Bourne Select Board Meeting - September 17, 2026

The Bourne Select Board met on September 17, 2026, to address a wide range of items including appointments, proclamations, library and housing updates, land use notices, capital requests, budget planning, and policy discussions. The meeting included joint proceedings with the School Committee and multiple unanimous votes.

Consent Calendar

• The board unanimously approved the consent agenda as presented, which included routine approvals, correspondence, and prior meeting minutes from July 16, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made on non-agenda items. No virtual attendees raised hands to speak.

Discussion Items

• Joint School Committee Appointment: After technical difficulties with remote access, a quorum was established. Amanda Paul was nominated and unanimously appointed by both boards to fill a School Committee vacancy ending May 18, 2027.
• Suicide Prevention Proclamation: The board read and unanimously adopted a proclamation declaring September 2026 as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, citing 48,800 U.S. deaths in 2024 and Barnstable County's rate of 11.7 per 100,000.
• Library Building Committee Update: Director Aria Finn reported the committee voted on September 2 to request $425,000 for architectural design, but then learned that a Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners grant round might open earlier than expected. On September 16, the committee voted to withdraw the capital request. The committee may seek a charge amendment to pursue state grants.
• Affordable Housing Trust – Old Police Station Transfer: The board received a formal written request from the Affordable Housing Trust to transfer ownership of the old police station property for affordable housing. A motion to authorize town counsel and the town administrator to prepare transfer documents, with a reverter clause if the project does not proceed, passed unanimously.
• 10 Squeteague Harbor Road – Stair Repair License: Brian Smith requested a license to replace deteriorated wooden steps on town-owned land by hand, within the existing footprint. The board unanimously authorized the town administrator to develop and execute a license agreement.
• Special Events – Great Gables Witches Walk: The board approved a one-day liquor license for October 17, 2026, at 125 Main Street, Buzzards Bay, and the use of Buzzards Bay Park for the event, both unanimously.
• Chapter 61A Land Conversion Notice – Zero Bourndale Road: The board discussed a notice of intent to convert 61.8 acres from agricultural tax status for a battery storage lease, and a revised notice of intent to sell a smaller adjacent parcel. Attorney John Clavins represented the landowner, stating the notice is adequate and the project would provide significant tax revenue. Town Counsel Brian Bertram noted difficulty reading plans and a 30-day deadline for an appraisal. The board voted unanimously to notify the Open Space and Conservation committees and to proceed with an appraisal.
• Fall Town Meeting Article Presentations: The board heard presentations on several articles without voting: $120,000 CPA for archives building design, $90,000 CPA for Hoxie School shingles, and $15,000 per unit CPA down-payment assistance for affordable condos. Capital requests included police pistol replacements ($150,000), fire tanker replacement ($55,000 – grant received), voting booth replacements ($50,000), Taylor's Point Marina power pedestals ($82,000), Bourne Middle School roof ($4.9M MSBA project), F-250 replacement ($50,000), DPW trash truck ($160,000), IW transfer station construction ($18.066M), and landfill cap amendment ($3.7M).
• Bylaw Amendment – Dogs on Beaches: Hannah Lawrence presented a revised definition of "public bathing beach" for dog restrictions from May 1 to October 15, including a list of specific beaches and a $50 fine. The board took no action.
• Snow and Ice Contract Rates: DPW Director Matt Swicki requested a 5% rate increase for 2026-2027 winter contracts and a $1,100 sign-on bonus. The board unanimously approved the rates as proposed.
• FY28 Budget Revenue Assumptions: Town Administrator Marlene presented six recommended assumptions: maximum levy capacity, new growth at $400,000, state aid based on FY27 cherry sheets, $750,000 ISWIM host fee, local receipts at 90% of FY26 actuals, and level-funding reserved receipts (ambulance, conservation, waterways). After discussion, the board unanimously adopted these as the starting point.
• Debt Service Funding Transition: The board discussed shifting debt service funding from capital stabilization to the operating budget. Currently at 1.5% of the budget (far below the 3-5% policy target). The board directed the Town Administrator to prepare options (e.g., increasing by 0.25-0.5% per year) for future discussion.
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Draft Charge: Jean presented a first draft; the board agreed to review further and requested public input. John York suggested emphasizing safety and school routes.

Key Outcomes

• Appointment: Amanda Paul appointed to School Committee unanimously.
• Proclamation: Unanimously adopted.
• Library Update: No vote; committee to return with charge language.
• Old Police Station Transfer: Motion passed unanimously.
• Stair Repair License: Approved unanimously.
• Witches Walk: Both liquor license and use of town property approved unanimously.
• Zero Bourndale Road: Motion to consult open space/conservation and obtain appraisal passed unanimously.
• Snow & Ice Rates: Unanimously approved.
• FY28 Revenue Assumptions: Six-point motion passed unanimously.
• Future Agenda Items: Board will schedule workshops on debt service policy, economic development committee, and GIZ phased approach.