COVID-19 Update

There were 22 cases of COVID-19 reported in Town as of 5 p.m. on Monday, August 30. In August 2020, there were a total of four cases reported in Town. Of the 22 cases reported since August 1, eight cases involved vaccinated individuals, seven unvaccinated individuals, and one partially vaccinated individual. The vaccination status of the other six individuals who tested positive is not known at this time.

The Town's percent positivity rate for the two week period ending on August 26 has risen to 2.47%. In comparison for the same period Barnstable County's percent positivity rate is 2.54% and the Commonwealth's is 2.83%.

Town of Chatham Mass seal noting incorporation date of June 11, 1712

Team Chatham

Heading into the Labor Day weekend, please join me in thanking our Town staff for their hard work and dedication to public service.

To our front line workers, from Public Safety and Public Works employees to beach gate attendants, lifeguards and seasonal recreation staff, who have seen us safely through another summer under challenging circumstances. Thank you!

To all of our team members who have kept the wheels of municipal government turning and have found new and innovative ways to meet the needs of our community. Thank you!

Back To School

Monomoy Regional School District students are heading back to school in the coming weeks. The first day back for students is September 14th, with Kindergarteners starting on September 16th, and Pre-schoolers on September 21st.

School bus routes have been posted to the District's website.

The District's re-opening plan was approved by the School Committee on August 25, 2021, the same day the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) mandated public school students (age 5 and above) and staff in all grades wear masks indoors in schools. Masks are not required when outdoors. All visitors are also expected to wear a mask in school buildings.

The mask requirement will be in place until at least October 1, 2021.

DESE strongly recommends that students younger than age 5 also wear a mask in school. The details of DESE's mask requirements are available for review.

Financial Assistance for Childcare Available

The Town of Chatham through its Human Services Committee created the Childcare Voucher Program to assist eligible Town residents and those who work in Chatham with childcare expenses. The program is administered by Monomoy Community Services.

2021 Annual Town Meeting voters appropriated $75,000 to fund this program for FY2022 (July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022).

While there is no cut-off for income eligibility, income documentation and verification are required. Awards are based on need and availability of funds and may only be applied to MA licensed childcare providers. For more information and to apply visit the Monomoy Community Services website

September Walking Group

Fitness trainer/instructor Christina Arabadzhieva will lead three walks in September, each covering one+ mile in one hour and limited to 10 participants. The fee for each is $5 upon arrival but registration is required through the Council on Aging (508-945-5190). All walks take place on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.

September 14 - Fort Hill Trail in Eastham. This is an easy walk on solid surfaces with some log steps on slopes.
September 21 - Nauset Marsh Trail in Eastham. This is an easy walk with some log steps and a moderate grade.
September 28 - Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail in South Wellfleet. This walk is of moderate difficulty with some steep stairs and includes .5 miles in soft sand. Swamp portion is on boardwalk.

Stone memorial with bronze plaque commemorating Sept. 11, 2001

September 11th Ceremony

The Chatham Fire Department will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 1, 2001 with a ceremony at the Fire Station, Depot Road, beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 11, 2021.

The community is invited to attend and honor those whose lives were lost.

Next Select Board Meeting

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.

Join the meeting on-line or participate by phone by dialing 1-508-945-4410 and entering Conference ID 134 208 476#.

I. Minutes

August 24, 2021

II. Public Announcements and Agenda Item Requests

III. New Business

A. Corona virus (COVID-19) Update (Director of Natural Resources Dr. Robert Duncanson and Town Manager Jill Goldsmith)

B. Chatham Wells PFAS and Water Update; Vote to Re-Activate Well 4 Contingent Upon Written MA Department of Environmental Protection Approval [Tom Barr, Water/Sewer Superintendent (Weston & Sampson) and Director of Natural Resources Dr. Robert Duncanson]

C. Public Comments on Business Agenda

D. Public Hearings

a.FY2022 Tax Classification Hearing

E. Business Agenda (Board Discussion Items)

a. Proclamation; September as Suicide Prevention Month
b. Request for Temporary Closure of an Establishment Holding an Annual Liquor License; JTAMM Corp. d/b/a The Talkative Pig
c. Pleasant Bay Alliance Update (Carole Ridley)
d. Consider Date for Calling a Special Town Meeting and Warrant Article Review
e. Committee Appointments

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