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Municipal votes · 2021–2022 Board

Brewster Select Board

How the Brewster Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide. Kari Hoffmann joined the board after the May 2021 town election; Ben deRuyter left. On May 26, 2021 the board chose Cynthia Bingham as Chair, David Whitney as Vice Chair and Ned Chatelain as Clerk. Covers 57 meetings, May 26 to May 23, 2022.

A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.

What does the Select Board do? It is the town’s executive board. It prepares the Town Meeting warrant (the list of articles voters decide), appoints members of many town boards, hires the town’s top staff, signs warrants to pay town bills, and grants licenses and permits.

Town Meeting, not the Select Board, votes the town budget and town bylaws.

Sources: Massachusetts Select Board Handbook (MMA) · Mass. Division of Local Services: the town budget
Election Day · Tuesday, Nov 3

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What Town Meeting decided

In Brewster, Town Meeting — not the Select Board — votes the town budget, bylaws and zoning. Here is what it did with each article, in the Town Clerk’s own words. Any registered voter can take part, and most votes are by voice or show of hands, so there is no list of who voted which way.

Annual Town Meeting · May 4, 2026 29 votes: 27 passed, 1 passed as amended, 1 indefinitely postponed

Source: Town Clerk's Report of the May 4, 2026 Annual Town Meeting.

Special Town Meeting · November 17, 2025 14 votes: 12 passed, 1 passed as amended, 1 advisory

Source: Town Clerk's Report of the November 17, 2025 Special Town Meeting.

Annual Town Meeting · May 5, 2025 21 votes: 18 passed, 1 failed, 1 indefinitely postponed, 1 advisory

Source: Town Clerk's Report of the May 5, 2025 Annual Town Meeting.

Special Town Meeting · November 18, 2024 14 votes: 13 passed, 1 indefinitely postponed

Source: Town Clerk's Report of the November 18, 2024 Special Town Meeting.

Annual Town Meeting · May 11, 2024 24 votes: 22 passed, 2 indefinitely postponed

Source: Town Clerk's Report of the May 11, 2024 Annual Town Meeting.

Titles are short descriptions of each article from the official record; the quoted words are the Town Clerk’s. A vote at Town Meeting is not the final word on everything: some articles also need a ballot vote (such as a tax override) or the Attorney General’s approval (bylaws).

Members

Mary ChaffeeMember · Elected townwide · at 56 of 57 meetingsNed ChatelainClerk · Elected townwide · at 51 of 57 meetingsKari HoffmannMember · Elected townwide · at 55 of 57 meetings

"At X of Y meetings" counts the members the minutes list as present at the start of each meeting in this record. Members who step out are listed on each meeting page.

Meetings

About missing minutes

Loaded: every Select Board meeting from January 2018 through August 31, 2026 whose minutes are posted in the town’s online records archive (Laserfiche), 338 meetings in all, including 29 closed (executive session) meetings from 2020-2021 whose minutes the board has since released. Not here: 50 meetings since January 2018 that have an agenda but no minutes in the archive (including September 14, 2026 and September 28, 2026), and separate executive-session minutes for meetings whose open-session minutes are loaded (the vote to go into executive session is in the open-session minutes). Brewster’s minutes are scanned paper copies with a computer-read text layer; we read that text (and, for five files with a missing or unreadable text layer, our own text recognition), and checked split votes against the page images. The minutes name the mover and seconder of each motion and give the result as a count (for example 5-0); from 2020 to 2024 most votes are also roll calls with each member’s yes or no by name. When the count equals the number of members present and no one voted no, or the minutes say all members voted in favor, we show every member present as voting yes; when the minutes give a roll call, or name the members who voted no or abstained, we show each member’s vote as recorded. Where the minutes give only a count with no names (for example 4-1), or the count does not match the members present, or a roll call lists a member the minutes show as absent or lists a member twice, we show the count only and add a note. Votes where the minutes give no count and no names are shown as result only. Members who had not yet arrived, had left, or stepped aside (recused) are left out of that vote. Votes by other boards at joint meetings (Finance Committee, Board of Health, Planning Board, Conservation Commission and others) are not included. We will ask the town to confirm any noted vote.

Monday, May 23, 2022 · Regular meeting5 recorded votes, 1 with disagreementAll 5 members presentSaturday, May 14, 2022 · Regular meeting2 recorded votes, 0 with disagreementAbsent: Kari HoffmannMonday, May 9, 2022 · Regular meeting6 recorded votes, 0 with disagreementAll 5 members presentMonday, April 25, 2022 · Regular meeting10 recorded votes, 0 with disagreementAll 5 members presentMonday, April 4, 2022 · Regular meeting21 recorded votes, 4 with disagreementAll 5 members present

Votes where members disagreed

Most board votes are unanimous. These are the ones where at least one member voted no or abstained, newest first.

May 23Appoint Steven Frissora as Republican RegistrarMotion: to appoint Steven Frissora as Republican RegistrarFailed 2–3 · No: Bingham, Chaffee, Hoffmann

May 23, 2022: Appoint Steven Frissora as Republican Registrar

AppointFailed · 2–3

To appoint Steven Frissora as Republican Registrar

Yes: Chatelain, WhitneyNo: Bingham, Chaffee, Hoffmann

From the minutes

“Selectperson Chaffee moved to appoint Steven Frissora as Republican Registrar. Selectperson Hoffmann second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Chaffee -no,Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Chatelain- yes,Selectperson Hoffmann -no,Chair Bingham - no. The Board vote was 2 -Yes, 3 -No.” (Motion: Chaffee, second: Hoffmann)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Apr 4Approve the memorandum of agreement with OPEIU regarding hiring…Motion: to approve the memorandum of agreement with OPEIU regarding hiring employees…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Chatelain

April 4, 2022: Approve the memorandum of agreement with OPEIU regarding hiring employees with past experience

ApprovePassed · 4–0

To approve the memorandum of agreement with OPEIU regarding hiring employees with past experience

Yes: Bingham, Chaffee, Hoffmann, WhitneyAbstained: Chatelain

From the minutes

“Selectperson Hoffmann moved to approve the memorandum of agreement with OPEIU regarding hiring employees with past experience .Selectperson Chaffee second .A roll call vote was taken . Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Hoffmann -yes, Selectperson Chatelain -abstain ,Selectperson Chaffee -yes, Chair Bingham -yes .The vote was 4-Yes, 0- No, 1 -Abs.” (Motion: Hoffmann, second: Chaffee)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Apr 4Recommend approval of ATM Article 4, Nauset Regional BudgetMotion: to recommend approval of ATM Article 4, Nauset Regional BudgetPassed 4–1 · No: Bingham

April 4, 2022: Recommend approval of ATM Article 4, Nauset Regional Budget

ApprovePassed · 4–1

To recommend approval of ATM Article 4, Nauset Regional Budget

Yes: Chaffee, Chatelain, Hoffmann, WhitneyNo: Bingham

From the minutes

“Selectperson Chatelain moved to recommend approval of ATM Article 4, Nauset Regional Budget , Selectperson Chaffee second .A roll call vote was taken .Selectperson Hoffmann - yes ,Selectperson Chatelain -yes, Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Chaffee -yes, Chair Bingham -no .The vote was 4- Yes, 1 -No.” (Motion: Chatelain, second: Chaffee)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Mar 21Approve the dog park regulations with the following edits…Motion: to approve the dog park regulations with the following edits :under…Failed 1–4 · No: Bingham, Chaffee, Hoffmann, Whitney

March 21, 2022: Approve the dog park regulations with the following edits :under the " allowed in park enclosures" section, remove " Children under 6" .Under the " Owners/ handlers must" section ,…

ApproveFailed · 1–4

To approve the dog park regulations with the following edits :under the " allowed in park enclosures" section, remove " Children under 6" .Under the " Owners/ handlers must" section , add language " Parents/ guardians of children under 6 are urged to use caution when in the enclosure . "And under the " Legal Notices" add the following language, owners of dogs exhibiting aggressive behavior towards humans will be prosecuted to the maximum extent of the law

Yes: ChatelainNo: Bingham, Chaffee, Hoffmann, Whitney

From the minutes

“Selectperson Chatelain moved to approve the dog park regulations with the following edits :under the " allowed in park enclosures" section, remove " Children under 6" .Under the " Owners/ handlers must" section , add language " Parents/ guardians of children under 6 are urged to use caution when in the enclosure . "And under the " Legal Notices" add the following language, owners of dogs exhibiting aggressive behavior towards humans will be prosecuted to the maximum extent of the law .Selectperson Chaffee second .A roll call vote was taken .Selectperson Chaffee-no, Selectperson Chatelain- yes, Selectperson Whitney-no, Selectperson Hoffmann -no, Chair Bingham -no .The Board vote was 1-Yes, 4-No.” (Motion: Chatelain, second: Chaffee)

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

Mar 21Adopt the Brewster Dog Park Regulations as proposedMotion: to adopt the Brewster Dog Park Regulations as proposedPassed 4–1 · No: Chatelain

March 21, 2022: Adopt the Brewster Dog Park Regulations as proposed

ApprovePassed · 4–1

To adopt the Brewster Dog Park Regulations as proposed

Yes: Bingham, Chaffee, Hoffmann, WhitneyNo: Chatelain

From the minutes

“Selectperson Chaffee moved to adopt the Brewster Dog Park Regulations as proposed .Selectperson Whitney second .There was brief discussion on liability language . A roll call vote was taken .Selectperson Whitney- yes, Selectperson Chatelain - no, Selectperson Hoffmann - yes, Selectperson Chaffe - yes, Chair Bingham-yes , The Board vote was 4-Yes, 1- No.” (Motion: Chaffee, second: Whitney)

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

Mar 14Recommend approval of Annual Town Meeting Article 6Motion: to recommend approval of Annual Town Meeting Article 6Passed 5–0 · see note

March 14, 2022: Recommend approval of Annual Town Meeting Article 6

ApprovePassed · 5–0

To recommend approval of Annual Town Meeting Article 6

The roll call lists David Whitney twice. Showing the count only.

From the minutes

“Selectperson Chatelain moved to recommend approval of Annual Town Meeting Article 6 . Selectperson Whitney second .A roll call vote was taken .Selectperson Chaffee-yes, Selectperson Whitney- yes, Selectperson Chatelain -yes, Selectperson Whitney-yes, Chair Bingham -yes .The Board vote was 5 -Yes, 0- No.” (Motion: Chatelain, second: Whitney)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Mar 14Recommend approval of Annual Town Meeting Article 8Motion: to recommend approval of Annual Town Meeting Article 8Passed 4–0 · see note

March 14, 2022: Recommend approval of Annual Town Meeting Article 8

ApprovePassed · 4–0

To recommend approval of Annual Town Meeting Article 8

The minutes give the vote as 4-0, but 5 members were present for this vote (Cynthia Bingham, David Whitney, Mary Chaffee, Kari Hoffmann and Ned Chatelain). Showing the count only.

From the minutes

“Selectperson Chatelain moved to recommend approval of Annual Town Meeting Article 8 . Selectperson Whitney second .A roll call vote was taken .Selectperson Chaffee -yes, Selectperson Hoffmann -yes, Selectperson Whitney-yes, Selectperson Chatelain -yes, Chair Bingham -yes .The Board vote was 4-Yes, 0 -No.” (Motion: Chatelain, second: Whitney)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Mar 7Recommend approval of Article 12 for Annual Town Meeting…Motion: to recommend approval of Article 12 for Annual Town Meeting 2022Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Chaffee

March 7, 2022: Recommend approval of Article 12 for Annual Town Meeting 2022

ApprovePassed · 4–0

To recommend approval of Article 12 for Annual Town Meeting 2022

Yes: Bingham, Chatelain, Hoffmann, WhitneyAbstained: Chaffee

From the minutes

“Selectperson Chatelain moved to recommend approval of Article 12 for Annual Town Meeting 2022 . Selectperson Hoffmann second . A roll call vote was taken . Selectperson Chaffee -abstain ,Selectperson Chatelain -yes, Selectperson Hoffmann -yes, Selectperson Whitney-yes, Chair Bingham -yes . The Board vote was 4- Yes, 0 -No, 1 -Abs.” (Motion: Chatelain, second: Hoffmann)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Feb 28That the Board approve warrant articles for Fall 2022…Motion: that the Board approve warrant articles for Fall 2022 Town Meeting…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note

February 28, 2022: That the Board approve warrant articles for Fall 2022 Town Meeting to potentially opt out of the Cape Cod and Islands Water Protection Fund and concurrently impose a 3 %…

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 4 present

That the Board approve warrant articles for Fall 2022 Town Meeting to potentially opt out of the Cape Cod and Islands Water Protection Fund and concurrently impose a 3 % community impact fee on all short-term rentals

Mary Chaffee stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote.

From the minutes

“Selectperson Whitney moved that the Board approve warrant articles for Fall 2022 Town Meeting to potentially opt out of the Cape Cod and Islands Water Protection Fund and concurrently impose a 3 % community impact fee on all short-term rentals .Selectperson Chatelain second .A roll call vote was taken . Selectperson Chatelain -yes, Selectperson Whitney- yes, Selectperson Hoffman -yes, Chair Bingham -yes .The l Board vote was 4-Yes, 0 -No.” (Motion: Whitney, second: Chatelain)

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

Feb 28Add to the warrant a Water Quality Stabilization FundMotion: to add to the warrant a Water Quality Stabilization FundPassed Unanimous, 4 present · see note

February 28, 2022: Add to the warrant a Water Quality Stabilization Fund

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 4 present

To add to the warrant a Water Quality Stabilization Fund

Mary Chaffee stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote.

From the minutes

“Selectperson Chatelain moved to add to the warrant a Water Quality Stabilization Fund .Selectperson Whitney second .A roll call vote was taken .Selectperson Chatelain -yes, Selectperson Whitney- yes, Selectperson Hoffman - yes, Chair Bingham -yes .The Board vote was 4-Yes, 0 -No.” (Motion: Chatelain, second: Whitney)

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

From the Brewster Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s online records archive. We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: Town of Brewster (Select Board and Staff Biographies page).

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