Bourne Select Board Meeting – July 14, 2026

(Note: The transcript records this meeting as July 21, 2026, but the provided date is used per instruction. All times and references from the source material reflect July 21; the discrepancy is acknowledged.)

The Bourne Select Board convened on July 14, 2026 (recorded as July 21) to appoint a veterans trustee, approve a Pan-Mass Challenge route change, set the fall town meeting date, confirm a special alcohol license, and hold an extensive discussion on the Sagamore Bridge replacement project, including public comments and authorization for board representatives to speak at the upcoming MassDOT hearing.

Consent Calendar

• The select board approved the consent agenda as presented (motion by Peter Meyer, second by Anne Marie, voice vote unanimous).
• Approvals included routine items such as the use of Violet’s Landing for the Pocasset Load Association’s annual picnic on August 15, 2026.
• Minutes from June 30 and July 7, 2026 meetings were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• The chair allowed limited public comment on the bridge project after noting it was not a public hearing. Each speaker was given two minutes. Key comments:
  • John Duggan (Planning Board): Requested that MassDOT not schedule hearings on planning board meeting nights.
  • Chris (unidentified): Expressed support for the board and advocacy for Bourne’s interests.
  • Peter Murner: Clarified social media posts were to encourage attendance, not spread misinformation.
  • Chris Farrell: Criticized MassDOT as the “department of no,” emphasized local road protection, and advocated for commuter rail.
  • Barry Keeney (Pocasset): Urged a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with MassDOT and professional planning help.
  • Paul Alfano: Proposed mitigation demands including a mobile library, local business commitments, and compensation for tax revenue loss from property takings.
  • Meg Good Murner (PTA Chair): Highlighted school bus delays of up to two hours in June and demanded a school transportation plan.
  • Bob Dwyer (Pocasset): Stressed the need for professional planning assistance paid from the project budget.
  • John (no surname): Emphasized the value of formal town comments and requested accessible data presentation.
  • Jim Core (Eleanor Ave resident): Expressed fears about property access, income loss, vibrations, safety, and lack of communication.
  • Judith (Sagamore Beach): Called for identified point people and professional support.
  • Margaret Dowd: Suggested installing sewer infrastructure during bridge work.

Discussion Items

• Appointment of Harold Skelton to Veterans Community Building Board of Trustees: Mr. Skelton, an Iraqi veteran and founder of “Fishing for the Mission,” spoke of his experience. The joint meeting with trustees resulted in a unanimous roll-call vote appointing him to a term ending May 18, 2027.
• Pan-Mass Challenge Route Change (August 1–2, 2026): A representative requested cyclists use Tower Lane instead of Academy Drive due to construction. The board approved with an added condition: a reverse-911 call to Tower Lane residents. Motion by Peter Meyer, second by Jean, voice vote unanimous.
• State Primary Election Warrant (September 1, 2026): The board approved the warrant listing precinct polling locations and offices. Motion by Peter Meyer, second by Anne Marie, unanimous.
• Appointment of Wayne Sampson as Town Moderator: Mr. Sampson, with over 50 years in public service, offered to step down from other committees to avoid conflicts. Unanimously appointed to serve until the next annual election.
• Fall Town Meeting Date: Set for October 19, 2026, after confirming availability with the new moderator. Motion by Peter Meyer, second by Anne Marie, unanimous.
• Special Act License for Atomic Fish (H5347): The board confirmed its previous vote to approve the text of the alcoholic beverage license. Unanimous.
• Sagamore Bridge Replacement – Select Board Discussion: Board members expressed disappointment with MassDOT’s draft design, particularly traffic management, pedestrian/bike access, and lack of communication. Key topics included: need for an MOU, design-build oversight, emergency access, school coordination, cultural and environmental protections, traffic modeling, and mitigation. Peter Meyer and Anne Marie were authorized to present the board’s comments at the July 23 public hearing (unanimous vote).
• Update on MOU Request to Cape Cod Commission: The commission received the request and will identify areas where it can assist (excluding legal advice).
• Retreat Debrief and Goals: The board reviewed its July 10 retreat, noting progress on communication. A draft code of conduct from Westboro was considered; the board agreed to discuss it further via the policy subcommittee. Retreat goals were revised to include quantifiable targets for bridge MOU and capital planning.
• Watershed Permit Update: A grant from DEP was not extendable and expired. An RFQ for consultant services is out, responses due August 7. The board adopted a longer goal statement for watershed permit advancement.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous approvals: Harold Skelton appointment, Pan-Mass Challenge route change (with reverse-911 condition), primary election warrant, Wayne Sampson as town moderator, fall town meeting date (October 19, 2026), and special act license confirmation.
• Authorization: Peter Meyer and Anne Marie were unanimously authorized to represent the select board at the MassDOT public hearing on July 23, 2026.
• Directives: The town administrator will incorporate the longer watershed permit goal into the board’s goals and circulate it for refinement. The policy subcommittee will further discuss a code of conduct and revisions to rules of procedure.
• Next steps: The board will continue MOU discussions with the Cape Cod Commission and prepare for the July 23 public hearing.