Select Board — June 8, 2026

Recognitions were given for Carol Kennedy's work with veterans, the Woods Hole Pride event, and Mullen Hall School's Green Team Award for composting. Announcements included a Steamship Authority meeting and upcoming seasonal festivals.

The board acknowledged the various community achievements and upcoming events.

The Town Manager detailed the 3-4x increase in call volume for police and fire during summer, noting increased staffing and strategic patrols. Regarding the East Falmouth Library, he announced that construction funding was expedited to FY27, moving up from previous estimates of FY28/29.

The board was informed of the need for community caution during summer months and the upcoming requirement for a debt exemption vote.

A formal cost study is expected in early July; a debt exemption ballot question may be requested for this November.

Board members argued that the $3.4 million in funds are currently 'tied up' and cannot be used for other projects like the Falmouth Housing Corporation initiative, while the seller has indicated no pathway forward for the current project. Opponents, including developer Michael Galasso and community members, argued that the town is being 'bullied' by the seller and that rescinding funds sets a bad precedent and destroys a historic building project. Some suggested a subcommittee or a time window for negotiations instead of immediate rescission. The Board discussed whether to pull funds previously allocated to the Brushwood project after the property seller indicated they would not engage in any relationship involving Mr. Galasso. Some members argued that as fiduciaries, the Board must rescind the funds since the project has no clear pathway forward, while others felt that rescinding would signal a lack of commitment to workforce housing.

The Select Board voted to rescind the financial award from the Falmouth Affordable Housing Fund to Brushwood 5:45 LLC.

The presentation detailed cumulative shortfalls in the operating budget, debt for capital projects (including wastewater), and 'cash capital' (pay-as-you-go) improvements. The data illustrated the potential tax burden on a median single-family home if all shortfalls were addressed solely through tax increases. Board members questioned the methodology, specifically regarding the use of median vs. average tax bills and how the 2.5% levy limit interacts with these projections.

The board received the presentation as part of an iterative, ongoing process to understand the scale of municipal financial needs.

The board will have further discussions in July, look into prioritizing capital expenditures by September, and begin looking at the FY28 operating budget and revenue models.

The co-founders reported that Eversource has been responsive in deterring birds from dangerous building sites using specific color-coded deterrents. They noted approximately 170 nests in the town.

The board acknowledged the positive news regarding the partnership.

Deborah McGuire, owner of Liam McGuire's Irish Pub, requested the town adopt a policy similar to Somerville to allow patrons to watch late-night sports. The board noted that since this was not on the agenda, they could not engage in formal discussion.

The request was noted, and management was tasked with researching the procedural requirements for such an adoption.

Town management will gather information and follow up at the next meeting.

Discussion occurred regarding the complexity of the cultural license process. The board also debated the wording of the Artificial Intelligence policy to ensure clarity and prominence of AI disclosures. Finally, the Surf Drive nourishment grant was discussed, covering design and permitting to improve dune resilience.

The board approved the specific College Light Opera licenses, the amended AI policy, and the $350,000 grant application for Surf Drive.

The applicant, represented by attorney Jeff Nickerson, requested to transfer ownership from Dean Bolton to his son, Brian, who has been with the business for 20 years. The business will maintain the name 'Dean's.'

The board approved the application for multiple amendments to the wine and malt beverage license.

The applicant argued the remaining tree is in decline due to construction and sewer work. The Tree Warden and board members expressed a strong preference for preserving the large white oak to maintain shade and cooling benefits, suggesting the driveway be redesigned to accommodate the tree's root zone.

The board moved to support the tree warden's recommendation: allow the removal of the smaller 15-inch white oak but retain the 19-inch tree and require replanting.

The applicant is expected to work around the remaining tree.

Wastewater Superintendent Amy Lowell presented the DEIR, which covers the environmental impacts of a 6-mile outfall pipe in Nantucket Sound. Key points included hydrodynamic modeling showing high currents for dilution, minimal impact on eelgrass and shellfish, and a net nitrogen reduction benefit of 12,000 kg per year. The presentation detailed the technical findings of a two-year study, including hydrodynamic modeling showing high current speeds that facilitate mixing and prevent nutrient buildup. Key arguments addressed potential impacts on eelgrass, shellfish, and the Sagamore lens aquifer, with the town asserting that tertiary treatment will ensure net water quality benefits via nitrogen reduction. Concerns were raised by a community member regarding the potential for pharmaceuticals and other pollutants to enter the Sound and the reliability of current modeling.

The board voted to submit the DEIR to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office.

The DEIR will be submitted to MEPA by the end of June; a public meeting on the project is planned for July; the town anticipates requesting funds for design and permitting at the April 2027 Town Meeting.

The Beach Superintendent reported strong online permit sales (over 10,000) and discussed the transition to mobile food vendors to reduce facility strain. Board members questioned the challenges of staffing beaches earlier in the season and the complexity of the online permit renewal process. Discussion also touched on the availability of staff during the 'shoulder season' and the logistics of roving food vendors.

The Board received the update; no formal vote was taken.

The Town Manager's office and Select Board will look into the 'cumbersome' nature of the online permit renewal process.