Bourne Select Board and Store Commissioners Joint Meeting: October 15, 2026

The Bourne Select Board and Board of Store Commissioners held a joint meeting to discuss sewer allocations, public hearings for a liquor license and pole location, a proposed energy facility, charter review appointments, and natural resource regulations.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Melissa Ferretti (Tribal Citizen/Resident): Responded to an anonymous letter questioning a conflict of interest regarding the Cape Bridges project. She explained her participation is mandated by federal law (Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act) and is advisory only, carrying no financial benefit. She called for the author to research the facts before making allegations.

Discussion Items

• Wastewater & Sewer (Store Commissioners):
  • Salon Ballore (203 Main St): Staff corrected a calculation error. The board approved a preliminary allocation of 192 gallons per day ($960) and waived commercial connection and intensive redevelopment charges.
  • 14 Taylor Road: Following the demolition of a home, the board approved a sewer fee abatement of $480.32 and permanently disconnected the property.
  • 140 Main Street (Galizio): The property owner requested a refund of a $39,000 system development fee paid for a project that was later downscaled. Staff explained this fee is non-refundable because it is based on lot size. The board voted to reimburse a $200 connection fee for the difference in the number of residential units.
• 61A Notice of Conversion (Strata Clean Energy / Bourneville Road): Dan Bailey from Strata presented a valuation letter from their appraiser valuing the 61.8 acres at approximately $15 million. He requested the town waive its right of first refusal to avoid a third appraisal process. Board members expressed a need for more information on the proposed energy project before making a decision. The discussion was deferred to the November 10, 2026 meeting.
• Charter Review Committee:
  • Five applicants were interviewed: Andrew Harcourt, Jack DeWitt, Margaret Song, Charles Perry, and Perry Davis.
  • The board appointed all five and amended the committee charge to reflect a 2026-2027 timeline, reduced the membership to five, and clarified the special legislation approval process.
• Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Updates:
  • Monument Beach Marina Reconfiguration: The committee presented a floating marina design (Alternative 2) that moves the marina away from the public beach, increasing slips from 60 to 87. The design includes a public safety spur, a public viewing area, and handicap accessibility. Projected minimum annual revenue is $607,000, up from $370,000.
  • Shellfish Regulations (First Reading): Proposed changes include increasing some permit fees, raising fines from $25 to $50, updating oyster seed management, and removing "jet climbing" as an approved commercial harvesting method.
  • Waterways Regulations (Second Reading): Comprehensive updates were proposed, including requiring proof of insurance for mooring holders ($100k liability), prohibiting unattended personal property on beaches overnight, restricting new outhauls in salt marshes, and updating mooring waitlist rules.
  • Parking Rates FY27: The board approved incremental increases to beach parking permit rates.
• Southside Fire Station: The building committee chair reported the project remains on schedule and under budget, with a groundbreaking occurring in September.
• Middle School MSBP Project: The board approved contract amendments with MVE Consultants and CSS Architects.
• Town Administrator Report: The Mass DEP approved the site suitability for a 825-ton solid waste facility. The retirement of Fire Chief Palanzi was announced. A $63,000 cost proposal for a nitrogen load study was received.

Key Outcomes

• Votes (all unanimous 5-0):
  • Approved sewer allocation for Salon Ballore (192 GPD).
  • Approved sewer abatement for 14 Taylor Road ($480.32).
  • Approved $200 fee reimbursement for 140 Main Street.
  • Approved pole location petition for Clay Pond Road.
  • Approved new all-alcohol package store license for Katomet Fish (C State Foods).
  • Appointed the Charter Review Committee and approved its amended charge.
  • Approved FY27 Beach Parking Permit rate increases.
  • Approved consent agenda and middle school project contracts.
• Next Steps:
  • Strata Clean Energy Right of First Refusal discussion to continue on November 10, 2026.
  • Waterways Regulations to move to final reading.
  • Shellfish Regulations to return for final adoption.
  • Fire Chief transition process initiated.
  • Kickoff meeting with HP2 group to be scheduled.