MassVoter.com← Barnstable Town CouncilBarnstable Town Council · 2023–2025 Council · Regular meeting
October 23, 2025
17 recorded votes, 17 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF)
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Your Barnstable ballot: 13 quizzes, about a minute each.
Start my ballot →Attendance
Present: Charles Bloom, Seth Burdick, Kristine Clark, John Crow, Betty Ludtke, Jeffrey Mendes, Paul Neary, Paula Schnepp, Gordon Starr, Craig Tamash, Kristin Terkelsen
Absent: Mathew Levesque, Felicia Penn
During the meeting:
- Paul Neary arrived late (6:16 PM)
Every vote, in order
To accept the minutes of September 18, 2025, as presented.
Voted to accept the minutes of September 18, 2025, as presented.
The minutes record 10 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 voted to accept the minutes of September 18, 2025, as presented. VOTE: PASSES 10 YES 1 ABSTAIN (MENDES) COMMUNICATIONS - from elected officials, boards, committees and staff, commission reports, correspondence, and announcements: Stephen Robichaud, Chair of the Planning Board announced that Lindsey Counsell, Chair of the Planning Board would not seek reelection. He said Counsell was on the board for two decades. Robichaud gave insight and an overview of a PowerPoint presentation regarding the work of the Planning Board. Councilor Discussion:.”
2026-037 2026-037 Appointments To A Board/committee/commission
RESOLVED: That the Town Council appoints the following individuals to a multiple-member Board/Committee/Commission: Council on Aging: Larry Morin as an alternate member to a term expiring 06/30/2027; Conservation Commission: Rob Demelo, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Recreation Commission: Christina Carrington, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Youth Commission: Nina Wang, as a student member to a term expiring 06/30/2026; Zoning Board of Appeals: Manny Alves from an associate position to a full member position to a term expiring 06/30/2026; Debra Dworkis, as an associate position to a term expiring 06/30/2027
The minutes record this as unanimous; we show every councilor listed as present. Paul Neary arrived at 6:16 PM, so may not have voted.
From the minutes
“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was RESOLVED: That the Town Council appoints the following individuals to a multiple-member Board/Committee/Commission: Council on Aging: Larry Morin as an alternate member to a term expiring 06/30/2027; Conservation Commission: Rob Demelo, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Recreation Commission: Christina Carrington, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Youth … VOTE: PASSES UNANIMOUS.” The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
2026-038 2026-038 Reappointments To A Board/committee/commission
RESOLVED: That the Town Council reappoints the following individuals to a multiple-member Board/Committee/Commission: Conservation Commission: F.P. Tom Lee, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Peter Sampou as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Open Space Committee: Catherine Gulliver, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Farley Lewis, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028
The minutes record this as unanimous; we show every councilor listed as present. Paul Neary arrived at 6:16 PM, so may not have voted.
From the minutes
“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was RESOLVED: That the Town Council reappoints the following individuals to a multiple-member Board/Committee/Commission: Conservation Commission: F.P. Tom Lee, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Peter Sampou as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Open Space Committee: Catherine Gulliver, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028; Farley Lewis, as a regular member to a term expiring 06/30/2028 VOTE: PASSES UNANIMOUS.” The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
2026-039 2026-039 Amending The Code Of The Town Of Barnstable, Part I General Ordinances, Chapter 37, Boards, Committees And Commissions To Revise The Appointments Committee And To Add A New Zoning And Regulatory Commi
The amendment read by Councilor Ludtke
The minutes record 9 yes, 1 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 the amendment read by Councilor Ludtke VOTE: PASSES 9 YES 1 NO (CROW) 1 ABSTAIN (BLOOM).”
It for an additional amendment to include Town Attorney Nober language as read. Motion to add language that you just voted on and provided further that the memb
It for an additional amendment to include Town Attorney Nober language as read. Motion to add language that you just voted on and provided further that the membership of Appointments Committee of the Council may include up to two members of the public for a total of up to seven members
The minutes record 6 yes, 5 no, but do not name every member’s vote, so individual votes are not shown.
From the minutes
“Upon a motion to amend duly made and seconded it for an additional amendment to include Town Attorney Nober language as read. Motion to add language that you just voted on and provided further that the membership of Appointments Committee of the Council may include up to two members of the public for a total of up to seven members VOTE: PASSES 6 YES 5 NO (BURDICK, MENDES, NEARY, SCHNEPP, STARR).”
It ORDERED: That the Code of the Town of Barnstable, Part I General Ordinances, Chapter 37 Boards, Committees and Commissions, is hereby amended as follows: SEC
It ORDERED: That the Code of the Town of Barnstable, Part I General Ordinances, Chapter 37 Boards, Committees and Commissions, is hereby amended as follows: SECTION 1. By repealing Article I, Appointments Committee, in its entirety and inserting the following new Article I, Standing Committees of the Council, in its place: “Article I. Standing Committees of the Town Council § 37-1 Standing Committees of the Town Council. The following committees shall be Standing Committees of the Town Council: A. An Appointments Committee of the Town Council B. A Zoning and Regulatory Committee of the Town Council. § 37-2 Membership. Each Standing Committee of the Town Council shall consist of five town councilors, provided that the members of the Zoning and Regulatory Committee of the Council shall include the chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals or his or her designee and the chair of the Planning Boa
Yes: Bloom, Burdick, Clark, Ludtke, Mendes, Neary, Starr, Tamash, TerkelsenNo: SchneppAbstained: Crow
From the minutes
“Upon a motion AS AMENDED duly made and seconded it ORDERED: That the Code of the Town of Barnstable, Part I General Ordinances, Chapter 37 Boards, Committees and Commissions, is hereby amended as follows: SECTION 1. By repealing Article I, Appointments Committee, in its entirety and inserting the following new Article I, Standing Committees of the Council, in its place: “Article I. Standing Committees of the Town Council § 37-1 … VOTE: PASSES AS AMENDED 9 YES 1 NO (SCHNEPP) 1 ABSTAIN (CROW) Roll Call: BLOOM, BURDICK, CLARK, LUDTKE, MENDES, NEARY, STARR, TAMASH, TERKELSEN.”
Open and continue to individual public hearings on 11/06/2025: To refer Items 2026-042, 2026-043, 2026-046, 2026- 048, 2026-049, and 2026-50 as written, to individual public hearings to be held on each item at the Town Coun
To open and continue to individual public hearings on 11/06/2025 (to refer Items 2026-042, 2026-043, 2026-046, 2026- 048, 2026-049, and 2026-50 as written, to individual public hearings to be held on each item at the Town Council meeting on November 6, 2025.)
The minutes record this as unanimous; we show every councilor listed as present. Paul Neary arrived at 6:16 PM, so may not have voted.
From the minutes
“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was to refer Items 2026-042, 2026-043, 2026-046, 2026- 048, 2026-049, and 2026-50 as written, to individual public hearings to be held on each item at the Town Council meeting on November 6, 2025. VOTE: OPEN AND CONTINUE TO INDIVIDUAL PUBLIC HEARINGS ON 11/06/2025 - PASSES UNANIMOUS.” The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
To second reading - 11/06/2025: To refer Items 2026-047 and 2026-051 to individual public hearings to be held on each item at the Town Council meeting on November 6, 2025.
To second reading - 11/06/2025 (to refer Items 2026-047 and 2026-051 to individual public hearings to be held on each item at the Town Council meeting on November 6, 2025.)
The minutes record this as unanimous; we show every councilor listed as present. Paul Neary arrived at 6:16 PM, so may not have voted.
From the minutes
“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was to refer Items 2026-047 and 2026-051 to individual public hearings to be held on each item at the Town Council meeting on November 6, 2025. VOTE: TO SECOND READING - 11/06/2025 - PASSES UNANIMOUS.” The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
Open and continue to individual public hearings on 11/06/2025: The amount of $300,000 be appropriated from the General Fund Reserves for the purpose of funding the installation of fourteen (14) Rectangular Rapid Flashing Be
To open and continue to individual public hearings on 11/06/2025 (ORDERED: That the amount of $300,000 be appropriated from the General Fund Reserves for the purpose of funding the installation of fourteen (14) Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) and the construction of associated curb ramps to comply with federal and state accessibility requirements and guidelines, and that the Town Manager is authorized to accept a Fiscal Year 2026 equipment grant for fourteen (14) RRFBs with an estimated value of $300,000 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Transportation.)
The minutes record this as unanimous; we show every councilor listed as present. Paul Neary arrived at 6:16 PM, so may not have voted.
From the minutes
“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was ORDERED: That the amount of $300,000 be appropriated from the General Fund Reserves for the purpose of funding the installation of fourteen (14) Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) and the construction of associated curb ramps to comply with federal and state accessibility requirements and guidelines, and that the Town Manager is authorized to accept a Fiscal Year 2026 equipment grant … VOTE: OPEN AND CONTINUE TO INDIVIDUAL PUBLIC HEARINGS ON 11/06/2025 - PASSES UNANIMOUS.” The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
Open and continue to individual public hearings on 11/06/2025: , pursuant to the provisions of the Community Preservation Act, G. L. c. 44B, the amount of Three Hundred Seven Thousand and Five Hundred Dollars ($307,500) be
To open and continue to individual public hearings on 11/06/2025 (ORDERED: That, pursuant to the provisions of the Community Preservation Act, G. L. c. 44B, the amount of Three Hundred Seven Thousand and Five Hundred Dollars ($307,500) be appropriated first from the amount set-aside for Open Space and Recreation within the Community Preservation Fund and secondly from the Community Preservation Undesignated Fund for the purpose of the Town, acting by and through its Town Manager, acquiring a perpetual Conservation Restriction (CR) from Barnstable Land Trust, Inc. on a 25.74± acre retired cranberry bog located at 301 Parker Road, West Barnstable, shown as Assessors Map 176, Parcel 019, for open space, conservation and passive recreation purposes pursuant to)
The minutes record this as unanimous; we show every councilor listed as present. Paul Neary arrived at 6:16 PM, so may not have voted.
From the minutes
“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was ORDERED: That, pursuant to the provisions of the Community Preservation Act, G. L. c. 44B, the amount of Three Hundred Seven Thousand and Five Hundred Dollars ($307,500) be appropriated first from the amount set-aside for Open Space and Recreation within the Community Preservation Fund and secondly from the Community Preservation Undesignated Fund for the purpose of the Town, acting by and … VOTE: OPEN AND CONTINUE TO INDIVIDUAL PUBLIC HEARINGS ON 11/06/2025 - PASSES UNANIMOUS.” The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
2026-046 Open and continue to individual public hearings on 11/06/2025: 2026-046 Amending The Code Of The Town Of Barnstable, Part I General Ordinances, Chapter 48 Stretch Energy Code, To Change The Effective Date
To open and continue to individual public hearings on 11/06/2025 (2026-046: ORDERED: That the Code of the Town of Barnstable, Part I General Ordinances, Chapter 48 Stretch Energy Code, as approved by the Town Council through Item No, 2026-014 on October 9, 2025, is hereby amended by deleting in § 48-4 the effective date of “January 1, 2026” and inserting in its place a new effective date of “July 1, 2026”.)
The minutes record this as unanimous; we show every councilor listed as present. Paul Neary arrived at 6:16 PM, so may not have voted.
From the minutes
“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was ORDERED: That the Code of the Town of Barnstable, Part I General Ordinances, Chapter 48 Stretch Energy Code, as approved by the Town Council through Item No, 2026-014 on October 9, 2025, is hereby amended by deleting in § 48-4 the effective date of “January 1, 2026” and inserting in its place a new effective date of “July 1, 2026”. VOTE: OPEN AND CONTINUE TO INDIVIDUAL PUBLIC HEARINGS ON 11/06/2025 - PASSES UNANIMOUS.” The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
2026-048 Open and continue to individual public hearings on 11/06/2025: 2026-048 Appropriation And Transfer Order In The Amount Of $704,155 For The Osterville Playground Project Located At 93 West Bay Road In Osterville
To open and continue to individual public hearings on 11/06/2025 (2026-048: ORDERED: That the amount of Seven Hundred and Four Thousand One Hundred Fifty-Five Dollars ($704,155) be appropriated and transferred for the purpose of funding the Osterville Playground Project located at 93 West Bay Road in Osterville, and to fund this appropriation, that pursuant to the provisions of the Community Preservation Act, G.L. c. 44B, the amount of $400,000 be appropriated first from the amount set-aside for Open Space and Recreation within the Community Preservation Fund and secondly from the Undesignated Reserve in the Community Preservation Fund, and that $292,168 be transferred from the remaining balance in Town Council Order 2017-086 and that $11,987 be transferred from the)
The minutes record this as unanimous; we show every councilor listed as present. Paul Neary arrived at 6:16 PM, so may not have voted.
From the minutes
“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was ORDERED: That the amount of Seven Hundred and Four Thousand One Hundred Fifty-Five Dollars ($704,155) be appropriated and transferred for the purpose of funding the Osterville Playground Project located at 93 West Bay Road in Osterville, and to fund this appropriation, that pursuant to the provisions of the Community Preservation Act, G.L. c. 44B, the amount of $400,000 be appropriated first … VOTE: OPEN AND CONTINUE TO INDIVIDUAL PUBLIC HEARINGS ON 11/06/2025 - PASSES UNANIMOUS.” The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
2026-049 Open and continue to individual public hearings on 11/06/2025: 2026-049 Appropriation Order In The Amount Of $94,966 For The Purpose Of Funding The Costs Associated With Hiring 7 New Patrol Officers In The Barnstable Police Department
To open and continue to individual public hearings on 11/06/2025 (2026-049: ORDERED: That the amount of $94,966 be appropriated from the General Fund reserves and added to the FY26 Police Department Budget for the purpose of funding the costs related to hiring 7 new police officers, including testing, training, uniforms, ammunition and equipment.)
The minutes record this as unanimous; we show every councilor listed as present. Paul Neary arrived at 6:16 PM, so may not have voted.
From the minutes
“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was ORDERED: That the amount of $94,966 be appropriated from the General Fund reserves and added to the FY26 Police Department Budget for the purpose of funding the costs related to hiring 7 new police officers, including testing, training, uniforms, ammunition and equipment. VOTE: OPEN AND CONTINUE TO INDIVIDUAL PUBLIC HEARINGS ON 11/06/2025 - PASSES UNANIMOUS.” The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
2026-050 Open and continue to individual public hearings on 11/06/2025: 2026-050 Allocation Of Tax Levy Fiscal Year 2026 - Tax Factor
To open and continue to individual public hearings on 11/06/2025 (2026-050: RESOLVED: That the Town Council hereby votes to classify the Town of Barnstable under M.G.L. c. 40, § 56 at a Residential Factor of 1 (one) for the Fiscal Year 2026.)
The minutes record this as unanimous; we show every councilor listed as present. Paul Neary arrived at 6:16 PM, so may not have voted.
From the minutes
“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was RESOLVED: That the Town Council hereby votes to classify the Town of Barnstable under M.G.L. c. 40, § 56 at a Residential Factor of 1 (one) for the Fiscal Year 2026. VOTE: OPEN AND CONTINUE TO INDIVIDUAL PUBLIC HEARINGS ON 11/06/2025 - PASSES UNANIMOUS.” The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
2026-047 To second reading - 11/06/2025: 2026-047 Order Authorizing The Grant Of An Easement To The Wianno Club For Private Sewer Lines And The Grant Of An Easement To Nstar Electric Company For Related Electric Service Within Certain Town Public Way
To second reading - 11/06/2025 (2026-047: ORDERED: That the Town Council hereby authorizes the Town Manager, on behalf of the Town, for nominal monetary consideration, to grant a nonexclusive easement to the Wianno Club for the installation and use of subsurface, privately owned sewer pipes and an easement to NSTAR Electric Company for an underground electric line within the Town public ways of Sea View Avenue, Webster Street and Washington Avenue in Osterville as shown on a 5-sheet plan prepared by Sullivan Engineering & Consulting, Inc. and E.A.S. Survey, Inc., dated September 16, 2025, and attached hereto. The Town Manager is authorized to establish easement conditions, grant, accept, sign, deliver and record any documents, and m)
The minutes record this as unanimous; we show every councilor listed as present. Paul Neary arrived at 6:16 PM, so may not have voted.
From the minutes
“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was ORDERED: That the Town Council hereby authorizes the Town Manager, on behalf of the Town, for nominal monetary consideration, to grant a nonexclusive easement to the Wianno Club for the installation and use of subsurface, privately owned sewer pipes and an easement to NSTAR Electric Company for an underground electric line within the Town public ways of Sea View Avenue, Webster Street and … VOTE: TO SECOND READING - 11/06/2025 - PASSES UNANIMOUS.” The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
2026-051 To second reading - 11/06/2025: 2026-051 Allocation Of Tax Levy Fiscal Year 2026 - Residential Exemption
To second reading - 11/06/2025 (2026-051: RESOLVED: That the Town Council hereby votes to adopt a Residential Exemption of twenty-five percent (25%) for Fiscal Year 2026.)
The minutes record this as unanimous; we show every councilor listed as present. Paul Neary arrived at 6:16 PM, so may not have voted.
From the minutes
“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was RESOLVED: That the Town Council hereby votes to adopt a Residential Exemption of twenty-five percent (25%) for Fiscal Year 2026. VOTE: TO SECOND READING - 11/06/2025 - PASSES UNANIMOUS.” The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
2026-044 2026-044 Authorization To Contract For And Expend A Fiscal Year 2026 Housing Choice Grant From The Commonwealth Of Massachusetts, Executive Office Of Housing And Livable Communities In The Amount Of $72,700 Fo
RESOLVED: That the Town Council does hereby authorize the Town Manager to contract for and expend a Fiscal Year 2026 Housing Choice grant in the amount of $72,700 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to fund an economic feasibility study regarding the Town's Inclusionary Affordable Housing requirements.
The minutes record this as unanimous; we show every councilor listed as present. Paul Neary arrived at 6:16 PM, so may not have voted.
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 Fiscal Year 2026 Housing Choice grant in the amount of $72,700 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to fund an economic feasibility study regarding the Town's Inclusionary Affordable Housing requirements. VOTE: PASSES UNANIMOUS.” The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
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).
How to read these pagesWhere the votes come from, how we check them against the official minutes, what isn't included yet, and how to report a mistake.About city pages →