Town Meeting and Town Election Results

Thank you to the voters who attended the Annual Town Meeting on Saturday, May 10th. It was a marathon session, and our appreciation goes out to all who stayed through to adjournment.

The unofficial results are available and are posted in Town Meeting Central. The official certifications of votes and any notices of approval/disapproval of bylaws by the Attorney General will be posted to Town Meeting Central when received.

If you were unable to attend Town Meeting, the full recording is available on Chatham TVs You Tube Channel.

Congratulations to Stuart Smith and Jeffrey Dykens on their election to the Select Board. Mr. Dykens is entering his fifth term on the Board. The Select Board re-organized with Dean Nicastro serving as Chair, Jeffrey Dykens as Vice Chair, and Stuart Smith serving as Clerk. A recording of the meeting is available here and will be posted Chatham TVs on-demand archive within 5 business days.

Stephen Davol won as a Write-in candidate for a set on the Monomoy Regional School District Committee and Katherine Nickerson was elected to the Chatham Housing Authority.

Ballot Question #1 seeking approval for det exclusion for the continuation of the wastewater project and Ballot Question #2, a non-binding public opinion advisory question to cease the discharge of gaseous wastewater from the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station into Cape Cod Bay by Holtec, were both approved.

Full preliminary results from the election are available on the Town Clerk’s website.

Free Public Safety Seminar for Seniors

The Community Services Department invites residents to attend an upcoming Public Safety Seminar designed to educate and empower the community with essential safety knowledge. This free event will feature expert presentations from the Chatham Fire Department, Chatham Police Department, Emergency Preparedness Staff, and Council on Aging (COA) Staff.

The seminar will take place on Thursday, May 29th at Chatham Community Center, 702 Main Street from 9:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.

Attendees will gain practical knowledge and life-saving skills through presentations on the following critical topics:

First Aid & CPR – Learn basic techniques to respond effectively in medical emergencies.
Stop the Bleed – Discover how to provide immediate care in severe bleeding situations.
Fire Safety – Get tips on fire prevention and what to do in case of a fire.
Emergency Preparedness – Understand how to plan ahead for natural disasters and other emergencies.
Fraud Prevention – Learn how to protect yourself and others from scams and identity theft.
Critical Incident Awareness – Know what to look for and how to respond in potentially dangerous situations.
Fall Prevention – Reduce the risk of falls with practical strategies, especially for older adults.
Programs and Services for Seniors – Explore local resources that support aging with dignity and independence.

“This seminar is part of our commitment to building a safer, healthier community through education and proactive engagement,” said Anna Milan, Programs & Communication Coordinator at the Center for Active Living. “We encourage all residents—especially older adults and caregivers—to take advantage of this opportunity to learn from local professionals.”

Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. For more information or to register, please contact the Council on Aging at 508-945-5190.

Public Restroom Update

Due to construction delays with the public restrooms at Town Office, 549 Main Street, ADA-compliant portable restrooms will be available on-site starting tomorrow Saturday, May 17th, through Thursday, June 20th.

The portable restrooms will be open 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily and will be cleaned nightly at 8:00 p.m.

The permanent Town Hall restrooms are expected to reopen after 12:00 PM on June 20th once construction is completed.

Additionally, the other public restrooms around Town will be reopening this weekend for the season.

Community Workshop

Watershed Permitting & Harbor Plan Update

South Chatham Village Hall, 2567 Main Street

Thursday, May 22 | 5:30 PM

The Town of Chatham invites you to a community workshop focused on two important coastal planning initiatives. This is an opportunity to learn more about the projects underway and to share your input to help shape the future of our waterfront and water resources.

Watershed Permitting

The Town is currently preparing a Watershed Permit application for the remaining watersheds in Chatham, building on the work completed under the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP) and supported by recent grant funding. This workshop is part of a broader public outreach effort, especially focused on stakeholders in South Chatham.

The area around South Chatham is located within one of the watersheds identified for nitrogen removal and is slated to receive future sewer service. This meeting will include an overview of the permitting process and how updated water use and nitrogen loading data will help shape the next phase of watershed management.

South Coastal Harbor Management Plan Update

The South Coastal Harbor Management Plan (originally approved in 2005 and updated in 2015) is again being renewed to guide future decision-making across Stage Harbor, the Southway, and Nantucket Sound. This public session will provide an overview of the Plan’s latest recommendations and seek public comment.

Key new focus areas include:

• Preserving scenic harbor views and traditional maritime character by guiding appropriate development.

• Reviewing private catwalk structures and their impacts on ecology and aesthetics.

• Supporting wetland preservation and marsh migration in response to sea level rise.

• Promoting the Blue Economy, including sustainable opportunities in marine industries that maintain Chatham’s working waterfront.

The South Coastal Harbor Plan Committee is leading the update process and welcomes your feedback to help shape the final recommendations.

Honoring our Veterans

Thank you to the men and women who volunteered on Monday, May 12th to place flags on the gravesites of veterans in our active cemeteries in advance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 26th. It was a beautiful morning, and we applaud their efforts to honor those who served.

Memorial Day Observance

The Town’s Memorial Day Observance will take place on Monday, Monday, May 26, 2025, beginning at 10:00 am. On the front lawn of the Community Center, adjacent to the World War I Memorial. The ceremony will move indoors in case of inclement weather. SPC Ted Miller, US Army Ret., will be the guest speaker.

Select Board and Town Manager seated at the dais in te large meeting room

Select Board Action – May 13

In its meeting on Tuesday, May 13th the Select Board declared June Historic Chatham Month. Frank Messina, Chair of the Historical Commission, noted the organizations participating with events planned throughout the month.

Rob Faley, Director of Public Works, said water usage from the Town wells in April was on par with the previous year. He provided updates on the status of Well 10 & 11 and noted that the permanent water treatment plant for Wells 5 & 8 will be completed and expected to be online this winter.

The Select Board authorized Town Manager Jill Goldsmith to transmit the approved Home Rule Petitions to the Town’s State representatives for filing with the Legislature.

The public is encouraged to view the meeting in its entirety through Chatham TVs on-demand archive.

Conservation Commission Seeking Associate Members

The Chatham Conservation Commission is currently seeking volunteers to serve as Associate Members for one-year terms.

Established by vote of the Annual Town Meeting on March 8, 1960, the Conservation Commission was created pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40, Section 8C. The Commission was formed to promote the development and better utilization of the Town’s natural resources, with responsibilities and authority defined under the Conservation Commission Act.

Over the years, the Commission’s role has expanded. In 1972, it assumed responsibility for administering the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (G.L. Ch. 131, §40), and in 1986, it also became responsible for implementing the Chatham Wetlands Protection Bylaw and Regulations.

Associate Members provide valuable input and support to the Commission's mission of protecting Chatham’s natural environment. 2025 Annual Town Meeting approved the submission of a Home Rule Petition to the State Legislature seeking to grant associate members the ability to vote on matters before the Commission when a regular member is absent, unable to act, has a conflict of interest, or when a vacancy exists. If approved, this will further increase the importance of Associate members on the Commission. This is an excellent opportunity for residents interested in conservation, environmental policy, and community service to get involved.

Interested individuals are encouraged to apply online.

Help preserve Chatham’s natural resources—join the Conservation Commission today!

Town seal with the silhouette of a speaker at a podium in the center

Upcoming Public Hearings

The Select Board will hold the following public hearings during their regularly scheduled meetings on Tuesdays, beginning at 5:30 p.m., in the large meeting room at the Town Office Annex, 261 George Ryder Road.

May 20th

To consider a request for an exemption from Local Licensing Regulations Section IV, General Provisions, “Licensed Hours,” to allow people to use the outdoor patio of The Chatham Squire, located at 487 Main Street, Chatham, for smoking and vaping after the required closing of the patio for the service of alcohol.

May 27th

To consider a petition from NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy to install one (1) handhole 48/H23-5A and 40’ +/- 1-2” conduit to a customer installed handhole 48/H23-5B to provide new underground service to the customer located at 351 Barn Hill Road.

The public is encouraged to participate either in-person or remotely through the link in the posted agendas.

Person in orange vest standing on a large pipe in the ground with an excavator in the background

Sewer Construction Update

Work for the week of May 18^th – May 23^rd

Oyster Pond Sewer Extension Project

Sewer work is planned to continue on Kelley Lane. Local traffic only. Police detail(s) will be on-site and signage in place to assist residents.

Site work will continue at the Oyster Pond Condominiums (OPC) pumping station site (1233 Main Street).

Stage Harbor Sewer Extension Project

Site work is planned to continue at the pumping station site (Old Mill Boat Yard/Harbormasters Garage).

Mill Pond Pump Station

Site work is planned at the Mill Pond pumping station site (85 Mill Pond Road). Road closures are planned for Mill Pond Road and Homestead Lane, local traffic only.

Monday, May 19th – Tuesday, May 20th, pavement preparation and paving is planned for the landing. Road closures are planned for Mill Pond Road and Homestead Lane, local traffic only. Police detail(s) will be on-site to assist residents. Landing/pier may not be accessible.

Roadwork Notice

District 5 of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation has notified towns that ATANE Consulting will be conducting daytime ancillary structure inspections along Route 28 from the Bass River Bridge in Dennis to the Barn Hill Road roundabout in Chatham. Alternating single lane closures should be expected along that stretch of road during the week of May 18th.

USCG Auxiliary Boating Skills Classes

Want to be ready to enjoy the upcoming boating season?

The Chatham Flotilla of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary will offer an in-person one-day boating skills course, “Boat America,” on three dates – Saturday, May 31st; Friday, June 13th; and Saturday, July 12th. All sessions will run from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the Community Center, 702 Main Street.

The “Boat America” course includes an overview of navigation rules, legal requirements, safe operation, and what to do in the event of an emergency on the water, as well as instructions on trailering, storing, and protecting your boat. Instructors are Coast Guard Auxiliary certified.

The “Boat America” course meets all certification requirements for boaters as specified in the recently enacted Massachusetts law, the Hanson Milone Act, obligating all vessel operators to posses a safe boating certificate by 2026.

To enroll in a session, visit the Chatham Flotilla’s website and follow the link to Boating Courses. The class fee is $45 and may be paid via PayPal. Course book and other materials will be provided to participants on the day of the course. Participants are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes prior to class, as instruction will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed volunteer component of the US Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all its service missions. For more information visit www.cgaux.org.

Cape-style house at 22 Tanbark Road Marstons Mills

Affordable Home Opportunity

The Housing Assistance Corp. (HAC) is accepting applications from eligible first-time homebuyers with income at or below 80% Area Median Income and les than $75,000 in assets to purchase by lottery a 3-bedroom, 2-bath Cape-style home located at 22 Tanbark Road in Marston Mills for $296,202.

The home features an updated kitchen and new windows.

The deadline to apply is by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 30th.

Application and additional details are available on HAC’s website.

Next Select Board Meeting - May 20, 2025 @ 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. May 13, 2025

B. May 16, 2025

II. Public Announcements and Agenda Item Requests

III. Public Hearing

Consider a request for an exemption from Local Licensing Regulations Section IV, General Provisions, “Licensed Hours”, to allow people to use the outdoor patio of The Chatham Squire located at 487 Main Street, Chatham, for smoking and vaping after the required closing of the patio for the services of alcohol

IV. Committee/Board/Commission Update

A. Council on Aging Board of Directors – Patricia Burke, Chair

V. Public Comments on Business Agenda

VI. Business Agenda

A. Use of Town Property and Consider a Special One Day Entertainment License; 4th Annual July Fireworks & Entertainment at Veterans Field on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 – Steve West, Chatham Athletic Association

B. Consider Request for Special One Day Entertainment Licenses; Music on the Veranda at the Chatham Marconi Maritime Center, 831 Orleans Rd., North Chatham – Robert Fishback

C. Consider Adoption of Town Facility Use Policy – Second Read – Deputy Director of Community Services – Recreation and Beaches Division, Aimee Howell – Public Comment will be accepted

D. Consider License to Enter and Use Real Town Property at Lighthouse Beach – Jennifra Norton, Chatham Yoga

E. Consider Select Board Liaison Assignments for 2025-2026

F. Consider Select Board Summer 2025 Meeting Schedule and Discuss Any Changes to Meeting Times – Public Comment will be accepted

G. Update on Committee/Board/Commission Reappointments and Interviews – Cathy Lewis, Executive Assistant

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!

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