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Barnstable Town Council · 2023–2025 Council · Regular meeting

March 21, 2024

14 recorded votes, 4 with disagreement.

Sources: Official minutes (PDF)

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Attendance

Present: Charles Bloom, Seth Burdick, Kristine Clark, John Crow, Mathew Levesque, Betty Ludtke, Jeffrey Mendes, Paul Neary, Felicia Penn, Paula Schnepp, Gordon Starr, Craig Tamash, Kristin Terkelsen

Absent: None

Every vote, in order

To accept the minutes of March 7, 2024, as presented.

Minutes, page 4

ProceduralPassed · 11–0

To accept the minutes of March 7, 2024, as presented.

The minutes record 11 yes, 0 no, 1 abstaining, but do not name every member’s vote, so individual votes are not shown.

From the minutes

“Upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was to accept the minutes of March 7, 2024, as presented. VOTE: PASSES 11 YES, 1 ABSTENTION.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

2024-166 2024-166 Resolve Establishing Certain Ad Hoc Advisory Committees

Minutes, page 6

AppointPassed · 11–1

: Councilor Neary made a motion to suspend the provisions of the Town Council Rule 11A as it relates to the appointment of registered voters by the Town Council President to the ad hoc committees set forth in this item in order that such appointments shall be made by vote of the Town Council after recommendation from the Appointments Committee; seconded by Councilor Burdick Discussion: (Neary) this motion would have any applicants go through the normal process and the Appointments Committee would make the recommendation. (Ludtke) Don't agree with the amendment, the rules say that the President makes the appointments, this rule should stay in place, we owe that support to the President to complete this. (Starr) disagree, we need to work on our perception to the public (Levesque) it's a checks and balances type of thing; in the spirit of transparency (Neary) what I am trying to do is quell

The minutes record 11 yes, 1 no, but do not name every member’s vote, so individual votes are not shown.

From the minutes

“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was: Councilor Neary made a motion to suspend the provisions of the Town Council Rule 11A as it relates to the appointment of registered voters by the Town Council President to the ad hoc committees set forth in this item in order that such appointments shall be made by vote of the Town Council after recommendation from the Appointments Committee; seconded by Councilor Burdick Discussion: (Neary) … VOTE: PASSES 11 YES,1 NO.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

To take separate votes on each of the five committees set forth in Item 2024-166 and assign separate consecutive letters to each such vote, beginning with 2024-

Minutes, page 6

ApprovePassed · 11–1

To take separate votes on each of the five committees set forth in Item 2024-166 and assign separate consecutive letters to each such vote, beginning with 2024-166 A Discussion: (Terkelsen) the goal on this is to maybe vote on two committees and not the rest until another time (Nober) to take separate votes on each committee.

The minutes record 11 yes, 1 no, but do not name every member’s vote, so individual votes are not shown.

From the minutes

“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was to take separate votes on each of the five committees set forth in Item 2024-166 and assign separate consecutive letters to each such vote, beginning with 2024-166 A Discussion: (Terkelsen) the goal on this is to maybe vote on two committees and not the rest until another time (Nober) to take separate votes on each committee. VOTE: PASSES 11 YES, 1 NO.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

That the Committee to Review the Town Council Rules and the Town Code will be item number 166A, motion duly seconded.

Minutes, page 6

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 13 present

That the Committee to Review the Town Council Rules and the Town Code will be item number 166A, motion duly seconded.

From the minutes

“Councilor Tamash made a motion that the Committee to Review the Town Council Rules and the Town Code will be item number 166A, motion duly seconded. VOTE: PASSES UNANIMOUS 2024-166A.” The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

, in accordance with Section 241-8 of Chapter 241 of the Town Administrative Code, the Town Council does hereby establish the ad hoc advisory committees listed

Minutes, page 7

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 13 present

RESOLVED: That, in accordance with Section 241-8 of Chapter 241 of the Town Administrative Code, the Town Council does hereby establish the ad hoc advisory committees listed below to assist the Town Council in carrying out the Council's responsibilities. The committees shall be limited to the purposes noted below and shall serve only for the specified time periods; provided that the time periods may be extended by the Town Council President at the request of a committee chair if additional time is needed to complete the work of the committee. In accordance with Town Council Rule 11A, the President of the Council shall designate the members of these committees, as further described below. Committees shall have an odd number of members. The committees shall be subject to and shall comply with the Open Meeting Law. All committee meetings shall include a period for public comment. The commit

From the minutes

“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was RESOLVED: That, in accordance with Section 241-8 of Chapter 241 of the Town Administrative Code, the Town Council does hereby establish the ad hoc advisory committees listed below to assist the Town Council in carrying out the Council's responsibilities. The committees shall be limited to the purposes noted below and shall serve only for the specified time periods; provided that the time … VOTE: PASSES UNANIMOUS • 2024-166 B Committee to Review the Purpose, Composition, Functionality and Effectiveness of the Standing Committees of the Town Members: 5 Councilors Purpose: Work with Town staff to review the standing committees of the Town, particularly advisory committees, to determine their effectiveness and whether there is a current need for such committees. Time Period: Complete work and make recommendations to the Council by March 31, 2025. Discussion:.” The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

To amend to read the committee would be comprised of five Councilors only (Starr) I would go with three, (Penn) that could make quorum issues (Ludtke) like the (on amendment)

Minutes, page 9

ApprovePassed · 11–1

To amend to read the committee would be comprised of five Councilors only (Starr) I would go with three, (Penn) that could make quorum issues (Ludtke) like the idea of having residents on this committee, creative ways for land use, keep the registered voters. (Terkelsen) they can still do public comment? (Penn) Yes (Mendes) I agree with Councilor Terkelsen, a better recourse with the resident's input.

The minutes record 11 yes, 1 no, but do not name every member’s vote, so individual votes are not shown.

From the minutes

“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was to amend to read the committee would be comprised of five Councilors only (Starr) I would go with three, (Penn) that could make quorum issues (Ludtke) like the idea of having residents on this committee, creative ways for land use, keep the registered voters. (Terkelsen) they can still do public comment? (Penn) Yes (Mendes) I agree with Councilor Terkelsen, a better recourse with the resident's input. VOTE: On Amendment PASSES 11 YES, 1 NO.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 9 (PDF)

2024-167 2024-167 Acceptance Of A Gift Of A Used Ping Pong Table To Support The Hyannis Youth And Community Center

Minutes, page 9

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 13 present

RESOLVED: That, in accordance with General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53 ½, the Town Council does hereby accept a gift of a used Ping Pong table from a donor who would like to remain anonymous for use by the Hyannis Youth and Community Center.

From the minutes

“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was RESOLVED: That, in accordance with General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53 ½, the Town Council does hereby accept a gift of a used Ping Pong table from a donor who would like to remain anonymous for use by the Hyannis Youth and Community Center. VOTE: PASSES 13 YES. Roll Call: Bloom, Burdick, Clark, Crow, Levesque, Ludtke, Mendes, Neary, Penn, Schnepp, Starr, Tamash, Terkelsen.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 9 (PDF)

2024-168 2024-168 Appointment To A Board/committee/commission

Minutes, page 10

AppointPassed · Unanimous, 13 present

To suspend the rules and vote this evening.

From the minutes

“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was to suspend the rules and vote this evening. VOTE: PASSES 13 YES. Roll Call: Bloom, Burdick, Clark, Crow, Levesque, Ludtke, Mendes, Neary, Penn, Schnepp, Starr, Tamash, Terkelsen.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

The Town Council appoints the following individual to a multiple-member Board/Committee/Commission: Comprehensive Financial Advisory Committee: Thomas Keane, as

Minutes, page 10

AppointPassed · Unanimous, 13 present

RESOLVED: That the Town Council appoints the following individual to a multiple-member Board/Committee/Commission: Comprehensive Financial Advisory Committee: Thomas Keane, as a regular member, to a term expiring 06/30/2026.

From the minutes

“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was RESOLVED: That the Town Council appoints the following individual to a multiple-member Board/Committee/Commission: Comprehensive Financial Advisory Committee: Thomas Keane, as a regular member, to a term expiring 06/30/2026. VOTE: PASSES 13 YES. Roll Call: Bloom, Burdick, Clark, Crow, Levesque, Ludtke, Mendes, Neary, Penn, Schnepp, Starr, Tamash, Terkelsen.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

2024-169 2024-169 Resolve Approving A Letter Regarding The Veteran Tax Work- Off Program

Minutes, page 10

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 13 present

RESOLVED: That the Town Council does hereby approve sending a letter in the form as presented at this meeting regarding the veteran tax work-off program.

From the minutes

“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was RESOLVED: That the Town Council does hereby approve sending a letter in the form as presented at this meeting regarding the veteran tax work-off program. VOTE: PASSES 13 YES. Roll Call: Bloom, Burdick, Clark, Crow, Levesque, Ludtke, Mendes, Neary, Penn, Schnepp, Starr, Tamash, Terkelsen.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

2024-170 2024-170 Order To Petition The General Court Of The Commonwealth To Enact Special Legislation Exempting The Position Of Police Chief In The Town Of Barnstable From The Civil Service Law

Minutes, page 11

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 13 present

ORDERED: That the Town Council hereby directs the Town Manager to submit a petition to the General Court of the Commonwealth for a special act exempting the position of Police Chief in the Town of Barnstable from the civil service law, as follows: “AN ACT EXEMPTING THE POSITION OF POLICE CHIEF IN THE TOWN OF BARNSTABLE FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE LAW Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows: SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the position of police chief in the city known as the town of Barnstable shall be exempt from chapter 31 of the General Laws. SECTION 2. This act shall not impair the civil service status of any incumbent holding the position of police chief in the city known as the town of Barnstable on the effective date of this act. SECTION 3. This act shall tak

From the minutes

“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was ORDERED: That the Town Council hereby directs the Town Manager to submit a petition to the General Court of the Commonwealth for a special act exempting the position of Police Chief in the Town of Barnstable from the civil service law, as follows: “AN ACT EXEMPTING THE POSITION OF POLICE CHIEF IN THE TOWN OF BARNSTABLE FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE LAW Be it enacted by the Senate and House of … VOTE: PASSES 13 YES. Roll Call: Bloom, Burdick, Clark, Crow, Levesque, Ludtke, Mendes, Neary, Penn, Schnepp, Starr, Tamash, Terkelsen.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)

2024-171 To a second reading on april: 2024-171 Order Authorizing An Intermunicipal Agreement Among The Towns Of Barnstable, Yarmouth, And Sandwich For The Purposes Of Establishing A Regional Emergency Communications Center Hosted By And Located Wi

Minutes, page 11

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 13 present

To a second reading on april (2024-171: ORDERED: That the Town Council does hereby authorize the execution and delivery by the Town Manager of an Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA) with the Towns of Yarmouth and Sandwich for a term of twenty-five years, substantially in the form of the agreement on file in the Town Council office, for the purpose of establishing a Regional Emergency Communications Center hosted by the Town of Barnstable, which will combine the towns' resources to provide cost efficient, shared and effective emergency and 911 dispatch services from a single primary location within the Town of Barnstable.)

From the minutes

“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was ORDERED: That the Town Council does hereby authorize the execution and delivery by the Town Manager of an Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA) with the Towns of Yarmouth and Sandwich for a term of twenty-five years, substantially in the form of the agreement on file in the Town Council office, for the purpose of establishing a Regional Emergency Communications Center hosted by the Town of … VOTE: TO A SECOND READING ON APRIL - PASSES 13 YES Roll Call: Bloom, Burdick, Clark, Crow, Levesque, Ludtke, Mendes, Neary, Penn, Schnepp, Starr, Tamash, Terkelsen.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)

To a public hearing on 4-4-2024: The Code of the Town of Barnstable be amended as follows: SECTION 1. By amending Chapter 1, Article I, Section 1-2 as follows: A. By renumbering Subsection A(10

Minutes, page 25

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 13 present

To a public hearing on 4-4-2024 (ORDERED: That the Code of the Town of Barnstable be amended as follows: SECTION 1. By amending Chapter 1, Article I, Section 1-2 as follows: A. By renumbering Subsection A(10) as Subsection A(11). B. By striking out in Subsection A(9) the word “and” as appearing after the semi-colon. C. By inserting after Subsection A(9) a new subsection “A(10) The Director of Public Works and his designees; and” SECTION 2. The schedule of fines in Chapter 1, Article I, Section 1-3 is hereby amended by inserting after Chapter 184 the following: “Ch. 185 Stormwater Management or IDDE First offense $100 Second or subsequent offense $300” SECTION 3. The schedule of fines in Chapter 1, Article I is hereby amende)

From the minutes

“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was ORDERED: That the Code of the Town of Barnstable be amended as follows: SECTION 1. By amending Chapter 1, Article I, Section 1-2 as follows: A. By renumbering Subsection A(10) as Subsection A(11). B. By striking out in Subsection A(9) the word “and” as appearing after the semi-colon. C. By inserting after Subsection A(9) a new subsection “A(10) The Director of Public Works and his designees; … VOTE: TO A PUBLIC HEARING ON 4-4-2024 PASSES 13 YES Roll Call: Bloom, Burdick, Clark, Crow, Levesque, Ludtke, Mendes, Neary, Penn, Schnepp, Starr, Tamash, Terkelsen.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 25 (PDF)

2024-173 2024-173 Authorization To Expend A Meta-12 Grant From The Massachusetts Department Of Energy Resources In The Amount Of $15,000 For The Purpose Of Funding Assistance On Energy Related Projects Or Renewable Ene

Minutes, page 26

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 13 present

RESOLVED: That the Town Council does hereby authorize the Town Manager to contract for and expend a Municipal Energy Technical Assistance (META-12) grant in the amount of $15,000 from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources for the purpose of funding energy assistance on energy related projects or renewable energy planning and feasibility evaluations.

From the minutes

“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was RESOLVED: That the Town Council does hereby authorize the Town Manager to contract for and expend a Municipal Energy Technical Assistance (META-12) grant in the amount of $15,000 from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources for the purpose of funding energy assistance on energy related projects or renewable energy planning and feasibility evaluations. VOTE: PASSES 13 YES. Roll Call: Bloom, Burdick, Clark, Crow, Levesque, Ludtke, Mendes, Neary, Penn, Schnepp, Starr, Tamash, Terkelsen.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 26 (PDF)

From the Barnstable Town Council’s official minutes, posted on the town’s website. We check every roll call against the recorded count and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades officials; votes and attendance are shown exactly as the minutes record them. Member photos: Cape Cod Times (Charles Bloom, Kristine Clark, John Crow, Felicia Penn, Barry Sheingold, Gordon Starr, Craig Tamash); the members’ own websites (William Crocker, Thomas Keane, Betty Ludtke); Seth Burdick from the Cotuit-Santuit Civic Association. Matthew Levesque from his Commercial Realty Advisors bio. Lisa DaLuz from Barnstable Government Access video of the October 1, 2026 Town Council meeting (identified by the nameplate in front of each member).

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