Select Board Statement on Indictment of Juvenile

We are disturbed and saddened to learn of the event that occurred earlier this summer between juveniles. We do not believe that it reflects the true nature of our community, which is diverse and inclusive. We condemn all acts of violence, particularly those directed at children.

Our thoughts are with the victim and their family, and we are here to support them in any way we can moving forward.

The Town and our Police Department have a strong relationship with the Monomoy Regional School District, and we will be working together proactively to deter events such as this from taking place in the future.

We respectfully ask that any questions about this case be forwarded to the Cape & Islands Office of the District Attorney Robert J. Galibois at (774)559-3009 or Danielle.Whitney@mass.gov.

A statement from the Monomoy Regional School District is available on the District's website.

Labor Day Weekend Updates

Beaches will not be guarded over the weekend. Please swim at your own risk and check the National Weather Service Boston website for any surf or rip current advisories.

The Community Center closing is at 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 2nd due to staff availability.

Town Offices and the Community Center are closed on Monday, September 4th. The Transfer Station is open regular operation hours.

Local Notice to Mariners

Hurricane Franklin will be passing off the coast of Cape Cod over the next few days. While this storm is several hundred miles offshore, the large swell, surf and rip currents generated by this hurricane will impact our eastern facing inlets and beaches. All mariners are requested to use extreme caution and sound judgement when transitioning the Chatham inlets or eastern waters off Chatham. The swell and surf forecast can be life-threatening, making rescue attempts in these conditions extremely difficult and dangerous.

North Beach Island Important Advisory

Based on concerns voiced by the public to the Chatham Police Department and Town Officials regarding large gatherings and activity by boaters and beach-goers on North Beach Island, Chatham Police Department and the Harbormaster Department will be monitoring activities there beginning this weekend.

We are asking that all visitors to North Beach Island be respectful and utilize this valuable resource in a safe and careful manner. North Beach Island is a great natural resource that provides recreational and leisure fun for all. Please help keep this treasure as clean and nice as you found it by maintaining control of pets, not littering and recreating in a respectful manner.

In order to avoid additional oversight of North Beach Island activities, it is expected that users of these beaches will be respectful and polite to each other, enforcement authorities and the natural environment. We encourage people to enjoy these surroundings by policing themselves and not causing any disturbances. Please enjoy your weekend.

Voting at Special Town Meeting

If you are currently registered to vote in Chatham you do not need to re-register to vote in the Special Town Meeting on Monday, September 18th beginning at 6 p.m. in the Monomoy Regional Middle School Gymnasium, 425 Crowell Road.

However, you must attend the Meeting. There is no early or absentee voting available for Annual or Special Town Meetings.

If you are not already a registered voter in Chatham, the deadline to register to vote at the Special Town Meeting is Friday, September 8th by 5:00 p.m. You can register to become a Chatham voter online through the Secretary of State's Online Voter Registration System or at the Town Clerk's Office, 549 Main Street.

If you are unsure of your voter registration status, you can check it online!

Special Town Meeting Warrant Available

The Special Town Meeting warrant is available on the Town website.

September is Suicides Prevention Month

On Tuesday, August 29th, the Select Board proclaimed September as National Suicide Prevention and Action Month in the Town of Chatham and joined Select Boards across the Cape and Islands in solidarity with the Cape & Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition in raising awareness of this public health issue.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers immediate help to those in crisis and educational resources we can all use to learn about issues surrounding mental health and suicide to help others.

If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues or are in crisis, please dial 988 to connect with a trained counselor.

September 11th Remembrance Scheduled

The Chatham Fire Department will host a community remembrance ceremony to honor the lives lost during the 9/11/2001 attacks on Monday, September 11, 2023 at 9 a.m.

The ceremony will be held in front of the Chatham Fire Department Headquarters. located at 135 Depot Road. Members of the Fire Department, Police Department, Harbormaster Division, US Coast Guard and Town administration will assemble around the 9/11 Memorial Garden. The guest speaker will be United States Air Force Brigadier General (Retired) Anthony "Kimo" Schiavi.

Light refreshments will be available after the ceremony.

Community Forum on September 12th

An open community discussion on the proposed Center for Active Living at 1610 Main Street will be held on Tuesday, September 12th in the large meeting room on the lower level of the Town Office Annex, 261 George Ryder Road beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Citizen prepared presentations will be allowed and should be emailed to Cathy Lewis no later than 4 p.m. on Tuesday, September 5th. Those who are unable to attend or who prefer to submit their questions or comments in writing may email them or submit them through the Community Voice portal on the Town's website no later than 4 p.m. on Monday, September 11th. Comments and presentations will be limited to 5 minutes per person.

Remote participation will be available through the link in the posted agenda, on the Meetings and Events Calendar on the Town website and on the Town's social media accounts. The meeting will be broadcast on Chatham TV (Xfinity Channels 8 & 1070) and archived for viewing through the Town's website. Commenting at the meeting does not preclude someone from speaking at the Special Town Meeting.

In Case You Missed It

If you missed the Community Forum held on Tuesday, August 22nd on the proposed Center for Active Living at 1610 Main Street the recording is available for on-demand viewing through Chatham TV's archive.

The Project Team presented updated cost estimates and answered questions from the in-person and remotely participating audience members.

Black key on a key ring with a white house shape on an orange background

Housing Trust Reconfigured

The Town is seeking applicants to serve on the new Affordable Housing Trust!

If you have experience in housing, real estate development and finance, architecture or other related discipline, or if you're just interested in helping to make sure Chatham has more affordable and attainable housing to support our residents and workforce, please consider filling out an application.

The deadline to apply is Monday, September 18th.

For more information about the Affordable Housing Trust, please contact Housing & Sustainability Director Gloria McPherson.

Help Protect Chatham's Water Supply

Chatham is proud of its commitment to protecting and enhancing the Town’s drinking water supply, and we invite you to join us in this effort by taking two simple yet important steps.

1. Register Your Irrigation System

In order to better manage our water resources and ensure efficient water usage, we ask all homeowners with irrigation systems connected to the Town's water supply to register them with the Town. By doing so, you help us understand water use patterns and enable us to implement effective conservation measures when needed. Registration is easy and the form is online on the Town's website. Your cooperation will make a significant difference in our collective ability to protect our water supply for current and future generations.

2. Install a Second Water Meter

In compliance with the Town's Water Regulations, homeowners with irrigation systems connected to the Town water supply were required to install a second water meter specifically for irrigation usage by January 1, 2022. This meter will accurately measure the water used for irrigation purposes, allowing for fair billing and a better understanding of water use. This initiative not only ensures equitable payments but also encourages mindful water use. If you have an irrigation system connected to the Town’s water supply, it’s not too late to add a second meter! There’s no penalty for adding the meter now.

Accurate metering helps in detecting leaks and inefficiencies promptly, saving both water and money. Registered irrigation systems and dedicated meters also provide essential data for informed decisions that improve our water management strategies.

Your participation will directly contribute to water conservation efforts and to preserving our valuable resource. Thank you!

Next Select Board Meeting - Sept. 19, 2023 @ 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#.

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