All Things Annual Town Meeting

2024 Annual Town Meeting begins on Monday, May 13th at 6 p.m. in the gymnasium of the Monomoy Middle School, 425 Crowell Road. Remember, in a Town Meeting form of government, you must attend the Town Meeting to vote on the warrant articles.

The Annual Town Meeting Preview Show is available for on-demand viewing on Chatham TVs YouTube Channel. The show provides a review of all the articles in the Town Meeting warrant.

Annual Town Meeting warrants have been mailed to the households of all registered voters to the addresses listed in the MA Secretary of State's election roles. If you haven't received a copy, stop by the Town Offices, 549 Main Street, to pick up one or download the digital version for easy reference from your phone or tablet. The warrant contains detailed explanations of all articles and recommendations on each article's approval from the Select Board and Finance Committee.

Primary parking for the Town Meeting is on site at Monomoy Middle School. Drop off area is always available for those with mobility challenges. Volunteers will be onsite to direct vehicles. Secondary parking is available at the basketball/tennis courts on Stepping Stones Road.

Childcare is available for ages 3 & up by reservation. Drop off begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Middle School Library. Please email Susan Mabile with your name, address, contact phone number, your child's name, age, and any medical issues no later than noon on Friday, May 10th.

Town Meeting will once again be utilizing electronic voting this year. If you need a refresher or haven't voted electronically at Town Meeting before, take a peek at the public education video featuring Moderator William Litchfield on voting by "clicker."

And don't forget to vote in the Annual Town Elections on Thursday, May 16th. Polls will be open at the Community Center, 702 Main Street, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The following Town Officers are being elected this year:

Two Select Board Members for three year terms
One Moderator for a three year term
One Monomoy Regional School Committee (Chatham) Member for a three year term
One Chatham Housing Authority Member for a five year term

There are also two questions on the ballot this year. Each are Debt Exclusion questions which ask if the Town should be allowed to exempt from the provisions of Proposition Two and One-Half, amounts required to pay for bonds issued for the purpose of paying costs associated with the Transfer Station project (Annual Town Meeting Article 17 - redesign, renovation, construction and equipping of the Town's Transfer Station) and the Waterfront Infrastructure Bond (Annual Town Meeting Article 18 - design, renovation, and construction of various projects involving waterfront infrastructure and facilities, including landings and land acquisition costs and facilities).

Transportation to Annual Town Meeting provided by the Council on Aging

OSV Stickers on Sale Monday

North Beach Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) stickers for Chatham residents and property owners go on sale on Monday, May 6th at the Permit Office located in the Town Office Annex, 261 George Ryder Road.

Information and the application to apply for a Resident OSV sticker are available to download from the Town Website. The fee for a Resident OSV sticker is $90 ($74 base fee and surcharge of $16 to the Town of Orleans). Non-resident OSV stickers are available from the Town of Orleans.

To be eligible for a Chatham Resident North Beach Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) permit, the applicant must be a legal resident of the Town or an owner of property in the Town.

Applicants must be listed in the Assessors' files (property owners) or the Town census (residents). The Assessors' Database may be reviewed online and the Town census may be reviewed in-person at the Town Clerk's Office. If an applicant is not listed in either, additional documents proving residence or ownership are required.

In the case of a property held in trust, the Trustees are eligible as property owners, however, beneficiaries of the trust are not deemed to be owners of the property and, accordingly, are not eligible for an OSV permit unless they provide written documentation to prove they are current Chatham residents. Please note, Trustees must be listed as the property owner in the Town Assessors' Database to be eligible for a sticker.

Chatham Airport Commission 75 Anniversary

Airport Commission Website Launched

The Airport Commission has launched a new website which aims to provide greater transparency on Chatham Municipal Airport operations, easy access for citizens to important contacts, and additional information to Airport users.

The section dedicated to community members features information on the Airport's Fly Friendly program, with a link to submit comments on possible violations. Additional contact information is included for reporting low flying aircraft and those with excessive noise. Monthly operational reports are featured as well as a history of the airport itself.

The section for airport users features vital technical information for pilots using the facility and links to information on the Airport's amenities.

A feature of particular note is the "News" section of the website's homepage which will be updated with news on upcoming Commission meetings, Airport events, and projects.

New wooden float at the end of the Little Mill Pond dock

Little Mill Pond Float Replacement

The Harbormaster’s staff installed a new float at Little Mill Pond. The old float was in desperate need of replacement and had a few poles that had broken beneath the water line presenting a safety hazard. Those hazards were removed, and the float was replaced with new poles as well.

The project involved guiding the float under the Mitchell River Bridge which was a tight fit! Check out the Town’s Instagram account for a short video.

Newly installed playground equipment in a open field with pine forest behind it

Spring Projects Taking Shape

We are gearing up for summer with key projects slated for completion this spring.

The new playground at Volunteer Park is progressing with equipment installation underway and construction of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant pathway from the parking are to the playground complete. Next up is the installation of the "poured-in-place" play surface. It is very important for the integrity of the installation and the safety of the public that no one access the playground during construction. Thank you for your cooperation!

The pickleball courts on Stepping Stones Road are nearing completion with surfacing completed. Final installations of interior fencing and fence guards, nets, poles, and Acustifence, an outdoor acoustical barrier, in the coming weeks will complete the project.

Blue outline of a television set with red antennae on top, the Chatham Town seal within it and Chatham TV spelled out across it in yellow letters

Must See Chatham TV

The staff at Chatham TV have been busy creating original content in addition to bringing you live and recorded Board, Commission and Committee meetings.

The May edition of Flash TV brings you advance notice of all programs and services offered by the Council on Aging at the Community Center and the Center for Active Living in May. This month's edition also features bonus footage from the Sand Dunes concert held at the Community Center.

A short introductory video was also produced to introduce community members to the new beginners Nordic Walking Wellness Program offered by the Visiting Nurses Association of Cape Cod to Chatham residents aged 60 and over beginning May 9th and being held on Thursday mornings from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. through June 27th at the Center for Active Living. Check out the video then call 508-957-7423 to register if this looks like the program for you!

Chatham TV's series "Backstage," a behind the scenes look at the work of Town staff, continues with Conservation Agent Paul Wightman discussing ospreys and the installation of an osprey nesting pole and informational signage at the Valley Farm Conservation Area, off Barn Hill Road.

Chatham Municipal Airport Open House on June 8th

Blue pennant with Team Chatham spelled out in white letter on a wooden dowel stuck in a spray of gold foil ona table covered with a blue plastic tablecloth

Team Chatham News

Team Chatham’s own Crystal Keon has been promoted from Conservation Department Assistant to Chatham’s first Wetlands Permitting Coordinator. The Wetlands Permitting Coordinator position was approved in the FY2023 budget, with funding offset by the Wetlands Protection Fund, but was held until FY2024 due to the transition in Department leadership with the appointment of Greg Berman as the Director of Natural Resources and the promotion of Paul Wightman to Conservation Agent.

Ms. Keon served in her previous capacity since May 2022, where she elevated the essential functions of the position to provide greater administrative support to the Conservation Agent and Conservation Commission, as well as service recipients within the community. During her tenure, Ms. Keon has taken an active and enhanced role in some of the functions that this new position will assume including review and processing of wetlands permit applications.

Another new position, Chatham’s first Housing Inspector in the Health Division of the Department of Natural Resources, has been filled by Karen Chimwaza. This new position was approved and created in FY2024 as a result of the Short-Term Rental Property Regulations adopted by the Board of Health.

Ms. Chimwaza comes to us from the Town of Eastham, where she served as Health Department Administrative Assistant for the past seven years. During that time, she was responsible for the administration of their rental registration program in addition to providing administrative support to the Health Agent, the Director of Health and Environment and the Board of Health.

Join us in congratulating Crystal and welcoming Karen to the Team!

Chatham Town Seal with silhouette of a speaker at a podium inside it

Upcoming Public Hearings

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

Remote participation is available through the link in the posted agendas.

May 7

To consider amending General Bylaw Chapter 100

Airport Approach Zone Map
Scrivener's Error, Correction "not"

Proposed amendments may be reviewed in Articles 39 and 40 of the 2024 Annual Town Meeting warrant.

To consider an application for a new Seasonal All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant license for Mustard Seed LLC d/b/a CODO, 859 Main Street.

To consider a request for an amendment to the Annual Entertainment license held by OneDrop Operating LLC d/b/a Chatham Squire, 487 Main Street, to include outdoor entertainment from May to November.

May 21

To consider a petition from NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy to install 40’ +/- of 1-4” conduit from proposed handhole 16/H3A to customer installed handhole 16/H3B at 229 Main Street, Chatham.

All interested parties are encouraged to participate.

Yellow triangular sign posted on a beach to protect nesting shorebirds.

Shorebird Protections Installed

Areas of Lighthouse, Harding's, Forest, Ridgevale and Cockle Cove Beaches have been fenced in anticipation of the return and protection of nesting shorebirds. By keeping adults, kids, and pets outside of fenced areas this spring, we’ll give the birds a better chance at nesting successfully upon their arrival, which means their earlier departure and greater beach access for us this summer.

Save the date for the Chatham Garden Club Plant Sale

US News & World Report High School Rankings

Moving On Up!

Congratulations to the Administration, Staff, and Students of Monomoy Regional High School - their hard work and dedication are paying off!

Monomoy Regional High School has risen to number 76 of the 351 Massachusetts schools ranked, improving from number 83 in the 2023 analysis, and was one of only five Cape Cod high schools in the top 100, according to U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of the top 100 best public high schools in each state.

Schools were ranked based on six key indicators: college readiness (20%), state assessment proficiency (20%), state assessment performance (20%), underserved student performance (10%), college curriculum breadth (10%), and graduation rate (10%).

Monomoy Regional High School scored an overall rating of 88.85/100 with a 92% graduation rate, giving it a placement of 1,969 in the national rankings. Way to go!

Concentric gold circles above Cape Cod Commission in gray

The Future of Transportation on Cape

Join Cape Cod Commission transportation staff at the next outreach event along the Cape Cod Rail Trail on Tuesday, May 7^th from 3- 5 p.m. at the Station Avenue parking lot, 460 Station Avenue, South Yarmouth.

As part of the annual transportation planning process, the Cape Cod Commission is planning several outreach events designed to inform the public about and gather comments on the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) and the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

The UPWP describes all significant transportation planning activities planned on Cape Cod over the twelve (12) month period from October 2024 through September 2025. The TIP serves as a prioritized listing of roadway, bridge, and transit projects proposed for implementation during the next five (5) federal fiscal years.

The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) released the draft TIP and UPWP documents on April 22, 2024, for a 21-day public comment period. Further information can be found at capecodcommission.org/mpo.

Next Select Board Meeting - May 7, 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. Public Announcements and Agenda Requests

II. Public Hearings

a. Consider Application for New Seasonal All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License; Mustard Seed LLC d/b/a CODO, 859 Main Street

b. Consider Application for Amended Annual Entertainment License; OneDrop Operating LLC d/b/a Chatham Squire, 487/489 Main Street; inclusion of outdoor entertainment May – November

c. Consider General Bylaw Amendment; Revised Chapter 100 – Airport Approach Zone Map; Chapter 100 – Scrivener’s Error, Correction “not”

III. Public Comments on Business Agenda

IV. Business Agenda

a. Consider Request by the Martin Luther King Action Team for Enhanced Town Acknowledgement of Juneteenth – Karen Boujoukos/MLK Action Team/CC Chapter of the NAACP (Public Agenda Item Request)

b. Select Board Suggested Priorities for SRAC to Review in 2024 – Continued from 10/31/23 –SRAC Chair Jeff Spalter

c. Consider Recommendation of Bikeways Committee for 15 mph Speed Limit on the Old Colony Rail Trail Bike Path – Bikeways Committee Vice Chair Bob Oliver

d. Collective Bargaining Agreements Ratification Votes for Chatham Permanent Fire Fighters International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2712, Chatham Sergeants and Police Officers – MA Coalition of Police Officers (MCOPs) Local 294, and Motion to Recommend Article 14 – Collective Bargaining Agreement Settlements - (PLACEHOLDER)

e. Town Manager’s Annual Evaluation – FY2024/CY2023

V. Executive Session - MGL Chapter 30A, §21a (#3)

To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the Chair so declares, with NO return to Open Session - MA Coalition of Police Officers (MCOPs) Local # 294 Chatham Sergeant & Patrol Officer’s Union

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

Subscribe today to have the latest issue of The Mainsheet delivered directly to your inbox each week! Sign-up through Notify Me! by entering your email address and clicking on the envelope icon next to the "Government" subscription list.

Town of Chatham website www.chatham-ma.gov