HomeMy Public PortalAboutMay2017STMATM
Town of Brewster
SPECIAL & ANNUAL
TOWN MEETING
WARRANT
for use at
TOWN MEETING
on
MAY 1, 2017
At
7:00 PM
Please bring this copy of the warrant to Town Meeting
Large print copies of the warrant are available at the Brewster Town Offices
Edit date March 17, 2017
TOWN OF BREWSTER
SPECIAL & ANNUAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT
MAY 1, 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A INDEX 2
B CONSENT CALENDAR
C ANECDOTES FROM THE ARCHIVES
D FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
E TAX RATE INFORMATION
F CAPITAL PROJECTS REPORT
G 2017 SPECIAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT
ARTICLES
ARTICLE DESCRIPTION SPONSOR PAGE
1 Unpaid Bills Board of Selectmen
2 Budgetary Transfers Board of Selectmen
3 Lease of Town Land Board of Selectmen
4 Special Legislation Rooms Occupancy Tax Board of Selectmen
5 Community Preservation Act/Reallocation
of Funds
Community
Preservation
Committee
6 Town Code Amendment/Revolving Funds Board of Selectmen
7 Regional School Feasibility Study Regional School
Committee
8 Other Business Board of Selectmen
H 2017 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
1 Cape Cod Technical School Operating
Budget
Cape Cod Technical
School Committee
2 Elementary Schools Operating Budget Elementary School
Committee
3 Town Operating Budget Board of Selectmen
4 Ambulance Reserve Fund Board of Selectmen
5 Golf Department Reserve Fund Board of Selectmen
6 Water Department Reserve Fund Board of Selectmen
7 Nauset Regional Schools Operating Budget Nauset Regional School
Committee
8 Assessment Formula for Nauset Regional
Schools
Nauset Regional School
Committee
9 Community Preservation Act Funding Community
Preservation
Committee
10 Capital and Special Projects Expenditures Board of Selectmen
11 Special Revenue Fund for Crosby Mansion Board of Selectmen
12 Special Revenue Fund for Cable Franchise Board of Selectmen
13 Skipping Program Board of Selectmen
14 Acceptance of Grants and Gifts Board of Selectmen
15 Repair & Resurface Town Roads/Chapter 90
Program Board of Selectmen
16 Police Union Collective Bargaining
Agreement Board of Selectmen
17 SEIU Collective Bargaining Agreement Board of Selectmen
18 OPEIU Collective Bargaining Agreement Board of Selectmen
19 IAFF Collective Bargaining Agreement Board of Selectmen
20 Non-Union Personnel Wage Funding Board of Selectmen
21 Ladies Library Collective Bargaining
Agreement Board of Selectmen
22 Tri Town Septic Treatment Facility Board of Selectmen
23 Town Code Amendment/Municipal Finance
Director
Board of Selectmen
24 Zoning Bylaw Amendment/Recreational
Marijuana Establishments Board of Selectmen
25 Town Code Amendment/Swimming Pool
Fences Board of Selectmen
26 Town Code Amendment/Streetlighting
Committee Board of Selectmen
27 Town Code Amendment/Date Processing
Committee Board of Selectmen
28 Town Code Amendment/Licenses and
Permits Board of Selectmen
29 License Fees and Service Charge Board of Selectmen
30 Other Post Employment Benefits Board of Selectmen
31 Special Stabilization Fund/Capital Board of Selectmen
32 Public Safety Injury Leave Indemnity Fund Board of Selectmen
33 Betterment Reserve Board of Selectmen
34 Five Year Lease Authorization Board of Selectmen
35 Stabilization Fund Board of Selectmen
36 Citizens Petition/Federal Immigration Laws Citizen
37 Lease of Land/Solar Canopies Board of Selectmen
38 Circuit Breaker Fund/Elementary Schools Board of Selectmen
39 Circuit Breaker Fund/Nauset Regional
Schools
Board of Selectmen
40 Citizens Petition/Resolution to Address
Climate Change Citizens Petition
Other Business Board of Selectmen
D TOWN MODERATOR’S RULES
E GLOSSARY OF FINANCIAL TERMS
CONSENT CALENDAR
In the interest of expediting Town Meeting and saving valuable time for discussion of key issues, the
1994 Fall Yearly Town Meeting created the "Consent Calendar" in order to speed the passage of
articles which appear to raise no controversy. The purpose of the Consent Calendar is to allow the
motions under these articles to be acted upon as one unit and to be passed by a unanimous vote
without debate.
THE CONSENT CALENDAR WILL BE TAKEN UP AS THE FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS AT THE ANNUAL
TOWN MEETING ON MAY 1, 2017.
If you have any questions about these articles, motions or the procedure please feel free to call
Michael E. Embury, Town Administrator, at 508-896-3701 before Town Meeting.
At the call of the Consent Calendar, the Moderator will call out the numbers of the articles, one by
one. If any voter has doubt about passing any motion, or wishes an explanation of any subject on
the Consent Calendar, THE VOTER SHOULD STAND AND SAY THE WORD "HOLD" IN A LOUD,
CLEAR, VOICE WHEN THE NUMBER IS CALLED. The Moderator will then inquire as to whether the
request to hold is for a question or for debate. If the purpose of the request was merely to ask a
question, an attempt to obtain a satisfactory answer will be made, and if that occurs, the article will
remain on the Consent Calendar absent a further request to hold. If the purpose of the request was
to hold the article for debate, the article will be removed from the Consent Calendar and restored
to its original place in the warrant, to be brought up, and debated and voted on in the usual manner.
No voter should hesitate to exercise the right to remove matters from the Consent Calendar. It is
the view of the voters as to the need for debate that is significant, not that of the Town Officials who
put together the Consent Calendar. However, it is hoped that voters will remove articles from the
Consent Calendar only in cases of genuine concern.
After calling of the individual items in the Consent Calendar, the Moderator will ask that all items
remaining be passed as a unit by a unanimous vote.
Please review the list of articles and motions proposed for the Consent Calendar which follows.
Complete reports can be found under each article printed in this warrant. Please review them
carefully.
PROPOSED CONSENT CALENDAR WARRANT ARTICLES
TOWN OF BREWSTER SPECIAL TOWN MEETING MAY 1, 2017
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 at the
Cafeteria at Stony Brook Elementary School, 384 Underpass Road, on Monday, May 1, 2017,
next, at 7:05 p.m. o’clock in the evening, then and there to act upon the following articles:
UNPAID BILLS
ARTICLE NO. 1: To see what sums the Town will vote to appropriate, and also to raise, borrow
pursuant to an applicable statute or transfer from available funds for the payment, pursuant to
Chapter 44 Section 64 of the Massachusetts General Laws, of unpaid bills from previous fiscal
years, including any bills now on overdraft; or to take any other action related thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Nine-tenth Vote Required)
Motion: Move that One Hundred Thirty Five Dollars ($135.00) be appropriated from Historic
Preservation Professional Services of the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) Fund to
pay the CPC unpaid bills from prior fiscal years; and Two Thousand Two Hundred Nineteen
Dollars and Twenty Seven Cents ($2,219.27) be transferred from Free Cash to pay the General
Fund unpaid bills from prior fiscal years:
Department Vendor Amount
a. Community Preservation Committee Eric Dray Consulting $135
Subtotal Community Preservation $135
b. Town Administrator Cape & Vineyard
Electric Cooperative
$2,219.27
Subtotal General Fund $2,219.27
Total All Funds $2,354.27
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.
a. Eric Day Consulting – This bill is for consulting services for CPC was in December of 2016 and
included work conducted in June of 2016, a prior fiscal year.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
b. Cape & Vineyard Electric Cooperative – There are four unpaid bills for administration charges
related to solar panels throughout the Town from February 2016 to June 2016.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, 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 2017 General Fund operating budget from other line items of said budget and from
other available funds; or to take any other action related thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move that the amounts listed below be transferred between the various Fiscal Year
2017 funds, accounts, and expenditures as follows:
FROM TO AMOUNT
a Ambulance Receipts Reserved for
Appropriation
Fire/Rescue Wages $70,000
b Water Receipts Reserved for
Appropriation
Water Department
Expenses
TBD
c General Fund Free Cash Town Administrator Wages $13,540
d General Fund Free Cash Building Maintenance
Expense
$3,000
e General Fund Free Cash Assessor Wages $10,945
f General Fund Free Cash Natural Resources Wages $4,000
g Police Wages Police Expenses $10,000
h General Fund Free Cash Capital Projects Fund $363,000
COMMENT
This article would authorize the transfer of surplus funds from certain departments’ budgets
and/or accounts and Free Cash for Fiscal Year 2017 to other accounts which are experiencing
unanticipated shortfalls and/or require additional funding for new programs and initiatives. The
following is a brief review of these requests:
a. This sum is required to provide funds to pay for unforeseen costs to cover existing career
firefighter positions left vacant due to long term job related injuries. The funds may also act
as a placeholder in the event the Fire Department is faced with unanticipated overtime
expenses.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
b. This sum is required to fund -
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
c. This sum is required to cover the payout to the Assistant Town Administrator, who left the
position, in accordance with the Town’s personnel bylaw.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
d. The Town upgraded two pieces of multi-function office equipment (copier, scanner, fax,
printer) that have the ability to copy, print and scan in color. These upgrades will allow the
Town to continue towards archiving documents electronically, including maps and plans. This
request to transfer from Free Cash to Building Maintenance Expense will cover these costs.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
e. This sum is required to cover the retirement payout to the Department Assistant in the
Assessor’s Office in accordance with the Town’s personnel bylaw.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
f. This sum is required to fund the pay adjustment for an existing position that was at the low
end of the market rate.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
g. This sum would pay for unexpected building repairs that were not able to be funded out of
the current expense budget.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
h. This transfer request would allow the Town to pay off previously authorized debt on a
variety of capital projects, these items can be funded by Free Cash rather than borrow the
amounts. The debt authorization will be rescinded in the Fall Special Town Meeting.
1. Integrated Water Resources Management Planning – The May 2016 Annual Town
Meeting authorized the Town to borrow $75,000 to fund four projects: Consodine Ditch water
quality issues, implementation planning for Mill Ponds and/or Schoolhouse Pond and Pleasant
Bay regional nitrogen management planning.
2. Library Parking Lot – The September 2015 Special Town Meeting authorized the Town
to borrow funds to improve the parking lot …$6,000
3. DPW HD Compactors, Closed Top Cans & Roll Off Container Truck – The May 2016
Special Town Meeting authorized the Town to borrow $282,000 to purchase equipment to
allow the DPW to continue to transport waste to the Yarmouth Waste Transfer Station.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
LEASE OF TOWN PROPERTY/Cell Antenna
ARTICLE NO. 3: To see if the Town will vote
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion:
COMMENT
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
SPECIAL LEGISLATION/Rooms Occupancy Tax
ARTICLE NO. 4: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to petition the
General Court for special Home Rule legislation, as follows:
“Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the Town of Brewster may
impose a room occupancy tax, in addition to any such occupancy tax currently allowed
by law, on any vacation or leisure accommodation including, but not limited to
apartments, single or multi-family housing, cottages, condominiums and time share
units, as well as any other vacation or leisure accommodation not expressly taxed
pursuant to the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 64G, at the rate of 6% of the total
amount of the rate for each such occupancy. Vacation or leisure accommodation is
further defined to include only paid occupancy for a period of ninety consecutive days
or less, regardless of whether such use and possession is as a lessee, tenant, guest or
licensee, but excludes those accommodations specifically exempted from General Laws,
Chapter 64G, in Section 2 of that chapter.”
and to state that the legislature may vary the form of the enactment in order to properly
achieve its objectives, or to take any other action relative thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move to adopt as printed in the warrant.
COMMENT
The Town currently receives a six (6%) percent rooms’ tax on vacation rentals from bed and
breakfast, motel and hotel businesses with more than four units, which results in approximately
$1,000,000 in annualized revenues for Brewster. This article is seeking permission to file for
special legislation to expand the rooms’ occupancy excise tax to previously untaxed rentals of
homes, condominiums, apartments, timeshare units and cottages, rented for periods of less
than 90 days
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 7, Abs 0
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT/Reallocation of Fund Balance and Budgetary Transfers
ARTICLE NO. 5: To see what sums the Town will vote to transfer into various line items of the
Fiscal Year 2017 General Fund operating budget from other line items of said budget and from
other available funds; or to take any other action related thereto.
(Community Preservation Committee) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move that the amounts listed below be transferred between the various funds,
accounts, and expenditures as follows:
Item # From: To: Amount
1 Reserve Fund Balance –
Open Space
Reserve Fund Balance
Community Preservation
$300,000
2 Reserve Fund Balance –
Housing
Reserve Fund Balance
Community Preservation
$60,000
3 Reserve Fund Balance –
Historical
Reserve Fund Balance
Community Preservation
$60,000
4 Reserve Fund Balance –
Open Space
Community Preservation
2017 Operating Budget –
Debt Service
$313,453
5 Reserve Fund Balance –
Housing
Community Preservation
2017 Operating Budget –
Professional Services Part
Time Housing Coordinator
$5,400
Total $738,853
Further, to sunset professional services authorization(s) at the close of the fiscal year and
transfer any unused balance to their respective fund balance(s);
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 50%
Open Space, 10% Housing, and 10% Historical Preservation and 30% for Community
Preservation Reserve.
COMMENT
In May of 2005, Brewster 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. Every year the Town estimates the amount of the 3%
surcharge that will be collected and estimates the amount of matching funds that will be
received from the state. Brewster established, through a local bylaw, a distribution schedule for
the CPA funds according to the following: 50% of the funds for open space, 10% for community
housing, 10% for historic preservation, and 30% balance is available for housing, historic
preservation and/or active recreation projects or programs otherwise known as the Community
Preservation Reserve.
Item #1, 2, and 3: In November of 2015, the Community Preservation Undesignated Fund
Balance was transferred to Open Space, Historical, and Housing Reserve Fund Balance(s). Since
special town meeting, a reconciliation of the Community Preservation Account identified an
appropriation from the Special Town Meeting of November 2013 was closed out at the end of
the fiscal year (June 30, 2016) to undesignated fund balance instead of to the Reserve for
Community Preservation. The budgetary transfer reallocates the funds to the appropriate
reserve account.
Item # 4: In the Spring Annual Town Meeting, Community Preservation related debt service
was voted from an expense perspective, however didn’t provide the funding source. The
budgetary transfer aligns the funding with the expenditure.
Item # 5: The project request is to hire a part-time Housing Coordinator (approximately 15
hours per week). The position is necessary to provide programmatic and administrative support
to the Town, CPC, the Local Housing Partnership and members of the public with the myriad of
issues and organizations related to affordable housing and to help the Town work toward the
goal of having at least 10% of its year-round housing stock be designated as affordable.
Fiscal Year 2018 funds are requested in the Annual Town Meeting warrant.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0
TOWN CODE AMENDMENT/Revolving Funds
ARTICLE NO. 6: To see if the Town will vote to amend the general by-laws by adding a new
section to establish and authorize revolving funds for use by certain Town Departments,
Boards, Committees, agencies or officers under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44,
Section 53E1/2, or take any other action relative thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move to amend Chapter 21 of the Town Code by adding Article 3, Section 5,
Departmental Revolving Fund, as follows:
Departmental Revolving Funds
Purpose. This by-law establishes and authorizes revolving funds for use by Town Departments,
Boards, Committees, Agencies or Officers in connection with the operation of programs or
activities that generate fees, charges or other receipts to support all or some of the expenses of
those programs or activities. These revolving funds are established under and governed by
General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53E1/2.
Expenditure Limitations. A Department or Agency head, Board, Committee or Officer may incur
liabilities against and spend monies from a revolving fund established and authorized by this
by-law without appropriation subject to the following limitations:
A. Fringe benefits of full-time employees whose salaries or wages are paid from the fund,
except for those employed as school bus drivers.
B. No liability shall be incurred in excess of the available balance of the fund.
C. The total amount spent during a fiscal year shall not exceed the amount authorized by
Town Meeting on or before July 1 of that fiscal year, or any increased amount of that
authorization that is later approved during that fiscal year by the Selectboard and
Finance Committee.
Interest. Interest earned on monies credited to a revolving fund established by this by-law shall
be credited to the general fund.
Revolving Fund Department,
Board,
Committee,
Agency, or
Officer
Authorized
to Spend
from Fund
Fees,
charges
or Other
Receipts
Credited
to Fund
Program
or Activity
Expenses
Payable
from Fund
Restrictions or
Conditions on
Expenses
Payable from
Fund
Other
Requirements/
Reports
Fiscal Years
Crosby Mansion Crosby
Mansion
Property
Manager
Fees
received
for
property
and
cottage
rentals;
tours;
and
events.
Pay for
Salaries,
Benefits,
Operating
Expenses,
and
Contracted
Services
Expenses shall
be related to
salaries and
operations of
the Crosby
Mansion and not
used for any
other purposes.
Provide a
Quarterly
Status Report
of Revenue,
Expenditures,
and overall
operations to
the Town
Administrator
Fiscal Year
2017 and
subsequent
years
Recreation Department
Head -
Recreation
Fees and
Charges
related to
Seasonal
Program,
Yoga,
Pay for
Salaries,
Benefits,
Operating
Expenses,
and
Expenses shall
be related to
salaries and
operations of
providing
Recreational
Provide a
Quarterly
Status Report
of Revenue,
Expenditures,
and overall
Fiscal Year
2017 and
subsequent
years
Youth
Sports,
Adult
Fitness,
Breakfast
with
Santa,
Tennis &
Special
Events
Contracted
Services
Services and not
used for any
other purposes.
operations to
the Town
Administrator
Telecommunications Department
Head –
Information
Technology
Fees and
charges
related to
cell
towers
Pay for
Operating
Expense
and
Contracted
Services
Expenses shall
be related to
operating,
maintaining, and
improvement
telecommunicati
ons in town
departments.
Provide a
Quarterly
Status Report
of Revenue,
Expenditures,
and overall
operations to
the Town
Administrator
Fiscal Year
2017 and
subsequent
years
COMMENT
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0
NAUSET REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL FEASIBILITY STUDY
ARTICLE NO. 7: To see if the Town will vote to appropriate, and also to raise, borrow pursuant
to any applicable statute or transfer from available funds, an amount of money to be spent by
the Nauset Regional School Superintendent with approval of the Nauset Regional School
Committee, to pay professional costs associated with conducting a Feasibility Study for the
Nauset Regional High School, located at 100 Cable Road, Eastham Massachusetts, including all
costs incidental and related thereto; for which feasibility study the District may be eligible for a
grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority; further that the MSBA’s grant program
is non-entitlement, discretionary program based upon need, as determined by the MSBA, and
any costs the District incurs in connection with the feasibility study in excess of any grant
approved by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the District; and
provided that said borrowing shall be contingent on the passage of a Proposition 2 ½ debt
exclusion vote; and to take any other action related thereto.
(Regional School Committee) (Two Thirds Vote Required)
Motion: Move that the town hereby approves Five Hundred Ninety Three Thousand Eight
Hundred Fourteen Dollars ($593,814) borrowing authorized by the Nauset Regional School
District, for the purpose of paying costs to conduct a feasibility study, for the Nauset High
School, located at 100 Cable Road, Eastham Massachusetts, including all costs incidental and
related thereto; for which feasibility study, and for which the District may be eligible for a
school construction grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), said
amount to be expended at the direction of the Nauset Regional Schools Superintendent with
the approval of the Nauset Regional School Committee; that the Town acknowledges that the
MSBA’s grant program is a non-entitlement, discretionary program based on need, as
determined by the MSBA, and any feasibility study costs the District incurs in excess of any
grant approved by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the District
and its member municipalities; and provided further that any grant that District may receive
from the MSBA for the feasibility study shall be as set forth in the Feasibly Study Agreement
that may be executed between the District and the MSBA. Provided that the approval of the
Districts borrowing by this vote shall be subject to and contingent upon an affirmative vote of
the Town to exempt it’s allocable share of the amount required for the payment of interest and
principal on said borrowing from the limitation on taxes imposed by MGL Chapter 59, Section
21c (Proposition 2 ½ ); and that the amount of borrowing authorized by the District shall be
reduced by any grant amount set forth in the Feasibility Study Agreement that may be executed
between the District and the MSBA; and further, any premium received by the district upon the
sale of any bonds or notes approved by this vote, less any premium applied to the payment of
costs of issuance of such bonds or notes, may be applied to the Town of Brewster’s assessment
payment of costs approved by this vote in accordance with Chapter 44, Section 20 of the
General Laws, thereby reducing the amount authorized to be borrowed to pay such costs by a
like amount.
COMMENT
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
OTHER BUSINESS
ARTICLE NO. 8: To act upon any other business that may legally come before this meeting; or
take any other action related thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Motion to be provided at the Special Town Meeting.
And 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 2017.
___________________________________
John Theodore Dickson, Chairman
___________________________________
Peter G. Norton, Vice-Chairman
___________________________________
James W. Foley, Clerk
___________________________________
Cynthia Bingham
___________________________________
David Whitney
I, Roland W. Bassett Jr, duly qualified Constable for the Town of Brewster, hereby certify that I
served the Warrant for the Special Town Meeting of May 1, 2017 by posting attested copies
thereof, in the following locations in the Town on the __th day of April 2017.
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
TOWN OF BREWSTER ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 1, 2017
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 at the
Cafeteria at Stony Brook Elementary School, 384 Underpass Road, on Monday, May 1, 2017,
next, at 7:05 p.m. o’clock in the evening, then and there to act upon the following articles:
CAPE COD REGIONAL TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL OPERATING BUDGET
ARTICLE NO. 1: To see what sums the Town will vote to appropriate, and also to raise, or transfer
from available funds to defray Cape Cod Vocational Technical High School charges and expenses
for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2018, or to take any other action relative thereto.
(Cape Cod Technical School Committee) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move that Eight Hundred Thirty One Thousand Seven Hundred Eleven Dollars
($831,711) be raised and appropriated from the Fiscal Year 2018 tax levy and other general
fund revenues of the Town, for the Cape Cod Vocational Technical High School Principal to
expend with the approval of the School Committee, for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2018.
DEPARTMENT
EXPENDED
FY2016
APPROPRIATED
FY2017
REQUESTED
FY2018
CAPE COD TECH
ASSESSMENT
$728,538 $828,976 $831,711
TOTAL ASSESSMENT $728,538 $828,976 $831,711
COMMENT
This article will provide funding for the Fiscal Year 2018 operating 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 1.89% over Fiscal
Year 2017. Brewster’s actual share of the assessment has increased by a sum of $2,735 or a
0.33% over Fiscal Year 2017. District wide enrollment has increased from 618 students to 621
students; with Brewster’s enrollment remaining the same at 43 students for this same period.
Selectmen: Yes 3, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS OPERATING BUDGET
ARTICLE NO. 2 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, 2018, or to take any other action relative thereto.
(Elementary School Committee) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move that Nine Million Five Hundred Ten Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy Seven
Dollars ($9,510,777) be raised and appropriated from the Fiscal Year 2018 tax levy and other
general fund revenues of the Town, for the Brewster Elementary School Principals to expend
with the approval of the School Committee, for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2018
DEPARTMENT
EXPENDED
FY2016
APPROPRIATED
FY2017
REQUESTED
FY2018
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL BUDGET
$7,097,780 $7,249,325 $7,424,252
SCHOOL FRINGE
BENEFITS
(Previously in Town
Operating Budget)
(Previously in Town
Operating Budget)
$2,086,525
TOTAL ASSESSMENT: $7,097,780 $7,249,325 $9,510,777
COMMENT
This article will provide funding for the Fiscal Year 2018 operational budget for the Stony Brook
and Eddy Elementary Schools. The Fiscal Year 2018 budget request for the Elementary Schools
stands at $7,424,252. These operational budgets have increased by the total sum of $174,927,
or 2.41%, over Fiscal Year 2017. The total factor increase to ??% when the schools’
proportionate shares of fringe benefits expenses is applied.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
TOWN OPERATING BUDGET
ARTICLE NO. 3 To see what sums the Town will vote to appropriate, and also to raise, borrow
pursuant to any applicable statute, or transfer from available funds, for the purposes of
supporting the offices, departments, boards and commissions of the Town of Brewster for
Fiscal Year 2018,or to take any other action related thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move that the following Fiscal Year 2018 operating budget is established for the
various offices, boards, and commissions of the Town as follows:
And to meet these appropriations, that sum of (TBD) be raised and appropriated from the Fiscal
Year 2018 tax levy and other general revenues of the Town.
EXPENDED APPROPRIATED REQUESTED
DEPARTMENT FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Finance Committee $109,885 $112,095 $205,700
Finance & Operations $732,834 $771,950 $865,649
Legal $154,249 $165,640 $165,600
Moderator $300 $300 $300
Planning $162,065 $170,582 $165,527
Selectman & Town
Administration
$464,807 $428,048 $435,275
Town Clerk $156,795 $176,545 $171,927
SUBTOTAL GENERAL
GOVERNMENT
$1,780,935 $1,825,160 $2,009,978
SAFETY & PROTECTION
Building Inspections $377,630 $381,010 $381,355
Fire Department $1,946,904 $2,032,772 $1,741,711
Health Department $219,135 $226,109 $226,092
Natural Resources $288,189 $301,623 $309,146
Police Department $2,410,195 $2,518,200 $2,546,098
SUBTOTAL SAFETY &
PROTECTION
$5,242,053 $5,459,714 $5,204,402
MAINTENANCE
Public Buildings $125,254 $121,539 $139,707
Public Works $1,429,715 $1,538,579 $1,652,140
Snow & Ice Removal $192,075 $151,000 $154,775
Utilities $411,139 $434,188 $438,560
SUBTOTAL MAINTENANCE $2,158,183 $2,245,306 $2,385,182
HUMAN SERVICES
Council on Aging $222,051 $247,997 $248,332
Veteran’s Services $64,092 $58,767 $65,100
SUBTOTAL HUMAN
SERVICES
$286,143 $306,764 $313,432
CULTURE & RECREATION
Brewster Ladies Library $540,331 $557,178 $606,893
Recreation $126,680 $131,596 $135,647
Millsites $4,000 $4,000 $4,000
SUBTOTAL CULTURE &
RECREATION
$671,011 $692,774 $746,540
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
Town Contractual
Obligations
New in FY2018- New in FY2018- $359,477
SUBTOTAL CONTRACTUAL
OBLIGATIONS
New in FY2018- New in FY2018- $359,477
DEBT SERVICE
Principal & Interest $2,875,189 $2,875,279 $1,275,888
SUBTOTAL DEBT SERVICE $2,875,189 $2,875,279 $1,275,888
INSURANCE & FRINGE BENEFITS
General Insurance $391,289 $460,050 $530,100
Fringe Benefits Including
OPEB
$5,277,976 $4,310,501 $3,514,174
SUBTOTAL INSURANCE &
FRINGE BENEFITS
$5,669,265 $4,770,551 $4,044,274
OTHER OPERATING EXPENSE & ASSESSMENTS
Assessments $48,319 $47,687 $47,848
Alewives $3,379 $3,400 $2,000
Local Service Funding $130,087 $141,459 $150,460
SUBTOTAL OTHER
OEPRATING EXPENSE &
ASSESSMENTS
$181,785 $192,546 $200,308
GRAND TOTAL OF GENERAL
FUND OPERATING BUDGETS
$18,864,564 $18,368,094 $16,539,481
And to meet these appropriations, that the sum of Sixteen Million Five Hundred Thirty Nine
Thousand Four Hundred Eighty One Dollars ($16,539,481 ) be raised and appropriated from the
Fiscal Year 2018 tax levy and other general revenues of the Town.
COMMENT
This article will provide funding for the Fiscal Year 2018 operational budget for the town
boards, committees and departments. The town’s operational budget, as presented in this
article, exclusive of the debt budget, has increased by %.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
AMBULANCE RESERVE FUND
ARTICLE NO. 4: To see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate from the Ambulance
Receipts Reserved for Appropriation Special Revenue Fund for the purpose of offsetting costs
associated with ambulatory services including budget not limited to acquiring professional
services and equipment; personnel; and maintaining facilities and operations. All expenditures
to be made by the Fire Department, subject to the approval of the Town Administrator. Further
to establish a spending limit from the fund for Fiscal Year 2018, pursuant to the provisions of
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40, Section 5F, or to take any other action related thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move that Eight Hundred Fifty Six Thousand Seven Hundred Six Dollars ($856,706) be
appropriated from the Ambulance Receipts Reserved for Appropriation Special Revenue Fund
for the purpose of offsetting costs associated with ambulatory services including, but not
limited to acquiring professional services and equipment; personnel; and maintaining facilities
and operations. All expenditures to be made by the Fire Department subject to the approval of
the Town Administrator.
COMMENT
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0
GOLF DEPARTMENT RESERVE FUND
ARTICLE NO. 5: To see if the Town will vote to consolidate the Pro Shop Revolving Fund, and
Golf Cart Receipts Reserved for Appropriation into the existing Golf Receipts Reserved for
Appropriation Special Revenue Fund.
Further, to see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate from the Golf Reserve Fund for the
purpose of offsetting costs associated with golf department related expenses including budget
not limited to acquiring professional services and equipment; personnel; and maintaining
facilities and operations. All expenditures to be made by the Golf Department, subject to the
approval of the Town Administrator.
Further to establish a spending limit from the fund for Fiscal Year 2018, pursuant to the
provisions of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40, Section 5F, or to take any other action
related thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move that the Pro Shop Revolving Fund and Golf Cart Receipts Reserved for
Appropriation funds be consolidated with the Golf Receipts for Appropriation Special Revenue
Fund.
And, further moved that Four Million Two Hundred Thirty Three Thousand Fifty One Dollars
($4,233,051) be appropriated from the Golf Receipts Reserved for Appropriation Fund for the
purpose of offsetting costs associated with Golf Course related costs including, but not limited
to acquiring professional services and equipment; personnel; and maintaining facilities and
operations. All expenditures to be made by the Golf Department subject to the approval of the
Town Administrator.
COMMENT
Selectmen: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0
WATER DEPARTMENT RESERVE FUND
ARTICLE NO. 6: To see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate from the Water Receipts for
Appropriation Special Revenue Fund for the purpose of offsetting costs associated with Water
Department related services including budget not limited to acquiring professional services and
equipment; personnel; and maintaining facilities and operations. All expenditures to be made
by the Water Department, subject to the approval of the Town Administrator. Further to
establish a spending limit from the fund for Fiscal Year 2018, pursuant to the provisions of
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 41, Section 69B, or to take any other action related
thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move that Three Million Twenty Two Thousand Ninety Seven Dollars ($3,022,097) be
appropriated from the Water Receipts Reserved for Appropriation Special Revenue Fund for the
purpose of offsetting costs associated with Water Department related services including budget
not limited to acquiring professional services and equipment; personnel; and maintaining
facilities and operations. All expenditures to be made by the Water Department subject to the
approval of the Town Administrator.
COMMENT
Selectmen: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0
NAUSET REGIONAL SCHOOLS OPERATING BUIDGET
ARTICLE NO. 7: To see what sums the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer
from available funds to defray the Nauset Regional School’s charges and expenses for the Fiscal
Year ending June 30, 2018, or to take any other action relative thereto.
(Nauset Regional School Committee) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move that Nine Million Nine Hundred Fifty Three Thousand One Hundred Fifty Seven
Dollars ($9,953,157) be raised and appropriated from the Fiscal Year 2018 tax levy and other
general revenues of the Town, for the Nauset Regional School District to expend with the
approval of the Nauset Regional School Committee, for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2018
DEPARTMENT EXPENDED
FY2016
APPROPRIATED
FY2017
REQUESTED
FY2018
NAUSET
ASSESSMENT
$9,770,277 $9,684,955 $9,953,157
TOTAL ASSESSMENT: $9,770,277 $9,684,955 $9,953,157
COMMENT
This article provides funding for the Fiscal Year 2018 operational budget for the Nauset
Regional School District. The overall operating budget for the Nauset Regional Schools stands
at $21,789,843, which represents an increase of 2.48% over the prior year. Brewster’s share of
the Nauset Schools operational budget is $10,067,789 or a 3.95% increase over Fiscal Year
2017. Brewster’s proportionate share of enrollment has increased from 45% in Fiscal Year 2017
to 45.678 % in Fiscal Year 2018.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
ASSESSMENT FORMULA FOR NAUSET REGIONAL SCHOOLS
ARTICLE NO. 8: To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of Massachusetts General
Laws, Chapter 71, Section 16B, which would allocate the sum of the member towns’
contributions to the Nauset Regional School District in Fiscal Year 2019 in accordance with the
Regional Agreement rather than the Education Reform Formula, so-called, or to take any other
action relative thereto.
(Nauset Regional School Committee) (Majority Vote Required)
COMMENT
This article will apportion the Nauset Regional School District’s assessment to the four member
towns based on their proportionate enrollment within the school district. This is the method
provided within the inter-municipal agreement, approved by the towns establishing the Nauset
Regional School District. This allocation method has been applied in each of the last nineteen
years by Town Meeting vote.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT FUNDING
ARTICLE NO. 9: To see if the Town will vote to act on the report of the Community Preservation
Committee on the Fiscal Year 2018 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; or to take any other action related thereto.
(Community Preservation Committee) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move that the following sums be appropriated or reserved for later appropriation
from the Community Preservation Fund Fiscal Year 2018 revenues or other available funds as
indicated herein, 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 Fiscal Year 2018 community preservation purposes as set forth herein,
with each item considered a separate appropriation to be spent by the Community
Preservation Committee, as shown below:
Purpose Amount
Historic Preservation
Professional Services $ 30,000
Designated Reserves for Historic Preservation $ 77,021
Sub-total $107,021
Community Housing
Part-Time Housing Coordinator $ 30,000
Professional Services $ 10,000
Designated Reserves for Housing $ 67,021
Subtotal $107,021
Open Space
Professional Services $ 50,000
Debt Service Principal & Interest $302,433
Designated Reserves for Open Space $182,674
Subtotal $535,107
Reserves for Community Preservation
Brewster Housing Authority, Brewster Woods $550,000
Governor Prence Residences $ 85,000
Bikeways Committee $100,000
Professional Services $ 10,000
Administration Expense $ 15,000
Subtotal $760,000
Total $1,509,149
Funding Sources:
Raised and Appropriated from FY2018 Community Preservation Surcharge $887,678
From state matching funds for FY2017, to be received in FY2018 $177,536
From Interest Earned $ 5,000
From Designated Reserves Community Preservation $438,935
Total $1,509,149
For Fiscal Year 2018 Community Preservation Purposes with each item considered a separate
appropriation to be spent by the Community Preservation Committee; provided however, that
the above expenditures may be conditional on the recording of the 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
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 184, Section 12 of the Community Preservation Act;
Further, to sunset professional services authorization(s) at the close of the fiscal year and
transfer any unused balance to their respective fund balance(s);
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 50%
Open Space, 10% Housing, and 10% Historical.
COMMENT
In May of 2005, Brewster voters approved a ballot question which allowed for the adoption of the
modified Community Preservation Act. 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 2017, which is projected at 22%. Brewster
established, through a local bylaw, a distribution schedule for the CPA funds according to the following:
50% of the funds for open space, 10% for community housing, 10% for historic preservation, and
30% balance is available for housing, historic preservation and/or active recreation projects or
programs.
Historic Preservation:
Professional Services- This money provides funding for project related expenses such as
appraisals, consultants, grant application/administration, legal fees.
Designated Reserves for Historic Preservation- This item will allocate the balance of the
unused Historic Preservation funds for Fiscal Year 2018 into the Historic Preservation account.
Community Housing:
Part-time Housing Coordinator- The project request is to hire a part-time Housing Coordinator
(approximately 15 hours per week). The position is necessary to provide programmatic and
administrative support to the Town, CPC, the Local Housing Partnership, and members of the
public with the myriad of issues and organizations related to affordable housing and to help the
Town work toward the goal of having at least 10% of its year-round housing stock be
designated as affordable.
Professional Services- This money provides funding for project related expenses such as
appraisals, consultants, grant application/administration, legal fees.
Designated Reserves for Community Housing- This item will allocate the balance of the unused
Community Housing funds for Fiscal Year 2018 into the Community Housing account.
Open Space:
Professional Services- This money provides funding for project related expenses such as
appraisals, consultants, grant application/administration, legal fees.
Debt Service Principal & Interest – These funds pay for the FY 2018 principal and interest on 1
Land Bank and 3 CPC open space acquisitions that were financed via long term bonding.
Designated Reserves for Open Space- This item will allocate the balance of the unused Open
Space funds for Fiscal Year 2018 into the Open Space account.
Reserves for Community Preservation:
Brewster Woods - The Preservation of Affordable Housing and Housing Assistance Corp.
propose to develop 30 new units of affordable rental housing for family, elderly and disabled
residents on property owned by the Brewster Housing Authority. The development will consis t
of four interconnected 2-story buildings, which include a common building. The residences will
consist of one, two and three-bedroom apartments with three units (one of each bedroom
type) designed to be fully handicapped-accessible and ADA compliant. The other units are
designed to meet the needs of families with children or residents aging in place with single level
living and ample clearances for mobility.
All of the units will be affordable to households at or below 60% of Area Median Income (AMI)
as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Seven of the units
will be made available to households with incomes at or below 30% AMI. Any local preference
allowed by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development will be for
individuals and families who live or work in Brewster.
Total Project Cost: $10,500,000 Requested CPC Funding: $550,000
Governor Prence Residences - The Community Development Partnership along with SCG
Development Partners propose to develop 50 new rental housing units at the site of the former
Tee Time Golf Range on Route 6 in Eastham. The property is designed to serve the
Outer/Lower Cape’s family and senior population. The unit mix will consist of one, two and
three-bedroom apartments. Of the 50 units, 44 apartments will be restricted to households
making 60% or less of Area Median Income with five of the apartments made available to
households with incomes at or below 30% AMI.
The proposed development is a significant undertaking and will greatly benefit the Outer/Lower
Cape Region and not just the Town of Eastham. The CPC will require that any local preference
allowed by Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development be for
individuals and families who live or work in Barnstable County
Total Project Cost: $17,487,354 Requested CPC Funding: $85,000
Bikeways Committee - This funding will support the Brewster Bikeways Committee proposal to
purchase and install warning lights at each crossing of the Cape Cod Rail Trail (CCRT), the most
popular recreational biking facility in Brewster. CPA funding for $100,000 will enable the
purchase and installation of the equipment by a licensed contractor at the CCRT crossings at Rt.
124, Rt. 137, Underpass Road, and Millstone Road. The warning lights are solar-powered and
have been installed at many locations on the CCRT crossings on Cape Cod. The Town’s
Department of Public Works (DPW) will oversee the procurement and installation phases of the
project and will be responsible for maintenance. The total cost of the project is estimated at
$129,500. This project is part of a broader effort to enhance biking in Brewster and part of the
re-pavement program by the Town which includes improvements to CCRT crossings.
Total Project Cost: $129,500 Requested CPC Funding: $100,000
Professional Services- This money provides funding for project related expenses such as
appraisals, consultants, grant application/administration, legal fees.
Administration- This money will provide the Community Preservation Committee and the Town
Administrator the general administration and operating expenses related to carrying out the
operations of the Community Preservation Committee.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
CAPITAL AND SPECIAL PROJECTS EXPENDITURES
ARTICLE NO. 10: To see what sums the Town will vote to appropriate, and also to raise, borrow
pursuant to any applicable statute or transfer from available funds, for the purposes of capital
expenditures for the offices, departments, boards, committees, and commissions of the Town
of Brewster; or to take any other action related thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Two Thirds Vote)
Motion: Move that the following amounts be appropriated for the following capital outlay
expenditures, with all such expenditures to be made by the Town Administrator with the
Approval of the Board of Selectmen; except the School expenditures to be made by the School
Superintendent with the approval of the School Committee; authorize leases for more than
three years for those items to be leased not to exceed five years, and further that the Town
Administrator with the approval of the Board of Selectmen or School Superintendent with the
approval of the School Committee as the case may be, is authorized to sell, convey, trade-in or
otherwise dispose of equipment being replaced as follows:
Department Item Funding Source(s) Amount
1 Board of Selectmen
a. Mill Ponds Remediation
Project
Professional services,
including engineering,
permitting, and
remediation costs
associated with
Walkers Pond, Upper
Mill Pond & Lower Mill
Pond
Transfer $80,000
from General Fund
Overlay Surplus
$80,000
b. All Citizens Access
Projects
Professional services,
including engineering,
permitting, remodel,
repair, and
construction costs for
all citizens’ access on
the Town of Brewster
properties
Transfer $20,000
from General Fund
Free Cash
$20,000
c. Integrated Water
Resource Management
Planning
Professional services
associated with
preparing studies,
developing engineering
plans, and coordinating
inter-municipal water
resource management
planning efforts for the
Town of Brewster
Raise and
Appropriate $74,500
from the Fiscal year
2018 tax levy and
other general
revenues of the town
$74,500
d. Council on Aging
Relocation
Professional services
including feasibility
study, design,
engineering,
permitting, remodel,
repair, and / or
construction for the
Transfer $50,000
from General Fund
Free Cash
$50,000
Council on Aging
program
e. Millsites Improvement
Projects
Professional services
and associated costs,
including design,
permitting, remodel /
repair, and
maintenance at Mill
sites buildings
Transfer $10,000
from General Fund
Free Cash
$10,000
f. Herring Run
Improvement Projects
Professional services
and associated costs,
including design,
permitting, remodel /
repair, and
maintenance at the
Herring Run site
Transfer $10,000
from General Fund
Free Cash
$10,000
Sub-total $244,500
2 Department of Public Works
a. Road
Maintenance/Drainage
Professional services,
including engineering,
permitting and
construction costs
associated with road
maintenance and
drainage on various
streets throughout
Town
Transfer $100,000
from General Fund
Free Cash
$100,000
b. Organic Turf
Management
Professional Services to
develop and deliver a
multi-year organic turf
field management plan
for the town
Transfer $15,000
from General Fund
Free Cash
$15,000
c. Replace 4 x 4 Truck Associated costs with
the replacement and
procurement of one (1)
Public Works 4 x 4
truck, including all
costs for additional
equipment required to
operation of the
vehicle such as
Raise & Appropriate
$100,000 from the
Fiscal Year 2018 tax
levy and other
general revenues of
the town
$100,000
emergency lights and
radios
d. Guard Rail & Post
Replacement Project
Professional and
associated costs with
repairing, replacing,
and maintain guard
rails and post on roads
deemed public ways
Raise & Appropriate
$50,000 from the
Fiscal Year 2018 tax
levy and other
general revenues of
the town
$50,000
e. Tree Removal Professional services
and associated costs
with removal of trees
which are deemed a
safety hazard by the
Public Works
Superintendent/Tree
Warden
Raise & Appropriate
$25,000 from the
Fiscal Year 2018 tax
levy and other
general revenues of
the town
$25,000
f. Recycling Center
Overhead Doors
Costs associated with
procuring, replacing &
installing overhead
garage doors at the
Recycling Center
Raise & Appropriate
$75,000 from the
Fiscal Year 2018 tax
levy and other
general revenues of
the town
$75,000
g. Landfill Monitoring Professional services
and incidental costs
associated monitoring
landfill / transfer
station operations.
Raise & Appropriate
$35,000 from the
Fiscal Year 2018 tax
levy and other
general revenues of
the town
$35,000
Sub-total $400,000
3 Elementary School Department
a. HVAC/Ventilators Costs associated with
the study, upgrade,
repairs, and
replacement of HVAC /
Ventilators at Stony
Brook Elementary
School
Transfer $40,000
from General Fund
Free Cash
$40,000
b. Replace Flooring Professional services
and associated costs,
including remodel /
repair, and
maintenance of
Transfer $15,000
from General Fund
Free Cash
$15,000
flooring within the
Stony Brook
Elementary School
c. Roof Repair Professional services
and associated costs,
including remodel /
repair, and
maintenance of the
roof Stony Brook
Elementary School
Transfer $23,000
from General Fund
Free Cash
$23,000
d. HVAC Plumbing,
Electrical Maintenance
and Repairs
Professional services
and costs associated
with the upgrade,
repairs, and
replacement of HVAC
Plumbing and Electrical
systems (Equipment,
Supplies, and related
software / hardware)
at Eddy and Stony
Brook Elementary
Schools
Transfer $20,000
from General Fund
Overlay Surplus
$20,000
e. Technology Upgrades
and Improvements
Ongoing information
system and equipment
improvements
including but not
limited to the purchase
of desktop computers,
servers, productivity
and office software,
backup systems, and
other hardware /
software at Eddy and
Stony Brook
Elementary Schools
Transfer $50,000
from General Fund
Overlay Surplus
$50,000
f. Interior/Exterior Painting Professional services
and costs associated
with interior / exterior
painting at Eddy and
Stony Brook
Elementary Schools
Transfer $20,000
from General Fund
Overlay Surplus
$20,000
g. Testing/Abatement of
HazMat Materials
Professional services
and costs associated
testing and requesting
abatements of
potential hazardous
materials at Eddy and
Stony Brook
Elementary Schools
Transfer $35,000
from General Fund
Overlay Surplus
$35,000
Sub-total $203,000
4 Nauset Regional School District
a. Construction Account Professional services,
including procuring,
engineering,
permitting, repair and
maintenance of
buildings, grounds, and
equipment within the
Nauset Middle School
and Nauset High
School
Authorize the
Treasurer, with the
approval of the
Board of Selectmen
to borrow $231,451
pursuant to M.G.L.
Chapter 44 Section 7
or 8 or any other
enabling authority,
and to issue bonds or
notes of the Town
therefor; provided
however, that no
sums shall be
borrowed or
expended pursuant
to this vote unless
the Town shall have
voted to exclude the
amounts required to
repay any borrowing
hereunder from the
property tax
limitations of
Chapter 59, Section
21C of the
Massachusetts
General Laws
(Proposition 2 ½)
$231,451
Sub-total $231,451
5 Police Department
a. Patrol Vehicle
Replacement (3)
Professional services
and costs associated
with procuring and
replacing three police
cruisers and related
equipment as part of
the capital
replacement plan
Transfer $130,000
from General Fund
Free Cash
$130,000
b. Generator Replacement
Project
Costs associated with
procuring, installing
and replacing the
generator at the Police
Station
Transfer $120,000
from General Fund
Overlay Surplus
$120,000
Sub-total $250,000
6 Ladies Library
a. Technology Upgrades Costs associated with
procuring and
replacing desktop
computers, notebooks,
including hardware and
software within the
Ladies Library
Transfer $25,000
from General Fund
Free Cash
$25,000
Sub-total $25,000
7 Natural Resources
a. Aquatic Weed Harvester Professional services
and costs associated
with procuring a new
Aquatic Weed
Harvester and related
equipment
Transfer $80,000
from General Fund
Free Cash
$80,000
b. Repurpose Fire Station
Building
Professional services
and costs associated
with conducting a
feasibility study,
planning, design, and
repairs and
maintenance to the fire
station building
Transfer $35,000
from General Fund
Free Cash
$35,000
c. Natural Resources and
Conservation Building
Improvements
Professional services
and associated costs
with repair and
Transfer $10,000
from General Fund
Free Cash
$10,000
improvements to the
Natural Resources and
Conservation Buildings
d. Conservation Land
Management
Professional services
and costs related to
conservation land
management including
but not limited to trail
improvements, kioks,
interpretive signs and
guides and vegetation
management
Transfer $10,000
from General Fund
Free Cash
$10,000
e. Beach/Landing
Improvements
Professional services
and costs related to
repairs and
improvements to
various public beaches
and public landings
throughout the town
Transfer $10,000
from General Fund
Free Cash
$10,000
Sub-total $145,000
8 Recreation
a. Department Vehicle Professional services
and costs associated
with procuring a new
pick-up truck and
related equipment
Transfer $25,000
from General Fund
Free Cash
$25,000
Sub-total $25,000
9 Information Technology
a. Technology Upgrades &
Replacements
Ongoing information
system and equipment
improvements
including but not
limited to the purchase
of desktop computers,
servers, productivity
and office software,
backup systems, and
other hardware /
software throughout
the Town
Transfer $35,000
from General Fund
Free Cash
$35,000
f. Accounting System
Upgrades
Costs associated with
Accounting System
Upgrades including but
not limited to Cash
Receipts, Accounts
Payable, and Purchase
Order modules
Transfer $24,795
from General Fund
Free Cash
$24,795
Sub-total $59,795
Water Department
a. SCADA Replacement
Project
Professional services
and costs associated
with procuring,
engineering,
permitting, upgrading,
and replacing existing
SCADA systems
including equipment,
hardware, software,
servers,
communications, back-
up systems, and other
related project
expenses
Authorize the
Treasurer, with the
approval of the
Board of Selectmen
to borrow $500,000
pursuant to M.G.L.
Chapter 44 Section 7
or 8 or any other
enabling authority,
and that while such
bonds shall be
general obligations
of the Town, it is
intended that the
principal and interest
thereon shall be
repaid from Water
Department
revenues, state or
federal grants, or
other available funds
of the Water
Department
$500,000
Sub-total $500,000
Grand Total $2,083,746
Further, any premium received by the Town upon the sale of any bonds or notes in
aforementioned line items within the motion that are approved by this vote, less any premium
applied to the payment of the costs of issuance of such bonds or notes, may be applied to the
payment of costs approved by this vote in accordance with Chapter 44, Section 20 of the
General Laws, thereby reducing the amount authorized to be borrowed to pay such costs by a
like amount.
COMMENT
1. BOARD OF SELECTMEN
1a. Mill Ponds Remediation Project – The Town has begun a multi-year effort to remediate
water quality in the Mill Ponds complex, including Walkers Pond, Upper Mill Pond and Lower
Mill Pond. These ponds are the primary herring spawning grounds in Brewster. These funds
would be used for required engineering, permitting and remediation costs associated with
these efforts.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
1b. All Citizens Access Projects -
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
1c. Integrated Water Resources Management Planning -
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
1d. Council on Aging Relocation -
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
1e. Millsites Improvement Projects-
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0
1f. Herring Run Improvement Projects -
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0
2. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
2a. Road Maintenance/Drainage – These funds provide funding for the Town’s annual road and
drainage repair fund. This is an all-encompassing account used to repair local drainage issues,
street sweeping, catch basin cleaning and disposal of sweepings and catch basin cleanings.
Brewster has a few outstanding drainage locations which are causing private property damage
which will have to be addressed this construction season.
Selectmen: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0
2b. Organic Turf Management -
Selectmen: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0
2c. 4 x 4 Truck – These funds will be used to replace a 2006 front line vehicle equipped with
plow and sander for snow and ice operations and for everyday use by crews throughout the
year.
Selectmen: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0
2d. Guard Rail & Post Replacement Project - Throughout Brewster old guard rails line our roads,
in some cases old concrete posts can be repaired and replaced. In many cases new guard rails
are needed, the town has had a program of replacement in the past using Corten Steel which
have a rusted appearance upon installation. In some areas it may be more aesthetically
pleasing to use steel backed timber guard rails.
Selectmen: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0
2e. Tree Removal - Brewster has a number of dead and dying trees along our roads and among
our public buildings and lands. These trees require the services of outside arborists who assist
our crews in removing hazardous trees.
Selectmen: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0
2f. Recycling Center Overhead Doors - The transfer station doors are 1990 originals and have
caused a number of problems related to the security of the site, it is essential that we replace
these and make modifications to allow for the use of standard garage doors. The original doors
were extremely tall to allow for larger roll-off trucks and other large equipment which used the
station when the town received commercial trash.
Selectmen: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0
2g. Landfill Monitoring –
Selectmen: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0
3. ELEMENARY SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
3a. HVAC/Ventilators – These funds will be used for an engineering study to replace the HVAC
system at the Stony Brook School.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
3b. Replace Flooring – These funds will be utilized to continue the carpet and flooring
replacement at the Stony Brook School, inclusive of the ramps and some of the hallways.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
3c. Roof Repair – These funds will be utilized to repair leaking portions of the roof.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
3d. HVAC Plumbing, Electrical Maintenance and Repairs – These funds will be utilized to make
repairs to the mechanical systems at both Elementary Schools as needed.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
3e. Technology Upgrades and Improvements – These funds will be utilized to continue with the
K-5 Technology plan for both Eddy and Stony Brook Elementary Schools.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
3f. Interior/Exterior Painting – These funds will be utilized for Stony Brooks regularly scheduled
interior paining and minor painting at the Eddy School.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
3g. Testing/Abatement of HazMat Materials – These funds will be utilized to abate any
hazardous materials discovered during the floor replacement at the Stony Brook School.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
4. NAUSET REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
4a. Capital Plan Projects – The District is seeking funding in the amount of $231,451 which is an
assessment for the capital equipment and facilities budget for the Nauset Schools. This program
was originally approved by means of a Proposition 2 ½ Override question in May of 2005.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee:
5. POLICE
5a. Patrol Vehicle Replacement (3) - These funds will be used to replace, equip, and outfit three
(3) current police vehicles that will be at or near 130,000 miles upon replacement. Two (2) of
the vehicles are frontline marked police vehicles and the third is a vehicle used by detectives.
The outgoing vehicles will be repurposed within town, as needed, or sold via auction with any
money being returned to the general fund.
Selectmen: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 0
5b. Generator Replacement Project - Uninterrupted power is crucial to maintaining police
operations during emergencies. The current generator was original with the construction of
the police facility and is near the end of life. These funds will be used to procure, replace, and
install a generator at the police facility.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
6. LADIES LIBRARY
6a. Technology Upgrades - The Library has established a Technology Fund to replace obsolete
and non-functioning hardware, printers and software. This request will be for public and staff
equipment replacements including, but not limited to, the purchase of desktop computers,
notebooks, and security and office software. These funds also support the Wi-Fi environment,
LAN maintenance, and the purchase of new personal devices as teaching tools for the
community.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
7. NATURAL RESOURCES
7a. Weed Harvester - The Department is working to restore and protect water quality in the
Mill Pond complex. This includes annual removal of aquatic weeds from a large segment of
Walkers Pond, which will reduce the amount of nutrients flowing through the pond
system. These funds would allow purchase of an aquatic weed harvester and related
equipment.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 1, Abs 0
7b. Repurpose Fire Station Building - The Department will be relocating to the current fire
station building once the new station is built and operational. These funds would be used to
conduct a feasibility study, planning, design, and allow for repairs and maintenance to the old
fire station building.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 1, Abs 0
7c. Natural Resources and Conservation Building Improvements – The Department maintains a
number of buildings on conservation and open space land, including the Natural Resources
office building, the Spruce Hill buildings, a storage garage at Quivett Marsh Vista and the
Mattot house. These funds would be used for maintenance and any needed improvements.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0
7d. Conservation Land Management – The Department is conducting a number of property
management projects on Town owned conservation and open space parcels. These funds
would be used for equipment purchase and maintenance, erosion control, parking lot repair
and maintenance, fencing, plantings, poison ivy and invasive species control and other similar
needs. This would also include accurate survey, kiosks and trail markers, interpretive signs,
engineering and permitting needs.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0
7e. Beach/Landing Improvements – The Department helps maintain and repair various public
beaches and landings throughout the Town. These funds would be used to fund maintenance
and repair, including stairs and pathways, interpretive signs and other needs.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0
8. Recreation Department
8a. Department Vehicle - The Recreation Department is looking to replace the department
truck that was transferred from the water department, a 2001 Chevy Silverado. This vehicle can
no longer be used to tow and is in its last year of useful life. A department vehicle is needed for
transportation to the various program and storage sites throughout Brewster, moving large
equipment, towing boats and transportation to regular department meetings.
Selectmen: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
9. Information Technology
9a. Technology Upgrades & Replacements -
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
9b. Accounting System Upgrades -
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
10. Water Department
10a. SCADA Replacement Project -
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
REVOLVING FUNDS
ARTICLE NO. 11: To see what departmental revolving funds the Town may vote to authorize or
reauthorize pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53 E1/2 and the Town
of Brewster’s General By-laws as amended in Article 6 of the 2016 Spring Special Town Meeting
for Fiscal Year 2018; or to take any other action related thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move that the revolving funds listed below be hereby authorized to continue pursuant
to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53 E ½ and the Town of Brewster’s General
By-law as amended in Article 6 of the May 1, 2017 Special Town Meeting for Fiscal Year 2018 as
follows:
Fund Revenue
Source
Authority to
Spend
Use of Fund Fiscal Year
2018 Spending
Limit
Crosby Mansion Fees received
for property
and cottage
rentals; tours;
and events.
Crosby Mansion
Property
Manager
Expenses shall be
related to salaries
and operations of
the Crosby Mansion
and not used for
any other purposes.
$ 78,000
Recreation Fees and
Charges related
to Seasonal
Programs, Yoga,
Youth Sports,
Adult Fitness,
Breakfast with
Santa, 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.
$169,032
Telecommunications Fees and
charges related
to cell towers
Department
Head –
Information
Technology
Expenses shall be
related to
operating,
maintaining, and
improvement
telecommunications
in town
departments.
$ 95,400
Total $342,432
COMMENT
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0
SPECIAL REVENUE FUND / Cable Franchise Fee Account
ARTICLE NO. 12: To see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate from the Cable Franchise
Fee Special Revenue Fund for the purpose of offsetting costs associated with providing local
cable television related purposes, 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. All expenditures to be made by the Selectmen’s
office, subject to the approval of the Town Administrator. Further to establish a spending limit
from the fund for Fiscal Year 2018, pursuant to the provisions of Massachusetts General Law
Chapter 44, Section 53 F3/4, or to take any other action related thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move that Three Hundred Thirty Nine Thousand Dollars ($339,000) be appropriated
from the Cable Franchise Fee Special Revenue Fund for the purpose of offsetting costs with
providing local cable television related purposes, 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. All expenditures to be made by the
Selectmen’s office, subject to the approval of the Town Administrator.
COMMENT
Included within your cable bill is 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 govern ment channels. These
funds will be used by the committee to continue these ongoing projects, and may include, but
are not limited to, equipment purchases, contracted services, construction services and labor
expenses.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0
SKIPPING PROGRAM/Funding Request
ARTICLE NO. 13: To see what sums the Town will vote to appropriate, and also to raise, or
transfer from available funds, to pay for public performances of team skipping and to authorize
the Town Administrator to solicit bids and/or proposals, enter into a contract or contracts,
accept gifts and expend said funds with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, or to take any
other action relative thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move that Four Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($4,500) be raised and appropriated
from the Fiscal year 2018 tax levy and other general revenues of the Town, for the purpose of
providing public performance of team skipping, and to authorize the Town Administrator to
solicit bids and/or proposals, enter into a contract or contracts, accept gifts and expend such
funds with the approval of the Board of Selectmen.
COMMENT
This article will replenish funding for offsetting the cost of public performances of team
skipping.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
ACCEPTANCE OF GRANTS AND GIFTS
ARTICLE NO. 14: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to apply for
and accept any and all grants or gifts from Federal, State, and local governments, charitable
foundations, private corporations, and individual and private entities, and to expend those
funds for the purposes for which grants are authorized; and to borrow pursuant to any
applicable statute in anticipation of grant proceeds, or to take any other action relative thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move that the Board of Selectmen and School Committee is hereby authorized to
apply for and accept any and all grants from Federal, State, and Local governments, Charitable
Foundations, private corporations, an individual, and private entities, and to expend those
funds for the purposes for which said grants are authorized; and to authorize the Treasurer
borrow in anticipation of grant proceeds; amounts under and pursuant to Massachusetts
General Laws Chapter 44, Sections 7 or 8, or any other enabling authority, and to issue
temporary grant anticipation notes of the Town therefore; and further, any premium received
by the Town upon the sale of any bonds or notes approved by this vote, less any premium
applied to the payment the costs of issuance of such bonds or notes, may be applied to the
payment of costs approved by this vote in accordance with Chapter 44, Section 20 of the
General Laws, thereby reducing the amount authorized to be borrowed to pay such costs by a
like amount.
COMMENT
In any given year Town Boards, Committees and Departments apply for a wide variety of grant
opportunities from Federal, State or private entities. Often these grants are reimbursable
programs, in which the town must borrow the funds, complete the work, provide
documentation and then file for reimbursement. This annual authorization will provide the
Board of Selectmen with the tools to pursue these special opportunities in a timely manner.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
REPAIR AND RESURFACE TOWN ROADS/Chapter 90 Funds
ARTICLE NO. 15: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to apply for
and accept State Grants from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Highway
Division (Chapter 90), and, to use those funds for the purposes of state approved Chapter 90
projects, services, and purchases; and to borrow pursuant to any applicable statute in
anticipation of grant proceeds; or take any other action related thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move that the Board of Selectmen is authorized to apply for and accept any and all
grants from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Highway Division (Chapter 90),
and to expend those funds for the purposes of state approved Chapter 90 projects, services and
purchase; and to authorize the Treasurer borrow in anticipation of grant proceeds; amounts
under and pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Sections 7 or 8, or any other
enabling authority, and to issue temporary grant anticipation notes of the Town therefore; and
further, any premium received by the Town upon the sale of any bonds or notes approved by
this vote, less any premium applied to the payment the costs of issuance of such bonds or
notes, may be applied to the payment of costs approved by this vote in accordance with
Chapter 44, Section 20 of the General Laws, thereby reducing the amount authorized to be
borrowed to pay such costs by a like amount.
COMMENT
The Chapter 90 Program was enacted in 1973, by the Commonwealth in order to provide
municipalities with reimbursement for documented expenditures under the provisions of
General Laws, Chapter 90 on approved road projects. The funding, provided from
Transportation Bond Issues, authorizes such improvement projects for highway construction,
preservation and improvement projects that create or extend the life of transportation
facilities. These funds must be used in compliance with all applicable statutes and regulations,
as applicable for maintaining, repairing, improving and constructing Town ways which qualify
under the State Aid Highway guidelines adopted by the Massachusetts Public Works
Commission (MPWC). Funds must be allocated to roadway projects, such as resurfacing and
related work and other work incidental to the above such as preliminary engineering, right-of-
way acquisition, shoulders, side road approaches, landscaping and tree planting, roadside
drainage, structures, sidewalks, traffic control and service facilities, street lighting, and for such
other purposes as the MPWC may specifically authorize. The Town is required to appropriate
these monies as an available fund, and is then reimbursed by the State upon the completion of
the project and payment to the vendor.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0
POLICE UNION COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT
ARTICLE NO. 16: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from
available funds a sum of money to be used to meet the terms and conditions of the proposed
Collective Bargaining Agreement, effective July 1, 2017, between the Town of Brewster and the
Police Officers, or to take any other action relative thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move that Thirty Five Thousand Nine Hundred Twelve Dollars ($35,912) be
transferred from Fiscal Year 2018 General Fund Contractual Obligations budget to the Police
Department budget to fund the cost items for Fiscal Year 2018 in a collective bargaining
contract between the Town of Brewster (represented by the Board of Selectmen) and the
Police Union employees (represented by the Massachusetts Coalition of Police) in accordance
with Chapter 150E of the Massachusetts General Laws, and to amend the Town’s classification,
compensation plan and Fiscal year 2018 Police Operating Budget accordingly to reflect such
contract.
COMMENT
This article would fund the costs associated with the contract settlement expenses between the
Brewster Police Union and the Town. The current contract expires on June 30, 2017.
Selectmen: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
SEIU COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT
ARTICLE NO. 17: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from
available funds a sum of money to be used to meet the terms and conditions of the proposed
Collective Bargaining Agreement, effective July 1, 2017, between the Town of Brewster and the
Service Employee’s International Union, Local 888, or to take any other action relative thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move that Twenty Eight Thousand Four Hundred Thirty Two Dollars ($28,432) be
transferred from Fiscal Year 2018 General Fund Contractual Obligations budget to the Public
Works Department budget; and Twenty One Thousand One Hundred Thirty Four Dollars
($21,134) be transferred from Fiscal Year 2018 Special Revenue Golf Revolving Fund
Contractual Obligations to Golf Revolving Fund Salaries; and Eighteen Thousand Forty Two
Dollars ($18,024) be transferred from Fiscal Year 2018 Special Revenue Water Revolving Fund
Contractual Obligations to Water Revolving Fund Salaries; all amounts to fund the cost items for
Fiscal Year 2018 in a collective bargaining contract between the Town of Brewster (represented
by the Board of Selectmen) and the Service Employee’s International Union, Local 888
employees in accordance with Chapter 150E of the Massachusetts General Laws, and to amend
the Town’s classification, compensation plan and Fiscal year 2018 Public Works, Golf, and
Water Departments Operating Budget accordingly to reflect such contract.
COMMENT
This article would fund the costs associated with the contract settlement expenses between the
Service Employee’s International Union, Local 888 and the Town. The current contract expires
on June 30, 2017.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
OPEIU COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT
ARTICLE NO. 18: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from
available funds a sum of money to be used to meet the terms and conditions of the proposed
Collective Bargaining Agreement, effective July 1, 2017, between the Town of Brewster and the
Office and Professional Employee’s International Union, Units A & B, or to take any other action
relative thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Motion to be provided at the Annual Town Meeting.
COMMENT
This article would fund the costs associated with the contract settlement expenses between the
Office and Professional Employee’s International Union, Units A & B and the Town. The current
contract expires on June 30, 2017.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
IAFF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT
ARTICLE NO. 19: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from
available funds a sum of money to be used to meet the terms and conditions of the proposed
Collective Bargaining Agreement, effective July 1, 2017, between the Town of Brewster and the
International Association of Firefighters, or to take any other action relative thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Motion to be provided at the Annual Town Meeting.
COMMENT
This article would fund the costs associated with the contract settlement expenses between the
International Association of Firefighters and the Town. The current contract expires on June 30,
2017.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
NON-UNION PERSONNEL WAGE FUNDING
ARTICLE NO. 20: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from
available funds a sum of money to fund wage and salary adjustments effective July 1, 2017 for
eligible and non-union employees dictated by the Compensation Plan developed pursuant to
the Personnel Bylaw, Section 36-4 of the Brewster Town Code, effective July 1, 2017, or to take
any other action relative thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Motion to be provided at the Annual Town Meeting.
COMMENT
This article would fund the costs associated with the wage adjustments for employees covered
under the Personnel Bylaw and other non-union employees.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
LIBRARY UNION COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT
ARTICLE NO. 21: To see if the Town will vote to transfer from available funds a sum of money
to be used to meet the terms and conditions of the proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement,
effective July 1, 2017, between the Trustees of the Brewster Ladies Library and the Library
employees, or to take any other action relative thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Motion to be provided at the Annual Town Meeting.
COMMENT
This article would fund those costs associated with the contract settlement agreement between
the Library Union and the Library Trustees. The current contract expired on June 30, 2017.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
TRI TOWN SEPTIC TREATMENT FACILITY DECOMMISION AND DEMOLITIOIN
ARTICLE NO. 22: To see what sums the Town will vote to appropriate, and also to raise, borrow
pursuant to any applicable statute or transfer from available funds, to be spent by the Town
Administrator with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, to pay professional and demolition
related costs associated with the closure of the Tri Town Septage location, including all costs
incidental and related thereto; provided that said borrowing shall be contingent on the passage
of a Proposition 2 ½ debt exclusion vote, and to take any other action related thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Two-Thirds Vote Required)
Motion: Move that the Town appropriate Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($750,000)
for Brewster’s portion of the project costs to be spent by the Town Administrator with the
approval of the Board of Selectmen to pay professional and demolition related costs associated
with the closure of the Tri-Town Septage location, including all costs incidental and related
thereto; and that to meet this appropriation, the Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of
Selectmen, is hereby authorized to borrow said amount under and pursuant to Massachusetts
General Laws Chapter 44, Sections 7 or 8, or any other enabling authority, and to issue bonds or
notes of the Town therefor; provided however, that no sums shall be borrowed or expended
pursuant to this vote unless the Town shall have voted to exclude the amounts required to
repay any borrowing hereunder from the property tax limitations of Chapter 59, Section 21C of
the Massachusetts General Laws (Proposition 2 ½); and further, any premium received by the
Town upon the sale of any bonds or notes approved by this vote, less any premium applied to
the payment of the costs of issuance of such bonds or notes, may be applied to the payment of
costs approved by this vote in accordance with Chapter 44, Section 20 of the General Laws,
thereby reducing the amount authorized to be borrowed to pay such costs by a like amount.
COMMENT
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
TOWN CODE AMENDMENT/Department of Municipal Finance
ARTICLE NO. 23: To see if the Town will vote to amend Chapter – of the Town of Brewster by
adding a new Section ---, DEPARTMENT OF MUNICIPAL FINANCE, that would be as follows:
Section -----
A. The Consolidated Department of Municipal Finance shall include the offices of
Accountant, Treasurer/Collector, Assessor, and Information Technology.
B. The Department shall be headed by a Director of Municipal Finance who shall be
appointed by the Town Administrator for a term of three (3) years, subject to removal
by the Town Administrator for cause. The Director of Municipal Finance shall serve ex-
officio as the Town Accountant.
C. The Director shall be responsible for the performance of the functions of
Treasurer/Collector, Accountant, Assessor and Information Technology in accordance
with the laws of the commonwealth and, to the extent that such exist, appropriate
regulations of departments thereof.
D. In addition to responsibilities listed in Subsection C, the Director of Municipal Finance
shall also be responsible for the following:
Coordination of all financial services and activities, including assistance with
budget preparation for all departments;
Maintenance of all accounting records and other financial statements;
Payment of all obligations of the Town;
Receipt of all funds due the Town;
Assistance to all other Town departments and offices in any matter related to
financial affairs;
Monitoring of the expenditure of all funds including periodic reporting to
appropriate agencies on the status of accounts;
Such other matters as may be determined necessary from time to time by the
Town Administrator.
Or to take any other action relative thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move to adopt as printed in the warrant.
COMMENT
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT/Recreational Marijuana Establishments
ARTICLE NO. 24: To see if the Town will vote to amend Chapter --- of the Town of Brewster
Code by adding a new Section ----, MARIJUANA ESTABLISHMENTS, that would provide as
follows, and further to amend the Table of Contents to add Section___ “Marijuana
Establishments:”
Section ___
Consistent with G.L. c. 94G, section 3(a)(2), all types of marijuana establishments as defined in
G.L. c. 94G, section 1(j), to include marijuana cultivators, marijuana testing facilities, marijuana
product manufacturers, marijuana retailers or any other types of licensed marijuana-related
businesses, shall be prohibited within the Town of Brewster.
This Section shall be effective upon passage by the voters at Town Election.
Or to take any other action relative thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Two-Thirds Vote Required)
Motion: Move to adopt as printed in the warrant.
COMMENT
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
TOWN CODE AMENDMENT/Swimming Pool Fence
ARTICLE NO. 25: To see if the Town will vote to amend the code of the Town of Brewster to
delete Chapter 160 (Swimming Pools), that reads as follows:
160-1. Fences Required.
All existing and future private swimming pools located in the Town of Brewster that are
outdoor in-ground shall be completely enclosed by a fence five feet in height having a
self-closing gate with latch; all aboveground swimming pools that provide a ladder or
stairway shall not be required to have a fence but shall be secured to prohibit the gain
of entry when not in use.
160-2. Violations and penalties.
The penalty for violation of this chapter shall be a fine of not more than Two hundred
dollars ($200).
Or to take any other action relative thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move to adopt as printed in the warrant.
COMMENT
The State Building Code is the only regulating authority regarding pool fence height; therefore
the provision of this Town Code is unnecessary.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
TOWN CODE AMENDMENT/Streetlighting Committee
ARTICLE NO. 26: To see if the Town will vote to amend the code of the Town of Brewster to
delete Chapter 12, Article V, Section 12 (Streetlighting Committee), that reads as follows:
12-12. Appointment authorized; terms.
The Board of Selectmen is authorized to appoint a Streetlighting Committee of three
members to serve for three –year terms, one member of which is to be the Chief of
Police.
12-13. Duties.
It will be the duty of this Committee to review all requests for new street light
installations and to evaluate their merits according to Brewster’s streetlighting public
safety standards.
Or to take any other action relative thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move to adopt as printed in the warrant.
COMMENT
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
TOWN CODE AMENDMENT/Data Processing Advisory Committee
ARTICLE NO. 27: To see if the Town will vote to amend the code of the Town of Brewster to
delete Chapter 12, Article VI, Section 14 (Data Processing Advisory Committee), that reads as
follows:
12-14. Appointment authorized; duties.
The Board of Selectmen is directed to appoint a Data Processing Advisory Committee for
the purpose of comparing and evaluating proposals for use of service bureaus or in-
house computer equipment and making a recommendation to the Town.
Or to take any other action relative thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move to adopt as printed in the warrant.
COMMENT
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
TOWN CODE AMENDMENT/Licenses and Permits
ARTICLE NO. 28: To see if the Town will vote to amend Chapter 122, Article I Denial, Revocation
and Suspension, Section 2 as follows (strikethrough text to be deleted, bold underlined text is
new):
122-2. List of delinquency taxes, fees, assessments, betterments and other charges.
The Collector of Taxes shall annually, and may periodically, furnish to each department,
board, commission, division or official (hereinafter referred to as the "licensing
authority") which issues licenses or permits, including renewals and transfers, a list of
any person (in any capacity), corporation or business enterprise (hereinafter referred to
as the "party") who or which has neglected or refused to pay any local taxes, fees,
assessments, betterments or other town charges for not less than a twelve-month
period if such party has not filed in good faith a pending application for an abatement of
such tax or a pending petition before the Appellate Tax Board.
Or to take any other action relative thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move to adopt as printed in the warrant.
COMMENT
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
LICENSE FEES AND SERVICE CHARGES
ARTICLE NO. 29: To see if the Town will vote to accept Section 22F of Chapter 40 of the
General Laws, as follows:
“Any municipal board or officer empowered to issue a license, permit, certificate, or to render a
service or perform work for a person or class of persons, may, from time to time, fix reasonable
fees for all such licenses, permits, or certificates issued pursuant to statutes or regulations
wherein the entire proceeds of the fee remain with such issuing city or town, and may fix
reasonable charges to be paid for any services rendered or work performed by the city or town
or any department thereof, for any person or class of persons; provided, however, that in the
case of a board or officer appointed by an elected board, the fixing of such fee shall be subject
to the review and approval of such elected board.
A fee or charge imposed pursuant to this section shall supersede fees or charges already in
effect, or any limitations on amounts placed thereon for the same service, work, license, permit
or certificate; provided, however, that this section shall not supersede the provisions of
sections 31 to 77, inclusive, of chapter 6A, chapter 80, chapter 83, chapter 138, sections 121 to
131N, inclusive, of chapter 140 or section 10A of chapter 148. The provisions of th is section
shall not apply to any certificate, service or work required by chapters fifty to fifty-six, inclusive,
or by chapter sixty-six. The fee or charge being collected immediately prior to acceptance of
this section for any license, permit, certificate service or work will be utilized until a new fee or
charge is fixed under this section.”
Or to take any other action relative thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move to adopt as printed in the warrant.
COMMENT
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
OTHER POST EMPLOYEMENT BENEFITS
ARTICLE NO. 30: To see if the Town will re-vote, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws
Chapter 32B, Section 20, as amended, known as the Other Post Employment Benefit Fund, or
take any other action as related thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move that pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 32B, Section 20, the
Other Post Employment Benefit Fund is established, as amended.
COMMENT
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
SPECIAL STABILIZATION FUND/Capital
ARTICLE NO. 31: To see if the Town will vote, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter
40, Section 5B, to establish a special purpose stabilization fund to be known as the Capital
Projects Stabilization Fund; or to take any other action as related thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Two Thirds Vote Required)
Motion: Move that pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40, section 5B, a special
purpose stabilization fund to be known as the Capital Projects Stabilization Fund is established.
COMMENT
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
PUBLIC SAFETY INJURY LEAVE INDEMINITY FUND
ARTICLE NO. 32: To see if the Town will vote, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter
41, Section 111F and Section 100, as amended, to establish a special injury leave indemnity
fund for payment of injury leave compensation or medical bills incurred under this section or
said section 100; the funds received from insurance proceeds or restitution for injuries to
firefighters or police officers; and further the Town Administrator is authorized to expend such
funds without further appropriation, or take any other action as related thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move that pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41, Section 111F and 100,
as amended establish a special injury leave indemnity fund for payment of injury leave
compensation including compensation and other than salary to injured fire fighters or police
officers and providing replacement services for the injured firefighter or police officer, in lieu of
or in addition to any amounts appropriated for the compensation of such replacements,
medical bills incurred under this section; and to authorize the Town Administrator to expend
such funds without further appropriation.
COMMENT
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
BETTERMENT RESERVE
ARTICLE NO. 33: To see if the Town will vote, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter
44, Section 53J, as amended, to establish a Betterment Reserve Fund, or to take any other
action related thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move that pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53J, as
amended be established; and further that all revenues from such betterments and
assessments, include interest charged thereon, shall be reserved for the appropriation for the
payment of debt issued in connection with such improvements.
COMMENT
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
FIVE YEAR LEASE AUTHORIZATION
ARTICLE NO. 34: To see if the Town will vote, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter
44, Section 21c, to authorize the Town Administrator to solicit, accept, and enter into tax-
exempt lease for purchase agreements in excess of three years and not to exceed five years;
subject to approval of the first year of the lease appropriation, or to take any other action
related thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move that pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 21c, the Town
Administrator is authorized to solicit, accept, and enter into lease for purchase agreements in
excess of three years and not to exceed five years; subject to approval of the first year of the
lease appropriation.
COMMENT
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
STABILIZATION FUND
ARTICLE NO. 35: To see what sums the Town will vote to appropriate, and also to raise, borrow
pursuant to any applicable statute, or transfer from available funds, for the purpose of the
Stabilization Fund in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40, Section 5B, from
which appropriations may be made by a two-thirds vote of an Annual or Special Town Meeting
for any purpose for which a municipality may borrow money or for any other lawful purpose, or
to take any other action related thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move that Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000) be raised and appropriated from the
Fiscal Year 2018 tax levy and other general revenues of the Town to the Stabilization Fund
pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40, Section 5B.
COMMENT
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
CITIZENS PETITION/Federal Immigration Laws
ARTICLE NO. 36: To see if the Town will vote to request the Brewster Selectmen to authorize
all Town officials to continue current practices, to the extent permissible by law, regarding
federal immigration laws, that is to refrain from using Town Funds and other resources to
enforce said laws unless presented with a criminal warrant or other evidence of probable cause
as required by the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution; and
To see if the Town will vote to request the Brewster Selectmen to continue to uphold the civil
liberties and human rights of all Brewster residents and visitors regardless of age, race,
ethnicity, ability, sexual and gender identity, marital or economic status, national origin, or
citizenship and immigrant status.
(Citizens Petition) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move to adopt as printed in the warrant.
COMMENT
The practices herein are intended to encourage trust among Town officials, immigrant
populations and others, and to allow law enforcement to focus on local policing.
This article seeks to reaffirm the Town’s commitment to the values of freedom, justice, a nd
equality for all Brewster residents and visitors an enable all residents and visitors to lead lives of
peace and dignity free from fear, harassment, and violence
Selectmen: Yes 5, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 6, No 0, Abs 1
LEASE OF TOWN LAND/Solar Canopies
ARTICLE NO. 37: To See if the Town of Brewster will authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter
into long-term contracts, on behalf of the Town, not to exceed a term of twenty-five (25) years,
unless further authorization is provided, with private or public entities to develop, sponsor,
administer, monitor or maintain solar renewable energy generation facilities; which contracts
may include, but not limited to power purchase agreements, renewable energy certificate
contracts, renewable energy development agreements and leases of land or buildings related
to the development of renewable energy, or take any other action relative thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Move to adopt as printed in the warrant.
COMMENT
This article will allow the Town to lease Town property for the construction of solar canopies
which will provide the benefit of protecting vehicles and/or equipment stored beneath them as
well as generating a revenue stream.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS CIRCUIT BREAKER RESERVE FUND
ARTICLE NO. 38: To see if the Town will vote, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter
40, Section 13E, to establish a Circuit Breaker Reserve Fund for the Brewster Elementary
School(s); and to utilize the funds to pay, without further appropriation, for unanticipated or
unbudgeted costs of special education; funds shall only be distributed after a majority vote of
the Brewster Elementary School Committee and Board of Selectmen, or to take any other
action as related thereto.
(Board of Selectmen & Elementary School Committee) (Two Thirds Vote Required)
Motion: Move that pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40, section 5B, the Circuit
Breaker Reserve Fund – Elementary School(s) is established to utilize the funds to pay, without
further appropriation, for unanticipated or unbudgeted costs of special education, funds shall
only be distributed after a majority vote of the Brewster Elementary School Committee and
Board of Selectmen.
COMMENT
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
NAUSET REGIONAL SCHOOLS CIRCUIT BREAKER RESERVE FUND
ARTICLE NO. 39: To see if the Town will vote, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter
40, Section 13E, to establish a Circuit Breaker Reserve Fund for the Nauset Regional Schools;
and to utilize the funds to pay, without further appropriation, for unanticipated or unbudgeted
costs of special education; funds shall only be distributed after a majority vote of the Regional
School Committee and Member Committees of the district, or to take any other action as
related thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Two Thirds Vote Required)
Motion: Move that pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40, section 5B, the Circuit
Breaker Reserve Fund – Nauset Regional Schools is established to utilize the funds to pay,
without further appropriation, for unanticipated or unbudgeted costs of special education,
funds shall only be distributed after a majority vote of the School Committee and Board of
Selectmen.
COMMENT
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0
CITIZENS PETITION/Resolution to Address Climate Change by Setting Goals & Supporting
Green Aggregation
ARTICLE NO. 40: To see if the Town, consistent with the objectives of the Massachusetts Global
Warming Solutions Act, will vote to continue to aggregate electrical load, to develop and
implement energy plans, to collect and administer energy efficiency funds, and to set and
implement retail power supply rates and energy efficiency surcharges, pursuant to
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 164 Section 134 and all other applicable statutes, and
further, to adopt the following resolution:
Whereas the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has established a competitive marketplace for
electricity and has committed to ambitious goals for increasing energy efficiency, expanding
reliance on renewable energy, and reducing economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 25%
by 2020 and 80% by 2050;
Whereas representatives of energy, environmental, and business organizations and agencies
and municipal energy committees, acting together through the Cape & Islands Renewable
Energy Collaborative, have established visionary regional goals of cutting fossil fuel
consumption for heating and transportation by 50% and generating sufficient renewable energy
to meet 100% of annual electricity sales across Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket;
Whereas energy, environmental, and business organizations and agencies, acting together
through the Cape Cod Climate Change Collaborative, have committed to monitoring and
accelerating local progress toward the emission reduction and temperature targets called for by
the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change;
Whereas the Town has adopted prior resolutions and granted prior authorizations for the
purposes of negotiating and executing the Cape Light Compact (CLC) inter-municipal agreement
(IMA), aggregating the Town’s and other participants' electrical loads to obtain the least
expensive reliable supply of electricity, and developing an energy plan;
Whereas the Town, acting together with other municipalities through the IMA, has participated
in the CLC municipal aggregation since the initial aggregation plan was reviewed and approved
by the state in 2000;
Whereas the Town, as the aggregating entity under MGL 164:134 and acting together with
towns and counties on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard, has achieved notable successes in
reducing energy bills, fossil fuel consumption, and electricity sales through local control of
ratepayer-funded efficiency programs and in 2017 began offering green power supply at a
premium over the market rate;
Whereas Brewster’s citizens are interested in lowering energy bills, supporting renewable
energy, and addressing climate change through individual and group action:
Be it therefore resolved that Town Meeting members of Brewster declare continued intent and
support for municipal aggregation under MGL 164:134 and grant the Board of Selectmen
authority, independently or in joint action with other towns,
To adopt quantitative targets for reducing fossil fuel consumption, increasing reliance
on renewable energy sources, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions both from
municipal operations and on a community-wide basis;
To negotiate and enter into contracts for green power supply, energy efficiency, and
related services;
To set surcharges, collect revenues, and administer programs relating to green power
supply, consumer advocacy, and energy efficiency;
To conduct timely public hearings in Brewster announcing each change in supply
sources, supply rates, and efficiency surcharges; and
To conduct public hearings in Brewster when considering and voting on proposed
energy and emission targets, updated and new aggregation plans, and updated and new
energy plans.
If green power supply contracts are effected, the all-requirements retail product shall
incorporate energy, capacity, and/or renewable energy certificates at levels above those
required by the Commonwealth’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and supplied by RPS -
eligible facilities in the Cape & Islands region; any additional green surcharges shall be held and
invested in the development of local distributed resources and offshore wind farms; and
consumers in Brewster would always retain the option not to participate and to choose any
alternatives they desire, or to do or act anything in relation thereto.
Through energy plans and efficiency programs, goals shall go beyond implementing all cost-
effective electric efficiency measures to emphasize and support emission reduction in the
heating fuel and transportation sectors, energy production from renewable resources, energy
and climate literacy in schools and throughout the community, and workforce training and job
creation for local residents and businesses.
(Citizens Petition) (Majority Vote Required)
COMMENT
This non-binding resolution represents a local response to national political developments. The
resolution encourages the Board of Selectmen to adopt goals addressing both municipal and
community-wide energy consumption, consistent with the greenhouse gas emission reduction
targets set by state law under the Global Warming Solutions Act. It also updates previous Town
Meeting authorizations to more closely align with the current operations of the Cape Light
Compact municipal aggregation, which uses ratepayer funds to provide power supply, energy
efficiency, and consumer advocacy services to electricity consumers in Brewster. Finally,
recommendations are provided for increasing public awareness and maximizing local benefit
from ratepayer investments.
If adopted, implemented, and proactively applied, this resolution is expected to help increase
energy efficiency and reliance on renewable energy while lowering the energy bills paid by
Brewster taxpayers and by residential, commercial, and industrial ratepayers. In addition,
individual and group actions will reduce community-wide carbon emissions, helping Brewster
support continued progress toward state targets and the globally shared objective of
preventing dangerous human interference with the climate system.
Selectmen: Yes 0, No 0, Abs 0 Finance Committee: Yes 7, No 0, Abs 0
OTHER BUSINESS
ARTICLE NO.: To act upon any other business that may legally come before this meeting; or
take any other action related thereto.
(Board of Selectmen) (Majority Vote Required)
Motion: Motion to be provided at the Annual Town Meeting.
And 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 2017.
___________________________________
John Theodore Dickson, Chairman
___________________________________
Peter G. Norton, Vice-Chairman
___________________________________
James W. Foley, Clerk
___________________________________
Cynthia Bingham
___________________________________
David Whitney
I, Roland W. Bassett Jr, duly qualified Constable for the Town of Brewster, hereby certify that I
served the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting of May 1, 2017 by posting attested copies
thereof, in the following locations in the Town on the __th day of April 2017.
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