From the Manager's Desk
Happy New Year! I hope that everyone had an enjoyable holiday season. We thank the many Town Departments who organized and held community events, providing support for residents in need through various gift and food drives. I also want to express my appreciation to our public works team for their thorough and vigilant response to multiple winter weather events.
As we start the New Year, Town officials are entering our peak budget and capital season for next fiscal year. In December, we presented our updated 5-year financial forecast. Between now and Annual Town Meeting in May, Town Administration, Department Heads, Select Board, and Finance Committee are busy working together to develop operating and capital budgets for the upcoming year. Stay tuned for more information about our FY27 budget as we work through the planning process.
Over the next few months, the Select Board and Finance Committee will also review and vote on all of the warrant articles that will be brought to Town Meeting this spring. It is a busy time of year in local government!
Peter Lombardi
Town Manager
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Table of Contents
From the Manager's Desk
Budget & Annual Town Meeting Prep
Committee Corner
Waste Reduction & Recycling Commission
Department Profile
Public Works
Meet Our Team
Alex Provos
Project Updates
Recycling Center Study
Sea Camps Spotlight
Summer Recreation Program & Community Pool
In Focus
Volunteer Positions
Brewster Public Service Nominations
Seasonal Items
Annual Town Elections
2026 Census
Brewster in Mid-Winter
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Committee Corner
Waste Reduction & Recycling Commission
4th Tuesday of the Month | 2pm
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The 3Rs in Action: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle | | |
The Brewster Waste Reduction & Recycling Commission is currently focused on the reduction aspect of managing our waste products. One example of this is our push to make residents, students, and businesses more aware of the impact of organic (food) waste. Throughout our regional school district, we have helped implement organics collections so that we reduce the waste stream and create a new product - compost! We have also begun working with major Brewster businesses, helping them to reduce their waste and capture this valuable organic material. Residents are encouraged to backyard compost or bring their organics to the transfer station where they are hauled to an on-Cape composting site.
Removing organics from Brewster’s waste stream could result in a reduction of 20-30% of the material we send off-Cape for proper management. Coupled with Pay-As-You-Throw, we could become the leader in Massachusetts for waste reduction.
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Meet the Chair
Meg Morris
Years served: 10+
Q: What is one thing you wish the public knew about the Waste Reduction & Recycling Commission?
We are here to help and we study issues thoroughly before taking action that will impact the residents.
Q: What is one of your favorite things about Brewster?
The annual Beautify Brewster clean up brings our community together in a very positive way. It results in cleaner beaches and roadways throughout the town.
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Meet a Member
Pat Semple
Years served: 3+
Q: What motivated you to serve on the committee?
I am motivated to stay on this committee because of Meg's deep understanding of the subject matter and her commitment to The 10 Rs: refuse (say "no"), reduce, rethink, reuse, repair, refurbish, remanufacture, repurpose, recycle, and recover.
Q: What is one of your favorite things about Brewster?
There are no traffic lights in Brewster!
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Department Profile
Department of Public Works (DPW)
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Serving Our Community Every Day
The Brewster Public Works Department (DPW) is dedicated to maintaining and protecting the town’s infrastructure and natural resources. Our team provides essential services year-round, supporting the daily needs of residents while helping to preserve the character and environmental health of our community.
DPW responsibilities span a wide range of services including stormwater drainage management, snow and ice removal, mowing and field maintenance, roadside and cemetery care, recycling operations, vehicle and equipment fleet maintenance, and tree management. These services are critical to public safety, environmental protection, and the overall appearance of our town. In addition to these core functions, the Brewster DPW maintains town roads, beaches, parks, and other municipal facilities. Crews work behind the scenes to ensure safe road conditions, clean and accessible public spaces, and reliable infrastructure. The department also plays an important role in supporting Town events and operations by providing labor, equipment, and logistical coordination.
The Town is committed to reducing the volume and cost of solid waste disposal through recycling, reuse of items via the swap shop and on-going resident education. The DPW oversees the Recycling Center in its mission to dispose of the town’s solid waste in an environmentally sound and fiscally responsible manner, and in compliance with all state and federal laws. The DPW Superintendent is a member of the Waste Reduction & Recycling Commission.
Whether responding to storms, preparing for seasonal changes, or maintaining essential services throughout the year, the Brewster DPW is committed to keeping the town safe, clean, and well-maintained. Through professionalism, teamwork, and dedication to public service, the Department of Public Works helps ensure Brewster remains a vibrant, well-cared for, and welcoming community for all who live, work, and visit.
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Meet Our Team
Alex Provos
DPW Director since 2024,
with Brewster since 2013
Q: What is one of your favorite things about your position?
One of my favorite things about my position is the opportunity to serve the Brewster community and see the results of our work every day. Much of what the DPW does happens behind the scenes, but it plays an essential role in keeping the town safe, functional, and well cared for. It’s rewarding to work alongside a dedicated team that takes pride in maintaining Brewster’s infrastructure and natural resources for both residents and visitors.
Q: What is one of your favorite things about Cape Cod?
One of my favorite things about Cape Cod is the summer. During the summer months, it feels like I’m on vacation every day, with the beaches, ocean, and lively atmosphere making it such a fun and enjoyable place to be.
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Recycle your Christmas tree & holiday lights until February!
Residents can recycle real Christmas trees and holiday lights for free at the Brewster Recycling Center through February 2, 2026.
Trees will be chipped, with wood chips available to the public, while holiday lights are processed to recover reusable materials. Recycling keeps waste out of landfills, conserves resources, and helps protect Brewster’s environment.
These programs are free with a Recycling Center permit—please remember to remove all decorations before dropping off your tree.
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Brewster Swap Shop Closed for Season
The Brewster Swap Shop closed for the season on Monday December 29, 2025. We would like to thank everyone who visited and donated to the Swap Shop. A sincere thank you to our volunteers, whose dedication makes the Swap Shop one of the most popular spots in Town and helps keep usable items out of the waste stream.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back when the Swap Shop opens next spring.
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Project Update
Recycling Center Improvements Feasibility Study
In January 2025, findings from the Recycling Center feasibility study were delivered to the Select Board and Waste Reduction & Recycling Commission. The study analyzed several potential campus upgrade scenarios after reviewing community use and need at the Recycling Center, which has changed dramatically since it began operating in 1989.
As part of the study, vehicle visits were calculated, with an average daily number of visits of almost 500 vehicles. Site observations were also conducted at the various drop-ff areas and the Swap Shop.
The Select Board and Waste Reduction & Recycling Commission unanimously identified a preferred scenario, which is estimated to cost approximately $3.75M to construct.
Next steps will be for the Select Board to adopt a funding plan and timeframe for the work to be done as part of the Town's annual 5-year capital planning process.
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Sea Camps Spotlight
Summer Recreation Program & Community Pool
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The Sea Camps Advisory Committee, Select Board and Recreation Commission met in a joint meeting on December 15th to hear a recap from the Recreation Department on the Summer Recreation Program at the Bay Property and the 3rd season of the Brewster Community Pool.
The Summer Recreation Program completed a successful first year at the Bay Property, serving about 250 children in the morning sessions and 100 kids in the afternoon. Feedback from kids and families on the new venue was very positive. Plans for Summer 2026 include dividing the program into three age-based groups: Pre-K & Kindergarten, Elementary, and Grades 6-7. Next summer, kids enrolled in Summer Rec will have increased access to the Community Pool. The new middle school program will have more field trips, so fees will increase next year for that age group, but all other Summer Rec fees will remain the same.
2025 marked the third season of the Community Pool, and residents continued to express their appreciation for the high-quality facility, programming, and staff. The pool is a valuable amenity to the community. Over the past few years, the Town has incrementally increased operating hours and the length of the season without raising fees. Looking ahead to 2026, no changes are proposed to fees or the operating schedule, but the Town will monitor membership levels to ensure that pool revenues fully cover operating expenses.
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Volunteer Opportunities
Municipal board and committees are a made up of Brewster residents who volunteer to help guide local government decisions, provide expertise, and represent community interests. Serving is a great way to give back, learn about local government, and make a positive impact.
Brewster has the following volunteer positions available:
- Agricultural Commission
- All Citizens Access Committee
- Conservation Commission
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Energy & Climate Action Committee (Part-time residents may apply)
- Historical Commission
- Housing Partnership
- Zoning Board of Appeals
For more information visit, Volunteer Opportunities, or contact the Town Manager's office at (508) 896-3701 x1100 or townmanager@brewster-ma.gov.
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Brewster Public Service Award
The Select Board is seeking nominations for the Brewster Public Service Award. This annual award is intended to honor elected or appointed board/committee/commission members who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to serving the citizens of Brewster.
The award seeks to honor individuals who has gone above and beyond to make a profound difference in improving public services for our community.
Applications are available through the Town Manager's office and are due by March 2, 2026. Volunteers will be recognized at the Spring Volunteer Fair and Appreciation event.
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The last day to obtain nomination papers is March 27, 2026, and the last day to return nomination papers is March 31, 2026.
A minimum of 50 signatures from Brewster registered voters is required for a candidate's name to be placed on the ballot.
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Annual Town Elections
May 19, 2026
Nomination papers for the 2026 Annual Town Elections are now available in the Town Clerk's office for residents interested in running for office in Brewster.
The following elected positions will appear on the 2026 Annual Town Election ballot:
- Select Board (3-year term; 1 seat)
- Board of Health (3-year term; 2 seats)
- Brewster School Committee (3-year term; 2 seats)
- Constable (3-year term; 1 seat)
- Housing Authority (5-year term; 1 seat)
- Moderator (3-year term; 1 seat)
- Nauset Regional School District Committee (3-year term; 1 seat)
- Planning Board (4-year term; 2 seats & 2-year unexpired term; 1 seat)
- Recreation Commission (3-year term; 2 seats)
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2026 Annual Census
Annual Town Census have been mailed to each year-round resident, and we encourage all residents to participate promptly. The annual census helps the Town maintain accurate records and the information is essential to our community for determining voter eligibility, planning town services and emergency response and maintaining household records.
Voters are required to return the form annually to retain their active status on the voter list.
Completed census forms can be returned to the Town Clerk's office or via mail.
For assistance with nomination papers or the census,
contact the Town Clerk’s office at (508) 896-4506.
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Brewster in Mid-Winter
January 10, 2026
Brewster in Midwinter is a new, no-spend community event taking place on Saturday January 10 from 1 to 4PM at the Council on Aging campus on Main Street (rain date: February 21).
This cozy midwinter gathering invites residents to relax after the holidays with crafts, hot beverages, soups, and shared camaraderie, while also learning about fire safety at the start of burn season. Guests can enjoy knitting, crocheting, quilting, and kids’ crafts indoors, or warm up outdoors by contained fire pits with s’mores, informational tents, and a visit from Smoky the Bear. The event encourages strolling, connection, and learning in a welcoming winter setting for all ages.
For more details contact Cassie West at cwest@brewster-ma.gov or (508) 896-4546 or Annie Rapaport at arapaport@brewster-ma.gov or (508) 896-2737.
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