Public Comments Accepted on Parking and Circulation Study Through Aug. 18th

Chatham's Parking Solutions Working Group held a public information meeting on Tuesday, July 30th to receive a presentation from the Cape Cod Commission on their Downtown Chatham Parking and Circulation Study,

The Commission's Senior Transportation Planner and Project Manager David Nolan presented data collected on the Town's supply of public parking spaces and their usage and proposed possible solutions to encourage greater use of under utilized parking areas including the addition of shuttle service, paid parking on street and in Town-owned lots, and improvements to pedestrian safety.

The Commission received comments on the proposals from meeting participants and will continue to accept comments from the public through August 18th. The meeting is available for review through Chatham TV's on-demand archive and the presentation is available for download. Public comments on the proposals should be directed to David Nolan at david.nolan@capecodcommission.org.

Restrictions Lifted on North Beach

As of August 1, 2024, all Habitat Conservation Plan protocols, including self-escorting requirements for Over-Sand Vehicles (OSV), have been lifted on North Beach.

All OSV, with the exception of self-contained, are required to be off the beach by 11:00 pm.

Any people, dogs, or OSV in closed areas will be subject to sticker revocation. This is a zero-tolerance policy. Dogs are allowed in open areas South of Trail 1 and must be on a leash maximum length of 30 feet.

Green tractor pulling a beach rake on a sandy beach

Plovers Fledge at Ridgevale & Cockle Cove Beaches

The plovers have fledged at both Cockle Cove and Ridgevale Beaches! These beaches will now be raked 4-6 times per week as needed.

Plover chicks are still reported on Harding's Beach but it is hoped that they too will soon take flight so raking activity can be stepped up there as well.

Thank you to everyone for your patience and for respecting the areas fenced for the birds' protection.

National Nigh Out at te Police Station 5-7 p.m on Tuesday, August 6th

Mosquito in a red circle with a red slash through it.

EEE Detected in Barnstable

On July 23rd a mosquito collected in Barnstable tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).

EEE is a rare but serious illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. EEE has caused 43 human infections in Massachusetts residents with at least 22 deaths between 2000 and 2023. While EEE can infect people of all ages, those under 15 and over 50 are at greatest risk for serious illness.

Please take precautions to reduce your exposure to mosquitos. Inspect your property and empty any containers with standing water to eliminate mosquito breeding areas. Use insect repellent when outdoors. Repair tears in window and door screens.

Young boys and girls wearing navy T-shirts with Youth Academy on the back saluting the American flag as it is raised on a flag pole.

Police Youth Academy Concludes

Chatham Police Department’s first Youth Police Academy was held this week with 14 student officers in attendance.

Throughout the week the attendees were introduced to police equipment and procedures, met Troopers from the Massachusetts State Police Air Wing and members of the Cape Cod Regional Law Enforcement Council’s SWAT Team. They learned about K9 handling and searches from Yarmouth’s K9 Officer Ambrosini and K9 Gauge and about crime scene investigation, evidence collection and finger printing from Barnstable County Sheriff's Criminal Investigations Deputies Molina and Bertram.

The student officers were put through their paces with physical fitness activities and participated in mock traffic stops, and spent a day with public safety partners at the Fire Station for demonstrations on CPR, First Aid, and the use of an automatic external defibrillator (AED).

Congratulations to all the student officers who participated in the Academy!

Have you taken the Summer Residents Advisory Committee's survey yet? They want to hear from you! It's only two questions and can be completed in 5-8 minutes! Thank you in advance for your time!

The SRAC will share the results of the survey at the Annual Summer Residents Town Meeting on August 13, 2024, beginning at 7 pm, in the large meeting room at the Town Office Annex, 261 George Ryder Road. At that meeting, you will also have an opportunity to share your views on matters of importance to you. Please mark your calendar and we’ll see you on August 13th!

New England Traveler Visits Chatham

Tune in tonight at 6 p.m. for “Flying Over Chatham” from New England Traveler on NESN (New England Sports Network).

New England Traveler is an Emmy-winning travel series airing throughout New England on New England Sports Network (NESN and NESN +). Earlier this summer, host Greg Boghosian visited Chatham and took to the skies in a vintage biplane out of Chatham Municipal Airport and visited the historic Chatham Railroad Museum, where he enjoyed a tour by Gil Sparks, Co-Chair of our Railroad Museum Committee.

Replaying on NESN: 8/2 @10 PM, 8/7 @8 PM, 8/17 @1 PM, 8/23 @ 10 PM, 8/30 @ 10 PM

Replaying on NESN+: 8/4 @ 7:30 AM, 8/10 @ 11 PM, 8/11 @ 10:30 PM, 8/18 @ 7:30 PM

Dehumidifier Turn-In Tomorrow

Do you have an old, working dehumidifier that you would like to upgrade or get rid off? Recycle it with the Cape Light Compact tomorrow, Saturday August 3rd from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Crane Appliance, 136 Route 6A, Orleans and receive a $30 rebate.

Just bring a working dehumidifier to the event and receive a rebate form from the event staff. You can complete the form at the event and leave it with staff or take it home and submit it by mail. You'll receive your rebate by mail 6-8 weeks after the form is submitted.

The following restrictions apply:

Limit two dehumidifier turn-in rebates per Mass Save residential electric account per calendar year (commercial accounts not eligible)
Eligible dehumidifiers must be sized appropriately for residential applications )20-70 pints)
Eligible dehumidifiers must be in working condition

Man in sunglasses sitting on a stool playing an acoustic guitar and singing into a microphone

Music on the Veranda Continues at Marconi

The Chatham Marconi Maritime Center will host a free-to-the-public music performance on Wednesday, August 7th from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the front lawn of the historic "Hotel Nautilus," 831 Orleans Road. This concert features Joe Marino:Solo Acoustic Cover Artist. Joe plays the songs everyone wants to hear in an immersive experience that resonates with his audience. The best of today's hits and yesterday's favorites, he mixes classic rock, oldies, country, blues, standards and pop from all decades.

Bring a blanket, chairs, nibbles or a picnic supper; a few snacks will be available at the family-friendly concert. There is no admission charge but a donation of $5vper person or $15 per family is suggested to help support the Center's mission and more events like this in the future.

Parking and lawn space are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information on the Center's upcoming events, visit their website. 2024 Music on the Veranda series is supported by funding from Chatham Yacht Basin. Joe's performance is being sponsored by Pleasant Bay Village Resort.

Coast Guard member holding a flare over the water

Woman's hand holding a camera displaying a beach scene

Photography Walk with Chatham Conservation Foundation

Join local nature photographer and Harwich Conservation Trust volunteer Gerry Beetham on Saturday, August 17th at 10 a.m. for a Photography Walk on Strong Island with the Chatham Conservation Foundation (CCF).

CCF Executive Director Lauren Arcomano will be on hand to talk about the history of the island and CCF's conservation efforts. Tickets are $35 per person and available online. The walk is appropriate for participants 12 years and older; rain date is August 24th.

Next Select Board Meeting - August 6, 2024 @ 5:30 p.m.

All are welcome to attend and participate in our open and public meetings. The agenda for each meeting is posted 48 business hours prior to the scheduled meeting time and can be accessed through the Select Board’s webpage.

Attend in-person at the Town Office Annex, Large Meeting Room. Join the meeting on-line or participate by phone by dialing 1-508-945-4410 and entering Conference ID 203 386 491#.

I. Minutes

A. June 25, 2024

B. July 23, 2024

II. Public Announcements and Agenda Requests

III. Chatham Wells, PFAS, and Drinking Water Testing and Pumping Update – July 2024 – Director of Public Works Rob Faley

IV. Barnstable County, Cape Cod Assembly of Delegates Update – Delegate Randi Potash

V. Public Comments on Business Agenda

VI. Business Agenda

A. Consider Request to Use Town Property and Consider Use of Town Roads; Chatham’s Christmas Stroll on Friday, December 13, 2024 – Kristin Muller, Chatham Chamber of Commerce and Merchants Association

B. Consider Use of Town Roads, Special One-Day Entertainment License, Sale of Goods on Town Property, and Use of Town Property; 20th Annual Turkey Trot – Katie Wibby

C. Consider Application for New Common Victualler License; J.BAR, 400 Main Street – Erin Tucker

D. Consider Application for New Common Victualler License; CHILLERS, 22A Barn Hill Road – Crystal Tanguay

E. Consider Special One-Day Alcohol Permit; Where the Sidewalk Ends Bookstore, 432 Main Street – Caitlin Doggart

F. Consider Use of Town Property, Alcohol on Town Property, Special One-Day Alcohol License; Broad Reach Healthcare Employee Appreciation Event on Friday September 6, 2024 from 2:00 pm – 6:30 pm at Hardings Beach (rain date tbd) – Stefanie Murray, Broad Reach Healthcare (continued from July 23, 2024)

G. 90 Bridge Street Project Update and Consider Request by the Shellfish Advisory Committee for a Special Town Meeting to Fund 90 Bridge Street Project Completion – Director of Natural Resources Greg Berman

H. Clean Water Trust Financing Agreement – Director of Finance Carrie Mazerolle

I. 127 Old Harbor Road Property Update – Housing and Sustainability Director Gloria McPherson

J. Vote to Sign State Primary Warrant – Town Clerk Julie Smith

K. Appointments/Reappointments

1. Board of Health

2. Community Preservation Committee

3. Conservation Commission

4. Council on Aging Board of Directors

5. Historic Business District Committee

6. Historical Commission

7. Shellfish Advisory Committee

8. Railroad Museum Committee

9. Traffic Safety Committee

10. Water & Sewer Advisory Committee

11. Waterways Advisory Committee

The Mainsheet

The name of our e-newsletter was selected from submissions by our community.
In nautical terms a mainsheet is the line connected to the boom which allows a sailor to control the speed of a boat. We think that is fitting for an e-newsletter that can be used to quickly send out important information to our community or at a more leisurely rate for less pressing matters. It reflects Chatham’s maritime history, is reminiscent of the front page of a newspaper, and it is a fun play on Main Street, where you go to be part of all that is happening in Town!

Subscribe to The Mainsheet

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Town of Chatham website www.chatham-ma.gov