MassVoter.com← Barnstable Town CouncilBarnstable Town Council · 2025–2027 Council · Regular meeting
January 29, 2026
17 recorded votes, 3 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, William Crocker, Jr., John Crow, Lisa DaLuz, Mathew Levesque, Betty Ludtke, Barry Sheingold, Gordon Starr, Craig Tamash, Felicia Penn
Absent: Thomas Keane
Every vote, in order
To accept the minutes of January 8, 2026, as presented. Councilor Crocker temporarily stepped off the dais.
Voted to accept the minutes of January 8, 2026, as presented. Councilor Crocker temporarily stepped off the dais.
From the minutes
“Upon a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the minutes of January 8, 2026, as presented. Councilor Crocker temporarily stepped off the dais. VOTE: PASSES 10 YES Roll Call: BLOOM, BURDICK, CLARK, CROW, LEVESQUE, LUDTKE, PENN, SHEINGOLD, STARR, TAMASH COMMUNICATIONS - from elected officials, boards, committees and staff, commission reports, correspondence, and announcements: • Opioid Settlement Funds Grant Recipients Lynne Poyant, Director of Co.”
2026-081 2026-081 2026-081 Vote On The Merits Of A Group Petition Requesting That The Town Change The Division Of Costs Of Retiree Group Insurance Premiums To 30% To Be Paid By The Retirees And 70% To Be Paid By The To
Town Council President Tamash and Councilor Levesque recused themselves for Agenda Item 2026- 081. Town Council Vice-president Clark took over running the meeting. Open Public Hearing
From the minutes
“Town Council President Tamash and Councilor Levesque recused themselves for Agenda Item 2026- 081. Town Council Vice-president Clark took over running the meeting. Open Public Hearing VOTE: PASSES 10 YES Roll Call: BLOOM, BURDICK, CLARK, CROCKER, CROW, DALUZ, LUDTKE, PENN, SHEINGOLD, STARR.”
The Town Council does hereby find that the group petition submitted to it on October 14, 2025, requesting that the Town government take all actions to change th
RESOLVED: That the Town Council does hereby find that the group petition submitted to it on October 14, 2025, requesting that the Town government take all actions to change the division of the costs of premiums for group health insurance for retirees to 70% paid by the Town and 30% paid by the retiree, beginning in fiscal year 2027, in order to match the current fiscal year 2026 and beyond division of 70- 30 for active town employees, as set forth in the petition attached hereto and incorporated herein, has merit.
The minutes record 10 yes, 0 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 RESOLVED: That the Town Council does hereby find that the group petition submitted to it on October 14, 2025, requesting that the Town government take all actions to change the division of the costs of premiums for group health insurance for retirees to 70% paid by the Town and 30% paid by the retiree, beginning in fiscal year 2027, in order to match the current fiscal year 2026 and beyond … VOTE: PASSES 10 YES Roll Call: BLOOM, BURDICK, CLARK, CROCKER, CROW, DALUZ, LUDTKE, PENN, SHEINGOLD, STARR Break - 7:55 pm - 8:15 pm Council President Tamash discussed the possible potential conflicts of interest with the Councilors and the four zoning agenda items. He suggested moving the items to the February 12th meeting. He read aloud the Conflict-of-Interest statement..”
2026-003 Open and continue to public hearing on 02/12/2026: 2026-003 Amending The Code Of The Town Of Barnstable, Part I General Ordinances, Chapter 240 Zoning, Article Iii District Regulations, Section 240-24.1.5 Standards For All Districts To Modify The Required Park
To open and continue to public hearing on 02/12/2026 (2026-003: ORDERED: That the Code of the Town of Barnstable, Part I, General Ordinances, Chapter 240 Zoning, Article III District Regulations, Section 240-24.1.5, Standards for all Districts, Subsection (C) Parking Standards, be amended as follows: SECTION 1 By amending subsection (2)(a) by inserting after the words “on-site shared parking” the following: “, but excluding accessible parking spaces required by the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board regulations at 521 CMR 23.00” SECTION 2 By further amending said subsection (2)(a) by adding the following new subsection (ii): (ii) Parking space dimensions shall be a minimum of 9 feet by 18 feet and the drive aisle between spaces shall be a minimum o)
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 240 Zoning, Article III District Regulations, Section 240-24.1.5, Standards for all Districts, Subsection (C) Parking Standards, be amended as follows: SECTION 1 By amending subsection (2)(a) by inserting after the words “on-site shared parking” the following: “, but excluding accessible parking spaces … VOTE: OPEN AND CONTINUE TO PUBLIC HEARING ON 02/12/2026 - PASSES 12 YES Roll Call: BLOOM, BURDICK, CLARK, CROCKER, CROW, DALUZ, LEVESQUE, LUDTKE, PENN, SHEINGOLD, STARR, TAMASH.”
2026-005 Open and continue to public hearing on 02/12/2026: 2026-005 Amending The Code Of The Town Of Barnstable, Part I General Ordinances, Chapter 240 Zoning, Article Iii District Regulations, To Modify Building Height Requirements In The Downtown Main Street Distric
To open and continue to public hearing on 02/12/2026 (2026-005: ORDERED: That the Code of the Town of Barnstable, Part I, General Ordinances, Chapter 240 Zoning, Article III District Regulations, be amended as follows: SECTION 1 By amending Section 240-24-1.6 Downtown Main Street District (DMS) by deleting in subsection A.1 the word “four” and inserting the words “three and one half” in its place. SECTION 2 By further amending Section 240-24.1.6 by deleting in subsection C.6 the word “fourth” and inserting the words “third and one half” in its place. SECTION 3 By further amending Section 240-24.1.6 by deleting in Table 3, under the heading “Building Form” the words “or 4” where they appear after “F - Number of Stories”. SECTION 4 By further amending said)
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 240 Zoning, Article III District Regulations, be amended as follows: SECTION 1 By amending Section 240-24-1.6 Downtown Main Street District (DMS) by deleting in subsection A.1 the word “four” and inserting the words “three and one half” in its place. SECTION 2 By further amending Section 240-24.1.6 by … VOTE: OPEN AND CONTINUE TO PUBLIC HEARING ON 02/12/2026 - PASSES 12 YES Roll Call: BLOOM, BURDICK, CLARK, CROCKER, CROW, DALUZ, LEVESQUE, LUDTKE, PENN, SHEINGOLD, STARR, TAMASH.”
2026-006 Open and continue to public hearing on 02/12/2026: 2026-006 Amending The Code Of The Town Of Barnstable, Part I General Ordinances, Chapter 240 Zoning To Repeal The Downtown Village District And Amend The Zoning Map To Replace The Downtown Village District Wit
To open and continue to public hearing on 02/12/2026 (2026-006: ORDERED: That the Code of the Town of Barnstable, Part I, General Ordinances, Chapter 240 Zoning be amended as follows: SECTION 1 By amending the Zoning Map of Barnstable, Mass. Dated September 1, 1998, as previously amended, as referenced in Article II, Section 240-6, to repeal the “Downtown Village District” and replace it with the “Downtown Neighborhood District”, as shown on the draft map dated 4-1-25, prepared by the Town of Barnstable Geographical Information System Unit, and entitled “Downtown Hyannis Zoning Districts”. SECTION 2 By amending Article II, Section 240-5, Establishment of districts, by deleting the “DV Downtown Village” district where it appears under the heading “Downtow)
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 240 Zoning be amended as follows: SECTION 1 By amending the Zoning Map of Barnstable, Mass. Dated September 1, 1998, as previously amended, as referenced in Article II, Section 240-6, to repeal the “Downtown Village District” and replace it with the “Downtown Neighborhood District”, as shown on the draft map … VOTE: OPEN AND CONTINUE TO PUBLIC HEARING ON 02/12/2026 - PASSES 12 YES Roll Call: BLOOM, BURDICK, CLARK, CROCKER, CROW, DALUZ, LEVESQUE, LUDTKE, PENN, SHEINGOLD, STARR, TAMASH.”
2026-007 Open and continue to public hearing on 02/12/2026: 2026-007 Amending The Code Of The Town Of Barnstable, Part I General Ordinances, Chapter 240 Zoning To Amend The Area In The Downtown Main Street District Where Ground Floor Commercial Space Is Required
To open and continue to public hearing on 02/12/2026 (2026-007: ORDERED: That the Code of the Town of Barnstable, Part I, General Ordinances, Chapter 240 Zoning, Article III District Regulations, Section 240-24.1.6 Downtown Main Street District (DMS) be amended by deleting in subsection C.4. the words “Ocean Street” and inserting the words “Pleasant Street” in their place.)
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 240 Zoning, Article III District Regulations, Section 240-24.1.6 Downtown Main Street District (DMS) be amended by deleting in subsection C.4. the words “Ocean Street” and inserting the words “Pleasant Street” in their place. VOTE: OPEN AND CONTINUE TO PUBLIC HEARING ON 02/12/2026 - PASSES 12 YES Roll Call: BLOOM, BURDICK, CLARK, CROCKER, CROW, DALUZ, LEVESQUE, LUDTKE, PENN, SHEINGOLD, STARR, TAMASH.”
2026-008 Withdrawn: 2026-008 Amending The Code Of The Town Of Barnstable, Part I General Ordinances, Chapter 240 Zoning, Article V Accessory Uses, By Repealing And Replacing Section 240-46, Home Occupation With A New Section 240-
To withdrawn (2026-008: to withdraw agenda item 2026-008 and agenda item 2026-012. 2026-008 AMENDING THE CODE OF THE TOWN OF BARNSTABLE, PART I GENERAL ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 240 ZONING, ARTICLE V ACCESSORY USES, BY REPEALING AND REPLACING SECTION 240-46, HOME OCCUPATION WITH A NEW SECTION 240-46 HOME OCCUPATION THAT ADDS DEFINITIONS, LICENSING REQUIREMENTS AND MAKES CERTAIN OTHER REVISIONS INTRO: 07/17/2025, 08/21/2025, 01/29/2026 It is hereby ORDERED as follows: SECTION 1 That the Code of the Town of Barnstable, Part I General Ordinances, Chapter 240 Zoning, Article V Accessory Uses, is hereby amended by deleting Section 240-46, Home Occupation in its entirety and inserting the following new Section 240-46, Home Occ)
From the minutes
“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was to withdraw agenda item 2026-008 and agenda item 2026-012. 2026-008 AMENDING THE CODE OF THE TOWN OF BARNSTABLE, PART I GENERAL ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 240 ZONING, ARTICLE V ACCESSORY USES, BY REPEALING AND REPLACING SECTION 240-46, HOME OCCUPATION WITH A NEW SECTION 240-46 HOME OCCUPATION THAT ADDS DEFINITIONS, LICENSING REQUIREMENTS AND MAKES CERTAIN OTHER REVISIONS INTRO: 07/17/2025, … VOTE: WITHDRAWN - PASSES 12 YES Roll Call: BLOOM, BURDICK, CLARK, CROCKER, CROW, DALUZ, LEVESQUE, LUDTKE, PENN, SHEINGOLD, STARR, TAMASH.”
2026-012 Withdrawn: 2026-012 Amending The Code Of The Town Of Barnstable, Part I General Ordinances, Chapter 240 Zoning Article V Accessory Uses, By Repealing Section 240-45 Off-street Storage Of Trailers And Replacing With A New
To withdrawn (2026-012: ORDERED: That the Code of the Town of Barnstable, Part I General Ordinances, Chapter 240 Zoning, Article V Accessory Uses, is hereby amended by deleting Section 240-45, Off-street storage of trailers, in its entirety and inserting the following new Section 240-45, Off-street parking and storage of commercial vehicles, trailers and mobile homes, in its place: Ҥ 240-45 Off-street parking and storage of commercial vehicles, trailers and mobile homes A. Purpose and Intent The purpose of this section is to limit the number of commercial vehicles, trailers and mobile homes, as defined herein, which are allowed to be parked and/or stored on residential properties to reduce safety hazards, prevent )
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 240 Zoning, Article V Accessory Uses, is hereby amended by deleting Section 240-45, Off-street storage of trailers, in its entirety and inserting the following new Section 240-45, Off-street parking and storage of commercial vehicles, trailers and mobile homes, in its place: “§ 240-45 Off-street parking and … VOTE: WITHDRAWN - PASSES 12 YES Roll Call: BLOOM, BURDICK, CLARK, CROCKER, CROW, DALUZ, LEVESQUE, LUDTKE, PENN, SHEINGOLD, STARR, TAMASH.”
2026-082 2026-082 Approval Of The Appointments To The Appointments Committee
RESOLVED: That the Town Council does hereby approve the Town Council President's appointments of Councilor Charlie Bloom; Councilor Seth Burdick; Councilor John Crow; Councilor Tom Keane; and Councilor Gordon Starr as members of the standing Appointments Committee of the Town Council.
Yes: Bloom, Burdick, Clark, Crocker, Crow, Levesque, Ludtke, Penn, Sheingold, Starr, TamashNo: DaLuz
From the minutes
“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was RESOLVED: That the Town Council does hereby approve the Town Council President's appointments of Councilor Charlie Bloom; Councilor Seth Burdick; Councilor John Crow; Councilor Tom Keane; and Councilor Gordon Starr as members of the standing Appointments Committee of the Town Council. VOTE: PASSES 11 YES 1 NO (DALUZ) Roll Call: BLOOM, BURDICK, CLARK, CROCKER, CROW, LEVESQUE, LUDTKE, PENN, SHEINGOLD, STARR, TAMASH.”
2026-083 2026-083 Authorization To Contract For And Expend A Fiscal Year 2026 Cultural District Grant In The Amount Of $15,000 From The Massachusetts Cultural Council's Cultural District Investment Grant Program For Th
RESOLVED: That the Town Council does hereby authorize the Town Manager to contract for and expend a Fiscal Year 2026 Cultural District Investment Grant in the amount of $15,000 from the Massachusetts Cultural Council's Cultural District Investment Grant program for the purpose of providing financial assistance in support of programming and marketing efforts in the Hyannis HyArts Cultural District.
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 Cultural District Investment Grant in the amount of $15,000 from the Massachusetts Cultural Council's Cultural District Investment Grant program for the purpose of providing financial assistance in support of programming and marketing efforts in the Hyannis HyArts Cultural District. VOTE: PASSES 12 YES Roll Call: BLOOM, BURDICK, CLARK, CROCKER, CROW, DALUZ, LEVESQUE, LUDTKE, PENN, SHEINGOLD, STARR, TAMASH.”
2026-084 2026-084 Authorization To Contract For And Expend A Fiscal Year 2026 Cultural District Investment Grant In The Amount Of $15,000 From The Massachusetts Cultural Council's Cultural District Investment Grant Pro
RESOLVED: That the Town Council does hereby authorize the Town Manager to contract for and expend a Cultural District Investment Grant in the amount of $15,000 from the Massachusetts Cultural Council's Cultural District Investment Grant program in support of programming and marketing efforts in the Barnstable Village Cultural District.
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 Cultural District Investment Grant in the amount of $15,000 from the Massachusetts Cultural Council's Cultural District Investment Grant program in support of programming and marketing efforts in the Barnstable Village Cultural District. VOTE: PASSES 12 YES Roll Call: BLOOM, BURDICK, CLARK, CROCKER, CROW, DALUZ, LEVESQUE, LUDTKE, PENN, SHEINGOLD, STARR, TAMASH.”
2026-085 2026-085 Resolve Establishing A Gift Account For The Shellfish Program
RESOLVED: That the Town Council, pursuant to the provisions of G.L. c. 44 § 53A, hereby establishes a dedicated account for the purpose of accepting monetary gifts to augment the Shellfish Revolving Fund and authorizes the Town Manager or his designee to approve the expenditure of funds from said gift account for the purpose of the gift or if no stated purpose for the benefit of the Shellfish Program without further appropriation.
From the minutes
“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was RESOLVED: That the Town Council, pursuant to the provisions of G.L. c. 44 § 53A, hereby establishes a dedicated account for the purpose of accepting monetary gifts to augment the Shellfish Revolving Fund and authorizes the Town Manager or his designee to approve the expenditure of funds from said gift account for the purpose of the gift or if no stated purpose for the benefit of the Shellfish Program without further appropriation. VOTE: PASSES 12 YES Roll Call: BLOOM, BURDICK, CLARK, CROCKER, CROW, DALUZ, LEVESQUE, LUDTKE, PENN, SHEINGOLD, STARR, TAMASH.”
2026-086 2026-086 Authorization To Expend A Fiscal Year 2026 Grant In The Amount Of $10,000 From Elder Services Of Cape Cod And The Islands, Inc. To Support The Expansion Of The Transportation Program Offered Through T
RESOLVED: That the Town Council does hereby authorize the Town Manager to contract for and expend a Fiscal Year 2026 Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Inc. grant in the amount of $10,000 to support and expand the transportation program for older adults offered through the Barnstable Adult Community Center.
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 Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Inc. grant in the amount of $10,000 to support and expand the transportation program for older adults offered through the Barnstable Adult Community Center. VOTE: PASSES 12 YES Roll Call: BLOOM, BURDICK, CLARK, CROCKER, CROW, DALUZ, LEVESQUE, LUDTKE, PENN, SHEINGOLD, STARR, TAMASH.”
2026-087 Refer to second reading on 02/12/2026: 2026-087 Authorizing The Grant Of An Easement For Gas Facilities On Town- Owned Land At 790 Iyannough Road In Hyannis
To refer to second reading on 02/12/2026 (2026-087: ORDERED: That the Town Council hereby authorizes the Airport Commission, on behalf of the Town, as part of a negotiated transaction and for nominal monetary consideration, to grant a perpetual easement to National Grid or one of its related entities, including the Boston Gas Company, for the installation and operation of natural gas facilities to serve the Town-owned land located at 790 Iyannough Road in Hyannis and described in an Order of Taking recorded at the Barnstable County Registry of Deeds in Book 587, Page 271. The easement area consists of 3,245± square feet located on the Town-owned land and is shown as “10' Wide Gas Utility Easement to Building Face for the Benefit of National G)
From the minutes
“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was ORDERED: That the Town Council hereby authorizes the Airport Commission, on behalf of the Town, as part of a negotiated transaction and for nominal monetary consideration, to grant a perpetual easement to National Grid or one of its related entities, including the Boston Gas Company, for the installation and operation of natural gas facilities to serve the Town-owned land located at 790 … VOTE: REFER TO SECOND READING ON 02/12/2026 - PASSES 12 YES Roll Call: BLOOM, BURDICK, CLARK, CROCKER, CROW, DALUZ, LEVESQUE, LUDTKE, PENN, SHEINGOLD, STARR, TAMASH.”
2026-089 Refer to second reading on 02/12/2026: 2026-089 Order Approving Amendments To The Town Council Rules
To refer to second reading on 02/12/2026 (2026-089: ORDERED: That the Town Council does hereby amend the Town Council Rules, as most recently amended by Item No. 2025-143, as approved on July 17, 2025, by inserting at the end of Section B a new second paragraph as follows: Official Town Council stationery, listing all of the members of the Town Council, shall only be used for correspondence that sets forth the position of the Town Council as a body, as approved by vote of the Town Council, and which is signed on behalf of the Town Council by the Council President or, in his or her absence, the Council Vice President. In addition, such stationery may be used by the Town Council President for communications on ministerial matters involving the )
From the minutes
“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was ORDERED: That the Town Council does hereby amend the Town Council Rules, as most recently amended by Item No. 2025-143, as approved on July 17, 2025, by inserting at the end of Section B a new second paragraph as follows: Official Town Council stationery, listing all of the members of the Town Council, shall only be used for correspondence that sets forth the position of the Town Council as a … VOTE: REFER TO SECOND READING ON 02/12/2026 - PASSES 12 YES Roll Call: BLOOM, BURDICK, CLARK, CROCKER, CROW, DALUZ, LEVESQUE, LUDTKE, PENN, SHEINGOLD, STARR, TAMASH.”
2026-088 2026-088 Approval Of The Appointments To The Zoning And Regulatory Committee
RESOLVED: That the Town Council does hereby approve the Town Council President's appointments of Councilor Charlie Bloom; Councilor Kris Clark; Councilor Will Crocker; Councilor John Crow; and Councilor Betty Ludtke as members of the standing Zoning and Regulatory Committee of the Town Council.
Yes: Bloom, Burdick, Clark, Crocker, Crow, Levesque, Ludtke, Penn, Sheingold, Starr, TamashNo: DaLuz
From the minutes
“Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was RESOLVED: That the Town Council does hereby approve the Town Council President's appointments of Councilor Charlie Bloom; Councilor Kris Clark; Councilor Will Crocker; Councilor John Crow; and Councilor Betty Ludtke as members of the standing Zoning and Regulatory Committee of the Town Council. VOTE: PASSES 11 YES 1 NO (DALUZ) Roll Call: BLOOM, BURDICK, CLARK, CROCKER, CROW, LEVESQUE, LUDTKE, PENN, SHEINGOLD, STARR, TAMASH President Tamash moved to go into executive session pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, sec. 21(a)(6) to consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, specifically, t.”
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 →