Town Council 09-03-2026

The Barnstable Town Council meeting on September 3, 2026, focused heavily on public safety and infrastructure issues, with significant discussion around the use of Flock Group's automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras. The council heard extensive public comment both supporting and opposing the continuation of the Flock cameras, citing concerns about privacy, surveillance, and civil liberties, as well as law enforcement benefits in crime investigations. The police department presented detailed information on the responsible use, oversight, and recent policy changes related to the cameras. Ultimately, a motion was made to terminate the town's relationship with Flock Group, Inc., but the transcript does not indicate a final vote on this motion. Additionally, the council discussed and approved several procurement-related items, including lease agreements for school bus parking, and accepted multiple grant awards totaling over $400,000 for jail diversion and emergency management programs. A major agenda item was a presentation on funding the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Program (CWMP), outlining a $391 million investment to date and plans for future financing through debt exclusion or a water infrastructure investment fund (WIIF), with a vote to place a debt exclusion question on the May 2027 ballot. The council also scheduled an open meeting for October 27, 2026, and encouraged public participation in cultural council grant opportunities. Overall, the meeting combined procurement decisions on grants and leases with policy discussions on surveillance technology and infrastructure funding.