Seeking Resident Input on Updated Open Space and Recreation Plan

The Town of Brewster is holding a virtual public meeting on Tuesday June 15^th 2021 from 6 to 7 pm to present the update of the Town’s Open Space and Recreation Plan.  

Residents are invited to attend to hear the goals and objectives for protecting open space and meeting the recreational needs of Brewster residents and visitors.

If you didn’t get a chance to respond to the Open Space and Recreation Plan survey last year, please follow this link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BrewsterOSRP

A paper copy of the survey may also be requested from the Brewster Natural Resources Department, 508-896-4546 x4244.

This meeting will be conducted by remote participation pursuant to Gov. Baker’s March 2020 orders suspending certain Open Meeting Law provisions and imposing limits on public gatherings. No in-person meeting attendance will be permitted.

The meeting may be viewed by: Live broadcast (Brewster Government TV Channel 18), Livestream (livestream.brewster-ma.gov), or Video recording (tv.brewster-ma.gov).

The meeting may be joined by:

1.       Phone: Call (929) 436-2866 or (301) 715-8592. 
Webinar ID: 839 7898 7156
Passcode: 590978

To request to speak: Press *9 and wait to be recognized.

2.    Zoom Webinar:   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83978987156?pwd=L3hseU01OEFQUjZCZUMyNmV1cGFpdz09

and enter Passcode: 590978

To request to speak: Tap Zoom “Raise Hand”, then wait to be recognized.

Cyanobacteria Advisory: Lower Mill Pond

On June 9, 2021, the Brewster Health Department posted a Cyanobacteria Advisory for Lower Mill Pond at the Mill Site due to a visible algal bloom, and elevated levels of Cyanobacteria. Until further notice, small children and pets should avoid contact with the pond water. On June 7, 2021,The Department of Public Health (DPH) in conjunction with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) also posted a Cyanobacteria Advisory at Cliff Pond in Nickerson State Park. The Association for the Preservation of Cape Cod and the Brewster Ponds Coalition continue to monitor our freshwater ponds in Brewster to provide timely notification to our residents of potentially harmful algal blooms. For additional information, please visit https://www.mass.gov/guides/cyanobacterial-harmful-algal-blooms-cyanohabs-water.

Seeking Letters of Interest for Planning Board

Due to a recent resignation, the Select Board is seeking a resident to serve on the Planning Board until the next town election (May 2022).  The Planning Board consists of seven elected members and is responsible for the review of subdivisions, site plans, and other development projects.  The Board oversees land use planning efforts and develops zoning by-law amendments for Town Meeting.  Meetings are usually held on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 6:30 PM.

If you are interested in filling this position, please send a letter of interest and resume to Erika Mawn, emawn@brewster-ma.govin the office of the Select Board, by June 23, 2021, no later than 4pm. Prospective candidates will be interviewed by the Planning Board and Select Board at their joint virtual meeting on June 28, 2021 at 630pm.  For additional information, contact the Planning Department at brewplan@brewster-ma.govor call 508-896-3701 x1133.

Brewster Water Commission Imposes Mandatory Outdoor Water Restrictions

In response to drought conditions, the Brewster Water Commission recently voted to impose mandatory restrictions on outdoor watering in accordance with Town bylaws and relevant state permits.

Effective immediately, these restrictions impose an alternating (odd/even) schedule for outdoor watering based upon house number and calendar date.  Properties with odd number street addresses may water on odd number calendar days and properties with even number addresses may water on even number calendar days (example: 53 is ODD, 54 is EVEN).  Outdoor watering done during periods of water restriction shall occur from 4:00AM to 8:00AM and from 5:00PM to 9:00PM.

The Monomoy Lens, from which our groundwater is pumped, is currently experiencing lower than average levels. The lack of precipitation this past winter has resulted in groundwater levels that are more than 2 feet lower than this time last year. Over the warmer summer months, the aquifer is not expected to be able to recharge even if significant rain activity occurs since most precipitation will evaporate before entering the groundwater table.

These water conservation measures are being implemented in all five towns that share the Monomoy Lens.  Although properties serviced by private wells are exempt from these restrictions, the Town encourages their participation given their impact on our shared aquifer.  Several other exemptions from these restrictions also exist.  Please contact the Brewster Water Department at 508-896-5454 if you have any questions.

The Brewster Water Department respectfully requests the support of our residents and business community in complying with these restrictions to ensure the future health and adequacy of our water supply.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation.  

Town of Brewster Reopening Update

Beginning Tuesday June 1, the Council on Aging will welcome residents back into their facility.  The COA will be open to residents on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8AM to 4PM.  Starting Wednesday July 7, the COA will be open to the public on Wednesdays as well.  Residents will be able to meet one-on-one with staff and have small group gatherings.  In-person programming is expected to begin in September.  The COA will expand its transportation program as well in June.  Please call the COA at 508-896-2737 with any questions.

The Brewster Ladies Library continues its Grab & Go service Tuesday through Saturday from 12 to 4PM.  Starting Tuesday June 15, their hours of operation will change to 10AM to 5PM Tuesday through Saturday and current time restrictions will be rescinded.  Further expansion of hours may occur in July.  Library programming will take place outside through the end of the summer. 

Throughout the month of June, Town offices at Town Hall, the Department of Natural Resources, the Water Department, and Department of Public Works, will continue to be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays during normal hours of operation.  Beginning Wednesday July 7, Town offices will be open to the public on Wednesdays as well.  When Town offices are closed, phone messages and email correspondence will continue to be answered promptly by Town staff.  Face masks are required inside all public buildings through Monday July 5

Town Election Results

A tally sheet from the May 25th Town Election is now available in PDF format.

Open Position: Department Assistant, Treasurer/Collector’s Office

The Town of Brewster seeks applicants for a Department Assistant in the Treasurer/Collector’s office. Position is responsible for performing administrative and financial work to assist the Treasurer/Collector with the operation of the office. Duties include, but are not limited to; responds to requests for information from taxpayers and accepts and processes tax payments; accepts and verifies departmental receivables; sorts Town Hall mail & maintains mail machine; processes municipal lien certificates. High school degree required, Associate’s degree preferred, and one year of office experience required, or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Must possess strong computer, accounting, organizational and customer service skills. Ability to deal with the public politely and effectively both in person and over the phone. This is a 35 hour a week, Grade 4A OPEIU union position, with a starting pay range of $21.27 - $24.16 per hour.  Please send cover letter, resume and Town employment application to Susan Broderick, employment@brewster-ma.gov. Position open until filled, with priority deadline of4pm on 6/7/21. For job description, click here. EEO/AA.

Annual Spring Beach Maintenance Work Underway

Starting Monday April 5^th, the Public Works Department will perform maintenance and repairs at all Town beaches, landings, and ponds as part of our annual maintenance program.  Access to beaches, landings, and ponds might be closed temporarily throughout the coming weeks to allow our crews to work and for the safety of the public.  Thank you for your cooperation during this time.  Questions can be directed to 508-896-3212.

Childcare Assistance Applications Now Available For Brewster Families

Thanks to funding from a Community Development Block Grant, Brewster families may now be eligible for childcare assistance. If you are interested in applying to the childcare subsidy program, please download the application below. Full applications were mailed to all that completed pre-applications. Completed applications are funded on a first come, first served basis. Income eligibility is set at 80% of Area Median Income and additional details are provided on the application. The program is administered by Baily Boyd Associates. If you have any questions, please contact Carol Bergen at cbergen@baileyboyd.com. 

Application is available here: FY20 Dennis, Brewster, Wellfleet Childcare Subsidy Program Application

Reminders from the Brewster Recycling Commission

Businesses and residents should note that the Thin-Film Plastic Bag Ban goes into effect July 1, 2021.After that time, residents should bring reusable bags (or refuse a bag for small purchases) and businesses may offer only the alternative bags as per the legislation. Businesses are entitled to charge a fee if they wish.

Additionally, at the Fall 2020 Town Meeting, a ban on the commercial Sale of Single-use Plastic Water Bottles was passed and becomes effective on September 1, 2021.  On that date “it shall be unlawful to sell non-carbonated, unflavored drinking water in single-use plastic bottles of less than one gallon in the Town of Brewster”.

The Brewster Recycling Commission is prepared to help businesses transition to a greener alternative. Please reach out to the Town Administrator’s office (email: townadmin@brewster-ma.gov) if you have questions about either of the bylaws.