Mr. Ells then presented his Town Manager Communications for period the November 5-18, 2021:

  1. Elizabeth Jenkins, Director of Planning & Development, shall provide an update on the Local Comprehensive Plan.
  2. On November 9, 2021 Barnstable hosted the 2022 Housing Choice Community Grant Program & MA Downtown Initiative Awards Announcement.  Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Undersecretary Jennifer Maddox, state legislators, Town Councilors and business leaders attended the celebration of the successful first round of the state’s Community One Stop for Growth and announcements.  Barnstable was the recipient of both awards.
  3. We are proceeding with the budget action calendar for FY 2023.  We have issued the Capital and Operating Budget Instructions to the departments and are planning for a proposed level of service budget in FY 2023.  We held our public hearing for annual fees on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at 9:30 a.m.  The hearing is available for viewing on our web site Video On-Demand under Fee Hearing 11-16-2021.  The proposed annual fees have been taken under advisement for 30 days.  Those wishing to provide any additional comments may do so through December 16, 2021.  For information on our fiscal year budgets please view the Town’s Open Budget website at http://budget.townofbarnstable.us.
  4. Barnstable County has announced spending priorities for the $41 million they received in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Spending priorities in descending order include a) water, sewer and broadband infrastructure projects that have regional impact; b) projects related to public health systems; c) projects related to negative economic impacts of the pandemic on households; small businesses, nonprofits and disproportionately impacted communities; and d) projects related to lost public sector revenue and pay to essential workers. The County is currently in Phase 1 of their 4 phase plan. During Phase 1, the County will begin contacting elected and appointed officials in Cape towns, the County’s legislative delegation, the Assembly of Delegates, community and business leaders and members of the public to solicit comments on spending priorities.  The President signed into law on Monday the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Funds are provided for roads and bridges, transportation, an expansion of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network, high speed internet, infrastructure to combat climate change, cyber-attacks and extreme weather events, clean drinking water and airport improvements. Based on formula funding MA would expect $4.2 billion for roads and bridges, $2.5 billion for transportation, $63 million for EV charging networks, $21.5 million for infrastructure to combat cyber-attacks and extreme weather events, $1.1 billion for clean drinking water through the state’s revolving fund loan program and $244 million for airports. There are also billions of dollars set aside for a competitive process under all of these programs.
  5. The Town of Barnstable’s Department of Public Works continues sewer construction for the Strawberry Hill Road Sewer Expansion Project.  A new gravity sewer will be installed in portions of Craigville Beach Road, Strawberry Hill Road, Wequaquet Lane and Phinney’s Lane. Additionally, a new submersible pump station will be installed on a Town easement at the intersection of Strawberry Hill Road and Craigville Beach Road.  Construction will be coordinated with Vineyard Wind, which will be installing a duct bank and associated utility relocations in the same area as part of its offshore wind energy Phase 1 project. Upon the completion of both projects, Vineyard Wind will resurface disturbed roadways within the project area.  If you have any questions or wish to receive project updates, please contact Paul Ruszala, P.E., Senior Project Manager, at the Department of Public Works at 508-790-6400 or paul.ruszala@town.barnstable.ma.us.  More information about the Strawberry Hill Road Project and the Town of Barnstable’s CWMP is available at:  https://barnstablewaterresources.com/. Sign up for Enews, our Community Currents newsletter:  https://barnstablewaterresources.com/news-updates/.
  6. We are pleased to share that Jesse Schechtman has been appointed as Director of Golf with the Community Services Department, succeeding Bruce McIntyre. Jesse has served as Head Golf Pro at Hyannis Golf Course since 2015 and stepped into the role of Interim Director in September. We thank Bruce for his almost three decades of valued and dedicated service to the Town of Barnstable and wish Jesse the best in his new position overseeing Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds and Hyannis Golf Course.
  7. On November 10th, the Barnstable Youth Commission facilitated the “One Love” training at Barnstable High School. Together with volunteer adult advisors, our youth leaders empowered their peers by providing education, tools, and resources to identify the warning signs of unhealthy relationships and how to develop healthy and positive relationships.
  8. On Monday evening, the Youth Commission and Recreation Division hosted the 8th Annual Community Substance Abuse Prevention Forum at the Barnstable Adult Community Center. This collaboration with the Barnstable Police Department and local substance abuse support agencies provides families with crucial and current information to protect our youth from the dangers and consequences of substance abuse. Participants also had the opportunity to tour the “Hidden in Plain Sight” trailer to illustrate where illegal substances may be hidden in the home.
  9. The Community Services Department welcomes Moriah Becal as the Youth and Family Outreach Coordinator with the Recreation Division. In this role, Moriah will work closely with the Barnstable Youth Commission on their various projects and initiatives. She will also be available to provide support, information, and referral to our youth and their families, expanding the community safety net and strengthening our ability to respond to the needs of at-risk youth. Moriah is a Licensed Mental Health Clinician with a Master of Social Work degree from Boston University.
  10. Rob Steen, Assistant Director of Public Works, will provide an update on the Barnstable Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan.