·         On Monday the Massachusetts Commissioner of Insurance, Joseph Murphy, was greeted in a crowded Town Hall Hearing Room to discuss the impact of rising health insurance premiums on small businesses in Massachusetts.  Just as health insurance costs have tremendous impact on municipal budgets we know how severely it impacts locally owned small businesses.  Several in attendance, including Wendy Northcross, CEO, Cape Cod Chamber and Deb Converse, Executive Director, Hyannis Area Chamber of Commerce, testified before the state Insurance Commissioner to share their thoughts on how these rising premiums are damaging the sustainability of small businesses in Southeastern Massachusetts.

·         On Monday I met with representatives of our employee unions to discuss the FY 2011 operating budget. There have been several meetings with the unions to share information on anticipated revenues and potential deficits. Finance Director Mark Milne outlined the revenue picture and indicated we have conservative estimates on expected local aid from the State. I intend to meet with employee union representatives every couple of weeks during the budget preparation process and I truly appreciate their understanding of our financial challenges.

·         On Monday evening a public hearing was held by the Barnstable Historical Commission on an update to the Barnstable Historic Preservation Plan. This plan looks at all historic resources in town (buildings, monuments, markers, etc.). After taking public comment the Barnstable Historical Commission will prepare a final version of the documents in April. This plan is available on the town website under Growth Management Comprehensive Planning. Contact Marylou Fair at 508.862.4665 for additional information on the plan.

·         On Wednesday, our Growth Management Department hosted a public meeting to gather input on what the housing, community and economic needs are for the Town of Barnstable in preparation of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Five Year Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan for program year 2010 (July 1, 2010-June 30, 2011) and Citizen Participation Plan.  The Town received valuable feedback from those in attendance that will be used in preparation of the consolidated plan.  

·         Congratulations go out to a special group of residents in Barnstable, who were recognized as a local hero by the American Red Cross at the eighth annual breakfast on Thursday, March 4^th. The event honored 32 different heroes from Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.  The Red Cross touches lives in our community every day through programs and services such as disaster relief and health and safety training.  As an organization committed to helping the community, the Red Cross is honored to salute individuals who are making a difference through their actions.  We thank you all for your contributions to our town and Cape community.  Congratulations to Barnstable residents: Joseph Brancaccio, Cotuit-Adult Good Samaritan; Holly Rogers, West Barnstable-Animal Hero; Norm Laprade, Osterville-Community Impact; Pastor Bruce Smith and Caroline Smith, Hyannis-Community Service; Nancy Wentzel-Johnson, Hyannis-Adult Mentor/Role Model; Tim Acton, Centerville-Mentor/Role Model to Youth;  Barnstable Firefighters Acting Dept Chief, Pfautz, Lieutenant Stephen Iacoveli, Firefighter Brian Cabral, Firefighter/Paramedic Christopher Mailloux, Sea Rescue; Jonathan O’Neil, Hyannis-American Red Cross Volunteer Achievement and Judy Walden Scarafile, Barnstable-American Red Cross Leadership Achievement.

·         The Town Council Meeting on Thursday featured a workshop with the Barnstable Municipal Airport. During the hour long presentation the Airport Commission and Airport Manager Bud Breault went through the status of the nineteen Town Council conditions of support for the terminal project.  After that update there was a project update covering the terminal building, the access roadway and the airport traffic control tower. Councilors had several questions regarding the financing and status of the projects. There will be a public hearing on their funding request at the April 1^st Town Council meeting.

·         At the March 4^th Town Council meeting, town councilors adopted a zoning change for a property on Rte. 132, approved certain changes to fees for licenses or permits associated with commercial business activities, and accepted two grants related to bulkhead repairs at Bismore Park and the Barnstable bulkhead.

·         The Town Council has scheduled a special meeting for March 11^th. This meeting will be a public presentation on the Comprehensive Finance Advisory Committee (CFAC) “Funding Clean Water Protection Costs Report”.  This will be an opportunity for the public to testify on the funding options for sewering suggested by the CFAC and for the Town Council to discuss the method of funding to implement for future wastewater projects.

·         Congratulations to our extremely talented Barnstable resident Siobhan Magnus for her performance of Aretha Franklin’s “Think” on Wednesday, which won critical acclaim nationwide. On Thursday she made the top 16 contestants (top eight women) on this season's American Idol, a tremendous honor!  Wow!

·         Secretary of State William Galvin has granted $2,500 to the United Cultures Resource staff for Census 2010 outreach to the minority community. The United Cultures Resource Room is located in the Hyannis Youth and Community Center. The federal census which will be conducted, beginning this March, is important because many grant awards and federal programs rely on these statistics when distributing federal funding. Congressional districts are also determined by population so counting everyone is important.

·         The Friends of the Barnstable Council on Aging recognized the staff of the Senior Center with a special luncheon on Wednesday, March 3rd.  Friends Paul Murphy, Adrienne Lawson, Carol Bacci, Janet Feeney, Marston Daley, and Jeanne Lawson were joined by Council on Aging members Bob and Breda Burke in thanking the staff for all they do all year round to make the Barnstable Senior Center one of the premier senior centers on Cape Cod and in Massachusetts. 

·         John Sullivan was a recipient of the Barnstable Award presented at the State of the Town address in 2008. We were unable to present him with his plaque at that time time. This week, in a presentation at the high school, staff from my office gave John his award. Surrounded by his students John appreciated the recognition for his years of service in the drama department. John is a true community treasure!

Please find below the final schedule of our new program, Barnstable This Morning. I hope your busy schedule will allow you to listen in.