Town Council Meeting – Thursday, March 12, 2026
The March 12, 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. 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 may 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. President Tamash announced that Councilor Felicia Penn is participating remotely this evening and all votes will be via Roll Call. Assistant Town Clerk Janet Murphy took the Roll Call.
Town Councilor Betty Ludtke led the Pledge of Allegiance.
President Tamash asked all to remain standing for a Moment of Silence presented by Town Council Vice President Kris Clark. “At this time, we remember June Daley of Marstons Mills, who passed away recently after a long battle with a rare genetic blood disorder. She served as my Town Councilor for Precinct 11 from 2012-2013. Prior to that, she also served as elected Town Meeting member from 1986-1991. June began her career as the Assistant Animal Control officer in Barnstable, then served as head of the Natural Resources Department for the Town of Mashpee. Once retired, June worked to provide shelter and find homes for domestic cats through a non-profit she created, known as CLAWS – Cats Lost and Wanting Shelter. June’s advocacy for domestic pets and wildlife was admirable and helped make our community a better place. I’m also sad to share news of the sudden passing of former West Barnstable resident, Dan Wittenmeyer, who succumbed to injuries yesterday from a tragic accident at his home in Cotuit. He served the West Barnstable Fire District as a firefighter, lieutenant, captain, then deputy chief throughout the years 1977-1990. Dan was also a Town of Barnstable employee for 27 years, serving in our DPW in the Cemetery Division, retiring over three years ago. He was a modest and unassuming volunteer for his community. His family and friends are devastated with his unexpected passing.”
Next was Public Comment.
President Tamash announced that Town Manager Communications was recorded by Assistant Town Manager Andy Clyburn for the period of February 11 through March 10, 2026 had been pre-recorded and was shown on our Government Access Channel prior to the meeting. The recorded version of Mr. Clyburn’s Town Manager Communications video may be viewed here and the itemized list is shared below:
- The Town Manager, in coordination with the Finance Department, continues to follow the budget action calendar for FY 2027. Gareth Markwell, Assistant Finance Director, will provide an Overview of Capital Planning Process and Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Budget at this week’s Town Council Meeting. The Town Manager’s Fiscal Year Fee Hearing is scheduled for March 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM. The Town Council is planning to conduct a second workshop on Fiscal Policy and Revenue Strategy and Election Procedures for Ballot Initiatives at their March 26, 2026 meeting. For information on our fiscal year budgets, please view the Town’s Open Budget website at http://budget.townofbarnstable.us.
- The Town of Barnstable Board of Health will be holding a Public Hearing regarding Proposed Tobacco and Nicotine Control Regulations during their regularly scheduled meeting on March 24, 2026 (on page 2 of the agenda, at the estimated time of 4:45 PM) at Barnstable Town Hall. The proposed changes to the regulations were attached with the media release provided with the February 10th Town Manager Communication.
- The Town of Barnstable Board of Health will be holding a Special Workshop on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Barnstable Town Hall. This workshop pertains to a proposal from the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP) Ad Hoc Committee requesting that the Board of Health require the installation of best available innovative alternative (I/A) sewage disposal technology at properties located within 1,000 feet of nitrogen sensitive area waterbodies and within 1,000 feet of surface waters that feed into nitrogen sensitive areas (other than at locations identified within Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the CWMP). This proposal also requires the installation of best available innovative alternative sewage disposal technology at properties located at Little Island, Osterville and at Grand Island, Osterville. The media release including map was attached with the February 10th Town Manager Communication.
- On Monday, March 9, 2026, Rep. Kip Diggs hosted the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Ways and Means in the James H. Crocker Jr. Hearing Room. The following agencies testified:
- Economic Development/ Housing/Labor/Technology Services
- Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
- Executive Office of Economic Development
- Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
- Executive Office of Technology Services and Security
- Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
- of Business Development
- of Housing and Community Development
- Board of Library Commissioners
- Cultural Council
- Commission on the Status of Women
- Cannabis Control Commission
- Due to the amount of ice we had this winter, Natural Resources has organized an aquaculture cleanup month. This is part of a clean harbor initiative; inviting aquaculturists to dedicate time to pick up derelict aquaculture gear they find while in Barnstable Harbor. The gear that is found will be stored at Blish Point Boat Ramp in Barnstable village from March 8th – April 18th. This is in hopes the gear can be given back to their owners and to keep our waters free of debris. Natural Resources will be patrolling the area as often as they can to make sure everything operates as it should.
- On Wednesday, March 4th, the Barnstable Youth Commission hosted their 10th Annual Job Fair at the Hyannis Youth and Community Center. This year, 31 prospective businesses and an estimated 225 students attended the event. The Job Fair was a great success, with many schools represented from across the Cape. The largest student participation came from Barnstable High School with over 160 students attending. The Youth Commissioners did a wonderful job planning and organizing the event and assisting job seekers during the Job Fair.
- On Thursday, March 12th the Barnstable Youth Commission will host their 12th annual Youth Summit for Barnstable Intermediate School students at Cape Cod Community College. The event will feature speakers Kevin Rosario of Addiction, Consulting and Educational Services and Robert Hackenson of Dynamic Influence. The speakers will provide advice to students about making good choices as they enter high school and educate them about the impacts/effects of drugs and alcohol. The Summit will also feature Barnstable High School National Honor Roll students who will discuss what to expect as they transition to high school including academics, athletics, schedules and homework expectations. There is also a vendor fair that will have twelve local not-for-profit entities participate in the event discussing and providing information about their programs and forms of assistance that are available.
- Kelly Collopy, Communications Manager for the Public Works Department, provided an update on Water Resource Management planning, including the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan. Collopy’s Water Resources PowerPoint may be viewed here.
Assistant Town Manager Andy Clyburn responded to Councilor questions.
Act on Public Session Minutes: February 12, 2026
COMMUNICATIONS – from elected officials, boards, committees, and staff, commission reports, correspondence and announcements
President Tamash shared the following:
- MEMA Damage Assessment availability. Call 2-1-1 if you have had damage to your property.
- Commend the Department of Public Works for their storm response.
- Commend Sarah Beal-Fletcher as the driving force on that work to get the Hearing Room equipment back in working order.
Council Response to Public Comment
Licensing Authority
John Flores, Chair
Erin Logan, Licensing Director, and Barnstable Police Detective Chris Kelsey, Consumer Affairs Officer
The Licensing Authority presentation may be viewed here.
Hyannis Main Street Waterfront Historic District Commission
Cheryl Powell, Chair and Neil Cawley, Vice Chair
WORKSHOPS
Briefing on the Status of the Cape Cod Rail Trail
Griffin Beaudoin, P.E., Town Engineer, Department of Public Works
The Status of the Cape Cod Rail Trail presentation may be viewed here.
Overview of Capital Planning Process and Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Budget
Gareth Markwell, Assistant Finance Director
ORDERS OF THE DAY
President Tamash took a number of items out of order.
Motion to refer Agenda Items 2026-006, 2026-090 through 2026-144, 2026-148, and 2026-150 through 2026-152, as written, to individual public hearings to be held on each item at the Town Council meeting on March 26, 2026. The item was approved.
Agenda Items 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; 2026-090 Appropriation Order in the amount of $105,000 for the purpose of funding additional Fiscal Year 2026 operating expenses at the Town’s Municipal Golf Courses; 2026-091 Appropriation Order in the amount of $250,000 for the purpose of funding the Barnstable Public Schools District Wide Mechanical Upgrades Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-092 Appropriation Order in the amount of $250,000 for the purpose of funding the Barnstable Public Schools District Wide Heating/Ventilation and Cooling Repairs Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-093 Appropriation Order in the amount of $165,000 for the purpose of funding the Barnstable Public Schools Network Infrastructure Replacement Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-094 Appropriation Order in the amount of $225,000 for the purpose of funding the Barnstable Public Schools Information Technology Security Camera Upgrade Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-095 Appropriation Order in the amount of $850,000 for the purpose of funding the Barnstable Public Schools Heating/Ventilation and Cooling Direct Digital Control Upgrade Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-096 Appropriation Order in the amount of $703,000 for the purpose of funding the Barnstable Public Schools Paving Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-097 Appropriation Order in the amount of $700,000 for the purpose of funding the Barnstable Public Schools Public Address System Upgrades Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-098 Appropriation Order in the amount of $1,000,000 for the purpose of funding the Barnstable Public Schools District Wide Doors And Hardware Phase II Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-099 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 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-100 Appropriation Order in the amount of $200,000 for the purpose of funding the Wells, Pump Stations, Treatment Plant Repair and Upgrade Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-101 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $2,000,000 for the purpose of funding the Water Service Line Inventory Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-102 Appropriation Order in the amount of $250,000 for the purpose of funding the Water Service Master Plan Update Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-103 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $5,600,000 for the purpose of funding Water Pollution Control Pump Station Rehabilitation Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-104 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $325,000 for the purpose of funding Water Pollution Control Downtown Hyannis Force Main Rehabilitation Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-105 Appropriation Order in the amount of $100,000 for the purpose of funding the Water Pollution Control Tractor Replacement Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-106 Appropriation Order in the amount of $100,000 for the purpose of funding the Water Pollution Control Utility Body Pickup With Plow Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-107 Appropriation Order in the amount of $50,000 for the purpose of funding the Water Pollution Control South Street Pump Station Demolition Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-108 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $46,300,000 for the purpose of funding the Long Pond Area Sewer Expansion Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-109 Appropriation Order in the amount of $900,000 for the purpose of funding the Bearse’s Way Sewer Expansion Design Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-110 Appropriation Order in the amount of $2,250,000 for the purpose of funding the Prince Cove Sewer Expansion Design Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-111 Appropriation Order in the amount of $750,000 for the purpose of funding the Huckins Neck Road Sewer Expansion Design Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-112 Appropriation Order in the amount of $450,000 for the purpose of funding the Osterville Woods Sewer Expansion Preliminary Design Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-113 Appropriation Order in the amount of $2,950,000 for the purpose of funding the Public Roads Maintenance Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-114 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $1,528,000 for the purpose of funding the Public Bridge Maintenance and Repair Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-115 Appropriation Order in the amount of $300,000 for the purpose of funding the Oyster Harbors Bridge Improvements Phase II Design Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-116 Appropriation Order in the amount of $155,000 for the purpose of funding the Freshwater Ponds Monitoring and Management Plan Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-117 Appropriation Order in the amount of $385,000 for the purpose of funding the Curb Ramps and Sidewalks ADA Transition Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-118 Appropriation Order in the amount of $200,000 for the purpose of funding the Mill Pond Dam Rehabilitation Design and Permitting Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-119 Appropriation Order in the amount of $310,000 for the purpose of funding the Bismore Park Improvements Design Permitting and Improvements Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-120 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $3,775,000 for the purpose of funding the Channel Dredging Project As Outlined In The Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-121 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $545,000 for the purpose of funding the Marine and Environmental Affairs Building Mechanical Improvements Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-122 Appropriation Order in the amount of $191,000 for the purpose of funding the Bismore Park Marina Facility Improvements Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-123 Appropriation Order in the amount of $72,000 for the purpose of funding the Sandy Neck Beach Garage Office Renovation Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 026-124 Appropriation Order in the amount of $147,300 for the purpose of funding the Hyannis Youth and Community Center Roof Modification Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-125 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $561,500 for the purpose of funding the Hyannis Youth and Community Center Facility Mechanical Improvements Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-126 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $937,000 for the purpose of funding the Barnstable Adult Community Center Mechanical Upgrades Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-127 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $471,500 for the purpose of funding the Fleet Maintenance Facility Roof Replacement Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-128 Appropriation Order in the amount of $248,500 for the purpose of funding the Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds Turf Maintenance Equipment Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-129 Appropriation Order in the amount of $150,000 for the purpose of funding the Hyannis Golf Course Rehabilitation and Restoration Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-130 Appropriation Order in the amount of $150,000 for the purpose of funding the Information Technology Infrastructure Upgrades Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-131 Appropriation Order in the amount of $165,000 for the purpose of funding the PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) Phase V Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-132 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $150,000 for the purpose of funding the Airport Snow Removal Equipment Replacement Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-133 Appropriation Order in the amount of $45,000 for the purpose of funding the SRE (Snow Removal Equipment) /ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting) Building Improvements Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-134 Appropriation Order in the amount of $90,000 for the purpose of funding the Airport Security Camera System and Server Upgrade and Expansion Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-135 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $40,000 for the purpose of funding the Airport Brush Removal Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-136 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $1,400,000 for the purpose of funding the design and construction of the Replacement Lighting Control Vault Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-137 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $800,000 for the purpose of funding the planning phase of the Terminal Optimization Program Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-138 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $200,000 for the purpose of funding the design and construction of a seasonal structure for the Terminal Building Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-139 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $65,000 for the purpose of funding the permitting for Taxiway D and Runway 15-33 Extension Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-140 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $325,000 for the purpose of funding the Runway 15-33 Aeronautical Study & Aircraft Analysis Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-141 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $140,000 for the purpose of funding the design and construction of the Circa 1997 Mo-Gas and Deisel Fuel Vault Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-142 Appropriation Order in the amount of $125,000 for the purpose of funding the SRE (Snow Removal Equipment) Cold Storage Facility Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-143 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $115,000 for the purpose of funding the Snow Removal Equipment Replacement Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-144 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $65,000 for the purpose of funding the design and reconstruction of Runway 15-33 Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-148 Appropriation Order in the amount $104,927 for the Barnstable Police Department Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget for the purpose of funding the initial operating expenses for the hiring of 8 patrol officers; 2026-150 Appropriation Order in the amount of $417,000 for the purpose of funding the Snow Removal Equipment(SRE) Replacement of a Caterpillar 950F Loader Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; 2026-151 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $400,000 for the purpose of funding the design, permitting and construction of a Jet-A 20,000-Gallon Tank, Pump and Valve system Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan; and 2026-152 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $115,000 for the purpose of funding the replacement of a Chevy 2500HD Circa 2001 Snow Removal Equipment Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 – Fiscal Year 2031 Capital Improvement Plan.
AGENDA ITEM 2026-149 Transfer Order in the amount of $200,000 from the Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Public Works Personnel Operating Budget to the Fiscal Year 2026 Police Department Personnel Operating Budget.
Presented by Deputy Police Chief Mark Mellyn. Assistant Town Manager Andy Clyburn and DPW Director Dan Santos assisted in responding to Councilor questions. The item was approved.
AGENDA ITEM 2026-155 Transfer Order in the amount of $50,000 for the purpose of funding soil remediation associated with the removal of an underground storage tank discovered under the Guyer Barn parking lot.
Presented by Town Engineer Griffin Beaudoin. The item was approved.
AGENDA ITEM 2026-156 Transfer Order in the amount of $406,000 for the purpose of funding costs associated with storm debris removal.
Presented by DPW Director Dan Santos. The item was approved.
AGENDA ITEM 2026-147 Reappointment of Mark S. Ells, Town Manager, to the Cape Cod and Islands Water Protection Fund Management Board.
Presented by Town Council President Craig Tamash and Town Attorney Karen Nober.
Motion to suspend the rules was approved.
The item was approved.
AGENDA ITEM 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.
Presented by Planning & Development Director Jim Kupfer. Assistant Town Attorney Jan Kendrick provided some information as to the effective date. Town Attorney Karen Nober provided additional information as it relates to state law.
Motion to Amend (Ludtke Recommendation) to decrease overall building height from four stories to 3.5 stories maximum and 44 feet in height in the Downtown Main Street District and to further amend to 40 feet and three stories maximum in the Downtown Village.
The motion to amend was approved.
The main item as amended was approved.
Mr. Kupfer’s Zoning Amendment Presentation may be viewed here.
The next regularly scheduled Town Council Meeting will be held on Thursday, March 26, 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).
