Barnstable DPW Director Ells Tapped for Assistant Manager

Town Manager Tom Lynch announced Barnstable's new Assistant Town Manager selection of DPW Director Mark Ells.

Barnstable Town Manager Tom Lynch has tapped Department of Public Works Director Mark Ells for Assistant Town Manager, according to Barnstable Today. The Barnstable Town Council is expected to ratify Ells in as Assistant Town Manager at Thursday's meeting.  According to the Barnstable Enterprise, "Mr. Lynch interviewed two in-house candidates last Thursday after posting a vacancy for the assistant town administrator position. Besides Mr. Ells, Kevin Friel, who works in the town's Weights & Measures department, responded to the posting." Ells spent 10 years as DPW director and will continue to earn $125,000 a year plus benefits.

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Town Council Special Meeting Agenda

The Barnstable Town Council will hold a special meeting tonight to discuss Acting Town Manager Tom Lynch's contract negotiations.

TOWN COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA May 10, 2012 7:00 PM   ADJOURNMENT    NEXT REGULAR MEETING:  May 17, 2012

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Town to Look Externally in Town Manager Search

With overwhelming support, the councilors voted 12-1 for a national search for a new town councilor. The councilors also voted 8-5 against an internal search, meaning acting Town Manager Tom Lynch is not to be considered.

Councilor Daley: Search For Town Manager Begins

Councilor June Daley's thoughts on finding the new town manager.

We all now know that Town Manager John Klimm has moved on.  John has accepted a Town Administrator position in Rhode Island.  John, I wish you and Delores well in your new life in Portsmouth.  I sadly understand why you made the heart-wrenching decision not to return.  On behalf of the Town of Barnstable, I thank you for your excellent service to our community for more than thirty years.  You leave knowing that Barnstable is in a much better place as a result of your time at the helm. A new Town Manager Search Sub-committee has been formed by the Town Council President.  I am very honored to be one of the five councilors named as members.  Our committee's initial charge is to make a recommendation to the full council regarding the search …

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RON BEATY

5:28 pm on Monday, February 6, 2012

...here is "my two cents" on this topic. I am strongly in favor of permanently retaining Tom Lynch as our town manager. Thanks. ^_^   more ›

Weekly Government Update: Bluefins, Grants

From the town managers desk...

Barnstable residents still cleaning up after last weeks visit from Tropical Storm Irene can bring storm debris to the Barnstable Transfer Station for free through this Sunday, September 11th.  The transfer station, located at 45 Flint Road in Marstons Mills, is open 7:30AM-3:30PM, seven days a week.  The Council adopted an ordinance adding a new zoning district known as the “West Barnstable Village Business District”. They accepted four grants for the Barnstable Police Department. One grant for $17,285 for two automated license plate readers; one 911 Department and Incentive grant from the Mass Executive Office of Public Safety for $177,280 for the 911 Communications Center; a $10,000 grant from the Bluecoats of Barnstable to help defray …

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Klimm Signs Off, You Sound Off

Town Manager John Klimm and the entire town council have been the topic of heated debate during the last nine months. Tell us what you think of the situation.

On Friday afternoon, Town Clerk Linda Hutchenrider confirmed Town Manager John Klimm, Town Council President Fredrick Chirigotis and she had signed off on a contract deal that buys out Klimm's contract - making his last day Sept. 30. Back in Feburary, Hutchenrider said she had never seen an election like this one before.  What happened? What has changed Barnstable's town council?  There has been ongoing tension, as described in an interview with Klimm in June. June 29 - Ryan Collins interviewing: Mr. Klimm, you recently stated that "there has been a toxic environment that has permeated this town since November, which has made it difficult to move forward." What specifically do you mean by "toxic environment"?   "A political environment …

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ken moulton

3:42 pm on Monday, September 5, 2011

The meeting in Klimm's office was 5-19. How could I forget because it was my birthday. You see, the council and manager worked hand in hand to hide the corruption by town officials for years. Part of the corruption helped fuel the banking crisis of a few years ago. They all knew to include Teddy, Kerry, Barney, Clinton, Gore, AG Reno andf our own AG's. The Mass. Secretary of State even asked the …   more ›

Weekly Government Update: New Hybrids, Memorial for Houston and Globe Attention

From the Town Manager's Desk...

Last week the Barnstable Recreation Department’s annual Leisure Program Talent Show livened up the Hyannis Village Green for the afternoon.  Campers look forward to this day where they showcase a wide variety of performances which include their counselors.  The campers certainly enjoy entertaining family, friends and fellow campers!  On Barnstable This Morning host Sarah Colvin and I discussed the town libraries. Historically there have always been libraries in each of the villages given the geographical size of our town. The village libraries are a system of non-profits that receive funding from a variety of resources including an appropriation from the town. Each village library is unique and combined all are important to the fabric of …

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Weekly Recap from John Klimm

From the desk of town manager John Klimm.

I have been humbled by the support expressed by so many citizens recently. The kindness and thoughtfulness of our citizens over the past week makes me love this Town even more. I appreciate all the kind words regarding the management of our Town and the accomplishments we have shared over the last eleven years. On a sparkling first day of summer, June 21st, while visiting Aselton Park, Hyannis, during the Cape Cod Chamber’s 3rd Annual Quahog Day, Doug the Quahog, prognosticated 12 weeks and 1 day of good beach weather! Thanks to Bruins Alum Tommy Songin and the Bruins Street Brigade who were on hand at the Hyannis Youth and Community Center last Thursday for a few free street hockey clinics to kick off the street hockey season in style! We…

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5 Questions with Town Manager John Klimm

Barnstable town council asked current town manager John Klimm to take an early departure during a special meeting held last week. I was able to speak with Klimm yesterday about the early departure that has surprised many Barnstable community members.

Mr. Klimm, you recently stated that "there has been a toxic environment that has permeated this town since November, which has made it difficult to move forward." What specifically do you mean by "toxic environment"?   "A political environment that is influenced by personal differences and animosity, instead of cohesiveness and a mutual desire to work together to accomplish stated goals." Why has it been so difficult to move forward as of late?   "Because too much time has been spent on in-fighting and conflict instead of the business of the Town." What are some of the most dire challenges facing the Town? How do you think the Town should approach these challenges?   "The challenges include the financial challenges of providing a high …

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