Town Council | April 3, 2025

The meeting covered public comments, town manager communications, committee updates, and presentations on PFAS research and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for FY2026.

Key Points and Highlights

Public Comment

• Several written correspondences were received supporting Green Communities, the Hyannis Port Historic District, and funding for the West Barnstable Train Depot.
• The Centerville Civic Association raised concerns about the disposition of trees and plantings at the Centerville playground, emphasizing their community-funded origins and advocating for preservation and reuse of viable plantings.
• Champ Homes promoted their annual Earth Day cleanup in Hyannis, coordinating with the town DPW.
• The Friends of the Centerville Cranberry Bog Preservation urged the council to adopt a policy for the acquisition or disposition of Chapter 61 lands, highlighting a missed opportunity to preserve the Jenkins Bog.

Town Manager Communications

• Budget calendar update and first read of the Capital Improvement Plan.
• Written testimony provided for the draft intended use plan.
• A letter was sent to Governor Healey requesting environmental bond bill inclusion for the Clean Water Trust Fund.
• Meetings were attended regarding Sagamore and Bourne bridge projects.
• The town jointly filed with MassDEP regarding the Pilgrim nuclear power plant decommissioning.
• Continuation of meetings with the MIT renewable energy facility siting clinic team.
• Updates were provided on the local comprehensive plan, housing production plan, digital equity plan, and community development block grants.

PFAS Research Update (Silent Spring Institute)

• Silent Spring provided an update on PFAS research on Cape Cod, focusing on the Massachusetts PFAS in Your Health Study.
• The study found elevated levels of PFOS and PFHXS in Hyannis residents compared to the general US population, linked to firefighting foam contamination.
• The study is reconstructing past PFAS levels in drinking water to better understand health effects.
• The presentation highlighted the PFAS Exchange online resource center and the STEEP project's upcoming webinar on fish and water contamination.
• Concerns were raised about potential rollbacks of EPA drinking water standards and federal research funding.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

• Councilors discussed proposed amendments to the ADU ordinance, focusing on the interplay between state mandates and local circumstances.
• Concerns were raised about enforcement mechanisms, monitoring, and the impact of ADUs on septic systems and parking.
• The council discussed the relationship between ADUs and accessory affordable apartments, and the potential for merging the two programs.
• The discussion was continued to May 17th.

Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

• Town Manager Ell's alerted the council to potential cost increases due to newly approved federal tariffs, proposing a strategic review to manage costs and minimize fiscal risk.
• The review will assess the financial impact of tariffs, identify critical replacement projects, and engage with stakeholders.
• The council received a presentation on the FY26-30 CIP, highlighting funding sources, project priorities, and the comprehensive wastewater management plan.
• The Comprehensive Financial Advisory Committee (CFAC) presented their review of the CIP, focusing on general funds, school projects, and the CWMP.
• CFAC emphasized the importance of prudent financial management, strategic planning, and continuous review of the CWMP funding model.
• CFAC suggested exploring resource sharing between the DPW and the school department for facilities management.

Other Business

• The Appointments Committee reminded residents of upcoming committee vacancies.
• The first household hazardous waste collection day was announced for the coming Saturday.
• The West Barnstable annual spaghetti supper was announced for the coming Saturday.
• A motion was passed to move several items to individual public hearings on April 17th.
• A motion was passed to refer items 2025-148 and 2025-149 to second readings on 5/15/25.
• A motion was passed to accept a $37,615 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for nitrogen scenario modeling.

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Council Meeting Mind Map