Picture of downed branches and fallen leaves

Storm Debris Disposal

The Transfer Station will accept residential storm-related debris for disposal free of charge through Sunday, November 7. All storm-related debris must be weighed in over the scale for proper accounting.

The Transfer Station remains closed to residential disposal on Wednesdays.

Happy Halloween!

Enjoy a safe and happy Halloween by following these guidelines from FDA, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Costumes should say “flame resistant” on the label. If costumes are homemade, use flame-resistant fabrics such as polyester or nylon.
Wear bright, reflective costumes or add strips of reflective tape to be more visible; make sure the costumes aren’t so long that they pose a tripping danger.
Wear makeup and hats rather than costume masks that can obscure vision.
Test the makeup in advance. Put a small amount on the arm of the person who will be wearing it. If a rash, redness, swelling, or other signs of irritation develop where the makeup was applied, that's a sign of a possible allergy.

Eating sweet treats is also a big part of Halloween fun. If you're concerned about food safety, there are some things you should know. Before you or your children go trick-or-treating, remember these tips:

Don’t eat candy until it has been inspected at home.
In case of a food allergy, check the label to ensure the allergen isn’t present. Tell children not to accept—or eat—anything that isn’t commercially wrapped.
Parents of very young children should remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys from Halloween bags.
Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers. Throw away anything that looks suspicious.

Children's Halloween Parade

This annual downtown parade will step off from the Community Center at 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29.

Costumed kids will proceed along Main Street on the north sidewalk and cross the street at "Where the Sidewalk Ends" Bookstore before continuing back to the Community Center
on the south sidewalk.

Paraders will have treat bags that they will be hoping to fill with help from all of our generous Main Street business owners. If you are downtown stop and cheer them on!

Last Chance for Pumpkin People!

Sunday, October 31st is you last chance to view the Pumpkin People in Kate Gould Park. Don't miss this year's creations.

Mobile Food Vendor discussing menu with customers

Community Forum Monday

The Select Board is hosting a Community Forum on Monday, November 1, 2021 beginning at 6:30 p.m. to receive public input on Mobile Food Vending Regulations.

Join this virtual meeting online and share your ideas on how the Town can offer more diverse dining options while protecting the interests of our brick and mortar restaurants. You can also participate by phone by calling 508-945-441 and entering Conference ID 733 719 681#.

Review preliminary draft regulations with discussion points called out and maps of existing food service establishments prior to the Forum to help us keep the conversation efficient and productive.

If you are not able to participate you can submit your comments through the Community Voice portal on our website, email them to communityforum@chatham-ma.gov or drop off or mail them to the Town Manager's Office, 549 Main Street.

Tax Bills Due November 1

Real Estate tax bills were issued on September 24, 2021 and payments are due in the Treasurer/Tax Collector’s office by 4:00 p.m. on November 1, 2021 to avoid any interest accrual.

Payments may be made by check via mail or drop box at 549 Main Street or online by electronic check (ACH) or credit card. Online ACH transactions are free of charge, while payment by credit card (now including VISA) are subject to a 2.9% ($1.00 minimum) fee.

If you have not received your tax bill, call the Treasurer/Tax Collector’s office at 508-945-5108.

Save the Date - November 9th Community Forum

A facilitated listening session will be held in place of the Select Board meeting on November 9th to solicit community input to determine its willingness to pursue a new Council on Aging facility. The session will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Residents will be able to provide their opinions, concerns, suggestions, and objections on past efforts by providing a forum to articulate what questions have not been answered in previous proposals. The input received during this forum will be compiled for the Select Board’s consideration at a later meeting, informing their decision on how and/or if the project will move forward.

For background context the COA Project page has been updated with links to summary, resource, and specific meeting materials.

metal sculpture of a tree mounted on a brick wall

Virtual Programs at EPL

The Eldredge Public Library continues to offer virtual programs in November. Register (required) through the Library's classes and events webpage.

Thursday, Nov. 4th - The History of the Blues in America
Tuesday, Nov. 9 - The Magic of the Winter Garden
Thursday, Nov. 18 - Magnificent Ospreys

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
October 19, 2021
October 26, 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. Drinking Water Testing and Pumping Update (Public Works Director Tom Temple)

C. Public Comments on Business Agenda

D. Public Hearings

a. Tree Hearing; Request by Eversource to Remove Trees on Middle Road [Tree Warden Dan Tobin]

E. Business Agenda (Board Discussion Items)

a. Citizen Agenda Request - Plastic Water Bottle Ban Lift/Postponement of 12/31/21 Implementation [E. Gibbs 9/21/21]

b. Consider Donation; Seaside Links 6th Tee Bench

c. Consider Petition for Private Road Taking; Linda Lane

d. Chatham Charter Review Committee Request for Select Board Input on Public Comments Received to Amend the Charter for Select Board to Serve as Airport Commissioners (Board Discussion)

i. Consider Draft Letter of Opposition (Dean Nicastro)

e. Chatham Elected School Committee Vacancy (J. Auciello) Resignation – October 20, 2021; Process to Fill Vacancy

f. 2020 Census Redistricting/Mapping - Precincts (JS)

g. Committee Appointments – Community Preservation 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!

Town of Chatham website www.chatham-ma.gov