01:15The meeting began with an in-depth presentation by Adam Doler, a Veterans Outreach Program Specialist, who provided insights into the Vet Center program’s operations and mission. Doler, a Marine Corps combat veteran, highlighted the program’s roots in addressing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among veterans, founded by Vietnam veteran Max Cleland. He emphasized the importance of welcoming home and honoring veterans and their families through counseling and referral services. The Vet Center, a federal program, aims to create a community atmosphere rather than a traditional VA facility environment.

05:22Doler outlined the various services offered, such as free and confidential counseling conducted by licensed professionals. These services include group counseling for veterans from different eras, substance abuse support, and stress therapy. Additionally, innovative initiatives like a hiking group were introduced to help veterans manage PTSD through outdoor activities. Family counseling, which the VA typically does not provide, was also available, addressing a critical gap in veteran support.

The presentation underscored the collaborative network between the Vet Center and local veteran services, including partnerships with organizations like the Cape Islands Veterans Outreach Center. Doler stressed the importance of connecting veterans to the right resources and overcoming challenges, such as veterans being unaware of their eligibility for benefits. He noted the significant number of veterans residing on Cape Cod and the transformative potential of programs like the GI Bill. Doler detailed the existence of 307 Vet Centers nationwide and a 24/7 call center staffed by licensed clinicians or fellow veterans. He highlighted outreach efforts, inviting attendees to a community event on June 10th at the Barnstable Adult Community Center, designed to inform veterans and their families about available resources.

The session concluded with Doler reiterating the need for community involvement to address barriers to care for veterans, such as housing and transportation. The Cape Islands Veterans Outreach Center’s initiatives, including a food pantry serving over 200 veteran families weekly and housing facilities for veterans, were highlighted. Throughout the presentation, Doler emphasized raising awareness about veterans’ benefits and his role in facilitating access to these services.

19:13Following the veterans’ discussion, the meeting focused on vegetation management along the Massachusetts Coastal Railroad. Carl Lawson presented the railroad’s 2025 operational plan for vegetation management, submitted for approval to the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture. The plan outlined specific periods for vegetation treatment in Yarmouth, with applications scheduled for June 13 and July 21 for the railroad bed, and brush application from August 4 to September 30. The schedule differed from the previous year, starting two weeks later and ending six weeks later. The timing adjustment aimed to benefit plant nutrient translocation, a concern previously raised by the board.

21:24The vegetation management plan incorporated integrated pest management techniques, combining mechanical cutting with herbicide applications. Previously submitted comment letters on the plan were addressed by TEC Associates, and a draft comment letter was prepared for the current plan, inviting board members to review and suggest revisions before submission. Discussions included the potential impact on additional private wells, highlighting ongoing considerations regarding environmental regulations and community health.

31:45The board also touched on other local issues, including the ongoing efforts to update the town’s website to enhance its resources, particularly concerning tick information. An update on a property on NSET Road was provided, with the offer to waive the dump fee pending contractor selection for cleanup. A meeting on plastic reduction was scheduled, with members expressing their intent to attend.

The session included a discussion about a recent RACK meeting, canceled the previous month, and updates on a condominium association at Milpon Creek seeking to connect to the sewer system. The association, which currently has 61 residences, desires to expand by 61 additional homes. The town is considering this request and working on standardizing communication regarding ongoing sewer projects.

33:19A specific intersection, Wood Road and Station Avenue, was highlighted as dangerous, prompting collaboration with the police department to possibly implement an emergency four-way stop. An unresolved pump conflict concerning the Cranberry Bog was mentioned, with a timeline suggested for a final decision by July or August.