Total current elementary school enrollment in all four towns is approximately 850 students (PK- 5). In 2000, it was over 1400. Over this same me frame, student enrollment at the middle school is down from about 800 students to less than 500. Overall enrollment in the district has decreased by more than 50% in the past 20 years. Pre-pandemic trend data indicated that enrollment is expected to connue to decline. Since the pandemic, the cost of housing in the Lower & Outer Cape has increased exponenally (at least 30%), further exacerbang the ability of young families to live in or move to our communies and heightening challenges with retaining and hiring qualiﬁed staﬀ. At the same me, in recent years, various budgetary pressures have increased school operang expenses, leading to numerous operang overrides in the member towns to help fund school budgets. Annual operang overrides to support school expenses that exceed available levy capacity are not sustainable long-term. In addion, the Towns of Orleans and Brewster both need to make decisions about signiﬁcant capital investments to upgrade their elementary schools in the near future. Based on a 2023 report, the Orleans Elementary School requires at least $44M in upgrades to their facilies to bring them up to code. A new building is expected to cost up to $55M. Current enrollment in Orleans (K-5) is approximately 140 students. Per DESE standards, new schools must be designed to accommodate a minimum of 240 students. The Stony Brook Elementary School (PK-2) in Brewster is facing $13+M in needed improvements to its roof and HVAC system. Funding for a similar study for that facility has been approved and we expect the cost to bring that facility up to code will be comparable to the ﬁndings in Orleans. These decisions are complicated by the fact that each of the elementary schools are currently not fully ulizing their facilies. This pre-feasibility study seeks to gather and analyze data for the elementary schools in all four towns regarding operang expenses, staﬃng levels, student-to-teacher raos, enrollment trends, facility ulizaon, physical building condions, ancipated capital expenditures, and student transportaon systems to idenfy potenal eﬃciencies across the schools and help inform future decision about opportunies to reduce elementary school capital and operang expenses while maintaining the district ’s high educaonal standards. This grant would also help assemble and account for similar data for the middle school, which is facing comparable challenges in terms of managing operang expenses, declining enrollments, and looming capital needs to beer understand the extent to which greater eﬃciencies could be gained across the enre district. This project seeks to idenfy and explore ﬁnancially sustainable educaonal service models and targeted capital investments that meet each community ’s expectaons. Beneﬁts - idenfy project beneﬁts including eﬃciencies, cost savings, enhanced service delivery, and/or improved public access to local government services: Our elementary school budgets are increasing at unsustainable levels, parcularly in the face of consistently declining enrollment across the district. Facility use is currently not opmized. In Brewster, these space ulizaon consideraons were expressly idenﬁed in a 2021 Consolidaon Feasibility Report (see aached). The four towns would beneﬁt from having similar data for the other three elementary schools in Orleans, Eastham, and Wellﬂeet, as well as updang and expanding analysis of Brewster school data. Potenal beneﬁts of some form of regionalizaon or consolidaon across the elementary schools include: - Reducing operang expenses while maintaining high educaonal standards - Maximizing space ulizaon and avoiding duplicaon of major capital investments in aging facilies - Leveraging economies of scale in delivering educaonal programs and support services - Streamlining administraon and governance of ﬁve relavely small elementary schools Cost Impact and Sustainability Plan - idenfy any new costs that will be incurred and how the costs will be paid for or oﬀset, including ongoing operaonal costs. Describe how this new iniave will be self-sustaining within one year and ﬁnancially viable for the long-term: Funding from this grant will cover the costs of consultant services to: - Provide a comprehensive physical and educaonal assessment of the ﬁve (5) elementary school buildings related to short- and long-range facilies planning, capacity determinaons, space requirements that are inﬂuenced by our educaonal programs, and adequacy of the facilies - Gather and analyze key data and metrics regarding operang expenses, staﬃng levels, student-to-teacher raos, enrollment trends, instruconal pracces, programmac needs, facility ulizaon, physical building condions, technology infrastructure, ancipated capital expenditures, and student transportaon systems for all ﬁve elementary schools - Idenfy potenal opportunies to gain or maximize eﬃciencies in these areas across the elementary schools - Broadly examine advantages and challenges to some forms of consolidaon and/or regionalizaon across the elementary schools - Produce a clear and concise report on their ﬁndings and deliver a presentaon to Town and School leaders in the four-member communies Measures of Success - what deﬁnes success for this project? Describe how the success of the project will be evaluated. Include expected measurable improvements in service delivery or eﬃciency: Recognizing the challenges we are facing, the Elementary School Commiees and Select Boards in Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, and Wellﬂeet have all indicated their support for undertaking this study. The Nauset Regional School Commiee assented to including the middle school in this project as well. The project would be successful if these respecve Boards and Commiees ulize its ﬁndings to inform future decision making about whether to further explore eﬃciencies, consolidaon, and/or regionalizaon of the elementary schools, and account for the report in decision making around major upcoming capital improvements, parcularly for the elementary schools in Brewster and Orleans. If data in certain areas idenﬁed in the report look promising in terms of opportunies for gaining eﬃciencies and/or some form of regionalizaon, more intensive study of those scenarios would occur either through subsequent grant funding or through direct local appropriaons. If there is clear consensus regarding the beneﬁts of implemenng certain ﬁndings from the report, those could be undertaken in the near term. Project Budget - provide a detailed and realisc project budget esmate. Include breakdown of amount requested by acvity/task: We are seeking $200,000 in grant funding to hire a consultant to assemble and analyze data, develop a report, and present their ﬁndings. The Brewster School Consolidaon Report from 2021 examined two elementary schools and had a similar but narrower scope of work, and it cost approximately $45,000. Project Timeline - provide a meline for the proposed project. Note projects must be completed within 18 months of the award date. Once grant funding is awarded: - Develop and issue a Request for Proposals for consultant services (Months 1-2) - Review RFP responses and award/execute contract (Month 3) - Hold kick-oﬀ meeng with selected consultant & gather input from Town & School administraon (Month 4) - Provide data to consultant (Months 5-7) - Develop dra report (Months 8-11) - Review dra report with Town & School administraon (Month 11) - Finalize & deliver report (Months 12-13) - Present ﬁndings to Select Boards & School Commiees (Month 14-15) Town of Brewster ANNUAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT for May 11, 2024 at 1:00 PM STONY BROOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 384 UNDERPASS ROAD Please bring this copy of the warrant to Town Meeting Large print copies of the warrant are available at the Brewster Town Offices INFORMATION FOR MAY 11, 2024 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Services Available to the Public During Town Meeting TRANSPORTATION: The Council on Aging offers rides to and/or from Town Meeting. For information or to schedule a ride to and/or from Town Meeting please call the Council on Aging at 508-896-2737 by noon on Wednesday, May 8th. CHILD CARE SERVICES: Nauset Youth Alliance provides free childcare services for children ages 5 – 14 in the Stony Brook School Art Room during Town Meeting. If you would like to take advantage of this service, please call or email the NYA before 4pm on Wednesday, May 8th; 508-896-7900 or drost@nausetyouthalliance.org FOOD & BEVERAGES: Nauset Youth Alliance provides food and beverages for purchase during Town Meeting. Items include sandwiches, chips, desserts, water, coffee, tea, and juice. These refreshments are generously provided by Ocean Edge Resort. TOWN OF BREWSTER ANNUAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT May 11, 2024 TABLE OF CONTENTS A INDEX 2 B INFORMATION & MODERATOR’S STATEMENT FOR VOTERS 4 C FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT D TAX RATE INFORMATION E CAPITAL PROJECTS REPORT F HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES REPORT G 2024 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT ARTICLES ARTICLE DESCRIPTION SPONSOR PAGE 1 Outstanding Obligations Select Board 2 Budgetary Transfers Select Board 3 Cape Cod Regional Technical High School Budget Cape Cod Technical School Committee 4 Elementary Schools Budget Brewster Elementary School Committee 5 Elementary Schools Operating Override Brewster Elementary School Committee 6 Nauset Regional Schools Budget Nauset Regional School Committee 7 Town Operating Budget Select Board 8 Water Department Enterprise Fund Operating Budget Select Board 9 Golf Department Enterprise Fund Operating Budget Select Board 10 Community Preservation Act Funding Community Preservation Committee 11 Community Preservation Act Land Acquisition: 3571 Main Street Community Preservation Committee 12 Capital & Special Projects Expenditures Select Board 13 Overlay Appropriation: Preschool Family Support Pilot Program Select Board 14 Special Revenue Fund: Cable Franchise Fee Select Board 15 Recreation Revolving Fund Select Board 16 Adoption of Local Option - Massachusetts General Law Ch. 59, Sec. 5K: Senior Tax Work- off Designee Select Board 17 Adoption of Local Option - Massachusetts General Law Ch. 59, Sec. 5N: Veterans Tax Work-off Designee Select Board 18 Sea Camps Comprehensive Plan: Bay Property (3057 Main Street) Select Board 19 Sea Camps Comprehensive Plan: Pond Property (500 W.B. Besse Cartway) Select Board 20 Temporary Easements: Millstone Road Improvement Project Select Board 21 Private Road Betterment: Vesper Pond Neighborhood Select Board 22 Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee Report Select Board 23 Citizens Petition: Short-Term Rental Registration General Bylaw Citizens Petition 24 Citizens Petition: Short-Term Rental Restrictions General Bylaw Citizens Petition J TOWN MODERATOR’S RULES K GLOSSARY OF FINANCIAL TERMS TOWN OF BREWSTER ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2024 Barnstable, ss To: Roland W. Bassett, Jr. Constable of the Town of Brewster Greetings: In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby directed to notify and inform the Town of Brewster inhabitants qualified to vote in Town affairs to meet in the Cafetorium at the Stony Brook Elementary School, 384 Underpass Road, on Saturday, May 11, 2024, next, at 1 p.m. o’clock in the afternoon, then and there to act upon the following articles: OUTSTANDING OBLIGATIONS ARTICLE NO. 1: To see what sums the Town will vote to appropriate from available funds for the payment of unpaid obligations from previous fiscal years, including any bills now on overdraft: Department Outstanding Obligations Amount a. Golf Department Columbia Laboratories $615.00 Total $615.00 or to take any other action relative thereto. (Select Board) (Nine-tenths Vote Required) COMMENT This article will authorize the payment of outstanding bills from a previous fiscal year. According to Massachusetts General Laws, a Town cannot pay a bill from a previous fiscal year with the current year’s appropriation. Therefore, Town Meeting authorization is required. Select Board: Yes 4, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0 BUDGETARY TRANSFERS ARTICLE NO. 2: To see what sums the Town will vote to transfer into various line items of the Fiscal Year 2024 General Fund operating budget from other line items of said budget and from other available funds: FROM TO AMOUNT a. Ambulance Receipts Fire Department Overtime $150,000 Total $150,000 or to take any other action relative thereto. (Select Board) (Majority Vote Required) COMMENT This article would authorize the transfer of surplus funds from certain departments’ budgets and/or accounts and Free Cash for Fiscal Year 2024 to other accounts which are experiencing unanticipated shortfalls and/or require additional funding for new programs and/or initiatives. The following is a brief review of these requests: a. This sum is required to cover additional Fire Department personnel expenses stemming from employee turnover and necessary increases in minimum staffing levels. The Ambulance Receipts account has a current balance of just over $2M. Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 8, No 0, Abs 0 CAPE COD REGIONAL TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL OPERATING BUDGET ARTICLE NO. 3: To see what sums the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds to defray Cape Cod Regional Technical High School charges and expenses for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025, as follows: DEPARTMENT EXPENDED FY2023 APPROPRIATED FY2024 REQUESTED FY2025 CAPE COD TECH ASSESSMENT 963,235 992,867 1,025,821 DEBT ASSESSMENT 549,461 471,498 441,653 TOTAL ASSESSMENT 1,512,696 1,464,365 1,467,474 or to take any other action relative thereto. (Cape Cod Technical School Committee) (Majority Vote Required) COMMENT This article will provide funding for the Fiscal Year 2025 budget for the Cape Cod Regional Technical High School District. This district consists of the Towns of Barnstable, Brewster, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Harwich, Mashpee, Orleans, Provincetown, Truro, Wellfleet and Yarmouth. The overall district-wide budget has increased by 4.38% over Fiscal Year 2024. District-wide enrollment has slightly decreased from 664 students to 662 students, while Brewster’s enrollment has decreased from 53 to 51 students for this same period. Brewster’s operating assessment has increased by a sum of $32,954, or 3.3%, over Fiscal Year 2024. Brewster’s debt assessment has decreased by $29,845, or -6.3%, based on the level principal debt schedule for the Cape Cod Tech School. Select Board: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS BUDGET ARTICLE NO. 4: To see what sums the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds to defray the Elementary Schools’ charges and expenses, for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025, as follows: DEPARTMENT EXPENDED FY2023 APPROPRIATED FY2024 REQUESTED FY2025 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUDGET 8,191,674 8,474,932 9,187,442 SCHOOL FRINGE BENEFITS 2,114,070 2,280,746 2,531,631 TOTAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUDGET (ARTICLE 4) 10,305,744 10,755,678 11,719,073 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUDGET OVERRIDE (ARTICLE 5) 0 316,878 758,091 TOTAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUDGET (ARTICLES 4 + 5) 10,305,744 11,072,556 12,477,164 or to take any other action relative thereto. (Elementary School Committee) (Majority Vote Required) COMMENT This article provides partial funding for the Fiscal Year 2025 operating budget for the Stony Brook and Eddy Elementary Schools. The Fiscal Year 2025 budget request for the Elementary Schools, as approved by the Brewster School Committee, is $9,187,442, a $1,153,722 or 13.1% increase over Fiscal Year 2024 operating expenses. The Town’s total elementary school assessment is increasing by 12.6% when the schools’ proportionate shares of fringe benefits expenses is applied. This article will fund the portion of the Elementary Schools’ Fiscal Year 2025 budget that can be raised and appropriated within the Town’s current levy limit, a 4.5% increase in their operating budget. Approval of supplemental funding in Article 5 and at the local ballot on May 28, 2024 is required to fully fund the $758,091 balance of the FY25 Elementary School budget to match the amounts voted by the Brewster School Committee. Select Board: Yes 3, No 2, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 1, Abs 0 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS OPERATING OVERRIDE ARTICLE NO. 5: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $758,091 to defray the Elementary Schools’ charges and expenses, for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025, provided however that such appropriation shall be expressly contingent upon approval by the Town at a Regular or Special Election to authorize such sums to be raised outside the limits of General Laws Chapter 59 Section 21C, paragraphs (g) and (m) (Proposition 2½ so called), or to take any other action relative thereto. (Elementary School Committee) (Majority Vote Required) COMMENT This article will provide the balance of funding needed for the Fiscal Year 2025 operational budget for the Stony Brook and Eddy Elementary Schools. This appropriation is subject to approval of a Proposition 2 ½ override question on the May 28, 2024 local election ballot. Select Board: Yes 3, No 2, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 5, No 3, Abs 0 NAUSET REGIONAL SCHOOLS OPERATING BUDGET ARTICLE NO. 6: To see what sums the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds to defray the Nauset Regional School District charges and expenses for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025, as follows: DEPARTMENT EXPENDED FY2023 APPROPRIATED FY2024 REQUESTED FY2025 NAUSET OPERATING ASSESSMENT 12,222,619 12,711,524 13,526,296 NAUSET DEBT ASSESSMENT 139,228 2,194,957 3,492,908 TOTAL NAUSET ASSESSMENT (ARTICLE 6) 12,361,847 14,906,481 17,019,204 NAUSET OVERRIDE 0 647,720 0 TOTAL NAUSET ASSESSMENT 12,361,847 15,554,201 17,019,204 or to take any other action relative thereto. (Nauset Regional School Committee) (Majority Vote Required) COMMENT This article provides funding for the Fiscal Year 2025 budget for the Nauset Regional School District. The overall operating budget for the Nauset Regional Schools, as approved by the Nauset Regional School Committee, is $29,243,858, a $1,479,864 or 5.3% increase over Fiscal Year 2024 operating expenses. Brewster’s share of the Nauset Schools budget is $13,526,296. Brewster’s proportionate share of total student enrollment has decreased from 48.1% in Fiscal Year 2024 to 46.4% in Fiscal Year 2025. Brewster’s FY25 Nauset debt assessment is increasing by $1,297,591 to $3,492,907 in anticipation of long-term excluded debt for the high school project being issued this year. This new amount should reflect the full tax impacts of this project on residents, which will continue at these levels until the debt is fully retired in 25 years. Select Board: Yes 3, No 2, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 1, No 7, Abs 0 TOWN OPERATING BUDGET ARTICLE NO. 7: To see what sums the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, or borrow pursuant to any applicable statute, for the purposes of supporting the offices, departments, boards, and commissions of the Town of Brewster for Fiscal Year 2025, including authorization for lease purchases of up to five years, as follows: EXPENDED APPROPRIATED REQUESTED DEPARTMENT FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 GENERAL GOVERNMENT Finance Committee 19,329 105,500 105,500 Assessors 146,594 161,716 175,464 Accounting 240,171 258,426 276,889 Treasurer/ Collector 333,755 367,127 388,608 Information Technology 405,368 438,384 459,000 Legal 82,982 172,026 135,300 Moderator 300 300 300 Planning 206,045 218,325 237,312 Select Board / Town Administration 537,071 613,872 664,687 Human Resources 150,887 175,766 196,636 Town Clerk 232,527 254,921 275,930 Public Buildings 278,830 295,125 360,077 SUBTOTAL GENERAL GOVERNMENT 2,633,859 3,061,488 3,275,703 EXPENDED APPROPRIATED REQUESTED DEPARTMENT FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 PUBLIC SAFETY Building Department 392,540 431,967 466,334 Fire Department 3,130,647 3,273,347 3,403,173 Emergency Management 0 2,500 2,500 Natural Resources 460,763 515,732 546,710 Police Department 2,991,215 3,101,642 3,425,671 Sealer of Weights & Measures 9,691 9,934 10,234 SUBTOTAL PUBLIC SAFETY 6,984,856 7,335,122 7,854,622 PUBLIC WORKS Public Works 2,017,822 2,280,016 2,521,255 Snow & Ice Removal 83,870 173,410 178,616 Streetlights 2,627 5,515 5,515 SUBTOTAL PUBLIC WORKS 2,104,319 2,458,941 2,705,386 HUMAN SERVICES Council on Aging 375,475 392,572 433,401 Board of Health 257,837 315,248 337,437 Veteran’s Services 82,140 101,693 106,205 Public Assistance 136,950 146,070 159,481 SUBTOTAL HUMAN SERVICES 852,402 955,583 1,036,524 CULTURE & RECREATION Brewster Ladies Library 711,558 765,424 825,586 Recreation 223,912 254,337 300,041 Parades & Events 0 1,500 5,000 SUBTOTAL CULTURE & RECREATION 935,470 1,021,261 1,130,627 EXPENDED APPROPRIATED REQUESTED DEPARTMENT FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 DEBT SERVICE Principal & Interest 3,312,197 2,957,645 2,855,581 SUBTOTAL DEBT SERVICE 3,312,197 2,957,645 2,855,581 INSURANCE, UTILITIES & FRINGE BENEFITS General Insurance 434,960 561,201 589,264 Utilities 495,726 538,784 629,113 Fringe Benefits 4,154,606 5,169,307 5,149,166 SUBTOTAL INSURANCE & FRINGE 5,085,292 6,269,292 6,367,543 OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES & ASSESSMENTS Assessments 29,271 31,467 33,891 Alewives 3,300 4,350 4,350 Local Service Funding 40,000 48,000 50,500 Transfer to Capital Stabilization 187,500 250,000 262,500 Transfer to General Stabilization 0 0 0 Transfer to Housing Trust 375,000 500,000 525,000 Transfer to OPEB Trust 267,000 267,000 264,000 Transfer to Brewster Elementary Schools SPED Stabilization 100,000 0 0 Transfer to Water Quality Capital Stabilization 112,500 150,000 157,500 SUBTOTAL OTHER OPERATING EXPENSE & ASSESSMENTS 1,114,571 1,250,817 1,297,741 GRAND TOTAL OF GENERAL FUND OPERATING BUDGETS 23,022,966 25,310,149 26,523,727 or to take any other action relative thereto. (Select Board) (Majority Vote Required) COMMENT This article will provide funding for the Fiscal Year 2025 operational budget for the Town boards, committees, and departments. The Town’s operational budget, as presented in this article, has increased by 5.3%. Much more information can be found on the Town’s online budget & finance page at https://stories.opengov.com/brewsterma/published/WLv2YNJWU. Please note the following details on several of the budget line items listed above: Public Assistance includes funding for Health & Human Service organizations and fuel assistance. Assessments include funding for the Pleasant Bay Alliance, Greenhead Fly, and Historic District. Local Services includes funding for the Chamber of Commerce, Town Band, Cultural Council, Skipping Program, and Millsites. Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 8, No 0, Abs 0 WATER DEPARTMENT ENTERPRISE FUND OPERATING BUDGET ARTICLE NO. 8: To see if the Town will vote, in accordance with General Law Chapter 44 Section 53F1/2, to appropriate from Water Department receipts, transfer from available funds or otherwise fund the sum of TWO MILLION NINE HUNDRED EIGHTY SIX THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED FORTY FOUR DOLLARS ($2,986,144) for Fiscal Year 2025 costs associated with the operation of the Water Department including, but not limited to acquiring professional services and equipment, personnel and maintaining facilities and operations, including authorization for lease purchases of up to five years; all expenditures to be made by the Water Department, subject to the approval of the Town Manager, or to take any other action relative thereto. (Select Board) (Majority Vote Required) COMMENT In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53F1/2, receipts from Water Department related activities are used to directly offset Water Department related expenditures including capital and infrastructure costs. Voting a spending amount within the Water Department Enterprise Fund allows receipts and related expenditures to be recorded in one fund. The Water Department’s operating budget, as presented in this article, has increased by 2.7%. Water Department expenses are fully covered by user fees. Select Board: Yes 4, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0 GOLF DEPARTMENT ENTERPRISE FUND OPERATING BUDGET ARTICLE NO. 9: To see if the Town will vote to appropriate from the Golf Fund, in accordance with General Law Chapter 40 Section 5F, the sum of FOUR MILLION SIX HUNDRED AND SIX THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED THIRTY THREE DOLLARS ($4,606,233) for Fiscal Year 2025 costs associated with Golf Department related expenses including, but not limited to acquiring professional services and equipment, personnel and maintaining facilities and operations, including authorization for lease purchases of up to five years; all expenditures to be made by the Golf Department, subject to the approval of the Town Manager, or to take any other action relative thereto. (Select Board) (Majority Vote Required) COMMENT In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53F½, receipts from Golf Department related activities are used to directly offset Golf Department related expenditures, including some capital and infrastructure costs. Voting a spending amount within the Golf Department Enterprise Fund allows receipts and related expenditures to be recorded in one fund. The Golf Department’s operating budget, as presented in this article, has increased by 4.9%. Golf Department expenses are fully covered by user fees. Select Board: Yes 4, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT FUNDING ARTICLE NO. 10: To see if the Town will vote to act on the report of the Community Preservation Committee on the Fiscal Year 2025 Community Preservation Budget and to appropriate or reserve for later appropriation monies from the Community Preservation Fund annual revenues or available funds for the administrative and operating expenses of the Community Preservation Committee, the undertaking of Community Preservation Projects and all other necessary and proper expenses for the year, with each item considered a separate appropriation to be spent by the Community Preservation Committee, all as set forth below: FY25 Estimated Revenues a. Estimated FY25 tax surcharge $1,254,583 b. Estimated FY25 state contribution (20%) $ 250,857 c. FY25 Estimated Total: $1,505,140 FY25 Appropriations and Allocations a. Historic Preservation Reserve appropriation (10%) $ 150,514 b. Community Housing Reserve appropriation (10%) $ 150,514 c. Open Space/Recreation Reserve appropriation (10%) $ 150,514 d. Budgeted Reserve (65%) $ 978,341 e. Administrative Expense (Budgeted Reserve) ( 5%) $ 75,257 f. Designated Reserves for Open Space $ 32,094 g. Undesignated Fund Balance $ 102,089 h. Total $1,639,323 Purpose Item Funding Source(s) Amount 1 Historic Preservation a. Designated Reserves for Historic Preservation Transfer to reserve from estimated annual revenues in accordance with MGL Ch. 44B Sec. 6 Fiscal Year 2025 CPA estimated annual revenues $150,514 Sub-total $150,514 2 Community Housing a. Designated Reserves for Housing Transfer to reserve from estimated annual revenues in accordance with MGL Ch. 44B Sec. 6 Fiscal Year 2025 CPA estimated annual revenues $150,514 Sub-total $150,514 3 Open Space a. Community Preservation Bonded Debt Service Payment of debt principal and interest for the BBJ Property, & Bates Property bonds $150,514 from Fiscal Year 2025 CPA estimated annual revenues and $32,094 from Designated Reserves for Open Space $182,608 Sub-total $182,608 4 Budgeted Reserve a. Administration Expense Administration and operating expenses for Community Preservation Committee Fiscal Year 2025 CPA estimated annual revenues $75,257 b. Designated for Budgeted Reserve Transfer to reserve from estimated annual revenues in accordance with MGL Ch. 44B Sec. 6 Fiscal Year 2025 CPA estimated annual revenues $978,341 Sub-total $1,053,598 5 Undesignated Fund Balance a. Community Development Partnership (CDP) 2 Years of funding for Cape Housing Institute Undesignated Balance CPA Reserves $20,000 b. Town of Brewster Administration- Housing Coordinator Payroll and operating costs for Housing Coordinator position to assist public with affordable housing program Undesignated Balance CPA Reserves $74,589 Purpose Item Funding Source(s) Amount c. Nauset Together We Can Prevention Council, Inc. Renovations to Finch Skateboard Park in Orleans Undesignated Balance CPA Reserves $7,500 Sub-total $102,089 Grand Total $1,639,323 For Fiscal Year 2025 Community Preservation purposes, each item is considered a separate appropriation to be spent by the Community Preservation Committee; provided however, that the above expenditures may be conditional on the grant or acceptance of appropriate historic preservation restrictions for historic resources, open space restrictions for open space reserves, and housing restrictions for community housing, running in favor of an entity authorized by the Commonwealth to hold such restrictions for such expenditures, meeting the requirements of G.L. c.184 and G.L. c.44B, Section 12, and to authorize the Select Board to convey or accept such restrictions; And further, any revenues received in excess of the estimated receipts are transferred to their respective reserve fund balance(s) for future appropriation using the allocation formula of 10% Open Space/Recreation, 10% Housing, 10% Historical, and 70% for Budgeted Reserve for CPA. Or to take any other action relative thereto. (Community Preservation Committee) (Majority Vote Required) COMMENT In May of 2005, Brewster voters approved a ballot question which allowed for the adoption of the modified Community Preservation Act (CPA). The act appropriates a 3% surcharge on the Town’s real estate tax revenues, which are reserved in a special fund in order to finance projects and programs for the purposes of preservation of open space, recreation, community housing, and historic preservation. Brewster is also eligible to receive up to 100% in matching funds from the State, although we anticipate a reduced reimbursement rate from the State for Fiscal Year 2025, which is projected at 20%. In Fall 2022, Brewster adopted, through a local bylaw, a distribution schedule for the annual CPA funds beginning in FY24 as follows: 10% of the funds for open space and recreation, 10% for community housing, 10% for historic preservation, and the 70% undesignated reserve balance is available for any CPA eligible project. The 2022 bylaw also established a non-binding 2023-2027 Target Allocation Policy as follows: 30% for Open Space, 30% for community housing, 10% historic preservation, 10% recreation, and 20% for any CPA eligible project. At the beginning of FY24, Reserve balances were as follows: Historic Preservation $ 460,039 Affordable Housing $ 302,973 Open Space and Recreation $1,971,368 Undesignated Reserve $1,174,593 1. Historic Preservation: a. Designated Reserves for Historic Preservation – This item transfers money from FY25 estimated annual revenues to the Historic Preservation reserve for future appropriation to meet the minimum 10% statutory allocation. Select Board: Yes 4, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0 2. Community Housing: a. Designated Reserves for Community Housing – This item transfers money from FY25 estimated annual revenues to the Community Housing reserve for future appropriation to meet the minimum 10% statutory allocation. Select Board: Yes 4, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0 3. Open Space: a. Community Preservation Bonded Debt Service – This item pays for the $182,608 in FY 2025 principal and interest on 3 CPA (BBJ 1 and 2 and Bates) open space acquisitions that were financed via long-term bonding. Select Board: Yes 4, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0 4. Reserves for Community Preservation: a. Administrative Expense – This item will fund the costs associated with general administrative and operating expenses, including but not limited to legal and other professional consulting services, related to carrying out the operations of the Community Preservation Committee. The Community Preservation Act allows up to 5% of expected annual revenues for this purpose. Select Board: Yes 4, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0 b. Designated for Budgeted Reserve – This item transfers money from FY25 estimated annual revenues to the Budgeted Reserve for future appropriation to meet the minimum statutory allocation. Select Board: Yes 4, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0 5. Undesignated Balance/CPA Reserves: a. Community Development Partnership (CDP) – Lower Cape Housing Institute: The CDP’s Lower Cape Housing Institute is one of three components of Lower Cape Community Housing Partnership (LCCHP). The LCCHP harnesses the urgency to address the deepening housing crisis by providing opportunities for business owners, low-moderate income households, historically marginalized communities and year-round residents to advocate for housing production and related policies at annua town meetings. Since 2017, the CDP has offered an annual Lower Cape Housing Institute (LCHI) to educate at least 40 local elected and appointed officials per year from the eight towns on the Lower Cape including the Town of Brewster. Over the past six years, 306 Lower and Outer Cape individuals have attended the LCHI, including 45 from Brewster. Through quality training, peer-to-peer learning, and technical assistance, the LCHI builds municipal capacity to address the housing needs of Brewster residents. Brewster voters have supported funding for LCHI since its inception. This item will fund years 8 & 9 of the LCHI. Total project cost: $652,337 Funding requested: $20,000 CPC vote: 7-0-0 Select Board: Yes 4, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0 b. Town of Brewster – Housing Coordinator: This item will fund the Housing Coordinator position. The Community Preservation Committee has supported the Housing Coordinator position since 2017. The hiring of a Housing Coordinator was identified as a key strategy in the first Brewster Housing Production Plan. The Housing Coordinator holds hours for the public weekly, supports multiple town committees, including the Housing Trust and Housing Partnership, and works with regional housing agencies and organizations in town to promote housing choice. The Housing Coordinator is an integral part of the Town housing efforts, outlined in both the Town Vision Plan and the Select Board Strategic Plan. The Housing Coordinator helps to acquire, create, preserve, and support community housing. The FY25 request is to fund the position at 30 hours per week, with the CPC providing funding for the salary and the Town providing funding for all benefits of the position. Our housing program continues to be a partnership of many town entities. Total Project Cost: $ 114,599 CPC Request: $ 74,589 CPC Vote: 8-0-0 Select Board: Yes 4, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0 c. Nauset Together We Can – Finch Skatepark Safety Improvements: The Finch Skatepark in Orleans provides a thriving social hub for the Lower Cape skateboard community. The park was established through a grass roots community effort in 1995 and has been volunteer managed for more than 25 years by Nauset Together We Can -- a 501c3 whose goal is to develop and implement solutions to prevent high-risk social behaviors in our youth. Although the Towns of Brewster, Eastham and Orleans provide small amounts of funding for day-to-day operations of the park, all funding for the park’s infrastructure comes from grants and private donations. This award will be used to fund safety upgrades to the current electrical service and several existing ramp features in order to keep the park open and available to its many users. Total Project Cost: $31,300 CPC Request: $7,500 CPC Vote: 7-0-0 Select Board: Yes 4, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0 CONSERVATION RESTRICTION ACQUISITION: 0 & 3571 MAIN STREET ARTICLE NO. 11: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select Board to acquire a perpetual conservaon restricon under MGL Ch. 184, Secs. 31 through 33, on a parcel of land designated on Brewster Assessors' Map 126 as Parcel 4, 5 and 9 located at 0 Main Street, and a poron of the parcel currently designated on the Brewster Assessors' Map 114, Parcel 60 located at the rear of 3571 Main Street in Brewster, Barnstable County, Massachuses, consisng of 12.36 acres as shown on a plan of land entled, "Survey and Plan of Land in Brewster, Mass, as claimed by Washington E. & Mary F Chase, Scale I in = 60 . March 10, 1989, East Cape Engineering, Orleans MA" and recorded in the Barnstable County Registry of Deeds as Plan Book 459, Page 75, and as more parcularly shown as Lot 2 and Lot 3 on a plan of land entled, "Lot Study Sketch for Property at 3571 Main St, Brewster, MA 02631 Prepared for Brewster Conservaon Trust, Scale 1 in. = 80 , July 3, 2023, Soule Land Surveying" a copy of which is on ﬁle with the Brewster Town Clerk; to acquire interests in said parcel by gi, purchase and/or eminent domain taking under MGL Ch. 79, or any other enabling authority; to acquire said conservaon restricon for conservaon and passive recreaon purposes for the general public, consistent with the provisions of MGL Ch. 40 Sec. 8C and Arcle 97 of the Amendments to the Constuon of the Commonwealth of Massachuses, and in compliance with MGL Ch. 44B, Sec. 12(a), protecng the property for the purposes for which it is acquired; to transfer from available funds, including, without limitaon, the Community Preservaon Fund, the sum of Two Hundred Thirty Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($230,000.00) to pay the $225,000 costs of this acquision, and $5,000 for all other legal and administrave costs incidental and related thereto; further, to authorize the Conservaon Commission to assume the monitoring and enforcement authority of the conservaon restricon on the property; and to authorize the Select Board and Conservaon Commission to enter into all agreements and execute any and all instruments as may be necessary on behalf of the municipality to eﬀect this purchase and obtain reimbursement funding, or to take any other acon relave thereto. (Community Preservaon Commiee) ( Majority Vote Required) COMMENT The Town of Brewster is working with the Brewster Conservaon Trust (BCT) to protect a 12.36 acre parcel known as Washington Chase Bog, comprised of 7.33 acres of upland and 5.04 acres of wetland. The property is located on the north side of Main Street in East Brewster. BCT is purchasing the property and asking the Town to share the acquision cost by using Community Preservaon Act funds to purchase a Conservaon Restricon (CR). Previously having been run as a campground and a working cranberry bog, the parcel remains a typical pine-oak woodland with exisng paths and vehicle tracks running through the property. The wetland areas are now overgrown with trees and vegetaon, which BCT would like to restore to a natural wetland (fresh marsh) habitat. The bog drains under the Rail Trail into Namskaket Marsh. This has the potenal to be the most visible bog-to-marsh eco-restoraon project on Cape Cod, along the historic Old Kings Highway. Restoraon/protecon of this parcel would contribute to the scenic and natural character of Brewster, and it will enhance the open space value of these and nearby lands. The parcel is proximate to land already conserved, including Nickerson State Park, 1700+ acres of conguous open space owned and operated by the Massachuses Department of Conservaon and Recreaon (DCR). It also abuts the DCR Cape Cod Rail Trail on its norther property boundary, which in turn abuts land owned and conserved by BCT and connecng through to the 120+ acre Namskaket Marsh Town Conservaon Area. The Select Board, Town Manager, Natural Resources Department, Conservaon Commission, and Open Space Commiee support this purchase of a Conservaon Restricon. This arcle would fund $225,000 for the Conservaon Restricon and set aside $5,000 to pay for the Town’s legal and administrave expenses related to the purchase. Total Project Cost: $706,660 Amount Requested: $230,000 CPC Vote: 7-0-0 Select Board: Yes 4, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 1 CAPITAL AND SPECIAL PROJECTS EXPENDITURES ARTICLE NO. 12: To see what sums the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, or authorize the Town Treasurer to borrow under and pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Sections 7, 7(1), or 8, or any other enabling authority, for the capital outlay expenditures listed below, including, in each case, all incidental and related costs, to be expended by the Town Manager, except School expenditures to be made by the School Superintendent with the approval of the School Committee; authorize leases and lease purchase agreements for more than three but not more than five years for those items to be leased or lease purchased, and further that the Town Manager with the approval of the Select Board or School Superintendent with the approval of the School Committee for school items, be authorized to sell, convey, trade-in or otherwise dispose of equipment being replaced, all as set forth below: Department Item Funding Source(s) / Appropriation or Transfer Amount 1 Select Board a. Integrated Water Resource Planning & Implementation Professional services and costs for preparing studies, engineering, and coordinating water resource management planning and implementation Re-appropriate existing article & Free Cash $150,000 Department Item Funding Source(s) / Appropriation or Transfer Amount 1 Select Board b. Nauset Elementary School Regionalization & Efficiency Study Professional services and costs for developing a feasibility study with the Towns of Orleans, Eastham, and/or Wellfleet identifying potential efficiencies across the five Nauset elementary schools and middle school Free Cash $100,000 Sub-Total $250,000 2 Elementary School Department a. Combined Technology Ongoing information technology system and equipment improvements at Eddy & Stony Brook Elementary Schools Free Cash $40,000 b. Combined HVAC/Plumbing/Electrical Repairs Professional services and costs for upgrades, repairs & replacement of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems at Eddy & Stony Brook Elementary Schools Free Cash $10,000 c. Combined Painting Professional services and costs for interior/exterior painting at Eddy & Stony Brook Elementary Schools Free Cash $20,000 d. Combined Security Professional services and costs for upgrades to security systems at Eddy & Stony Brook Elementary Schools Free Cash $20,000 e. Stony Brook Flooring Replacement Professional services and costs for replacing flooring at the Stony Brook Elementary Schools Free Cash $40,000 Department Item Funding Source(s) / Appropriation or Transfer Amount 2 Elementary School Department f. Stony Brook Hazardous Waste Abatement Professional services and costs for abating hazardous waste materials at the Stony Brook Elementary School Free Cash $25,000 g. Combined Textbooks Professional services and costs for textbooks and related educational materials Free Cash $50,000 Sub-Total $205,000 3 Nauset Regional School District a. Nauset Region Annual Capital Allocation Professional services and costs, including procuring, engineering, permitting, repairing and maintaining buildings, grounds, and equipment within the Nauset Middle School and Nauset High School Tax Levy $279,645 Sub-Total 279,645 4 Natural Resources a. Fire Panel Replacement Costs for goods, materials, and professional services to maintain, repair, and/or upgrade the fire panel at the Natural Resources Building Re-appropriate existing articles & Free Cash $22,000 Sub-Total $22,000 5 Media Services a. Camera Upgrade (Meeting Room A) Costs for goods, materials, and professional services to maintain, repair, and/or upgrade AV systems in Town Hall Cable Fund $17,500 Sub-Total $17,500 Department Item Funding Source(s) / Appropriation or Transfer Amount 6 Water Department a. Distribution Infrastructure Costs for goods, materials, and professional services to maintain, repair, and upgrade the Town’s water distribution system Water Retained Earnings $50,000 b. Buildings & Treatment Facilities Costs for goods, materials, and professional services to maintain, repair, and/or upgrade the Water Department’s buildings and treatment facilities Water Retained Earnings $50,000 c. Master Plan Update Costs for materials and professional services to develop a master plan Water Retained Earnings $327,066 Sub-Total $427,066 7 Department of Public Works a. MS4 Stormwater Compliance Costs for goods, materials, and professional services associated with MS4 stormwater compliance Free Cash $60,000 Sub-Total $60,000 8 Facilities a. Meeting Room Divider Wall Costs for goods and materials to replace the wall divider in Town Hall meeting rooms Free Cash $40,000 Sub-Total $40,000 9 Library a. Auditorium AV Upgrade Costs for goods, materials, and professional services to maintain, repair, and/or upgrade Library AV systems Cable Fund $10,000 b. Facility Evaluation Costs for professional services for a facility conditions assessment Free Cash $30,000 Department Item Funding Source(s) / Appropriation or Transfer Amount 9 Library c. Building Safety & Security Improvements Costs for goods, materials, and professional services to complete safety and security improvements at the library Free Cash $25,000 Sub-Total $65,000 10 Recreation Department a. Guard Rail Replacement (Freemans Way Fields) Costs for good and materials to replace wood guardrails at Freemans Fields complex Free Cash $20,000 Sub-Total $20,000 11 Fire Department a. Personal Protective Equipment Costs for personal protective equipment and gear for fire, special operations, hazardous material, EMS, and rescue responses Ambulance Receipts $50,000 Sub-Total $50,000 Grand Total $1,436,211 Or to take any other action relative thereto. (Select Board) (Majority Vote Required) COMMENT 1. SELECT BOARD 1a. Integrated Water Resource Management Planning and Implementation - These funds will be used to complete a comprehensive update to the Town’s Integrated Water Resource Management Plan, which was first developed over a decade ago, including an overview of relevant state regulations; town regulations related to water quality protection; contaminant sources and their impacts on Brewster’s water quality; coastal estuary watershed management; pond watershed planning, evaluation, restoration, and management; wastewater management; drinking water protection; and stormwater management. The updated plan will identify potential funding sources and a proposed implementation schedule. Funding from this annual article will also be used to provide support and technical assistance to the Town’s Water Resource Task Force and Pleasant Bay Alliance, responding to new MA Department of Environmental Protection watershed regulations for Herring River, Bass River, and Swan Pond, and working on related water quality improvement projects. The Town secured $77,053 in state grant funding this spring for preliminary watershed planning and analysis work in these areas this year. Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 8, No 0, Abs 0 1b. Nauset Elementary School Regionalization & Efficiency Study - These funds will be used to gather and analyze data for the elementary schools in all four towns regarding operating expenses, staffing levels, student-to-teacher ratios, enrollment trends, facility utilization, physical building conditions, anticipated capital expenditures, and student transportation systems to identify potential efficiencies across the schools and help inform future decision making about opportunities to reduce elementary school capital and operating expenses while maintaining the district’s high educational standards. These funds will also help assemble and account for similar data for the middle school, which is facing comparable challenges in terms of managing operating expenses, declining enrollments, and looming capital needs to better understand the extent to which greater efficiencies could be gained across the entire district. This project seeks to broadly examine advantages and challenges to some form of consolidation and/or regionalization across our elementary schools. In coordination with the School Committees in all four towns in the district, the Towns submitted a joint application for state grant funding to advance this initiative in Winter 2024. The grant funding was not awarded based on a lack of available funds, so the towns are now seeking to secure local appropriations to undertake this study. We expect that Orleans will request $50,000 at their Town Meeting this spring and Wellfleet and Eastham will each request $25,000 to share the costs. Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 2. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 2a. Combined Technology Upgrades and Improvements – These funds will be used to continue with the K-5 technology plan for both Eddy and Stony Brook Elementary Schools, including replacing iPads, computers, network printers and laptops, switches and access points for wi-fi. Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 8, No 0, Abs 0 2b. Combined HVAC, Plumbing, Electric Maintenance & Repairs – These funds will be used to make repairs to the mechanical systems at both Elementary Schools as needed. Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 8, No 0, Abs 0 2c. Combined Painting – These funds will be used for regularly scheduled interior and exterior painting at the Stony Brook and Eddy Schools. Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 8, No 0, Abs 0 2d. Combined Security – These funds will be used to make necessary improvements to both Eddy and Stony Brook Elementary security systems that monitor who enters the buildings and classrooms to enhance school safety. Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 8, No 0, Abs 0 2e. Stony Brook Flooring Replacement – These funds will be used to replace flooring at the Stony Brook Elementary School. Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 8, No 0, Abs 0 2f. Stony Brook Hazardous Material Abatement – These funds will be used to abate hazardous material related to the flooring replacement project at the Stony Brook Elementary School. Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 8, No 0, Abs 0 2g. Combined Textbooks – These funds will be used to purchase new textbooks and related educational materials for students and teachers at the Stony Brook & Eddy Schools. Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 8, No 0, Abs 0 3. NAUSET REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 3a. Annual Capital Plan Allocation – These funds, in the amount of $279,646 for Fiscal Year 2025, are an assessment for the capital equipment and facilities budget for the Nauset High and Middle Schools. This program was originally approved by means of a Proposition 2 ½ override question in May of 2005, which included an annual 2.5% escalator. Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 8, No 0, Abs 0 4. NATURAL RESOURCES 4a. Fire Panel Replacement - These funds will be used to replace the fire alarm panel in the Natural Resources Building. It was first installed in 1985 and it is no longer able to be repaired. Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 8, No 0, Abs 0 5. MEDIA SERVICES 5a. Camera Upgrade (Meeting Room A) – These funds will be used to upgrade audio-visual systems in committee meeting rooms in Town Hall. Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 8, No 0, Abs 0 6. WATER DEPARTMENT 6a. Distribution Infrastructure - These funds will be used to pay for goods, materials, and professional services to maintain, repair, and upgrade the Town’s water distribution system. Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 8, No 0, Abs 0 6b. Buildings & Treatment Facilities - These funds will be used to pay for goods, materials, and professional services to maintain, repair, and upgrade the Water Department’s buildings and treatment facilities. Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 8, No 0, Abs 0 6c. Master Plan Update – These funds will be used to undertake the first comprehensive update evaluating all aspects of the Water Department since 2006. The study will analyze existing operations and infrastructure, and it will provide a long-term, strategic roadmap for the department. The Town has secured $150,000 in state grant funding for this project, which will be reimbursed once it is complete. Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 8, No 0, Abs 0 7. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS 7a. MS4 Stormwater Compliance - These funds will be used to pay for services for MS4 stormwater compliance including monitoring, design, permitting and construction for stormwater related projects. Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 8, No 0, Abs 0 8. FACILITIES 8a. Meeting Room Divider Wall - These funds will be used to pay for the replacement of the current folding acoustic panel (room divider) for the public meeting rooms at Town Hall. The current system is 25 years old and it’s showing significant signs of wear. Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 8, No 0, Abs 0 9. LIBRARY 9a. Auditorium AV Upgrade – These funds will upgrade the audio-visual systems in the Library Auditorium. This room is often used for community forums and programs, but it does not currently have adequate AV systems to broadcast or tape these events. Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 8, No 0, Abs 0 9b. Facility Evaluation – These funds will be used to complete a facility conditions assessment to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the Brewster Ladies’ Library’s current physical condition and existing/potential issues and recommendations for addressing and prioritizing repairs and upgrades. With the most recent library renovation occurring nearly 30 years ago and the deferred building maintenance resulting from an anticipated new renovation that is no longer viable, this building needs to be evaluated for potential future rehabilitation. This study will identify the building’s current condition in order to prioritize repairs and devise a long-term facility plan. Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 8, No 0, Abs 0 9c. Building Safety & Security Improvements – These funds will be used to install several important safety and security enhancements at the Library to improve patron and staff safety. Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 8, No 0, Abs 0 10. RECREATION 10a. Guard Rail Replacement (Freemans Way Fields) - These funds will be used to remove and replace old wood guardrails at the Freemans Way fields which are a safety hazard. Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 8, No 0, Abs 0 11. FIRE DEPARTMENT 11a. Personal Protective Equipment - These funds will be used to purchase new and/or replacement personal protective equipment and gear for fire, special operations, hazardous material, EMS, and rescue responses. These need to be replaced due to the extended age and condition of our water/ice rescue suits and recent repairs to this essential rescue equipment. Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 8, No 0, Abs 0 OVERLAY APPROPRIATION: PRESCHOOL FAMILY SUPPORT PILOT PROGRAM ARTICLE NO. 13: To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of TWO HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($250,000) from available overlay funds, for the purpose of funding pre- school educational opportunities for the 3- and 4-year-old population within the Town of Brewster, including all expenses incidental and related thereto, or to take any other action relative thereto. (Select Board) (Majority Vote Required) COMMENT Brewster is looking to establish a new preschool family support program starting in FY25. Over the past several years, all other Outer and Lower Cape towns have designed and implemented similar programs. Brewster’s program would provide up to $3,000 in funding for families with children ages 3 or 4 years old to help cover the costs of preschool services by a certified childcare provider. There are no income eligibility standards for this pilot program but the Town will collect basic demographic data from program participants. The program will be administered by a third-party provider. Funded at $250,000 this first year, up to 75 families may be eligible to receive this financial support. Based on anticipated demand, program participants will be selected through a lottery process. Funding for the first year of this program is from available overlay funds. This account is used to cover the costs of real estate tax abatements and exemptions. The current balance in this account is approximately $1M. Accordingly, the costs of this program will not impact next year’s tax rate. The Town will evaluate the need for long-term funding solutions once the pilot program has been implemented. Select Board: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0 SPECIAL REVENUE FUND: CABLE FRANCHISE FEE ACCOUNT ARTICLE NO. 14: To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($400,000) from the Cable Franchise Fee Special Revenue Fund, for the purpose of offsetting costs associated with providing local cable television related purposes, the sum of including, but not limited to the general public purpose of supporting and promoting public access to the Brewster cable television system; training in the use of local access equipment and facilities; access to community, municipal and educational meeting coverage; use and development of an institutional network and/or municipal information facilities; contracting with local cable programming services providers and/or any other appropriate cable related purposes, and including all incidental and related expenses, or to take any other action relative thereto. (Select Board) (Majority Vote Required) COMMENT Each resident’s cable bill includes a line item to provide for the costs of local cable television services. These monies are retained in a special revenue account and are used to enhance local cable programming for the Town’s public, education, and government channels. These funds will be used to continue these informational and educational services, and may include equipment purchases, contracted services, construction services, and labor expenses. Select Board: Yes 4, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0 RECREATION REVOLVING FUND ARTICLE NO. 15: To see if the Town will vote to pursuant to MGL Ch. 44 Sec. 53 E ½ and Sec 21, Revolving Funds, of the Town of Brewster’s General Bylaws, to increase the spending limits for Recreation Revolving Fund as follows, with such expenditure limits to be applicable from fiscal year to fiscal year, until such time as they may later be amended by Town Meeting, as follows: Fund Revenue Source Authority to Spend Use of Fund Fiscal Year Spending Limit Recreation Fees and Charges related to Seasonal Programs, Yoga, Youth Sports, Adult Fitness, Tennis and Special Events Department Head - Recreation Expenses shall be related to salaries and operations of providing Recreational Services and not used for any other purposes. $300,000 or to take any other action relative thereto. (Select Board) (Majority Vote Required) COMMENT The Recreation Revolving Fund provides funding collected from user fees to support Recreation Department programs. It is self-sustaining and separate from the General Fund. Per state law, the total amount expended from revolving funds each fiscal year must be capped through a Town bylaw. Annual spending from the Recreation Revolving Fund has historically been limited to $200,000. Over the past several years, the Recreation Department has expanded its program offerings, increasing both revenues and expenses related to these activities. The Town expects that trend to continue next year and beyond. Accordingly, this article seeks to increase the annual spending limit for this fund to $300,000. Select Board: Yes 4, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0 LOCAL OPTION: SENIOR TAX WORK-OFF DESIGNEE (MGL CH 59, SEC 5K) ARTICLE NO. 16: To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of the third paragraph subsection (1) of MGL Ch 59 Sec 5K, the so-called Senior Tax Work-off program, to allow the Town to designate an approved representative for persons physically unable to provide such services to the city or town. Or to take any other action relative thereto. (Select Board) (Majority Vote Required) COMMENT Brewster’s tax work-off program for seniors and veterans matches municipal volunteer opportunities in the Town with eligible senior citizens and/or veterans who are qualified and able to volunteer their services in exchange for a reduction in their real estate tax bills. Program participants work in a variety of capacities for the Town. Residents receive a $1,000 reduction in their tax bill in exchange for 67 hours of service or a $500 reduction in exchange for 33.5 hours. The Town provides up to $30,000/year for this popular program. A provision in the state law that established these programs gives towns the option to allow persons who are physically unable to directly provide these volunteer services to designate a representative to serve on their behalf. Approval of this article would allow Brewster to give senior residents this option. Select Board: Yes 4, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0 LOCAL OPTION: VETERANS TAX WORK-OFF DESIGNEE (MGL CH 59, SEC 5N) ARTICLE NO. 17: To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of the third paragraph subsection (1) of MGL Ch 59 Sec 5N, the so-called Veterans Tax Work-off program, to allow the Town to designate an approved representative for persons physically unable to provide such services to the city or town. Or to take any other action relative thereto. (Select Board) (Majority Vote Required) COMMENT Brewster’s tax work-off program for seniors and veterans matches municipal volunteer opportunities in the Town with eligible senior citizens and/or veterans who are qualified and able to volunteer their services in exchange for a reduction in their real estate tax bills. Program participants work in a variety of capacities for the Town. Residents receive a $1,000 reduction in their tax bill in exchange for 67 hours of service or a $500 reduction in exchange for 33.5 hours. The Town provides up to $30,000/year for this popular program. A provision in the state law that established these programs gives towns the option to allow persons who are physically unable to directly provide these volunteer services to designate a representative to serve on their behalf. Approval of this article would allow Brewster to give veteran residents this option. Select Board: Yes 4, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0 SEA CAMPS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: BAY PROPERTY (3057 MAIN STREET) ARTICLE NO. 18: To see if the Town will vote to accept the comprehensive plan for the Bay Property previously owned by the Cape Cod Sea Camps located at 3057 Main Street, or to take any other action relative thereto. (Select Board) (Majority Vote Required) COMMENT Select Board: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 8, No 0, Abs 0 SEA CAMPS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: POND PROPERTY (500 W.H. BESSE CARTWAY) ARTICLE NO. 19: To see if the Town will vote to accept the comprehensive plan for the Pond Property previously owned by the Cape Cod Sea Camps located at 500 W.B. Besse Cartway, or to take any other action relative thereto. (Select Board) (Majority Vote Required) COMMENT Select Board: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 8, No 0, Abs 0 TEMPORARY EASEMENTS: MILLSTONE ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT ARTICLE NO. 20: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select Board to acquire, by eminent domain, temporary rights of way, utility, drainage, access, construction, and other easements in, on, under, and across the parcels of land at or near Millstone Road for the purpose of improving Millstone Road and for any and all purposes and uses incidental or related thereto. Or to take any other action related thereto. (Select Board) (Majority Vote Required) COMMENT The Town of Brewster is undertaking a road improvement project on Millstone Road that will include the installation of sidewalks and the creation of a consistent roadway shoulder. The roadway layout of Millstone Roads consists of a variable 40- to 50-foot-wide Town owned right- of-way. The project design has been modified to ensure no permanent easements related to sidewalk construction and drainage improvements will not be required on any residential property on Millstone Road. However, limited temporary impacts will occur on residential properties while construction is ongoing. Over the past several months, the Town sent correspondence on multiple occasions to all impacted residents along Millstone Road to enter into right of entry and/or temporary easement agreements, but we only heard back from a limited number of residents. This article authorizes the Town to acquire temporary easements by eminent domain for the remaining properties in order to allow the contractor necessary access to undertake and complete the site work along the edge of the public right-of-way. The Town has developed a standard methodology to calculate financial reimbursement for this temporary access with will apply to all impacted residents. Copies of the project plans highlighting impacted properties are available at Town offices. Select Board: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 8, No 0, Abs 0 PRIVATE ROAD BETTERMENT: VESPER POND NEIGHBORHOOD ARTICLE NO. 21: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, and/or borrow a sum of money pursuant to MGL Ch. 40, Secs. 7 and 8, Chapter 297 of the Acts of 2002, Chapter 373 of the Acts of 2006, and/or any other enabling authority, said sum to be spent by the Town Manager, to finance temporary road repairs to the private ways known as Vesper Pond Drive, Mayflower Circle, Cranberry Lane, Deer Path Circle, Jam Lane, and Bay View Drive, including, without limitation, costs associated with engineering, construction, and reconstruction of said way, and costs incidental or related thereto, which costs shall be assessed by the Select Board as a betterment under MGL Ch. 80 Sec. 1 on each parcel within the area benefiting from the improvement, all in compliance Brewster General Bylaws, Article VIII, Section 157-20. Or to take any other action relative thereto. (Select Board) (Two-Thirds Vote Required) COMMENT The Town adopted a General Bylaw at the 1996 Annual Town Meeting which allows citizens to petition Town Meeting to obtain financing assistance to undertake repairs to private ways. In June 2022, the Select Board received a petition from residents for proposed road and drainage improvements in the Vesper Pond neighborhood, including Vesper Pond Drive, Mayflower Circle, Cranberry Lane, Deer Path Circle, Jam Lane, and Bay View Drive. The Planning Board approved the proposed plan in August 2022. Town Meeting in November 2022 endorsed the betterment by a 2/3 vote and authorized financing in the amount of $785,566.00. However, every construction bid subsequently received for the project exceeded the funding authorized by Town Meeting. Based upon the latest quotes, the total project cost is now estimated at $1,256,636.88, including administrative expenses. Therefore, in order for the process to proceed, Town Meeting must appropriate an additional $471,070.88. If approved, the Town, in coordination with impacted residents, will contract out for the repair work. Once completed, the abutting property owners will then be required to reimburse the Town for the full project costs, plus interest and administrative expenses, by means of betterment assessments over a period of time. There will be no tax impacts to other residents. Select Board: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 8, No 0, Abs 0 DRUMMER BOY PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT ARTICLE NO. 22: To see if Town will vote to accept the report of the Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee or to take any other action relative thereto. (Select Board) (Majority Vote Required) COMMENT Originally purchased by the Town in 1988, the first Master Plan for Drummer Boy Park was adopted by Town Meeting in 1995 and has informed the Town’s overall approach to the property since. In Summer 2020, the Town received state grant funds to develop an updated Master Plan for Drummer Boy Park. To shepherd this important work, the Select Board formed an ad hoc Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee charged with evaluating existing and potential future uses of the Drummer Boy Park property and developing an updated Master Plan to present to Town Meeting. The Committee was appointed in Fall 2020. From December 2020 through June 2021, the Committee met and developed a series of schematic concept plans that culminated in the presentation of a recommended plan to the Select Board in June 2021. The plan was presented to and unanimously adopted by Town Meeting in November 2021. Following the Town Meeting vote, the Select Board disbanded the Committee in December 2021. In March 2023, a Special Town Meeting was convened to act on three citizens petitions related to the proposed Wing Island boardwalk. Article 3 originally sought to rescind the Drummer Boy Park Master Plan vote by Town Meeting of November 2021. Ultimately, Town Meeting voted to refer the 2021 Master Plan to a newly reconstituted committee to be appointed by the Select Board in consultation with the Moderator who would then report back to Town Meeting in May 2024. Following the March Special Town Meeting, the Select Board approved an updated charge for a new ad hoc Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee to re-evaluate the 2021 Drummer Boy Park Master Plan. The Select Board directed that their report may include an updated Master Plan, but any such plan shall not incorporate or include any new means of access to Wing Island. The Committee was tasked with reviewing the overall goals and recommendations identified in the 2021 Master Plan and determining whether any changes would be appropriate. The Select Board encouraged the Committee to conduct public outreach and solicit resident feedback in developing their report for Town Meeting. Members were appointed to the new Committee in July 2023 and they held their first meeting in September 2023. Recognizing the importance of gathering the community’s preferences for determining priorities for Drummer Boy Park moving forward, the Committee designed and issued a survey in Winter 2024 to gauge visitor use patterns and the importance of potential improvements at the park. Almost 1500 residents responded to the survey. Public feedback from the survey informed the recommendations of the Committee. The Committee established the following goals regarding the selection of recommended actions and their priority:  Preserve the character of the park and retain its open setting  Maintain existing infrastructure, making improvements where they improve safety and enhance usability  Explore a range of implementation solutions where needed from conventional to low cost, emphasizing green techniques where possible  Seek alternative funding sources and implement improvements in phases within the context of other town projects The Committee ultimately agreed on the following recommendations for Drummer Boy Park: Parking  Preserve formal and informal parking as it is – maintain the status quo but continue to monitor impacts on the park  Consider adding limited traffic calming measures Stormwater  Maximize low-impact, cost-effective solutions to improving drainage, including addition of rain gardens and/or vegetated swales where possible and appropriate  Communicate educational value of stormwater management techniques Accessibility  Add several accessible benches to the existing paved loop trail to make it more user friendly  Replace the existing sign on RT. 6A with a sign that is consistent with other recent Town signs Amenities  Continue to selectively prune and/or remove invasive species, especially to maintain marsh vista  Improve the playground to make it safe and accessible to all, shifting the new structures away from wetlands and/or to a slightly higher elevation  Repurpose the existing building to a shade pavilion or build new open-air structure (re- using existing concrete slab) and provide several new accessible picnic tables for use there  Maintain the bandstand/gazebo as needed and add a new small storage shed for the Brewster Band  Extend portable toilet availability to year-round  Install a water station and additional bike racks In response to public input, the Committee is expressly not recommending the addition of any new paved walking trails or parking areas. In the Committee’s view, their remaining recommendations represent the minimum investments in the park to ensure it can continue to serve as a community treasure and destination for residents and visitors. A copy of the Committee’s full report can be found in Appendix B of the warrant. Select Board: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 CITIZENS PETITION: SHORT-TERM RENTAL REGISTRATION GENERAL BYLAW ARTICLE NO. 23: To see if the Town will vote to create a registration system for short-term rentals by adopting a new General Bylaw entitled “Chapter 180 – Short-Term Rental Registration,” as printed below, or take any other action relative thereto. CHAPTER 180 SHORT-TERM RENTAL REGISTRATION § 180-1 Purpose A. To create a registration system for short-term rentals in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of both the occupant(s) of those rental housing units and the general public, and to maintain the quality of life in residential neighborhoods in the Town. B. The bylaw seeks to provide for orderly operation of short-term rentals within the Town and prevent any negative impacts on neighborhood character, housing availability, house prices, availability of long-term rental units, and impacts on infrastructure systems such as sewer/water, parking, access, fire codes, and building code enforcement. C. The bylaw also seeks to provide a method for correcting violations when conditions warrant and to help enforce local and state laws, codes, and regulations. D. The bylaw seeks to create a registration system for short-term rentals so that accurate data about how many short-term rentals are operating within the Town may be gathered, as well as to ensure public health and safety. This would also provide data to the town on who operates short-term rentals within the town. E. Registrations would be subject to an annual fee that would cover costs of enforcement. Fines collected would be designated for use for enforcement costs in subsequent years. Registration fees would be set by the enforcing authority at a level sufficient to cover associated costs of enforcement and registration. § 180-2 Definitions. A. As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: “Corporation” is defined as any business or charitable entity that is required to file Articles of Incorporation and Annual Reports with the Massachusetts Secretary of State or an equivalent agency of another state, pursuant to G.L. c. 156D, § 2 or G.L. c. 180, § 4, respectively. “Dwelling” is defined by the Town of Brewster as a building containing three or more dwelling units. This definition includes “Dwelling, One Family Detached” and “Dwelling, One Family Security” (defined below). DWELLING, ONE FAMILY DETACHED: A single, separate dwelling unit, designed for occupancy by one family. [Added 5-7-2012 ATM, Art. 23] DWELLING, ONE FAMILY SECURITY: One family dwelling unit for owner occupancy or for occupancy by personnel hired by the owner for the protection of property and safe operation of a permitted use. [Added 5-7-2012 ATM, Art. 23] DWELLING UNIT: One or more living and sleeping rooms providing complete living facilities for the use of one or more individuals constituting a single housekeeping unit, with permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation. “Fit for winter habitation” refers to a dwelling unit that is suitable for habitation in the winter in so much as that it has a heating system and proper insulation. “Full-Time Resident” is defined as a person who either lives in Brewster for the entire tax year or who maintains a permanent place of abode in Brewster that they spend at least 183 days per year in, as attested by where the domicile of the responsible party is given according to tax records in the state of Massachusetts. From mass.gov, “Your domicile, or legal residence, is your true home or main residence. You may have multiple residences at one time, but only 1 domicile. You can't choose to make your home one place for general living purposes and in another for tax purposes. Your legal residence is usually where you maintain your most important family, social, economic, political, and religious ties, and it depends on all the facts and circumstances per case, including good faith.” “Occupancy” is defined as the use or possession, or the right to the use or possession, of a room in a bed and breakfast establishment, hotel, lodging house or motel designed and normally used for sleeping and living purposes for a period of not more than 90 consecutive calendar days, regardless of whether such use and possession is as a lessee, tenant, guest or licensee, or the use or possession or the right to the use or possession of a room in a short term rental normally used for sleeping and living purposes for a period of not more than 31 consecutive calendar days, regardless of whether such use and possession is as a lessee, tenant, guest or licensee; provided, however, that “occupancy” shall include the right to the use or possession of the furnishings or the services and accommodations, including breakfast in a bed and breakfast establishment, accompanying the use and possession of such a room. § 1. Definitions, MA ST 64G § 1 “Occupant” is defined as a person who uses, possesses or has a right to use or possess a room in a bed and breakfast establishment, hotel, lodging house, short-term rental, or motel for rent under a lease, concession, permit, right of access, license or agreement. “Operator” is defined as a person operating a bed and breakfast establishment, hotel, lodging house, short-term rental, or motel in the Commonwealth including, but not limited to, the owner or proprietor of such premises, the lessee, sublessee, mortgagee in possession, licensee or any other person otherwise operating such bed and breakfast establishment, hotel, lodging house, short-term rental, or motel. “Operator’s Agent” is defined as a person who on behalf of an operator of a bed and breakfast establishment, hotel, motel, short-term rental, or lodging house: (i) manages the operation or upkeep of a property offered for rent; or (ii) books reservations at a property offered for rent; provided, however, that an “operator’s agent” shall include, but not be limited to, a property manager, property management company or real estate agent. “Owner” is defined as the duly authorized agent, attorney, purchaser, devisee, trustee, lessor or any person having vested or equitable interest in the use, structure, or lot in question. “Permanent Place of Abode” is defined as a dwelling place that someone, not necessarily the owner, continually maintains. This includes a place owned or leased by a spouse. This does not include a camp, military barracks and housing, dormitory room, hospital room or room in any other similar temporary institutional setting; a university owned studio apartment available only to a university affiliated student, faculty and staff; a dwelling place completely lacking both kitchen and bathing facilities, or a dwelling place that is not prepared for winter; a hotel or motel room (but facts and situational circumstances will be taken into account before deciding); dwelling place owned by someone who, during the term of a lease, leases it either to others not related to the owner or their spouse by blood or marriage, for at least 1 year, or where the individual has no right to occupy any portion of the premises and who does not use such premises as his or her mailing address during the term of the lease; dwelling place that is maintained only during a temporary stay in Massachusetts for accomplishing a particular documented purpose. A temporary stay is defined as a predetermined period of time not to exceed 1 year. "Person" is defined as an individual, partnership, trust or association, with or without transferable shares, joint-stock company, corporation, society, club, organization, institution, estate, receiver, trustee, assignee or referee and any other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, whether appointed by a court or otherwise, or any combination of individuals acting as a unit. “Property Owner” is defined as any person who alone, or severally with others, has legal or equitable title or a beneficial interest in any dwelling unit; a mortgagee in possession; or agent, trustee, or other person appointed by the courts. “Short-Term Rental” is defined as an owner-occupied, tenant-occupied, or non-owner occupied property including, but not limited to, an apartment, house, cottage, condominium, or a furnished accommodation (such as a bedroom within a residential dwelling) that is not a hotel, motel, lodging house or bed and breakfast establishment, where: (i) at least 1 room or unit is rented (for a fee) to an occupant or sub-occupant for a period of not more than 31 consecutive calendar days; and (ii) all accommodations are reserved in advance; provided, however, that a private owner-occupied property shall be considered a single unit if leased or rented as such. Excludes hotels licensed under M.G.L. Chapter 140, section 6; motels licensed under M.G.L. Chapter 140, section 32B; lodging establishments licensed under M.G.L. Chapter 140, section 23. “Unfit for winter habitation” refers to a dwelling unit that is not suitable for habitation during the winter, in that the dwelling lacks a heating system and/or lacks proper insulation. § 180-3 Registration Requirements. A. Any property owner seeking to offer a short-term rental needs to register annually with the town of Brewster for a fee set by the enforcing authority. The fees collected are solely to pay for costs associated with enforcement, such as compliance software and any positions that need to be hired. All properties that are registered would need to be in compliance with local and state ordinances, zoning bylaws, and the State Sanitary Code. B. The registrants need to apply prior to Feb. 28 of each year, with the rental period running from Mar. 1 to Feb. 28 of the following year. Registrations are subject to annual renewal and fees. Registrations cannot be transferred to any other person, legal entity, or address. The registration shall be terminated upon sale or transfer of the property for which the registration has been issued. Properties purchased after Feb. 28 will not be able to obtain a short-term rental certificate for the current registration year; owners will be able to obtain short-term rental certificates for the following registration year. C. Each registrant is required to submit a sworn affidavit of compliance with their registration. The enforcing authority reserves the right to conduct inspections of properties to ensure compliance, including, but not limited to, when complaints have been made. D. All short-term rentals are required to include the town-issued registration certificate number on their listings. E. Contact information for the owner of a short-term rental shall be provided to the town with a current address and phone number, as well as an attestation that all persons’ and entities with an ownership interest in the unit have been notified that a certificate of registration has been applied for. If the owner is a corporation (includes LLCs), the name, address, and phone number of the president and legal representative of the corporation shall be provided. If the owner is a realty trust or partnership, the name, address, and phone numbers of the managing trustee or partner shall be provided. F. The name and contact information of the operator, and the operator’s agent if different from the operator, must be provided to ensure that the person can respond to any emergencies that arise during occupancy within 2 hours of contact by the Town’s Health Division or Police or Fire Department to complaints regarding the condition or operation of the property. Contact information must include a phone number that is available 24/7 to occupants and the above-stated public safety agencies and the information shall be posted conspicuously in the unit. G. Operators will be responsible for trash removal after conclusion of an occupancy or once per week, whichever is more frequent. H. The maximum number of occupants in a short-term rental shall be 2 per bedroom, plus 2 additional occupants. I. Parking on-site shall be provided and must not impede traffic or traffic safety. J. Rental Certificates may be suspended or revoked for violations of the bylaw, State Sanitary Code, or any other applicable General Law, regulation, or bylaw intended to protect public health, safety, and/or the environment. Additional conditions may be imposed on the Rental Certificate in lieu of suspension or revocation. § 180-4 [Reserved]. § 180-5 Violations; Enforcement. A. Violators will be subject to fines of $200 per day, with each day of the violation constituting a separate offense. Any short-term rental found to be operating without a rental certificate will be subject to these fines. Violations of this regulation will be subject to the Regulation of the Town of Brewster regarding non-criminal disposition, according to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 21D, and the town of Brewster’s bylaw concerning non-criminal disposition, where applicable. B. The enforcing and regulatory authority for the registration program is to be the Brewster Health Department. § 180-6 Effective Date. A. This bylaw shall take effect on January 1, 2025. (Citizens Petition) (Majority Vote Required) COMMENT Creating a registration system for short-term rentals would ensure that there is a way to collect data about short-term rentals, which is beneficial when assessing the housing needs of the community. A registration system also provides a way to track short-term rentals and ensure compliance with local rules and regulations by providing guidelines that short-term rentals need to comply with in order to keep their certificate. The fee for the registration system would be set by the enforcing authority (the Board of Health) to an amount reasonable to cover associated expenses. Of the 15 towns on the Cape, only 3 have no registration system in place – Brewster, Wellfleet, and Sandwich. 80% of the towns on the Cape have some sort of registration system in place; it is time Brewster adopted one as well. Brewster should not be lagging behind our neighbors; registration systems allow towns to obtain accurate figures on the number of short-term rentals within the town, as well as accurate information about who owns and operates short- term rentals, and having a registration system in place provides a means for towns to enforce local rules and regulations. Language in the bylaw states that property owners are required to submit a sworn affidavit of compliance with their registrations. This language is included so that not every property that is registered needs to be inspected, and instead be inspected on a case-by-case basis, such as when it is suspected that a property is not in compliance. Currently, Brewster has nearly 1,100 short-term rentals (according to the Mass Public Registry of Lodging Operators) that are registered in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, although the number likely exceeds that figure, as not all short-term rentals are officially registered. Given the current housing crisis, Brewster should be proactive in taking steps to collect data about housing usage in the town to better inform public policy decisions, as well as making sure short- term rentals are in compliance with local rules and regulations. Having a registration system is a way to effectively track short-term rentals and make sure that they are operating in a way that minimizes impact to the town. Brewster also passed an ADU bylaw at Fall Town Meeting where it was specified that ADUs would need to be long-term properties. Without a registration system, there is no oversight to make sure the ADUs that are created will not be converted to STRs. This registration system provides a means of monitoring short-term rentals and a means to address violations, such as properties operating as STRs without registering. Select Board: Yes 1, No 3, Abs 1 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 8, Abs 0 CITIZENS PETITION: SHORT-TERM RENTAL RESTRICTIONS GENERAL BYLAW ARTICLE NO. 24: To see if the Town will vote to limit the number of short-term rentals that a property owner can operate within the town of Brewster to one per property owner unless the property owner is a full-time resident of the town of Brewster, in which event they may then operate two properties as short-term rentals, and to amend Section 180-4 of the Town’s General Bylaws accordingly by deleting the strikethrough language, and inserting the bold and underlined language, or take any other action relative thereto. CHAPTER 180 SHORT-TERM RENTAL REGISTRATION § 180-4 [Reserved] Limitations; Maximum Number of Short-Term Rentals. A. A property owner can operate within the town of Brewster one Short-Term Rental per property owner unless the property owner is a full-time resident of the town of Brewster, in which event they may then operate two properties as short-term rentals. B. In the event that an owner has properties unfit for winter habitation in excess of the short-term rental limits (1 per non-resident, 2 per Brewster resident), an exception may be granted by the enforcing authority (Brewster Health Department) so that those properties may be registered as short-term rentals in excess of the limit, if certain criteria are met. (1) To qualify for an exception to the limit, a property owner must only operate registered short-term rentals in properties that are unfit for winter habitation; no exception will be granted if a property owner has a registered short-term rental in a property that is fit for winter habitation. All short-term rentals must be registered in accordance with the bylaw. (2) An owner may only exceed the limit if all their registered short-term rental properties are properties that are unfit for winter habitation. If an owner has a registered short-term rental that is fit for winter habitation, they will not be eligible for an exception to the limit, even if their other registered properties are unfit for winter habitation (3) If an exception is granted, it can be revoked if the owner attempts to register a property fit for winter habitation as a short-term rental. The exception may be revoked at the discretion of the enforcing authority if the property owner violates any part of the registration bylaw. If an exception is granted, all properties unfit for winter habitation will still need to be registered as short-term rentals and will be subject to registration fees and all other parts of the registration bylaw. C. Short-term rentals are prohibited in dwelling units owned by a corporation. Short-term rentals are permitted in dwelling units owned by an LLC, Trust, or S-Corp only when every shareholder, partner, or member of the legal entity is a natural person, as established by documentation provided by the applicant at time of registration. If any shareholder, partner, or member of the legal entity already has registered short- term rentals under their own name, those will count toward the limit for the legal entity they are trying to register with. (Citizens Petition) (Majority Vote Required) COMMENT The proposed restriction bylaw is an addendum to the registration bylaw. Passing the registration bylaw does not automatically pass the restriction bylaw. The restriction bylaw seeks to limit the number of properties an owner can operate to one per owner, unless the owner is full-time Brewster resident, in which event they may operate two short-term rentals. The goal is not to stop short-term rentals, as that is unrealistic. The goal is to preserve the ability of owners to continue with short-term rentals on a small-scale, while stopping large investment groups, LLCs, corporations, and other big owners, from operating on a large-scale in Brewster. An exception (to be made at the discretion of the enforcing authority) has been included to address properties that are unfit for winter habitation. If an owner ONLY has STRs in properties that are “unfit for winter habitation”, the enforcing authority may allow the owner to register STRs beyond the limit (1 for non-residents, 2 for residents). However, if an owner wishes to operate an STR in a property that is “fit for winter habitation”, no exemption will be granted. All properties would still need to be registered with the town and would be subject to all rules and regulations. There is also language (taken from the Provincetown ban on corporate operation of STRs) to prevent owners from forming LLCs to skirt the restrictions. In analyzing the assessor’s data from Brewster for FY 2022, it appears there would be 100 or fewer owners who would be impacted by the proposed bylaw, while most short-term rental operators would be able to continue their small-time operations. The intent of the restrictions is to create more year-round housing (either as rentals or as properties for sale). Having more available properties would lower rents (or home prices), which would be beneficial to the area as a whole. Workers could stay in the towns they work in, spending their money on local goods and services, while employers would be able to stabilize wages without worrying about employee retention. This is a cost-effective way to potentially create more housing opportunities, as building more units is not only costly, but the projects themselves also take a long time to build (and are taxing to the water table). The homes already exist, and some were once used for year-round housing. This is a way to increase year-round housing without a large capital expenditure. Select Board: Yes 0, No 4, Abs 1 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 8, Abs 0 You are hereby directed to serve this Warrant with your doings thereon to the Town Clerk at the time and place of said meeting as aforesaid. Given under our hand and Seal of the Town of Brewster affixed this __th day of April 2024. ___________________________________ Edward B. Chatelain, Chair ___________________________________ Mary W. Chaffee, Vice-Chair ___________________________________ Kari Sue Hoffmann, Clerk ___________________________________ Cynthia A. Bingham ___________________________________ David C. Whitney I, Roland W. Bassett Jr, duly qualified Constable for the Town of Brewster, hereby certify that I served the Warrant for the Town Meeting of May 11, 2024 by posting attested copies thereof, in the following locations in the Town on the xx day of April, 2024. Brewster Town Offices Café Alfresco Brewster Ladies Library Brewster Pizza House The Brewster General Store Millstone Liquors U. S. Post Office _________________________________ Roland W. Bassett, Jr. Constable Finance Committee Minutes March 20, 2024 Page 1 of 7 TOWN OF BREWSTER FINANCE COMMITTEE Date: March 20, 2024 Time: 6:00 PM MEETING MINUTES Present: Chair Pete Dahl, Clerk Bill Meehan, Vice Chair Frank Bridges, Andy Evans, William Henchy, Alex Hopper, Robert Tobias, Bob Young (attending remotely) Also present: Peter Lombardi, Town Manager; Donna Kalinick, Assistant Town Manager; Mimi Bernardo, Finance Director; Brooke Clenchy, Superintendent Nauset Public Schools; Katie Jacobus, Chair Brewster Elementary School Committee; Giovanna Venditti, Director of Finance & Operations Nauset Public Schools; Chris Easily, Chair Nauset Regional School Committee; Tom Fitzgibbons, Nauset Regional School Committee; Dick Stewart, Nauset Regional School Committee; Arlynn Consiglio, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent Nauset Public Schools (attending remotely) Absent: Patrick Buckley The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:04 pm, announced a quorum, and read the participation statement. 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. Additionally, the meeting may be viewed by: Live broadcast (Brewster Government TV Channel 18), Livestream (livestream.brerwster-ma.gov), or Video recording (tv.brewster-ma.gov). 1.Public Announcements and Comment- none 2.Town Manager/Finance Director Report- none 3.Town Meeting Warrant Articles – Discussion and Vote a.Article 4 – Brewster Elementary School Dept – FY25 Budget b.Brewster Elementary School Dept – Operating Override c.Nauset Regional Schools Assessment Formula d.Nauset Regional School Dept – FY25 Budget e.Nauset Regional School Dept – Operational Override a.Brewster Elementary School Dept – FY25 Budget Approved: VOTE: Finance Committee Minutes March 20, 2024 Page 2 of 7 Katie Jacobus and Brooke Clenchy addressed the Committee: Pete wanted to say something before everyone got started – it is very difficult to give an opinion, to review with so little time to review a final budget. March 19th is unacceptable and indicates disrespect for the other committees, Town Meeting members, etc. who rely on these hearings to inform their votes. He would like to ask for a commitment to provide a formal budget draft by Jan 30th in 2025. That is a reasonable commitment. The law provides for a draft budget that is voted on by the school committee, it doesn’t have to be final, but piece by piece is too difficult to really give an informed opinion and put it all together. He is very concerned about override after override year after year. There are things we can look out over 3 years and come up with an amount we think we can live with over those 3 years. It is a prescription for failure if we don’t look ahead and continue to ask for overrides. Brooke Clenchy said we always have a draft budget by January 30th. So, what you are asking for is not outlandish, but just know that it is the first draft. It gives you an idea of what we are hoping to get to but we know those aren’t the numbers we are going to land at. Katie Jacobus added that this year, in mid- February, we went to the Select Board with this draft, and it makes sense to have the Finance Committee involved. It is very hard for unanticipated changes. Pete said we want the residents to make good and informed decisions. Katie Jacobus – We spoke about the World Language Program, it was taken out of the program and resulted in a huge response from parents to get it put back in. They were very specific with research- based comments about how effective language skills, memory skills, listening skills are with this education. Many kids get real benefits of confidence and self-esteem. The program was very important to families as well as to the education. Academic excellence was an important piece of the process. We also looked at the building use and acting as de facto community centers. They are booked until 8:30 or 9pm nightly. We also looked at non taxpayer funded programming. Special Ed requirements are very high right now. We have had 3 integrated preschool programs, and next year we will have a 4th classroom. This is state mandated, we had to have a substantially separate classroom required. Brewster kids make up 52% of all the elementary schools. Brooke Clenchy said she wanted to quickly go through the elementary component and then go into the regional component thereafter. They are expecting Chair Easley as well, as he is finishing up a meeting and heading over thereafter. She went through a slide presentation for the committee going through the budget process – individually, they start to work on the budget in March-May of the previous year. We try to aim for the 75-82% number for personnel. She said our School Principals work so hard to get these numbers to come down as much as possible. This was not a level services budget; we had already made some cuts before we brought the final budget forward to our school committee. We are seeing a lot of this due to post covid, when we looked at the needs, we knew we had to add a new classroom – a substantially separate pre-K classroom. That is one of the reasons that number is sitting as high as this is. The health benefits came in at 8% - we were expecting 8-10%. Alex asked about the substantially separate classroom and the state mandates. Brooke Clenchy answered – sometimes there are children that come in, there are so many levels and layers of education, depending on the levels. Sometimes, we are able to deal with special needs at a tier 3 level, but if not, they have to look at a district placement outside the school. Sometimes, children will have some trouble and can’t function in with other children in a regular classroom, and we have to pull them into more of a Finance Committee Minutes March 20, 2024 Page 3 of 7 one-on-one situation. This is the first time we are doing this at this grade level. There are certain boxes that need to be checked – an IEP is developed, and a team is brought in. This team is involved in this decision and falls under the state guidelines for compliance. Bill Henchy asked if they were able to break out net of special ed increases. Frank said if you pull special ed out, the budget is up 4.6%. He followed up with questions regarding personnel numbers. Brooke Clenchy said that reflects a decrease in personnel. Katie Jacobus answered – for the Eddy School, our budget represents one less ed assistant; we will be using .2 of a Science Teacher who is retiring and will not be replaced. The Eddy School also had 3 interventionists – tier one, everyone gets the same teaching; kids that need more, get pulled out and get more attention. Eddy has 3 interventionists; they are pre- referral for special ed. There will be a .5 cut there. Bill Henchy said enrollment is declining, maybe there isn’t adjustment for that outlook. Andy asked if they were looking ahead and forecasting. Brooke Clenchy said you just never know what students will walk in the door. When we have a cluster of 4-5 of similar or like levels of disability or levels of involvement, we have set up two separate programs – one in Brewster and one in Eastham. We are staffing them with specifically trained personnel. You really want to keep your babies in the district as much as possible. We work hard to keep them in the district. We are looking ahead; we are looking ahead to see what else we can do within the district. Bob Young said it goes without saying that we all support providing the future generation with a quality education, but fiscal discipline has to have a place in these discussions as well. The budget these last three years has seen nothing but accelerating increases, including this year’s 12.3%. He is looking at K-5 expenses, there’s concern for what is going on with the budget – if we look at the graphs, since FY2019, the Brewster Schools’ budget has increased 29% while enrollment has fallen by 11% (51 kids.) Brewster will experience significant declines in the population of school age children. The Administration and School Committee need to start making some hard choices rather than simply coming to the taxpayers to fund ever increasing budgets. We are up to spending over $31,000/child from $21,000/child in 2019. Last year, when we were together, the budget included hiring a new 5th grade teacher and wanted to keep a 4th kindergarten section just in case enrollment rose from the current level at that time. At that time, the Finance Committee asked – Why wouldn’t it make more sense to move resources around from kindergarten to 5th instead of hiring a new teacher? And the Administration defended its decision and went ahead with their plan. So, we moved to this year and the enrollment data moved to 59 from 63, so honestly, I thought the budget would go down from saving kindergarten sections. That didn’t occur. We can’t continue this pattern; it has to stop. Bill Meehan said he understands and appreciates the obligation we have to educate all our young people. He feels that the state is not helping enough at all with any percentages that they are willing to contribute to any special needs student in or out of the district. It represents a substantial burden on the taxpayers of the district. He hopes someone in the legislature will see this and make some changes. This is unfair. Pete said one of the things the numbers don’t do is pull the transportation out of it. We always have to take that into consideration because we are a real transportation intensive district. We run a really nice school system with nice outcomes. Other towns have similar outcomes and spend less money. He knows there are things outside of their control, and that they are trying hard. He really dislikes having conversations about special ed. Finance Committee Minutes March 20, 2024 Page 4 of 7 Peter Lombardi said the Chapter 70 funding goes to the town for a general fund funding source for Brewster Elementary. It has gone up $26,000 from this year to next year. It does not help us with our budget balancing. It is a contract year, and it is important to acknowledge there is just under $400K in the Eddy and Stony Brook budgets reserved for negotiations recognizing we are still working through that process which is about $1.1M before Health Insurance. The $400K of that is for those COL adjustments and wage considerations. He emailed the committee earlier in the day and based on where the region is coming in at, and where we are on the town side, we talked about the fact we could afford a 3% increase for the region and the elementary schools. As we worked through the budget process, ultimately could support a 4.5% increase. The region is coming in just above 4.5%, and we will figure out a way to keep them whole without an override. But for the elementary schools, they will require an override of $758,000 which is an amount over 4.5% for their budget. Last year, the override was $316,000 for comparison purposes. Bill Henchy said it is great you came within 100th of a percent, but that number because of the size of your budget represents a real disproportionate impact on the amount of levy ability the town has to fund everything else – including the regional budget. He is concerned that eventually there will be an override defeat. Pete said the whole funding system through the state is broken. He agrees with what Bill Henchy said and feels that each time their taxes go up, they will reach a point where their taxes have increased significantly over a few years, there is tax bill shock. Those people living on fixed incomes, those taxes hurt them. When someone has to make a decision on heating their home or paying their tax bill, there should be a concern. Bill Henchy said for people with mortgages, it adds to the cost of housing which greatly contributes to declining enrollments. Katie Jacobus said she takes all of that very seriously. We recognize it is a lot of money. We think it is responsible for foundational learning in these early years, so we aren’t paying more in their later years. b.Brewster Elementary School Dept – Operating Override - defer c.Nauset Regional Schools Assessment Formula Brooke Clenchy went over some more slides with broad overviews of the assessment and budgets for the region. The enrollment projections are something we always look at, and when we see through natural attrition, we will lose a position, we do our best to do that. Sometimes we can do that at the Middle School as well. Donna Kalinick said a lot of these slides are not in the packet. Peter Lombardi said there is an update that we did not receive, and I think would be helpful. Brooke Clenchy asked for Arlynn Consiglio to send out the new deck immediately. Frank asked if Choice revenues would go up with the high school being complete. Brooke Clenchy and Tom Fitzgibbons both said they believed it would. Tom Fitzgibbons said we should get some indication this fall with 60% of the school back online – the gym, cafeteria, science building, auditorium, and the arts building. We’ll have two new classrooms and should move along quickly. He again invited the committee to go on a tour to see its progress. Frank wanted to know if increasing Choice was a good thing. Brooke Clenchy said you can never count on Choice as a stream of revenue. As soon as you go to that place, you put yourself, as a district, in a bad spot. Frank doesn’t think she is in cinque with the rest of the school committee. Frank said he thinks they’ve done an exceptional job of delivering an operating school budget this year but thinks this course cannot be continued. We have a declining population. At Finance Committee Minutes March 20, 2024 Page 5 of 7 some point in time, you have to figure out how to deliver that programming so the population of taxpayers can afford it. We are going in a direction that is unsustainable. He will be very happy when there is no Choice in this high school, and happy when another grade comes into the high school – maybe 8th grade. Brooke Clenchy said duly noted. She also wanted to add a fun fact that they do have a club of wannabe engineers that is working diligently with our project. They meet regularly and follow the growth of this project in real time. It is a great opportunity we seized. Tom Fitzgibbons said the reality is that we subsidize the charter school which comes in well over $1M. We are taking right off the top of our funds available out of that percentage we are given, to fund the charter schools and keep them operational. He said Bill alluded to the costs and their costs have gone up - $25K/year for Light House and $30K/year for Sturgess. Bob Young asked what it will take for the school administration and school committee to recognize and act on the structural issue that they face on student enrollment that has and will continue to decline. This is an expense issue, not a revenue issue. Since 2019, enrollment has declined by 17%, 266 kids. Budget increases have accelerated in each of the last 3 years. The Nauset budget is up 26%. Operating expense/enrolled student is up 52% since 2019 from $21K to well over $32K/student. The issue is a structural one, the administration and the school committee response has been to let taxpayers continue to pay ever-rising costs as they seemingly ignore the elephant in the room. This is simply unsustainable. The issue has to be faced. Brooke Clenchy asked about the elephant in the room. Bob Young answered the divergence of absolute declines in enrollment that are substantial and the absolute increases in the budget on a percentage and dollar basis. It’s not sustainable. That is the elephant. Peter Lombardi asked about Circuit Breaker- down $350K from this year to next. We hear a lot about increases in special ed needs and is curious why the budget anticipates that much decline in circuit breaker revenues as a funding source. Giovanna Venditti said that is based upon the students we currently have. So, there have been changes in students daily. What she has calculated is based on the student list she has now in various programming and earmarking some funds for transportation. Peter Lombardi asked if these numbers are coming back down to 2019 numbers. Giovanna Venditti answered it all depends on students and the level of services we provide. It changes. We can only project on what we know now based on the students we have currently. Peter Lombardi went on to ask about revenue forecasts from Ptown and Truro – do we expect less and less students from these towns? Giovanna Venditti answered that for FY25 there is a reduction estimate of 13.5 students which has an impact on our revenue sources. Peter Lombardi asked if they were looking out ahead so they are able to plan for that in the future. He continued in his questions looking at estimated receipts going to revenues that are increasing by more than $900K. It is his understanding that that helps offset the loss of E&D as a funding source which is down this year – and helped to bring the budget in at 5.3%. Expenses are up 7.7%. The reason you are able to come in at 5.3% is that line item/funding source. His understanding is that is from investment returns from funding that has been invested from the high school project. That high school debt is going to be issued long-term next year, and that may be a funding source this year which helps the bottom-line E&D, but next year, that is going to drop off and then we are in a position where we will have a structural deficit. Using one time money that will not be there in future years, and we are going to be in a position where you won’t have $1.2M of investment income. Tom Fitzgibbons answered that he isn’t sure that will affect next year – we can probably replenish E&D with some of those funds to its cap of 5%. Then what is over on that, as with all E&D monies, we have to return to towns. Peter Lombardi said that’s correct, but you aren’t going to be able to backfill $900K of E&D. Tom Fitzgibbons said we will Finance Committee Minutes March 20, 2024 Page 6 of 7 probably be investing another $40M for at least another year. We haven’t fully funded the budget yet and haven’t drained the funds yet that we borrowed on the bands - $90M. Peter Lombardi said he is going to assume they worked with Bond Counsel regarding the use of Town debt excluded funds to balance your operating budget. Tom Fitzgibbons answered yes, we have. Peter Lombardi worries about the impacts in the short term once we get beyond FY25. The committee continued to ask questions around investment income budgeting. Bob Young is completely confused. The district borrowed money; the district pays a tax advantaged rate on the money. Is this the district investing it in some form of highly secured/highly credit worthy investment that yields something greater than we are either accruing or paying in interest. Otherwise, how are we making money on money we borrowed? And if we are making money on money we borrowed, why don’t we do that all day? Something doesn’t make sense. Pete said this is more, you borrow money and set it aside and you are waiting to pay contractors, etc., and in the meantime, it is invested. That doesn’t take away from the issue that he thinks this money has to be applied to the project through Commonwealth Regulations. Chris Easley said there are parameters, but E&D isn’t into the budget, it is used to offset the expense of the budget. Bill Henchy requested a copy of the opinion of Bond Counsel on the use of these funds. Brooke Clenchy said we will make sure we will follow up on questions regarding investment income, E&D monies, and structural deficit immediately. Robert asked about money from MSBA – Tom Fitzgibbons answered, they are behind, but yes, we have submitted 16 change orders, and they are now at like number 5. Robert said he thinks they have given us like $10M we are earning money on that we aren’t paying interest on. Reserve for Negotiation – we did receive a reconciliation for the account of about $1.2M all schools combined; he would like to see that again when the time is done because the excess could go into E&D. He said it is true it is part of their budget, and they can spend it as they see fit. He heard we could use more custodial for the high school to keep it as nice as it should be. He asked about the decision process about custodial should there be funding. Brooke Clenchy said that is putting the cart before the horse right now. She wants to see if what we have put aside is the right amount before we go down that road. Robert said for forecasting FY26, while FY25 is fresh, this is a good time to work on a forecast. Tom Fitzgibbons answered we are waiting on the union to see what numbers they come out with because that will be out for 3 years of wages, etc. Robert asked about shelving certain programs in the high school. Is there a plan to consider reviewing those programs. Brooke Clenchy said that happens ongoing throughout the year. d.Nauset Regional School Dept – FY25 Budget - defer e.Nauset Regional School Dept – Operational Override - defer 4.Town Meeting Articles Discussion – Citizens Petitions- defer 5.Nauset Regional School District Agreement – Update and Discussion Chris Easley said we have a draft of an updated agreement to be finalized by the subcommittee and then it will go to the School Committee for approval. At that time, it will be shared out to the towns asking for amendments and revisions and then a meeting will be scheduled with the School Committee and legal Finance Committee Minutes March 20, 2024 Page 7 of 7 counsel to discuss any additional revisions and proposed amendments. Then to determine what is the best method for moving forward. This is an agreement that is collaborative and needs to be a work through all four member towns. Once budget season is done, we will begin the next steps of this process. Pete said this was a good process that they are following – aiming for collaboration and input that will be considered even if not all things will be approved. 6.Liaison Reports- none 7. Approval of Minutes- 3/6/24- defer 8. Request for agenda items for future meetings – please email Pete 9. Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair- none 10. Future Finance Committee Meetings – every Wednesday until Town Meeting 11. Adjournment Bill Henchy MOVED to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 PM. Alex Hopper second. Roll Call Vote: Bill Meehan – yes, Bill Henchy – yes, Andy Evans – yes, Alex Hopper – yes, Robert Tobias – yes, Bob Young – yes, Chair Dahl– yes. The Committee voted: 7-yes 0-no Vice Chair Frank Bridges left the meeting before the vote was taken. Respectfully submitted, Beth Devine Packet of supporting materials on website for public review.