The August 21, 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. 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. Town Council President Craig Tamash chaired the meeting and called the meeting to order. Town Clerk Ann Quirk took the Roll Call.
Town Councilor Betty Ludtke welcomed Captain Ben Brea to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Ben Brea is a native of Dover, Massachusetts, and a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Class of 2018. While at West Point, he served as the captain of the Nordic Ski Team. He also completed U.S. Army Air Assault School. Upon graduation, he commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer. Following his commissioning, Ben completed the Field Artillery Basic Officer Leadership Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and was then stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord with the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team in the Second Infantry Division. He served as a Fire Support Officer with 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, planning and executing mortar, artillery, and close air support missions. He later became a Fire Direction Officer for Bravo Battery, 1-37 Field Artillery, where he managed firing data, munitions, and the tactical employment of six M777 howitzers. His training included multiple rotations at Yakima Training Center, the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California, and the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, Louisiana. After his assignment at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Ben returned to Fort Sill to complete the Captains Career Course and subsequently assumed command as a Home Station Mission Commander at Fort Hood, Texas. In this role, he was responsible for the training, readiness, and welfare of 120 soldiers while his battalion was deployed to Poland. Ben concluded his military service in December 2023 and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School in Atlanta, Georgia. He intends to transition his leadership and operational experience into a career in commercial real estate. Ben enjoys spending time with his family on Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound.
President Tamash asked all to remain standing for a Moment of Silence.
President Tamash announced that written comment is always welcome.
Next was Public Comment which was followed by Council Response to Public Comment.
President Tamash announced that Town Manager Communications for the period of July 16 – August 19, 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:
- The Town Manager will issue instructions to municipal departments for FY 2027 operating and capital budgets in mid-September. For information on our fiscal year budgets, please view the Town’s Open Budget website at http://budget.townofbarnstable.us.
- As our beach staff continue to leave for college and back to school, we must reduce locations with staff to maintain their safety and the safety of visitors. Staff has reviewed the end of season staffing schedules and resulting in the following:
- No guards at Covell’s starting on Thursday, August 21st
- No guards at Dowses starting on Sunday, August 24th
- Craigville Beach will maintain lifeguards, and we will keep you updated on the remainder of the season.
- Additionally, the following sites will no longer have gate attendants:
- Monday, August 25th: Loop, Joshua’s, Wequaquet Lake, Hamblin’s Pond
- Tuesday, August 26th: Millway Beach
- On July 16, 2025, I sent a letter to the Massachusetts Commissioner Public Health requesting that the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) take additional proactive steps to address the growing public health concerns related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Senator Cyr responded offering to reach out to DPH and suggested that we forward the letter to the Division of Insurance, MassHealth and reminded me that he had filed the Mass PFAS Act again this session. https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/SD2403 I will keep our community advised of progress on this matter.
- On Friday, August 8, 2025, the Cape Cod and Islands Water Protection Funds Executive Committee met to discuss the wastewater and water quality project costs obtained from Cape Cod and Islands Water Protection Fund (the Fund) member communities, including projected annual costs for calendar years 2026-2030. Executive Committee members discuss appropriate assumptions for projected project costs to be included in the Fund financial model. This information will be shared with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for future planning for financial support through the State Revolving Fund (SRF) for eligible projects. As previously discussed, SRF has financial constraints that could impact future funding of wastewater and water supply projects. We also received an update on communications regarding pathways for innovative/alternative (I/A) septic system financing and the potential for the Fund to provide subsidies to member communities for I/A projects. We will keep you informed as these matters advance through discussion.
- On February 20, 2025, I sent an email on behalf of the Town and its residents to Secretary Tepper of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), with a copy to Director Greene from the Energy Facilities Siting Board, to express concerns and the public’s interest in electromagnetic field (EMF) readings from electric transmission cables under Covell’s Beach in Centerville. In that correspondence, I inquired regarding the possibility of whether the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) could implement a routine monitoring protocol so that the public and the Town could understand what is, or is not, happening at Covell’s Beach. The Town hoped that a review by EEA and its agencies would allow for a response to the residents’ concerns, which would be in everyone’s interest for assuring the safe use and enjoyment of Covell’s Beach. Because I did not receive a response to that correspondence, I have sent a letter to the same requesting a response to the earlier correspondence. I will continue to communicate regarding this matter until we receive an adequate response.
- Assistant Town Manager Andy Clyburn will provide an update on the Quality of Life workgroup. (see report below)
- Kate Maldonado, Planning & Development Department Senior Planner, provided an update on Downtown Hyannis Great Streets and the Open Space and Recreation Plan. (see report below)
- Kelly Collopy, Department of Public Works Communications Manager, provided an update on Water Resources including the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan. Ms. Collopy’s PowerPoint presentation may be viewed here.
Update on the Quality-of-Life workgroup
The Quality-of-Life workgroup was established to look at enforcement efforts across all Town Departments. We have been meeting twice a month to put forward several updates to rules, regulations, ordinances, fee structures, and technology to better support our residents.
Three items are on the August Town Council agenda for referrals to public hearings. Those three are the draft Home Occupation and Commercial Vehicle Ordinances as well as a proposed revision to zoning violation fines. The two draft ordinances, Home Occupation and Commercial Vehicle, are to be referred by the Town Council to the Planning Board for a public hearing. If referred at the August meeting, the Planning Board shall hold a public hearing on these two items on September 22nd. The hearing will be open to the public and the Board shall provide time for comment.
The revision to zoning fines is on the August Town Council agenda as a first read and referral to a public hearing on September 4th. The hearing will be open to the public and the Council shall provide time for comment.
Concurrently the Inspectional Services Department is proposing the establishment of a Home Occupation Licensing Program with ID card and annual renewal that includes a suspension and revocation hearing process; organizational changes to the Department including proposed changes to the Town Code, long overdue fee schedule adjustments and public hearings to support the necessary resources.
We anticipate bringing this forward in September. Our hope is that by moving the ordinances and licensing program concurrently both will reach Town Council at the same time later this fall; thereby allowing Town Council to approve enforcement resources at the same meeting that they consider adopting the new ordinances.
That concludes today’s update. Thank you.
Downtown Hyannis Great Streets
The Town of Barnstable is excited to announce and present 75% construction drawings for the Hyannis Main Street “Great Streets” Transportation Network and Streetscape Project.
A community meeting will be held Wednesday August 27th at 6:30 PM in person at Barnstable Town Hall addressed 367 Main Street, Hyannis within the Hearing Room located on the 2nd floor. Live interpretation will be available in Portuguese and Spanish. Attendees will have the opportunity to review the design plans with representatives from DPW and Planning & Development, learn more about upcoming improvements, and ask questions.
To learn more about this project, please visit the project website accessible from the Town’s website, Planning & Development Department webpage listed under “Current Projects” as “Great Streets Downtown Hyannis” or click HERE.
Open Space & Recreation Plan
The Town of Barnstable is currently updating its Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP). An Open Space and Recreation Plan is a tool through which a community plans for the future of its conservation and recreation resources.
A community meeting will be held Thursday August 28th at 6:00 PM in person at Barnstable Town Hall addressed 367 Main Street, Hyannis within the Hearing Room located on the 2nd floor. Live interpretation will be available in Portuguese and Spanish. The objective of the meeting is to obtain insight for issues and opportunities related to the Town’s open space and recreation resources.
To learn more about this project, please visit the project website accessible from the Town’s website, Planning & Development Department webpage listed under “Current Projects” as “Open Space and Recreation Plan Update” or click HERE.
Town Councilors asked questions of Town Manager Mark Ells.
President Tamash said that since Councilors Felicia Penn and Gordon Starr have joined the meeting via Zoom all votes will be by roll call.
Act on Public Session Minutes: July 17, 2025
DELEGATION OF OPEN MEETING LAW COMPLAINT
President Tamash recognized Town Attorney Karen Nober to provide the rationale for the Proposed Vote to delegate to the Town Attorney responsibility for responding to the Open Meeting Law Complaint submitted to the Town Council President and Town Clerk on August 14, 2025 which was approved.
COMMUNICATIONS – from elected officials, boards, committees, and staff, commission reports, correspondence and announcements (will be taken up after the Orders of the Day)
President Tamash took AGENDA ITEM 2026-018 out of order: Resolve affirming the Town’s commitment to freedom, justice and equality for all Barnstable residents and visitors.
The item was approved.
President Tamash made a motion to go into Executive Session pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, Sections 21(a)(3) and 21(a)(2) for the following purposes:
To discuss strategy with respect to potential litigation related to federal grant conditions since a discussion in open session may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the Town and Town Council; and
To conduct a strategy session in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel, specifically Mark Ells, the Town Manager, and/or to conduct contract negotiations with Mr. Ells.
The Council will return to public session after the Executive Session.
The Town Council will enter Executive Session pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, sec. 21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to potential litigation related to federal grant conditions since a discussion in open session may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the Town and Town Council; and
The Town Council will enter Executive Session pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, sec. 21(a)(2) to conduct a strategy session in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel, specifically, Mark Ells, the Town Manager, and/or to conduct contract negotiations with Mr. Ells.
Town Councilor Jeff Mendes left the meeting.
PUBLIC SESSION
Motion to accept the employment contract between the Town and Mark Ells as the Town Manager and to authorize the Town Council President to execute such contract on behalf of the Town was approved.
MOTION to refer Items 2025-198; 2025-202; 2026-004; 2026-013; 2026-019, as written, to individual Public Hearings to be held on each item at the Town Council meeting on September 04, 2025 was approved.
MOTION to refer items 2026-021 as written, to an individual Public Hearing to be held at the Town Council meeting on September 18, 2025 was approved.
AGENDA ITEMS 2025-198 Appropriation and Transfer Order in the amount of $2,500,000 in Community Preservation Act Funds to increase the number and availability of community housing units in the Town of Barnstable; 2025-202 Resolve approving and adopting the Town of Barnstable 2025 Local Comprehensive Plan dated June 9, 2025; 2026-004 Order waiving fees for construction work by the Cotuit Fire District for the expansion and renovation of the Fire Station at 64 and 56 High Street, Cotuit; 2026-013 Amending the Code of the Town of Barnstable, Part I General Ordinances, Chapter 1 General Provisions, Article I Noncriminal Enforcement of Violations, to increase fines for zoning violations; 2026-019 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $1,716,000 for the purpose of funding the design and construction of aircraft hardstands on the terminal apron at the Cape Cod Gateway Airport; and 2026-021 Appropriation Order in the amount of $520,434 to design and construct improvements to Cotuit Memorial Park located at 889 Main Street in Cotuit.
MOTION to refer Items 2026-002; 2026-015; 2026-016; 2026-020, as written, to individual Second Readings at the Town Council meeting on September 04, 2025 was approved.
AGENDA ITEMS 2026-002 Order authorizing the grant of an easement for electric facilities on town-owned land at 382 Falmouth Road in Hyannis; 2026-015 Appointments to a Board/Committee/Commission: Licensing Authority: Nancy Karlson-Lidman from an associate position to a full member position to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Mike Trovato, as an associate member to a term expiring 06/30/2026; Shellfish Committee: James Weiler, as a member holding a family permit to a term expiring 06/30/2028; 2026-016 Reappointments to a Board/Committee/Commission: Council on Aging: Charles Coyle, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; and 2026-020 Authorization for the Town Manager to execute a Host Community Agreement (HCA) with Holistic Health Group, Inc., a Medical Marijuana Treatment Center.
MOTION to refer Items 2026-003; 2026-005; 2026-006; 2026-007; 2026-008; 2026-012, as written, to the Planning Board was approved.
AGENDA ITEMS 2026-003 Amending the Code of the Town of Barnstable, Part I General Ordinances, Chapter 240 Zoning, Article III Section 24.1.5(c) Table 2, to modify the required parking for residential or artist live/work (per du), modify the calculation for minimum parking spaces, and establish minimum dimensional standards for parking spaces; 2026-005 Amending the Code of the Town of Barnstable, Part I General Ordinances, Chapter 240 Zoning, Article III District Regulations, to modify building height requirements in the Downtown Main Street District and Downtown Village District; 2026-006 Amending the code of the Town of Barnstable, Part I General Ordinances, Chapter 240 Zoning to repeal the Downtown Village District and amend the zoning map to replace the Downtown Village District with the downtown neighborhood zoning district; 2026-007 Amending the Code of the Town of Barnstable, Part I General Ordinances, Chapter 240 Zoning to amend the area in the Downtown Main Street District where ground floor commercial space is required; 2026-008 Amending the Code of the Town of Barnstable, Part I General Ordinances, Chapter 240 Zoning, Article V Accessory Uses, by repealing and replacing Section 240-46, Home Occupation with a new Section 240-46 Home Occupation that adds definitions, licensing requirements and makes certain other revisions; and 2026-012 Amending the Code of the Town of Barnstable, Part I General Ordinances, Chapter 240 Zoning Article V Accessory Uses, by repealing Section 240-45 Off-street storage of trailers and replacing with a new section 240-45 Off-street parking and storage of commercial vehicles, trailers and mobile homes.
MOTION to move AGENDA ITEM 2025-195 Authorizing the Town Manager to execute a Development Agreement by and among the Town of Barnstable, Shoestring Properties, LLC, located at 110 and 115 School Street, Main Street Times, LLC, located at 319 and 331 Main Street, and 259 North Street LLC, located at 310 Barnstable Road, Hyannis to continue the Public Hearing on September 18, 2025.
AGENDA ITEM 2025-196 Appointments to a Board/Committee/Commission: Council on Aging: Christine Beer from an associate position to a full member position to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Stephanie Parish, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Comprehensive Financial Advisory Committee: Frank Ward, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2027; Historical Commission: Barbara Cuggino DeBiase as the Historical Commission Representative member to the Community Preservation Committee to a term expiring 06/30/2028 was approved.
AGENDA ITEM 2025-197 Reappointments to a Board/Committee/Commission: Airport Commission: Bradley Bailey, as a regular member term expiring 06/30/2028; Mark Guiod, as a regular member, to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Board of Health: Donald Guadagnoli, MD, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Steven Waller, MD, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Community Preservation Committee: Steven Robichaud, as a Planning Board representative member, to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Farley Lewis, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Comprehensive Financial Advisory Board: Lillian Woo, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Christopher Lauzon, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Disability Commission: Patricia Ericson-Taylor, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Golf Committee: Mark Bushway, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Susanne Conley, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Geoffrey Converse, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; William Sylva, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Historical Commission: Jack Kay, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Housing Committee: Eileen Elias, as an alternate member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Chris Beach, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Infrastructure and Energy Committee: Jane Ward, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Barry Sheingold, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; John F. Kennedy Memorial Trust Fund Committee: William Murphy, as a Recreation Commission representative member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Wendy Northcross, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Licensing Authority: John Flores, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Jessica Sylver, as an associate member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Sandy Neck Board: William Monroe, as a member at large, to a term expiring 06/30/2028; William Carey, as a member at large to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Shellfish Committee: William Cherepon, as a member at large to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Gloriann Hurwitz, as a member holding a family permit to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Waterways Committee: Jacob Angelo, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Todd Walantis, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Zoning Board of Appeals: Larry Hurwitz, as an associate member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Paul Pinard, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028 was approved.
AGENDA ITEM 2026-001 Authorization to expend a Fiscal Year 2026 grant in the amount of $7,500 from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to be used towards the purchase of one electric Chevy Equinox.
Presented by Director of Asset Management David Anthony. The item was approved.
AGENDA ITEM 2026-009 Authorization to contract for and expend a Fiscal Year 2026 Jail/Arrest Diversion Program Component Grant in the amount of $20,000 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Mental Health.
Presented by Barnstable Police Chief Jean Challies. The item was approved.
AGENDA ITEM 2026-011 Authorization to contract for and expend a Federal Fiscal Year 2025 Byrne Justice Assistance grant in the amount of $20,000 from the U.S. Department of Justice through the Massachusetts State Police Department for costs incurred in State Fiscal Year 2025.
Presented by Barnstable Police Chief Jean Challies. The item was approved.
Motion to withdraw AGENDA ITEM 2026-017 Resolve approving two fish weir applications from Cape Cod Artisanal Fisheries, LLC.
Presented by Harbormaster Brian Taylor and Cape Cod Artisanal Fisheries owner Jacob Angelo.
AGENDA ITEM 2026-010 Authorization to contract for and expend a grant in the amount of $5,000 from the Cape Cod Five Bank to support the Schools Out Afterschool Recreation (SOAR) Program offered at the Hyannis Youth and Community Center.
Presented by Chris Gonnella, Director of Community Services. The item was approved.
AGENDA ITEM 2026-022 Authorization to contract for and expend a fiscal year 2026 grant in the amount of $1,800 from the Massachusetts Councils on Aging to support a Men’s Fitness Program being offered through the Barnstable Adult Community Center.
Presented by Chris Gonnella, Director of Community Services. The item was approved.
Town Councilor Gordon Starr left the meeting.
Workshop Discussion – Designation of the Downtown Hyannis Growth Incentive Zone as a District of Critical Planning Concern (DCPC)
Presented by Jim Kupfer, Director of Planning & Development. Mr. Kupfer’s PowerPoint may be viewed here.
Town Councilor Seth Burdick left the meeting.
Town Manager Mark Ells asked that the Town Council include a justification if the Town Council gives direction to move forward in the future.
The next regularly scheduled Town Council Meeting will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025. 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: https://tobweb.town.barnstable.ma.us/boardscommittees/towncouncil/Town_Council/Agenda-Comment.asp. The meeting Agenda will be available on the Town of Barnstable’s website (www.townofbarnstable.us).
