HomeMy Public PortalAboutComprehensive Water Planning -- 2009-05-15 Minutes
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Date Approved: August 24, 2009; All Aye
TOWN OF BREWSTER MINUTES OF
COMPREHENSIVE WATER PLANNING COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING
Friday, May 15, 2009 at 4:00 P. M.
Brewster Town Office Building
Town Planner Susan Leven convened the Comprehensive Water Planning Committee meeting at 4:00 pm in the
Brewster Town Office Building with members Jane Evans, Dave Bennett and Dave Michniewicz.
Also Present: Ed Lewis, Elizabeth Taylor, Peter Johnson and Don Keernan
Ms. Leven opened the meeting and stated the goal of this meeting was to get the members to meet each other and to
outline the goals/objectives of the committee. Each member and audience member introduced themselves.
The primary goal for the committee is to lead the Town through the water management process. The committee
would focus on wastewater and drinking water.
Ms. Leven would like the committee to start by looking at the following:
1. Drafting the Initial RFP for consulting services. This should be the first step in the water management process.
2. Modifying the existing Water Quality Bylaw as appropriate. Ms. Leven noted the current Water Quality bylaw is still
being reviewed by the AG's office. Ms. Leven had been reviewing the document with several departments and found
that some alterations may be necessary.
Ms. Leven also noted that the committee members were brought together because of everyone's expertise. She
recognized that a consultant will be needed. She stated she would provide whatever information the members
needed in order to get up to speed.
Mr. Lewis: Wanted the committee to know that the BOS was supportive of the committee. He felt that Brewster was
way behind on the wastewater planning. Mr. Lewis felt that the members were advocates for water protection.
Although sewers don't seem to be a word the Town wants to think about if it were required then he would be open to
hearing the solution. Mr. Lewis wanted the committee to know that they are an important group with their own unique
knowledge on water protection. He felt that creating this committee with Sue leading the Town could make up time.
Mr. Lewis pointed out that the Water Quality by-law needed some modifications and the DCPC was going to be
ending in October.
Ms. Leven: Pointed out that it may be to the Town's advantage to be behind because we could learn from others mis-
steps. Orleans and Eastham are preparing a study on wastewater management. For now, Brewster is commenting
but only on areas where they have the concrete knowledge.
Mr. Michniewicz: Requested a copy of the current WQ bylaw, BOH regulations and other pertinent information that
might help to get the members all up to date.
Ms. Evans: Asked what kind of financial resources would be available for the group?
Ms. Leven: It was her understanding that there was $120,000 available to develop the water management plan. Mr.
Lewis also noted that there may be $20-30,000 available for the studies. Ms. Leven felt it was important to get the
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RFP moving so the committee could determine what they were dealing with and if more funding was going to be
necessary.
Mr. Michniewicz: Felt the first step should be to establish what the committee is dealing with and then attempt to
figure out where the study needs to go. He also pointed out that even though some may think we are behind we are
not in dire straights. The Town has done a good job with zoning which has helped protect the water.
Ms. Leven: Agreed with Mr. Michniewicz but also noted that Brewster has a significant number of ponds and other
towns do not. Therefore, Brewster needs to keep pace and continue to focus on protecting water resources.
Mr. Lewis: Stated that Orleans is addressing the issue and they want to cooperate with Brewster.
Mr. Bennett: Wanted to know the focus of the group. And wanted to make sure he was not going to have a conflict of
interest.
Ms. Leven: Ms. Leven provided a brief overview of the conflict of interest. She did not believe there would be a
conflict of interest but if at any point any member had a question then they should call the state for their determination.
Ms. Leven thanked everyone for attending and given that it was now 5pm it was agreed to close the meeting.
Pending Action Items:
o~~cn~i Artinn Complete
Levenv , Provide copies of WQ bylaw, BOH
regulations and other appropriate
literature
Leven Determination of available funds
Leven Draft RFP -send out to Committee
Leven Send out surface water standards
Leven Send out TMDLs for Brewster
Leven Send out Draft of the Regional Study
from Orleans
Leven Send out a list of contact information for
members
Leven Schedule next Meeting
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