Town Council Meeting – Thursday, June 11, 2026
The June 11, 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 meetings 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 President Craig Tamash chaired the meeting and called the meeting to order. President Tamash announced that Councilors Gordon Starr and John Crow are participating remotely this evening. Town Clerk Ann Quirk took the Roll Call.
Town Councilor Betty Ludtke introduced Air Force Colonel Robert Parke to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Rob Parke was born in 1945 and raised in Massachusetts. Following graduation from Whittier College in California, he served in the Peace Corps, doing malaria work in the Philippines from 1968 to 1970. He then completed medical school at UVM and was commissioned in the Air Force in 1976. He served in eleven assignments, all over the world, until the end of 2003. As he rose in rank and responsibility, he held five command positions. Upon retiring to Barnstable in 2004 as a colonel, he worked for 14 years at Military Entrance Processing Stations, doing physical exams on young people applying for military service. Now fully “retired,” he remains active with St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, with Habitat for Humanity, with his weekly Meals on Wheels route, and with the Cape Cod Chorale. He has been married to Beverly for nearly 45 years and has three children.
President Tamash asked all to remain standing for a Moment of Silence to honor all who have died in service to our nation and to all you hold near and dear.
Next was Public Comment followed by Council Response to Public Comment.
President Tamash announced that Town Manager Mark Ells’s Town Manager Communications for the period of May 27 through June 9, 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:
- We remain on schedule with the budget action calendar. The Fiscal Year 2027 proposed operating budget is posted on the Town website. FY 2027 Operating Budget is available at the following link: https://city-barnstable-ma-cleardoc.cleargov.com/22636/1031780/d. Additionally, it can be accessed from the Town’s home, Finance, and Town Manager’s webpages. Hard copies of the budget document were provided to the Town Council prior to the public hearings on the operating budget which are scheduled to begin on June 11, 2026. The Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Improvement Plan is available on the Town’s website at the link provided. For information on our fiscal year budgets, please view the Town’s Open Budget website at http://budget.townofbarnstable.us.
- FY2027 Preliminary Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills. The Town of Barnstable has processed the FY 2027 Preliminary Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills, which will be mailed to property owners shortly. Preliminary tax bills are calculated at 50% of the total taxes assessed for the previous fiscal year (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026).
Payment Due Dates:
First Installment: August 3, 2026
Second Installment: November 2, 2026
Payment Options:
By Mail:
Please mail payments to:
Town of Barnstable, PO Box 848213, Boston, MA 02284
Online:
Payments may be made online through Invoice Cloud Online Payment Portal using the “Pay Taxes” quick link on the town’s home page.
In Person:
Payments may be made at the Tax Collector’s Office:
Town Hall, 367 Main Street, Hyannis, MA 02601
For questions regarding your tax bill or payment options, please contact the Tax Collector’s Office at 508-862-4054
- As previously reported, the Town’s Open Budget website will be replaced with a new version of transparency software provided by ClearGov in Fiscal Year 2027. The ClearGov solution will offer more robust financial visualizations of the Town’s operating and capital budgets transforming data into dynamic, interactive visuals for residents to explore the budget at their own pace. The site will include an AI powered chatbot which can deliver instant responses which should help residents better understand budgets, spending, and financial priorities. We will keep you advised as this effort advances.
- I have been receiving an increasing number of inquiries regarding the use of innovative/alternative septic systems from residents and therefore am sharing the following information received from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection on June 4, 2026. In accordance with the 2023 Title 5 revisions at 310 CMR 15.215(2)(g), the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP or the Department) maintains a list of Best Available Nitrogen Reducing Technology (BANRT) on its website. The Department has completed its annual review of Innovative/Alternative Septic System (I/A) Technologies approved for nitrogen reduction in Massachusetts for the purpose of updating the BANRT list for 2026. Please note, declining to include a technology on the BANRT list, or removal of a technology from the BANRT list does not require any facility owner using that technology to upgrade with a new BANRT technology. See 310 CMR 15.215(2)(f). You may access the BANRT list by using the following link: Approved Title 5 innovative/alternative technologies | Mass.gov Please feel free to reach out to MassDEP at Title5@mass.govwith any questions.
- The Town of Barnstable will be temporarily closing the Eugenia Fortes Beach Way to Water to vehicular traffic as of Wednesday, June 10, 2026. No vehicles are to be driven on the beach to launch vessels. This closure will be temporary in nature and is due to endangered nesting shore birds in the area. Vehicle access will be restored as soon as possible. Please contact Marine and Environmental Affairs with any questions. 508-790-6272.
- The Town of Barnstable is celebrating America’s 250th birthday on July 4th with a packed lineup featuring village parades, all-day entertainment on Main Street Hyannis, a harbor boat parade, Aselton Park concerts, and a state-of-the-art drone light show at sundown following the Hyannis Harbor Hawks Cape Cod Baseball League game will mark the historic milestone. Look for details and future announcements at https://barnstableenews.com/BarnstableMA250.
Act on Public Session Minutes: May 28, 2026
COMMUNICATIONS – from elected officials, boards, committees, and staff, commission reports, correspondence and announcements
Comprehensive Financial Advisory Committee (CFAC)
Report on the Fiscal Year 2027 Operational Budget
Chris King and Lillian Woo, CFAC Members
President Tamash took a number of items out of order.
NEW BUSINESS
AGENDA ITEMS 2026-205 Appointments to a Board/Committee/Commission: Comprehensive Financial Advisory Committee: Sherman Baldwin, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2029; Hyannis Main Street Waterfront Historic District Commission: Alan Feltham, as an alternate member to a term expiring 06/30/2029; Suzanne Welch, as an alternate member to a term expiring 06/30/2029 and
AGENDA ITEM 2026-208 Reappointments to a Board/Committee/Commission: Airport Commission: John Flores, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2029; Comprehensive Financial Advisory Committee: Chris King, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2029; Conservation Commission: Angela Tangney as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2029; Council on Aging: Maureen Hughes, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2029; Janet Kraemer, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2029; Kathy Turnbull, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2029; Disability Commission: John Lundborn, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2029; Historical Commission: John Richmond, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2029; Robert Frazee, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2029; Housing Committee: Joseph Taccogna, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2029; Hilda Haye, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2029; Hyannis Main Street Waterfront Historic District Commission: Cornelius Cawley, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2029; David Wrenn, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2029; Conrad Watson, as an alternate member, to a term expiring 06/30/2029; Cheryl Powell, as a representative member to a term expiring 06/30/2029; Infrastructure and Energy Committee: Christopher Gloninger, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2029; Licensing Authority: Michael Travato, as an associate member to a term expiring 06/30/2029; Open Space Committee: Elizabeth Lewis, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2029; Douglas Payson, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2026; Planning Board: Steve Robichaud, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2029; Tim O’Neill, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2029; Recreation Commission: Tony Lapolla, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2029; Sandy Neck Committee: Christina Carrington, as a recreation commission representative member to a term expiring 06/30/2029; Shellfish Committee: Timothy Hamel, as a commercially permitted resident, to a term expiring 06/30/2029; Zoning Board of Appeals: Emmanuel Alves, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2029; Aaron Webb, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2029 were referred to Second Readings on 06/25/2026.
AGENDA ITEM 2025-206 Resolve authorizing the Town Manager to fly and display official flags celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States was approved.
AGENDA ITEM 2026-207 Authorization to contract for and expend a Fiscal Year 2026 Community Compact Municipal Fiber Grant in the amount of $250,000 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executive Office for Administration and Finance to assist with adding redundancy to the town’s existing municipal fiber optic network.
Presented by Information Technology Director Jim Benoit. The item was approved.
AGENDA ITEM 2026-209 Authorization to amend the grant agreement with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to increase the grant amount by an additional $36,932 for the purpose of constructing stormwater improvements on Old Shore Road, Cotuit.
Presented by DPW Director Dan Santos. The item was approved.
AGENDA ITEM 2026-210 Authorization to amend the grant agreement with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to increase the grant amount by an additional $5,377 for the purpose of funding additional costs of stormwater improvements on Clamshell Cove Road, Cotuit.
Presented by Presented by DPW Director Dan Santos. The item was approved.
AGENDA ITEM 2026-211 Authorization to amend the grant agreement with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to increase the grant by an additional $22,500 for the purpose of funding additional costs of fish passage improvements at the Long Pond Centerville outlet channel.
Presented by Presented by DPW Director Dan Santos. The item was approved.
OLD BUSINESS
AGENDA ITEM 2026-175 Appropriation Order in the amount of $96,436,131 for the Town’s Fiscal Year 2027 Barnstable Public School Department Budget School Department.
Presented by Barnstable Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Sara Ahern and Chris Dwelley, Deputy Finance Director – Schools. The item was approved.
Barnstable Public Schools’ Operating Budget PowerPoint may be viewed here.
The Town of Barnstable’s Operating Budget PowerPoint may be viewed here.
AGENDA ITEM 2026-176 Appropriation Order in the amount of $13,753,721 for the Town’s Fiscal Year 2027 Airport Enterprise Fund Budget.
Presented by Finance Director Mark Milne. Cape Cod Gateway Airport Manager Mike Nelson was available to answer Councilor questions. The item was approved.
AGENDA ITEM 2026-177 Appropriation Order in the amount of $12,362,909 for the Town’s Fiscal Year 2027 Department of Public Works General Fund Budget.
Presented by Finance Director Mark Milne. DPW Director Dan Santos was available to answer Councilor questions. The item was approved.
AGENDA ITEM 2026-178 Appropriation Order in the amount of $4,327,342 for the Town’s Fiscal Year 2027 Department of Public Works Solid Waste Enterprise Fund Budget.
Presented by Finance Director Mark Milne. DPW Director Dan Santos and Solid Waste Division Supervisor Tracy Regazio were available to answer Councilor questions. The item was approved.
AGENDA ITEM 2026-179 Appropriation Order in the amount of $14,088,265 for the Town’s Fiscal Year 2027 Department of Public Works Water Pollution Control Enterprise Fund Budget.
Presented by Finance Director Mark Milne. DPW Director Dan Santos and Water Pollution Control Division Supervisor Andrew Boule were available to answer Councilor questions. The item was approved.
AGENDA ITEM 2026-180 Appropriation Order in the amount of $10,572,365 for the Town’s Fiscal Year 2027 Department of Public Works Water Supply Enterprise Fund Budget.
Presented by Finance Director Mark Milne. DPW Director Dan Santos and Water Supply Division Supervisor Hans Keijser were available to answer Councilor questions. The item was approved.
AGENDA ITEM 2026-181 Appropriation Order in the amount of $20,666,594 for the Town’s Fiscal Year 2027 Barnstable Police Department Budget.
Presented by Finance Director Mark Milne. Barnstable Police Chief Jean Challies was available to answer Councilor questions. The item was approved.
President Tamash recognized Anne Spillane, Barnstable Police Department’s Finance and Support Services Director, on her 28 years of service to the Town of Barnstable and offered well wishes for her upcoming retirement.
AGENDA ITEM 2026-182 Appropriation Order in the amount of $3,282,279 for the Town’s Fiscal Year 2027 Community Services Department General Fund Budget.
Presented by Finance Director Mark Milne. Community Services Director Chris Gonnella was available to answer Councilor questions. The item was approved.
AGENDA ITEM 2026-183 Appropriation Order in the amount of $4,186,621 for the Town’s Fiscal Year 2027 Golf Course Enterprise Fund Budget.
Presented by Finance Director Mark Milne. Community Services Director Chris Gonnella was available to answer Councilor questions. The item was approved.
9:45pm Councilor Starr left the meeting.
AGENDA ITEM 2026-184 Appropriation Order in the amount of $4,293,710 for the Town’s Fiscal Year 2027 Hyannis Youth and Community Center Enterprise Fund Budget.
Presented by Finance Director Mark Milne. Community Services Director Chris Gonnella was available to answer Councilor questions. The item was approved.
AGENDA ITEM 2026-185 Appropriation Order in the amount of $1,780,959 for the Town’s Fiscal Year 2027 Marine & Environmental Affairs Department General Fund Budget.
Presented by Finance Director Mark Milne. Marine & Environmental Affairs Director Derek Lawson was available to answer Councilor questions. The item was approved.
AGENDA ITEM 2026-186 Appropriation Order in the amount of $810,975 for the Town’s Fiscal Year 2027 Marina Enterprise Fund Budget.
Presented by Finance Director Mark Milne. Marine & Environmental Affairs Director Derek Lawson and Harbormaster Brian Taylor were available to answer Councilor questions. The item was approved.
AGENDA ITEM 2026-187 Appropriation Order in the amount of $1,231,392 for the Town’s Fiscal Year 2027 Sandy Neck Park Enterprise Fund Budget (Public Hearing) (Majority Vote Full Council)
Presented by Deputy Finance Director Gareth Markwell. Marine & Environmental Affairs Director Derek Lawson and Natural Resources Director / Sandy Neck Beach Park Manager Nina Coleman were available to answer Councilor questions. The item was approved.
AGENDA ITEMS 2026 – 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 201 Continued to June 25, 2026
AGENDA ITEM 2026-188 Appropriation Order in the amount of $3,157,921 for the Town’s Fiscal Year 2027 Inspectional Services Department Budget; AGENDA ITEM 2026-189 Appropriation Order in the amount of $2,459,418 for the Town’s Fiscal Year 2027 Planning and Development Department Budget;
AGENDA ITEM 2026-190 Appropriation Order in the amount of $273,810 for the Town’s Fiscal Year 2027 Town Council Budget; AGENDA ITEM 2026-191 Appropriation Order in the amount of $1,454,093 for the Town’s Fiscal Year 2027 Town Manager Budget; AGENDA ITEM 2026-192 Appropriation Order in the amount of $1,114,808 for the Town’s Fiscal Year 2027 Public, Education & Government (PEG) Access Channels Enterprise Fund Budget; AGENDA ITEM 2026-193 Appropriation Order in the amount of $9,048,060 for the Town’s Fiscal Year 2027 Administrative Services Department Budget; AGENDA ITEM 2026-194 Appropriation Order in the amount of $250,000 for the Town Council’s Fiscal Year 2027 Reserve Fund; AGENDA ITEM 2026-195 Appropriation Order in the amount of $62,794,395 for the Town’s Fiscal Year 2027 Other Requirements Budget; AGENDA ITEM 2026-196 Appropriation Order pursuant to the provisions of General Law Chapter 44B Section 6, for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2026, the following sums of the Annual Revenues of the Community Preservation Fund be set aside for further appropriation and expenditure for the following purposes: $532,827 for open space and recreation; $532,827 for historic resources; $532,827 for community housing; $3,478,784 for a budget reserve, and that the sum of $250,000 be appropriated from the annual revenues of the Community Preservation Fund for the administrative expenses of the Community Preservation; AGENDA ITEM 2026-197 Appropriation Order in the amount of $65,450 for the Fiscal Year 2027 Community Preservation Fund Debt Service Requirements; and AGENDA ITEM 2026-201 Order Amending Article II, Sewer Assessments, Chapter 184 Sewers and Water of the General Ordinances.
AGENDA ITEM 2026-198 Fiscal Year 2026 Spending Limitations Revolving Funds was continued to June 25, 2026.
President Tamash moved to go into Executive Session pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, Section 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 which was approved. The Council will not return to public session after the Executive Session.
The next regularly scheduled Town Council Meeting will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026. The Town Council will hold a Special Town Council Meeting on Thursday, June 18, 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).
