Independence Day Parade Awards

Congratulations to the award winners of the 2025 Independence Day Parade!

Best Business Entry – Mahi Gold

Best Civic Entry – First Night Chatham

Best Family Entry – Fitzgerald Family

Funniest Entry – Witches on the Water

Most Patriotic Entry – Pogo Dave

Best Youth Entry – Charlotte & Violet Skinner

3rd Overall – Muto Construction

2nd Overall – Chatham Municipal Airport

First Place – Phillips Family Farm

The Independence Day Parade Committee also acknowledged the entries by the Chatham Squire, New England Portable Restrooms, the Magner Family, and the Grateful Mug.

Select Board Action – July 22nd

The Select Board approved a petition from NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy to install two handholes and approximately 35 ft. of conduit to provide new underground service to Lakeview Avenue.

Director of Public Works Rob Faley provided an update on the Town’s drinking water supply. He said the Town wells are pumping between 8-16 hours per day and reported that the first low-level alarm sounded for the water tanks on July 18. He said this was an indication to him that the water conservation measures are working. He provided an update on the construction of the water treatment facility for Wells 5&8 and said final sign-off by the State on Wells 10& 11was pending. He noted that water usage for the June 2025 was below usage in June 2024. He recommended no changes be made to the water conservation measures in place.

The Board granted a Special One Day License for all alcoholic beverages to Lauren Arcamano on behalf of the Chatham Conservation Foundation, for their annual fundraiser on August 8th on Strong Island.

The Board granted a series of One Day Entertainment license to Line Circus for twice daily performances (depending on scheduled programming) on the lawn of the Eldredge Public Library from July 28th to August 8th.

In follow-up to the approval of Article 55 at the 2025 Annual Town Meeting, the Board established a Taxation Aid Committee comprised of the Town’s Treasurer/Collector, the Chair of the Board of Assessors, and three members of the community in accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts General Law Ch. 60, Section 3D (see above).

The Board made appointments/re-appointments to the following:

Constable of the Town – John Proudfoot

Election Officials – Republicans: Maria R. Acton, Jeffrey Bernard, Donald J. Broderick, Diane D. Bronsdon, William T. Cook, Elaine B. Gibbs, Paula G. Hansen, Virginia Plexico, Robert B. Stevens, Martha Stone, Paula C. Wiseman. Democrats: Jacqueline Crimins, Anita Doucette, Elizabeth Henrici, Lillian M. McNulty, Debra Shippelhute, Robin A. Young. Unenrolled: Joan B. Bagnell, Janet M. Edson, Charleen Greenhalgh, Bette A. Hahner, Alexandra B. Porter, Louise A. Redfield, Diane K. Rowlings, Jennifer L. Smith

Community Preservation Committee – David Mallowes as Parks & Recreation Commission representative

Economic Development Advisory Committee – Richard Creeth

Historical Commission – Robert Wilson (full member)

Town Manager Jill Goldsmith presented the monthly report for June. She discussed the Town’s Municipal Academy course offering, noted the recognition of Chris Mazulis, Hunter MacDonald, and Brian Powers with Starfish awards at the Annual Employee Appreciation, and reviewed the status of the Eldredge Public Library Master Plan.

The Select Board entered Executive Session to discuss the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property located at 31 Meetinghouse Road and did not return to open session.

The public is encouraged to view the meeting in its entirety through Chatham TV’s on-demand archive.

Upcoming Public Hearings

The Select Board will hold the following public hearings during their regularly scheduled meetings on Tuesdays, beginning at 5:00 p.m., in the large meeting room at the Town Office Annex, 261 George Ryder Road.

August 5

To consider a petition from NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy to install 50’ +/- 1-3” conduit and one (1) handhole 57/HA10 for new underground service to the customer located at 161 Old Queen Anne Road.

To consider placing two (2) temporary speed bumps on Kent Place during peak times, May through October, placed at the discretion of the Department of Public Works.

August 12

To consider amendments to the Water Rules and Regulations Article VI.15.b.ii, currently stated as:

ii. On or After January 1, 2020

1. In the case of a first violation, a written Warning to the property owner of record by certified mail return receipt requested.

2. In the case of a second violation after 7 days have elapsed following a written Warning, a fine of One Hundred dollars ($100).

3. In the case of a third violation after 7 days have elapsed following a 2nd Violation, a fine of Two Hundred dollars ($200).

4. In the case of a fourth or more violation(s) after 7 days have elapsed following a third violation, shall result in disconnection of the irrigation system water meter.

To be amended to read as follows:

ii. On or After January 1, 2020

1. For all irrigation systems that are noncompliant after this date, a written Warning to the property owner of record shall be sent prior to the imposition of any fines. Such letter shall set forth a requirement that the process for installation of a second meter, as prescribed by the water department, commenced within thirty days from the date of the letter, and completed within ninety days following commencement of the process.
2. In the event that a property owner fails to comply with the foregoing requirements (either commencement of the process or installation of the meter), a fine of Three Hundred dollars ($300) may be imposed for each day of non-compliance.
3. In addition to monetary fines, the Department, by and through the Select Board, may initiate suit in a court of competent jurisdiction to enforce the requirements of this bylaw. Such suit may include, but not be limited to, a request for an immediate disconnection of any irrigation system.

And;

To consider implementing updated water rates no sooner than the start of the second summer quarter of 2025 for households with irrigation systems but without a separate irrigation meter to be billed based on an estimated usage split – 80% of total water consumption billed at the higher irrigation rate and 20% at the standard household rate, once the Town has the capability to implement such billing.

August 19

To consider a petition from NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy to install one (1) manhole 10239/010 and 97’ +/- of 2-4” conduit. This construction is necessary to provide new underground service to the customer located at 38 Sandy Shoes Lane.

To consider installation of two (2) rapid flashing beacons on Sam Ryder Road at its intersection with the Old Colony Rail Trail.

All interested parties are encouraged to attend in-person or through the link in the posted agenda.

Music on the Veranda 

at Chatham Marconi Maritime Center

The Chatham Marconi Maritime Center will host the 3rd of its free-to-the-public music performances on Wednesday, July 30, from 4:30 to 6:00 pm on the front lawn of the historic "Hotel Nautilus," 831 Orleans Road in North Chatham. Weather permitting, this concert will feature the Chatham based trio, ‘Old Exit 11’, playing the rich traditions of American music by blending folk, blues, and country.

Bring a blanket, chairs, snacks or a picnic supper to this family-friendly concert. The performances are open to the public with no admission fee but a donation of $5 per person or $15 per family is suggested to help support the mission of the Marconi Center and more events like this in the future.  Parking and lawn space are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more info on Chatham Marconi’s upcoming events, please visit their website.

The 2025 Music on the Veranda series is supported by donations and a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Transit Needs Assessment

The Cape Cod Commission, in partnership with the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA), has launched a two-year Transit Needs Assessment to better understand how public transportation is serving Cape Cod and how it can be improved for the people who rely on it every day. Whether you're a year-round resident, a seasonal resident or visitor, or a commuter heading over the canal bridges, your voice matters. This study is focused on evaluating current services, identifying gaps, and developing strategies to make public transit safer, more accessible, and more effective for everyone.

The first year of the study is centered on listening: building partnerships, reviewing existing services, and gathering input from the riders who use the system. In the second year, the Commission will analyze findings and develop a final report with recommendations that will help shape CCRTA’s updated Regional Transit Plan.

To support this effort, the Commission has created an interactive online Transit Viewer. This tool offers a visual overview of current transit conditions and ridership, and it gives community members a direct way to identify challenges, such as route gaps, unsafe crossings, or lighting concerns, and propose practical solutions like more shelters or benches, safer sidewalks, or better bus stop connections. You can also take a brief online survey to share your experiences and suggestions. Together, your input will help guide meaningful improvements to Cape Cod’s transit system.

In addition to using the online public comment tool, you can share your feedback by visiting a pop-up table. Organizations, committees, or community groups interested in hosting a discussion or arranging a pop-up table are encouraged to contact Commission staff at transportation@capecodcommission.org.

For more information and to leave a comment or take the survey, please visit www.capecodcommission.org/transit.