Government and Politics
December 26, 2022
From: Town of ChathamMerry Christmas Chatham!
Wishing all who celebrate Christmas a joyful holiday.
The Community Center will close at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 24th. The Transfer Station and Community Center will be closed on Sunday, Dec.25th. On Monday, Dec. 26th Town Offices will be closed, Transfer Station will be open regular hours and the Community Center will be open 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Holiday Meals Delivered
On Thursday, December 22, Chatham Fire Department volunteers delivered holiday meals to nineteen families in the community.
This program is a collaboration between the Department and local anonymous donor. The grocery items are purchased by the donor and delivered to the fire station, and Department volunteers then organize the groceries into shopping bags for delivery to the recipients’ homes.
Lieutenants Scott Long and James Young are the program leads for the department. Also assisting from CFD were Lt. Gerard Smith, Firefighter Harrison Fietz, and Firefighter Stacey Henderson. Thanks to all for their efforts!
Welcome Back To Town
Ryan Christenberry who served as the Town's Principal Planner from 2015 to 2016 has returned to the position.
Ms. Christenberry is a land-use planner with more than 14 years experience on Cape Cod. She has worked with several communities across the Cape on issues related to hazard mitigation, climate resiliency, and housing policy. She most recently served as the Brewster Town Planner for 5 years and supported their comprehensive planning efforts. She also worked with the Town of Barnstable developing housing planning and policy strategies.
We are thrilled to welcome her back to Team Chatham!
Free Test Kits from Health Division
Before attending holiday gatherings, especially if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, please take a self-test for COVID-19. Free test kits are available from the Health Division Monday - Thursday from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.
If you are in a crowded location consider wearing a well-fitted mask over your nose and mouth. And if you haven't received your COVID-19 booster or flu vaccine, it's not too late. VOVID-19 and flu cases are on the rise in our region. Be safe and enjoy the holidays!
Free COVID-19 Treatments Available
A new telehealth service form the MA Department of Public Health can tell you if the COVID-19 pill is right for you. The pills can be sent to your pharmacy or to your home - for free.
All you have to do is call 833-273-6330 or visit this website. Tell the clinician about your symptoms and they will determine if you are eligible. For more information visit the Department of Public Health's website.
In Case You Missed It
The Town along with Barrett Planning Group held the first of three community engagement meetings to consider development of affordable and attainable housing at 1533 Main Street and 0 Meetinghouse Road on Wednesday, December 14th.
If you were unable to attend or participate in the meeting remotely, it is available for viewing in its entirety through the Channel 18 archive.
Volunteer Opportunities
Have you made a New Year's resolution to give back to our community in 2023? If so, please consider serving on one of our committees.
The Energy and Climate Action Committee was recently expanded to nine members and has two vacancies to fill.
Our Public Ceremonies Committee is also actively seeking members. For more information about this Committee, watch this short video.
Visit the Town's website for a full list of openings. Applications can be made online!
Fish Pier Improvement Project Update
MAS Building & Bridge continues work on the South Jog Bulkhead Replacement Project at the Municipal Fish Pier on Shore Road at Aunt Lydia’s Cove. The contractor has started installation of the new bulkhead steel sheets.
The southern half of the Lower Parking Lot remains closed to parking/public access to allow for demolition, construction, and contractor staging. Water access to the South Jog also remains closed off by a turbidity boom during construction.
The Contractors schedule for the holiday period is: December 23 – no site work; December 26 – no site work; December 30 – ½ day; January 2 – no site work.
Further details on the Contractors schedule will be provided based on the Contractor’s actual progress and the weather.
Next Select Board Meeting - Dec. 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.
This meeting is being held via remote participation only.Join the meeting on-line or participate by phone by dialing 1-508-945-4410 and entering Conference ID 203 386 491#.
I. Minutes
December 20, 2022
Public Announcements and Agenda Item Requests
Public Comments on Business Agenda
Business Agenda (Board Discussion Items)
Set Time of 2023 Annual Town Meeting; Saturday, May 6, 2023
License Renewals
Common Victualler License
Entertainment and Automatic Amusements License
Class I, II, III Automotive Licenses
Inn Holder & Lodging House Licenses
Town Manager’s Monthly Report; November 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!