Barnstable, Town of

The meeting agenda included several key items, notably multiple public hearings concerning amendments to Chapter 240 Zoning Ordinance. These zoning discussions involved modifying parking requirements, establishing dimensional standards for parking spaces, revising building height requirements in the Downtown Main Street and Downtown Village Districts, and eliminating the Downtown Village District entirely, replacing it with the Downtown Neighborhood Zoning District. Other agenda items included action on Opioid Settlement Funds Grant Recipients, approval of minutes from the January 08, 2026 meeting, a vote on changing the division of group insurance premiums for retirees starting in Fiscal Year 2027, approvals for Cultural District Investment Grants for Hyannis HyArts and Barnstable Village, establishing a gift account for the Shellfish Program, authorization to expend a grant for expanding transportation services for seniors, first reading of an order authorizing a gas facility easement, approval of appointments to the Zoning and Regulatory Committee, and the first reading of amendments to the Town Council Rules. The Council also planned to enter an Executive Session to discuss the purchase of real property at 0, 167 and 177 Pleasant Street in Hyannis.

The meeting covered several agenda items categorized under Old Business and New Business, with multiple items scheduled for a Public Hearing. Old Business included amendments to the Zoning Code (Chapter 240) concerning parking requirements for residential/artist live/work spaces, modification of building height requirements in the Downtown Main Street District and Downtown Village District, repeal of the Downtown Village District in favor of a new downtown neighborhood zoning district, and amending ground floor commercial space requirements in the Downtown Main Street District. Other Old Business involved authorizing an easement for gas facilities and approving amendments to the Town Council Rules. New Business involved an appropriation order for additional operating expenses at the Municipal Golf Courses, authorization to contract for nitrogen scenario modeling and hydrogeologic evaluations using a state grant, and a transfer order to purchase IT equipment for the Police Department. An update was also provided by the Hyannis Main Street Waterfront Historic District Commission.

The meeting commenced with public comments addressing several topics, including concerns about the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) rulemaking process concerning renewable energy infrastructure, hazardous sidewalks following recent storms, opposition to wind farms, errors in the annual census, and the status of annual town reports. Following the public comment period, the Council discussed these issues, noting upcoming presentations on sidewalks and the impact of EFSB on Home Rule authority. Key actions taken included the approval of the minutes from December 11, 2025. Financial discussions involved an update on the Fiscal Policy and Revenue Strategy, including considerations for school needs, the Municipal Power Act, the Seasonal Community's Act, and funding strategies for Water Infrastructure Investment Fund (WIIF), contrasting debt exclusion with WIIF financing. A presentation was given regarding the Snow and Ice Program, focusing on road conditions and communication methods. The Council also authorized the grant of a perpetual easement to Eversource Energy for electric facilities at the Town Hall property (367 Main Street). Appropriations were approved using Community Preservation Act funds for the purchase and installation of 30 hiking trail signs, and authorization was given for the taking of road easements by eminent domain for sewer and water purposes across several private roads. Further appropriations included funds for purchasing burial equipment for the Department of Public Works Cemetery Program and accepting a grant from MassDEP to enhance waste reduction programs. Finally, a resolution was passed to change the polling location for Precinct Six.

The meeting addressed the continued business item regarding the exterior paint for the Sturgis Public Charter School located at 427 Main Street, specifically debating the application of navy blue paint on the brickwork, the trim color, and where white accents should be placed to break up the color scheme. This matter was continued to the next meeting. Under matters not reasonably anticipated, the Commission discussed the status of public art procedures, noting that the Planning Board is currently busy with zoning amendments but expects to address the matter soon. Discussions also covered enforcement procedures for lighting and signage violations, noting that enforcement rests with the Building Commissioner. The Commission also reviewed and approved the draft minutes from the December 17, 2025, meeting.

Key discussions included addressing the two open seats on the Commission. A significant portion of the meeting involved an update on the Open Space and Recreation Plan, which is being updated over seven years and is currently in the public feedback and revision phase, designed to guide funding priorities for the next decade. Staff reports covered administrative updates, including fee approvals and budget narratives; ice news such as hockey tournaments and new ice matting; and gymnasium/youth center activities like indoor pickleball and Alateen meetings. Aquatics reported on 2026 parking permits and lifeguard training improvements. Recreation programs saw basketball seasons commencing and new offerings like Line Dancing. The Youth Commission announced an upcoming Job Fair. Liaison reports touched upon Sandy Neck Park construction status and the pending elections for Commission leadership positions. An update was provided on the Centerville and Osterville playground construction projects.