GENERAL

Mosquitos Test Positive for West Nile Virus

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Two more positive tests in mosquitoes for West Nile on Cape Cod

By Ethan Genter, Cape Cod Times

Posted at 8:49 PM 9/1/17
Updated at 8:49 PM

Mosquitoes collected in Cotuit and Falmouth earlier this week have tested positive for West Nile virus, according to local and state officials.

The latest mosquitoes to test positive for the virus were collected on Wednesday, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Falmouth also had mosquitoes collected on Aug. 29 test positive, as did Bourne.

Bourne and Sandwich were the first Cape towns to have mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus this year, both on Aug. 8.

Since then, mosquitoes in Sandwich tested positive again on Aug. 24 and Aug. 25, and Bourne had mosquitoes test positive for West Nile on Aug. 29.

Across the state there have been 246 positive West Nile virus tests for mosquito samples and one positive test for a human, in a person between 51 and 60 years old on Aug. 15 in Bristol County, according to state officials. Bristol County also had one positive mosquito test for Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Westport last month.

“West Nile virus is a mosquito-carried virus that can cause illness ranging from a mild fever to more serious disease like encephalitis or meningitis,” according to the state Department of Public Health.

Town of Barnstable
Regulatory Services
Richard Scali, Director
Public Health Division
Thomas McKean, Director
200 Main Street
Hyannis, MA 02601
Office: 508-862-4644​ Fax: 508-790-6304

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced today that West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes collected from Cotuit, Massachusetts. In 2016, 6,414 mosquito samples were tested for WNV and 189 samples were positive.

WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that carry this virus are common throughout the state, and are found in urban as well as more rural areas. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.

By taking a few, common-sense precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones:

Avoid Mosquito Bites:
• Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours – The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellant.
• Clothing Can Help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
• Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home:
• Drain Standing Water – Many mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.
• Install or Repair Screens – Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

The Town of Barnstable Public Health Division continues to work closely with the MDPH and other agencies. We contacted the Cape Cod Mosquito Control Program today which will conduct increased mosquito control treatment in Cotuit, including treating wetlands and catch basins with larvicides.

Information about WNV and reports of current and historical WNV virus activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website at: http://www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito.

Wastewater Planning

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UPDATE: AUGUST 17, 2017 View Final Wastewater Planning Presentation to Town Council HERE

UPDATE: JUNE 17, 2017 The Town of Barnstable’s Water Resources Advisory Committee held a workshop on Saturday June 17, 2017 to discuss the timeline, process and preliminary costs associated with cleaning up Barnstable’s ponds, rivers, shorelines and embayments. View meeting HERE

UPDATE: MAY 17, 2017 View Barnstable’s Draft Wastewater Plan HERE presented by DPW to the Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC) and Town CouncilBarnstable Walling Map – 1856

The Town of Barnstable’s Water Resources Advisory Committee held a workshop on Saturday June 17, 2017 to discuss the timeline, process and preliminary costs associated with cleaning up Barnstable’s ponds, rivers, shorelines and embayments. View meeting HERE

 


Town-wide Field Study

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Notice of Public Informational Session

Town-wide Comprehensive Field Study

The Town of Barnstable Department of Public Works invites interested individuals to attend a public informational session regarding the town-wide comprehensive field study. The Town would like your feedback regarding your existing and future use of the Town’s fields and courts!

The meeting will be held at 5:30 PM on Thursday, September 21, 2017 at Town of Barnstable Senior Center, 825 Falmouth Road (Route 28) in Hyannis.

The purpose of the study is to determine the types of athletic fields that will be needed in the future based on demographics and input from user groups, and then integrate that information into the inventory and condition of existing fields and available parcels for future field development. That integration will result in a draft plan for capital expenditure and recommendations for future field development.

The meeting will include a presentation on the project and an opportunity for public input by questions and comments.

Those who are unable to attend the meeting but would like to offer feedback, please complete the survey HERE

Absentee Ballots are In

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ABSENTEE BALLOTS ARE IN for the September 19, 2017

Town-wide Election
If you are a voter in the Town of Barnstable, and will not be here on September 19th, please come over to the Town Clerk’s office and vote by Absentee Ballot. If your son or daughter is away at college and is registered to vote in Barnstable, come on over to fill out a request for an absentee ballot. We will send them out right away.
Thank you,
Ann M Quirk, CMC/CMMC
Town Clerk/Town of Barnstable

Happy Labor Day

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What’s open or closed on Labor Day

Banks: Closed

Post office: Closed

Federal offices: Closed

Town halls: Closed

Schools: Closed

MBTA: Commuter rail, buses, subways and The RIDE will operate a Sunday schedule. No South Shore commuter boat service. More information available at 800-392-6100 or mbta.com.

Liquor stores, bars: Open

Supermarkets, stores: Open

Restaurants: Most open

 

Upcoming Precinct 7 & Town Council Meetings September

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Town Council Shoestring Property Committee – Thursday September 7, 5pm, Town Hall

Town Council Meeting – Thursday September 7, 7pm, Town Hall

Cotuit Fire Commissioner’s Meeting – Tuesday September 12, 6pm, Freedom Hall

Precinct 7 Monthly Open Meeting – Wednesday September 13, 3-5pm, Cotuit Library

Town Council Shoestring Property Committee – Wednesday September 13, 5pm, Town Hall

Cotuit Prudential Committee Meeting – Thursday September 14, 10am, Freedom Hall

CFD’s Union Negotiating Committee Meeting – Thursday September 14, 4:30pm, Freedom Hall

CFD’s Union Negotiating Committee Meeting – Monday September 18, 5:30pm, Freedom Hall

Town Council Committee to Assess Homelessness – Monday September 18, 6pm, Town Hall

Town Council Appointments Committee – Tuesday September 19, 5:30pm, Town Hall

Town Council Shoestring Property Committee – Tuesday September 19, 6pm, Town Hall

Cotuit/Santuit Civic Association Meeting – Tuesday September 19, 7:30pm, Cotuit Library  Cancelled

Cotuit Water Commissioner’s Meeting – Wednesday September 20, 6pm, Freedom Hall

Cotuit Prudential Committee Meeting – Monday September 25, 4:30pm, Freedom Hall

Cotuit Prudential Committee Meeting – Tuesday September 26, 5pm, Freedom Hall

CFD’s Union Negotiating Committee Meeting – Tuesday September 26, 5pm, Freedom Hall

Town Council Asset Management Advisory Committee – Thursday September 28, 6pm, Town Hall

Town Council Shoestring Property Committee – Thursday September 28, 6pm, Town Hal

Town Council Meeting – Thursday September 28, 7pm, Town Hall

Town Council Roads Committee – TBD

Town Council Zoning & Regulation Review Committee – TBD

 

 

 

Swimming Advisory

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UPDATE: August 29, 2017

Advisory:

No-Bottom, Cotuit

Warning: NONE

Closure: NONE

UPDATE: July 31, 2017

Cyanobacteria Update (These observations are based on our inspection of high risk Barnstable ponds with public or semi-public beaches.)

Advisory:

Lovells, Marston Mills

Long Pond, Centerville

No-Bottom, Cotuit

Definitions:

Advisory: Toxic algae is present, but has not collected into a film on the surface. Pond shows slight discoloration. Can easily see through water. Low to minimal health risks to people, higher risks for pets.

Warning: Toxic algae has started to collect and form a film on the surface. Pond shows slight to moderate discoloration. Can see through water, but water is cloudy. Low to moderate health risks for people, higher risks for pets.

Closure: Toxic algae has collected and formed a thick film on the surface (looks like soup or paint). Pond shows extreme discoloration. Cannot see through water at all. Moderate to severe health risks for people, higher risks for pets.

Health Advisory: Effective 7-13-17, Lovell’s Pond Beach in Santuit is Closed to Swimming due to cyanobacteria and water visibility <4 feet. Check HERE for updates. Learn more about algae blooms HERE

Lovell’s Pond Boat Ramp

Town wide Beach Locations & Contact Information HERE

 

Shellfishing Reopens

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UPDATE – 8/23/17 Shellfishing Open

Due to heavy rains, the Town of Barnstable is CLOSED TO ALL HARVEST OF SHELLFISH

For updates & additional information Contact Dan Horn Marine & Environmental Director dan.horn@town.barnstable.ma.us or call MEA Supervisor, Douglas Kalweit
P 508-790-6272
F 508-790-6275
8:30a-4:15p, M-F

 

 

 

2017 Open Space & Recreation Plan Update

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TODAY is the Deadline to Submit Your Survey

Please take a moment to fill out the 2017 Open Space and Recreation Plan Survey HERE. This short survey is meant to better understand the importance of parks, trails, conservation areas, recreation programs and other opportunities to the Barnstable community. The information gathered will help update the Town’s Open Space and Recreation Plan. In addition to the above survey, the Town invites you to participate in one or more of the upcoming discussion sessions, designed to engage key community members and local officials in a discussion of issues relevant to the plan. Your participation and input will allow for your thoughts, concerns and priorities to be incorporated into the updated plan.

The Town of Barnstable is updating its Open Space and Recreation Plan, last adopted in 2010. The plan (view HERE) allows the community to identify and evaluate goals, challenges, opportunities and priorities for open space protection, land management, and the provision of recreational opportunities. Planning for our Town’s “green infrastructure” of water, land, forests, wildlife habitat, parks, recreation areas, and trails is important to our economic future, community identity, and quality of life.

The plan is being developed to comply with guidance from the Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services and will be submitted to that agency for approval. An approved plan is necessary for the Town to qualify for certain land acquisition financial assistance provided by the Commonwealth. It is also an important opportunity to re-assess community needs and priorities for open space protection and the provision of recreational opportunities.

Session I: Land Management: The Functions of Open Space
DATE/TIME: July 6, 3:30 – 5:30 PM
Location: Selectmen’s Conference Room, Town Hall
Topics: Management issues and challenges, working landscapes, disposition/purchase of properties, protecting ground and surface waters, resource needs.

Session II: Recreation: Fields, Facilities, Trails, Parks and Programs
DATE/TIME: July 10, 3:30 – 5:30 PM
Location: Hyannis Youth & Community Center
Topics: Highlights since 2010, planned facilities and programs, programs and partnerships, outreach to improve access for all residents, use or maintenance issues, beaches and coastal access issues.

Session III: Resource Protection: Conserving, Preserving and Restoring Open Spaces
DATE/TIME: July 27, 3:30-5:30 PM
Location: Selectmen’s Conference Room, Town Hall
Topics: Highlights since 2010, priority acquisition goals, use of creative tools for land protection, habitat protection, connectivity, climate change and resiliency, improved access for all residents, stewardship issues, resource needs.

Please email Anna at Anna.Brigham@town.barnstable.ma.us to let us know which meetings you will be able to attend.

Rushy Marsh Farm Garden Tour Benefits Cahoon Museum

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Friday, August 18, 2017
(raindate Monday August 21)
The Cahoon Museum of American Art invites you to immerse yourself in a unique, one-of-a-kind two-hour walking tour of the rarely seen gardens and grounds of Rushy Marsh Farm, the spectacular private property of Frank and Monica McCourt in Cotuit. Beginning at the arched gate at the main entrance, grow your inspiration as you observe a variety of extraordinary garden features including a secret garden, a tropical plant and orchid conservancy, fruit orchards, a willow walk, organic vegetable gardens, an aquatic plant pond, and 4,000 dahlias in bloom!
Tours:   Six tours available, tour length is two hours. Tours depart by bus from Kettleers, Lowell Park parking lot at: 9:30am sold out, 10:30am, sold out 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm sold out 
Tickets:  $95, advanced purchase is required and space is limited.  Proceeds benefit the Cahoon Museum.
Volunteers:    Are you interested in volunteering as a docent at the garden tour? Please contact Committee Chair, Gail Reilly, for more information and details: gailcreilly@comcast.net.
Please contact the Museum to purchase your tickets, 508.428.7581 or cmaa@cahoonmuseum.org
This event is made possible by a Community Event Partnership with Crestwood Advisors
 
   
 

Citizen’s Police Academy

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29th Session Graduates

It’s not too late to sign up for the 30th Session of the Barnstable Citizen’s Police Academy, beginning September 2017.

Learn more about this popular program and download application form HERE

Mail to: Lt. Mark Cabral
Barnstable Police Department
P.O. Box B, Hyannis, MA 02601 or drop off at Police Headquarters 1200 Phinney’s Lane Hyannis, MA 02601

Annual Kids Day

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The Barnstable Police Department will be hosting it’s annual Kids Day, tomorrow Wednesday August 9th from 10-2, Barnstable High School, 744 W. Main St., Hyannis.

Come enjoy a FREE day of food, fun, and demonstrations.  There will be a parade at 10 followed by demonstrations and static displays from the participating departments. This event is FREE for all who attend. Come out and enjoy a hot dog, ice cream, and soda from local vendors. Enter to win a free bicycle. The first 600 Kids receive a free Kids Day gift so don’t be late!

Meeting TONIGHT on Proposed Electric Rate Increase

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Unknown

On January 17, 2017 Eversource filed a rate case with the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) which is going to increase everyone’s electric bills starting in January on the distribution side of the electric bill. This is the first fully litigated rate case since the 80’s. Eversource then filed revisions to their proposal on June 1st which is proposing to shift $30 million in costs from Western MA electric customers to Eastern MA residential customers (which includes the Cape and Vineyard). The proposal also includes shifting costs from Eastern MA commercial customers to Eastern MA residential customers. Cape Light Compact is opposed to this as the costs borne by those customers should be paid for by those customers and not subsidized by other customers.

The DPU has reopened the public comment period through August 31, and will be holding a public hearing on Wednesday August 2 at 7pm at Cape Cod Community College – Tilden Arts Center.

If you are able to attend that would be great, but at a minimum we are encouraging you to submit written comments either by mail or email to the DPU opposing this shift in costs. If you are able to attend the hearing, your comments will not be made part of the record unless you are sworn in (just to keep that in mind). To submit via email you may send it to: dpu.efiling@state.ma.us and marc.tassone@state.ma.us. To submit via US mail, please visit our website to see filing instructions outlined in the Notice.

HERE are some talking points that you may use for the public hearing or for submitting written comments. Feel free to add additional information to the letter that you feel is necessary.

For more information and for the notice of filing you may visit our website www.capelightcompact.org/ratecase

Please send this information along to everyone you know who has Eversource for electricity. I know that the majority of people in Eversource’s territory are not even aware that this is going on, as the media has hardly covered it, so it is important for people to speak up in opposition to these increases.

If you have any questions, please contact Lindsay Henderson

Lindsay Henderson
Communications & Energy Efficiency Analyst 
Cape Light Compact JPE
508-375-6889 (office)
508-221-0200 (cell)

www.capelightcompact.org

Upcoming Precinct 7 & Town Council Meetings August

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Cotuit Fire Commissioner’s Meeting – Tuesday August 1, 5:30pm, Freedom Hall

Cotuit Prudential Committee Meeting – Wednesday August 2, 9am,  Freedom Hall

Cotuit Water Commissioner’s Meeting – Wednesday August 2, 9am, Freedom Hall

Town Council Committee to Assess Homelessness – Monday August 7, 6pm, Town Hall

Cotuit Fire Commissioner’s Meeting – Tuesday August 8, 5:30pm & 6:15pm, Freedom Hall

Precinct 7 Monthly Meeting – Wednesday August 9, 3-5pm, Cotuit Library

Cotuit Prudential Committee Meeting – Tuesday August 15, 4pm,  Town Hall

Town Council Appointments Committee – Tuesday August 15, 5:30pm, Town Hall

Cotuit/Santuit Civic Association Village Meeting – Tuesday August 15, 7:30pm, Freedom Hall

Cotuit Water Commissioner’s Meeting – Wednesday August 16, 6pm Freedom Hall

Town Council Asset Management Advisory Committee – Thursday August 17, 6pm, Town Hall Cancelled

Town Council Meeting – Thursday August 17, 7pm, Town Hall

Cotuit Prudential Committee Meeting – Monday August 28, 6pm, Freedom Hall

Tomorrow is Unity Day in Barnstable

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Barnstable Unity Day “Celebrating Unity in Our Community”

Hyannis, MA – Following on the success of last year’s event, People of Action, the Barnstable Police Department and the Town of Barnstable will present Barnstable Unity Day at the Hyannis Village Green on Friday, July 28, 2017, from 4-7 p.m.  The event is open to all and is intended to engage the community and local police together in a celebration including free food, music, children’s activities and raffles.  Please bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. For more information or if you are interested in helping with this event you may contact Andre Barboza at 347-638-0206 or the Barnstable Police Department at 508-778-3800.  See you there!

Bikes & People Planning

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UNITED KINGDOM – JULY 14, 1896: Charles Stewart Rolls (1877-1910). Rolls (right) is pictured riding a tandem with his friend Legard while they were students at Cambridge University. (Photo by SSPL/Getty Images)

Please assist MassDOT in developing their statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.

HERE is a link to direct you to a web site where you can map your bike and pedestrian projects. This mapping will assist MassDOT in developing priorities for their future bicycle and pedestrian projects.

Update on Cotuit Fire District’s Solar Project

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Restoration Plan for Cotuit Fire District Land

The winning bidder in the Cotuit Water Department’s planned solar farm development, Borrego Solar  (BS),  was responsible for nine of eighteen test pits that were performed outside the development area for the once proposed solar project. The land clearing and test pit digging came close to the abutting residential neighborhood of Mariner Circle that resulted in the company issuing a letter of apology; view HERE  The error also sounded the alarm that the project was to include the clearcutting of 30+ acres of forested land.   The project was soundly rejected by the villagers and the item subsequently withdrawn from the Town Council agenda.

As the responsible party, BS has proposed a land restoration plan that may be viewed HERE

 

Electric Rate Increase Proposed

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Unknown

On January 17, 2017 Eversource filed a rate case with the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) which is going to increase everyone’s electric bills starting in January on the distribution side of the electric bill. This is the first fully litigated rate case since the 80’s. Eversource then filed revisions to their proposal on June 1st which is proposing to shift $30 million in costs from Western MA electric customers to Eastern MA residential customers (which includes the Cape and Vineyard). The proposal also includes shifting costs from Eastern MA commercial customers to Eastern MA residential customers. Cape Light Compact is opposed to this as the costs borne by those customers should be paid for by those customers and not subsidized by other customers.

The DPU has reopened the public comment period through August 31, and will be holding a public hearing on Wednesday August 2 at 7pm at Cape Cod Community College – Tilden Arts Center.

If you are able to attend that would be great, but at a minimum we are encouraging you to submit written comments either by mail or email to the DPU opposing this shift in costs. If you are able to attend the hearing, your comments will not be made part of the record unless you are sworn in (just to keep that in mind). To submit via email you may send it to: dpu.efiling@state.ma.us and marc.tassone@state.ma.us. To submit via US mail, please visit our website to see filing instructions outlined in the Notice.

HERE are some talking points that you may use for the public hearing or for submitting written comments. Feel free to add additional information to the letter that you feel is necessary.

For more information and for the notice of filing you may visit our website www.capelightcompact.org/ratecase

Please send this information along to everyone you know who has Eversource for electricity. I know that the majority of people in Eversource’s territory are not even aware that this is going on, as the media has hardly covered it, so it is important for people to speak up in opposition to these increases.

If you have any questions, please contact Lindsay Henderson

Lindsay Henderson
Communications & Energy Efficiency Analyst 
Cape Light Compact JPE
508-375-6889 (office)
508-221-0200 (cell)

www.capelightcompact.org