The Barnstable Patriot Town of Barnstable officials have demonstrated an ability to communicate with and involve citizens—when they want to. The Town Council’s website subpage is up-to-date with meeting agendas and minutes. Last week, a press release sought public comment on a trail extension before the town develops any plans; this resulted in an article in the local paper. The Town has a weekly newsletter and shares regularly on Facebook. But residential zoning issues are an exception. This fall, for example, the Town Council’s ad hoc Zoning Subcommittee met three times to discuss a proposed residential zoning change. When residents looked for agendas and minutes on the subcommittee’s web page, there were none. Eventually, a resident complained. Agendas were back posted. One public official, who is also a real estate developer, participated in each meeting. The subcommittee talked about the lack of turnout but had done nothing to make the public aware of the meetings.