The December 12, 2024 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 Council Vice President Craig Tamash chaired the meeting and called the meeting to order. Vice President Tamash announced that President Felicia Penn and Councilors Gordon Starr and Kristin Terkelsen have joined the meeting via Zoom and that since there would be Councilors participating via Zoom all votes would be roll call votes. Town Clerk Ann Quirk took the Roll Call.
Town Councilor Kris Clark introduced Mr. Ned Dashner who served in the Marine Corps for four years – from 1980 through 1984. He began his service as a combat engineer. During his last two years he transitioned to work as an avionics technician servicing Marine Corps attack and fighter aircraft. He worked on A-4 Skyhawks and F-4 Phantoms. Ned’s son is a petty officer in the Navy. His son speaks Russian fluently and is heading back for his second tour in the Mediterranean and Middle East. It is a pleasure to have Mr. Ned Dashner lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Vice President Tamash asked all to remain standing for a Moment of Silence in memory of Tom Mullen.
Tom dedicated much of his life to the town of Barnstable, where he raised his family and served his community with distinction. From 1973 to 1987, he was the Superintendent of the Barnstable Fire District Water Department. He was hired by the Town of Barnstable as Director of the Department of Public Works on March 14, 1988 and retired on October 31, 2002. A passionate advocate for environmental conservation, Tom was instrumental in promoting groundwater protection and was a steadfast supporter of the Barnstable Land Trust. An accomplished artist, Tom’s paintings were treasured by many. His humor and wit were unmatched, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Next was Public Comment which was followed by Council Response to Public Comment.
Vice President Tamash announced that Town Manager Communications for the period of December 4-10, 2024 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 continue with the preparation of the Capital and Operating Budget for FY 2026. FY 2026 budget action calendar has been updated and is attached for review. We are accepting comments on the November 12, 2024 Town Manager fee hearing for Calendar Year 2025 fees through December 11, 2024. All comments will be taken under advisement and calendar year rates will be approved as proposed, approved for an amount less than the proposed rate or not approved and remain at current rates. For information on our fiscal year budgets please view the Town’s Open Budget website at http://budget.townofbarnstable.us.
- The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ (EEA) has issued a Notice of Public Hearing and draft regulations for implementing the Public Lands Preservation Act (PLPA), now referred to by EEA as the Open Space Act (attached). The PLPA and these draft regulations concern process and mitigation for the disposition or change in use of land or interests in land protected under Article 97 of the Amendments to the State Constitution. EEA now has posted an announcement on their website, found here: https://www.mass.gov/event/december-17-2024-notice-of-public-hearing-opportunity-to-submit-comments-12-17-2024. In this announcement, EEA provided notice that the public hearing date will remain unchanged for December 17, 2024, but the written comment deadline is being extended from December 23, 2024, to 5:00 PM on January 22, 2025. The Town Attorney’s Office is preparing draft comments on the draft regulation for timely submission within the comment period. The Town Attorney’s Office has registered for remotely attending the public hearing via Zoom. We will keep you advised as this matter progresses.
- As previously reported, on December 3, 2024, the Cape & Islands Bridge Coalition (CIBC) held its quarterly meeting. The meeting included an update from the Chairs of the CIBC, a Regional Transportation Planning Update from the Cape Cod Commission, and a discussion with our federal delegation staff on funding for the projects. Progress continues to be made on permitting and securing funding for the projects. As part of the Cape Cod Commission staff update, they referenced the release of the draft Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) Amendment 2 to the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2025-2029 TIP for a 21-day public comment period.
Amendment 2 included a proposal as follows: Cape Cod Bridges Program Phase 1 (Sagamore Bridge) $365,420,000 to be programmed in FFY 2025-2029 utilizing Federal Bridge Investment Program (BIP) grant funds with a state match.
FFY 2025-2029 TIP Amendment 2 Handout
Written comments regarding TIP Amendment 2 were submitted on December 9, 2024. A virtual public meeting of the Cape Cod MPO is scheduled for Monday, December 16, 2024 at 1:00 PM to hear additional public comments and consider endorsement of FFY 2025-2029 TIP Amendment 2.
The representatives from our federal delegation addressed their understanding of the status of the federal funding for the Sagamore bridge project. The funding is identified but has not been contracted to the project. They were cautiously optimistic that the funds will be available to proceed with the Sagamore Bridge project. The next CIBC meeting scheduled in March 2025.
- As you may recall, the Town, through Sean Hogan, our Environmental and Sustainability Manager, partnered with the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) for this grant through the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Transmission Siting and Economic Development (TSED) grant program. Projects through this grant are to be funded by the Inflation Reduction Act.
The microgrid, as proposed, will include Barnstable High School, the Intermediate School and Barnstable Adult Community Center and would allow this campus to operate independently of the grid in the case of a regional power failure. The Intermediate School is our emergency shelter for the Town and the central region of the Cape and this supports that important role. This project, when implemented, is expected to significantly lower energy costs, improve indoor air quality and Strengthen Climate Resilience for these Town assets.
Sean Hogan and David Anthony met with Sara Ahern (Superintendent), Chris Dwelley (School Finance Director) and Doug Boulanger (Director of School Facilities) from the schools last week to discuss the status and information regarding the project. An important part of the early stages of project design involves the schools and the town working together to identify what other school capital projects are funded or planned that might impact or duplicate the efforts of the microgrid grant. The careful coordination at this stage is critical as we prepare for the official efforts to prepare a preliminary design for the microgrid. There will be follow up coordination meetings after the first of the year.
It is important to note that the proposed Federal Microgrid grant relies heavily on certain key events. Specifically, there needs to be a 5% constructed transmission project in Town. In addition, there is an expectation that the Microgrid project needs to be studied more deeply to justify the costs and available technologies to support the proposed outcomes. Once we get the go ahead from the granting agency, we will have four years to design, construct and commission the microgrid. We will keep you advised as this project progresses.
- Our Barnstable Harbormaster received the “2024 Boaters Choice Award” from Dockwa, an organization that facilitates communication between boaters and marina operators. The transient mooring program was established to allow boaters access to moorings while visiting Barnstable. It allows residents / visitors access to a mooring on a temporary basis. Last year, we booked 194 total days on all transient moorings for recreational users. We currently have two transient moorings in Cotuit Bay. These moorings were selected as one of the 2024 Boaters’ Choice Award winners from Dockwa. This recognition honors programs that go above and beyond to deliver exceptional experiences for boaters.
- Chris Gadd, Communications Assistant for the Department of Public Works, will provide an update on Water Resource Management Planning including the Comprehensive Water Management Plan.
Town Manager Ells came to the podium to respond to Councilor questions. Town Attorney Karen Nober provided information related to the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
The Council voted to Act on Public Session Minutes: December 5, 2024.
Communications from elected officials, boards, committees, and staff, commission reports, correspondence and announcements.
Orders of the Day.
OLD BUSINESS
AGENDA ITEM 2025-049 Fiscal Year 2025 spending limitation for Asset Management Revolving Fund.
Presented by Finance Director Mark Milne. Mr. Milne presented four options that may be viewed here. Town Manager Ells and Asset Management Director David Anthony also answered Councilor questions.
Town Councilor Paula Schnepp offered an amendment to authorize an expenditure of up to $62,000 for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2025. The amendment did not pass.
The item was approved.
NEW BUSINESS
AGENDA ITEM 2025-061 Appointments to a Board/Committee/Commission: Conservation Commission: Jeffrey Kaschuluk, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2027; Disability Commission: Mackenzie Bonaiuto, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2027; Historical Commission: John Richmond, from an alternate position to a full member position to a term expiring 06/30/2027; Infrastructure and Energy Committee: Ron Ruggiero, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2027 received a First Reading and was referred to a Second Reading on 01/09/2025.
AGENDA ITEM 2025-062 Order pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 40A, Section 5 submitting to the Planning Board a proposed zoning amendment establishing a new “Cannabis Overlay District” and expanding the existing Medical Marijuana Overlay District received a First Reading and was referred to a Planning Board.
Vice President Tamash handed the meeting over to Town Clerk Ann Quirk.
Town Council Nominations of 2025 Officers
Candidates offered statements in support of their candidacy.
Councilors provided statements of support and asked questions of the candidates.
President
Craig Tamash
Vice President
Kris Clark
Approval of Town Council Calendar of Meetings for 2025
The next regularly scheduled Town Council Meeting will be held on Thursday, January 9, 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. 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).
