The recorded version of Mr. Ells’ Town Manager Communications can be viewed here. Mr. Ells’ report can be viewed on-line and the itemized list is shared below:

  1. We are proceeding with the Budget Action Calendar for FY 2024 as scheduled.  The Capital Budget for FY 2024 and Capital Plan for FY24 to FY28 are scheduled to be submitted to the Town Council on March 6, 2023.  Public hearings on the CIP orders are scheduled to begin April 27, 2023.  We have a scheduled workshop with Town Council on April 6, 2023 to continue the discussion regarding revenue sources to address the capital costs of implementing the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan including the recommended option of a debt exclusion vote.  For information on our fiscal year budgets, please view the Town’s Open Budget website at http://budget.townofbarnstable.us.
  2. On February 15, 2023, municipal leaders from Cape Cod had an opportunity to communicate with Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll on the proposed regulatory changes to Title 5 and Watershed Permit regulations, and the need for additional funding to support the cost of compliance with the Clean Water Act and proceeding with our Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plans.  We anticipate that the Lt. Governor will coordinate a meeting with Cape Cod communities and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to further discuss these concerns as MassDEP proceeds with its approval of said regulatory changes.  We will keep you advised of our progress on this matter.
  3. Great Streets Hyannis: A Walkable Heart for Cape Cod (Return to Two-Way Travel Downtown) The Great Streets Hyannis Project is re-envisioning how Hyannis Main Street and the surrounding streets and intersections are designed and function. The Town of Barnstable, together with project partners Jeff Speck and Stantec Consulting, invite the community to view and comment on conceptual designs for two-way streets and reconfigured intersections on the project webpage.  The public is invited and encouraged to comment on the plans, which include conceptual street cross-sections, large-scale intersection redesigns, additional on-street parking options, and an on-street protected bicycle network. As discussed at a community meeting on January 25th, the conversion of the traffic network to two-ways and addition of bike lanes can be accomplished in the near-term by restriping the pavement, modifying traffic controls, and other short-term interventions. Intersection reconstructions are envisioned as longer-term investments to achieve greater walkability, traffic management, safety for all users, and enhancement of the downtown.  Public comment will be accepted through Sunday, March 19th.
  4. Local Comprehensive Plan ‘Bringing it Together’ Workshop.  The Town of Barnstable Local Comprehensive Planning Committee and Planning & Development Department invite the community to attend an upcoming ‘Bringing It Together’ workshop to reflect on community values and establish a community vision.  Key themes of public input collected over the last five months will be presented, as well as trends related to topics including to housing, economy, transportation, open space and equity.  There will be two community visioning workshops: a virtual workshop Tuesday, February 28th between 12:00-1:15 PM and an in-person workshop Wednesday, March 1st between 5:00-7:00 PM. Pizza will be provided at the in-person workshop and, in partnership with Barnstable Recreation, arts and crafts and a movie will be available for children ages kindergarten through 5th grade. The content and structure of the two workshops will be the same, with the exception of one extra exercise at the end of the in-person workshop. For planning purposes, we kindly ask that all attendees pre-register at: https://www.cognitoforms.com/TownOfBarnstable1/barnstablelcp.
  5. The Recreation Division is currently processing 2023 beach parking permits. We encourage the public to apply now and have their beach sticker in hand before Memorial Day, when processing times will take significantly longer due to the increased volume of permit applications. Parking permits may be obtained by accessing our online system at townofbarnstable.us/recreation, by mail or drop box located at the Hyannis Youth and Community Center. Permits are no longer being issued in person. Applications can be picked up at the Hyannis Youth & Community Center and the Barnstable Adult Community Center. The online system has a user guide to help those who are new to the process. For anyone with specific questions or in need of additional assistance with the online system, please call the beach permit hotline at 508-790-6345 X145 and a Recreation Division staff member will follow up with you to ensure you are able to secure your permit in time for summer.
  6. Kelly Collopy of the Public Works Department will provide an update on Water Resource Management planning including the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan.
  7. The Superintendent of Barnstable Public Schools Sara Ahern shared a draft of her presentation to the School Committee on the Superintendent’s Report of Entry Findings for my review.  That presentation will be shown following the Town Manager communication. Here is the link to Superintendent Ahern’s presentation:  https://youtu.be/Xq9LndLuIsw