Chatham Retains AAA Rating by S&PStandard & Poor’s (S&P) Global Ratings has assigned its “AAA” rating to Chatham for a $9.5 million general obligation (GO) bond issuance and reaffirmed the Town of Chatham’s AAA bond rating on existing debt with a “stable” outlook. This follows a ratings review call with Town Manager Jill R. Goldsmith, Finance Director Carrie Mazerolle, Treasurer/Collector Sharon Drown, the Town’s financial advisors, and S&P Analysts to discuss the issuance of the GO bonds. The bond proceeds will finance the Town’s wastewater and water infrastructure improvement projects, transfer station design and engineering costs, and water treatment facility projects. Fidelity Capital Markets was the winning bidder on the bonds with a true interest cost of 3.38 %. The Town received a total of 8 bids on the bonds. AAA is the highest bond rating for municipalities. The rating report states, “Chatham’s bonds are eligible to be rated above the sovereign because we think the town can maintain better credit characteristics than the nation in a stress scenario.” The rating further reflects S&P’s view of Chatham’s: - Very strong economy
- Strong budgetary performance and growing reserves
- Very strong management with well-embedded financial policies and practices, including robust and comprehensive multi-year capital planning along with a suite of formal reserve, debt management, and investment policies – and strong institutional framework
- Manageable direct debt and retirement costs
The report acknowledges Chatham’s elevated environmental risk due to its location along the Atlantic Ocean but determined it to be in line with other coastal communities. It recognizes the town “has proactively managed this risk by pursuing coastal resiliency grants, implementing its 2018 hazard mitigation plan that is currently being updated, and hiring a director of coastal resources to oversee various resiliency efforts.” S&P considers “Chatham’s social and governance risks neutral.” Town Manager Jill Goldsmith expressed her delight with the reaffirmation of the AAA rating, noting the efforts of the new Finance Director and the Finance Team in a statement to Select Board members: “This was our first ratings call with our new Finance Director, Carrie Mazerolle. She, along with our Finance Team, meticulously prepared and submitted the necessary financial documentation to S&P well in advance, leading to a smooth review process. The discussion primarily focused on the Town’s environmental, social, and governance practices. Our strong budgetary performance, inclusive budgeting, financial management reviews, cybersecurity measures, and coastal resiliency initiatives were significant factors in maintaining our AAA rating with a stable outlook.” The GO bonds are scheduled for issuance on June 27, 2024. The AAA/Stable rating is for both the new issuance and is reaffirmed for outstanding GO Bonds. The Bond Award is scheduled for the Select Board’s meeting on June 18, 2024. |
|
|
|
CPA Project Ribbon Cuttings Next Week Join Town officials in celebration of the completion of two projects made possible through Community Preservation Act funding next week. On Monday, June 17th at 8:00 a.m., the gate to the new pickleball courts off Stepping Stones Road will be ceremoniously opened with a ribbon cutting just before Member play gets underway for the first time. On Tuesday, June 18th at 4:30 p.m. the attention shifts to the official opening of the new multi-use path along George Ryder Road. The event will take place in the gravel parking area to the north of the Brown-James-Buck Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8607, 150 George Ryder Road. All are invited to attend!
|
|
|
|
Juneteenth ClosingsChatham Town Offices, the Center for Active Living, and the Community Center will be closed on Wednesday, June 19th in honor of the Juneteenth holiday. Juneteenth became our newest national holiday in 2021 when the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act was signed into law. The Emancipation Proclamation, issued on January 1, 1863, declared that all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory were to be set free. However, the news spread slowly, and enforcement varied across regions. It was only with the arrival of Union General Gordon Granger in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865. that the message of freedom reached the last enslaved individuals and slavery was effectively ended in the Confederate states. Juneteenth is a poignant reminder of the struggles and sacrifices made by those who fought for the abolition of slavery and the establishment of equal rights. The holiday serves as an occasion to honor African American history, culture, and achievements. |
|
|
|
Sewer Construction UpdateWork for the week of June 17th – June 21st: Morton/Meetinghouse RoadsContinued site work at Pump Station #3 (Meetinghouse Road) and Pump Station #4 (Twine Field Drive) is expected. Queen Anne Road Pumping StationNo work planned. Stage Harbor Road Sewer ExtensionContinued sewer work on Stage Harbor Road north of the Bridge Street intersection. For public safety reasons, Stage Harbor Road between Bridge Street and Cedar Street will be closed and a detour will be in place. - Detour from Champlain Road – via Bridge Street
- Detour from Bridge Street around Champlain Road
- From Stage Harbor Road – via Cedar Street to Champlain Road
|
|
|
|
Update on Beaches and BirdsAccording to the Mass Audubon Coastal Waterbird Program weekly shorebird report, as of June 7th there were 31 nests of Piping Plovers and and five broods of chicks on Chatham beaches. Additionally, eight colonies of Least Terns and one colony of Common Terns are reported nesting. Due to the presence of nests and/or chicks of State-listed protected species in accordance with the Town's Beach Management plan and as directed by Mass Audubon, the Town's beach raking program is limited to raking one beach per week at this time. Harding's Beach will be raked late next week with Ridgevale and Cockle Cove (which are considered one beach) raked the following week. Once the birds fledge normal beach raking will resume 4-6 days per week as needed. The birds nested early this year so, fingers crossed, they will fledge earlier than usual as well. To help ensure their quick departure, please respect all areas fenced off for the protection of nesting birds and do not approach or linger near Piping Plovers. Also, please do not leave or bury trash on beaches which may attract predators. Thank you for your understanding and patience!
|
|
|
|
Summer Boating PreparationsThe summer recreational boating season is about to ramp up! Now is the time to prepare yourself for the season. The 2024 Harbor Update will be held on Saturday, June 15th from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Chatham Community Center, 702 Main Street. The update will feature presentations by Chatham Harbormaster Jason Holm, Harwich Harbormaster John Rendon, representatives from USCG Station Chatham, Cape Cod Sail and Power Squadron, and USCG Auxiliary previewing the summer season. Learn about what's new on the water and in our harbors and see how navigation has changed since last summer. No registration is required for this free, open-to-all event hosted by the Monomoy Yacht Club. Must Sea TVThe Harbormaster's crew is also gearing up for the summer. Take a behind the scenes trip with them as they check navigational aids in our local waters in the newest edition of "Backstage" from Chatham TV.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Next Steps Towards HousingThe Select Board and Affordable Housing Trust Board of Trustees held a joint meeting on Tuesday, June 11th to hear presentations from the companies/agencies that responded to the Town's Requests for Proposals to develop affordable and attainable housing at 1533 Main Street and 0 Meetinghouse Road, to receive public comments on submissions, and to discuss the Evaluation Committee's recommendation that Pennrose, Inc. be awarded contracts to develop both properties. If you were unable to watch the meeting, it is available for on-demand viewing through Chatham TV's online archive. Town Manager Jill Goldsmith, acting as Chief Procurement Officer, will make the final decision on the award of the contract and will announce and discuss that decision at an upcoming joint session of the Select Board and Affordable Housing Trustees, the date of which is to be determined.
|
|
|
|
Ask the Town ManagerQ: It’s been reported in the Chatham Chat Room that the Airport Manager has a 10-year contract. Why was such a lengthy duration warranted? A: The current Airport Management Services Agreement (AMSA), was approved in 2016, running from January 1, 2017, through January 1, 2027. The AMSA is not a typical contract agreement where the Town pays a vendor for services. Instead, the Airport Manager/ Fixed Base Operator (FBO) provides monthly payments to the Town/Airport Commission which are deposited into the Airport Revolving Fund (ARF) to fund operational expenses. The Airport Manager/FBO provides the operations and services outlined in the agreement and Designated Airport Manager job description. Massachusetts General Law (MGL) Chapter 90, Sections 51D - 51M establishes the operational parameters for municipal airports, in particular Section 51F states “… Any airport commission may let or lease, for a period not exceeding twenty years, those land areas at any airport under its control which are used for airport purposes, under such terms and conditions as it may prescribe, for hangars, shops, storage, industrial purposes, offices and other space rental, and for concessions, and may lease any other areas at such an airport for any purpose...”. This legislation includes agreement terms, exceeding the typical statutory lease durations of five years which are intended to accommodate/acknowledge aviation ventures requiring larger and longer-term investments and commitments for continuity in airport operations. The current AMSA can be found on the Airport Commission’s website. For additional local context on the Airport Commission’s deliberations on the current AMSA, archived meeting materials and the recording of their April 4, 2016, meeting are available for review on the Town's website. Do you have a question about your municipal government? Send it to Shanna Nealy and we will use this space to bring you the answer!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Public HearingThe Select Board will hold the following public hearing during its regularly scheduled meetings beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the large meeting room at the Town Office Annex, 261 George Ryder Road. Remote participation is available through the link in the posted agenda. June 18, 2024To consider changes to the Town of Chatham’s Local Alcoholic Beverages Licensing Regulations, Section VI. Application Procedure; Amendments to Existing Licenses, to codify local requirements for extensions of existing licensed premises to outdoor areas due to changes in Massachusetts General Law.
|
|
|
|
CC Commission Hearing on CQX VMPA subcommittee of the Cape Cod Commission will hold a virtual public hearing on Tuesday, June 25th at 5 p.m. to consider a Development of Regional Impact (DRI) Major Modification request as filed by Chatham Municipal Airport for its Safety Improvement Project. The Airport seeks modification to the Commission's 2005 DRI Decision (CCC No. 04012) to incorporate an updated Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) to remove or manage vegetation for compliance with federal and/or state safety regulations. This Major Modification is subject to review pursuant to Sections 12, 13 and 23 of the Cape Cod Commission Act, as amended, and section 11(b)(iii) of Chapter A, Commission Regulations Governing Reviews of DRIs, as amended. At this hearing the subcommittee will hear testimony, discuss the project, and may vote on the Major Modification. The public can join and participate in the meeting using one of the following methods:? - By clicking on the following zoom meeting link: https://capecodcommission.org/reg/join, passcode: join
- Participants wishing to speak should click “Participants” icon on the lower toolbar and then click “Raise Hand” in the dialog box to notify the chair.
- Calling in to (929) 205-6099 and entering meeting ID 968 0382 0087. Participants wishing to speak should press *9 to notify the chair. It is recommended that participants access materials in advance of the meeting.?
All interested persons will have an opportunity to comment at the hearing.? Written comments may also be submitted by mail to the Cape Cod Commission, P.O. Box 226, 3225 Main St. Barnstable, MA 02630 or using the online form. The DRI application including a map showing the location of the subject property and other project materials may be accessed for review at www.capecodcommission.org/ccc and is also available for public inspection at the Commission’s office during normal business hours.?? Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. Please contact the Cape Cod Commission at (508) 362-3828 at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting; for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) dial 711.
|
|
|
|
Community Health Needs Assessment SurveyThe Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment and the local health departments in Brewster, Chatham, Harwich, and Orleans are conducting a community health needs assessment of the towns on the Lower Cape. We want to learn more about the community’s health and issues that need more focus and attention. If you live and/or work on the Lower Cape, please take a few minutes to complete this short survey. Your voice matters!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Next Select Board Meeting - June 18, 2024 @ 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. June 4, 2024 B. June 5, 2024 II. Public Announcements and Agenda Requests III. Public Hearings A. Consider Amendment to the Town of Chatham Local Alcoholic Beverages Licensing Regulations; Section VI. Application Procedure; Amendments to Existing Licenses; Codify Local Requirements for Extensions of Existing Licensed Premise to Outdoor Areas Due to Changes in Massachusetts General Law IV. Chatham Wells, PFAS, and Drinking Water Testing and Pumping Update – May 2024 – Director of Public Works Rob Faley V. Public Comment on Business Agenda VI. Business Agenda A. Consider Request to Use Town Property; 2024 Community Environmental Fair on Friday, August 16, 2024 from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm at the Chatham Community Center – Chatham Conservation Foundation B. Consider Special One-Day Alcohol Permit; Garden Party Fundraiser on Sunday, July 21, 2024 from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm at 95 Independence Way – Chatham Conservation Foundation C. Consider One-Day Entertainment License; Buffy’s Midsummer Employee Gala on Saturday, June 29, 2024 from 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm at 458 Main Street – Buffy’s Ice Cream D. Consider Special One-Day Alcohol Permit; 10th Anniversary Sip and Shop Event on Friday, July 5, 2024 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm at 17 Post Office Square – Changing Tides Consignment Boutique E. Consider One-Day Entertainment License and Request to Use Town Property; 4th Annual Witches on the Water Fundraising Costume Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Paddle on Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm at Oyster Pond Beach – Witches on the Water F. Consider One-Day Entertainment License and Special One-Day Alcohol Permit; Back 2 Summer Hangar Party on Saturday, July 6, 2024 from 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm at Chatham Municipal Airport – Monomoy Community Services, Inc. G. Consider One-Day Entertainment License, Special One-Day Alcohol Permit, Use of Town Property, and Alcohol on Town Property; Taste of Chatham on Monday, July 29, 2024 from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm at Chase Park – Monomoy Community Services, Inc. H. Consider Request to Use Town Property; First Night Performances on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at 549 Main Street – First Night Chatham I. Consider Application for New Common Victualler License; Pain d’Avignon Café & Boulangerie, 71 Crowell Road J. Award of Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) – Director of Finance, Carrie Mazerolle K. Construction on Morris Island – Director of Natural Resources, Greg Berman L. Committee Appointments/Reappointments |
|
|
|
The MainsheetThe 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 MainsheetSubscribe 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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share via Email
