Bourne Select Board Meeting – December 2, 2025

The Bourne Select Board convened on December 2, 2025, at 5:00 PM. The meeting included annual presentations from Joint Base Cape Cod leadership, a discussion on the cannabis host community agreement (HCA), a petition for private road repairs, fee hearings, and unanimous approvals of several items. The board also voted to support a $100,000 free cash request for the FY27 capital budget.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bruce O'Ren (shellfisherman, 36 years): Expressed strong opposition to proposed shellfish regulation changes regarding eelgrass, stating the changes threaten his livelihood and lack transparency. He requested a delay and further study, noting that eelgrass has recovered after his harvesting. He also raised concerns about lack of communication from the DNR.
• Several residents of Tara Terrace and Eldridge Street: Opposed the proposed road betterment, citing high costs (up to $15,000 per household), inadequate notification, and that only a small portion of the roads need repair. One resident noted the 20-year payment plan and safety concerns.
• Dwayne Tramell (49 Tara Terrace): Supported the petition, stating the working group process was transparent and the petition has over 50% signatures.
• Norris Brown (12 Eldridge Street Extension): Supported the road repairs, emphasizing safety for school buses and children.
• Bill Chapman (78 Tara Terrace): Raised concerns about lack of transparency and that the proposed repair would not address underlying issues.

Discussion Items

• Joint Base Cape Cod Annual Update: Colonel Matthew Porter (executive director) announced the start of a two-year cantonment area master planning effort. Lt. Col. Alex McDonough (Camp Edwards) described training support missions, including an air assault course and mobilization activities. Colonel Mike Kelly (102nd Intel Wing) outlined the wing's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, including cyber effects and engineering. Major Ron Miller (Cape Cod Space Force Station) reported tracking 50 active launches in the past year and contributing $4.1 million to the local economy through contracts. Captain Roger Mason (Coast Guard Base Cape Cod) noted 125 families in housing, while Captain Mike Lackwitz (Coast Guard Air Station) highlighted 250 search and rescue cases annually and the station's role in fisheries enforcement.
• Cannabis Host Community Agreement (HCA): Town counsel Brian Bertram advised the board to document reasons for the 3-2 vote to negotiate with one applicant. Board members expressed mixed views: MJ and Peter supported moving forward with the original decision; Gene and Melissa changed their positions, citing concerns about the process and equity; Vice Chair remained in the minority. No vote was taken; the item will be placed on a future agenda for further deliberation.
• Petition for Private Way Repairs – Tara Terrace and Eldridge Street: Tim Liden (Town Engineer) reported that notices were sent late and to wrong addresses, recommending renotification. The petition (over 50% frontage) requested temporary repairs estimated at $1 million (30% contingency). Residents raised concerns about cost, fairness, and lack of plans. The board agreed to table the item for proper notification.
• Fee Hearing – Conservation Minor Projects: Stephanie Fitch (Conservation Agent) proposed a $75 application fee for administrative review of minor projects, mirroring fees in Falmouth and Sandwich. The board unanimously approved the fee.
• Request for Access – 88 Sagamore Road (Stone Revetment): Robert DeWar (Bracken Engineering) and Don Perry (PSC Group) requested access across town-owned beach for construction. The conservation commission had issued an order of conditions with a special condition for a town license. The board unanimously authorized the town administrator to draft a license agreement.
• Policy Introductions – Shellfish, Waterways, and Marina Regulations: Hannah Lawrence (DNR) and Emily Bakiaki (Marina Manager) presented updates. The shellfish regulations proposed adding eelgrass protection. Waterways regulations included mooring fee increases (recreational to $150, commercial to $300), eco-mooring requirements, and closure of the Sagamore mooring field waitlist. Marina regulations updated insurance requirements (to $1 million per occurrence), quiet hours, parking permits, and other operational rules. No votes were taken; the board will schedule further readings.
• Marina Rate Increase Proposal: Hannah Lawrence proposed increasing slip fees at Monument Beach, Taylor Point, and Picasa River marinas, effective 2026. The projected net revenue increase from $726,088 to $1,174,979. The board unanimously approved the fee proposal.
• Licensing: Two new Class 1 dealer licenses (brokerage only) for Dodish LLC and Stuart Knockabout LLC were unanimously approved.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous votes (5-0):
  • Approved $75 fee for conservation minor projects.
  • Authorized town administrator to draft license agreement for 88 Sagamore Road access.
  • Approved marina rate increases (slip fees and mooring fees) as presented.
  • Approved two Class 1 dealer licenses.
  • Approved consent agenda (license renewals, donations, warrant openings, service life extension).
  • Approved minutes of November 18, 2025.
  • Approved motion to support $100,000 free cash request for FY27 capital budget.
• Cannabis HCA: No decision; item will be on a future agenda for further deliberation.
• Private Way Petition: Tabled for renotification; will return at a later meeting.
• Policy Introductions: No votes; further readings to be scheduled.

Next Steps

• The next Select Board meeting is scheduled for December 16, 2025. The board also set future meeting dates: January 6, 13, 27, 2026 (Select Board) and January 20, 2026 (Sewer Commission).