Harwich Tap to Orleans Project: Construction Notice

From Eversource:

Harwich Tap to Orleans Project: Dennis, Brewster, Orleans Construction Notice: Vegetation Removal & Work Area Preparation

Crews will be in your neighborhood soon to start construction on a transmission line upgrade project that will take place in Dennis, Brewster & Orleans, Mass., over the next couple months. This work is part of our continuing effort to deliver reliable energy to our customers and communities.

Work in Your Neighborhood
Eversource will be upgrading the electric system by installing new wire along the existing 118 transmission line between the Harwich Tap located on Setucket Road in Dennis, crossing through portions of Brewster, and continuing to Eldredge Parkway in Orleans. The wire will improve electric reliability by enabling communication between substations. Construction will be done in phases and will not be continuous in any one area. 

Read more: Harwich Tap to Orleans Project: Construction Notice

FY18 Financial Records Report Available

In June, the Brewster Select Board hired the Abrahams Group to assist in closing out the town’s accounting records for FY18. At the outset, this work involved reconciling FY17 general ledger ending balances to FY18 general ledger beginning balances. It also involved reconciling FY18 general and special revenue funds. During their investigation, the Abrahams Group uncovered a number of accounting problems needing immediate attention – they identified numerous financial records that were not properly reconciled; incorrect postings in a number of funds and accounts; lack of funds in certain accounts, financial accounts being inactivated with positive balances etc. Since September, more problems have been discovered. The work of the Abrahams Group and our own finance team to correct these problems is still ongoing.

To review their presentation please click here.

November 6, 2018 State Election Results

The results for yesterday's state election are available for download in PDF format.

Brewster Fire Responds to Structure Fire

On Monday November 5th at 2:02 p.m. the Brewster Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire at 12 McGuerty Way. The Harwich and Orleans Fire Departments were also dispatched on an automatic line box response. While responding units received information reporting a fire in a dryer with extension to the basement of the dwelling. Due to the proximity of the fire to Harwich Station 2 Engine 69 arrived first due and reported a moderate smoke condition with a fire in the basement. Brewster Car 231 (Chief Moran) arrived on scene and assumed command of the incident and Brewster Car 232 (Deputy Chief Varley) was assigned operations. The Harwich engine company along with off duty Brewster firefighters stretched a 1 ¾ attack line through the front door into the basement and quickly knocked down the main body of fire. Brewster Squad 241 arrived on scene and laid a 5” supply line from the hydrant to Harwich Engine 69 and assisted with Rapid Intervention. Orleans Ladder 176 arrived and was assigned to ventilate the dwelling. All occupants were out of the residence on arrival of fire department units. During the incident the Dennis Fire Department provided coverage at Brewster Headquarters. The home sustained moderate smoke damage throughout and damage to the basement in the area of the dryer which was severely damaged and removed by fire department personnel. National Grid cut gas service to the home and Red Cross assisted the residents with relocation services. No injuries to firefighters or occupants were reported. All Brewster units were placed back into service at 3:45 pm. Photos and video provided by Craig Chadwick.

Read more: Brewster Fire Responds to Structure Fire

Brewster Fire/Rescue Headquarters Construction Project Presented with Station Design Award

The Brewster Fire/Rescue Department is pleased to announce receipt of the distinguished Career Category 1 Silver Award in the 2018 Firehouse Magazine Station Design Awards competition (see press release below).

Fort Atkinson, WI, November 1, 2018 — Firehouse Magazine has announced the winners of its fifth annual Station Design Awards program, which recognizes outstanding architecture and design from fire departments nationwide. Gold, Silver and Bronze awards have been distributed across six categories in this prestigious competition: Career 1 and 2 departments, Satellite stations, Volunteer/Combination departments, Training facilities and renovated fire stations. (see page #70 of PDF for Brewster Fire)

Janet Wilmoth, special projects director to Firehouse, noted that the typical fire station has changed significantly over the past 25 years due to the increased responsibilities picked up by fire departments across North America: “The judging of this year’s 37 entries was very difficult for the judges because the commitment to safety and health in the station is obvious. Fire departments are more proactive in designing healthier environments and restricting toxins and carcinogens returning on firefighters in the stations. Every one of this year’s entries is a winner for its personnel and community they serve.”

Winners were selected by a panel of five judges, including a deputy chief, fire marshal, two architects, and a fire engineer/architect with experience in fire station designs.

Project Architect: CDR Maguire/Saccoccio Associates
Owners Project Manager: Pomroy Associates
Contractor: Delphi Construction
Project Committee: Robert Miller, Ralph Ingegneri, Herb Montgomery,
Charles Sumner, Hayley Winfield
Fire Chief: Robert Moran

Brewster Police Receive State Certification Award

DOVER, MA – In a meeting of Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC) on October 24th, the Brewster Police Department was awarded State Certification. Certification awards are given to agencies that successfully demonstrate compliance with a series of standards approved by the commission. Brewster was originally awarded certification in 2006 and every three years they are re-evaluated to assure that they remain in compliance. This past June, a team of assessors spent two days at the department reviewing policies, procedures, and day-to-day operations. At the conclusion of the assessment, the police department was recommended for re-certification. That recommendation received a unanimous confirmatory vote at the MPAC’s meeting. Lieutenant Jonathon O’Leary, the police department’s accreditation manager, was joined by Chief Heath Eldredge at the meeting to receive the award.