Bourne Select Board Meeting – November 4, 2025

The Bourne Select Board met on November 4, 2025, to discuss and vote on several items, including a presentation on the Cape and Islands Bridge Coalition, a social equity marijuana host community agreement (HCA), a public hearing for a road layout petition, an update on opioid settlement funds, and authorization of a waste disposal agreement. The board also approved a building committee charge and made appointments. All votes were unanimous unless otherwise noted.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public offered comments during the public comment period. The board then moved to the next agenda item.

Presentation: Cape and Islands Bridge Coalition

• Greg, a member of the Cape and Islands Bridge Coalition (CIBC), presented on the need to replace the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges. He noted that the bridges are nearly 90 years old, functionally obsolete, and structurally deficient. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recommended replacement in April 2020. The CIBC aims to ensure timely, fiscally responsible replacement while minimizing disruption. Key statistics: 230,000 year-round residents, 10,000 businesses, 5 million visitors per year, $250 million in annual state and local revenue. An opinion poll showed 80% of Cape Cod residents favor replacement, and over two-thirds said it should be a top priority for leaders. The board thanked Greg for the presentation and had no questions.

Discussion Items

• Social Equity Marijuana Host Community Agreement (HCA) – Narrative Decisions: The board reviewed a draft of narrative reasons for not advancing certain applicants. Discussion focused on the comments for “NLM Inc.”, with several board members expressing concern that the language was too harsh or inaccurate. The board agreed to revise the comments to be more comparative (e.g., “did not present as strong a plan” instead of “did not present”) and to remove the bullet about the social equity applicant not being a prominent member of the management team. The board also noted similar wording for “Medicine Man” and decided to use “there were concerns about the location” for both. The draft will be revised by staff and brought back to a future meeting for final approval.
• Public Hearing – Picasset Woods Road Layout Petition: The board opened a public hearing for a petition to layout roads in Picasset Woods. Town Engineer Tim Leiden reported that the petition had the required signatures, the planning board had approved it unanimously, and the estimated betterment is $620,000 (not to exceed). Resident Susie Perry noted that the hearing notice listed a physical location (community center) rather than the virtual meeting, causing confusion for some residents. The board agreed to reschedule the hearing to allow those affected an opportunity to speak. The hearing will be continued at a future meeting, with a request for an in-person option.
• Update on Opioid Settlement Funds – Mini-Grant Program and Outreach Coordinator: Health Director Caitlin presented an update on the mini-grant program launched in 2024. Out of $50,000 allocated, $43,750 has been awarded to nine local organizations, including Parent Supporting Parents, Cape Cod Children’s Place, and Duffy Health Center. Projects include sober living scholarships, prevention education, recovery housing, and the Lockstone Box installations. Caitlin recommended moving to a defined application period for year two to improve equity. The board praised the program’s impact. The new outreach coordinator, Steven Birdos, started on November 3, 2025, and will help implement the comprehensive plan for opioid funds.
• Town Administrator Report: Items included:
  • ISWIM has diverted 19.09 tons of food waste from the landfill in 2025.
  • The Zoning Board of Appeals will open a public hearing for the Deer Path Village 40B (300-unit development off Scenic Highway) on November 5, 2025, at 7 p.m. via Zoom.
  • The town received approximately $80,000 in digital equity grant funds to build an outdoor Wi-Fi network at the recreation area behind the community building.
  • A major modification has been filed with the Cape Cod Commission for the property at 340 MacArthur Boulevard (modifying a 2003 DRI).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (5-0). Items included donations to the Council on Aging ($78) and the library ($280), a one-day beer and wine license for St. Margaret’s Church (November 15, 2025), and use of town roads for various charitable events (Homeless for the Holidays, toy drives, Cape Cod Road Runners run on January 4, 2026).
• Authorize Town Administrator to Execute Successor Ash and Waste Disposal Agreement with Reworld CMAS: The board approved a four-year agreement (aligned with remaining landfill capacity). Staff noted that the contract includes improved pricing and protections for leachate disposal costs, with a cap of $2 million over the term. The vote was unanimous (5-0).
• Police Station Roof Building Committee Charge: The board approved the draft charge as amended (removing erroneous references to the library building committee). Vote: unanimous (5-0).
• Appointment to Library Building Committee: Anne Marie Saronian was appointed as the select board’s representative to the library building committee. Vote: unanimous (5-0).
• Meeting Minutes: Minutes from September 30, October 7, and October 20, 2025, were approved unanimously (5-0).
• Future Agenda Items: The board noted that the Polar Express license agreement will be on a future agenda. The next meetings are scheduled for November 18, December 2, and December 16, 2025. The board adjourned at approximately 8:00 p.m.