Town Council Meeting – Thursday, April 17, 2025

The April 17, 2025 Meeting of the Barnstable Town Council was conducted in person. The public was able to attend in person or participate remotely in Public Comment or during a Public Hearing via Zoom. The public was able to view the meeting on Barnstable Government Access Xfinity Channel 8 or 1070 or in High Definition on Xfinity Channel 1072 or via the live stream through the Town website. Town Clerk Ann Quirk took the Roll Call. Town Council President Craig Tamash chaired the meeting and called the meeting to order. President Tamash announced that Councilors Felicia Penn, Paula Schnepp, and Gordon Starr have joined the meeting via Zoom and that all votes will be roll call.

Town Councilor Betty Ludtke welcomed Lester August to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Lester is a wash-a-shore from the Jersey Shore. He moved to the Cape in 2012 and now resides in Osterville. Lester enlisted in the Army in 1969 after convincing two recruiters that he was physically fit to serve. “No his ailment was not shin splints.” He had planned on becoming a combat engineer due to majoring in forestry and having a background in rough construction. However, the U.S. Army was short on military police and so that was what he became. Lester spent most of his time at Fort Campbell, Kentucky with a side trip to Fort McClellen, Alabama for the Third Army Non-Commissioned Officer Academy. After his discharge from the U.S. Army, he served two years with the national army reserves as a military police soldier. A year or so later he still missed the army so Lester joined the National Guard and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He headed up both a tank platoon and then a 106 millimeter recoilless jeep mounted rifle antitank platoon. Sadly, after 4 years, due to being self-employed in a seasonal business, Lester had to resign from the National Guard. Lester wants to thank everyone for allowing him to lead todays’ pledge.

President Tamash asked all to remain standing for a Moment of Silence for those you hold near and dear to you and the service members that recently passed at the border.

President Tamash announced that written comment is always welcome, and the Town Council received a number of emails on a variety of issues and that those emails were shared with the full Council.

Next was Public Comment which was followed by Council Response to Public Comment.

President Tamash announced that Town Manager Communications for the period of April 2-April 15, 2025 had been pre-recorded by Town Manager Mark Ells and was shown on our Government Access Channel prior to the meeting. The recorded version of Mr. Ells’s Town Manager Communications may be viewed here and the itemized list is shared below:

We have commenced review of the FY 2026 Capital Budget and continue with the preparation of the Operating Budget for FY 2026. We are on schedule with the budget action calendar. Town Council hearings on the recommended FY 2026 Capital Budget commence April 17th and May 1st. The Fiscal Year 2026 Capital Improvement Plan is available on the Town’s website at the link provided below and printed copies have been provided to the Town Council. FY2026-2030 Capital Plan The School Committee met on April 2, 2025 to review and approved the FY 2026 School Operating Budget. The Town Manager Fiscal Year 2026 proposed fee hearing was conducted on March 18, 2025. The proposed FY 2026 fees are posted on the Town Manager website. Comments may be submitted through Thursday, April 17^th. For information on our fiscal year budgets, please view the Town’s Open Budget website at http://budget.townofbarnstable.us.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) released the Final 2025 Intended Use Plans (IUPs) detailing the projects, borrowers, and amounts that will be offered financing through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan programs for this year’s financing cycle. 2025 Final SRF Intended Use Plans | Mass.gov The IUP did not substantially change from previous years, resulting in DEP committing to fund Barnstable’s listed projects in carryover projects (Route 28 West Sewer Expansion and Nitrogen Removal Improvements and New Headworks Facility) and including Barnstable’s Phinney’s Lane Neighborhood and Centerville Village Sewer Expansion Projects as new listed projects. This funding commitment keeps those projects eligible for the principal subsidy from the Cape Cod & Islands Wastewater Trust Fund. MassDEP did identify funding concerns and flagged limited additional funds to address increased costs. Barnstable has offered to continue to actively participate in discussions with MassDEP regarding strategies to maintain the State Revolving Fund as a financially viable resource in the future. I will keep the Town Council and public advised as this matter progresses.
On April 9, 2025, I participated as a panelist for a webinar offered by Massachusetts Municipal Association covering strategies to help municipal leaders launch and run a citizen’s academy. Citizen Academies are educational programs designed to help residents gain better understanding of the daily operations of local government. The Academies can foster greater community involvement, encourage participation on local boards and commissions, and strengthen relationships and understanding between residents and local government. Barnstable’s Inside Barnstable Town Government program has held 29 sessions commencing in 2003, graduating over 1000 participants. Barnstable is one of the Commonwealth’s longest standing and most successful citizen academies. I have received numerous inquiries regarding our Inside Barnstable Town Government Academy, our Police Academy and our Employee Academy. We plan to continue to provide our community with accurate information regarding the programs and services our organization offers to those who live and work and visit Barnstable. For the last 22 years Barnstable’s staff has successfully engaged our public in their local government and it was a pleasure to share the details of our efforts.
We are pleased to announce that Barnstable Government Access (BGA) television is now more accessible than ever. Viewers can now watch BGA programming through a dedicated app available on both Apple and Android smartphones, as well as popular streaming platforms including Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire Stick. To find the app you can search the word “Barnstable” on your device to download it today. You can continue to find BGA on Xfinity channels 8 and 1070 and in High-Definition on channel 1072. With this expansion, you can stream BGA live from anywhere and stay connected with a variety of local programming. Tune in to watch Town Council meetings, Zoning Board of Appeals sessions, and original shows such as Discover Barnstable, my show Barnstable in Focus, and much more. Over the past few years, BGA has continued to enhance its services, including launching a High-Definition Xfinity channel and adding closed captioning to all video-on-demand content, livestreams, and re-broadcasts—whether you’re watching on TV, online, or through the new app. This latest upgrade reflects BGA’s ongoing commitment to making local government and community programming more accessible and convenient for all residents.
The Barnstable County Administrator has announced that the Offices of U.S. Senators Markey and Warren, in partnership with Barnstable County Government, will host the Second Cape & Islands Dredging Summit on Thursday, May 15, 2025 from 10:00 AM to noon in person at the Mary Pat Flynn Conference Room, Barnstable County Complex, 3195 Main Street, Barnstable, Massachusetts 02630 or hybrid. Recognizing the recent deep challenges communities have experienced with navigating the dredging permitting process, this working summit will convene Cape leaders and officials with staff from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and state agencies such as the Division of Marine Fisheries, Department of Environmental Protection, and Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management for a discussion on dredging permitting, and an update on what has happened over the past year. More information will be coming in the next two weeks. In the meantime, please save this date.
Laurel Schaider, Senior Scientist with Silent Spring Institute, has invited me to be a featured speaker in an upcoming webinar on April 17th, 12:00-1:00 pm. This is part of a new webinar series that STEEP (Sources, Transport, Exposures & Effects of PFAS) is launching called “PFAS on Cape Cod – Connecting Communities with Science for Solutions.” Their goal is to combine researchers from the STEEP team with community leaders from Cape Cod to talk about how PFAS are affecting communities on the Cape, how STEEP researchers are advancing our knowledge on PFAS, and how scientists and communities can work together for solutions. I have been asked to speak about my perspectives leading a town that has been tackling PFAS in groundwater and surface waters, and how I think that researchers can work with communities to promote change. On April 17th, the other speaker will be Dr. Heidi Pickard, who recently graduated with her PhD from Harvard University. Pickard will be speaking about her studies of PFAS in fish, mainly on the Upper Cape.
Andy Clyburn, Assistant Town Manager, will provide an update on the Quality of Life working group that is focused on enforcement matters across all Town departments. Mr. Clyburn’s PowerPoint presentation may be viewed here.
Kelly Collopy, Department of Public Works Communications Manager, will provide an update on Water Resources including the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan. Ms. Collopy’s PowerPoint presentation may be viewed here.
James Kupfer, Director of Planning and Development, will provide an update on the Local Comprehensive Plan and other major efforts.

Housing Choice Designation Renewal Application

The Town’s Housing Choice designation is due for renewal on Friday April 18, 2025. Started by the Baker Administration in 2018, the Housing Choice Designation is a grant opportunity provided by the State to support infrastructure projects impacted by new housing. There are currently 98 communities that have achieved this designation.

Communities are required to renew their Housing Choice designation every five years. In order to qualify for renewal, a municipality needs to have been previously designated, produced a certain rate or amount of new housing units over the last five years, and has met best practices related to housing production. The Town of Barnstable meets and exceeds the standards required by the State for this designation.

The Housing Choice designation provides exclusive admission to the Housing Choice Community Grant Program and priority access to various participating Housing Choice programs including MassWorks, Complete Streets, MassDOT capital projects, and Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) Grant Program and Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) Grant Program. Housing Choice Communities are also eligible to receive a 0.5% discount on the interest rate for State Revolving Fund loans which Barnstable takes advantage of now. Over the past five years through the Town’s designation as a Housing Choice Community and in collaboration with community partners, the Town has received over a million dollars in direct grant funding through the Housing Choice Community Grant Program in support of infrastructure improvement projects such as the Crocker Street water line, Pleasant Street sewer line, and the 725 Main Street sewer pump station in addition to being provided preferred status on many other grants.

To take advantage of this opportunity the Town Manger shall file the renewal application by the deadline on Friday April 18, 2025.

Local Comprehensive Plan

The Town of Barnstable is currently working to update the Town’s Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP) which is a long-term vision and growth policy that will guide Barnstable’s future over the next ten years. A full draft of the Local Comprehensive Plan is available for review and comment. The draft Plan is accessible from the project website BarnstableLCP.com via the Document Library page. Hard copies of the draft Plan are available at each of the Town’s libraries and the Barnstable Adult Community Center. The public comment period is open through Sunday, May 11^th. Comments can be submitted online via the project website or dropped off or mailed to: Planning & Development, 367 Main Street, Hyannis, 02601. The comments will be distributed to the Local Comprehensive Planning Committee for review and consideration.

Town staff, together with members of the Local Comprehensive Planning Committee, invite the public to attend one of the upcoming community meetings. Each meeting will include an overview of the draft Local Comprehensive Plan, followed by an open house. Light refreshments will be provided.

Tuesday, April 15^th at 6pm at the West Barnstable Community Center
Wednesday, April 30^th at 6pm at Liberty Hall
Monday, May 5^th at 6pm at the Osterville Library *Virtual participation will be provided for this meeting*

The final town-wide community meeting will be held at the Barnstable High School within the Performing Arts Center. Live Portuguese and Spanish interpretation will be available. Additionally, in partnership with Barnstable Recreation, childcare services will be provided for children ages kindergarten through 5^th grade including pizza and arts and crafts activities. Please email Kate Maldonado kaitlyn.maldonado@town.barnstable.ma.us to register for childcare.

Thursday, May 8^th at 6pm at the Barnstable High School Performing Arts Center (744

West Main Street in Hyannis)

Housing Production Plan

The Town of Barnstable is in the process of updating its Housing Production Plan. A Housing Production Plan (HPP) establishes a strategic plan for production of affordable and mixed-income housing in a community that is based on a comprehensive needs assessment. A draft Housing Production Plan has been published and can be accessed from the Town’s website via the Planning and Development Department webpage under “Current Projects”. The Town recently hosted two public meetings to solicit feedback on this plan.

Public feedback is also encouraged by submitting comments through the Town’s Housing Production Plan webpage or by emailing Jim Kupfer at james.kupfer@town.barnstable.ma.us before Thursday May 1, 2025.

Digital Equity

The Cape Cod Commission, in partnership with the Town of Barnstable, has published the Barnstable Municipal Digital Equity Plan for public review.

The Town of Barnstable Municipal Digital Equity Plan assesses the digital divide in Barnstable and identifies opportunities to advance digital equity. The plan considers topics such as the availability and affordability of internet service, device access, online safety, and digital skills required for meaningful digital engagement.

A copy of the draft plan, as well as an opportunity to submit public comments by Wednesday April 30^th, are available at the link included in the full Town Manager’s report. (cccom.link/barnstable-de)

Community Development Block Grant

The Town of Barnstable’s Draft Five-Year Consolidated Plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is available for review on the Town’s website. (www.townofbarnstable.us/cdbg). The plan can be accessed from the Town’s website via the Planning and Development Department webpage under “Programs”.

The plan will serve as the planning and strategic documents for the Town’s CDBG Program, which supports projects that provide housing, economic opportunities and a suitable living environment for low- and moderate-income persons. The range of eligible activities may include affordable housing, economic development, public facility improvements and public services.

Comments will be accepted through Monday May 5^th.

President Tamash invited Town Manager Mark Ells to address the Intended Use Plan.

The Council voted to Act on Public Session Minutes: April 3, 2025.

Communications from elected officials, boards, committees, and staff, commission reports, correspondence and announcements.

Orders of the Day.

OLD BUSINESS

AGENDA ITEM 2025-062 Amending the Code of the Town of Barnstable, Part I General Ordinances, Chapter 240 Zoning by repealing the Zoning Overlay District known as the “Registered Recreational Marijuana Cultivators, Research Facilities, and Testing Laboratories Zoning Overlay District” and creating a new Overlay District known as the “Cannabis Overlay District” and expanding the existing Medical Marijuana Overlay District, in the form as submitted by petition of ten registered voters

The Public Hearing for this item was opened and continued to the May 15^th Town Council Meeting.

President Tamash invited Town Manager Ells to provide the rationale for withdrawing a number of items. Town Attorney Karen Nober was asked to speak to the procedure.

Motion made to withdraw AGENDA ITEM 2025-085 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $990,000 for the purpose of funding the Design and Construction of Aircraft Hardstands for Terminal Aprons Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2026 – Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Plan; AGENDA ITEM 2025-094 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $447,400 for the purpose of funding the Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds Maintenance Building Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2026 – Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Plan; AGENDA ITEM 2025-119 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $750,000 for the purpose of funding the Intersection Improvement Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2026 – Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Plan; AGENDA ITEM 2025-120 Appropriation Order in the amount of $125,000 for the purpose of funding the Design and Permitting Old Stage Road Pedestrian Improvement Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2026 – Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Plan; AGENDA ITEM 2025-121 Appropriation Order in the amount of $250,000 for the purpose of funding the Design and Permitting Main Street Centerville Pedestrian Improvement Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2026 – Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Plan; and

AGENDA ITEM 2025-122 Appropriation Order in the amount of $200,000 for the purpose of funding the Design and Permitting Craigville Beach Road Pedestrian Improvement Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2026 – Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Plan was approved.

Three Agenda Items were taken out of order prior to the continuation of Agenda Items as presented.

AGENDA ITEM 2025-147 Appropriation Order in the amount of $100,000 in Community Preservation Funds for the purpose of acquiring a Conservation Restriction on two contiguous open space tracts of land totaling 5.46± acres and located at 564 Main Street and 0 Main Street (Route 6A), West Barnstable

Presented by Community Preservation Committee Chair Lindsey Counsell. The item was approved.

AGENDA ITEM 2025-151 Appointments to a Board/Committee/Commission: Historical Commission: Andrew Fisher, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2027; Housing Committee: Joseph Taccogna, as a regular member, to a term expiring 06/30/2026; Human Services Committee: Patrick Downey, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2026; Mid Cape Cultural Council: Mary Bianco, as a regular member, to a term expiring 06/2026 was a first reading and referred to a second reading on 05/01/2025.

AGENDA ITEM 2025-095 Appropriation Order in the amount of $189,000 for the purpose of funding the Barnstable Police Department Security Modernization Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2026 – Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Plan.

Presented by Deputy Chief Jennifer Ellis. The item was approved.

Deputy Chief Ellis’s PowerPoint may be viewed here.

AGENDA ITEM 2025-086 Appropriation Order in the amount of $150,000 for the purpose of funding the Information Technology Department Network Infrastructure Upgrade Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2026 – Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Plan.

Presented by Information Technology Director Jim Benoit. The item was approved.

AGENDA ITEM 2025-087 Appropriation Order in the amount of $95,000 for the purpose of funding the Information Technology Department Server Replacement Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2026 – Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Plan.

Presented by Information Technology Director Jim Benoit. The item was approved.

AGENDA ITEM 2025-088 Appropriation Order in the amount of $416,000 for the purpose of funding the Patrol Vessel Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2026 – Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Plan.

Presented by Director of Marine and Environmental Affairs Derek Lawson and Harbormaster Brian Taylor.

The item was approved.

AGENDA ITEM 2025-089 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $1,500,000 for the purpose of funding the Pipe Replacement and Upgrade Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2026 – Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Plan.