0:28The meeting was highlighted by the board’s unanimous decision to grant a seasonal all-alcoholic beverages license to Namazu Ramen, a new eatery set to offer ramen and sake, along with cocktails, under the management of Michael Jasik. Jasik plans to initially offer dinner service, with ambitions to expand operational hours based on demand. The restaurant aims to open by late March, pending final liquor license approval, and has received positive feedback from the community. Board members expressed enthusiasm for the new dining option, with Jasik noting a warm welcome from the town, which he deemed encouraging as he prepared for the establishment’s launch.

42:54Parallel to the approval of the restaurant license, the meeting involved discussions of the fiscal year 2026 budget, focusing heavily on public safety allocations. The Fire Department’s budget was scrutinized, with Chief Justin Tano presenting a $929,517 operating budget. The department is not seeking new positions but is prioritizing essential equipment upgrades. This includes a $50,000 request for personal protective equipment, driven by legislative changes concerning PFAS in firefighting gear, and a $110,000 request for radios critical for fire operations. The department also outlined plans for an ambulance replacement, although supply chain delays have pushed expected delivery dates.

1:53:23The Police Department similarly addressed budget considerations, emphasizing the need for equipment upgrades, particularly the replacement of electronic control weapons. The department plans to purchase eight new tasers, a decision necessitated by the obsolescence of the current models. This acquisition is part of a broader strategy to ensure officer safety and effective de-escalation measures. Additionally, the police department’s budget will support the annual replacement of two police vehicles to maintain operational efficiency and address challenges posed by outdated equipment that no longer fits newer models.

2:31:52Another topic was the ongoing water management and conservation efforts. The board discussed the implications of residents transitioning from town water to private wells for irrigation, a potential trend that could impact revenue.

Infrastructure maintenance and upgrades were also focal points, with discussions on necessary repairs and replacements. The board deliberated on the aging town trash truck, which, with over 100,000 miles, is due for replacement to avoid inefficiencies in waste collection.

2:47:45The board also touched upon various capital requests, including those related to the Department of Public Works. The DPW presented its budget, highlighting the necessity of ongoing projects such as the ADA transition plan, aimed at ensuring compliance across town facilities. This plan includes significant modifications to public restrooms at the Town Offices. Additionally, energy conservation upgrades at town buildings, including the Basset House, are underway to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

42:54Public safety was further emphasized through planned expansions in dispatch services, transitioning to the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office, expected to yield modest savings in overtime costs. The meeting also covered the police department’s community engagement efforts, which have been instrumental in maintaining public safety during local events.