Hand turning off a dripping water spigot

Updated Water Restrictions

On September 20, 2022, the Select Board implemented modified water conservation measures taking into account the State designation of a Level 3 - Critical Drought status for the Cape.

The Board discussed the negative impacts of the drought on the Town’s ability 1) to keep water storage tanks full providing for fire protection and water system pressure; 2) limiting wear & tear and long run times on well infrastructure (pumps, motors, etc.); 3) avoiding excessive drawdown in the public wells to avoid bacterial or other contamination.

The Board implemented the following water conservation measures effective immediately:

The following are prohibited:

Use of irrigation systems (see exceptions below).
Installation of new sod, seeding, and/or landscaping.
Watering during or within 48 hours after measurable rainfall.
Washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding).

Outdoor watering is limited to Monday, Wednesday, or Friday by hand-held hoses or watering cans, to be used between midnight and 8 a.m. or between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Users are asked to be considerate when hand watering, only do so when necessary, and use a hose with a nozzle that shuts off when not being squeezed by the person to avoid a running hose when it’s not attended.

Exceptions to the restrictions include health and safety, agriculture and livestock, and core functions of a business, such as landscape nursery centers. In addition to the general exemptions noted the specific exemptions below have been adopted:

Boats may be rinsed to remove debris associated with fishing activities such as gutting, descaling, etc.
Boat engines may be flushed and boat hulls power-washed in preparation for winter storage.
Washing of personal vehicles, and washing of outdoor furniture in preparation for winter storage.
Watering of mitigation plantings approved by the Conservation Commission with temporary irrigation systems.

Violations could result in: First offense – Warning; Second offense - $100 fine; Third offense - $200 fine.

Discolored brick and masonry on the exterior wall of the Eldredge Public Library

Eldredge Public Library Closure

The Eldredge Public Library will be closed September 28th through October 2nd for building repairs.

Masons will be cleaning and repairing the brick on the north side of the building. Due to the nature of the work the building will be closed for the safety of patrons and staff.

The book drop will be available for returns. All items on hold will be held until re-opening. If weather prohibits the masonry work the Library will open. Check the EPL website for daily updates.

Off-Season Sticker Office Hours

Beginning Monday, September 26th, the Sticker Office will switch to off-season hours of Tuesday and Thursday from 10 am to 1 pm.

Transfer Station and Recycle stickers are available online. If you need a replacement sticker please contact the Sticker Office during operating hours.

Guided tour of the Godfrey Windmill with Bill Cullinane on October 4, 2022 at 1 p.m.

Hand holding a plant with green dollar signs

Tax Bills Issued

FY2023 Real Estate and Personal Property tax bills are being issued today and payments are due in the Treasurer/Tac Collector's office by 4 p.m. on November 1, 2022.

Payments can be made in-person at 549 Main Street, by mailed check, or online with a credit card or ACH.

These are the last Town bills that will be printed on colored paper. After October 1, 2022 all tax and water bills will be printed on white paper with a colored stripe that corresponds to the paper color on which the bills were traditionally printed. This change is a move toward using easily recyclable and environmentally friendly products and it provides a cost savings. As always, the heading on the bill will indicate the type of bill you are receiving.

If you are looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint further, sign up to receive and pay your bills online through the Treasurer/Tax Collector’s webpage.

Coastal Resilience Grants Received

The Town has received $86,732 in FY23 Coast Resilience Grant funds through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs' Office of Coastal Zone Management.

The Town will use these funds to undertake environmental permitting for temporary structures that redirect tidal currents combined with beach nourishment to mitigate significant shoaling within the Stage Harbor entrance channel and erosion of Crescent Beach.

The Town will also benefit from a grant of $82,690 to the Pleasant Bay Alliance for the Jackknife Beach Salt Marsh Restoration project. The Town, on behalf of the Alliance, will complete permitting and prepare construction documents for this living shoreline project that will enhance fringing salt marsh and provide erosion protection at Jackknife Beach recreational area.

Council on Aging Program at the Community Center October 5 10:30 a.m. on the Ukrainian War

Next Select Board Meeting - Sept. 27, 2022 @ 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

September 20, 2022

II. Public Announcements and Agenda Item Requests

III. Public Hearings

1. Change of Manager; TPG Chatham Beverage LLC dba Chatham Wayside Inn; Jillian Kelley to Cletus E. Pancham

IV. Consider Amendment(s) to Water Conservation Restrictions

Consider Amendment(s) to the Water Conservation Restrictions (If needed)

V. Public Comments on Business Agenda

VI. Business Agenda (Board Discussion Items)

1. Special One Day Alcohol Permit; Bon Matin, September 29, 2022, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

2. Special One Day Entertainment Permit; Mom & Pops Burgers; October 8, 2022, 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

3. Grow Smart Cape Cod (Alisa Magnotta, Housing Assistance Corp. & Andrew Gottlieb, Association to Preserve Cape Cod)

4. Crowell Road Route 28/ Main Street Intersection Improvement Project Status Update; Finalize Project Alternative for Mass. Department of Transportation (MassDOT) 25% Design Hearing Submission (Public comments will be accepted)

5. Committee Appointments; Cultural Council, Open Space Committee

6. Town Manager Report – Monthly Report for August 2022

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!

Town of Chatham website www.chatham-ma.gov