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HomeMy Public PortalAbout070615agendapacketBREWSTER POLICE DEPARTMENT Chief Richard J. Koch, Jr. 631 Harwich Road Brewster, Massachusetts 02631 Phone 508-896-7011 www.brewsterpolice.org Fax 508-896-4513 June 8, 2015 Brewster Board of Selectmen 2198 Main Street Brewster, MA 02631 RE: Fiscal Year 2015 Review of Chief of Police Dear Members of the Board of Selectmen, As the Brewster Board of Selectmen performs its annual review of the performance of the Chief of Police, I would suggest that the Chief must not be evaluated in a vacuum but as the leader of a team. The last 12 months have been challenging for anyone in the policing profession, including the members of the Brewster Police Department. The national stage has been one of a display of a variety of videos showing what appears to be “cops gone wild”. The unrest that these few incidents have caused has resulted in a wave of mistrust of police and a demand for changes. We didn’t sit still while this was going on. We reached out to the Barnstable Human Rights Commission to seek officer training on racial justice and white privilege. Two training sessions led by Tia Cross of Cross Cultural Communications were held for our officers. These sessions represented a first for law enforcement personnel on Cape Cod and produced a healthy discussion of race, class and “walking in the shoes of others”. Our region, like many others, continues to witness the growth of the opiate crisis. We sent an officer to a “train the trainer” class on the application of the opiod antagonist Narcan which enabled the issuance of that substance for carry by our patrol officers and detectives. Narcan has been used by our officers on several occasions to prevent a fatal overdose. We are preparing for an assessment by the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission in the Fall of 2015. The department was first awarded Certification status in 2006 and subsequently successfully reassessed in 2009 and 2012. Each award is for a 3 year period. We continue to prepare a succession plan for retirements that are anticipated within the next few years. Prospective candidates were tested and interviewed to create a ranking for future hiring for any vacancies. A promotional exam was held to determine prospective candidates for the position of Sergeant. Various training opportunities have been provided to prepare staff for leadership roles within the department. Last winter’s snow storms challenged all Town Departments, including the Police Department. We assisted with the coordination of snow plowing and prioritization of the same during the worst storms. Brewster officers visit the Stony Brook and Eddy Elementary Schools on a daily basis to provide a higher level of security and assist with security questions. “In Partnership With Our Community” Brewster Board of Selectmen June 8, 2015 Page 2 The function and reliability of the HVAC system at the police facility continues to be improved by a new mechanical contractor who has proven to be knowledgeable and dependable. A plan to balance the hot water system and also the air distribution system has been developed. The following list describes additional projects in which the Police Department is involved: • Solving Parking Problems at the beaches by working with the Board of Selectmen to create legal and formal parking regulations • Working with the Brewster Ladies Library and Brewster Baptist Church for a parking solution which has resulted in the Brewster Baptist Church agreeing to share a lot with the Town to create a driveway; reconfiguration of that existing lot and remedy flooding • Safety improvements to roads and bike crossings on Underpass Road, Snow Road and Route 6A repaving • Education of visiting workers about bike laws and distribution of helmets and lights • With field work by patrol officers • Improving security in all Town buildings with Town Offices, COA and DPW now being upgraded The Brewster Police Department takes pride in “Community Policing”. We listen, we watch, we serve, we protect and we prepare. We are determined to maintain the level of trust we have earned and enjoy with the citizens of Brewster. Most of this report uses the pronoun “we”. The Brewster Police Department is truly a team. I have the privilege of leading a group of dedicated professionals who are committed to excellence in policing. We have had a solid year. The state of the Brewster Police Department remains strong, motivated and prepared. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Chief of Police. Respectfully submitted, Richard J. Koch, Jr. Chief of Police RJK/jfd “In Partnership With Our Community” To: Board of Selectmen From: Charles L. Sumner, Town Administrator Subject: 2015 Fall Yearly Town Meeting Date: June 25, 2015 I have developed a planning schedule for the Town’s 2015 Fall Town Meeting, as currently defined in the Town Code. Date: Process: 1. Monday, August 31, 2015 Administrative deadline for the submission of warrant articles 2. Monday, September 7, 2015 Present 1st draft of the Town Meeting warrant to the Board of Selectmen & Finance Committee 3. Tuesday, September 8, 2015 Send draft warrant to Town Counsel for legal review 4. Friday, October 2, 2015 Incorporate Town Counsel’s legal opinion into the warrant 5. Monday, October 19, 2015 Board of Selectmen complete voting on recommendations, close & sign Town Meeting warrant 6. Tuesday, October 26, 2015 Public Posting of the Town Meeting Warrant 7. Wednesday, October 21, 2015 Finance Committee complete voting on Town Meeting warrant articles 8. Thursday, October 22, 2015 Send warrant to the printer for distribution in the Cape Codder 9. Friday, October 30, 2015 Town Meeting warrant issued in the Cape Codder 10. Monday, November 16, 2015 Fall Yearly Town Meeting Board of Selectman Town Administrator 2198 Main Street Brewster, Massachusetts 02631-1898 (508) 896-3701 FAX (508) 896-8089 In addition, I have developed an alternative schedule that would allow for the inclusion of a fall 2015 Special Town Election for the Fire Station construction project, should the Board of Selectmen decide to move in that direction. Date: Process: 1. Monday, August 17, 2015 Administrative deadline for the submission of warrant articles 2. Monday, August 24, 2015 Present 1st draft of the Town Meeting warrant to the Board of Selectmen & Finance Committee 3. Tuesday, August 25, 2015 Send draft warrant to Town Counsel for legal review 4. Friday, September 18, 2015 Incorporate Town Counsel’s legal opinion into the warrant 5. Monday, October 5, 2015 a. Board of Selectmen complete voting on recommendations, close & sign Town Meeting warrant b. Board of Selectmen complete voting on recommendations, close & sign the Special Town Election Ballot c. Board of Selectmen vote to add a Proposition 21/2 Debt Exclusion Ballot question 6. Monday, October 12, 2015 Public Posting of the Town Meeting Warrant 7. Wednesday, October 7, 2015 Finance Committee complete voting on Town Meeting warrant articles 8. Thursday, October 8, 2015 Send warrant to the printer for distribution in the Cape Codder 9. Friday, October 16, 2015 Town Meeting warrant issued in the Cape Codder 10. Monday, November 2, 2015 Fall Yearly Town Meeting 11. Tuesday, November 3, 2015 Post the Special Election Warrant 12. Tuesday, November 10, 2015 Fall Special Election To: Board of Selectmen From: Charles L. Sumner, Town Administrator Subject: FY2015 Annual Review Date: June 18, 2015 The purpose of this letter is to provide a brief summary of significant activities and projects that I performed or participated in during the past fiscal year: A. Fire Station Design & Construction Project – I had originally worked with the Building Needs & Assessment to update the feasibility study, which resulted in a recommendation to pursue the construction of a new Fire Station. We then completed the conceptual design process with CDR Maguire. This was approved at the 2014 Annual Town Meeting, and unfortunately failed to obtain voter approval at the 2014 Annual Town Election. During the summer of 2015 I worked closely with Robert Miller and Ralph Ingegneri to develop an alternative that allowed for the retention of the existing Fire Station for use by the Natural Resources Department. A new Fire Station would then be constructed to the north of the lot. In addition we made some concessions in the original building plan to reduce the facility size in order to reduce overall project costs. Based upon a decision by the Board of Selectmen it was decided to undertake an update of the feasibility study to include the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee and the larger community in a series of Saturday morning workshops throughout the winter of 2015. This process was well attended by a variety of officials and citizens. The end result of this process was that the construction of a new Fire facility was by far a more cost effective solution to the long-term needs of the Fire Department. The retention of the existing facility for nature resources and some other departmental needs was also included in this proposal. We received voter approval at the 2015 Annual Town Meeting to advance this solution. Additional site and design work will continue during the summer of 2015. B. Eddy Elementary School Roof & HVAC Project –Last year I worked closely with the Building & Needs Assessment Committee to issue Requests for Proposals (RFP) for architectural and owner project manager services for the replacement of a new roof and HVAC equipment for the Eddy Elementary School. We completed the feasibility study; developed plans and specifications and issued a bid prior to the 2014 Annual Town Meeting. Funding was provided via an Override of Proposition 2 ½ in May of 2014, and a contract was awarded for this important project. A contract was awarded to Varieka Construction Company, and worked commenced after the close of academic school year. I worked in cooperation with Robert Miller under a demanding schedule and was able to largely complete this project prior to the opening of school in the fall of 2014. C. Stony Brook Elementary School Window Project – In cooperation with Robert Miller I completed phase 2 of a window replacement program at the Stony Brook elementary School. Three years ago we were informed that a number of windows largely in the 1989 section of the building had failed and were leaking. We developed a phased plan to address this problem in a relatively tight timeframe. During this last process we uncovered addition window problems in the original section of the school. We developed an action plan and bid which was approved at the 2015 Special Town Meeting. D. Pavement Management Plan – I worked with the DPW Superintendent, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Town Planner and our consultant to create a pavement management plan for our roadway inventory. This project resulted in the recognition that we were not providing adequate funding to properly maintain our roadway infrastructure. Ben deRuyter, Lisa Souve and Lisa Vitale worked with our banking consultants to evaluate a responsible long-term financing solution. We presented this proposal to the Finance Committee, who proposed a different funding approach that was ultimately adopted by the Board of Selectmen. This process resulted in the Board of Selectmen placing a $10 million Proposition 2 ½ Debt Exclusion on the 2015 Annual Town Meeting warrant and Election Ballot, which did receive voter support. We are currently working on plans which will allow for the reconstruction of Underpass and Snow Road. In addition we will present the Board of Selectmen with an expanded plan within a few weeks to repair a series of other roads throughout the community in the summer and fall of 2015. E. FY2016 Budgetary Process – Developed a capital plan, town meeting warrant, financial plan and budget, in cooperation with Lisa Souve, our Finance Director that largely met the Board of Selectmen’s guidelines and goals. F. Collective Bargaining Negotiations – Along with Pat Hughes, Ben deRuyter, Chief Koch and Chief Moran I participated in the collective bargaining negotiations with four unions, those being the Office & Professional Employees International Union, Service Employees International Union, Brewster Police Union and the International Association of Firefighters. In addition we also held a series of conversations with those employees associated with our Personnel Bylaw, which is largely our department heads and exempt employees. We did reach an agreement with all these parties and presented a settlement agreement to the 2015 Annual Town Meeting. The IAFF did not ratify their agreement and we are continuing to work to resolve a few matters. Comments: In addition, I participate on a number of regional projects that have benefit to the Town of Brewster; such as the Tri-Town Septage Treatment Plant Board of Managers, the Open Cape Board of Directors, the Cape Cod Mosquito Control District Commission, Barnstable County Smarter Cape Advisory Board and the Barnstable County Sherriff’s Regional Communications Study Committee. REORGANIZATION BOARD OF SELECTMEN & LIAISON ASSIGNMENTS FY2015 FY2016 Chairman, Board of Selectmen J. Foley B. deRuyter Vice-Chairman, Board of Selectmen B. deRuyter P. Hughes Clerk, Board of Selectmen P. Hughes P. Norton Chairman, Appointments Committee P. Hughes P. Hughes Chairman, Department of Public Works J. Foley Chairman, Personnel Board B. deRuyter Vice Chairman, Personnel Board P. Hughes All Access Citizens Committee J. Dickson Agricultural Committee J. Foley Barnstable County Energy Committee J. Dickson Bikeways Committee J. Foley Board of Health B. deRuyter Board of Managers Septage Plant C. Sumner C. Sumner Brewster Housing Authority B. deRuyter Brewster Housing Partnership P. Hughes Building and Needs Assessment Committee B. deRuyter Cable Television Advisory Committee J. Foley Cape Cod Water Protection Collaborative P. Hughes Capital Planning Committee J. Dickson Chamber of Commerce/Board of Trade Liaison J. Foley Reorganization BOS Page 1 of 3 FY2015 FY2016 Community Preservation Committee P. Hughes Comprehensive Water Planning P. Hughes Conservation Commission P. Norton Council on Aging B. deRuyter County and State Government (includes County Expend) B. deRuyter Crosby Property Committee J. Foley Dog Park Development Committee B. deRuyter Drummer Boy Park Access Committee J. Dickson Energy Committee J. Dickson Finance Committee B. deRuyter Fire Department J. Foley Golf Commission P. Norton Historic District Committee P. Norton Human Services J. Dickson Ladies Library P. Norton Open Space Committee P. Norton Pathways Committee J. Dickson Pleasant Bay Alliance J. Dickson Planning Board P. Hughes Police Department P. Norton Recreation Commission J. Dickson Recycling Commission J. Foley Reorganization BOS Page 2 of 3 FY2015 FY2016 Regional Transit Authority, County R. Jones R. Jones School Committees Nauset Regional School Committee P. Norton Elementary Schools Committee/C. C. Tech P. Norton Water Commission B. deRuyter Water Quality Review Committee P. Hughes Union Negotiating Team B. deRuyter P. Hughes Zoning Board of Appeals P. Hughes Reorganization BOS Page 3 of 3 TOWN OF BREWSTER Statement of Ethics of the Board of Selectmen Adopted July 2011 Reaffirmed: July 9, 2012 July 8, 2013 June 23, 2014 1. A member of the Board of Selectmen, in relation to his or her community should: a. Realize that his or her basic function is to make policy, with administration delegated to the Town Administrator. b. Realize that in creating and enforcing town policy, the Board of Selectmen may direct the Town Administrator in setting priorities that affect policy, but that the day-to-day operations of the town are left to appropriate department heads. c. Realize that he or she is one of a team and should abide by, and carry out, all Board decisions once they are made. d. Be well informed concerning the duties of a Board member on both local and state levels. e. Remember that he or she represents the entire community at all times. f. Realize that service on the Board is service to the community and not service for personal or political benefit. g. Abide by the ethics guidelines established by the State. 2. A member of the Board of Selectmen, in his or her relations with the Town Administrator, should: a. Endeavor to establish sound, clearly defined policies that will direct and support the administration of or the benefit of the staff and residents of the community. b. Recognize and support the administrative chain of command and refer complaints to appropriate members of the administration. c. Give the Town Administrator full responsibility for discharging his or her duties. d. Refrain from instructing Town department heads; instead all such activities should be handled through proper administrative channels through the full Board and the Town Administrator. 3. A member of the Board of Selectmen, in his or her relations with fellow Board members, should: a. Recognize that action at official legal meetings is binding and that he or she alone cannot bind the Board outside of such meetings. b. Refrain from making statements or promises regarding the outcome of matters that will come before the Board until after having a full and fair opportunity to weigh the merits of an issue during a Board meeting. Town of Brewster OFFICE OF: BOARD OF SELECTMEN 2198 MAIN STREET BREWSTER, MASSACHUSETTS 02631-1898 TOWN ADMINISTRATOR (508) 896-3701 FAX (508) 896-8089 c. Uphold the intent of executive session and respect the privileged communication that exists in executive session. e. Be respectful of other Board members and their opinions. 4. A member of the Board of Selectmen, in his or her relations with Town staff, should: a. Treat all staff as professionals, with clear, honest communication that respects the abilities, experience, and dignity of each individual. b. Limit contact to specific Town staff. Questions of Town staff and/or requests for additional background information should be directed only to the Town Administrator, Town Counsel, Assistant Town Administrator, Administrative Assistant to the Board of Selectmen or Department heads. The office of the Town Administrator should be copied on all requests or correspondence. c. Never publicly criticize an individual employee. Concerns about staff performance should only be made to the Town Administrator through private conversation. d. Limit requests for staff support, and ensure that all requests go through the Town Administrator’s office. e. Ensure that any materials or information provided to a Selectmen from a staff member be made available to all Selectmen. d. Refrain from communicating the position of the Board of Selectmen to reporters or state officials without prior board approval. TOWN OF BREWSTER Statement of Values of the Board of Selectmen Adopted July 2011 Reaffirmed: July 9, 2012 July 8, 2013 June 23, 2014 Protect and Enhance the Financial Health of the Town of Brewster Protect and Enhance the Educational Excellence offered by the Town of Brewster Protect and Enhance the Historic Nature of the Town of Brewster Protect and Enhance the Professionalism of the Town’s Staff Boards and Committees Protect the Environmental Quality of the Town of Brewster Enhance Relationships and Communications Emphasize Long-Term, Strategic Planning Protect and Enhance a Climate of Acceptance and Tolerance within the Community of Brewster Protect and Enhance Housing Opportunities for the Residents of Brewster Town of Brewster OFFICE OF: BOARD OF SELECTMEN 2198 MAIN STREET BREWSTER, MASSACHUSETTS 02631-1898 TOWN ADMINISTRATOR (508) 896-3701 FAX (508) 896-8089 Board of Selectmen Appointments July 6, 2015 John Halverson as Chairman to the Historic District Committee for a term of one year, expiring June 30, 2016 Tom Turcketta as an Alternate to the Historic District Committee for a term of one year, expiring June 30, 2016 BREWSTER BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING OF JULY 6, 2015 ACTION ITEMS 1. Cape View LIP Regulatory Agreement – This document has been reviewed by Town Counsel and, while we recognize it assigns the Town several new responsibilities, Counsel encourages the Board to sign it, with the intent that Community Preservation Funds will be sought to contract with a professional affordable housing compliance monitor to assist the Town with the compliance requirements related to of our increasing Subsidized Housing Inventory. ADMINISTRATIVE RECOMMENDATION We recommend the Board vote to authorize the Chairman to sign and forward these documents to DHCD for final execution. 2. Request for Waiver of Parking Permit Fees – Mass Audubon (a private non-profit environmental organization in good standing) is using seasonal employees to conduct its Piping Plover monitoring program. Their seasonal staff members had been using their individual cars at Crosby Beach to conduct their census and survey work, but after June 15th they have been issued parking citations for lack of a parking permit. Steve O’Grady, one of Audubon’s seasonal staff members, has asked if the Selectmen would waive the fee for him to obtain daily parking permits for his individual vehicle for the days when he will needs a permit to collect data. He would present his Mass Audubon ID and his personal auto registration for each of the days that he would need to purchase a permit. Alternatively, he would like to know if the Board would consider waiving the permit requirement for clearly marked Mass Audubon vehicles. ADMINISTRATIVE RECOMMENDATION We recommend the Board vote to waive the daily sticker fee for Mass Audubon employees conducting the Piping Plover monitoring. 3. Request waiver of Fee – The Living Hope Family Church would once again like to use Drummer Boy Park for their annual church picnic on Sunday, July 12, 2015. They are requesting a waiver of the $400.00 fee. There will be no cooking at the park; it will be strictly carry-in/carry-out. The members will be carpooling in vans, etc to cut down on the number of vehicles. The Church is not asking for exclusive use of the park and members would like to stay to attend the band concert. The Church is a non-profit. ADMINISTRATIVE RECOMMENDATION We recommend the Board vote to approve this request. 4. Accept Gift – Amy Booth, the daughter of long time employee, Charlie Booth, would like to donate a bench to the Captains Golf Course in his memory. The bench will meet the criteria set by the Golf Commission. ADMINISTRATIVE RECOMMENDATION We recommend the Board vote to accept the gift. July 6, 2015 Action Items Page 1 of 1