Coast Guardsman in dark blue uniform placing flags in a cemetery.

Veterans Day Preparations

Shout out to the personnel from USCG Station Chatham for their efforts on Thursday, October 23rd in preparation for Veterans Day. Flags were placed on the gravesites of veterans with flag holders in Union, People's, and Seaside Cemeteries.

For more information on obtaining a flag holder for a gravesite, contact the Cemetery Division at 508-945-5117.

Chatham’s Veterans Day ceremony will take place on Tuesday, November 11th at 11 a.m. in the Community Center gymnasium, 702 Main Street. All are invited to attend.

Two men standing and two men seated looking to their left past a man standing at a podium

Training Exercise Held

The Town’s Emergency Management team, including Fire, Police, and Harbormaster personnel, conducted a simulated search for kayakers reported overdue on Thursday, October 23rd as part of its ongoing multi-agency training efforts.

The training exercise took place on the east side of Chatham area and included on-shore and off-shore searches by Police, Fire, and Harbormaster personnel and the Town’s Drone Team conducted an aerial search. The particulars of the scenario were disclosed to staff in real time to provide the most realistic simulation possible.

“When it comes to wide area search and rescue of missing persons – especially with the complexity of Chatham’s waterways and coastlines – no single agency can do it all,” said Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Justin Tavano. “Training together means we are faster, stronger, more efficient, and more prepared for any emergency our community encounters. This type of training evaluates individual agencies’ skillsets, as well as interagency coordination and communication, and assists in identifying strengths and areas needing improvement.”

Plans for Phase 1F-1 sewer installations

Sewering Community Workshop

The Town of Chatham invites the public to a community workshop focused on the next phase of sewer implementation at the South Chatham Village Hall on Wednesday, October 29th beginning at 5 p.m. This is an opportunity for community members to learn more about the upcoming sewer project and to share their input to help shape future outreach efforts.

This information session will focus on the upcoming sewer work, Phase 1F-1, and what to expect during construction. The sewer system will serve the neighborhoods along and off Cedar Street (between Battlefield Rd and Robinson Court) and neighborhoods off Route 28 (between Beacon Hill and George Ryder South).

14th Annual Budget Summit

The 14th Annual Budget Summit was held on Tuesday, October 21st with members of the Select Board, Finance Committee, and representatives from the Monomoy Regional School District participating.

Town Manager Jill Goldsmith introduced the meeting agenda and reviewed the Town’s budgetary objectives and the Select Board’s current goals.

Director of Finance Carrie Mazerolle reviewed the FY2026 operating budget, educational assessments capital plan. She discussed the budget drivers for FY2026. Budgetary components and available revenue sources were noted. Revenue projections for FY2027 were reviewed and she provided a close look at estimated local receipts.

Director Mazerolle discussed the operating budget, noting contributing factors to recent increases.

Director of Natural Resources Greg Berman and IT Manager Ryan Darmon shared examples of how budgetary line items connect to department operations and add value to the community.

Director Mazerolle discussed water revenue and the water operating budget including estimates through FY2029 and the Town’s 5-Year Capital Plan from approved FY206 though requested and estimated through FY2030. She noted other potential articles that could be brought to Annual Town Meeting. She reviewed debt service.

Director Mazerolle explained what Overlay is and what it is used for. She discussed the FY2027 budget guidelines provided to the Town’s Department Heads when developing their budget for the next fiscal year.

Town Manager Goldsmith reviewed the FY2027 budget development timeline.

Monomoy Regional School Superintendent Scott Carpenter discussed District wide enrollment and enrollment in Chatham’s Elementary School.

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

Basic Life Saving courses offered by the Recreation & Beaches Division in November & December

Beware the Witches

Monomoy Community Services Annual Witches’ Walk will be held this Saturday, October 25th. Approximately 180 witches will be roaming the downtown area between 6 and 10 p.m. Please use extra caution when driving in the area.

CFAL Building Working Group

The Center for Active Living Building Working Group, consisting of Select Board Clerk Stuart Smith, Finance Committee Chair Stephen Daniel, Council on Aging Board (COA) of Directors Chair Patricia Burke, President of the Friends of the COA Robin Zibrat, and Rob Stello, Stello Construction, joined members of the Project Team, Town Manager Jill Goldsmith, Principal Projects and Operations Administrator Terry Whalen, Director of Community Services Leah LaCross, Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) Rick Pomroy, Pomroy associates and Architect Kurt Raber, Catalyst Architecture Interiors for their first meeting on Wednesday, October 22nd.

The Working Group convened to discuss the project's current status, cost estimations, and renovation plans. OPM Rick Pomroy provided an overview of the project's design evolution, detailing the transition from initial concepts to the schematic design phase, and highlighted the adjustments made based on operational needs and structural conditions. The team is now focused on understanding the cost implications of these changes to ensure the project's success.

Updates were presented on cost estimation and value engineering efforts, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the building's longevity while exploring alternative materials. A new cost estimate is expected soon, reflecting the latest design details and cost-saving measures. Discussions included concerns about historical cost escalations and the limitations of the initial budget due to a lack of detailed information. The renovation plans were also reviewed, which include limited expansions, improvements to the basement, and enhancements to accessibility features for the Meals on Wheels program.

Further details were provided regarding specific renovations, including the media room's ceiling modifications and the need for a complete roof replacement. The updated site plan includes accessible parking and improvements to the septic system, which had been overlooked initially. Structural issues, such as foundation cracking and the need to retain certain columns, were addressed, along with plans for the exercise room and kitchen renovations. The Project Team is preparing to present a full set of contract documents for bidding, ensuring that all necessary corrections and updates are incorporated to align with the project's budget and scope.

The public is encouraged to review the meeting in its entirety through Chatham TVs on-demand archive. To receive notifications of the posting of meeting agendas and minutes, subscribe through mytowngovernment.org/02633 by selecting “Center for Active Living (CFAL) Building Working Group” from the drop down menu and clicking on Subscribe to Email Alerts for the board.”

Members of Chatham's Municipal Academy seated at folding table in the Harbormaster's workshop

Municipal Academy Wrapping Up

Chatham's inaugural Municipal Academy class is just a week away from graduation!

The 14 member cohort has, over the last eight weeks, learned about municipal operations from the Town Manager, Town Clerk, Finance team, Departments of Community Development, Natural Resources, Public Works, Community Services and the Police and Fire Departments. Throughout the course they have visited different Town facilities including a presentation in the Harbormaster's workshop!

In the final class next week, Town Manager Jill Goldsmith will hold a panel discussion with Select Board Chair Dean Nicastro; Dick Hosmer, Chair of the Waterways Advisory Committee; Karen Lattin, Chair of the Conservation Commission; Bob Oliver, Chair of the Bikeways Committee; Liz McCarte, Co-Director of the Chatham Railroad Museum; and Bob Wirtshafter, Chair of the Energy and Climate Action Committee and member of the Planning Board, on why they choose to serve.

Interested in participating in the Municipal Academy next year? Email Shanna Nealy and you’ll be contacted when registration begins in late summer.

Wellness Weekly

Wellness Weekly, our series that highlights resources in support of your mental well-being is focusing on aging & longevity this week.

Preventing aging-related problems and maintaining wellness is the key to aging with happiness and good health. Learn more about the organizations and approaches that can help you learn how to thrive as you age at https://lowercape.crediblemind.com/topics/aging.

The Town is hiring an Assessing Director

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 5:00 p.m., in the large meeting room at the Town Office Annex, 261 George Ryder Road.

October 28

To consider a petition from NStar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy to install one (1) new pole 41/30-5 at Training Field Road and 50 feet plus or minus 4 inches conduit under Training Field Road to accommodate the new Town water treatment facility.

All interested parties are encouraged to attend in-person or through the link in the posted agenda.

First Responders flag imposed over the Town seal

First Responders Day – October 28th

Next Tuesday, October 28th, is National First Responders Day.

Please join us in extending our deepest gratitude to the dedicated personnel who serve and protect our community every day. Their courage, compassion, and commitment keep Chatham safe — and we are truly grateful for all they do.

If you happen to see any Police, Fire, Dispatchers, EMS, Public Works, or Harbormaster personnel around Town, let them know you appreciate all they do!

Affordable Home Opportunity in Chatham

558 Crowell Road

Applications are now being accepted by the Housing Assistance Corp. (HAC) for the sale by lottery of a three-bedroom two-bath home at 558 Crowell Road for $385,000. Applications to enter the lottery can be requested by emailing lotteries@haconcapecod.org. The house will be permanently deed restricted at 100% Area Median Income (AMI).

An online information session will be held on Monday, November 3rd beginning at 5:30 p.m. Registration for the online session is required. Applications are due to HAC by 5 p.m. on Monday, December 15th.

For further information, including income and asset limits, visit the property’s page on the HAC website.

Person in an orange vest standing on a pipe in the ground with an excavator behind them

Sewer/Road Construction Update

October 27th-October 31st

Oyster Pond Sewer Extension Project

Site work will continue at the Oyster Pond Condominium pump station, 1233 Main Street.

Sewer testing is planned on project roads on Monday, October 27th and Tuesday, October 28th. Manhole pavement patching is also planned on project roads. Police detail(s) and signage will be in place in the vicinity of the work.

Electrical work is tentatively planned at the Pond View West and Independence Lane pump station sites.

Stage Harbor Road Sewer Extension Project

Site work will continue at the pump station located at Old Mill Boat Yard.

Paving

Monday, October 27th – Old Queen Anne Road will be milled from Old Comers Road to Jean Dan Lane. There will be a on-way detour westbound from Route 137/Meetinghouse Road to Sam Ryder Road and alternating traffic from Sam Ryder Road to Old Comers Road.

Tuesday, October 28th – The milled section of Old Queen Anne Road will be paved with the same detours in place as noted above. Shore Road will be milled from Route 28/Old Harbor Road to 563 Shore Road. Northbound traffic will be detoured, giving access to vehicles coming off Route 28.

Wednesday, October 29th – Shore Road and Stony Hill Road will be paved with similar detours as noted above.

Motorists are encouraged to avoid these areas or seek alternate routes during this planned road work.

Marconi Speaker Series

Author, scientist, and retired internet entrepreneur Dennis Waters will tell the story of AT&T’s New Jersey “Pole Farm” and short wave radiotelephony at 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 6th at the Chatham Marconi Maritime Museum, 831 Orleans Road.

In the early 1900s, American could place phone calls to almost all of North America but not overseas. To resolve this, the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) purchased more than 800 acres of farmland in central New Jersey and built what became the world’s largest radiotelephone shortwave transmitting station, called the “Pole Farm” for the thousands of tall antenna poles installed at the site. At its peak in the early 1960s it delivered millions of telephone calls to Europe, Africa, South America, and the Middle East.

The event is free for Museum members and $10 for general public. Seating is limited so make your reservations at www.chathammarconi.org/speakerseries.

Cartoon characters in Halloween costumes

Elementary School Halloween Parade

The annual Chatham Elementary School Halloween costume parade will take place on Thursday, October 30th, leaving from the Community Center at 4 p.m. and heading downtown to parade along Main Street.

This fall tradition is truly a community event bringing generations together in the heart of the Town. Get in the spirit and cheer the kids on next Thursday!

Next Select Board Meeting - October 28, 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. October 7, 2025

B. October 14, 2025

C. October 20, 2025

II. Public Announcements and Agenda Item Requests

III. Public Hearing

A. Consider Petition from NStar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy to install one (1) new pole 41/30-5 at Training Field Road and to install 50 feet plus or minus of 4-inch conduit under Training Field Road for the new water treatment facility at Training Field Road

IV. Public Comments on Business Agenda

V. Business Agenda

A. Consider use of Town Facilities, Property, and Resources; First Night Chatham 2025 – 2026

B. Opening of Bay Scallop Season on November 1, 2025

C. Consider Special One Day Alcohol and Entertainment Licenses

i. Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance

1. Meet the Fleet, November 12, 2025 at 1566 Main Street, Chatham (30-Day Waiver Required)

2. Holiday Open House, December 9, 2025 at 1566 Main Street, Chatham

ii. Chatham Garden Club Fundraiser on December 6, 2025 at 347 Stage Harbor Rd., Chatham

D. Chatham Beautification Committee – Proposed Kate Gould Park Legacy Restoration Project Presentation

i. Consider Parks & Recreation Recommendation to Proceed with Phase I

E. Consider License to Enter and Use Real Town Property; 128 Training Field Road, Boston Gas Company d/b/a National Grid (For Training Field Water Treatment Plant)

F. Consider Letter of Comment on Seasonal Communities Draft Regulations (Continued from 10/14/2025)

G. Annual Committee/Board/Commission Review

i. Consider Increase in Membership; Traffic Safety Committee

ii. Consider Decrease in Membership; Committee for People with Disabilities

H. Consider Committee Appointments (For Board Discussion)

i. Golf 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

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.