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Date Approved: 1/09/12
Vote:8-0
TOWN OF BREWSTER MINUTES OF
COMPREHENSIVE WATER PLANNING COMMITTEE (CWPC)
REGULAR MEETING
Monday, November 28, 2011 at 4:30 pm
Brewster Town Office Building
Chairman Lem Skidmore convened the CWPC meeting at 4:31 pm in the Brewster Town Office Building with members, -•
Joanne Hughes, Russell Schell, Bruce Evans, Dave Bennett, Pat Hughes, Dan Ryan and Elizabeth Taylor present.
Also Present: Jim Gallagher, Sue Leven, Ed Lewis, Chris Miller
Recording or Taping Notification
"As required by the Open Meeting Law we are informing you that the Town will be audio taping this public meeting.
In addition, if anyone else intends to audio tape this meeting they are required to inform the chair."
Documents: 112811A Integrated Water Resource Management Plan, Phase 2, Horsley Witten Group,9/9/11
112811__B CWPC 11/28/11 Discussion Items for Phase II of the Integrated Water Resource Management Plan
Overview of Initial Steps in the Project
Citizen Forum
None.
Status of Phase II—Horsley Witten Group Project Kickoff
Mark Nelson and Geraldine Gemelli of Horsley Witten Group (HWG) presented to the committee. Nelson provided an
overview of the project scope, communications, key milestones, and outreach plans. A copy of the scope was provided to
the committee. The contract is almost finalized with the Town. Nelson provided an overview of the Scope Summary.
(112811_B)"Discussion Items for Phase II of the Integrated Water Resource Management Plan."
Highlights Include:
Wastewater— Existing Conditions, Goal—What is the need for Brewster?
Wastewater— Future Conditions*
Water Supply
Storm water
Surface Water
Public Outreach
Communication with Committee
*Golf course/nitrogen reduction ideas were discussed.
Committee Comments:
Taylor asked about government review of ponds in the future? Nelson explained the TMDL process and said phosphorus
loading is a possibility down the road.
Evans asked about how they calculate loads since many Brewster residents are part time residents
Nelson explained they use the water records. SMAST has done some work with meter readings into GIS. This won't cover
the entire town. They will need to estimate the private wells.
CWPC 11-28-11.doc Page 1 of 4
Bennett asked about TMDL review/build-out, spreadsheet of assumptions available?
Nelson stated this is a good idea and said first look at the data and then decide later on the significance. There was
continued discussion with Bennett and Nelson.
Schell asked if the Town bills for water use twice a year. If it is a big difference, which would they use?
Nelson explained that is a decision they will have to make. They will look at the model, water data and make a decision.
Ryan asked about water use, irrigation for example, part time residents and census data availability.
Schell added personal property assessment data.
Year round vs. part time residency was discussed by the committee.
Nelson stated that they will look at the information and assess how relevant it is and make a decision.
Leven added that census data addresses the seasonal use.
Lewis stated that a lot of this information is available from the Assessor's Office.
HWG cont.
Nelson continued the discussion with water supply topics, storm water, SEA/DPW. Public outreach ideas were discussed.
Ideas will be discussed further in the spring.
They will make an audit of regulations and make recommendations for improvements, especially in the Pond areas and
for the build-out.
Public Outreach:
Flyers, information for the display area at Town Hall and at the Library. Web site for the project, public meetings, they are
open to ideas, mentioned PowerPoint presentations with voice overs can be effective.
Leven stated to keep the message/language simple and non scientific.
Hughes, J asked about the use of Cable TV, time slots for short programs —tap water, wastewater.
Leven mentioned "water minutes" and discussion with James Paul regarding messages on Channel 18.
Lewis likes Joanne's idea and said the local channel is watched often.
Miller likes the Blue Pages for each town. Information from this can easily be made into slides. Miller has the software and
the graphics. Skidmore thinks this is a great idea.
Bennett explained that the Chamber of Commerce is always looking for literature for the Web site. There is an Expo at
Cape Cod Tech in Harwich. Home Expo, booths available perhaps at a discounted rate.
Hughes, P said committee members could staff the booth and stated she is excited about the variety of things that can be
done. She thinks that the pond/neighborhood associations and Brewster Conservation Trust would be interested.
Nelson asked about communications with the committee. How often?
He suggested a monthly update by topic, 6 committee meetings and 6 public presentations are planned.
There was discussion regarding progress reports.
Leven asked if Skidmore agreed with what Nelson outlined. Nelson suggested a financial update template the first time to
be reviewed and adjusted for future financial updates. Skidmore agrees.
Nelson will be updating the document and will send to Leven.
Schell summarized progress/accomplishments/dates/costs
Bennett likes quarterly summaries with monthly reports and meeting every three months with HWG.
Skidmore, Schell agreed.
The committee discussed this topic further.
Taylor asked about the first public meeting, in January?
Leven explained it has been discussed.
Nelson suggested outlining issues and explaining linkages.
Identify issues and concerns and have an educational discussion, put on cable.
CWPC 11-28-11.doc Page 2 of 4
Leven agreed cable station and the Web site
Skidmore suggested Phase I and Phase II differences.
Taylor agrees with information on the site and cable TV. It is very important to get information from the Blue Book pages.
Hughes, P suggested demo in the public presentation. Example, small water sheds.
Lewis suggested an idea to help the public understand what would happen if you don't do anything.
Regional solution in the long run, people need to understand why.
Taylor asked about integration with the schools. Museum of Natural History example. Kids and Adults.
Leven added that the kid's information works with adults. Keep the messaging simple.
Bennett and the rest of the committee talked about the first public meeting in the spring and a flyer in the tax bill mailing.
Include something in the Water Dept. Newsletter mailing? Something mailed earlier along with web site content was
discussed.
Nelson suggested doing something early to get in front of people mid January. He suggested explaining issues followed
by something about wastewater in the spring. Be action oriented and show continuity throughout the process.
Hughes, J suggested two meetings with CWPC before the public meetings, further discussion required.
Leven stated that HWG can share presentations and information without an actual meeting with the committee.
Bennett asked if the Web site would be ready in thirty days and Nelson confirmed.
The committee continued discussion.
Schell asked Nelson about surface water, review of existing regulations.
Nelson addressed the question and said they would factor where the State is going with this.
There was a discussion regarding future permits.
Gemelli updated the committee regarding the GIS project. They are still gathering data and are closer to the build out.
They are addressing dirt roads in town.
Leven explained the Dirt Road by-law to the committee. There is a lack of definition of what defines a dirt road.
Bennett asked if there is a GIS formatting issue.
Leven explained it has been addressed. The town is upgrading to the new version. Gemelli explained further.
The discussion with HWG ended at 5:45 pm.
Status of Bridge Projects: Data Synthesis-GIS/Build-out, Ponds, Storm water Geo-location
Leven gave an update to the community. HWG covered this topic.
Review minutes from 9/17/10, 10124111 Review Action Items
Hughes, J made a Motion to accept the 9/17/10 minutes as corrected, Taylor Second, All Aye, Vote 8-0.
Hughes, P made a Motion to accept the 10/24/11 minutes as written, Ryan Second, All Aye, Vote 7-0. Bennett abstains.
The committee did not review the action items.
Topics the Chair did not reasonably anticipate
Evans asked for an update regarding the recent meeting in Barnstable addressing the MEP Model.
Skidmore and Schell provided an update and explained it was determined to be scientifically sound, defensible and
included good suggestions for adaptive management.
The committee discussed this meeting further. The final report is coming in December.
Lewis asked if the committee is prepared to take any position regarding the M.P. Renaissance assisted living proposal.
Leven summarized the project which is currently under review by the Cape Cod Commission.
There was continued discussion about Sweetwater Forest and wells.
CWPC 11-28-11.doc Page 3 of 4
am.
Schell asked about economic feasibility. Leven explained all plans and documents are available for review in the Planning
Office. Miller explained that it is not in a sensitive area. Leven stated it is a nice design.
Hughes, P asked about an earmark of 150k in state budget, Cape Cod Commission for regional wastewater planning.
Leven will ask and find out more information.
Schell asked Leven, Brewster's member of the Cape Cod Water Protection Collaborative (CCWPC) about the
relationship between the CCWPC and the Cape Cod Commission. Leven had no comment about the relationship. Schell
was wondering about regional financing and which organization would have the lead.
Hughes P thinks the collaborative has special standing in Barnstable County. As the towns were planning for wastewater,
county commissioners requested formation of the collaborative. They discuss wastewater issues. CCC does some
planning and technical analysis of ground water and wastewater and regional review.
Lewis remarked that regionalization will be driven by the State.
There was continued discussion.
Bennett made a Motion to adjourn, Hughes, P Second, All Aye, Vote, 8-0
The meeting ended at 6:15 pm.
Next Meeting: 12/12/11
R- •ectful submitted,
� �nett C erk Kellvz/,'
re, Dept. Assistant Planning
CWPC Action Items: Meeting 11/28/11 Updated 11/29/11
CWPC Action Item: Comments: Status:
Status of Bridge Projects: Data Synthesis-
GIS/Build-out, Ponds; Storm water Geo-location
SEA Mapping Results Planning has paper copies and maps on CD Pending
Leven will make a CD for Bennett
Horsley Witten (HWG) Phase II:
Contract to be finalized b the Town Pendin•
Cranberry Growers Association:
Check on the availability of PowerPoint presentations Offer made to give PowerPoint presentation in Pending
from the meeting Taylor and Leven attended in 2010 Brewster/Harwich
with the CGA.
Contact CGA and ask if they might talk to the bog A meeting will be scheduled soon with the Pending
owners and find out when discharging into the ponds— association and the growers
to take sam•les.
Mist:
Education General •ublic, Town committees and boards Pendin•
MS4 Com•liance U•date On•oin•
CCC 150K state budget, regional wastewater planning Leven will find out more information. Pending
Question from P. Hughes.
CWPC 11-28-11.doc Page 4 of 4