Town Council Meeting – Thursday, August 20, 2026

The August 20, 2026 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. Please note that this in-person meeting will not be suspended or terminated if technological problems interrupt the remote connection or the live broadcast or live stream. If the public has a particular interest in a topic to be discussed, please consider attending the meeting in person. Town Council Vice President Kris Clark chaired the meeting and called the meeting to order. She announced that Town Councilor Gordon Starr stepped down for health reasons at this time so a new councilor can be elected this fall to serve out his term. For 6 years, Councilor Starr represented Precinct 1, which encompasses Barnstable Village, Cummaquid and the area around the airport. His hard work, perspective and passion will be missed. We wish him well.

For the public’s edification, Vice President Clark announced that the workshop discussion that was advertised regarding the Retiree Healthcare concerns, as outlined in the petition sent to the Town Council, will not be heard due to a lack of quorum. In good faith and at the prompting of some of the retirees, the discussion was placed on today’s Town Council agenda. But unexpectedly, we found out yesterday that we would not satisfy the requirements of a quorum to discuss this matter. Therefore, on the advice of Town Attorney Karen Nober, we will postpone this discussion until after the special elections on October 13th, should the vote on today’s agenda item 2027-022 affirm the special election for Precinct 1 as the special election for Precinct 13 has already been approved.

Assistant Town Clerk Janet Murphy took the Roll Call.

Town Councilor Betty Ludtke introduced Air Force Staff Sergeant Patrick Hill to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. A native of Centerville, Chief Patrick Hill grew up just across the street from the fire station where he now proudly serves as Centerville-Osterville-Marstons Mills Fire Department Fire Chief. After graduating from Barnstable High School in 1998, Patrick enrolled at Cape Cod Community College with the goal of pursuing a career in the fire service. He later enlisted in the Massachusetts Air National Guard and was assigned to the 102nd Fighter Wing at Otis Air National Guard Base. He graduated as Class President from the prestigious Louis F. Garland Fire Academy in San Angelo, Texas. During his time with the 102nd, Patrick served as a member of the Civil Engineer Squadron, beginning his military career in Fire Protection before later transitioning into Structures. His service provided him with opportunities to travel and serve overseas, including a 2007 deployment to Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). In 2009, Patrick also spent time at Nevatim Air Base in Israel’s Negev Desert, where he worked alongside fellow Civil Engineering personnel constructing dormitory and barracks facilities for U.S. military personnel. These experiences allowed him to combine his backgrounds in firefighting and construction while serving both at home and abroad. Chief Hill began his full-time fire service career with the Otis Fire Department before joining the Centerville-Osterville-Marstons Mills Fire Department in 2007. Throughout his career, he has served as a Firefighter, Lieutenant, Fire Prevention Officer, Deputy Chief, and now Fire Chief. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Anna Maria College, a Master of Public Administration from Arizona State University, and is currently pursuing his law degree through Texas A&M University School of Law.

Vice President Clark asked all to remain standing for a Moment of Silence to remember Manny Jason, Craig Tamash’s brother-in-law, who began his service in the Barnstable Police Department in 1967. Manny was promoted to sergeant in 1973 and was patrol sergeant and watch commander until his retirement in 1998. Also, for Gene Burman whose commitment to local governance included 32 years on the Zoning Board of Appeals, 18 years on the Licensing Authority, and past chairman of the Traffic and Transportation Commission for the Town of Barnstable. We also remember those who have lost their lives in service of our country, those who are near and dear to us, and those who are in service to our town who are in need of our prayers.

Next was Public Comment.

Vice President Clark invited Barnstable Police Chief Jean Challies to the podium to address Flock camera use. Chief Challies thanked Vice President Clark for the opportunity to speak and thanked everyone who came out to share their concerns about the Police Department’s use of Flock license plate readers. She wanted everyone to know that they are listening. They have heard the concerns loud and clear about how long data is kept, who else can access it, and under what circumstances, whether we share information with federal agencies, and whether the system could be misused. These are not abstract worries. They are the same questions that are being raised in communities in the state and across the country right now and they are taking them very seriously. Since these concerns were first raised in the spring, they have reviewed internal policies adding strict language on audits, locked down settings on who can access their data, adopted new security measures regarding retention, and they’ve always had strict limits on who internally has access to the system. This is a tool that has helped the BPD solve real crimes and keep people safe, and they would like to continue to use it. They also understand that they have to be transparent in the use of this technology, earning the trust of the community by showing a history of responsible use and ensuring that are adequate guardrails in place. Chief Challies looks forward to a more robust discussion at the September 3, 2026 meeting where they can dig into the specific issues that were raised tonight.

Council Response to Public Comment

Vice President Clark announced that Town Manager Mark Ells’s Town Manager Communications for the period of July 15, 2026 through August 18, 2026 had been pre-recorded and was shown on our Government Access Channel prior to the meeting.

Mr. Ells’s Town Manager Communications video may be viewed here and the itemized list is shared below:

  1. At the last Town Council meeting, the Town Manager Mark Ells and Finance Director Mark Milne reviewed with the Town Council several balancing measures to address future budgetary challenges and how to address those challenges, including reducing public services, increasing local fees, or pursuing tax overrides and debt exclusions as potential future strategies. The Town of Barnstable is currently navigating a significant fiscal challenge requiring a shift from the annual use of reserves for operating budgets, as this is not a sustainable strategy, and the generation of additional revenue to create a sustainable fiscal budget strategy. A sustainable operating budget strategy, coupled with a need to proceed with priority capital projects, has resulted in the Town Council needing to examine its fiscal policies and revenue strategy as we proceed to meet the priorities of our community. While the town relies heavily on property taxes, state-mandated caps under Proposition 2½ prevent revenue from keeping pace with rising operating and capital costs. To address this challenge, the town must identify new revenue streams, such as the Water Infrastructure Investment Fund and property tax overrides, which our Finance Director plans to address at the first Town Council meeting in September, to bridge the gap between the town’s operating and capital needs and available resources. Please follow closely and participate in this matter as examining these critical fiscal management issues is a priority for our community. We anticipate monthly discussions with Town Council as we work toward fiscal policy and revenue strategies that maintain our community’s priorities.
  2. On July 22, 2026, the Zoning Board of Appeals voted to overrule the Building Commissioner’s issuance of Building Permit No. BLDC-25-316, which was the building permit for the proposed homeless shelter at 460 West Main Street in Hyannis. Before the Building Commissioner could enforce the ZBA’s vote, the ZBA’s decision had to be filed with the Town Clerk. That occurred on August 4, 2026. On August 14th, the Building Commissioner sent notice to the property owner to cease and desist construction work authorized under BLDC-25-316. At this time, all work associated with the construction and redevelopment of the property as a homeless shelter is under a cease-and-desist order. However, portions of the second floor of the building continue to be lawfully occupied. There are several remaining permits that are associated with the shelter building permit (BLDC-25-316), but which are not directly related to the use of the first floor as a homeless shelter. These permits include building and electrical permits for work related to tenant separation, fire suppression, fire notification and other health and life safety components and systems. The Building Commissioner is working with the Town Attorney’s Office to determine which of these permits remain valid and in effect.
  3. As our summer team heads back to school, we’re making a few adjustments to keep everyone safe. After reviewing our end of season schedule, here are the final days lifeguards will be on duty at each location: Veteran’s Beach: Last day with guards was Thursday, August 13 Kalmus Beach: Last day with guards was Sunday, August 16 Covell’s Beach: Last day with guards is Thursday, August 20 We’ll continue to share updates as more staff finish their summer season. Thank you for your understanding and please stay safe.

4.The Town of Barnstable has received numerous complaints from abutters about the noise generated at the Osterville-West Barnstable Road pickleball facility and have also heard concerns about traffic safety during school hours. Staff have been in discussions with residents, users of the facility, School Department, Barnstable Police and other communities on the Cape to work on potential resolutions. Implementing new hours, securing the facility when closed, installing new signage, planting evergreen trees for sound attenuation and considering the use of newly developed low noise pickleballs are all options being considered. There will be more information to come as we formalize a plan.

  1. As I have shared in previous communications, I serve as the Town’s representative on the Cape Cod & Islands Bridge Coalition. Please see below for a series of bridge related updates for this month. The next quarterly CIBC meeting is set for Tuesday, September 8, 2026. We have a full agenda for that meeting. Luisa Paiewonsky and MassDOT will share some major project updates, and Melissa Sherburne with Enbridge will discuss the latest on the parallel pipeline relocation project.

New Bridge the Gap Podcast Episode Available Now!

  • Episode 8 of our Cape Cod Bridges podcast, Bridge the Gap, is now available via the Chamber website, iHeart Media app, and Audible.
  • Did you know that a majority of fish and shellfish from the Cape has to travel over the bridges for processing? On this episode, we’re joined by Shareen Davis, Marketing and Sales Manager for the Chatham Harvesters Cooperative. Shareen shares how a community of fisherfolk is working to build a healthier, more sustainable seafood economy while navigating the limitations of regional infrastructure and logistics.
  • Please listen, share, and let us know what you think! Special thanks, as always, to the Davenport Companies and Matt Pitta for their support of this project.

State Senator Dylan Fernandes to Host Quarterly Public Forum 8/27

Design Public Hearing Materials Now Available

On July 23, MassDOT hosted a Design Public Hearing at Bourne High School to provide a public update on the replacement of the Sagamore Bridge. The recording of this hearing can now be found online here, and the page includes a comment form to submit your feedback. Bridge renderings shown at the hearing can be accessed here.

  1. I am pleased to report that I have been appointed as a member of the Energy Facilities Siting Board as the representative of the Mass Municipal Association.
  2. Tammy Cunningham, Assistant Director of Human Resources, provided an update on the Town Hall elevator repair project.
  3. Kelly Collopy, DPW Communications Manager, provided a Water Resources Update including the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan. Ms. Collopy’s PowerPoint presentation may be viewed here.

Town Councilor Betty Ludtke asked Town Manager Ells about his appointment to the Energy Facilities Siting Board.

Act on Public Session Minutes: July 16, 2026

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

In Person Early Voting

Assistant Town Clerk Janet Murphy provided information on In Person Early Voting
Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Monday, August 24 through Friday, August 28 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
You can call the Town Clerk’s Office at 508-862-4044 for more information.

Councilor Ludtke provided an update on the
Town Council Subcommittee on Zoning and Regulatory

The Riverview School Update Presentation – 35 Scudder Avenue, Hyannis

Friends Together Project Update
Mike Ford, Attorney
Stuart Miller, Executive Director, Riverview School
David Summers, Executive Director, Friends Together Project
Jennifer Hocherman, SV Design Architecture + Interior
The PowerPoint presentation may be viewed here.

OLD BUSINESS

AGENDA ITEM 2027-001 Appointments to a Board/Committee/Commission: Board of Assessors: James O’Neill, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2029; District Improvement Financing Program Advisory Committee (DIF): Jen Villa, as a business representative member outside the Business Improvement District (BID); Open Space Committee: Sharon Harrison, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2029; Zoning Board of Appeals: John Carey, as an associate member to a term expiring 06/30/2027.

The item was approved.

AGENDA ITEM 2027-011 Order authorizing the taking of road easements by eminent domain for sewer and water purposes over certain private roads in Centerville Village in connection with the Long Pond Area Sewer Expansion Project.

Presented by First Assistant Town Attorney Tom LaRosa and DPW Director Dan Santos. The item was approved.

AGENDA ITEM 2026-014 Authorization of a Housing Development Incentive Program Tax Increment Exemption Agreement between the Town of Barnstable and 91 Louis LLC for four (4) new Market Rate Residential Rental Units located at 91 Louis Street, Hyannis.

Presented by Planning & Development Director Jim Kupfer and Developer Jake Dewey. The item was approved.

NEW BUSINESS

AGENDA ITEM 2027-017 Authorization to contract for and expend a grant from the Cape Cod Conservation District in the amount of $52,625 for construction of Little River Landing Stormwater Improvements.

Presented by DPW Director Dan Santos. The item was approved.

CONSENT AGENDA:

Vote: To refer Items 2027-018 through 2027-021 to a Second Reading to be held on each item at the Town Council meeting on September 03, 2026 was approved.    

AGENDA ITEMS 2027-018 Authorization to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding to maximize federal financial participation through Title IV-E of the Social Security Act; 2027-019 Order authorizing the School Committee to enter into a contract with a term of up to five years for a food services management company; 2027-020 Order authorizing the School Committee to enter into a contract with a term of up to ten years for regular school transportation; and 2027-021 Order authorizing the School Committee to enter into a lease with a term of up to ten years for school bus parking.

AGENDA ITEM 2027-022 Resolve to fill a second vacancy on the Town Council at the special election scheduled to be held on October 13, 2026.

The item was approved.

AGENDA ITEM 2027-023 Authorization to contract for and expend a State Fiscal Year 2027 State 911 Department PSAP Leadership Scholarship grant in the amount of $13,000 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.

Presented by Barnstable Police Chief Jean Challies. The item was approved.

AGENDA ITEM 2027-024 Authorization to contract for and expend a Federal Fiscal Year 2025 Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance grant in the amount of $23,886.68 from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs.

Presented by Barnstable Police Chief Jean Challies. The item was approved. 

AGENDA ITEM 2027-025 Resolve delegating to the Town Council President the authority to designate a moderator to preside over and regulate the Special Town Council/Open Meeting of the Voters scheduled for September 10, 2026.

Presented by Town Attorney Karen Nober. The item was approved.

The next regularly scheduled Town Council Meeting will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The public is able to view through Xfinity High-Definition Channel 1072 (or Xfinity Channel 8 or 1070) or Live Streaming on the Town of Barnstable’s website. Viewers can now watch BGA programming through our dedicated app available on both Apple and Android smartphones, as well as popular streaming platforms including Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire Stick. Real-time public comment may be addressed to the Barnstable Town Council utilizing the Zoom video link or telephone number and access meeting code which will be included on the Agenda. Written Comments may be submitted to: Council@barnstable.gov. The meeting Agenda will be available on the Town of Barnstable’s website (www.barnstable.gov).

If any member of the public wishing to attend a meeting seeks special accommodations in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act or state law, please contact Tammy Cunningham, Deputy Director of Human Resources, at (508) 862-4692, or at Tammy.Cunningham@barnstable.gov.