The May 1, 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. Assistant Town Clerk Janet Murphy took the Roll Call. Town Council President Craig Tamash chaired the meeting and called the meeting to order. President Tamash announced that Councilor Felicia Penn has joined the meeting via Zoom and that all votes will be roll call. President Tamash announced that written comment is always welcome, and the Town Council received a number of emails on a variety of issues and that those emails were shared with the full Council.

 

Town Councilor Betty Ludtke welcomed Army sergeant Roland Roy to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Army Sergeant Roland Roy is a former a Canadian citizen.  Roland immigrated to the United States with his family in 1963. In 1972, Roland was drafted into United States military service as the Vietnam conflict was nearing its end.  He served his required two years of military service in the Army. Sergeant Roy served at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.  He was assigned to Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion of the 8th Field Artillery Regiment. This particular artillery unit had been destroyed in combat operations in Vietnam.  Roland was one of the first members to begin reactivating the unit. He worked with the Battalion Executive Officer for indirect and direct field fire operations.  In his last year of duty he proudly obtained his United States citizenship. Shortly thereafter, he was honorably discharged and returned home.  Sergeant Roland Roy currently lives in Marstons Mills.

 

President Tamash asked all to remain standing for a Moment of Silence in honor of Chief Neil Nightingale who serve in the Barnstable Police Department in 1955 and served as Chief from 1976-1998. President Tamash served under Chief Nightingale during all that time. Councilor John Crow read Chief Nightingale’s obituary which may be viewed here.

 

There was no Public Comment.

 

President Tamash announced that Town Manager Communications for the period of April 16-29, 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:

  1. The Town Council has commenced public hearings for the recommended FY 2026 Capital Budget and continues with the preparation of the Operating Budget for FY 2026. We are on schedule with the budget action calendar. Town Council approved a significant number of the recommended FY 2026 Capital Budget, and the remaining recommended projects will be considered for approval on May 1st. The Fiscal Year 2026 Capital Improvement Plan is available on the Town’s website at the link provided below and printed copies have been provided to the Town Council.  FY2026-2030 Capital Plan  The School Committee met on April 2, 2025 to review and approved the FY 2026 School Operating Budget.  For information on our fiscal year budgets, please view the Town’s Open Budget website at http://budget.townofbarnstable.us.
  2. The Cape Cod & Islands Wastewater Trust Fund Board (CC&IWTF) met on April 29, 2025, with a primary focus on the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) release of the Final 2025 Intended Use Plans (IUPs) detailing the projects, borrowers, and financing amounts that will be offered through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan programs for this year’s financing cycle. 2025 Final SRF Intended Use Plans | Mass.gov  As previously stated the Final 2025 IUP did not substantially change from previous years, resulting in DEP committing to fund Barnstable’s listed projects in carryover projects (Route 28 West Sewer Expansion and Nitrogen Removal Improvements and New Headworks Facility) and including Barnstable’s Phinney’s Lane Neighborhood and Centerville Village Sewer Expansion Projects as new listed projects.  This funding commitment keeps those projects eligible for the principal subsidy from the Cape Cod & Islands Wastewater Trust Fund.  MassDEP continues to identify funding concerns and flagged limited additional funds to address increased costs as we move forward with this funding source.  Barnstable continues to offer to actively participate in discussions with MassDEP regarding strategies to maintain the State Revolving Fund as a financially viable resource in the future.  The CC&IWTF Board voted to approve the principal subsidies for eligible projects listed in the Final 2025 IUP and to send a letter to Governor Healey requesting that the proposed Environmental Bond Bill include $500 million to further capitalize the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF). I will keep the Town Council and public advised as this matter progresses.
  3. Finance Director Mark Milne and Treasurer/Collector Sean O’Brien met with credit analysts from Standard & Poor’s to discuss the Town’s upcoming General Obligation bond issue in May. The town plans to competitively bid $5.6 million of bonds for eight (8) capital improvement projects. Every bond issue must have a credit rating associated with it.  At the beginning of the meeting, the analyst commented that they look forward to meeting with Barnstable every year, using the community as a gauge when meeting with other issuers, particularly when it comes to financial planning.  This year, they are particularly interested in hearing how communities are planning, if at all, regarding what is happening at the Federal level of government and how communities are preparing themselves for any potential impacts at the local level.  We shared with them the town’s recently modified approach towards our capital planning and appropriations, including the withdrawal of several items, bidding on certain projects with add/alternate options to stay within budget, and having additional funds set aside in the event a supplemental appropriation was necessary for a project that is considered important to move forward.  We also shared that the town continues to incorporate conservative revenue forecasting for the General Fund to guard against any revenue contraction that may occur to avoid a revenue deficit.  They commented that examples like these are prudent financial planning that they would like to see more communities follow this approach.  Even though Barnstable has had a consistent history of strong financial performance, financial planning is just as important, if not more so, and they are impressed by Barnstable’s planning efforts.
  4. On April 23, 2025, Barnstable received a letter from Lieutenant Governor Driscoll congratulating Barnstable on having completed our Cybersecurity Incident Management Plan resulting from Barnstable’s third Community Compact Best Practices grant. The Community Compact program aims to enhance community commitment to provide better government for its residents, primarily focused on delivering more efficient, professional, and responsive municipal services.  Thank you, Jim Benoit, Director of Information Systems, and our IT staff for preparing this plan.
  5. Work will be done this week on the wind farm cable chamber located at the parking lot at Covell’s Beach. Vineyard Wind 1 communications staff have informed the Town that they will be making some minor modifications and upgrades in the underground cable chamber. In order to do this work, they have begun removing the accumulated water in the chamber as of April 29.  They project that the work will be completed by the week of May 5. Vineyard Wind communications people have been proactive in informing the Town of work like this to minimize the impact on beach operations.
  6. This May, we celebrate 20 years since the Town of Barnstable acquired the Hyannis Water System. The Town purchased all assets of the private Barnstable Water Company, including the 12 wells, over 100 miles of pipes, 105 acres of related land, and almost 7,500 customers. Over the last two decades, the Department of Public Works and its Water Supply Division accomplished the following:
  • Hired a 3rd party contractor to operate the system on behalf of the Town and the ratepayers.
  • Faced and tackled an emerging PFAS issue by installing activated carbon filtration at every wellhead to treat at the source.
  • Built a world class Maher Water Treatment Plant.
  • Replaced approximately 18 miles of pipes.
  • Replaced approximately 200 fire hydrants
  • Pumped on average 900 million gallons of water per year
  • Received State and water industry awards, including Utility of the Year Award from the New England Water Works Association, recognizing operational excellence, significant upgrades made to the water system, and PFAS response actions

As we look to the future, the Hyannis Water System remains committed to ensuring the safety and reliability of its drinking water. Through various initiatives including the pipe replacement program and the soon to break ground Straightway and Hyannisport Water Treatment Facilities Improvements Project, the Hyannis Water System continuously aims to further improve water quality and enhance overall system resiliency.

This would not have been possible without collaboration and support across town, including past and present Town Managers, Town Councils, Department of Public Works and the Barnstable Municipal Water Board.

  1. Kate Maldonado, Senior Planner, provided updates on the Local Comprehensive Plan, Housing Production Plan, and Community Development Block Grants.

Local Comprehensive Plan

The Town of Barnstable is currently working to update the Town’s Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP) which is a long-term vision and growth policy that will guide Barnstable’s future over the next ten years. A full draft of the Local Comprehensive Plan is available for review and comment. The draft Plan is accessible from the project website BarnstableLCP.com via the Document Library page. Hard copies of the draft Plan are available at each of the Town’s libraries and the Barnstable Adult Community Center. The public comment period is open through Sunday, May 11th. Comments can be submitted online via the project website or dropped off or mailed to: Planning & Development, 367 Main Street, Hyannis, 02601. The comments will be distributed to the Local Comprehensive Planning Committee for review and consideration.

Town staff, together with members of the Local Comprehensive Planning Committee, invite the public to attend one of the upcoming community meetings. Each meeting will include an overview of the draft Local Comprehensive Plan, followed by an open house. Light refreshments will be provided.

  • Wednesday, April 30th at 6pm at Liberty Hall
  • Monday, May 5th at 6pm at the Osterville Library *Virtual participation will be provided for this meeting*

The final town-wide community meeting will be held at the Barnstable High School within the Performing Arts Center. Live Portuguese and Spanish interpretation will be available. Additionally, in partnership with Barnstable Recreation, childcare services will be provided for children ages kindergarten through 5th grade including pizza and arts and crafts activities. Please email Kate Maldonado kaitlyn.maldonado@town.barnstable.ma.us to register for childcare.

  • Thursday, May 8th at 6pm at the Barnstable High School Performing Arts Center (744 West Main Street in Hyannis)

 

Housing Production Plan

The Town of Barnstable is in the process of updating its Housing Production Plan. A Housing Production Plan (HPP) establishes a strategic plan for production of affordable housing in a community that is based on a comprehensive needs assessment. A draft Housing Production Plan has been published and can be accessed from the Town’s website https://www.townofbarnstable.us/index.asp via the Planning and Development Department webpage under “Current Projects”. Public feedback is encouraged by submitting comments through the Town’s Housing Production Plan webpage or by emailing Jim Kupfer at james.kupfer@town.barnstable.ma.us before Thursday, May 1, 2025.

 

Community Development Block Grant

The Town of Barnstable’s Draft Five-Year Consolidated Plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is available for review on the Town’s website https://www.townofbarnstable.us/index.asp via the Planning and Development Department webpage under “Programs”. The Consolidated Plan covers the period beginning July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2030 and includes the One-Year Annual Action Plan for Program Year 2025.  The plans serve as the planning and strategic documents for the Town’s CDBG Program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The purpose of the CDBG program is to provide housing, economic opportunities and a suitable living environment for low and moderate income persons.  The public comment period is open through Monday, May 5th, 2025.

  1. Andy Clyburn, Assistant Town Manager, provided an update on the Quality of Life working group that is focused on enforcement matters across all Town departments. Mr. Clyburn’s PowerPoint presentation may be viewed here.

 

The Council voted to Act on Public Session Minutes: April 17, 2025.

 

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

District Attorney Robert Galibois update

 

President Tamash wanted to wish Councilor Gordon Starr a speedy recovery from his recent health issues.

 

Orders of the Day.

 

President Tamash announced that he was moving AGENDA ITEMS 2025-152 through 2025-156 and AGENDA ITEMS 2025-181 through 2025-183 out of order.

 

OLD BUSINESS

AGENDA ITEM 2025-151 Appointments to a Board/Committee/Commission: Historical Commission: Andrew Fisher, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2027; Housing Committee: Joseph Taccogna, as a regular member, to a term expiring 06/30/2026; Human Services Committee: Patrick Downey, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2026; Mid Cape Cultural Council: Mary Bianco, as a regular member, to a term expiring 06/2026.

Presented by Town Councilor Kristen Terkelsen. The item was approved.

 

AGENDA ITEM 2025-152 Transfer Order in the amount of $9,000 to fund repairs to the Police Department’s Nauset Boat and purchase redaction software associated with body worn cameras. Presented by Police Chief Jean Challies. The item was approved.

 

AGENDA ITEM 2025-153 Transfer Order in the amount of $124,507 from the Fiscal Year 2025 Police Department Personnel Budget to the Fiscal Year 2025 Police Department Operating Capital Budget to fund the purchase of office furnishings and facility renovations.
Presented by Police Chief Jean Challies. The item was approved.

 

AGENDA ITEM 2025-154 Transfer Order in the amount of $19,800 to fund the purchase of navigation equipment and boat trailer for the Marine and Environmental Affairs Department.

Presented by Marine & Environmental Affairs Director Derek Lawson and Harbormaster Brian Taylor. The item was approved.

 

AGENDA ITEM 2025-155 Authorization to contract for and expend a Fiscal Year 2025 grant in the amount of $3,928 from Restore America’s Estuaries for the purpose of funding the purchase of water quality equipment and plantings for stormwater swales.

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

 

AGENDA ITEM 2025-156 Resolve approving an exemption under M.G.L. c. 268A, Section 20(d).

Presented by Town Attorney Karen Nober. Harbormaster Brian Taylor was on hand to answer Councilor questions. The item was approved.

 

AGENDA ITEM 2025-181 Transfer order in the amount of $293,138 to fund the purchase of four police vehicles.

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

 

AGENDA ITEM 2025-182 Appropriation Order in the amount of $978,000 for the preservation and restoration work at the West Barnstable Railroad Depot located at 2469 Meetinghouse Way, West Barnstable was referred to a Public Hearing on 06/05/2025.

 

AGENDA ITEM 2025-183 Appropriation Order in the amount of $1,350,000 in Community Preservation Funds for the purpose of acquiring a Conservation Restriction on 10.3± acres of open space at 30 and 31 Crockers Neck Road, Cotuit was referred to a Public Hearing on 06/05/2025.

 

Town Manager Mark Ells introduced Cape Cod Community College student and Town of Barnstable intern Sarah Guiterrez.

 

The PowerPoint for AGENDA ITEMS 2025-123 through 2025-139 may be viewed here.

 

AGENDA ITEM 2025-123 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $1,000,000 for the purpose of funding the Barnstable United Elementary School HVAC Equipment Replacement Design Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2026 – Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Plan.

Presented by Barnstable Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Sara Ahern, Director of Facilities Doug Boulanger, Deputy Director of Facilities Katri Mullaly, and Deputy Finance Director for School Operations Christopher Dwelley. The item was approved.

 

AGENDA ITEM 2025-124 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $500,000 for the purpose of funding the Barnstable High School Gym Floor Replacement Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2026 – Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Plan.

Presented by Barnstable Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Sara Ahern, Director of Facilities Doug Boulanger with Deputy Director of Facilities Katri Mullaly and Deputy Finance Director for School Operations Christopher Dwelley providing support. The item was approved.

 

AGENDA ITEM 2025-125 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $550,000 for the purpose of funding the Barnstable High School Culinary Kitchen Phase II Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2026 – Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Plan.

Presented by Barnstable Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Sara Ahern, Director of Facilities Doug Boulanger with Deputy Director of Facilities Katri Mullaly and Deputy Finance Director for School Operations Christopher Dwelley providing support. The item was approved.

 

Councilor Matthew Levesque recused himself from the following item and left the room.

 

AGENDA ITEM 2025-126 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $3,000,000 for the purpose of funding the Barnstable High School Performing Arts Center Upgrade Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2026 – Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Plan.

Presented by Barnstable Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Sara Ahern, Director of Facilities Doug Boulanger with Deputy Director of Facilities Katri Mullaly and Deputy Finance Director for School Operations Christopher Dwelley providing support. The item was approved.

 

Councilor Levesque returned to the dais.

 

AGENDA ITEM 2025-127 Appropriation Order in the amount of $200,000 for the purpose of funding the Barnstable West Barnstable Elementary School Gymnasium Floor Replacement Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2026 – Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Plan.

Presented by Barnstable Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Sara Ahern, Director of Facilities Doug Boulanger with Deputy Director of Facilities Katri Mullaly and Deputy Finance Director for School Operations Christopher Dwelley providing support. The item was approved.

 

AGENDA ITEM 2025-128 Appropriation and Loan 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 2026 – Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Plan.

Presented by Barnstable Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Sara Ahern, Director of Facilities Doug Boulanger with Deputy Director of Facilities Katri Mullaly and Deputy Finance Director for School Operations Christopher Dwelley providing support. The item was approved.

 

AGENDA ITEM 2025-129 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $350,000 for the purpose of funding the Barnstable Public Schools District Wide HVAC Repairs Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2026 – Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Plan.

Presented by Barnstable Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Sara Ahern, Director of Facilities Doug Boulanger with Deputy Director of Facilities Katri Mullaly and Deputy Finance Director for School Operations Christopher Dwelley providing support. The item was approved.

 

AGENDA ITEM 2025-130 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $250,000 for the purpose of funding the Barnstable Intermediate School Gym Floor Replacement Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2026 – Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Plan.

Presented by Barnstable Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Sara Ahern, Director of Facilities Doug Boulanger with Deputy Director of Facilities Katri Mullaly and Deputy Finance Director for School Operations Christopher Dwelley providing support. The item was approved.

 

AGENDA ITEM 2025-131 Appropriation Order in the amount of $162,700 for the purpose of funding the Barnstable Intermediate School Library Floor Replacement Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2026 – Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Plan.

Presented by Barnstable Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Sara Ahern, Director of Facilities Doug Boulanger with Deputy Director of Facilities Katri Mullaly and Deputy Finance Director for School Operations Christopher Dwelley providing support. The item was approved.

 

AGENDA ITEM 2025-132 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $2,100,000 for the purpose of funding the Barnstable Intermediate School Rooftop Unit Replacement Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2026 – Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Plan.

Presented by Barnstable Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Sara Ahern, Director of Facilities Doug Boulanger with Deputy Director of Facilities Katri Mullaly and Deputy Finance Director for School Operations Christopher Dwelley providing support. The item was approved.

 

Councilor Penn left the meeting.

 

AGENDA ITEM 2025-133 Appropriation Order in the amount of $80,000 for the purpose of funding the Demolition of Old Portables Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2026 – Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Plan.

Presented by Barnstable Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Sara Ahern, Director of Facilities Doug Boulanger with Deputy Director of Facilities Katri Mullaly and Deputy Finance Director for School Operations Christopher Dwelley providing support. The item was approved.

 

AGENDA ITEM 2025-134 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $507,600 for the purpose of funding the Barnstable High School Exhaust Fan Replacement Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2026 – Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Plan.

Presented by Barnstable Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Sara Ahern, Director of Facilities Doug Boulanger with Deputy Director of Facilities Katri Mullaly and Deputy Finance Director for School Operations Christopher Dwelley providing support. The item was approved.

 

AGENDA ITEM 2025-135 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $900,000 for the purpose of funding the Barnstable United Elementary School Building Envelope Upgrade Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2026 – Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Plan.

Presented by Barnstable Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Sara Ahern, Director of Facilities Doug Boulanger with Deputy Director of Facilities Katri Mullaly and Deputy Finance Director for School Operations Christopher Dwelley providing support. The item was approved.

 

AGENDA ITEM 2025-136 Appropriation Order in the amount of $50,000 for the purpose of funding the Barnstable High School Locker Room Renovations Project as outlined in Fiscal Year 2026 – Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Plan.

Presented by Barnstable Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Sara Ahern, Director of Facilities Doug Boulanger with Deputy Director of Facilities Katri Mullaly and Deputy Finance Director for School Operations Christopher Dwelley providing support. The item was approved.

 

Councilor Seth Burdick left the dais.

 

AGENDA ITEM 2025-137 Appropriation Order in the amount of $160,000 for the purpose of funding the Barnstable Public School Network Infrastructure Replacement and Upgrade Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2026 – Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Plan.

Presented by Barnstable Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Sara Ahern, Director of Facilities Doug Boulanger with Deputy Director of Facilities Katri Mullaly and Deputy Finance Director for School Operations Christopher Dwelley providing support. The item was approved.

 

AGENDA ITEM 2025-138 Appropriation Order in the amount of $200,000 for the purpose of funding the Barnstable Public School Security Camera Upgrade Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2026 – Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Plan.

Presented by Barnstable Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Sara Ahern, Director of Facilities Doug Boulanger with Deputy Director of Facilities Katri Mullaly and Deputy Finance Director for School Operations Christopher Dwelley providing support. The item was approved.

 

AGENDA ITEM 2025-139 Appropriation and Loan Order in the amount of $500,500 for the purpose of funding the Barnstable West Barnstable Elementary School Roof Replacement Project as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2026 – Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Plan.

Presented by Barnstable Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Sara Ahern, Director of Facilities Doug Boulanger with Deputy Director of Facilities Katri Mullaly and Deputy Finance Director for School Operations Christopher Dwelley providing support. The item was approved.

 

The next regularly scheduled Town Council Meeting will be held on Thursday, May 15, 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).