Bourne, Massachusetts Development News
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Bourne Select Board meeting, July 7, 2026
Published: Jul 7, 2026
Select Board Reconsiders Farmers Market Food Truck Approval, Refers Policy to Subcommittee
The Select Board revisited a March 3rd approval for the Cape Cod Canal Region Farmers Market special event, specifically concerning the inclusion of food trucks. Mayor Strangelo requested the reconsideration due to a lack of notification about the change to the event, which was previously approved as a consent agenda item. Town Council Brian Bertram addressed the board regarding the town's jurisdiction and ability to regulate food trucks. After extensive public comment from various stakeholders including food truck owners, local business owners, and community organizations, the board discussed procedural aspects of reconsideration versus rescinding a vote. Ultimately, the board decided to allow the current season of the farmers market to proceed as approved, deferring the policy discussion to a future meeting. The board voted to refer the issue to the policy subcommittee for further review and development of clear regulations regarding food trucks and special events. The discussion highlighted concerns about competition with brick-and-mortar businesses, the interpretation of the special events policy, and the jurisdiction over adjacent properties. The town attorney clarified that while food trucks need health and fire permits under state law, regulating their location and operational details within town jurisdiction is the board's purview. The policy subcommittee will also consider aspects of designating town property versus adjacent property usage.
Bourne Recs Scholarship Policy Approved to Aid Resident Participation in Programs
Katie Matthews, Director of Recreation, presented the Bourne Recs Scholarship Policy and Application for review. The policy aims to establish a clear and consistent process for providing financial assistance to residents needing help accessing recreation programs and events. The scholarship program would be funded entirely through donations. The policy outlines eligibility requirements, the application process, award guidelines, and confidentiality procedures to ensure responsible administration of donated funds. A verbal correction was made: the recreation department, not the committee, will award a higher percentage based on need. The board expressed strong support for the policy, recognizing its necessity for ensuring all residents, particularly those with financial struggles or children with special needs, can participate in town programs. The policy was approved with the noted modification.
Select Board Approves Additional Accessible Parking at Community Center, Policy Review Pending
The Select Board discussed a request to add an additional accessible parking space at the Bourne Veterans Memorial Community Center. Deb, representing the community center, explained that while the current number of accessible spaces exceeds ADA minimum requirements, peak program times, such as the chair yoga program with 50 participants, lead to the existing spaces being consistently occupied. She noted that the front spaces are prioritized for check-in and senior programming, and the back spaces are closer to the playground and supportive day program, making the front spaces more critical for overall accessibility and security. Town Council Brian Bertram and Building Commissioner Eleanor McKay provided analysis regarding the current parking lot size, use, and compliance with ADA standards. McKay confirmed the town exceeds minimum requirements with eight spaces (four front, four back) in a 120-space lot. The board debated the policy implications of adding spaces beyond the minimum, especially when it might involve deviating from established policy. Ultimately, the board voted 4-0-1 (with one abstention) to approve the addition of one accessible parking space at the community building, acknowledging it as a reasonable accommodation for a senior-focused facility with a demonstrated need, and referred the broader policy discussion on how to handle additional requests beyond minimum requirements to the policy subcommittee.
Select Board Approves $2.7M+ for FY27 Road Paving and Bridge Engineering Using Chapter 90 Funds
The Select Board received a report from Public Works Director Matt Switch regarding the town's Chapter 90 funding and a multi-year plan for road maintenance. Switch presented the current and projected Chapter 90 funding, noting an increase due to additional state allocations. He outlined a 7-year outlook for paving, bridge, culvert, and drainage projects, utilizing a pavement management program that rates road conditions. For FY27, the town is requesting $2,765,170 to pave Shore Road (excluding the section near the Singing Bridge), Means Road, Squatig Harbor Road, and Red Book Harbor Road. Additionally, $297,000 is requested for design engineering costs for the Singing Bridge project, and $430,000 for a drainage project on Washburn Street. Future plans include potential use of rubber chip seal on Herring Pond Road and Head of the Bay Road, and repairs to the Back River Bridge. Concerns were raised about the Singing Bridge design, its status as part of Massachusetts Bicycle Route 1, and the need for thorough contractor inspections due to past accidents. The board unanimously approved the use of Chapter 90 funds for FY27 as requested.
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