★ CHATHAM ANNUAL REPORT 2015 ★ ★ ★ CHATHAM ANNUAL REPORT 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★
Photo courtesy of Lt. Michael Anderson, Chatham Police Department USCG photo by PA3 Amy Thomas. Courtesy of the Orleans Historical Society, Orleans, MA
Photos courtesy of the Orleans Historical Society, Orleans MA
Location shots from the filming of “The Finest Hours” Celebrating Chatham’s Finest About the Cover ★ ★ ★
On the night of February 18, 1952 the greatest rescue in Coast Guard history took place when a crew of four from Coast Guard Station Chatham set out in the CG36500 motor lifeboat and saved 32 men from the SS Pendleton after it broke in half in a storm.
Crew members Bernie Webber, Andrew Fitzgerald, Richard Livesey, and Ervin Maske were all awarded the Gold Lifesaving Medal for their heroism.
The boat was retired from service in 1968 and was mostly forgotten until 1981 when the Orleans Historical Society acquired the CG36500 and rescued it from Wellfleet where it had fallen into disrepair. The boat was moved to Orleans where it was painstakingly and lovingly restored by volunteers. The restored boat reunited the original crewmembers after 50 years.
“The Finest Hours” by Michael Tougias and Casey Sherman, which tells the story of the valiant rescue, was made into a movie by Walt Disney Pictures. Location filming occurred around Town in the winter of 2015.
Cover photos, courtesy of the Orleans Historical Society, Orleans MA, document the restoration of the CG36500 and the reunion of its crew.
Back cover photos, courtesy of Lt. Michael Anderson, Chatham Police Depart- ment, depict some of the location filming that occurred around Town.
To contribute to the maintenance and up keep of the CG36500, please forward donations to: Orleans Historical Society, PO Box 353, Orleans, MA 02653.
1 Table of Contents
About Cover...... 1 Emergency Management...... 68
Table of Contents...... 2 Energy Committee...... 68
Elected/Appointed Offices...... 3 Finance Committee...... 69
Committees/Boards/Commissions...... 5 Fire Rescue Department...... 69
In Memoriam – 2015...... 7 Golf Advisory Committee...... 70
Board of Selectmen...... 8 Natural Resources Department...... 70
Town Manager...... 9 Herring Warden ...... 79
Annual Financial Reports...... 12 Historic Business District Commission...... 79
Annual Wages – Town Employees...... 47 Historical Commission...... 80
Affordable Housing Committee...... 54 Human Services Committee...... 80
Airport Commission...... 54 Independence Day Parade Committee...... 81
Animal Control Officer...... 54 Land Bank Open Space Committee...... 81
Aunt Lydia’s Cove Committee...... 55 Monomoy Regional School District...... 81
Bikeways Committee...... 55 North Beach Advisory Committee...... 84
Board of Assessors...... 55 Park & Recreation Commission...... 84
Board of Health...... 56 Planning Board ...... 84
Cable Advisory Committee...... 56 Pleasant Bay Alliance...... 85
Cape Cod Commission...... 57 Police Department...... 86
Cape Cod Regional Technical High School District...... 59 Principal Projects and Operations...... 86
Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority...... 60 Public Works...... 87
Cape Cod Water Protection Collaborative...... 60 Railroad Museum Group...... 90
Cape Light Compact...... 61 Shellfish Advisory Committee...... 90
Cape and Vineyard Electric Cooperative...... 62 South Coastal Harbor Plan Committee...... 90
Cemetery Commission...... 62 Summer Residents Advisory Committee...... 91
Chatham Housing Authority...... 62 Town Clerk...... 92
Committee for the Disabled...... 63 Tree Warden...... 92
Community Development Department...... 63 Veterans Services...... 93
Community Preservation Committee...... 64 Water & Sewer Advisory Committee...... 93
Conservation Commission...... 64 Waterways Advisory Committee...... 93
Council on Aging...... 65 Zoning Board of Appeals...... 94
Cultural Council...... 66 Town Meeting – May 11-12, 2015...... 96
Economic Development Committee...... 67 Annual Town Election – May 14, 2015...... 128
Eldredge Public Library...... 67
2 Elected Offices MODERATOR (3 year term) MONOMOY REGIONAL SCHOOL BARNSTABLE COUNTY ASSEMBLY William G. Litchfield Term Expires 2018 DISTRICT COMMITTEE (3 year term) OF DELEGATES (2 year term) Glenn R. Bryant, Sr. Term Expires 2017 Ronald J. Bergstrom Term Expires 2016
Stephen B. Davol Term Expires 2018 BOARD OF SELECTMEN (3 year term) Edward Jaworski Term Expires 2016 Jeffrey S. Dykens, Chairman CHATHAM HOUSING AUTHORITY Amy Middleton Term Expires 2017 Term Expires 2016 (5 year term) Terry Russell Term Expires 2018 Timothy L. Roper, Vice Chairman Maureen E. Auterio State Appointment Karen Ryder Term Expires 2016 Term Expires 2016 Alan Mowry Term Expires 2019 Nancy L. Scott Term Expires 2017 Cory J. Metters, Clerk Term Expires 2018 Jack Kelleher Term Expires 2016 Sharon Stout Term Expires 2017 Seth T. Taylor Term Expires 2017 Shirley L. Smith Term Expires 2018 Brian Widegren Term Expires 2017 Dean P. Nicastro Term Expires 2018 William P. Bystrom Term Expires 2018
Appointed Offices
TOWN MANAGER REGISTRARS OF VOTERS TOWN COUNSEL Jill R. Goldsmith Town Manager Virginia Laporte Louison, Costello, Condon, and Pfaff, LLP Shanna Nealy Executive Assistant Frank H. Tobin
COUNCIL ON AGING FINANCE ELECTION PERSONNEL/ Amanda Speakman Director Alexandra Heilala Director of Finance/ INSPECTORS Eva Marie Souza Outreach Coordinator Town Accountant Evelyn Ambriscoe Stephanie Shea Outreach Work Cheryl Serijan Assistant Town Accountant/ Joan Bagnell Nancy Michniewicz Receptionist Assistant Finance Director Carol Barry Gerald Golia Driver Mary Lanctot Accounting Clerk/Receptionist Beverly Brown Richard Hosmer Driver Judith Buchanan Roger Kallstrom Driver
G. Valerie Buck Crayton Nickerson, Jr. Driver TREASURER/COLLECTOR Theodora Casey Paul Robinson Driver Louise A. Redfield Treasurer/Tax Collector Scott Daniels (Retired 2015) Mary Dempsey Tawnya Menesale Treasurer/Tax Collector VETERANS’ SERVICES DIRECTOR Carolsue Donabar Marie Chmura Assistant Treasurer/ Edward F. Merigan Ann Eldredge Tax Collector Mary Griffin Anita A. Beebe Collections Assistant NATURAL RESOURCES Genie Griffin-Hatch Dr. Robert A. Duncanson Director Christine Storey Hart ASSESSING Elizabeth Hines Ardelle Kelley Assessing Director Sandra Koski COASTAL RESOURCES Candace Cook Assistant Assessor Mary Langille Theodore L. Keon Director Renee Gagne Shellfish Constable Mary McDermott Lillian McNulty Rachel Hutchinson Assistant Shellfish HUMAN RESOURCES, Constable/Propagation Specialist HUMAN SERVICES Amanda Monahan
Gerry Panuczak Human Resources Director Judith Perron Alexandra Porter DEPUTY SHELLFISH CONSTABLES David Porter Frederick Bennett Term Expires 2016 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Louise Redfield Robert Denn Term Expires 2016 AND CHANNEL 18 Ethel Shafter John Dobbins Term Expires 2016 Craig Rowe IT Director Jennifer Smith Mark Dobbins Term Expires 2016 James A. Cuddy IT Manager Helga Sullivan Allyson Felix Term Expires 2016 Ryan Darmon Media Coordinator Carol Tautkus Jeffrey Hahner Term Expires 2016 Brandon DeTraglia Assistant Margaret Walker John Higgins Term Expires 2016 Media Coordinator Janine Hojnoski Term Expires 2016 Thomas Hutchinson Term Expires 2016 CONSTABLES Peter Kolb Term Expires 2016 TOWN CLERK Benjamin J. Nickerson Term Expires 2017 John MacMullan Term Expires 2016 Julie S. Smith Town Clerk Thomas R. Pennypacker, II Suzanne Phillips Term Expires 2016 Paula A. Tobin Assistant Town Clerk Term Expires 2018 Robert Ryder Term Expires 2016 John Proudfoot Term Expires 2016 Lawrence Sampson Term Expires 2016 Mark Simonitsch Term Expires 2016 Paul Tabory Term Expires 2016 Carl Zartman Term Expires 2016 3 Appointed Offices CONSERVATION PERMITS FIRE Kristin M. Andres Conservation Agent Francis Ellingham Permit Clerk Michael Ambriscoe Chief (Retired 2015) Jacqueline Leonard Permit Clerk Peter Connick Deputy Chief Paul Wightman Conservation Agent Doug Nichols Permit Clerk Richard Shevory Fire Inspector Mary M. Fougere Secretary Joanne O’Connell Permit Clerk
Emily Beebe Assistant Conservation FOREST WARDEN Agent/Part-time COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Michael Ambriscoe Deanna Ruffer Director HARBORMASTER Justin Post Building Commissioner/ Stuart F.X. Smith Harbormaster HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Zoning Enforcement Officer/SignAgent Jason Holm Deputy Harbormaster COORDINATOR Jeffrey Chandler Local Building Inspector Susan K. Rocanello Office Manager/Asst. Michael Ambriscoe Ryan Bennett Principal Planner Harbormaster
Michael Ryder Coastal Facilities/Wharfinger EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT John Cauble Emergency Management Anna Brigham Central Permitting ASSISTANT HARBORMASTERS Director Coordinator Chatham Stuart F.X. Smith Emergency Management Kristen Caruso GIS Planner Matthew Archer Term Expires 2015 Deputy Director Michele Clarke Office Manager Robert Byrnes Term Expires 2015 Sarah Clark Secretary Leo Concannon Term Expires 2015 Sarah Provos Secretary OIL POLLUTION AND D. Michael Davis Term Expires 2015 SPILL COORDINATORS Thomas Deeg Term Expires 2015 Stuart F.X. Smith Robert Goley Term Expires 2015 AMERICAN DISABILITIES ACT (All Coastal and Marine Activities) Gregory Goodwin Term Expires 2015 COORDINATOR Michael Ambriscoe (All Inland Activities) Vince Gulotta Term Expires 2015 Kristen Caruso James Horne Term Expires 2015 Matthew Hussey Term Expires 2015 GAS AND PLUMBING INSPECTION PARKS AND RECREATION Mark Lawrence Term Expires 2015 Eric Olkkola Inspector Daniel L. Tobin Director Brooke Paulson Term Expires 2015 Tom David Deputy Inspector Georgia A. Farrell Recreation Program Supervisor Walter Quinn Term Expires 2015 Michael Ryder Term Expires 2015 Suzanne Winkfield Recreation Coordinator SURVEYOR OF WOOD, BARK Peter Sheppard Term Expires 2015 Sharon Stark Youth Services Coordinator AND LUMBER John Summers Term Expires 2015 Helene E. Borges Secretary (Retired 2015) Robert J. Liska Gary Wilder Term Expires 2015 Susan Mabile Secretary
Brian Deveau Community Building WIRING INSPECTION Harwich Supervisor George McManus Inspector William Neiser Term Expires 2015 George Gatzogiannis Community Building Peter Winkler Deputy Inspector Heinz Proft Term Expires 2015 Supervisor John Rendon Term Expires 2015 Tim Sylvia Community Building Supervisor Thomas Telesmanick Term Expires 2015 PRINCIPAL PROJECTS AND
OPERATIONS CEMETERY Orleans Terence M. Whalen Director Linda Goodspeed Secretary Dawson Farber Term Expires 2015 Gardner Jamieson Term Expires 2015 MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS AND Greg Normandy Term Expires 2015 GROUNDS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS, Nathan Sears Term Expires 2015 Norman E. Whelan Assistant Facilities WATER & SEWER DEPARTMENTS Jeffrey S. Colby Director Superintendent Pam Jones Office Administrator HEALTH Gary J. Kaser Robin Young Secretary Judith H. Giorgio Health Agent John Custodie Gerald Friend Emily Beebe Health Inspector/Part-time Lori Powell Kenneth Friend Dianne E. Langlois Secretary Mary Rogers Brian Gates Brian Powers POLICE Paul White HERRING WARDEN Mark R. Pawlina Chief Donald St. Pierre John Cauble Deputy Chief Michael Anderson Lieutenant Margaret McDonough Animal Control Officer(Retir ed 2015) Diane Byers Animal Control Officer Melanie Boutin Secretary 4 Appointed Offices TREE WARDEN & SUPERINTENDENT LANDFILL PUBLIC WEIGHERS OF INSECT AND PEST CONTROL Mark Mehall Supervisor Jeffrey Colby Daniel L. Tobin David Laurie David Laurie Steven Leavenworth Steven T. Leavenworth Richard Putnam Jennifer Underwood Jennifer Underwood
Committees/Boards/Commissions
AFFORDABLE HOUSING BIKEWAYS COMMITTEE CABLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE Shirley L. Smith, Chairman Ronald B. Holmes, Chairman Huntley Harrison, Chairman Term Expires 2017 Term Expires 2018 Term Expires 2016 Bruce Bean Term Expires 2018 James Perry Ponte Term Expires 2017 Lisa Franz Term Expires 2017 Rev. Nancy Bischoff Term Expires 2016 Karen McPherson Term Expires 2018 Richard Garvin Term Expires 2018 Echo Karras Term Expires 2017 Douglas J. Nichols Term Expires 2016
Karolyn McClelland Term Expires 2018 Deborah M. Swenson Term Expires 2016 CAPE COD COMMISSION Irene Van Duyn Term Expires 2018 Steven B. Wardle Term Expires 2017 Michael J. Skelley Term Expires 2018 David Widing Term Expires 2017
AFFORDABLE HOUSING CAPE COD MUNICIPAL HEALTH BOARD OF TRUSTEES BOARD OF HEALTH GROUP BOARD Robert F. Denn Term Expires 2016 Edwin “Ted” Whittaker, Chairman Gerry Panuczak Until Work Completed Jeffrey S. Dykens Term Expires 2016 Term Expires 2017 John Kelleher Term Expires 2016 Ronald C. Broman Term Expires 2018 Cory J. Metters Term Expires 2018 Mary Ann Gray Term Expires 2016 CAPE LIGHT COMPACT Dean P. Nicastro Term Expires 2018 Edward W. Sheehan Term Expires 2017 Peter Cocolis Until Work Completed Timothy L. Roper Term Expires 2016 Dr. Allen Ward Term Expires 2018
Seth T. Taylor Term Expires 2017 CAPE & VINEYARD ELECTRIC BARNSTABLE COUNTY COASTAL COOPERATIVE AIRPORT COMMISSION RESOURCES COMMITTEE John H. Scott Until Work Completed Peter Donovan, Chairman Robert A. Duncanson Until Work Completed
Term Expires 2016 CEMETERY COMMISSION Michael Geylin Term Expires 2017 George W. Jr. Goodspeed, Chairman Huntley Harrison Term Expires 2018 BARNSTABLE COUNTY TECHNICAL Term Expires 2018 Paula Lofgren Term Expires 2017 ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON Stephen A. Hart Term Expires 2017 Nancy Patterson Term Expires 2017 DREDGING Susan Whitcomb Term Expires 2016 Craig Pennypacker Term Expires 2016 Theodore L. Keon Until Work Completed Tom Wilson Term Expires 2018 Stuart F.X. Smith, Alternate Until Work Completed COMMITTEE FOR THE DISABLED
John Poignand, Chairman ASSESSORS Term Expires 2017 Robert B. Franz, Chairman CAPE COD JOINT TRANSPORTATION Carol “Jill” Holmes Term Expires 2018 Term Expires 2017 COMMITTEE Terry Whalen Until Work Completed Robert Hughes Term Expires 2017 Thomas (Nick) Brown Term Expires 2016 Robert Lear Term Expires 2017
John Raye Term Expires 2017 John Burke Term Expires 2018 CAPE COD NATIONAL SEASHORE George Snider, Jr. Term Expires 2016 ADVISORY COMMITTEE Ragnhild Bjerke, Associate Joseph Craig Term Expires 2016 AUNT LYDIA’S COVE
Kenneth Eldredge, Chairman CAPE COD REGIONAL TECHNICAL Term Expires 2016 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION HIGH SCHOOL Gregory J. Connors Term Expires 2016 COMMITTEE DISTRICT COMMITTEE Doug Feeney Term Expires 2017 Debbie Aikman, At Large James M. Upson Term Expires 2018 Mark Liska Term Expires 2017 Term Expires 2017 James F. Nash Term Expires 2018 Bruce Bean, Affordable Housing Joel Rottner Term Expires 2018 CAPE COD REGIONAL Term Expires 2018 Darren Saletta Term Expires 2018 TRANSIT AUTHORITY Victor DiCristina, Land Bank Open Space Committee Jill Goldsmith Until Work Completed Term Expires 2017
5 Committees/Boards/Commissions COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE COMMITTEE Paul Brown, Chairman Term Expires 2017 Bob Dubis, Planning Board Luther Bates, Chairman Term Expires 2018 Joanne Donoghue Term Expires 2016 Term Expires 2017 Stephen Buckley Term Expires 2018 Kathleen (CeCe) Motz Term Expires 2018 Jane Moffet, Historical Commission Walter Bush Term Expires 2018 Janice O’Connell Term Expires 2017 Term Expires 2016 Michael Gorman Term Expires 2017 Marilyn Sneden Term Expires 2016 Alan Mowry, Housing Authority George Khalil Term Expires 2017 Margaret Stenberg Term Expires 2018 Term Expires 2017 Darren Saletta Term Expires 2016 Ann Wade Term Expires 2016 Ira Seldin, Park & Recreation Commission Jack Zillox Term Expires 2017
Term Expires 2016 ENERGY COMMITTEE Richard Stenberg, At Large John H. Scott, Chairman Term Expires 2018 INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE Term Expires 2018 Peter K. Cocolis Term Expires 2016 COMMITTEE Dr. Michael Tompsett, Conservation Katherine McClellan Term Expires 2017 Brad Schiff, Chairman Term Expires 2017 Commission Term Expires 2017 Robert Wirtshafter Term Expires 2018 Janet Fields Term Expires 2017
Jennifer Gibbs Term Expires 2018
Nicole Gullotti Term Expires 2016 CONSERVATION COMMISSION FINANCE COMMITTEE Danielle Jeanloz Term Expires 2016 Dr. Michael Tompsett, Chairman Kenneth F. Sommer, Chairman John King Term Expires 2017 Term Expires 2017 Term Expires 2017 Sarah Kay Bryce Term Expires 2018 Norma Avellar Term Expires 2016 Richard Drury Term Expires 2017 Roslyn B. Coleman Term Expires 2018 INSURANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE C. Christopher Janien Term Expires 2018 John Crea Term Expires 2017 Richard E. Hunter Until Work Completed Joseph Scarlatelli Term Expires 2016 Stephen Daniel Term Expires 2017
Betsy Sommer Term Expires 2016 Florence Seldin Term Expires 2018 LAND BANK OPEN SPACE James “Buck”Upson Term Expires 2017 Jo Ann Sprague Term Expires 2018 COMMITTEE Dawn Boynton, Associate Steve West Term Expires 2016 George W. Cooper, Chairman Term Expires 2016 John L. Whelan Term Expires 2016 Term Expires 2016 Judith Peterson, Associate Victor Di Cristina Term Expires 2016 Term Expires 2016 GOLF ADVISORY COMMITTEE John (Jack) Farrell Term Expires 2018 Bruce Bogardus, Chairman Hrant “Hank” Russian Term Expires 2018 CONSTABLES FOR THE TOWN Term Expires 2017 Ali van der Burg Term Expires 2017 Benjamin J. Nickerson Term Expires 2017 Carl Bertolino Term Expires 2017 David Doherty, Alternate Term Expires 2016 Thomas R. Pennypacker, II Stephen Kuzma Term Expires 2018
Term Expires 2018 Edward Boyce Term Expires 2016 LOCAL STATE BUILDING CODE John Proudfoot Term Expires 2016 Roger Sullivan Term Expires 2017 BOARD OF APPEALS Larry Sampson Term Expires 2016 COUNCIL ON AGING HISTORIC BUSINESS DISTRICT David R. Crockett Term Expires 2017 Carole DeCristopher, Chairman COMMITTEE Peter Polhemus Term Expires 2018 Term Expires 2017 Daniel A. Sylver, Chairman
Martha Batchelder Term Expires 2016 Term Expires 2017 NORTH BEACH ADVISORY COMMITTEE Joseph Gagliano Term Expires 2018 Stephen Burlingame Term Expires 2018 Donna G. Lumpkin Until Work Completed Audrey E. Gray Term Expires 2018 Darci Sequin Term Expires 2016 Thomas A. Olson, Chairman Betty Magnusson Term Expires 2016 Theodore P. Streibert Term Expires 2017 Until Work Completed Barbara Segall Term Expires 2017 Lynn Van Dine Weller Term Expires 2017 Ted Keon, Advisor Until Work Completed David Speciale Term Expires 2016 Ali van der Burg, Alternate Term Expires 2016
Jackson Smith, Alternate Term Expires 2016 PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION CULTURAL COUNCIL Meredith Fry, Vice Chairman Cecile Maranhas, Chairman Term Expires 2016 Term Expires 2017 HISTORICAL COMMISSION Robert Becker Term Expires 2016 Sally Campbell Term Expires 2016 Frank A. Messina, Chairman Kimberley Robbins Term Expires 2018 Nancy Gothie Term Expires 2018 Term Expires 2018 Michael D. Ryder Term Expires 2017 Winnie Lear Term Expires 2018 Donald Aikman Term Expires 2016 Ira Seldin Term Expires 2018 Linda Middleton Term Expires 2018 William E. Manley Term Expires 2017 Faith Rushnak Term Expires 2017 Jane Moffett Term Expires 2017 Linda Saunders Term Expires 2018 Robert D. Oliver Term Expires 2016 Pam Weiler Term Expires 2018 Sandi Porter Term Expires 2018 Lynne Van Dine Weller Term Expires 2018 Benjamin Smolenski Term Expires 2016 Stephanie Hamilton, Alternate
Term Expires 2016 6 Committees/Boards/Commissions PLANNING BOARD SHELLFISH ADVISORY COMMITTEE TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE Peter Cocolis, Chairman Term Expires 2017 Jamie Bassett, Chairman Term Expires 2017 Dick Hunter Until Work Completed Stephen Burlingame Term Expires 2016 James E. Blanchfield Term Expires 2016 Ronald C. Meservey, Chairman Robert W. Dubis Term Expires 2017 John Garey Term Expires 2018 Until Work Completed Kathryn Halpern Term Expires 2018 Barry Greco Term Expires 2016 Janet C. Newton Until Work Completed Diane Holt Term Expires 2018 David C. Likos Term Expires 2016 Richard J. Stacey Until Work Completed John D. Marsh Term Expires 2018 Wendy Homer Term Expires 2017 Tom Doane Until Work Completed Robert Wirtshafter Term Expires 2018 Stephen A. Wright Term Expires 2016
WATER & SEWER ADVISORY PLEASANT BAY RESOURCE SOUTH COASTAL HARBOR COMMITTEE MANAGEMENT ALLIANCE MANAGEMENT Larry Sampson, Chairman STEERING COMMITTEE Michael Westgate, Chairman Term Expires 2016 Jane Harris Until Work Completed Until Work Completed Debbie Aikman Term Expires 2017 Charles J. Bartlett, Alternate Ernest Eldredge Until Work Completed Charles J. Bartlett Term Expires 2018 Until Work Completed Dean W. Ervin Until Work Completed George Cooper Term Expires 2016 Thomas G. King Until Work Completed Michael Skelley Term Expires 2017
David Likos Until Work Completed PUBLIC CEREMONIES George Olmsted Until Work Completed Carol Abel Term Expires 2017 WATERWAYS ADVISORY Martha Stone Until Work Completed Douglas Ann Bohman Term Expires 2018 COMMITTEE Robert B. Franz Term Expires 2018 John Heuther, Chairman Term Expires 2016 SUMMER RESIDENTS ADVISORY Edward D. Conway Term Expires 2016 COMMITTEE RAILROAD MUSEUM David G. Davis Term Expires 2017 Michael Waters, Chairman WORKING GROUP Richard Hosmer Term Expires 2017 Term Expires 2018 James Aaron Until Work Completed Timothy Linnell Term Expires 2018 Bob Champlin Term Expires 2017 Donald Aikman Until Work Completed Donald St. Pierre Term Expires 2016 Katherine D. Flynn Term Expires 2018 Eugene Guild Until Work Completed Peter W. Taylor Term Expires 2018 Harold C. Kraus Term Expires 2016 John E. Gulow Until Work Completed Jill N. MacDonald Term Expires 2018 Stephen Hart Until Work Completed ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Katherine A. Malfa Term Expires 2016 Roland (Ron) Kelley Until Work Completed Joseph F. Craig, Term Expires 2016 Hugh G. Moulton Term Expires 2016 William Koerner Until Work Completed Donald Freeman Term Expires 2018 Colette B. Trailor, Ph.D. Term Expires 2017 Ryder Martin Until Work Completed Robert B. Hessler, Chairman Philip A. Richardson Term Expires 2017 Ralph Pape Until Work Completed Term Expires 2017 Joel Rottner Term Expires 2017 William Tuxbury Until Work Completed David S. Nixon Term Expires 2016 Peter J. Tarrant Term Expires 2018 Malcolm L. Ward Until Work Completed David Veach Term Expires 2018 Christina Dykstra Mead, Associate Happy Van Sickle, Associate Term Expires 2016 Term Expires 2016 Jamie Meehan, Associate Term Expires 2016 Rick Leavitt, Associate Term Expires 2016 Paul Semple, Associate Term Expires 2016
In Memoriam 2015
Joseph C. Avellar Edward M. Fouhy Elizabeth (Libby) Mottur Iylah Barbara Brown Leona H. Goodspeed Howard G. Norcross G. Valarie Buck Russell Haddleton Mary Olmsted I. Thomas Buckley Louise Holland Thomas R. Patton III Claire E. Dubis Thomas Hutchinson Audrey N. Savin Joseph Fennell Stephen B. King Berjouhi Spencer Ellen Ford Keith Zibrat
7 Board of Selectmen alendar year 2015 was notable in many federal agencies to support airport and mu- and unnecessary expensive investments in Crespects for the Town of Chatham. nicipal operations. The FAA strongly argued infrastructure. Both Towns are working on the The Town continued its long history of that skydiving is a sanctioned activity at our terms of an acceptable inter-municipal agree- prudent financial management. Town meeting airport and can be conducted safely. The ment that would govern the potential future use approved an operating budget that increased Board of Selectmen realizes the importance by Harwich of Chatham’s wastewater facility. less than 2% over fiscal year 2015. The of viable airport operations to our Town’s The Town’s investment in renewable property tax rate was increased by 3 cents to overall economic health. However, a citizens energy generated 2,500,000 kWh in 2015, $5.02 per thousand (FY2016). The property group filed litigation challenging the safety offsetting 75% of the Town’s electrical de- tax rate remains the lowest of any town on of the activity at Chatham’s municipal airport mand, with a net benefit of $225,000. Cape Cod. The Town’s bond rating was re- and the awarding of a skydiving contract The West Chatham roadway project is affirmed by Standard and Poor’s at a stellar remains in abeyance. nearer to completion as the project reached the AAA rating. Maintaining the Town’s strong 75% design phase. In the best case scenario, financial position remains as one of the high- construction will begin in summer of 2017. est priorities for the Board of Selectmen. The Board has been The Board wrestled with the dearth of Many issues from years past continue to downtown Main Street parking during our confront the Town. Of most import is the fortunate indeed to work peak summer season. After proposing a two ongoing controversy over which party, the hour limit for on-street summer season park- Federal government or the Commonwealth with a professional Town ing the Board re-considered its position and of Massachusetts together with the Town of Manager and an extremely supported the creation of a citizen’s group to Chatham, owns, controls, and manages the further study the problem. Led by members of waters west of the Monomoy National Wild- dedicated Town staff. the Merchants Association and the Chamber life Refuge. During 2015 the Town success- of Commerce this group will make recom- fully negotiated an agreement with the US mendations to the Board that will potentially Fish and Wildlife Service that preserved local xxThe Board of Selectmen dealt with other impact downtown parking in 2017. control over the waters east of a line drawn important and less contentious issues through- The Board made many appointments to from the Morris Island weather station to the out the year. The Board continued the Town’s its regulatory boards including the Conserva- Monomoy light house. However, ownership historical commitment to invest in infrastruc- tion Commission, the Airport Commission, and control over the waters west of the refuge ture and needed capital improvements. the Planning Board and the Historic Business remains undecided. Working with our state The construction of the new Fire Station District Committee. Many new volunteers and federal legislative delegations and the commenced after the site on Depot Street were appointed to the numerous committees Attorney General’s office of the Common- was treated and declared safe from the effects that are so valuable and necessary to support wealth, the Board of Selectmen pursues a leg- of subsurface contamination related to a the work of the Town and of the Board of islative solution that it hopes will be ascen- gasoline spill which occurred years ago. The Selectmen. The Board of Selectmen thanks dant over the need to file expensive and time new state-of-the-art Fire Station is expected our volunteers for their service to the Town. consuming litigation to resolve this dispute. to come on line in the summer of 2016. The Board welcomed two new members The Board of Selectmen spent a consider- The Town continued its commitment to in 2015. Cory Metters who served admirably able amount of time working on a sidewalk water quality and to the protection of our pre- on the Town’s Planning Board and Dean plan focused primarily on Stage Harbor Road cious environment as Phase 1A of the waste- Nicastro who served faithfully on the Town’s and Bridge Street that addressed the needs water management plan was implemented. Finance Committee ran unopposed and were of all the citizens of Chatham. Striking a This phase focuses on the Oyster Pond and elected in May 2015. They replaced Florence compromise with our many engaged property Little Mill Pond watersheds. Seldin and Sean Summers who were both owners, the Board voted to install sidewalks The Mitchell River Bridge project con- stalwarts on the Board of Selectmen. on Bridge Street and a four foot walking tinued unabated when weather permitted. The Board has been fortunate indeed to lane on Stage Harbor Road completing its The unique draw bridge over the waters that work with a professional Town Manager vision of a pedestrian friendly walking route connect Stage Harbor and the Mill Ponds is and an extremely dedicated Town staff. The throughout Chatham’s scenic ‘Loop’. How- scheduled to be completed in June of 2016. work of the Board of Selectmen as we create ever, a legal challenge to the manner in which The skateboard park in Volunteer Park policy and provide strategic direction for the the Town took easements in 1997 requisite was completed and came on line for use by Town coherent with the Town’s Charter is for sidewalk construction along these roads our community in December of 2015. made much easier given the input and guid- threatens the plan’s viability. The Muddy Creek project, undertaken in ance of our talented municipal employees. The issue over the appropriateness of conjunction with the Town of Harwich, com- The hard work of the Town’s employees is skydiving at our municipal airport also con- menced in 2015. Supported by federal grants, very much appreciated. tinued. The Board of Selectmen through the the project increases the saltwater tidal flow The Board of Selectmen will continue to Town Manager issued an RFP for skydiving into the Monomoy River by enlarging the work to enhance the quality of life for all its vendors after extensive deliberation with culverts that run under Route 28. The project citizens in this wonderful Town. The Board wel- legal counsel and an airport consultant. The is expected to be completed by June 2016. comes and appreciates the strong engagement of Board’s position reflected the input received Discussions with the Town of Harwich on our public as we strive together to improve our that the activity could be conducted safely the sharing of capacity at Chatham’s waste- lives in this beautiful and unique community. and recognized the import of the financial water treatment facility continued. The stated Respectfully submitted, support the Town has received, and will desire of the discussions is to utilize existing Jeffrey S. Dykens, Chairman continue to receive, from the FAA and other regional capacity and to avoid duplicative 8 Town Manager
feel very privileged to have served as your Recreation, and Town Clerk also accept Natural Resources) and State Representative ITown Manager in 2015, my 4th year – and credit/debit cards for a minimal transaction Peake to our Washington DC delegation con- the 303rd year of our great community! fee. All on-line payment options as well tributed to making this a high priority issue We have made great efforts to provide 24/7 as debit/credit transactions are processed and USFWS administratively agreeing with access to Town departments – via Town’s through a third party secure site. Added the Town on the Eastern Boundary. When the website www.chatham-ma.gov and improved this year were on-line sewer connection Final Report was presented in late Fall, the speed for such via the Town’s use of the applications and inspections, and other MA Attorney General’s Office agreed with Open Cape Fiber Network. The website is permits are soon to follow. the Town’s position relating to the Western now more accessible using a smart phone Boundary jurisdiction of the Commonwealth or tablet device and meetings are available We have worked to and the limited review by USFWS of relevant on demand via the Channel 18 link. The documents. Such comments were filed in public has even greater access to meeting provide the public December 2015. The Record of Decision by information – agendas, packets, and minutes USFWS is still pending as of the writing of via the Town’s meeting calendar greater insight into this report. www.mytowngovernment.org/02633 on Town-wide operations. Our updated financial policies and conser- the main page of the Town’s website. vative financial management efforts resulted Additionally this Annual Report as well as in the reaffirmation of our excellent AAA the prior three years is available on the Town Many strategic planning efforts continued bond rating by Standard and Poor’s in June Manager’s web page – www.chatham-ma. in partnership with the Board of Selectmen 2015. Such rating means extremely strong gov/Public_Documents/ChathamMA_ (BOS). As noted in the BOS Annual Report, capacity to meet financial commitments; Manager/index much work was done on strategic land-use Highest Rating. Attributing to its affirmation, The FY2016 (July 1, 2015-June 30, 2016) planning and capital facilities. Such in- the rating agency noted the Town’s commit- budget and financial planning efforts are cluded continuation of the Route 28 Corridor ment to sound fiscal policies, strong financial highlighted on the Town’s website in Budget Land Use Visioning Project (Crowell Rd to management, and trust in the officials and Central. The Town Manager Budget Message Harwich), and the West Chatham Roadway professional staff. includes a look at the previous year as well as Design Project (Barn Hill Rd to George Ryder Since 2012, our annual kick-off of the future forecasts in consideration of economic Rd). Following Town approval in the fall of budget process begins with a Budget Summit. conditions and a conscious effort to contain 2013 for the new Fire Station Headquarters The FY2017 Budget Summit was held on the Town’s tax rate to limited growth – the project, the anticipated completion (move-in) October 13, 2015. Multi-year financial most recent Budget Book can be reviewed at is scheduled for June 2016. Much of 2015 forecasts and assumptions were reviewed and www.chatham-ma.gov/Public_Documents/ was directed to maintaining existing Town updated for the 2017 fiscal year and beyond, ChathamMA_Budget/FY2017/Budget%20 facilities with a focus on public access to as well as an examination of financial 2017.pdf Budget summaries from FY2001 to waterfront infrastructure such as the property indicators for revenues and cost controls. current are also available in Budget Central. at 90 Bridge Street acquired in 2015, and Fish Participants included the Board of Selectmen, We have worked to provide the public Pier facility improvements. In addition, work Finance Committee, Monomoy Regional greater insight into Town-wide operations. by the State continued on the Mitchell River School District (MRSD) Committee/ The Town Manager’s page provides links Bridge project with an expected opening date Administration, and Department Heads. to the Monthly Reports to the Board of in June 2016. Town drinking water facility im- Also discussed were financial trends, prior Selectmen (BOS) now in its fourth year. This provements were also discussed in late 2015. recommendations by the Finance Committee information is the precursor to a State grant We continued advocacy of the Town’s and upcoming funding priorities. Discussion we received for Performance Management jurisdictional boundary position related to the at the recent Summit focused on the Town’s – data collected for “inputs” used for US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Draft liability for “other post-employment benefits” better policy, management, and financial Comprehensive Conservation Plan and En- (OPEB) as it relates to health insurance decisions. The data collected also provided vironmental Impact Statement for Monomoy for retired Town employees. The BOS for more budget information to be presented National Wildlife Refuge. With all recogniz- established an OPEB Trust Committee and graphically – of particular note for FY2017 ing the Town has been a good steward of funding was again contributed in 2015 via http://www.town.chatham.ma.us/Public_ Monomoy for many generations, the primary Town Meeting. These presentations and Documents/ChathamMA_Manager/index issue is ownership – as the Commonwealth OPEB actuarial report can be found on In 2015, we worked to enhance payment owns the submerged lands and the Town Budget Central. Such collaboration was opportunities for Town transactions. In manages the open waters in conjunction with again evident in the 2015 Summer Residents addition to providing on-line credit and the Commonwealth – i.e. the refuge and wil- Advisory Committee “Score Card” with the debit payments for property and excise tax derness boundary limit is at mean low water. financial leadership receiving high marks. bills, Town departments such as the Beach/ In April, a visit by Town officials (Chair- The financial presentations and scorecard Transfer Sticker Permit Office, Moorings, man Summers, Town Manager, Director of results demonstrated cohesion and shared (continued next page)
9 Town Manager, cont. vision for financial matters by our Summer program is flourishing and many projects means to address wastewater nitrogen within Resident Representatives which remains a were undertaken utilizing our Chatham jointly shared watersheds to Muddy Creek. significant collaboration since 2012. Further, talent. In 2015, participants worked 755 This joint venture will provide an opportunity working in partnership with our employee hours in 8 different departments completing for some of the capital costs on Chatham unions, settlements were reached in 2015 with projects that would not be achievable with taxpayers related to the new treatment facility three of the four Town Unions providing for Town staffing. Similar to previous years, to be offset by Harwich. enhanced performance, services, and greater $10,000 is earmarked for this program. controls of future cost liabilities such as Renewable Energy health insurance contributions and elimination Wastewater/Sewer Project With a total of four renewable energy/solar or reduction of buybacks/pay-outs. The first contract (1C-1) in the multi-year, installations becoming fully operational in Town Departments have been very multi-contract Phase 1C was completed in calendar year 2015, the Town moves toward successful in obtaining grants; notably in 2015. Funded at the 2013 and 2014 Annual generation of 75% of total energy demand at 2015 was the Stage Harbor Old Mill Boat Town Meetings, these contracts target the municipal facilities from renewable energy Yard (OMBY) Improvement Project Grant restoration of Oyster Pond and Little Mill sources in the upcoming year. The net Funding. After more than four years of Pond watersheds. These water bodies are benefits from the three new PV projects was application submissions, the Town was highly impacted by excessive nutrients. approximately $225,000 in the first full year awarded a $1 million Coastal Infrastructure Additional benefits will result as improved of operation and is on target for over $3.6 Construction grant from the Seaport water quality in Oyster Pond and Little million in financial benefit cumulatively by Economics Council (SEC) in November 2015. Mill Pond propagates throughout the Stage the end of the power purchase agreements The project will repair serious deficiencies in Harbor System. Design and permitting work at year 20. In 2015, the Town continued CHATHAM ANNUAL REPORT 2015 the existing facility and provide for enhanced continue on contracts 1C-2 to 5. Construction to participate in other renewable energy public use and berthing opportunities for on these contracts is expected to finish by initiatives such as “off-taker” agreements the boating public. Construction costs are the end of 2018. As with previous contracts, to receive net metering credits. Additional estimated at $1,540,000. The Town was it is expected these will qualify for 0% SRF efforts to save energy and operational costs previously awarded a grant for $102,750 for funding from the State. are incorporated in the design of the new Fire final engineering and permitting which is The Muddy Creek Restoration Bridge Station Headquarters project which includes nearing completion. The Town has already Project, a joint effort of Chatham and high efficiency measures: LED lighting, appropriated $350,000 toward our total project Harwich along with State and Federal water boilers and heating and cooling cost share as required, and an additional agencies, got underway in 2015 with the systems. Upon completion of the project the $200,000 will be requested in FY2017 to selection of the General Contractor. Actual Town will seek incentive rebates from the fully fund the project for costs not covered by construction began in November with utility Cape Light Compact (CLC). grants received. Contract award is estimated relocations (gas, telephone, electric). Bridge As we look back on the year, it is to occur in spring/summer 2016 with construction will continue until mid-May important to acknowledge the many construction to begin in the fall/winter 2016. 2016, when the project is scheduled for dedicated and hardworking Town employees completion. The Project Team was successful who strive to retain the Town’s unique Senior Tax Work-off Program in obtaining a NOAA grant of $300,000; culture, tradition, and excellent customer In 2015, we embarked on Year 3 of the bringing total grants received for the project service while working to enhance technology program which provides senior taxpayers to $4.6M. After 10+ years of planning and to provide essential Town services. We are with property tax relief – an opportunity study this important environmental project here to serve you 24/7 and welcome your to receive a tax abatement of up to $500 will be completed. input on how we can serve you better. annually by sharing intellectual and lifetime Chatham and Harwich continue to evaluate Respectfully submitted, experiences by working with Town staff. The the use of the Chatham treatment facility as a Jill R. Goldsmith, Town Manager
10 CHATHAM ANNUAL REPORT 2015 ★ ★ ★ Annual Financial Reports and Town Employees Annual Wages
11 Finance Department
n accordance with the provisions of Chapter 41 §61 of the Massachusetts General Laws, I hereby submit a report for the Ireceipts and expenditures for the Town of Chatham for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2015 unless otherwise stated. Also included is a balance sheet and miscellaneous financial reports. Respectfully submitted, Alexandra Heilala, Finance Director
Town of Chatham – Combined Balance Sheet – All Fund Types Account Groups – June 30, 2015
12 Town of Chatham – Balance Sheet June 30, 2015 – General Fund
13 Town of Chatham – Balance Sheet June 30, 2015 – General Fund
14 2015 General Fund Appropriations and Expenditure Ledger and Expenditure Appropriations Fund 2015 General Town of Chatham – Town
15 2015 General Fund Appropriations and Expenditure Ledger and Expenditure Appropriations Fund 2015 General Town of Chatham – Town
16 2015 General Fund Appropriations and Expenditure Ledger and Expenditure Appropriations Fund 2015 General Town of Chatham – Town
17 2015 General Fund Appropriations and Expenditure Ledger and Expenditure Appropriations Fund 2015 General Town of Chatham – Town
18 2015 General Fund Appropriations and Expenditure Ledger and Expenditure Appropriations Fund 2015 General Town of Chatham – Town
19 2015 General Fund Appropriations and Expenditure Ledger and Expenditure Appropriations Fund 2015 General Town of Chatham – Town
20 2015 General Fund Appropriations and Expenditure Ledger and Expenditure Appropriations Fund 2015 General Town of Chatham – Town
21 Town of Chatham – Balance Sheet June 30, 2015 – Special Revenue Fund
22 Town of Chatham – Balance Sheet June 30, 2015 – Special Revenue Funds
23 Town of Chatham – Balance Sheet June 30, 2015 – Special Revenue Funds
Town of Chatham – Balance Sheet June 30, 2015 – Community Preservation Fund
24 Town of Chatham – Balance Sheet June 30, 2015 – Special Revenue Funds – School
25 Combining WTB – SRFs – Fiscal 2015 WTB – SRFs Fiscal Combining Town of Chatham – Town
26 Combining WTB – SRFs – Fiscal 2015 WTB – SRFs Fiscal Combining Town of Chatham – Town
27 Combining WTB – SRFs – Fiscal 2015 WTB – SRFs Fiscal Combining Town of Chatham – Town
28 Combining WTB – SRFs – Fiscal 2015 WTB – SRFs Fiscal Combining Town of Chatham – Town
29 Combining WTB – SRFs – Fiscal 2015 WTB – SRFs Fiscal Combining Town of Chatham – Town
30 Combining WTB – SRFs – Fiscal 2015 WTB – SRFs Fiscal Combining Town of Chatham – Town
31 Combining WTB – SRFs – Fiscal 2015 WTB – SRFs Fiscal Combining Town of Chatham – Town
32 Combining WTB – SRFs – Fiscal 2015 WTB – SRFs Fiscal Combining Town of Chatham – Town
33 Combining WTB – SRFs – Fiscal 2015 WTB – SRFs Fiscal Combining Town of Chatham – Town
34 Combining WTB – SRFs – Fiscal 2015 WTB – SRFs Fiscal Combining Town of Chatham – Town
35 Combining WTB – SRFs – Fiscal 2015 WTB – SRFs Fiscal Combining Town of Chatham – Town
36 Town of Chatham – Balance Sheet June 30, 2015 – Capital Projects – General
Town of Chatham – Balance Sheet June 30, 2015 – Capital Projects – Water
37 Town of Chatham – Balance Sheet June 30, 2015 – Water Fund
38 Water Fund Appropriations & Expenditures – Year Ended June 30, 2015 Ended June Year – & Expenditures Appropriations Fund Water Town of Chatham – Town
39 Town of Chatham – Balance Sheet June 30, 2015 – Trust Funds
40 Town of Chatham – Balance Sheet June 30, 2015 – Agency Funds
41 Town of Chatham – Balance Sheet June 30, 2015 – Enterprise Fund
Town of Chatham – Balance Sheet June 30, 2015 – Debt – Water
42 Town of Chatham – General Fund – Revenues, Expenditures & Changes in Fund Equity – Year Ended June 30, 2015
43 Transfer Schedule – Year Ended June 30, 2015 Ended June Year – Schedule Transfer Town of Chatham – Town
44 Town of Chatham – State Local Receipts – Budget vs. Actual – Year Ended June 30, 2015
45 Town of Chatham – Balance Sheet June 30, 2015 – Debt – General
46 Town of Chatham – 2015 Annual Wages Name Regular Overtime Longevity Details Other Total
TOWN MANAGER Goldsmith, Jill R 164,186.58 1,300.00 165,486.58 Nealy, Shanna E 53,416.56 350.00 117.00 53,883.56
HUMAN RESOURCES Panuczak, Gerald P 86,769.44 350.00 2,622.40 89,741.84
FINANCE - ACCOUNTING Heilala, Alexandra H 105,489.36 3,712.40 109,201.76 Serijan, Cheryl L 65,603.20 65,603.20 Lanctot, Mary M 40,359.90 40,359.90
FINANCE - ASSESSORS Kelley, Ardelle P 17,950.40 17,950.40 Machado, Andrew R 42,070.00 600.00 19,701.17 62,371.17 Schaeffer, Cathy M 28,336.00 425.00 6,427.50 35,188.50 Cook, Candace 44,425.50 481.06 425.00 45,331.56
FINANCE - TREASURER/COLLECTOR Menesale, Tawnya K I 6,424.00 6,424.00 Redfield, Louise A 70,012.80 1,500.00 1,463.40 72,976.20 Chmura, Marie A 43,267.63 216.36 43,483.99 Beebe, Anita A 44,207.80 1,400.00 45,607.80
CHANNEL 18 Darmon, Ryan P 53,232.40 53,232.40 DeTraglia, Brandon E 19,162.64 11,001.05 30,163.69 Hull, Michael J 6,118.02 6,118.02 Small, Samuel R 795.84 795.84
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Rowe, Craig 87,193.60 99.84 87,293.44 Cuddy, James 68,307.20 1,500.00 1,413.60 71,220.80
TOWN CLERK Smith, Julie S 70,012.80 1,600.00 1,696.40 73,309.20 Tobin, Paula A 49,595.00 654.06 1,000.00 51,249.06
PERMIT DEPARTMENT Ellingham, Frances J 1,157.26 15,095.49 16,252.75 Leonard, Jacqueline P 351.00 351.00 Nichols, Douglas J 1,476.13 1,476.13 O’Connell, Joanne E 4,314.00 4,314.00
CONSERVATION Wightman, Paul C 3,932.24 3,932.24 Andres, Kristin M 41,010.27 699.96 19,801.36 61,511.59 Fougere, Mary M 44,207.80 10,979.84 1,000.00 56,187.64
PRINCIPAL PROJECTS AND OPERATIONS Whalen, Terence M 92,876.64 500.00 1,764.40 95,141.04
FACILITIES Whelan, Norman 60,923.20 4,745.53 1,700.00 67,368.73 Kaser, Gary 54,038.40 2,445.38 2,000.00 58,483.78 Custodie, John 9,682.72 9,682.72 Powell, Lori 43,492.80 500.00 43,992.80 Rogers, Mary J 43,492.80 39.21 600.00 44,132.01 Silva, Matthew J 28,804.00 213.23 459.34 29,476.57 Burns, Robert E 581.00 581.00
POLICE DEPARTMENT Pawlina, Mark R 149,890.00 21,800.16 171,690.16 Cauble, John D 90,764.40 2,000.00 25,447.36 118,211.76 Boutin, Melanie A 50,523.20 425.00 50,948.20 Cronin, Brendan J 29,086.48 3,248.36 1,343.96 33,678.80 De Oliveira, Amanda M 39,755.47 7,828.24 1,059.12 48,642.83
47 Town of Chatham – 2015 Annual Wages Name Regular Overtime Longevity Details Other Total
POLICE DEPARTMENT Hemeon, Erin C 46,945.22 7,529.71 250.00 1,627.44 56,352.37 Meehan, Jeanine M 45,867.41 15,037.88 350.00 10,084.93 71,340.22 Pentland, Kerrie E 2,876.89 239.76 935.35 4,052.00 Anderson, Michael D 81,390.40 630.80 1,400.00 30,140.17 27,142.98 140,704.35 Amara, Joseph A 47,062.07 7,910.62 14,944.54 7,856.80 77,774.03 Hutton, Andrew P 60,930.27 7,918.94 350.00 11,805.64 3,807.52 84,812.37 Little, William S. J 60,969.39 16,960.14 700.00 38,852.99 16,791.34 134,273.86 Malzone, Louis F 60,969.39 27,771.81 425.00 318.50 22,257.25 111,741.95 Merigan, Christopher R 52,072.84 20,154.02 16,285.53 7,611.72 96,124.11 Murphy, Michael A 60,969.39 10,691.20 500.00 15,347.03 16,433.60 103,941.22 Pasionek, Mark R 30,890.56 6,883.80 10,144.56 1,882.24 49,801.16 Phillips, Geoffrey E 60,617.28 10,831.61 300.00 10,212.67 19,782.97 101,744.53 Powers, Thomas J 60,969.39 44,785.96 300.00 23,953.86 20,615.48 150,624.69 Ryder, Sean P 59,616.45 8,680.14 250.00 11,116.94 13,766.58 93,430.11 Skinner, Brian J 13,163.59 17,296.74 350.00 303.78 14,146.08 45,260.19 Vardakis, Christopher P 51,801.48 24,541.31 11,917.54 3,711.84 91,972.17 Walker, Brendan P 35,277.64 3,225.24 9,444.06 2,285.04 50,231.98 Whittle, John R 60,969.39 13,982.95 2,000.00 83,762.94 3,673.09 164,388.37 Wisniewski, Joshua S 60,969.59 13,128.15 425.00 54,279.98 4,213.14 133,015.86 Glover III, William R 71,942.55 41,282.98 2,000.00 69,402.97 3,318.24 187,946.74 Goddard, Andrew B 71,942.55 36,541.57 1,300.00 1,936.72 22,230.71 133,951.55 Harris, Sarah A 71,942.55 33,350.98 1,000.00 15,047.83 24,244.54 145,585.90 Massey, William G 71,672.63 39,366.73 500.00 7,470.54 22,287.06 141,296.96 Finacom, Robert P 1,447.30 31,713.30 2,823.60 35,984.20 Lynch, Rodney M 13,069.15 13,069.15
ANIMAL CONTROL Byers, Diane M 10,894.75 312.18 11,206.93 McDonough, Margaret 23,394.03 1,344.02 1,416.70 3,437.38 29,592.13
FIRE DEPARTMENT Ambriscoe, Michael 122,676.01 500.00 30,455.12 153,631.13 Connick, Peter E 90,769.92 2,000.00 16,671.20 109,441.12 Depasquale, David M 65,075.26 26,040.17 1,400.00 14,778.45 107,293.88 Flynn, Matthew R 70,772.08 48,832.72 2,000.00 1,607.20 11,981.62 135,193.62 Higgins, Mark A 70,772.08 34,699.66 700.00 660.10 11,556.62 118,388.46 Wirtz, Wallace F. N 70,772.08 42,963.34 1,400.00 11,531.62 126,667.04 Bates, Vance 61,539.68 27,266.13 500.00 401.80 9,649.16 99,356.77 Black, Nicholas W 52,942.15 29,657.71 13,334.44 95,934.30 Clarke, Ryan 61,539.68 31,912.57 350.00 344.40 11,449.16 105,595.81 Delande, William A 61,539.68 41,905.45 1,000.00 631.40 9,719.24 114,795.77 Field, William RC 55,153.69 23,557.48 631.40 9,689.42 89,031.99 Fietz, Harrison R 401.80 701.50 1,103.30 Heller, Mark R 61,539.68 46,799.19 1,200.00 13,614.86 123,153.73 Henderson, Stacey A 61,539.68 35,090.58 700.00 344.40 11,490.04 109,164.70 Holmes, Ryan C 61,539.68 16,374.32 600.00 7,829.14 86,343.14 Hunter, Timothy J 61,539.68 41,836.51 700.00 631.40 9,674.16 114,381.75 Long, Scott A 61,539.68 33,034.78 500.00 539.33 10,449.16 106,062.95 Moore, Kevin J 61,539.68 16,954.35 1,400.00 6,873.98 86,768.01 Ricard, Shawn M 49,427.59 11,576.69 9,350.63 70,354.91 Ruggiere, Nicholas P 52,927.97 20,684.63 235.68 13,847.99 87,696.27 Tavano, Justin T 61,539.68 37,767.00 425.00 471.36 9,949.62 110,152.66 Young, James A 51,149.05 21,629.96 975.80 6,149.94 79,904.75 Shevory, Richard 70,772.08 29,367.50 500.00 373.10 8,652.73 109,665.41 Fellman, Violet A 66,156.54 5,622.07 800.00 631.40 10,715.43 83,925.44 Ready, David 66,156.54 36,704.38 1,800.00 574.00 11,140.43 116,375.35 Silvester, Ralph 66,156.54 51,363.94 500.00 12,990.43 131,010.91 Smith, Gerard C 65,843.29 42,483.43 800.00 1,868.64 8,828.68 119,824.04 Lyman, Constance L 373.10 2,583.36 2,956.46 Pennypacker, Craig H 229.60 360.00 589.60
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Ruffer, Deanna L 101,500.56 1,937.60 103,438.16 Post, Justin J 75,588.80 7.36 75,596.16 Brigham, Anna 47,995.07 47,995.07
48 Town of Chatham – 2015 Annual Wages Name Regular Overtime Longevity Details Other Total
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Clark, Sarah B 38,922.52 2,162.80 300.00 41,385.32 McManus, George F 25,261.60 1,700.30 600.00 27,561.90 Caruso, Kristen M 35,664.56 333.60 35,998.16 Lagg, Paul J 15,429.36 466.66 9,986.50 25,882.52 Chandler, Jeffrey S 34,249.60 34,249.60 Clarke, Michele A 56,680.00 425.00 57,105.00 Olkkola, Eric R 25,261.60 300.00 25,561.60 Bennett, Ryan G 35,900.80 35,900.80 Auvil, Pamela J 332.12 332.12 Provos, Sara E 26,149.43 1,323.30 298.61 27,771.34
NATURAL RESOURCES Duncanson, Robert A 116,854.40 2,000.00 898.88 119,753.28 Griscom, Sarah B 10,436.75 10,436.75 Giorgio, Judith 68,307.20 600.00 68,907.20 Beebe, Emily E H 54,274.41 1,770.15 56,044.56 Norris, Deborah H 502.55 4,151.93 4,654.48 Langlois, Dianne E 44,207.80 2,089.00 2,000.00 48,296.80 Smith, Stuart F 93,953.60 2,000.00 1,806.80 97,760.40 Holm, Jason B 52,602.48 794.64 53,397.12 Ryder, Michael D 644.48 7,863.25 8,507.73 Rocanello, Susan K 65,540.80 1,229.03 1,200.00 67,969.83 Horne, James M 2,160.00 18,625.00 20,785.00 Byrnes, Robert J 6,264.00 6,264.00 Goodwin, Gregory B 1,326.75 6,960.00 8,286.75 Hussey, Matthew D 630.75 4,698.00 5,328.75 Paulsen, Brooke C 232.88 6,097.25 6,330.13 Sheppard, Peter A 232.50 5,890.00 6,122.50 Summers, John B 86.63 9,561.75 9,648.38 Wilder, Gary N 4,975.50 4,975.50 Archer, Matthew T 472.50 8,332.50 8,805.00 Deeg, Thomas J 1,255.50 18,090.00 19,345.50 Goley, Robert C 1,954.00 1,954.00 Lawrence, Mark R 5,692.50 5,692.50 Woods, Jakob M 3,276.00 3,276.00 Keon, Theodore L 70,428.80 1,200.00 1,896.16 73,524.96 St. Pierre, Donald 750.00 750.00 Gagne, Renee D 62,536.00 1,195.60 63,731.60 Hutchinson, Rachel C 53,865.60 53,865.60 Denn, Robert F 1,084.13 1,084.13 Dobbins, Mark P 1,219.13 1,219.13 Felix, Allyson K 892.50 892.50 Hahner, Jeffrey 1,243.01 1,243.01 Hojnoski, Janine A 1,545.00 1,545.00 Hutchinson, Thomas P 855.51 855.51 Kolb, Peter C 5,823.75 5,823.75 MacMullan, John J 4,920.00 4,920.00 Ryder, Robert S 1,803.75 1,803.75 Sampson, Lawrence W 4,878.14 4,878.14 Simonitsch, Mark A 1,441.81 1,441.81 Zartman, Carl K 2,689.70 2,689.70 Doane, Shannon R 3,052.52 3,052.52 Vitale, Dominick J 2,337.52 2,337.52 Phillips, Suzanne 13,055.50 13,055.50 Beetham, Gerald W 3,246.89 3,246.89 Coombs, Joanne 2,151.50 2,151.50 Olson, Thomas A 5,595.75 5,595.75
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT Colby, Jeffrey S 83,991.52 666.66 30,794.37 115,452.55 Rooney, Robert R 29,213.60 3,900.00 33,113.60 White Jr, Paul L 65,540.80 10,320.63 2,000.00 77,861.43 Powers, Brian L 49,046.40 4,114.72 500.00 53,661.12 Friend Jr, Gerald N 52,707.20 6,569.42 500.00 59,776.62 Gates, Brian G 52,707.20 5,381.59 1,200.00 59,288.79 Friend, Kenneth M 56,680.00 5,144.05 2,000.00 63,824.05 Borthwick, Gilbert R 3,760.00 3,760.00
49 Town of Chatham – 2015 Annual Wages Name Regular Overtime Longevity Details Other Total
SNOW AND ICE Barr, Thomas W 276.00 276.00 Coholan, Richard E 840.00 840.00 Lusher, David M 540.00 540.00 Peter, Richard V 696.00 696.00 Welch, Mark C 1,380.00 1,380.00
TRANSFER STATION Mehall, Mark D 54,469.28 54,469.28 Jones, Pamela J 51,284.80 4,687.00 500.00 56,471.80 Young, Robin A 36,836.80 708.90 37,545.70 Laurie, David 56,789.00 551.88 700.00 58,040.88 Leavenworth, Steven T 56,680.00 4,946.41 1,500.00 63,126.41 Underwood, Jennifer L 36,998.72 1,854.60 38,853.32 Putnam, Richard M 34,181.36 2,158.96 36,340.32 Eldredge, Joseph A 3,200.00 1,983.76 9,245.00 14,428.76
CEMETERY Goodspeed, Linda M 11,485.20 11,485.20
COUNCIL ON AGING Speakman, Amanda L 61,777.20 1,197.60 62,974.80 Shea, M. Stephanie 35,673.19 35,673.19 Souza, Eva M 40,668.60 40,668.60 Michniewicz, Nancy A 11,021.50 11,021.50 Forsman, Penny G 8,800.32 8,800.32 Carucci, Kathleen M 12,892.50 12,892.50 Golia, Gerald E 4,706.47 18.06 4,724.53 Hosmer, Richard 714.01 714.01 Kallstrom, Roger W 11,761.90 11,761.90 Robinson, Paul M 4,583.65 4,583.65 Gregory, Patricia A 279.87 279.87 Tripp, Dorothy E 306.44 306.44 Nickerson Jr, Crayton S 10,026.00 500.00 10,526.00 Bastone, Elsa C 507.36 507.36 Campanro/Town of Chatham, Daniel P 507.36 507.36 Curran, Stephen J 507.36 507.36 Douglas, Jennifer A 507.36 507.36 Fiore, Laura V 507.36 507.36 Vreeland, Patricia S 507.36 507.36 Waters, Barbara 507.36 507.36
PARKS AND RECREATION Borges, Helene 17,822.79 1,458.33 145.98 19,427.10 Mabile, Susan M 18,636.01 7,118.95 25,754.96 McCowen, Kristina L 1,749.00 1,749.00 Frederick, Thomas H 4,064.50 4,064.50 Hardigan, Susan T 4,218.50 4,218.50 Jones, Diana Beatrice 3,190.00 3,190.00 Mack, Christopher P 3,459.50 3,459.50 Proudfoot, Jill M 3,355.00 3,355.00 Regan, Richard F 635.25 635.25 Gustafson, Carl R 4,376.25 4,376.25 Deveau, Brian J 10,820.50 125.65 10,946.15 Gatzogiannis, George E 41,765.60 479.02 350.00 42,594.62 Gulotta, Vincent E 607.50 25,618.55 26,226.05 Neiser, William F 3,022.53 3,022.53 Quinn, Walter W 2,990.98 20,184.51 23,175.49 Redmond, Thomas L 2,150.04 2,150.04 Sylvia, Timothy M 19,910.00 784.10 233.31 713.78 21,641.19 White, Joseph C 10,596.96 10,596.96 Tobin, Daniel L 116,854.40 2,000.00 4,247.20 123,101.60 Lucey, Conor T 5,835.00 5,835.00 Van Amson, Katherine P 5,602.50 5,602.50 Verrilli, Andrew J 3,993.38 3,993.38 Sokol, Emily L 1,842.00 1,842.00 Hart, Elizabeth A 4,778.14 4,778.14
50 Town of Chatham – 2015 Annual Wages Name Regular Overtime Longevity Details Other Total
Barnard, Samantha R 4,576.65 4,576.65 Borde, Kathryn V 3,859.63 3,859.63 Briody, Emma E 3,501.51 3,501.51 Burke, Aidan G 4,277.63 4,277.63 Callaghan, India M 1,536.39 1,536.39 Coy, Frances R 4,417.89 4,417.89 Douglass, Elizabeth P 4,388.64 4,388.64 Hano, Peter W 3,137.26 3,137.26 Kelley, Jake F 790.51 790.51 Meshnick, Andrew B 1,082.50 1,082.50 Montgomery, Alise E 2,855.26 2,855.26 Montgomery, Jaime N 2,767.13 2,767.13 Murphy, Joseph J 4,918.40 4,918.40 O’Laughlin, Shannon M 3,028.14 3,028.14 Rosen, Joshua M 3,638.26 3,638.26 Round, Connor M 4,464.26 4,464.26 Spiegel, Katherine M 3,062.52 3,062.52 Taylor, Julia D 4,752.89 4,752.89 Van Amson, Mia A 1,380.63 1,380.63 Walsh, Michael L 1,169.13 1,169.13 Guarente, Laureen J 1,640.63 1,640.63 Kiernan, Charles E 945.00 945.00 Constant, David J 49,046.40 1,700.00 50,746.40 Fougere, Paul L 49,046.40 5,918.60 700.00 55,665.00 Friend, Ronald A 47,313.60 2,259.93 350.00 49,923.53 Fulcher, Jared E 507.38 6,624.75 7,132.13 Fulcher, Jerauld W 37.13 4,469.50 24,506.63 Hanifin, John M 3,777.75 3,777.75 Kendrick, John K 37.13 19,123.75 19,160.88 Mulholland, John J 4,795.50 4,795.50 Farrell, Georgia A 48,991.80 990.00 564.96 50,546.76 Winkfield, Suzanne F 48,991.80 288.75 49,280.55 Stark, Sharon E 48,956.11 412.50 49,368.61 Avellar, Aaron S 1,441.63 1,441.63 Baldwin, Molly E 1,388.63 1,388.63 Callery, Jacqueline L 1,456.88 1,456.88 Camp, Robert J 1,022.50 1,022.50 Concordia, Emmaline G 1,332.38 1,332.38 Corres, Nilda I 1,564.50 1,564.50 Dickson, Emily E 1,514.63 1,514.63 Fox, Dylan R 1,548.75 1,548.75 Grosso, Kayla J 1,472.63 1,472.63 Hyson, Eric L 620.00 620.00 Hyson, Marina G 231.00 231.00 Keenan, Patrick A 1,514.63 1,514.63 Kelemen, Adam D 1,292.50 1,292.50 Menoni, Molly E 1,197.50 1,197.50 Moye, Julius C 1,123.50 1,123.50 Murray, Colin J 1,417.50 1,417.50 Pavlakis, Aleczander J 1,128.13 1,128.13 Sequin, Alexandra M 1,551.38 1,551.38 Whiteley, Kaia G 1,289.63 1,289.63 Callery, Brooke A 1,069.63 1,069.63 Hendrix, Nicholas A 1,112.63 1,112.63 Mazzarelli, Erica M 1,030.13 1,030.13 Zeyen, Lucas F 779.00 779.00 Likos, David C 18,493.81 18,493.81 Barry, Kelly A 2,633.75 2,633.75 Brown, Dylan 1,377.02 1,377.02 Callaghan, Charles G 5,233.77 5,233.77 Paige, Bruce J 1,480.00 1,480.00 Rafuse, John L 1,115.00 1,115.00 Cain, Leo J 7,472.00 7,472.00 Grilli, Curtis J 2,400.00 2,400.00 Niezgoda, Dean A 276.00 4,864.00 5,140.00 Politi, Colin J 162.00 5,913.00 6,075.00 Surowiec, Austin P 4,856.00 4,856.00 Tuminelli, Nicholas F 1,188.00 7,448.00 8,636.00
51 Town of Chatham – 2015 Annual Wages Name Regular Overtime Longevity Details Other Total Stipends AIRPORT COMMISSION Donovan, Peter $400.00 Geylin, Michael $200.00 Harrison, Huntley $200.00 Lofgren, Paula $200.00 Patterson, Nancy $200.00 Pennypacker, Craig $200.00 Rauscher, David S. $200.00 Wilson, Tom $200.00
BOARD OF ASSESSORS Brown, Thomas 1,500.00 Burke, John 1,500.00 Franz, Robert 1,750.00
BOARD OF SELECTMEN Dykens, Jeffrey S 2,312.50 Metters, Cory 1,250.00 Nicastro, Dean 1,250.00 Roper, Timothy L 2,000.00 Seldin, Florence 791.67 Summers, Sean D 895.84 Taylor, Seth T 2,000.00
CEMETERY COMMISSION Goodspeed, George 1,000.00 Hart, Stephan 500.00 Whitcomb, Susan 500.00
MODERATOR Litchfield, William G 600.00
REGISTRARS OF VOTERS LaPorte, Virginia 300.00 Tobin, Frank 300.00
52 CHATHAM ANNUAL REPORT 2015 ★ ★ ★ Annual Town Department/Committee Reports
53 Affordable Housing Airport Commission policies, streamlining the Commission web- site and contact/correspondence. In the near Committee he Airport Commission is regulated by future the Commission will be reviewing the uring the past year, the Affordable Hous- Tthe M.G.L. Chapter 90 and the Federal proposals from qualified engineering firms Ding Committee continued its ongoing Aviation Administration (FAA) and Mas- to make a selection and commencing on a work to foster the creation of affordable sachusetts Department of Transportation review and update of the airport master plan. housing opportunities within Chatham. The Aeronautics Division (Mass DOT) grant The Commission would like to thank our Committee continues to use the Housing assurances, these are available for viewing on Airport Manager Tim Howard for his dedica- Production Plan (approved by the Department our Town website. tion to the facility, also the Chatham Police of Housing and Community Development The Airport Commission along with our Department for their security patrols of the in July 2013) as a guide for our current and Fixed Base Operator (FBO), The Cape Cod airport and the Chatham Highway Depart- future activities. We are currently working on Flying Circus has kept Chatham Municipal ment for runway snow removal. and/or have finished: Airport (CQX) as one of the best maintained In closing we would like to thank our and secure general aviation airports in the Town staff liaison Terry Whalen for his many • a video developed by the Committee show- Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This state- efforts keeping us organized and informed. ing “Faces of Affordable Housing in Cha- ment comes from Mass DOT and who along Respectfully submitted, tham.” Video may be viewed on the Town with the FAA administrator’s regulations Peter Donovan, Chairman website and is shown on Ch. 18. and grant funding for our facility. All federal Huntley Harrison, Vice Chairman • finalizing more video footage to share grant improvement projects are funded as Craig H. Pennypacker, Commissioner with groups of citizens in Town, education follows: FAA 90%, Mass DOT 5% and the Nancy Patterson, Commissioner them on the need for affordable housing in Town of Chatham 5%. These grant percent- Tom Wilson, Commissioner Chatham especially for year round work- ages change year to year based on federal Mike Geylin, Commissioner ers such as police officers, firefighters, and state budgets. All state grant projects are Paula Lofgren, Commissioner teachers, and individuals from the service funded Mass DOT 80% and Town of Cha- community. tham 20%. • develop year round affordable units for the The Airport continues to progress on its Animal Control Officer working members of our community and 20-year master plan, at this time the only those financially vulnerable. grant based project the Airport is pursuing ong time Animal Control Officer Margaret • identify and take advantage of properties is the purchase of a bucket loader for snow L“Meg” McDonough retired in June of that have discounted or nominal costs, such removal to be housed in the recently com- 2015 after a very successful career in serving as Town-owned or tax-foreclosures, to pleted Snow Removal Equipment building. the citizens of Chatham. The new Animal make the development of affordable Currently the Airport Commission is seeking Control Officer (ACO), Diane Byers, took housing more financially feasible. funding from Town Meeting for the local over in September and is working to develop • minimize impacts on the build environment share of the bucket loader as well as funding a strong and positive partnership with the such as accessory apartments, small infill for repairs to the existing hanger/terminal community. developments, or buy-down initiatives that building, the latter of which is not covered ACO Byers brings to Chatham a back- convert existing housing into affordable under grant funding. ground in the fields of Animal Control, units. The FBO through leased operations pro- Biology and Wildlife Management. She also • encourage mixed-income development to vides services that include refueling, flight received specialized training since being minimize stigmas associated with concen- school and sightseeing (Cape Aerial Tours) hired, including the sheltering of pets during tration of affordable units. as well as aircraft maintenance and repairs times of disasters or crisis. She is eager to put (Stick and Rudder). Also the year round and these skills to use. The Committee continues to coordinate independently owned restaurant, Hanger B Please remember to have your cats and our planning activities with the Chatham has become a favorite with pilots, visitors and dogs vaccinated against rabies this year. Housing Authority Executive Director, John locals. This year the FBO sponsored an open Cats and dogs in Chatham are required to Stewart. house on June 13th. This was a great success be licensed and vaccinated. It is especially We thank the citizens of Chatham who and brought many people to the airport to important to have your outside pets collared during the past year have stepped forward to view the aircraft static display, antique car and tagged. assist us with our mission. displays, model railroads and enjoy a barbe- The new ACO has been working with the We look forward in the coming year to cue. The FBO has also participated in many Chatham Animal Welfare Club from Mono- working with other Town committees, local other local events such as the 4th of July moy High School, helping them fundraise agencies and interested citizens to meet the Parade, a number of Chamber of Commerce for local animal welfare organizations and is affordable housing challenges ahead. Events, and sponsored a Valentine’s Day 50’s in the process of becoming familiar with all Respectfully submitted, style hanger dance. local and state animal and wildlife organiza- Shirley L. Smith, Chairman Currently the Airport Commission is in tions and agencies. Karolyn McClelland the process of negotiating the renewal of the The Animal Control Officer would like to Rev. Nancy Bischoff management agreement for the FBO and Air- thank the citizens of Chatham, the Chatham Bruce Beane port Manager. Also a request for proposals Fire Department, the Chatham Department Stephanie Hamilton has been put out for a new airport engineer of Public Works and the Chatham Health Echo Karras contract. Throughout the past year the Com- Department for their assistance during the Irene Van Duyn mission has worked through updating and transition of the new ACO. implementing new airport noise mitigation Respectfully submitted, Chief Mark R. Pawlina
54 Police calls for service – Animal Control b. Observation Deck – It is currently at- • Worked with DPW on the planned repaving tached to the building and this imposes a of a portion of Old Queen Anne Road and potential safety hazard; Observation Deck Old Comers Road to create a wider lane needs to be rebuilt as an independent for cyclists between the fog line and the structure. unpaved side of the roads. c. Bulkhead (South Jog) – Old and out-of- • Participated in the discussion of sidewalks date, must be replaced. on Stage Harbor Road and Bridge Street as d. South Jog – New fuel pump – This would far as how proposed versions pertained to alleviate the pressure from the face of the the interests of cyclists. Fish Pier and will allow for a better flow of • The Committee continued to stay involved commercial and non-commercial vessels. in the planning process for the West Cha- e. Lifting Boom (North Jog) – Still in the tham Corridor improvement project and works with Red’s Best. the Crowell Road/Route 28 Intersection 3. Meetings with the two packing house lease Improvement project. Other long range holders – Red’s Best and Marder Trawling planning for bicycle transportation was also Total Calls for Service 433 – at the Fish Pier to make sure they are ful- part of the Committee’s work in 2015. Dogs/Cats licensed 580 filling their contract and lease obligations Respectfully submitted, Selectman’s Hearings 0 to the Town of Chatham and the fishermen. Ron Holmes, Chairman Dog/Cat Bites 17 Respectfully submitted, Debbie Swenson, Karen McPherson Quarantines Issues 06 Douglas Feeney, Chairman Doug Nichols, David Widing Dog/Cat Quarantined with James Ponte, Steve Wardle Bites of Unknown Origin 03 Bikeways Committee Dogs Locked in Vehicles 21 Barking Dog Complaints 31 he Bikeways Committee was formed in Board of Assessors the fall of 2003 to serve as an advisory Bats Submitted for Rabies Testing 01 T he Town of Chatham Assessing Depart- committee to the Board of Selectmen and was Humans Treated for Post Exposure 01 ment, as required by Massachusetts law, given the following charge: T Loose/Lost Dogs 149 place values on all real and personal property Lost/Found Cats 30 1. To advise, in concert with the Town’s within our community. To meet these require- Cats Returned to Owner 07 public safety officials, on the creation of ments, the Assessors are obligated to revalue Animals Surrendered 02 rules and regulations governing the use of all properties yearly and, once every three Coyote/Fox/Raccoon Complaings 19 the Town’s Bike Paths with emphasis on years, undergo a state recertification audit. Marine Mammal Issues 05 safety and security. This is done so that each property taxpayer Deer Hit by Vehicles 05 2. To advise on the physical implementation in the community pays his or her share of the Wildlife Picked Up of those rules and regulations via signage, cost of local government in proportion to the Rabbits 03 markings, bike racks and security both on amount of money the property is worth. Swans 02 the Trail and within the Town. In addition to appraisal duties, the Assess- Raccoons 03 3. To advise and recommend on additional ing Department is responsible for the process- Seagulls 06 local Trail connections via dedicated trails ing of statutory tax exemptions; tax abatement Foxes 04 or share the road access. filings for real estate and motor vehicle and Snakes 02 4. To advise and recommend on connections boat excise taxes; maintaining and updating to other towns. records of deeds received from the Registry of Stable Inspections 5. To maintain bicycle safety and education Deeds; maintaining records of exempt prop- Horses 08 programs in both the community and the erty; managing the assessment records, which Chickens 05 schools. includes property record cards and Assessors’ Rabbits 04 6. To represent Chatham at meetings with maps; and defending Appellate Tax Board cases. other regional Bike Path groups. In Fiscal Year 2016, the Assessor’s office Aunt Lydia’s Cove said goodbye to the Director of Assessing- The Committee meets monthly and worked Andy Machado and the Office manager- Committee diligently during 2015 on many aspects of Cathy Fryxell. Andy left to pursue a career n 2015 the main discussion points for the bicycling in Chatham including monitor- in Yarmouth and Cathy in Truro. The Board IAunt Lydia’s Cove Committee were as ing conditions on the Old Colony Rail Trail wishes to express their sincere appreciation follows: (OCRT) through regular use by Committee to them both for their dedicated years of members. The following are some specific service to the Town of Chatham. 1. Fuel Quality at the Fish Pier – Must meet accomplishments of the Committee in 2015: Fiscal Year 2016 was Chatham’s year for the requirements for the price fisherman the Department of Revenue’s three year audit pay per gallon; In order to do so, testing • We conducted the annual Bicycle Safety which reviews and certifies a community’s schedule was implemented and is now program for children in May in conjunction property values to ensure they reflect full active. with the police department. and fair market values.This was made more 2. Capital Improvements of the Fish Pier: • We collaborated with other town bicycle challenging due to these two key vacancies. a. Extension of the Parking Lot – utilize the committees, particularly Harwich, with The Board of Assessors would like to thank newly acquired space on the south side whom we share the Old Colony Bike Trail. Jill Goldstein, Alix Heilala, PK Valuation (CBI side). • Bicycling in Chatham maps were again made available at various locations. group, and all town employees who worked 55 as a team with the assessing department Health Division to accept another position, The current members are: during this time. The end result was a timely we would like to recognize and thank her for Huntley Harrison, Chairman completion of Fiscal Year 2016 state certifi- her contributions during the past year. Richard Garvin cation audit by the Department of Revenue. MEETINGS Lisa Franz The Board is pleased to announce that Ar- • The BOH conducted 21 public meetings in delle Kelley joined the Assessing Department Although the Committee can function as 2015, which involved 88 hearings. 21 vari- in October as the new Assessing Director. is, it would be good to have two additional ances were granted during the year. Ardelle brings 18 years of experience to the members for a total of five. department with prior work assessing in the SEWER CONNECTIONS The current cable television contract towns of Mashpee and Dennis. The Board • The installations of mandated sewer connec- between the Town of Chatham and Comcast would also like to extend its congratulations tions continued at a slow, steady pace this runs from January 2011 through January to Candace Cook who was promoted to As- past year with 60 installations completed. 2021. The Cable Advisory Committee works sistant Assessor in November. Additionally, • The Board granted 44 extensions to proper- with other towns to define the fee structure, Candace passed the Course 5 Mass Appraisal ty owners who presented legitimate reasons network services, programming, service to for Ad Valorem Taxation. for requesting additional time to complete public buildings, FCC requirements, etc. The Assessing Department remains com- their installations. Essentially, anything that Comcast does in mitted to addressing the needs and concerns Chatham is covered in the contract. The REGULATORY of the public quickly and courteously. The Cable Advisory Committee was involved in • Plastic Bag regulation – The Board enacted work ethic and attention to detail of both the contract negotiations leading up to the a new regulation this past year which pro- Ardelle and Candace are to be commended. current ratified contract, and subsequently re- hibits the use of single use plastic bags with Respectfully submitted, searched and made recommendations for the integral handles by vendors in the Town of John Burke, Chairman additional contract with Cape Cod Commu- Chatham. The regulation will take effect on Nick Brown, Robert B. Franz nity Media Center to fund the Public Access January 1, 2017, allowing current business Channel 99. The Committee will be review- establishments time to use up current sup- ing the performance of the Media Center in plies and purchase bags which will meet the 2015/2016 as that contract has a five-year Board of Health new standard. performance review stipulation. he Board of Health had a busy and pro- • Proposed updating of current regulations In addition to Public Access Channel (99), ductive year in 2015. Prior to highlighting with regard to tobacco use and sales is T the Committee has oversight and contractual our accomplishments, I would first like to ac- currently under discussion. The changes responsibility for the Town government chan- knowledge my fellow Board members and all being considered include the ban and sale nel, 18, and the educational channel, 22. of the Town staff that provide support to us. of tobacco products to any person under the Comcast returns to Chatham 4.5% of the The BOH is composed of 5 members and age of 21 in the Town of Chatham. Gross Annual Revenue collected from cable we were very sad to receive the resignation • The Board is also considering changes to service fees of approximately $6.33 million of long-time member, Mary Ann Gray, this regulations regarding nitrogen aggregation dollars. This return amounts to $285,000, past December. She provided 11 ½ years of as applied to properties located in nitrogen which is split between the Public Access, service to the Board. We shall greatly miss sensitive areas, particularly land designated Education, and Government channels (PEG). her sense of humor, her work ethic, and most as Zone II. importantly, her knowledge and the insight This breaks down as follows: The Board continues to maintain excellent that she offered on the many different issues • Public Access Channel 99 – 1.5% or communication with all Town departments, that faced the Board. We also welcomed ~$99,000 including the Fire and Police Departments. It new Board member John Beckley, who • Education Channel 22 – 1% or $66,000 is very important that Board members have was appointed by the Board of Selectmen • Government Channel 18 – 2% or $120,000 to complete the term of Mrs. Gray, which updated knowledge of the various health was through June 30, 2016. John has over and safety issues and problems that face the The Cape Cod Community Media Center 30 years of work experience in the field of Town. Mutual communication and coopera- manages Channel 99 and provides five towns public health in NJ and will bring much to tion with all Town departments is particularly (Chatham, Harwich, Dennis, Barnstable, and the BoH table. Continuing as Board members valuable and allows us to do a better job. Yarmouth) a state-of-the-art media resource are Ron Broman, Ed Sheehan, and Allen We look forward to another productive center with studios, control rooms, editing Ward, M.D. My sincere thanks are extended year in 2016. facilities, and a set of courses available to the to each of them for all of their hard work and Respectfully submitted, towns for a nominal membership fee. Com- dedication to the BOH. Edwin K. Whittaker, Chairman munity members can be trained to use video The BOH is also very fortunate to have equipment and to produce their own shows. excellent staff support services which allows Cable Advisory Committee The Education Channel (22) is the televi- sion station for the Monomoy Regional us to function at a high level. Our thanks and urrently the Cable Advisory Committee School District. It televises the School Com- appreciation is hereby noted for their hard consists of three (3) voting members. The C mittee meetings, student created produc- work, dedication, and professionalism. We mission of the Committee is to be called on tions, and the school bulletin board featuring specifically would like to acknowledge Rob- from time to time to convene for the purpose special events, sports, the lunch menu, and ert Duncanson, PhD, Director Natural Re- of discussing and making recommendations other items of interest to the school com- sources, Judy Giorgio, Town Health Agent, on cable related topics, and in particular the munity. The new high school features a TV and Diane Langlois, who provides secretarial Town’s cable television contract. and administrative support. Although Emily studio and control room facility that provides Beebe, former Town Health Inspector left the live cablecasts to both Chatham and Harwich.
56 According to Steve Cass, the Video Produc- Also, there is a movement toward a la carte ed for us in local plans and has been put into tion teacher, due to the flooding and resultant channel selection. I believe these are some of action by the Town of Orleans in FY2015. damage last winter of the television studio the issues we will be dealing with in the next The Commission also developed innova- and equipment, it has taken until just recently contract negotiations with Comcast. This tive, first-of-their-kind decision-support tools for the regional school to return the studio to could mean less revenue coming back to the as part of the plan. WatershedMVP (multi- operational status. Concomitantly, Comcast town to support the aforementioned services. variant planner), the Scenario Assessment will soon be setting up connectivity for view- The Committee will do our best to keep you Model (SAM), a financial model and others ers in Chatham and Harwich to watch live apprised of these and other cable TV issues will make local discussions and decisions cablecasts from the school. These include the as we move forward. easier by processing complex data sets into School Committee meetings, school bulletin Respectfully submitted, usable options. These and other tools are board, student produced productions, etc. Huntley Harrison, Chairman available at www.capecodcommission.org/ The Government Channel (18) provides Richard Garvin blackbox. citizens live viewing of various committee Lisa Franz More information on the 208 Plan Update is meetings from the Annex as well as streamed located at www.capecodcommission.org/208 and archived meetings on the Town website. Regional Policy Plan Update Currently, all Town committee meetings are Cape Cod Commission The last update to the Regional Policy Plan recorded in self-serve rooms set up in various bout the Cape Cod Commission (RPP) in 2009 represented the first substan- Town locations. This clearly demonstrates the AIn March 2015, the Cape Cod Com- tial reorganization of the RPP since it was Town’s commitment to increasing the effec- mission celebrated the 25th anniversary of first drafted, separating the regulatory and tiveness and transparency of local govern- the county-wide vote that created it as the planning sections. ment. The Channel 18 staff also covers Town regional land use planning, economic devel- For this update, the Commission is build- events, such as the 4th of July Parade, First opment, and regulatory agency for Barnstable ing on those earlier reforms. Among the goals Night, the Polar Plunge, and various public County, Massachusetts. The Commission for the RPP update are to: ease the local service cablecasts. They also assist with the works toward maintaining a healthy balance comprehensive planning process and increase production of Chatham Today. This fiscal between economic progress and environmen- consistency with regional goals, simplify the year saw the addition of a second full-time tal vitality. “Keeping a special place special” regulatory process and create a framework employee to the Channel 18 staff. describes the agency’s mission to protect the for regional capital planning. Given the dates of contract review and region’s unique qualities. A series of on-line planning tools were involvement, the Cable Advisory Commit- The 19-member appointed Cape Cod developed to support the RPP Update process tee spent the majority of 2015 focusing on Commission board represents a wide spec- and local decision making, such as the Chro- Chatham Today, a monthly video chronicle trum of the region and provides oversight for nology Viewer, Community Characteristics of Town events, activities, and current Town a staff of 40 professionals. Viewer and Envision Tomorrow. These and information. Now in its fourth year, Chatham This report represents broad areas of the other tools are available at www.cape Today produces monthly segments through- Commission’s work and responsibilities, high- codcommission.org/blackbox. out the year. The segments run on Public lighting several specific projects and initiatives. Access Channel 99, Facebook and YouTube, Strategic Information Office and also run on Channel 18. Additionally, Address: 3225 Main Street, P.O. Box 226, The Commission’s Strategic Information the segments produced in 2015 attempted Barnstable, MA 02630 Office (SIO) continued its technical support to highlight various enterprises in Chatham Phone: (508) 362-3828 and development of an electronic permits, through on-location productions. This past Fax: (508) 362-3136 licenses and inspections solution for Cape year we have produced specials for First Email: [email protected] towns, known as ePermitting. The system Night, and the Farmers’ Market. Moving Web: www.capecodcommission.org, is live in the towns of Yarmouth, Chatham, forward into 2016, the Committee will again www.statscapecod.org. Provincetown, and Harwich. Sandwich, Fal- focus on Chatham Today programming. Fiscal Year 2015 Appointed Representatives mouth, and Orleans may move forward with Future plans include specials for the Sewer CHATHAM MEMBER e-Permitting implementation in the coming Plant, Community Garden, the new Chatham Michael J. Skelley 12 months. Shark Center, and other interesting people The Commission contracted for plani- and places in Chatham. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR metrics data to be developed from imagery As you know, all marketing efforts for Paul Niedzwiecki, pniedzwiecki@ from the April 2014 Cape-wide aerial flyover. Chatham Today are confined to free sources; capecodcommission.org Planimetrics is the conversion of imagery and, thanks to Ryan Darmon’s efforts, Chan- Section 208 Areawide Water Quality into a flat digital map of elements such as nel 18 is handling our programming needs Management Plan Update roads, fire hydrants, utility poles, curb cuts more than adequately. We are extremely U.S. EPA approved the Cape Cod Area-Wide and other such features essential for capi- fortunate to have the support of the Board Water Quality Management Plan, commonly tal facilities and infrastructure design and of Selectmen and the Chatham Chamber of referred to as the 208 Plan, leading to the general planning. The Cape-wide contract Commerce in our production effort. implementation phase of the plan. Sandwich for this work has an estimated savings of One last note, the cable TV landscape is was designated as the Waste Treatment Man- between $370,000 and $620,000, as opposed changing due to rising fees and competi- agement Agency, or WMA, for the water- to individual town contracts. tion with satellite networks, streaming video sheds within its boundaries. Planning/Community Design from the Internet, and services such as The stakeholder process used in the devel- With expertise in land use planning, zon- Netflix. People are starting to drop their cable opment of 208 Plan Update was recommend- ing, natural resources, historic preservation, subscriptions in lieu of these other choices.
57 affordable housing, and other areas, the plan- Regulatory Program mission, its staff, and the 15 Cape Cod towns. ning staff works to improve the function and Through its Regulatory Program, the Cape The Cape Cod Commission Act charges the character of communities while managing Cod Commission reviews projects that pres- Commission with furthering and coordinating growth and protecting the Cape’s sensitive ent regional issues identified in the Act, in- the provision of “adequate capital facilities,” environment. cluding water quality, traffic flow, community including transportation services, through Through the Commission’s historic pres- character, affordable housing, open space, the goals and standards specified in the Cape ervation specialist, 48 historic properties and natural resources, and economic development Cod Regional Policy Plan. districts were protected through inventory as Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs). The Commission provides administrative and state register listing. The Commission and staff support for the Cape Cod Metropol- Affordable Housing/HOME Consortium provided technical assistance and support to itan Planning Organization (MPO), and the The Commission administered the U. S. De- five towns to update their Multi-Hazard Miti- Cape Cod Joint Transportation Committee partment of Housing and Urban Development gation plans – Barnstable, Chatham, Dennis, (CCJTC). (HUD)-funded HOME Programs, which Provincetown, Truro – and six other towns In FY2015, more than $18.6 million in created 71 rental units in 2015, and provided are updating their existing plans. Federal and State infrastructure capital was direct technical assistance to the towns of Planning staff has led an 18-month effort with secured for the region. Bourne, Brewster, Chatham, Wellfleet and the National Park Service to complete bicycle The TIP is a list of transportation system Truro. The Commission also completed and master plan for the Outer Cape communities. projects to be implemented with federal and submitted the federally-required Affordable state funds available for Cape Cod. Projects CEDS/Economic Development Housing Consolidated Plan for 2016. may include roadway, bicycle, pedestrian, Barnstable County received federal designa- FY2015 saw a number of transitions for and transit improvements. The TIP includes tion as an Economic Development District in the HOME Program, which has been admin- four years of projects developed in accor- late 2013, resulting in a $60,000 Economic istered by the Commission since 1993. With dance with federal laws. www.capecod Development Administration grant. The the retirement of Housing Specialist Paul commission/transportation Commission’s administration of the Compre- Ruchinskas in October 2014, the program hensive Economic Development Strategy, or was reevaluated and the decision made to HIGHLIGHTED TRANSPORTATION CEDS, was key in receiving the designation. transfer the operation to Barnstable County’s PROJECTS The Commission maintains 20 balanced Department of Human Services. This was ac- REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION economy benchmarks, eight up-to-date complished as part of the budget process for PLAN UPDATE: A draft of the 2016-2019 town-level data tables and 11 maps by FY2016. Regional Transportation Plan, prepared by county for each town, which are available on The Commission’s housing specialist Commission Staff, was released for public STATSCapeCod.org. Adding to this eco- position was redefined and will see formal comment by the Cape Cod MPO in June nomic analysis is BART (Barnstable Area implementation in FY2016. 2015. A website was developed to track Regional Trends), a quarterly on-line publica- the plan’s progress and provide updates on Water Resources tion that identifies and examines important meeting schedules and key decisions (www. Water Staff provides technical assistance economic trends in the region, available at capecodcommission.org/rtp). to towns, citizens and the County on water www.capecodcommission.org/bart. resources projects including: water supply, CAPE-WIDE BICYCLE NETWORK RESET Projects wastewater and stormwater management, PLAN: Through work with individual towns Among the services the Cape Cod Commis- fresh water ponds and marine waters. and development of 10 multi-modal plans, sion provides to towns is technical assistance Project assistance included numerous consensus was achieved among all 15 towns through RESET (Regional Economic Strat- technical assessments, Cape-wide well moni- for cross-border bicycle connections. egy Executive Team) projects. toring, planning, education and regulatory TRAFFIC COUNTING PROGRAM: The Staff members from multiple departments review on all aspects of Cape Cod’s water Commission’s transportation staff conducted collaborate with town leaders on planning resources. Water staff participates on a va- annual summer traffic counts in all 15 Cape projects to promote economic development riety of local, regional and state committees towns, including automatic traffic record- on Cape Cod. It is part of the implementation and strives to develop strategies to implement ers (ATRs) and turning movement counts strategy for the Cape Cod Comprehensive cost-effective solutions to capitalize on com- (TMCs). Economic Development Strategy, or CEDS, mon regional needs across the Cape. which is administered by the Commission. The Commission’s watershed manager The following Town of Chatham road also serves as the Licensed Site Professional segments were included in the 2015 Traffic Smarter Cape Conference for Barnstable County and provided sup- Counting program: Route 28 east of Crowell The 5th Annual SmarterCape conference port to the Barnstable County Commission- Road (South end); Route 28 west of Crowell focused on the housing challenges and op- ers related to contamination related to past Road (South end); Route 28 North of Main portunities facing Cape Cod from multiple operations at the Barnstable Fire Training Street; Barn Hill Road North of Meadow perspectives, including results of a housing Academy. View Road; Bridge Street east of Gammys survey by the Cape Cod Young Profession- The Commission has coordinated the Lane; Chatham Bars Avenue west of Shore als. Sessions included discussions about PALS (Ponds and Lake Stewards) pond sam- Road; Crowell Road south of Barcliff Avenue when increased housing density make sense, pling program since its inception in 2001. Crowell Road (S) North of Route 28; Depot interactive planning tools, and examples of Road North of Route 28; George Ryder Road what other communities have done to create Transportation North of Katie Ford Dr; Hardings Beach wage-sustainable housing in their communi- The Cape Cod Commission’s transportation Road west of Barn Hill Road; Main Street ties. Governor Charlie Baker was keynote staff provides technical expertise in transpor- east of Route 28; Old Queen Anne Road speaker at the Summit. tation and traffic-related matters for the Com- North of Stepping Stones; Queen Anne Road
58 south of Route 28; Queen Anne Road west of Cape Cod Regional Tech- on personal finance simulation. All students Stage Harbor Road; Ridgevale Road south of participated in the marketing efforts of the Route 28; Sam Ryder Road North of Middle nical High School District annual CCT Job Fair. Junior students assisted Road; Sam Ryder Road south of Middle Road; ape Cod Regional Technical High School with marketing our 40th Anniversary event. and Stage Harbor Road south of Route 28. Cwill provide an opportunity to acquire • The English Department aligned all English Traffic data is available online: www. high quality technical, academic, and social classes to Common Core, piloted the capecodcommission.org/counts skills preparing our students for success in PARCC exam for 9th grade, and offered our changing world. Advanced Placement (AP) Language and WEST MAIN STREET (ROUTE 28), Cape Cod Regional Technical High School AP Literature. FROM GEORGE RYDER ROAD TO (CCRTHS) was established in 1973 as a • The Health classes continued to offer BARN HILL ROAD: Commission staff public technical high school. The CCRTHS literacy strategies in the health curriculum administers the Transportation Improvement district draws students from 12 towns extend- to support Common Core and to align cur- Program (TIP) for the Metropolitan Planning ing from Mashpee to Provincetown. For our riculum with the Massachusetts Framework Organization (MPO). This is a current TIP school year 2014-2015, we had 647 students in Health. project with an estimated cost of $3,547,482. enrolled in 17 different technical programs • The Library provides a website for teachers CAPE COD CANAL TRANSPORTA- with an operating budget of $13,908,300. to align digital resources with their cur- TION STUDY: The Commission assisted The Town of Chatham had 17 students riculums and for professional development. the Massachusetts Department of Transporta- enrolled at CCRTHS as of October 1, 2014. There is a significant increase in student use tion (MassDOT) on the Canal Area Study The assessment for Chatham in FY15 was of the library. by providing traffic counts to calibrate the $367,437. • The Math Department strengthened their transportation model. college preparatory curriculum (CP1) Highlights from Cape Cod Tech with a focus on problem solving. This will Regional Coordination/Technical 2014-2015 School Year increase college readiness. Assistance • Cape Cod Regional Technical High School • Physical Education focused on maximiz- The Commission is in a position to respond District celebrated its 40th Anniversary this year! ing student participation in personal skills to issues of regional concern with technical • CCRTHS graduated 135 seniors in June development. assistance and facilitation. Among the issues for 2015, 4 were from Chatham. • In Science, 2014 MCAS results show 72% which Commission expertise was sought are: • CCRTHS students must meet the same state of students achieved proficient or higher. • restoration of Route 6 overcut areas academic standards as the state requires of Two students received awards for making between exits 2 and 4, including coordina- our sending schools. the cafeteria significantly more environ- tion of a working group and review of • CCRTHS improved public and commu- mentally friendly. draft plans nity relations by providing shop services • In Social Studies, 16 students completed the • facilitation of the Regional Beach Access to members of the community. This has Advanced Placement in World History and Committee, which advocated for awareness allowed communities to realize significant the department is now offering Challenges of regulations relative to the shoreline and savings in labor charges. in Democracy as an honors level class. local control on beach access issues such as • Forty-five students received John and Abi- • The Spanish Department aligned the cur- shoreline protection, permitting, dredging, gail Adams Scholarships for tuition from riculum with Foreign Language Standards endangered species and tourism. state colleges and universities, 2 were from to increase accessibility to the program. • convening of the National Grid Ad-Hoc Chatham. • Special Education introduced Mindful- Advisory Committee to help communities • Fifty-two students were inducted to the ness through the Calmer Choice Program directly affected by the natural gas con- National Technical Honor Society, 1 from for 11th graders to increase achievement nection moratorium, expedite permitting Chatham. through emotional awareness and will process and facilitate communication. • At the SkillsUSA State level competition, expand the program next year. twenty students won medals, and three District Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) • Our School Counseling Department students qualified for the National Skills Grants increased completion rates of Career Plan and Leadership competition. Medals won: For the past several years, the Common- Portfolios and scholarship/toolship applica- Career Showcase Arts, Business Procedure, wealth of Massachusetts has allocated funds tions. Our Student Ambassadors are leaders Occupational Health & Safety, Prepared to each of the state’s 13 regional planning for school functions. Speech, Marine Service Technology, Tech- agencies, the Cape Cod Commission among • The Art Department had student exhibits spo, and a state officer candidate. them, to help municipalities with sustainable all through the Main Floor and The Cove • At the SkillsUSA District level competition development and to encourage municipalities Restaurant throughout the year. Fundraiser of the 59 students who attended, 12 students to form partnerships to achieve planning and proceeds were used to buy frames for the medaled. Medals won: Marine Service development goals consistent with state and displayed artwork. Technology, Dental Assisting, Mechatron- regional priorities. • In Auto Collision all 11th graders earned ics, Photography, Teamworks in Carpentry, Respectfully submitted, OSHA and CPR certifications. This shop Electrical, Masonry, Plumbing, Welding Paul Niedzwiecki, Executive Director also increased 12th grade CO-OP opportu- Sculpture. nities with local employers. • At the Massachusetts 2015 FFA State • Auto Technology continued a 1:1 laptop Convention, five students won awards: Flo- program with their students and improved riculture, Nursery Landscape, Quiz Bowl, web based text book curriculum. Two Reporter’s Scrapbook and Secretary’s Book. students won 2nd place at the Mass Auto • In Computer/21st Century Learning all seniors Dealers competition. participated in the Credit for Life Fair, a hands- 59 • The Carpentry Department built a new • The Information Technology shop struc- Aging with one Mobility Assistance Program snack shack at Skaket Beach in Orleans. tured lessons with a new Cisco curriculum (MAP) vehicle that provided 3,674 rides All tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade and utilized hands-on opportunities within from July 2014 to June 2015. students completed the OSHA Training Program. the school such as the Help Desk and infra- Route maps, schedules, fares, Google • In Cosmetology, 8 seniors had Co-Op jobs structure projects. Transit Trip Planner and the latest news about and were certified in CPR. All who took the • The Plumbing Department gained two Cape Cod public transportation services are Cosmetology State Exam passed. Five ju- female students during the year and boasted provided at www.capecodrta.org, as well as niors were certified in OSHA. They passed 100% participation in SkillsUSA. Among links to many other transportation resources. the Nail Technician State Exam and have their awards were two 3rd place medals and Respectfully submitted, summer jobs in their field. one All Star. Tom Cahir • Culinary Arts significantly increased their • Welding students work with instructors student enrollment. Students hosted and from project design, through solutions, served at numerous events held by com- to outlining project steps, then writing an Cape Cod Water Protection munity groups in our restaurant, The Cove, essay and reflection paper on the project. which is open to the public. They also won two medals at SkillsUSA. Collaborative • Dental Assisting seniors participated in five • One hundred and seven (107) qualified astewater management continued to be weeks of internship and worked alongside students participated in placements for Wthe primary focus for the Collabora- staff in local dental offices. Three seniors Cooperative Education, Internships and tive this year. The discussions focused on completed MA Certification in Radiology. Student Practicums for real-life work expe- the finalization of a regionalized approach All students completed CPR, First Aid and rience. Students must maintain grades of C to wastewater management and the potential OSHA training; and assisted in The Ellen or better in academic classes and B or better savings offered by regional watershed based Jones Dental Program. in shop and theory classes to be eligible for approach. The Collaborative continued to be a • Early Childhood Education 11th and 12th placement. The Co-Op Office joined with forum for towns to obtain information on best grade students participated in teaching the Business classes to provide the highly practices and guidance from the experiences practicums. The CCT Preschool was award- successful second annual Student Job Fair of other towns throughout the region. ed a Level 2 rating in a rigorous review by for the entire student body. In January 2013, Barnstable County, act- the state’s QRIS program. Please visit our website: www.capetech.us ing through the Cape Cod Commission, was • The Electrical Department did an extensive for more information. directed by the Commonwealth of Massachu- remodel of their workstation, won a bronze Respectfully submitted, setts to prepare an update to the 1978 Section medal at SkillsUSA and completed a major re- James “Buck” Upson 208 Area-Wide Water Quality Management lighting project for the Charles Moore Arena. Chatham Representative to CCRTHS Plan for Cape Cod. This plan is a compre- • Graphic Arts students earned college School Committee hensive Cape-wide review of water quality credit at Cape Cod Community College for issues facing the region, with a focus initially high school level coursework. They were on nutrient management and water quality recognized for various design awards and Cape Cod Regional planning for Cape Cod’s coastal embayments. SkillsUSA leadership achievements. This The Cape Cod Water Protection Col- shop uses the Work Force Ready System to Transit Authority laborative Governing Board and Technical test for technical competencies. he Cape Cod Regional Transit Author- Advisory Committee (TAC) provided input • The Engineering Technology Shop has Tity (CCRTA) has provided in Chatham into the 208 Plan Update. The TAC was a completed three years of curriculum. A gold 15,032 one-way passenger trips from July key player in the review and shaping of the medal was won at SkillsUSA and three stu- 2014 through June 2015 (FY15). technologies matrix that formed the basis for dents won a merit award from the Society CCRTA provided 126 general public the evaluation of appropriate management of Women Engineers. clients in Chatham with DART (Dial-a-Ride techniques. In addition, a Regulatory, Legal, • Health Tech introduced a Biomedical Pro- Transportation) service during FY15. These and Institutional (RLI) Work Group, with gram this year. Twelve students worked in clients took a total of 2,415 one-way pas- representation from DEP, EPA, the Cape Cod internships or Co-Op placements including senger trips during this time period. Total Commission and the Collaborative addressed Cape Cod Hospital and Pavilion Nursing DART passenger trips in the fifteen towns of the potential need for regulatory reform and and Rehabilitation. Cape Cod were 220,637 in FY14 compared other challenges associated with planning and • Horticulture students helped build a play- to 232,437 in FY15. implementation. The Collaborative, through ground in Dennis and other off-campus CCRTA FY15 records for the Boston its Executive Director, was fully involved and projects. This shop re-vamped and re- Hospital Transportation service indicates 31 engaged in this effort. organized the scope and sequence of its cur- Chatham residents took 148 one-way trips on The ongoing lawsuits between the Con- riculum for shop and theory. For the second this service. servation Law Foundation, and the United year they taught a Cape Cod Community The fixed route Hyannis to Orleans (H2O) State Environmental Protection Agency were College course to the junior class. serves the towns of Barnstable, Yarmouth, settled with the parties agreeing that the • The Roots and Roses floral shop continues to Dennis, Harwich, Chatham and Orleans suit would be stayed as long as the County provide hands-on experiences for students. along the Route 28 corridors. A total of completed the 208 Plan, it was certified by • HVAC students participated in hands-on 12,469 one-way trips originated in Chatham the Governor by June 15, 2015 and approved learning opportunities within the school: in- for the H2O route for the period July 2014 by EPA by September 2015. Each of those stalled AC units in classrooms, maintained through June 2015; total ridership for the milestones was met. Governor Baker certi- refrigeration in Culinary, and serviced duct- H2O route for this period was 166,295. fied the plan in June of 2015 and the EPA less split coils. CCRTA supplied the Chatham Council on approved the plan in September of 2015. The
60 completion of the 208 Plan has successfully Energy Efficiency – Saving Energy and Money shielded the Cape from further litigation as long as communities continue to make progress implementing nitrogen management measures. The Collaborative will continue to work with communities to ensure that implementation continues and that the stay of litigation remains in place. The Collaborative successfully proposed *Please note that this data does not include activity that occurred in December 2015. Please visit that the County and the Commonwealth www.capelightcompact.org/reports for complete information. * partner to ensure continuation of a long term record of water quality in the marine environ- ers were procuring in advance for their ex- much of its advocacy on consumer electricity ment and to ensure transparent access for the pected loads. These high forward prices were disclosure labels, DPU’s competitive supply public to the data. In response to the Collab- set by expectations of the same high whole- website, and door-to-door marketing rules. orative’s request, the Baker Administration sale prices seen in the winter of 2014, which These issues affect how electricity consum- has made a four year $1 million commitment didn’t come to fruition this year. While New ers interact with and take advantage of the to match county funds to support monitoring England’s natural gas delivery constraint competitive supply market. The Compact has of marine sentinel stations and to develop was still the main contributing factor to high provided input advocating for better disclo- and maintain a robust web based interface to winter wholesale prices, it was mitigated by sure methods of electricity sources, including the underlying data. The County increased warmer temperatures in the beginning of the renewable energy, which will better inform its commitment to monitoring by appropriat- winter, increased liquefied natural gas (LNG) consumers about where the electricity they’re ing $250,000 to match the Commonwealth’s imports, implementation of an improved purchasing comes from. The Compact is also funding. winter reliability program by the electricity continuing to provide DPU with input on Lastly, the Collaborative has maintained grid operator, and low oil prices. their competitive supplier website in order to its practice of supporting local planning and The past few years have seen many ensure it is easy for users to use and under- management efforts. The Collaborative has changes in how electricity is produced in stand. The Compact, along with others, has continued to provide third party consulting New England. There is growing concern also successfully lobbied for the implemen- support in engineering and planning reviews over how to meet both the reliability needs tation of door-to-door marketing rules that and financial management to any town re- of the electric grid and our greenhouse gas will help protect consumers from some of questing such support. The majority of Cape reduction goals, all at a reasonable cost to the unscrupulous marketing tactics that have towns have accessed this support and the electricity consumers. In the upcoming year, been used on the Cape and Vineyard. budget to continue this program stayed intact. state elected officials and the Massachusetts The Compact is also pleased to announce Respectfully submitted. Department of Public Utilities will be focus- that the Department of Public Utilities issued Florence Seldin ing on this issue. Topics to be deliberated a final order in May approving the Compact’s include: (1) whether or not to install new revisions to its Aggregation Plan, which was natural gas pipelines, and who should pay submitted in April 2014. This order affirms Cape Light Compact for this; electric customers or gas custom- the purposes, structure, and funding of the ers; (2) net metering cap for solar and other Compact, and has been used as a model for ape Light Compact is an award-winning renewable generation projects; (3) smart other municipalities seeking to form their energy services organization operated by C grid, or grid modernization, technology, who own aggregations. While Cape Light Com- the 21 towns and two counties on Cape Cod will benefit and how will costs be allocated pact was the first municipal aggregator in the and Martha’s Vineyard. The Compact’s mis- amongst electric customers. As we have done state, there are now 72 communities in Mas- sion is to serve its 200,000 customers through in the past the Cape Light Compact Govern- sachusetts with approved Aggregation Plans. the delivery of proven energy efficiency ing Board will participate in these, and other, Funding for the energy efficiency pro- programs, effective consumer advocacy, com- discussions on behalf of electric customers. grams (i.e. energy audits for homes and petitive electricity supply and green power In 2015, Cape Light Compact provided businesses, rebates on the purchase of energy options. For more information, visit www. energy to residents and businesses in accor- efficient appliances and energy education in capelightcompact.org. dance with two competitive electricity supply our schools) comes from a monthly customer POWER SUPPLY – Stability, Security and contracts negotiated by the Compact. The “energy conservation” charge ($0.0025 cents Green Power Options Compact’s residential electricity supplier was multiplied by the number of kilowatt hours Cape Light Compact offers stable and secure ConEdison Solutions, and the commercial used during the month) and a portion of the electric supply at competitive rates. Much and industrial supplier was NextEra Energy. “distribution charge” ($0.02349 for residen- depends on timing and market forces, but the As of the most recent count, the Compact had tial customers and $0.01127 for commercial Compact was proud to offer stable, competi- approximately 5,763 total electric accounts and industrial customers) that appears on tive prices in 2015. As in previous years, within the Town of Chatham on its energy each customer’s electric bill. electricity prices in 2015 were primarily supply. Other Cape Light Compact Efforts Include: driven by the price of natural gas. The winter CONSUMER ADVOCACY – Committed to • Monomoy High School received $563,336 of 2015 saw a lower wholesale electricity Consumer Interests in energy efficiency incentives through the price spike from the 2014 winter, but retail Since 1997, Cape Light Compact has ad- Compact’s comprehensive Advanced Build- electricity prices were still the highest in re- vocated for the ratepayers of Cape Cod and ings Program. cent history. This is because of high forward Martha’s Vineyard at the local, state, and • The installation of Variable Speed Drives at market prices at the time when retail suppli- federal level. In 2015, the Compact focused the Wastewater Treatment Plant. At 392,000 61 kWh, the electricity saved by this project is CVEC’s newly formed Future Projects pointee has been vacant for the last year and enough to power 54 typical homes for an Committee (of which Chatham’s John Scott a half and may not be filled until the spring entire year. is a member) is investigating carport PV of 2016. The Authority’s staff consists of an • 3 ENERGY STAR® qualified homes were projects on the Cape and Martha’s Vineyard. Executive Director, Administrative Assistant, built in the Town of Chatham. The committee is also seeking benefits to a full-time maintenance employee and a part- • Cape Light Compact continues to offer sup- CVEC members through a program that takes time maintenance employee. port for energy education to the Monomoy advantage of the generation of solar energy Board meetings are held on the third Tues- School District through classroom visits, during daily peak electricity demand periods. day of each month at 4 p.m. in the Authori- teacher workshops, curriculum and free ma- Respectfully submitted, ty’s offices, 240 Crowell Road, Chatham. Ad- terials all aligned with the state NGSS and John H. Scott, Director, CVEC ditional meetings are called and posted when STEM initiatives through the Compact’s necessary. Meetings are open to the public. Energy Education Outreach program. The annual meeting and election of officers is Respectfully submitted, Cemetery Commission held at the regular meeting in September. Peter Cocolis, Chatham Representative here were 62 burials in Chatham in 2015. Core Authority Programs T In 2015, 6 cemetery plots and 17 These are the state programs that are run by Cape and Vineyards individual burial lots were sold. These sales the Authority: returned to the Town Lot Fund $5,100.00 and • The Anchorage: elderly/disabled housing. Electric Cooperative to the Perpetual Care Fund $8,300.00. • Captain Bearse Congregate House: elderly o benefit the rate-payers and member- The Commission continues working on housing Ttowns, the Cape & Vineyard Electric the expansion at Seaside and Union Cemeter- • Captain’s Landing: Family Housing. Cooperative (CVEC) was created in 2007. ies. We are currently waiting for the contract • A Group Home leased to Dept. of Mental Since its creation, CVEC has been successful work to be completed so that we can bid out Health and a Group Home leased to Fellow- in its mission by bringing forward price-sta- the work and bring the project to fruition. We ship Health Resources, Inc. bilizing Renewable Energy installation to the are in need of additional burial plots! • Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program Cape and Martha’s Vineyard through multiple Split rail wood fencing has been installed (MRVP): We administer 11 MRVP’s rounds of photovoltaic (PV) development. at several of the cemeteries. This will be an ongoing project. In the process of this work, These are the town programs that are run by The CVEC has representatives from most the Authority: towns on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. In a title problem was found. Town Councel has 2010, Chatham joined CVEC with the Cha- been engaged to clear up the issue. • CHOP Houses, The Authority is the Resale tham Energy Committee’s Chairperson, John Cleaning and repair of the older head- Agency for the CHOP (Chatham Home Scott, being on CVEC’s Board of Directors. stones at Seaside and Peoples Cemeteries Ownership Program) houses located off CVEC is responsible for the construction continues as funds allow. Stony Hill Road. of numerous PV projects located throughout All grounds have been taken care of as needed • MCI Rent Escrow Program: There are four the Cape and Martha’s Vineyard (Barn- and the appearance has been very acceptable. families enrolled in a five year program. stable and Duke Counties, respectively). The Cemetery Commission Office at 221 • Rental Assistance Program: This is funded For Chatham, there are three PV projects at Crowell Road is open Wednesday and Friday by CPA funds. We currently have 10 fami- the following sites: the Capped Landfill, the from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon, except on lies enrolled in the program. Town Hall Annex, and the Police Station. holidays. The Commission meets on the sec- • Harwich Housing Authority: The Authority For the first year of production, these saved ond Friday of the month at 8:00 A.M., except continues to manage the Harwich Housing over $240,000 for the Town’s budget. This on holidays. The services of the Department Authority, which consists of 20 MRVP’s, 12 was more than expected and partially due to are available at all times by calling (508-945- family units and a group home, as well as 5117) or contacting a Commission Member. several town programs. the unusually sunny weather in 2015. Over the 20-year contract for the three projects, Respectfully submitted, George W. Goodspeed, Jr. Chairman Maintaining and Creating Affordable the estimated savings will be over two mil- Housing lion dollars. This is based on current electric Stephen Hart Susan Whitcomb Key elements in the Chatham Housing Au- rates and will be more with increasing rates. thority’s mission are to “provide affordable, CVEC’s plans to develop solar energy at the decent, safe, and sanitary housing through Chatham Airport have been delayed due to Chatham Housing Authority the maintenance of our existing units and the interconnection and FAA issues. development of new units” and “to support In other renewable energy developments, he Chatham Housing Authority, orga- residents in their effort to achieve self-suffi- CVEC has contracted with a cranberry Tnized and existing pursuant to Massachu- ciency.” We have used the Town’s Compre- grower in southern Plymouth County who is setts General Laws, Chapter 121B, Section 3, hensive Plan to accomplish its goals which developing four large wind turbines (Future is composed of a five-member Board of Com- mesh closely with our mission. Generation Wind) and with a solar genera- missioners responsible for policy making and The CHA is working with Habitat for tion company developing a large PV project general administration of the Authority. The Humanity towards the completion of devel- in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. Both of these Authority is a quasi-state agency under the oping four single family homes for first time projects are under construction and should direction of the Massachusetts Department of homeowners at the West Chatham property be complete and benefitting CVEC by June Housing and Community Development. purchased in the fall 2011. 2016. The Chatham Board of Selectmen Four of our board members are elected by The Board also wishes to applaud the voted to take part in the net metering benefits Town voters and the fifth is appointed by the extraordinary Authority personnel, who not of both facilities. Commonwealth. The seat for the State Ap- only are experienced professionals, but car-
62 ing individuals. We are proud to serve with We are encouraged that Police and Traffic over the number issued in 2014 and a 60% Executive Director John Stewart, Administra- Safety Committee support the addition of increase when compared to the number tive Assistant Tracy Cannon; Maintenance signs similar to those provided by Harwich issued in 2011. The number of permits is- Supervisor Matt Stone and Mark Pouliot, and other Cape towns. We all are only to well sued for new dwelling units remained fairly part-time maintenance staff. aware that motorists do not always yield to constant at 49 permits issued as compared Respectfully submitted, pedestrians waiting to cross and sometimes to 48 in 2014. Residential renovations and Alan Mowry, Chairperson fail to see a pedestrian as he or she walks out additions continue to be the dominate type of Shirley Smith, Vice Chair/ Treasurer from behind parked vehicles. A fine, ordered construction with 706 permits issued in 2015, William Bystrom, Member by the selectman of $100 enforcing failure to a 10% increase over 2014. The average value Irene Van Duyn, Member yield, would need to be put in place if such of a residential renovation-addition has risen signs were put in place. from just under $50,000 in 2014 to $62,624 The Committee is eager to get the results in 2015. A total of 35 permits were issued for Committee for the of the Town’s parking review and hopes that renovations and/or additions to commercial it results in a means for providing additional buildings with only eight (8) new commercial Disabled ADA parking. building permits issued in 2015. The number uring 2014-2015 the Committee for We look forward to continuing to work of permits for the demolition of existing resi- Dthe Disabled underwent of a number of closely with Town departments to ensure dential structures nearly doubled in 2014 to personnel changes. We wish to thank Stuart that Chatham meets the needs of our aging a total of 45 as compared to 25 in 2013, with Tuchinsky for his three years of service to population and persons with disabilities who 39 demolitions permits issued in 2015. A the Committee. Stu has moved on to become reside in our charming town. total of 1,110 plumbing and gas permits were Chairman of the Marconi Museum. Respectfully submitted, issued in 2015 and 789 electrical permits. “Accessible Chatham” brochure continues John Poignand, Chairman Revenue in 2015 from building, gas, plumb- to be distributed and to be well received. It Jill Holmes ing and wiring permits was $494,486. has brought the additional benefit of mak- Robert Hughes In July 2013, the department implemented ing the Chatham residence aware of our Robert Lear the first phase of a new e-permitting program Committee’s existence. We are continuing George Snider which will ultimately streamline the build- our goal of maintaining and updating our John Raye ing permit process and allow homeowners, database to provide an accurate listing of Ragnhild Bjerke, Associate contractors and builders to file applications ADA accessible businesses and amenities for and request and track inspections on-line. residents and visitors. This software has been fully implemented Despite offers of bench donations at Hard- Community Development internally and in the field by the inspectional ing’s Beach, none have been installed yet. staff. Software challenges that delayed the One bench has been installed at Forest Beach Department implementation of on-line permitting and and one at Pleasant Beach. Harding’s is our he Department of Community Develop- inspection scheduling have been resolved as most popular beach with four handicapped Tment’s mission is to ensure courteous, of the end of 2015. The department, with the parking spaces and only one backless bench, consistent, dependable and trustworthy assistance of the Cape Cod Commission and which is difficult for a handicapped person to public service in four primary areas: build- software provider can now focus on imple- use. Hopefully they will be installed by next ing/inspectional services, planning, zoning, menting the public access portal to allow summer. and historic preservation. In carrying out this on-line filing of applications and inspection The Committee continues to focus on mission, the Department also supports various scheduling. citizen ADA safety. We continue to strongly Town Boards, Commissions, and Committees support ADA compliant sidewalks through- including: Planning, Zoning and Historic Preservation out the Town, to Lighthouse beach, and on to Many of the Town’s planning, zoning and • Planning Board the new wooden bridge. We are pleased that historic preservation activities are overseen • Zoning Board of Appeals some progress has been made on this. by or the responsibility of one of four boards • Historic Commission Citizens continue to complain to the Com- or commissions. These are: the Historical • Historic Business District Commission mittee on the condition of sidewalks on Main Commission, Historic Business District • Affordable Housing Committee Street. Recognizing that sidewalk repair is Commission, Planning Board and Zoning • Bikeway Committee costly, perhaps publishing a master plan ad- Board of Appeals. Collectively, these four • Committee for the Disabled dressing down Main Street sidewalks, ADA boards/commissions held 117 meetings in • Economic Development Committee parking and drop off areas would provide 2015, the majority of which were attended by citizens with a sense of the schedule of when The Department strives to enhance the department staff who also provided support such improvements might be expected. Town’s long term planning efforts while in advance of and following the meetings. The Committee continues to stress the need streamlining permitting and enhancing the It also warrants mention that the number of to improve the ADA parking and accessibility efficiency of inspectional services. formal site plans acted on by the Planning at Chase Park, the upper windmill and laby- Board in 2015 (6) was significantly less than Building/Inspectional Services rinth area and handicap accessibility at the the number reviewed in 2014 (16), although The volume of construction activity in Town entrance to lower Chase Park during special in 2015 the Planning Board also approved the continues to increase, for the fourth year in events held at this location. amendment of 15 site plans as compared to a row; although the incremental increase The Committee has expressed concerns the amendment of 9 in 2014. Site plan review between 2015 and 2014 was much smaller over the absence of advisory signage at the is required for commercial and multi-family than in the prior three years. In 2015, 838 crosswalks located throughout downtown. land uses (uses other than single or two building permits were issued, a 4% increase family residences). Revenue generated from 63 applications submitted to these boards was Online and PeopleForms to enhance the The Act requires that at least 10% of the $28,995. An additional $1,191 in revenue transparency and efficiency of Town services. funds raised in each fiscal year be spent or was collected in copying fees. This work routinely involves collaborating reserved for each of open space, historic Two public hearings were held in 2015 in with and supporting the work of other depart- preservation and community housing. The coordination with the Town’s Tree Warden to ments including but not limited to: remaining 70% of CPA funds each year are review proposed tree removals along desig- available for any of the four CPA purposes. • Fire Department nated scenic roads. Through Town Meeting Any individual, non-profit group, or Town • Police Department action in 1974, 1986 and 1987 a total of 39 entity may apply for funds. Applicants meet • Natural Resources Department roads (or portions of roads) in Chatham have with the Community Preservation Commit- • Department of Public Works been designated scenic roads under the provi- tee (CPC). After reviewing applications, • Town Clerk and Town Assessors sions of Massachusetts General Law, Chapter the Committee makes recommendations to 40, Section 15c. Public hearings are required Finally, we’d like to express our gratitude Town Meeting, which votes to appropriate or prior to paving, repair, reconstruction and/ to the volunteers who serve on the boards, reserve specific funds. or maintenance of a scenic road if this work commissions and committees the Depart- In 2015, six project applications were involves the removal and/or cutting of trees ment supports for their commitment to the recommended by the CPC, five of which or tearing down or destruction of stone walls. community. were approved by Town Meeting. The An- The hearings held were related to proposed Respectfully submitted, nual Town Meeting approved: $28,500 for tree removal on Old Queen Anne Road and Deanna L. Ruffer, Director pedestrian access at the Water Street (East) Barn Hill Road. Justin J. Post, Building Commissioner/ Town Landing; $75,000 for continuance of During 2015, the Department also Zoning Enforcement Officer the Historic Property Survey; $250,000 for completed several initiatives in cooperation Ryan Bennett, Principal Planner the Affordable Housing Trust Fund; $147,438 with the Boards, Commissions and advisory Anna Brigham, Central Permitting for St. Christopher’s Church restoration and committees supported by the Department, Coordinator preservation of architectural details; and including: Kristen Caruso, GIS Planner $9,800 for the World War II Memorial. A net Michele Clarke, Office Manager of $100,000 was reserved for future Open 1. Completion of the 18 month work plan Sarah Clark, Community Development Space appropriation; $15,000 was appropri- implementing the first five Route 28 Secretary ated for administrative expense. Corridor land use recommendations. This Christina Bassett, Inspections Division The makeup of the CPC is determined by work has culminated with the Planning Secretary state statute and local authorization. Cha- Board proposing five (5) amendments to Jeffrey Chandler, Local Building Inspector tham’s CPC has nine members appointed by Chatham’s Protective (zoning) for consid- Eric Olkkola, Plumbing and Gas Inspector the Board of Selectmen. Seven are drawn eration at the 2016 Annual Town Meeting, George McManus, Wiring Inspector from existing Town bodies (Conservation addressing multiple objectives in the Land Commission, Historical Commission, Hous- Use and Affordable Housing Sections of ing Authority, Planning Board, Affordable the Comprehensive Plan. Housing Committee, Land Bank/Open Space 2. Completion of the inventorying of high Community Preservation Committee and Parks & Recreation Commis- and medium priority significant historic Committee sion.) The final two members are appointed assets built before 1965 (as identified in he Community Preservation Act (CPA) from the citizenry at-large. The CPC met the Comprehensive Survey Plan completed was signed into Massachusetts law in eleven times in 2015. in FY2015) providing valuable informa- T 2000 and adopted in Chatham in 2002. The Respectfully submitted, tion to property owners as well as the CPA creates a surcharge on real estate taxes Deborah Aikman, Chair, At-Large Chatham Historical Commission (who which produces a local Community Preserva- Victor Di Cristina, Vice-Chair, Land Bank/ sponsored this work) and the Historic tion Fund. Money in this fund can be spent, Open Space Committee Business District Commission. only by Town Meeting vote, for specific types Jane Moffett, Clerk, Historical 3. Development of new design guidelines of projects: Commission and procedures for the Historical Business Bruce Beane, Affordable Housing District Commission (HBDC) providing • acquisition, creation or preservation of Committee applicants with a clearer understanding of open space; Robert Dubis, Planning Board the Commission’s expectations as well as • acquisition, preservation, rehabilitation or Alan Mowry, Chatham Housing Authority streamlining the issuance of Certificates restoration of historic resources; Ira Seldin, Parks and Recreation through the establishment of an adminis- • acquisition, creation, preservation or sup- Commission trative approval process. port of community housing; Richard Stenberg, At-Large 4. Completion of the first phase of a multi- • acquisition, creation, preservation, Michael Tompsett, Conservation year outreach program, the Face of Afford- rehabilitation or restoration of land for Commission able Housing in Chatham, by the Afford- recreational purposes. able Housing Committee with the three Local receipts are matched by the State with videos that were developed now airing funds raised through fees from the Regis- on Channel 18 and during previews at the Conservation Commission try of Deeds, and, at the discretion of the Orpheum Theater. n 2015 the Conservation Commission faced Legislature, through transfer from the State significant challenges in preserving the consolidated budget surplus. In November, I The GIS program, based in the Department, interests protected by the Massachusetts Wet- 2015 we received a match of 37% of the continues to support the Town’s expanded lands Protection Act (MGL c. 131, § 40) and amount raised locally. use of web based applications such as Maps- the Chatham Wetlands Protection By-Law
64 (Chapter 272 and Regulations). With the doc- Beebe, ably replaced Ms. Andres as interim economic security in their retirement years? umented rise in sea level in Pleasant Bay and agent until Mr. Paul Wightman was hired as What can we do as a Town to promote well- last winter’s significant storm events affecting the new Conservation Agent. Mr. Wightman ness throughout the life course? How can we the Chatham shoreline, the Commission faces comes to the position with over 25 years of secure opportunities for seniors to participate significant challenges in implementing the experience as a former Conservation Agent in community activities and be more active as regulations, understanding the coastal dynam- in Dennis, and is an environmental attorney. they age? And as our community ages, how ics and protecting the shoreline. In Brewster he has been Chairman of the can we secure and protect livability of the Conservation Commission, Chairman of the community for residents of all ages? Commission Hearings and Results: The Land Acquisition Committee. He was also a Components of Chatham COA’s CNA Commission meets 4 times per month on representative on the Cape Cod Commission included a demographic profile of Chatham; a Wednesdays; twice to hold public hearings and has experience as a Park Ranger. presentation at the Summer Residents Annual on applications and twice for work sessions Respectfully submitted, Town Meeting and brief survey of summer in order to prepare Orders of Conditions for Dr. Michael Tompsett, Chairman residents; community forums; focus groups; approved projects and deal with other busi- James “Buck” Upson key informant interviews; survey-based data ness. Commission members are dedicated Kay Bryce collection from year-round residents; overview and generally visit all project sites. Unlike C. Christopher Janien of current COA programs, services and usage; Commissions in most towns, they also pre- Richard “Dick” Drury peer community comparisons; a final report pare Findings and Special Conditions for the Betsy Sommer made available in written and .pdf formats and Order of Conditions. During 2015 the Com- Joe Scarlatelli an in-person presentation of findings. mission reviewed and acted upon, 89 project Dawn Boynton, Associate Notice of Intent applications, 26 Requests for Judy Petersen, Associate PROGRAM AND SERVICE Determination of Applicability, 21 Amend- HIGHLIGHTS ments to existing Orders of Conditions, 11 Detailed in the monthly “Flash” newslet- Extension requests and 127 Administrative ter, free to all subscribers, are the following Reviews for a total of 274 applications. One Council on Aging programs and services. Current schedules and approval granted by the Commission was MISSION archived copies of the “Flash” are available at appealed to the Department of Environmental stablished in 1974, the Chatham Council www.chathamcoa.com. Protection by an abutter. Eon Aging (COA) is the local community resource for older persons and their caregiv- Senior Tax Work-off Program: Year 3 of Violations: The Commission dealt with a ers. The COA works to identify the needs of the Senior Tax Work-off program concluded similar number of violations of the regula- the seniors in the community and to develop, on June 30, 2015. Another successful Tax tions as in recent years. Most violations coordinate and promote programs and Work-off year saw 12 participants perform result from illegal cutting of vegetation in the services to meet those needs. Our mission is 755 hours of service in 8 Town departments. resource area, without applying for permis- to enhance the dignity, support the indepen- As of 12/31/15, halfway through Year 4 sion. Where appropriate, the violators were dence and promote the general health and of the program, 14 participants have been required to restore the areas to their natural wellbeing of Chatham’s older persons and placed in 9 Town departments. state with native vegetation and in some cases caregivers. to pay fines. Service Offerings: The COA continues to COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT offer assorted health education and screen- Management of Town Conservation Chatham COA launched a comprehensive ing options including blood pressure; Spring Lands: In 2015 the Commission faced a Community Needs Assessment (CNA) in Health Fair; hearing screenings; memory higher number of applications and lower 2015. Funded by the Friends of Chatham screenings; walking group pre- and post- staffing, which resulted in less time spent on COA and the Town of Chatham, the Center testing; foot care services; health & wellness land management public outreach and educa- for Social and Demographic Research on programs; legal services; tax preparation tion than has been done in previous years. Aging at the University of Massachusetts services; Medicare Part D Open Enrollment Education and Outreach: Educating the Boston conducted this multi-phased, research clinics; varied caregiver support options; public is important to conservation results. study scheduled to conclude in early 2016. access to diverse support offerings through Several Workshops were held at the Commu- The community in which an older person referrals; transportation services; computer, nity Center on various conservation topics. lives makes a big difference in the extent to tablet and smartphone classes; topic-specific Changes have been made to the application which he or she is successful in achieving seminars and information sessions. well-being. The intent of this Needs Assess- process, which should result in educating Social & Recreational Activities: COA Café ment was to proactively receive input, de- applicants and better applications. gourmet lunches and soups to go; ESCCI velop knowledge and collect hard data which congregate lunches; COA Cinema free mov- Membership & Staff: The Conservation will inform the short and long term planning ies on Mondays; Men’s weekly discussion Commission lost the services of two dedi- for serving the wants and needs of Chatham’s group; Busy Fingers knitting & needlework; cated, knowledgeable and valuable agents rapidly growing aging population. Data col- Bridge, Cribbage and Scrabble programs; this year, who both resigned for personal lection included the process of consulting Women’s Wisdom monthly discussion group; reasons. For 16 years Ms. Kristin Andres stakeholders across Chatham–representatives free Lending Library, used book sale and acted as agent, developed many educational of the people who care about seniors and low-cost greeting card shop; seasonal perfor- programs and worked on regulations for the about Chatham as a community. In the Com- mances and theme entertainment. protection of coastal and wetland resource ar- munity Forums many seniors expressed con- eas. She managed Town-owned Conservation cerns about economic security. How can the Land and the associated Conservation Land COA help Chatham’s seniors plan for their Steward Program. Assistant Agent Ms. Emily 65 OUTREACH weather arrived. This program has been cre- 2015 COA Personnel The year 2015 began with severe and ated to be an annual service. Mandi Speakman Director prolonged winter weather which created PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Eva Souza Outreach/Volunteer Coordinator a cascading effect of isolation, safety and In addition to the ongoing orientation and Stephanie Shea Outreach Coordinator financial stressors. Staff resources were training of new staff members, the COA’s Nancy Michniewicz Receptionist directed to both office and in-home appoint- Director and professional Outreach staff Kathy Carucci Program Coordinator ments for assisting seniors with addressing attended training and professional develop- safety concerns due to the weather, accessing Bus Drivers: ment opportunities in the following areas: resources to address increasing financial need Gerry Golia Dick Hosmer hoarding; Cape Cod Healthcare and com- and increased need for assistance with basic Roger Kallstrom Paul Robinson munity health centers; CCCC’s Gerontol- phone-menu and online technology. Requests Respectfully submitted, ogy Intensive series; Healthy Living Cape for enrollment in Fuel Assistance programs Carole DeChristopher Cod; Department of Transitional Assistance; increased. A pattern of financial need contin- Chairman, COA Board of Directors South Shore Community Action Council’s ues to grow as community members age in Mandi Speakman Fuel Assistance program; behavioral health; place, outliving their resources which are fur- Director, Council on Aging Adult Protective Services; regional legisla- ther stretched by unplanned-for emergencies tive World Café; Dementia and Alzheimer’s such as severe weather and medical crises. In “Adapting and Planning for Disease Progres- an effort to proactively prepare for these and Cultural Council sion” conference; AARP’s “Life Reimag- other emergencies, several programs have ined”; C&I regional domestic violence ublic funding for the arts, humanities and been initiated: council; MA Gerontology Association: The Pinterpretive sciences is provided in Mas- • Elder Working Group (EWG) was formed Aging Network “Challenges and Opportuni- sachusetts through the Mass Cultural Council, in January 2015 with the goal of identi- ties for Emerging Leaders”. a central agency. Chatham Cultural Council is fying “at-risk” elders and coordinating part of a network of local councils that serve THANK YOU communication between the Chatham every city and town in the state. The COA once again owes many thanks to municipal departments. Participants include Requests for funding came from 31 ap- the Friends of Chatham COA. The Friends the Chatham Police Department, Chatham plicants for the year 2015-2016 and the CCC is a private, non-profit corporation which Fire/Rescue, Chatham Council on Aging, was able to grant full or partial funding for 25 continues to support the COA tremendously Chatham Board of Health, Chatham Hous- grantees for a total of $14,158. through volunteerism and fundraising efforts. ing Authority and the Town Nurse (VNA). The CCC received funds in the amount This COA support group further contrib- The goals of the EWG include the creation of $4,400 from the Mass Council and this utes to community outreach and goodwill of a process to identify and provide services amount was increased with funds in the through the monthly birthday parties which to the most vulnerable older community amount of $4,000 from the Town Budget are funded and run by Friends volunteers. residents. The group is building on exist- appropriation under the Community Services The Friends also pay for the COA newsletter ing interdepartmental relationships and department. The Council raised $2100 in local postage and provides tuition to Supportive expanding communication and data sharing. fund raising efforts. These funds were for the and Medical model Adult Day Programs for The EWH is working towards sustainable fiscal year 2015. Other fund raising efforts are clients with demonstrated need while finan- collaboration, communication, and coordi- in progress for fiscal year 2016. cially supporting many COA programs and nation by working to formalize policy and Teachers in the Chatham Elementary and the other miscellaneous needs not covered by the procedures. Monomoy Regional School systems have ap- COA’s Town budget. • In collaboration with the CFD Public Educa- plied for and received grants for various enrich- The COA relies heavily on volunteers to tion Coordinator the COA initiated a public ment programs and field trips which would not provide help with critical positions such as awareness campaign regarding the need otherwise be funded through the school budget. receptionist, dining and kitchen help and to update smoke and CO detectors and the Our grants for 2015-2016 were publicized blood pressure clinic organizer among others. availability of new units for those in need. locally and in the spring a Grantee Reception Thank you to the 54 volunteers who gave Batteries were distributed and response cards will be held at the Creative Arts Center. Past over 3900 hours of their time to the Town of were provided for those needing assistance and present grantees are invited to attend as Chatham during 2015. The Executive Office changing batteries or installing new units. well as State legislators, the Board of Select- of Elder Affairs conservatively estimates the • In collaboration with CPD Emergency men, School Administrators and teachers. value of this gift to be $71,000! Management Director and Community Grants are written in accordance with pub- lished guidelines from the Mass Council and Development, vent assessments have been BY THE NUMBERS made part of the Reassurance Program reg- local guidelines which were published on that Category 2015 website. Aside from grants falling into the istration. Inspections are ongoing of current Outreach* Active Clients: 392 participant homes that may be at risk for category of arts, humanities and interpretive Program Att Participants: 1001 sciences, they must have a public component blocked vents during a snow storm. Transportation Clients: 107 • Promotion and new enrollments in the CPD for the benefit of the community as a whole. Volunteer Management Volunteers: 54 They must be submitted by October 15 each Reassurance Program continues. Hours of Service: 3921 • In collaboration with CPD Emergency year and they are discussed and voted upon over the next two months. See a complete list Management and the DPW, the COA has * Please note: Active Outreach clients do not of grants below and also on the Mass Council identified at-risk elders on the “do not include clients who received services but did website at www.mass-culture.org. plow” list. COA Outreach worked with not meet the minimum 3 points of contact or This year the Council consists of eight vol- these families to identify vulnerabilities experience a noteworthy critical event requir- unteers appointed by the Board of Selectmen and made plans proactively before winter ing a file be opened. 66 Grants awarded 2015-2016 and growth of the Chatham’s economy. We want to thank Shane Coughlin, the former chairman of the EDC who resigned in June 2015, for his leadership of and contributions to the EDC and wish him well in his future endeavors. We would also like to remember Ed Fouhy, a former member who passed away this year, for his contributions in the early years of the EDC. Respectfully submitted, Luther Bates, Chairman George Khalil, Clerk Darren Saletta Mike Gorman Walter Bush Stephen Buckley
Eldredge Public Library iscal Year 2015 was a year of change for Fthe Eldredge Public Library. Thanks to the Friends of Eldredge Public Library, our staff work areas underwent major renovation in October, greatly improving the comfort, to serve one or two terms of three years each. nomic sectors. The Committee’s efforts also functionality, and appearance of the staff The Council holds regular monthly business take into consideration the need to balance room while giving a morale boost to the staff meetings September through June which are economic development activities with the who participated in the planning. The Library open to the public. There is a good deal of need to continue to improve the quality of the had to close for five and a half days to accom- paperwork in order to adhere to Town and life in Chatham that all of us will cherish. plish the change, but carried on services in the state regulations. We provide all of our own During 2015 the Committee’s efforts meantime, and it was well worth it! minutes, correspondence and state required focused on the following areas of the The circulation statistics pointed to online office reporting. Town’s economy: changes in our users’ habits. Use of books on CDs, downloadable audiobooks, E-books, Louise Redfield asw our staff liaison and • Continuing to provide input to the Board and other electronic materials rose. Our DVD assisted us in our fiscal reporting process. We of Selectmen and Water & Sewer Advisory circulation lost a bit as patrons found online appreciate her expertise. We look forward Committee on refinement of the economic sources such as Netflix and on-demand mov- to working with Tawnya Menesale, our new development portion of proposed Article II ies and television shows more convenient. staff liaison. sewer regulations. Technology changes will continue to evolve, Respectfully submitted, • Investigating, in conjunction with a sub- and will continue to affect the services we Cecile Maranhas, Co-Chairman committee of the Finance Committee, the provide and the way we provide them. Nancy Gothie, Co-Chairman pros and cons of changes to the Hotel/Motel By the numbers: 120,544 Library items Tax including the possibility of extend- circulated this year. E-book circulation ing this tax to include short term rentals. continued to grow at a rapid rate, increasing Economic Development The Finance Committee and ultimately the by 30% this year! Use of the various online Board of Selectmen agreed with the EDC Committee resources we offer rose to 12,852. We pre- that neither an increase in the tax or expan- uring 2015 the Economic Development sented 718 programs to 13,024 people; an- sion of the tax to short term rentals was Committee (EDC) held 9 meetings. swered 5,831 reference questions; and served D warranted nor had the Town demonstrated a The Committee benefited from the diverse the needs of patrons who made 157,630 visits need for the additional revenue. perspectives of the members. The Committee to the Library. We have Library cards on file • Supporting the infrastructure improve- member’s backgrounds include: Technology, for a total of 10,682 people. And, for the 7th ments proposed by the Town for Ryders Finance, Real Estate, Hospitality, Retail, En- time, the Library Journal study honored the Cove landing and the Town’s acquisition of ergy, Legal, and Maritime Industry experience. Eldredge with four stars, rating it one of the waterfront property with a permitted pier on The EDC’s efforts are currently focused on best libraries in the country. Bridge Street, and continuing the Commit- ensuring the long-term economic sustainabil- The Friends’ dedicated group of volunteers tee’s advocacy for access to our waterways ity of the Town of Chatham. This includes were busy all year, manning the circula- as a significant component of the Town’s exploring ways the Town can foster sustain- tion desk, mending books, arranging for current and future economy. able job development for young adults and programs, Learning Series classes, refresh- working families, monitoring and comment- We welcome broad participation in our ef- ments and seasonal décor, and running their ing on the potential economic consequences forts and look forward to continuing to work ongoing book sale. Through the year they of work being done by other Town commit- closely with the Board of Selectmen and planned and worked on their very success- tees, and informing the Board of Selectmen other Town boards, commissions, and com- ful Chatham-by-the Sea Raffle this summer. of opportunities to enhance existing eco- mittees to foster the long term sustainability The Friends’ support of the Libraries’ Youth 67 Services activities is key to maintaining our Emergency Management Management has continued to work at the excellent offerings. Sincere thanks to all our local, county and state level to enhance pre- wonderful Friends of the Library. This will he 2015 winter storms in January and paredness and response to storms and other be their thirty-sixth year of service to the TFebruary impacted Chatham with heavy emergency situations. This preparation is Library! snowfall, strong winds, and coastal flooding accomplished by working closely with Town As we begin FY2016 we are happy to wel- resulting in numerous power outages and departments including the Department of come new Trustee Robert Lear to the Library property damage. Blizzard JUNO starting Natural Resources, Health Agent, Council on Board. We bid a fond farewell to Trustees on January 27, 2015 was the first of several Aging, Police and Fire, Harbormaster Office Phyllis Freeman and Richard Siewert after snow storms that affected Chatham. Cha- and D.P.W. Chatham Emergency Manage- many years of service. We will miss them! tham Emergency Management and Chatham ment has a strong working relationship with Our dedicated and knowledgeable staff is truly Officials held pre-planning meetings and the Barnstable County Regional Emergency creative, helpful, and more, and I thank them participated on conference calls with MEMA, Planning Committee (BCREPC) and Mas- for all that they do! We all look forward to the National Weather Service and the Barn- sachusetts Emergency Management Agency challenges and opportunities in store at the stable County Regional Emergency Planning (MEMA). Chatham Emergency Management Eldredge Public Library in Fiscal Year 2016! Committee before and during the storms. Director, Police Deputy Chief John Cauble, Respectfully submitted, Information from storm preparation meet- administers the overall day to day operations Irene B. Gillies, Director ings and conference calls was forwarded to and management of the Town’s Emergency town personnel, Channel 18, Town Website Operations Center (EOC) located at 249 Library Trustees for Fiscal Year 2016 administrators, school personnel and SWIFT George Ryder Road. Stuart Smith, Chatham 911 Emergency Notification System admin- Harbormaster is the Emergency Management President Joseph Gagliano istrators to keep residents informed. During Deputy Director. The Chatham Emergency Vice President Bruce Wood the storms, Emergency Management worked Management Director is an active participant Treasurer Sally Stratman directly with Eversource and Verizon liaisons in the Barnstable County Regional Emergen- Clerk Susan Eldredge to restore power and phone service. Chatham cy Planning Committee and MEMA Region Assistant Treasurer Alan Sachtleben DPW worked many hours over several days, II, attending all monthly meetings, training Members plowing roadways and Town facilities. On sessions, operational drills, and taking part Stephanie Bartlett Nick Harris January 27, 2015, the Barnstable County in planning and operations for the BCREPC Alice Popkin Daniel Brown Regional Emergency Planning Committee Regional Shelter Program. Gay Murdoch Peter Saunders opened all of the Regional Shelters, includ- Respectfully submitted, Kay DeFord Carol Odell ing the shelter for Chatham, Harwich and Deputy Chief John Cauble David Wister Robert Lear Brewster residents at the Cape Cod Technical Emergency Management Director High School in Harwich. Shelter Staffing CIRCULATION was provided by Chatham Fire Department Books 58,817 Paramedics, Chatham Police Officers, and the Energy Committee Chatham Animal Control Officer. Magazines 503 he five member Chatham Energy Com- The Town of Chatham will receive reim- Audio: CDs, Playaways 6,866 mittee (CEC) meets monthly. The CEC’s bursement in the amount of $82,415.59 for T Video–DVDs 27,471 role is to consider all aspects of Chatham’s snow removal and storm damages under the Audio Downloads 2,577 use of energy, as well as promote economy, 2015 January Blizzard Disaster Declara- E-Books 6,394 efficiency and conservation. With the guide- tion/FEMA Public Assistance Program. The Miscellaneous 1,117 lines of the Committee-prepared “Town En- FEMA reimbursement was coordinated by Total onsite loans 103,745 ergy and Resource Conservation Policy”, the Alix Heilala, Chatham Director of Finance Inter-Library Loans: Received (16,767)* CEC continues to promote new and existing with the assistance of Chatham Emergency included above energy initiatives in Chatham. Management and Town department heads. Loaned 16,799 The CEC, while voting against Chatham In December 2015, the Chatham Emer- TOTAL CIRCULATION 120,544 becoming a designated Green Community, gency Management Director applied for continues to pursue many of the Green Com- Circulation Breakdown a FEMA/MEMA 2016 EMPG Grant to munity Act’s criteria, including developing To Chatham Residents 89,173 purchase a new portable 800 MHz radio for energy policy, municipal building audits for To Other Massachusetts Residents 19,207 the Chatham Emergency Operations Center conservation, using energy management To Out-of-State Residents 12,164 (EOC). The new radio was needed to replace software to track monthly gas and electricity Number of Registered Borrowers 10,682 a 20 year old radio that was no longer ser- use, and discussing “stretch” building codes viceable. The grant application in the amount Additions with local builders. The CEC’s priority dur- of $2,460 was approved and a new 800 MHz New Books 3,562 ing 2015 focused several things, including radio will be purchased. New Compact Discs 397 working with the Cape and Vineyards Elec- In 2015, Chatham Emergency Manage- New DVDs 420 tric Cooperative (CVEC) and the Cape Light ment continued to partner with Chatham New Playaways 54 Compact in developing renewable energy Council on Aging by promoting and main- New Videogames 20 facilities in Chatham; helping Chatham ben- taining the Emergency Management Special New Ebooks 144,500 efit from CVEC’s involvement with off-Cape Assistance Program. The Special Assistance renewable energy projects; and promoting Program has been developed for persons of CLC’s energy-saving programs. all ages requiring special assistance in the John Scott is Chatham’s representative on event of a storm, long term power outage the Board of Directors of CVEC. CVEC pro- or other emergency. Chatham Emergency 68 motes and builds renewable energy genera- management measurements (Fire/EMS highly trained and dedicated firefighters/ tion facilities. The facilities also provide elec- department first to do this in 2015). Overall, paramedics that take pride in their profession tricity cost savings to CVEC member towns. Chatham residents and visitors continue to and in serving the community. It is the goal Through CVEC, Chatham has three solar receive an excellent set of services. of the Fire/Rescue Department to provide the generation projects: the Chatham Landfill Budget items that created major discus- highest level of public safety possible to our Project and two rooftop projects at the Police sions this year were: 1) Monomoy Regional community. Station and the Town Hall Annex. These three School District (MRSD) due to regionaliza- In 2015, the Fire/Rescue Department projects saved Chatham close to $250,000 in tion financial challenges, much of it affecting responded to 2,728 incidents and transported their first full year of operation. Other CVEC- Harwich, but Chatham must stay engaged in 1,064 patients to the hospital. Revenue supported projects from which Chatham will the process; 2) Debt Service levels as total received in 2015 for ambulance transports, benefit are an 8 MW wind generation project Debt will continue to be high in the near permits, and inspections totaled $640,227.97 in southern Plymouth and a solar generation term due to infrastructure projects; 3) The The Department received delivery of a project in Dartmouth, MA. Project Administrative Function and the need new ladder truck last September. The truck CEC Member, Peter Cocolis, is Chatham’s for better clarity on its role; 4) Community has over 115 feet of ground ladders plus an representative on the Board of the Cape Light Preservation Act (CPA) and an outstanding aerial ladder mounted on top of the truck al- Compact (CLC). CLC is funded largely by a question from last year as to whether there is lowing for safer and quicker access to the up- small surcharge on electric bills. It competi- a better way to allocate these funds. per floors, roofs and chimneys using minimal tively negotiates residential and municipal From a financial perspective, the tax rate manpower. electricity rates, offers free energy audits, and for fiscal 2016 will rise by 0.6%. While the The Fire Prevention/Inspection Division provides grants to fund energy efficiency and increase in the tax rate was minimized due had a busy year performing plan review of conservation projects to all Cape residents, to an increase in assessed property values 228 proposed construction projects to ensure businesses and municipalities. During 2015, of 4%, this does not necessarily reduce the compliance with the state fire code. The Fire the CEC promoted the CLC free energy audits tax bill for property owners. Municipal and Inspector conducted 356 code enforcement so that more Town residents and businesses school expenses will increase by approxi- inspections in commercial and residential are aware of the program. In 2014 CLC mately 3%, which includes the impact of buildings and issued 421 permits. replaced all 560 Chatham streetlights with the first year of debt service on the new high The Public Education Coordinator present- far more efficient LED lights, at no cost to school (and partially offset by lower munici- ed several programs on fire prevention, injury the Town. This is annually saving Chatham pal debt interest expense and capital spending). prevention, CPR, and AED instructions more than $20,000 in electricity costs and The Finance Committee pledges to work in the schools and to several people in the an additional annual savings of about $8,000 with the Board of Selectmen, Town staff, community. The programs were funded by in maintenance costs. Most other exterior committees and taxpayers, and is an inde- state grants. The S.A.F.E. grant award funds lighting of school and Town property is now pendent voice to Town Meeting. Leaving the school programs and the Senior S.A.F.E. also LEDs. In December, CLC negotiated ex- committee in 2015 were Dean NiCastro and grant funds programs for senior citizens. tremely attractive electric rates for all of 2016. Bob Dow and the town thanks them for their Over the past two years the Department Respectfully submitted, years of service. The committee welcomed was awarded over $400,000 in grants from John H. Scott, Chairperson and Clerk two new members, Stephen Daniel and Flor- the Department of Homeland Security to ence Seldin. replace breathing apparatus and radios. These Respectfully submitted, grant awards removed $400,000 of needed Finance Committee Kenneth Sommer, Chairman equipment that required funding through the he Town Moderator appoints the nine- John Crea, Vice-Chair Town’s Capital Budget. Tmember Finance Committee for three- John Whelan, Clerk The Fire/Rescue Department has been year terms. As required by The Town Charter Norma Avellar temporarily located in trailers at the rear of and By-Laws, the Finance Committee is to Roslyn Coleman the Public Works building while a new fire report to Town Meeting its recommendations Stephen Daniel station is being constructed on Depot Road. on each article in the Warrant. The Committee Florence Seldin After a few initial delays, the project is now reviews the annual operating and capital bud- Jo Ann Sprague rapidly moving along and estimated comple- gets, department and volunteer group budgets, Steve West tion date is May or June of 2016. major town projects and all other articles for As Fire Chief, and on behalf of the town meeting consideration. Fire/Rescue Department firefighters/paramedics, I want to thank the The budget process for FY 2016 began community for the several thoughtful letters with a streamlined budget book, which is t is my pleasure to present the 2015 an- of appreciation and positive feedback and more in line with the Management structure Inual report of the Chatham Fire Rescue support we continue to receive every year. of the town. For the second year, department Department. The Department is dedicated Every letter of appreciation is posted on the level budgets included revenue items that to providing the highest quality of service department’s bulletin board and certainly is are controlled through their operations. The possible to our community. We are commit- a morale booster for all. Thanks to everyone Finance Committee continues to request that ted to meeting the needs of the community by again for your continued support. We are town staff look to improve the efficiency of providing fire protection, emergency medical always ready to serve our wonderful town services and mitigate long-term finan- service, hazardous materials response, ice community! cial challenges of high debt service levels rescue, technical rescue, public education, Respectively submitted, and healthcare benefits for staff. To this end, fire prevention, inspection/code enforcement, Michael Ambriscoe, Fire Chief work began in earnest with the Collins Center and plan review services. The Department’s (UMass) to create a set of performance excellent customer service is the result of
69 Golf Advisory Committee each meeting to update priorities, funding, and Bay Resource Management Plan as well as actions. There was significant improvement special topic work groups. Ted Keon supports n 2015 the Golf Advisory Committee in the course quality and numerous comments the North Beach Advisory Committee, South Ielected Bruce Bogardus as Chairman. The were made by players and leagues alike. Coastal Harbor Management Plan Implemen- Golf Advisory Committee started the year The Golf Advisory Committee made a tation Committee, and Waterways Advisory completing a new Request for Proposal for proposal in December to the Community Committee. Harbormaster Stuart Smith the operating contract of the Seaside Links Preservation Committee for funds to support supports the Aunt Lydia’s Cove Committee. Golf Course. The BOS reviewed and made a replacement of an artificial grass tee, adding Renee Gagne supports the Shellfish Advisory few amendments and then issued it on Janu- two new senior tees and expanding the irriga- Committee. The Department Director sup- ary 23rd. Of note was the decision by the tion system to cover the rest of the course. ports the Water & Sewer Advisory Committee Town not to increase any fees. The Request A mission Statement was developed and as well as representing the Town on numerous for Proposal was for a three year contract. submitted to the BOS for approval. local, regional, and state committees, includ- Two proposals were received and they The public is invited to view the Golf ing the Cape Cod Water Protection Collabora- were opened and reviewed at a meeting with Advisory Committee meetings which are tive Technical Advisory Committee, EOEA the Town Manager on February 19th. A third available on the Channel 18 archives on the Nutrient Management Technical Workgroup, proposal was received, but was non-conform- Town website. Cape Cod 208 Plan Monitoring Workgroup, ing. At this meeting there was discussion as Respectfully submitted, and others dealing with wastewater, water to the pro’s and con’s of each proposal and Bruce Bogardus, Chairman quality, and other environmental issues. See which contract was most favorable according Carl Bertolino separate Annual Reports by a number of the to the objectives. The price proposals were Edward Boyce referenced Boards and Committees. then opened. The recommendation was for Stephen J. Kuzma Comprehensive Wastewater Management Johnson Golf Management and they had the Roger Sullivan best price proposal for the Town as well. The Plan (CWMP) recommendations went to the Town and it was Regular progress reports on construction approved. References were checked as were fi- Natural Resources activities and other aspects of the CWMP nancials. The contract was signed and Johnson implementation are available on the Town’s Golf Management started to participate with Department website: www.chatham-ma.gov/public_ the Golf Advisory Committee in March and he Department of Natural Resources documents/ChathamMA_CWMPlan/CWMP. started to manage the course April 1st. T(DNR) was organized in summer 2014 by The public is encouraged to review the The Golf Advisory Committee completed the transfer of Harbormaster operations and Final CWMP/Final EIR, and other CWMP the “Conflict of Interest” training and test management into the Department of Health reports and documents, which are available in April. and Environment. on the Town’s website and at the Eldredge The major maintenance issue was the need DNR brings together those Town staff Public Library. The Town’s website also for a new or rebuilt irrigation pump and de- having responsibility for the protection of contains a Frequently Asked Questions docu- termining who was responsible for the cost of public and environmental health, protection ment on the CWMP and wastewater project the equipment. This was done and paid for by and management of natural resources, and construction. the Town. Johnson Golf Management man- management of marine resources and coastal The website also has a link to the Barn- aged the repairs and made sure the course and marine infrastructure. DNR is comprised stable County Community Septic Manage- was properly maintained. They provided all of Coastal Resources, Conservation, Harbor- ment Loan Program (www.barnstablecoun- new tee markers, ball washers, divot repair master, Health, Shellfish, and Water Quality tysepticloan.org/) which provides low interest boxes and trash bins. The quality of course Laboratory (WQL). This structure enhances loans for replacing septic systems as well as maintenance was quick to make a signifi- the coordinated approach to protecting and making sewer connections. Costs related to cant improvement in conditions. A porta- enhancing Chatham’s natural resources and sewer connections may also be offset via a potty was added on the 5th tee. The contract coastal and marine infrastructure. A close state income tax credit (www.mass.gov/dor/ required detailed reporting of course use and working relationship is maintained with the businesses/help-and-resources/legal-library/ these reports are now being provided on a Department of Community Development tirs/tirs-by-years/1990-1999-releases/tir- monthly basis. Many trees were removed as many projects involve permitting in both 97-12-personal-income-tax-credit-for.html). on the ladies 4th tee to allow visibility to departments. The Department Director also The Board of Health continued issuing the green. Ornamental grasses were planted oversees the Sticker Office, responsible for connection orders to properties serviced by between the 6th and 9th fairways. Senior tees transfer station, beach, recycling, and ORV new sewer mains although at a slower pace were added on 5 holes. The paths down to the stickers, and Shellfish licenses. See separate than 2014 as less linear footage of new sewer lower level on the 4th hole were leveled and Report for the Sticker Office. came on-line. In 2015 the Board of Health graveled to improve access and safety. Department staff supports numerous issued 36 connection orders and granted A Request for Proposal was completed for Town boards and committees. Judith Giorgio 42 connection time extensions. Connection the rebuilding of the stairs surrounding the (Health Agent) supports the Board of Health. within one year is mandatory upon Board of area around the seventh and ninth tee holes. Kristin Andres (retired 2015)/Paul Wightman Health order although the Board may grant Work was completed in May. The Chatham (Conservation Agent) supports the Conser- limited time extensions for good reason. The BOS were invited to a tour of the course vation Commission and Land Bank Open Board of Health’s mandatory Sewer Con- in October. Space Committee. Robert Duncanson, Ted nection Regulation can be viewed online at The Golf Advisory Committee implement- Keon (Coastal Resources), and Renee Gagne www.town.chatham.ma.us/Public_ ed an ongoing list of projects/proposals for (Shellfish Constable) serve on the Techni- Documents/ChathamMA_Health/ work to be done. This list is now reviewed at cal Advisory Committee for the Pleasant Regulations/SewerConnectionReg_ effective_Dec8.pdf. The new on-line sewer 70 connection application and tracking program Pleasant Bay Alliance In early 2015 the Town received word that functioned well saving applicants and Town The Pleasant Bay Alliance (PBA) (see EPA, through the Southeast New England staff time in not processing paper applications. separate Annual Report) had another busy Coastal Watershed Restoration Program, was Eighty-one properties were connected to year as it continued implementation of the going to fund 100% of a stormwater Best- the sewer system in 2015, with a further 17 Resource Management Plan (RMP) for the Management-Practice (BMP) Demonstration permits issued and awaiting final connection. Pleasant Bay Area of Critical Environmen- Project for nitrogen removal in Chatham. In addition, 50 applications were in various tal Concern (ACEC). The DNR Director The Town had submitted a grant proposal in stages of processing at the end of 2015. Con- remained heavily involved as chairman of 2014 for a demonstration project to retrofit nections will continue into 2016 as contracts the RMP Technical Advisory Committee nitrogen removal into the existing storm drain are completed and new sewer mains accepted and a member of the Watershed Workgroup. system that discharges to Oyster Pond. The by the Town. The Alliance continued coordinating the proposed project is a good compliment to on- The first contract (1C-1) in the multi-year, wastewater/nutrient management efforts of going sewer projects that also target nitrogen multi-contract Phase 1C was completed in the 4 Pleasant Bay watershed communities remediation of Oyster Pond. 2015. Funded at the 2013 and 2014 Annual to address the total nitrogen Total Maximum Design and permitting were completed Town Meetings, these contracts target the res- Daily Load(s) (TMDL) for Pleasant Bay and in the spring and construction of the BMP, toration of Oyster Pond and Little Mill Pond its sub-embayments. located at the intersection of Oyster Pond watersheds. These water bodies are highly Furlong and Absegami Run began in early Muddy Creek Restoration Bridge Project impacted by excessive nutrients. Additional summer. Construction was complicated by The Muddy Creek Restoration Bridge Project benefits will result as improved water quality the proximity of wetlands and the need to tie (Project) achieved major milestones in 2015. in Oyster Pond and Little Mill Pond propa- the new engineered gravel wetland treatment The joint Harwich-Chatham Team, working gates throughout the Stage Harbor System. system into the existing stormwater infra- with project engineering consultants, CDR Design and permitting work continued structure. The gravel wetland uses vegetation, Maguire, Inc., Providence, RI, completed on contracts 1C-2 to 5. Contract 1C-2 is ex- soils, bacteria, and natural processes to con- design and permitting of the new channel and pected to be bid in spring 2016 with the rest vert nitrogen in the stormwater into nitrogen bridge. The Project was put out to bid with of the 1C contracts bid by the end of 2016. gas which goes back into the atmosphere. MAS Building and Bridge, Inc. of Norfolk, Construction on these contracts is expected The treated water ultimately flows back into MA (MAS) being selected as the contractor to finish by the end of 2018. As with previous the storm drain to Oyster Pond. With proper with a Notice to Proceed issued in September. contracts it is expected these contracts will maintenance the gravel wetland will treat The first phase of the Project got un- qualify for 0% SRF funding from the State. approximately 11 million gallons of nitrogen- derway in November with local utilities, The next wastewater request (for Phase 1D) containing runoff per year. The project was Verizon (phone), National Grid (gas), and for Town Meeting appropriation is planned completed in the fall with the exception of Eversource (electric), working to relocate for May 2017. final landscaping that will occur in spring their respective infrastructure so the exist- Chatham and Harwich continued to evalu- 2016. EPA is working out details of a moni- ing embankment/culverts can be removed ate the use of the Chatham treatment facility toring plan that will be used to determine the allowing construction of the new channel and as a means to address wastewater nitrogen for efficacy of the system at removing nitrogen 94-foot single span bridge. Utility relocation a portion of the East Harwich area, within the from stormwater over several years. work was completed in mid-December and jointly shared watersheds to Muddy Creek. EPA is working to issue a new Phase II MAS intends to start earthwork and bridge This joint venture would provide an opportu- Stormwater Permit, the previous permit construction right after New Year’s 2016. The nity for some of the capital costs on Chatham having expired over 5 years ago. Comments construction contract and MADOT Highway taxpayers related to the new treatment facility on a Draft permit issued in 2014 were being Permit call for work to be completed prior to to be offset by Harwich. The towns will con- reviewed by EPA throughout much of 2015. Memorial Day 2016. tinue to explore this option in the coming year. A final permit may be issued in 2016. At the end of 2014 the Project had Regional wastewater planning continued received grants totaling $4.3M ($1M from Coastal Resources Division in 2015 as the Cape Cod Commission issued the National Coastal Wetlands Conserva- Outer Beach/Inlet Development the Final so-called “208 Plan”, named for tion Program and $3.3M from the U.S. Changes in the location and alignment of the the relevant section of the Clean Water Act. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Hurricane Sandy 2007 inlet were relatively minor again in 2015. The Cape’s original 208 Plan was created Mitigation and Resiliency Program) for Navigation through the inlet was challenging in 1978 and had not been updated since that construction. The Project Team continued to due to large shoals inside the inlet which re- time. With $3.3M in funding from the SRF seek additional grants in 2015 to reduce the stricted access for larger vessels. The northern Program the Commission developed, with impact on Chatham and Harwich taxpay- tip of North Beach Island (NBI) continues to numerous stakeholders, an updated 208 Plan. ers. In December the Team received word narrow and overwash during storm events. The Commonwealth accepted the Plan in that the Project was awarded a grant of More observable changes continue to early summer and EPA accepted the Plan in $300,000 from the NOAA Coastal Ecosystem occur at the southern end of NBI with the September. Work will now move forward on Resiliency Grant Program bringing total ongoing southern migration of the island and implementing recommendations in the Plan. grant funding to $4.6M. The channel/bridge further narrowing of the 1987 inlet opposite The Plan does not have a significant impact construction is estimated at $5.1M Chatham Light. This pattern is consistent on Chatham as Chatham already has an ap- with general predictions of changes to this proved CWMP and has been moving forward Stormwater Management barrier beach/inlet system. These changes with implementation since 2010. Stormwater management projects continued will be monitored closely given the potential in 2015 as part of sewer construction con- for impacts to navigation of the fishing fleet tracts so that work can be done in a way that which relies on this inlet for access to the minimizes impacts on neighborhoods and Atlantic. property owners. 71 Ongoing monitoring of tidal changes in In late July near the end of the normal Old Mill Boat Yard in Stage Harbor. The Chatham Harbor and Pleasant Bay supported nesting season, an unexpected influx of project will repair serious deficiencies in the by the Pleasant Bay Alliance and Center for least terns arrived to nest along the southern facility and provide for enhanced public use Coastal Studies in Provincetown is revealing portions of NB. Unfortunately, the arrival oc- and berthing opportunities for the boating an interesting trend. Analysis of tide data in- curred just as Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) access public. The project includes replacement of dicate that low tides measured at the Fish Pier was being restored through Orleans. Chatham approximately 300 ft. of deteriorated timber are becoming less “low” compared to previ- quickly prepared and submitted an ORV and bulkhead, installation of a new concrete float ous low tide elevations. It is theorized this Least Tern Management Plan through the system at the end of the existing timber finger is related to narrowing of the southern inlet Natural Heritage and Endangered Species floats, removal and replacement of the exist- which restricts the volume of water leaving Program of the MA Division of Fish and ing timber pier and float with a new concrete Chatham Harbor. This pattern suggests the Wildlife. Chatham was subsequently issued a float system, new concrete washdown pad for southern inlet is becoming less hydraulically Conservation and Management Permit from commercial fishing vessels, and new water efficient which may contribute to increased the Commonwealth which allowed ORV supply and discharge lines for the existing shoaling and narrowing of the inlet. access under conditions requiring increased shellfish upwelling system. Construction The breaks in South Beach, the first oc- staff presence and other safeguards against costs are estimated at $1,540,000. The Town curring in 2013 and the 2nd in 2014, have bird disturbance including enhanced fencing has already appropriated $350,000 toward the continued to develop into a large and very and time-limited self-escort vehicle corridors. project and additional funds will be sought shallow inlet system bisecting South Beach. The program was successful at maintaining at the 2016 ATM to cover the full project The inlet has funneled significant volumes of public ORV access while also protecting the cost. Contract award is estimated to occur sand to the west and into the old “Southway”. successful nesting and fledging of several in spring/summer 2016 with construction to This severely limits navigation both out the least tern chicks. begin in fall 2016. inlet as well as to the southern portions of the Off Road Vehicle (ORV) Access Fish Pier Southway. Unfortunately, these shoals hinder The 2015 seasonal summer closure of Nauset The Town hired an engineering firm to the ability of shellfishermen to access a Beach to ORV traffic due to nesting shore- develop an overall site facility condition as- significant shellfish set located along sections birds was not as long as previous years. This sessment which will assist the Town in iden- of the lower Southway. This pattern of inlet was the result of less predation, quicker tifying and prioritizing short- and long-term and shoal development is indicative of the fledging of chicks in the Pochet area in facility repairs and upgrades. The report was anticipated continued break-up and migration Orleans, as well a new management program scheduled to be completed by fall 2015 but is of South Beach into the Monomoy system. (Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP)) granted now anticipated early in 2016. Monomoy represents the southern “sink” to Orleans that enabled ORV access under for sand migrating along the outer beach of 90 Bridge Street strict conditions for protection of nesting pip- southern Cape Cod. The Town purchased the waterfront property ing plovers. As noted above, Chatham had to While 2014 was a relatively mild year at 90 Bridge Street in 2014 for the purpose request a permit and implement a similar pro- for storms, 2015 began with a late January of mixed municipal and public waterfront gram for nesting least terns since ORV traffic nor’easter which produced some of the high- access. A marine contractor was hired to re- was restored in Orleans while Chatham still est water levels in Pleasant Bay and Chatham construct the small timber pier located on the had many least tern nests along its portion Harbor since the 1991 “No-name” storm. The property and the work was nearly completed of Nauset Beach. Sales of Chatham resident event caused significant damages to Town by years end. In addition, a consultant was ORV stickers by year’s end were slightly landing facilities and the Fish Pier as well as selected to assist the Town in developing op- ahead of last year (462 vs. 449 in 2014). to private property along the north and east tions for future site development and re-use facing shorelines. The storm was declared a Landings/Infrastructure of the parcel. The consultant should begin National Emergency which allowed the Town Ryder’s Cove: Activity at the landing was work on that effort in early 2016. to seek partial reimbursement for damages to generally reduced this past summer since Mitchell River Bridge public infrastructure from the Federal Emer- large schools of striped bass did not mate- Construction of the replacement Mitchell gency Management Agency (FEMA). rialize off Chatham’s Atlantic shores. This River Bridge is well underway. The project reduced traffic and congestion for much of Beach Management experienced some delays associated with the the season although weekend usage was still Shorebird Management harsh 2015 winter weather and as a result often busy. The same shorebird monitors comprised of of design changes. Despite these delays, The proposal for substantial improvements Suzanne (Phil) Phillips, Tom Olson, Joanne MassDOT has indicated that an accelerated to parking and other public access utilizing Coombs, and Gerry Beetham returned to pro- work schedule has been developed with the the adjacent upland that had been developed vide shorebird monitoring on North Beach contractor and the bridge should still be open over the previous year was presented to the (NB) and NBI. The number of successfully to traffic consistent with the original comple- citizenry at the 2015 Annual Town Meeting fledged piping plover chicks was higher tion date of mid-June 2016. Some aspects (ATM). The project was universally sup- than 2014 for both areas. This seems to be of the project will still be unfinished such as ported by the Selectmen, Finance Committee, related to a decrease in predation, principally final landscaping and other non-critical work and numerous advisory committees; however, from coyotes, this past year which is the items, but it is expected that the bridge will the project was not approved at the ATM. most common cause for the loss of eggs and be operational and open to vehicles and ves- chicks. The approximate total number of Old Mill Boat Yard sel traffic for the summer. fledged chicks on NB was 19 while NBI had The Town was awarded a $1 million Coastal Town Landing Regulations at least 16 to perhaps as many as 26 fledged Infrastructure construction grant from The Waterways Advisory Committee recom- chicks. the Seaport Economic Council (SEC) in mended, and the Selectmen subsequently November 2015 for improvements to the 72 approved, two changes to the Town Landing several fishing activities in waters west of the fee as well as a separate local filing fee. The regulations governing Ryder’s Cove. The MNWR that had previously been proposed to Town’s share of the State fees collected to- changes included increasing the number of be prohibited in the draft CCP. Both the Town taled $19,005.50 and fees collected under the ramp passes for non-residents by an addition- and Commonwealth provided comments local bylaw totaled $23,722.00. By statute, al 20 (total now 80) per day and increasing strongly opposing any actions by the federal fees obtained in the administration of the MA the ramp fee from $20.00 to $25.00 per day. government to usurp local or Commonwealth Wetlands Protection Act can only be used to jurisdiction over fishing rights to the waters carry out the Commission’s duties under the Dredging and submerged lands within the original Act, not for other Commission activities. No dredging by the Corps of Engineers was Declaration of Taking. The State Attorney performed this past year at Aunt Lydia’s Staff Duties General indicated a willingness to seek legal Cove or Stage Harbor. The January winter Other duties and responsibilities of the con- remedy if the USFWS continues to claim storm produced considerable shoaling at the servation staff include jurisdiction of these waters. By year’s end North Jog dinghy float as well as around the USFWS has not released their final position • staff support to the Land Bank Open Space South Jog float. Anchor Marine was con- on this and other topics through the so-called Committee and related committees such as tracted to remove the material using a “long Record of Decision. the South Coastal Harbor Management Plan reach” excavator and they removed about Committee; 450 cys of sand from the North Jog area and Conservation Division • participation in regional workgroups and about 50 cys of sand from the South Jog The primary responsibility of the Conserva- committees such as that of the Pleasant Bay float. The majority of the material was placed tion Division staff is to provide support to the Alliance; at Scatteree Landing with additional material Conservation Commission who is responsible • providing public educational opportunities going to Cotchpinicut Landing and Pleasant for administering the Wetlands Protection through free workshops, the Town website, Street Beach Act (MGL Ch. 131, s. 40) and the Chatham and dissemination of informational bro- After several years of “near starts” a Wetlands Protection Bylaw (Chapter 272). chures and handouts; unique dredging and disposal project finally A majority of staff time is dedicated to • giving presentations to local organizations; took place this past winter for Mill Creek and facilitating the permit process under wetlands • active pursuit of continuing education by Forest Beach utilizing the County dredge. protection laws by: attending seminars and conferences; The entrance to Mill Creek was dredged • serving as liaison between professionals, • maintenance of conservation division with about 7,500 cys of sand placed along applicants, and the Commission; webpage; the feeder beach at Cockle Cove. The Town • providing public education on wetland • drafting and implementation of Commis- then partnered with several private property values, natural resource protection, the ap- sion policies and regulations; and, owners from South Chatham to have a por- plication process; • staff support to the Commission in the tion of the sand “fillet” at the eastern end of • maintaining the conservation related records oversight and management of Town-owned Forest Beach removed by the dredge in order and resource materials; conservation lands through monitoring and to re-establish the sand trapping capacity of • reviewing proposed projects and applica- implementation of land management plans. the jetty system. Approximately 10,800 cys tions; Staff organizes and supervises volunteers; of sand was removed and pumped to the west • conducting site inspections for preliminary conducts numerous land management to nourish several private beaches in South review of projects and for compliance with projects, including trail work, cleanup of Chatham. The project required additional permits; dumping sites, invasive species removal and restoration and habitat enhancement along • preparing permits and issuing documents; restorative plantings, posting of signage, Forest Beach for shorebird nesting. The and etc. AmeriCorps and other volunteers and back-passing of sand from Forest Beach as • investigating reported violations and taking other department staff are essential to ac- well as the habitat mitigation/restoration necessary enforcement actions, including complish these tasks. work was entirely funded by private interests. the issuance of Stop Work Orders, Enforce- Mass Audubon was closely involved in the ment Orders, non-criminal tickets and court Public Outreach planning and implementation of the restora- appearances. Staff organized free public programs in col- tion work and it proved to be an excellent ex- laboration with various non-profit groups and ample of a project providing necessary sand Wetlands Protection state and county agencies. Staff continues to management along with enhanced habitat In 2015 there were a total of 274 applications update the Town’s conservation webpage and restoration. submitted to the Commission for work within seeks to use all available means to inform the areas protected by state and/or local wetlands public about conservation issues. Chatham Herring Run protection regulations, representing a slight Conservation is on Facebook. See separate Report. increase over the 264 applications in 2014. Conservation Land Management Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge Applications were made up of 127 Admin- The implementation of the Conservation The US Fish and Wildlife Service (US- istrative Reviews, 26 Requests for Determi- Land Management Plan and the Wildfire Pro- FWS) released for comment their proposed nation of Applicability, 89 Notices of Intent, tection and Preparedness Plans is an ongoing final Comprehensive Conservation Plan for 11 Extension Orders, and 21 Requests to process. Land management projects complet- the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge Amend Orders of Conditions. Some project ed at Conservation Areas over the past year (MNWR). The draft final CCP acknowl- changes were approved informally by the include invasive species removal, planting of edges the agreement reached between the Commission through the acceptance of natives, trail maintenance, removal of hazard Town and USFWS allowing for continued field changes. trees, and rubbish removal where illegal Town management of South Beach. The Total wetland application fees collected in dumping has occurred. plan also modified several recommenda- 2015 were $42,727.50. The total fees collect- tions that would allow for the continuance of ed include a portion of the state application 73 Rolf E. Sylvan Gardens – As identified in staff and funding. AmeriCorps volunteers docking and wait list permits and regula- the management and public access plan for are in demand for projects around the Cape tions. In accordance with Division Standard the property, a group of volunteers has as- and the application process for obtaining Operating Procedures, Patrol Boat operators sembled to form a Friends of Sylvan Gardens their services continues to get more competi- conducted safe and effective boat opera- organization a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit. The tive each year. We are grateful for each time tions throughout the unique and challenging organization will work collaboratively with AmeriCorps is able to provide their valuable waterways. In addition, the Division provides the Town to help with the funding of projects, assistance. oversight and regulatory enforcement to the development of a public outreach, educa- Fish Pier, operates and maintains the Mitchell Senior Tax Work-off Program – The tion and volunteer program. The Friends of River Drawbridge, provides oversight and as- Department’s participation in the program has Sylvan Gardens role will serve as key support sists in management of Town Landings. The been very rewarding due to both the accom- for the ongoing management of the property. following report highlights activities for the plishments achieved and the personal inter- 2015 season. Land Stewardship Program – The program face with participants and government staff. celebrated a year of volunteer Land Stewards 2. SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS – With ChathamRecycles, an ad hoc workgroup of walking Town-owned conservation properties few exceptions the H-24 Patrol Boat was volunteers consisting of staff and citizens, and reporting their findings to the Division dedicated to patrolling the waters of Chatham continues to meet periodically. Regardless, to aid in management of the Town’s conser- Harbor, which includes Chatham Inlet, North the group held its annual Book & Media vation areas. Over 25 volunteers monitored Beach and North Beach Island, Pleasant Bay Swap – two days at the Annex building. All conservation properties and submitted reports channel, Aunt Lydia’s Cove, Bassing Harbor, recycling events received a significant public on their findings. The information will be Ryder’s Cove, Crows Pond, Pleasant Bay, the response and involvement. maintained in a data base, assisting with east side of North and South Monomoy Is- The ChathamRecycles website continues identifying management issues and projects lands, and off-shore waters. The H-21 Patrol to provide the public information on recy- important to insuring safe public access and Boat was dedicated to patrolling the waters of cling in Chatham: www.chathamrecycles.org preservation of the quality of our wild lands. Stage Harbor to include the entrance channel, and is now on Facebook. Some significant management issues discov- the Southway, Oyster River & Pond, Mitchell ered related to the public’s misuse of proper- Harbormaster Division River & Mill Pond, waters along Harding’s, ties were encroachment by new development, 1. OVERVIEW – The Harbormaster Divi- Ridgevale and Cockle Cove Beaches, the illegal use of the Town land for dumping, sion is responsible for safety on navigable west side of North and South Monomoy ATV and motor bike use, camping, and waterways of the Town, which includes 66 Islands, and off-shore waters in Nantucket bonfires, vandalism of signs, to name a few. miles of coastline, as well as other areas as Sound. The H-25B Carolina Work Skiff was Volunteers are also providing observations required, including waters out to 3 nautical utilized primarily for the purpose of setting, and identification of wildlife and wildlife miles off-shore. In addition to assisting mari- hauling, and servicing aids to navigation. The evidence, plants and trail conditions. ners and swimmers in distress, the Harbor- H-25 Patrol Boat (Parker), equipped with A dedicated conservation website with master Division is responsible for maintain- the Geographic Information System (GIS) information about the Town’s conservation ing and installing 200 plus seasonal and was used mainly for mooring management lands, created in 2013, continues to be main- year-round Town-owned Aids to Navigation, within Chatham Harbor and Stage Harbor, tained by staff. It is a means for the public to pollution prevention and response, enforce- was available for other missions as required, access information about Town-owned con- ment of state and local waterway regulations and is the primary all-season vessel. Over the servation properties; for the Land Stewards to and bylaws, and management of mooring, coming years we will need to re-capitalize file their monitoring reports online; for events to be posted; and for new volunteers to sign up. A hotlink to this website can be found on the Town’s website. AmeriCorps Cape Cod – We were fortunate to have AmeriCorps members assist with sev- eral group projects. Most projects pertained to trail maintenance, invasive species removal and other land management activities. These are all projects that might otherwise not be accomplished due to limitations of Town staff and funding. The conservation land management work of this division and the Conservation Com- mission is greatly enhanced by the assistance of AmeriCorps Cape Cod. AmeriCorps volunteers provide an extremely valuable service to the Conservation Commission and the Town in assisting with trail maintenance, invasive plant species control and other land management activities organized as group projects, projects that might otherwise not be accomplished due to limitations of Town
74 our boats due to age, replacing them with tenance at the conclusion of the boating • Water Quality Testing – Throughout the similar size boats. While it is very difficult season. After being hauled, all buoys season, Patrol Boat operators transported to capture in totality the multi-mission work are pressure washed and reconditioned state marine biologists and Town Natu- that the patrol boat operators and the Division as needed throughout the off-season, ral Resources personnel to areas within as a whole have executed over the season, the which often includes welding repairs and Chatham Harbor and off-shore in support of following summary by mission area captures replacement of ground tackle and chain. water quality testing programs. a significant level of effort: This year we researched and procured f. TRAINING a new buoy type for deployment in pro- • The National Association of State Boating a. MARITIME ASSISTANCE – Outlined tected waters. This buoy is designed to be Law Administrators (NASBLA) is the na- below is a table of statistics from 2014 easily deployed, hauled, and serviced in tionally recognized leader in providing mari- and 2015 of maritime assistance cases an effort to reduce the man-hours spent time training to State and Local maritime documented in Incident Reports and during buoy operations. Of additional response agencies. Two NASBLA courses patrol boat daily logs. Although we do our benefit was the cost savings associated (Boat crewman and Boat Operator Search best to document all calls for assistance, with the buoys which were purchased at and Rescue) are required by the Massachu- there are instances where assistance half the cost of the buoys that were in use. setts Harbormaster Training Council for rendered is not documented in incident e. SUPPORT OPERATIONS – In addi- certification. In addition to the two required reports. We are in the process of develop- tion to executing the Division’s primary courses, NASBLA offers other courses that ing a system that will capture assistance missions, patrol boat operators provided are utilized as in-service training. In 2015 rendered that is not covered under our support to the following agencies and Harbormaster staff met required in-service standard Incident Reports. The 132 cases organizations: training requirements by attending the fol- successfully executed in 2015 by patrol • MA Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) lowing courses: 1) in January three members boat operators have resulted in many lives – Throughout the season, patrol boat attended a specialized Boat Crewman course. saved or assisted and thousands of dollars operators provided assistance to Dr. Greg This course covers the basic fundamentals in property saved. Skomal and staff as they continued their and skills necessary while performing du- b. LAW ENFORCEMENT – The primary research and tracking of great white sharks ties as a crewman aboard our patrol boats; objective of law enforcement actions by within Chatham’s area of responsibility. We 2) in March five members participated in a the Division is to promote public safety were involved in several high profile shark Boating Under the Influence (BUI) course and welfare by encouraging voluntary stranding’s which garnered global media covering techniques and procedures for BUI compliance, and addressing non-compli- attention. In July, our staff responded to a enforcement; and 3) in May three members ance. Again this year, presence through report of a stranded great white shark near successfully completed an enhanced vessel active patrolling served to significantly South Beach. Working closely with DMF operator’s course. This course is designed deter negligent or unlawful operations. our staff’s quick actions resulted in the suc- to enhance a maritime law enforcement of- The Division continued with the require- cessful rescue of the shark which was safely ficer’s capabilities with the knowledge and ment for patrol boat operators to conduct placed back in the water and towed back skills necessary to appropriately operate their a post-incident safety boarding for each out to the ocean. vessel in a safe and efficient manner at high boat that required a tow back to port. In • Atlantic White Shark Conservancy - The speeds, react to threats in the maritime com- addition to numerous verbal warnings, Atlantic White Shark Conservancy has con- munity, and protect his/her vessel, crew, and patrol boat operators issued 3 written by- tinued to fund a white shark population study the citizens in their area of operation. This law violations. in partnership with DMF. In a cooperative ef- training incorporated tactics, techniques and c. MOORINGS – Patrol boat opera- fort the Division continued to assist with the procedures that the U.S. Coast Guard uses to tors conducted mooring checks within shark receiver buoys placed within Chatham train its boat operators, and ensures seamless all mooring fields to ensure the proper waters and helped facilitate daily reports pro- integration into security operations amongst display of mooring stickers and state vided by the Conservancy outlining activity federal, state, county, local and tribal mari- registration stickers, ensure proper display noted by their spotter planes and boats. time law enforcement officers and agencies. of mooring number and name on mooring • International Fund for Animal Welfare balls, and checked the condition of haw- 3. ADMINISTRATIVE HIGHLIGHTS (IFAW) – Patrol boat operators reported sers. The Division continued to inspect the sightings of injured and/or stranded a. HARBORMASTER DIVISION mooring tackle & hawsers, reposition seals and dolphins, and were often called FY 2015 REVENUE moorings as needed, remove abandoned upon to transport IFAW staff to the scene to • Fish Pier Rent $26,250 or illegal moorings, and properly maintain obtain samples and/or retrieve if necessary. • Independent Buyer/Packer $1,000 35 Town/Public moorings. Consistent with past years, there were many • Fuel Fees $19,709.43 d. AIDS TO NAVIGATION – The Division reports of injured and dead seals with large • Mooring Permits $227,403.60 is responsible for licensing of 200 plus bite marks suspected to be from sharks. • Wait List $8,760 private Aids to Navigation through the • Local and National Media: Again this • Late Fees $5,480 U.S. Coast Guard; private Town aids are year, there was significant media interest • Transient Fees $4,600 established, disestablished, and updated surrounding great white shark sightings • USCG Rent $8,040 by means of the Private Aids To Navi- and strandings within Chatham waters • Bridge St. Parking $1,805* gation (PATON) database. Patrol Boat from both local and national media outlets. • Ryders Cove Ramp $11,260 operators were responsible for deploying As shark sightings become increasingly • Docking Permits $57,327 seasonal private aids to navigation prior common, the media interest for a “sighting” • Fisherman’s Storage (at the airport) $6,000 to the start of the boating season, verified has waned in favor of a higher interest in * includes in house receipts only, no on-line and adjusted buoy positions throughout stranding’s, breaching’s, or predations. receipts the season, and hauled buoys for main- 75 ADMINISTRATIVE STATISTICS 2015 Private Mooring Permits Issued: 2,299 Commercial Mooring/Slip Permits Issued: (Commercial Boat Yards/Marina’s) 527 Wait List 1,224 Docking Permits Issued 117 Phone Calls/Walk-in’s: 5,471 Closed Loop Pressure Wash for Haul Outs 18 Pump Outs 88 c. MOORING MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE • Now three years into the pilot program the Town is working with the Vendor to address 5. LESSONS LEARNED: as well as the bulkheads, floats and piers. issues with the system’s ability to accu- Stage Harbor Patrol – We continued patrol The result of the study will yield a 10 year rately provide essential functions required during the 10 hour operational day as has plan for needed improvements, renovations for our complex mooring management been done in the past, and is still being done and repairs, including recommendations to regulations. This year, mooring permit and on the Chatham Harbor side. The new cut in address sea level rise and increased storm waitlist renewals were significantly delayed South Beach continued to attract more boaters frequency/intensity. This information will as a result of working to ensure accurate to the area bringing with it an increase in case be utilized to prepare and prioritize capital information is provided to the public. budget requests over the coming years. load for that area. The inside of south beach STAFF CHANGES was one of the more popular destinations for HEALTH DIVISION In FY2016 the Mooring Officer job descrip- boaters on the Nantucket Sound side. Health Division staff are responsible for the tion was re-structured to better serve the Natu- EMT/Boat Crew – This position was used enforcement and licensing for Public and En- ral Resources Department, The position now to achieve a two person patrol posture during vironmental Health in the Town of Chatham. called the Coastal Facilities Manager/Wharfin- the weekends (Fri-Sun) on both the Stage These responsibilities include: ger is shared with the Coastal Resources Divi- Harbor and Chatham Harbor patrol boats. • Routine inspectional work, in accordance sion, also serving as an appointed Assistant Clearly weekends have the highest volume with the State Sanitary Code, other State Harbormaster. In December 2015 Michael of boating activity, and, therefore, the period laws, and local Regulations, including food Ryder was hired for this full-time position. with the most vessel assistance and/or dis- service, tobacco control, septic systems, 4. OTHER WATERFRONT tress cases. This was the fourth consecutive housing and nuisance complaint investiga- PROPERTIES AND FACILITIES year of this patrol addition which continued tions, swimming pools, and motel/hotels to be very effective. Working closely with the Coastal Resources and inn inspections. Division a number of waterfront facility 6. MUNICIPAL FISH PIER: • Review of all permit applications, including projects moved forward in 2015. septic systems and food establishments in • Red’s Best and Whitely Fuel continued accordance with State and local Regulations. • Work on the pier at the Bridge Street prop- their leases at the Municipal Fish Pier • Serves as staff support to the Board of erty, purchased in 2014, began with a con- this year. While still experiencing lease Health (BOH) on variance requests, prepa- tract award to Great Eastern Marine. The compliance issues with Red’s Best, they ration and enacting health regulations, and pier is being reconstructed to accommodate have steadily improved over the past year. other BOH issues. heavier loading and is close to completion Marder Trawling Inc. replaced Nantucket • Coordinates with the Fire Inspector and Build- at years end. The pier will provide much Fish as the lease holder for the south pack- ing Commissioner on annual inspections. needed boat and water access to the south ing bay. • Prepare and drill public health emergency side waters. • Over the summer the Wharfinger continued plan, as part of the local emergency plan- • Funding has been secured for repair/recon- collecting vehicular and pedestrian traffic ning committee, with the assistance of the struction of the bulkheads and floats at Old data. Numbers this year were consistent Health Agents Coalition of Cape Cod. Mill Boat Yard. Construction should begin with those of 2013 and 2014. In August • Review of all building permits, Zoning in fall 2016. Plans and permits are in place Harbormaster staff assisted with a traf- Board of Appeals applications, Planning for this $1.5M project. At years end the fic study of the upper parking lot at the Board applications, and real estate inspec- Town received notice it was awarded a $1M Fish Pier. The purpose of the study was to tion reports. grant from the Seaport Economic Council gauge the average time vehicles are parked • Reviews all sewer connections and tracks for the project. in the upper lot. This information will be BOH orders to connect to the new munici- • In response to new Town Landing Regu- used when assessing solutions to ongoing pal sewer system. lations regarding dinghy storage and traffic issues associated with the Fish Pier’s identification markings, Harbormaster staff popularity. Parking enforcement along the Annually the Department coordinates the dis- removed approximately 52 non-compliant roadway and parking lots remain a chal- semination of vaccines, including flu shots to dinghies from multiple Town landings. lenge for the Town. the community and Town employees. In the Removing abandoned, un-used and/or • The Town hired an engineering firm to fall a multi-age clinic was held at the Mono- un-marked dinghies has helped alleviate conduct an assessment of conditions at moy Middle School, offering flu vaccine to congestion noted at and adjacent to some the Municipal Fish Pier. The assessment students and their families, staff and Town landings. will provide an in-depth assessment of the employees. In addition, a flu clinic was held building, mechanical systems, utilities, at the Community Center for the adult popu-
76 lation of Chatham. Other vaccines and services Scallop Shanty 1 sustainable shellfish resource for the benefit of coordinated through VNA of Cape Cod (VNA) Septic Abandonment 56 both commercial and recreational harvesters. and Barnstable County Health Department Total Receipts: $58,060.00 The final ersionv of U. S. Fish and Wild- (BCHD) include Hepatitis, Varicella, and Teta- life’s (USFWS) Comprehensive Conservation nus, as well as blood pressure checks. SHELLFISH DIVISION Management Plan for the Monomoy National The Health Department held its 4th annual The Shellfish Department is charged with Wildlife Refuge continues to assert USFWS Community Health and Fitness Fair. Free and protecting, managing and enhancing shellfish jurisdiction over portions of open water and open to the public, vaccinations and health resources throughout Town waters. Author- submerged lands in Nantucket Sound and screenings were provided and nutrition, ity to govern shellfish resources is given to would, if signed into effect, adversely impact physical fitness, and well-being information coastal Towns by the Commonwealth under local shellfisheries. Though USFWS has re- disseminated too many families. The Fair is Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 130. versed position on banning some of the previ- supported by VNAVNA, BCHD, and Cape The Department fulfills its mission by enforc- ously proposed banned fisheries, such as bay Cod Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). ing regulations which protect and conserve scallop dredging; they continue to propose With the assistance of the VNA all com- the resource, by educating the public about a ban on mussel harvest, sub-tidal salting municable diseases are tracked and com- shellfish and the need for sound management for razor clams, and on the use of hand carts munication is maintained with the State practices, and by ensuring the continued sus- in the intertidal zone. The Commonwealth Department of Public Health (DPH). tainability of the resource through a success- and Town, again, strongly objected to the In the spring, training was again provided ful propagation program. The Department USFWS’s interpretation of its jurisdictional for Chatham food service personnel in includes two full-time staff members, Shell- rights and are committed to legally challenge “Choke Safe” and “Hands on CPR” with the fish Constable and Propagation Specialist/ such assertion. assistance of MRC. Assistant Constable, and seasonal Deputies The beginning of 2015 was detrimental In response to the winter’s severe weather a and propagation support. The majority of for those making their living along the shore. work group was established consisting of staff staff time is dedicated to daily enforcement After the blizzard in late January, most from Health, Senior Center Outreach, Fire and patrols, monitoring both recreational and coastal waterways were iced in. In February Rescue, Police, Chatham Housing author- commercial shellfish landings, and operation alone, the Temperature Rule, which prohibits ity, etc., to coordinate communication and of the propagation program. shellfishing within the inter-tidal area when response to ongoing issues in the community. Following review and discussion with the the air temperature is below 30 degrees, was The Board of Health enacted Regulations Shellfish Advisory Committee, a number in effect for all but 4 days. When the ice re- this year banning the sale or distribution of regulatory changes were implemented in ceded and temperatures rose, harvesters were of single-use plastic bags. The ban will go 2015. In February the Board of Selectmen impressed by abundant sets of both soft-shell into full effect on January 1, 2017. The full approved a change to the Shellfish Rules and clams and quahogs throughout all south- text of the Regulation is available on-line at Regulations that allows ANY child under the shore waters and flats. A review of this year’s www.chatham-ma.gov/Public_Documents/ age of 13 to shellfish with an adult holding growing season follows: ChathamMA_Health/Plastic%20Bag%20 a valid family shellfish permit. This change Soft-shell clams Ban_Chatham%20BOH_Effective%20 generated exceptionally positive feedback Soft-shell clams fared well over the harsh 1_1_16.pdf. Copies are also available at the with the recreational shellfishing community. winter and for the first time in years steamers Town Annex. Another change was the increase of all class- could be found throughout the Stage Harbor Mary Ann Gray retired from the Board of es of shellfish permit fees. This action was Complex, including both sides of the Cause- Health after 12 years of faithful service. We taken in conjunction with a request at Town way. The most abundant sets were located will miss her depth of knowledge about the Meeting to have twenty-five percent (25%) of in the Southway which includes the flats be- community and public health issues and thank revenues from the sale of family permits de- tween South Beach and Monomoy Island. As her for her service. We welcome our newest posited within the Shellfish Revolving Fund in 2014, the channel accessing the Southway Board of Health member John Beckley. (SRF). The SRF was established in 1983 at flats changed daily and was precarious in Thank-you to Dianne Langlois, and Board Town Meeting to support the “propagation, any foul weather, thereby limiting access and of Health members, Edward Sheehan, Ted cultivation, protection and study of shellfish”. reducing catch effort on the resource. Though Whittaker, Dr. Allen Ward, and Ronald Bro- The SRF is the funding source for the propa- landings for soft-shell clams were moderate man for all you do. gation program, including seasonal staff, seed purchases, gear, and upweller expenses. over the year, the price-per-pound made up Health Division PERMITS ISSUED 2015 From 1983 on, seventy-five percent (75%) of for average landing weights. Recreational Disposal Works Construction 135 commercial permit fees ONLY have been de- harvesters were also very happy to find the Food Handler’s 147 posited in the SRF. However, it is recognized “Recreation Only” flats at the Causeway pep- Motel/Cottage 11 that propagation efforts include the seeding pered with steamer holes. Both sides of the Room Inspection 8 of quahogs, oysters and bay scallops in all Causeway sustained a season of harvesters Swimming Pool/Hot Tubs 10 Chatham waterways, including the “Recre- and are still producing. Tobacco Sales 3 ation Only” area at the Causeway on Morris Quahogs Stable/Animal Keeping 7 Island Road and, therefore, recreational per- The severe winter acted as a double edged Septic Installers 29 mit holders have benefited from the Town’s sword for quahogs. Areas of dense popula- Septage Haulers 20 propagation program for over 30 years at the tions, such as the Town’s grow-out areas, Rubbish Haulers 5 sole expense of commercial shellfishermen. experienced a percentage of “winter kill”, Recreational Camps 2 With Town Meeting’s approval to place 25% where the competition for food is more acute. Well Construction 21 of family permit revenues into the SRF, the In less dense areas, the ice served to protect Well Destruction 0 propagation program will continue providing a the animals from normal winter predation,
77 especially puddling ducks. Overall, quahog Violations Issued talks through the season. A full propagation populations seemed to rebound and landings 2 Guest violation report can be found on the Shellfish Depart- for quahogs were just down slightly from the 24 In possession of greater than ment page on the Town’s website. Seasonal last few years. Much of the product also came 5% seed shellfish propagation assistants were returning college from the flats of the Southway. As with soft- 2 No license on person students with additional assistance from a shell clams, prices for necks (smaller quahogs) 2 Over weekly limit summer intern attending Roger Williams were unprecedentedly high over the summer 3 Shellfishing without a permit University. Combining efforts of Cape Cod season. New sets of quahog seed have been 4 No gauge AmeriCorps Individual Placement and group noted throughout the Stage Harbor Complex 1 Shellfishing in closed area projects the propagation program utilized and the Outermost/South Beach area. 3 Shellfishing without a alidv permit over $23,000 in AmeriCorps hours. 2 Possession of shellfish out of Department staff serves as liaison to the Razor Clams season Shellfish Advisory Committee, as a Board Only a few harvesters targeted razor clams 3 Suspension of Shellfish Permit of Directors’ member to the Massachusetts periodically in 2015. Razor clams are still 2 Citations totaling $150.00 Shellfish Officers Association, member of highly valued on the market, and price per the Barnstable County Shellfish Advisory pound remains high. Razor clams are notori- Propagation Committee, and a member of the AmeriCorps ously unpredictable since they are able to With Shellfish Revolving Fund monies Cape Cod Alumni Panel. Department staff swim and reset in other locations, so though the Town purchased and grew two million also works closely with local and state of- a set of seed razor clams have been noted quahogs, and with Community Preserva- ficials to ensure public safety by assisting in in and around Nantucket Sound, there is no tion Funds purchased one hundred thousand water quality and shellfish testing. prognosis for 2016. oysters. In addition, the Town received ap- In closing, the Department would like to proximately fifteen thousand donated oysters Bay Scallops and Blue Mussels thank our placements from the Senior Tax from Chatham Shellfish Company and There were no discernable commercial Work-Off Program, Fran Ellingham and Dan- received a Barnstable County Cooperative landings for bay scallops this season, though iel Campanaro. Fran and Dan are a perfect fit Extension Grant for three hundred thousand some were harvested for personal consump- and we greatly appreciate their efforts. Also, twenty-five seed quahogs. The Department tion. There were no landings for blue mussels a big thank you to AmeriCorps Cape Cod continues to hold its annual open-house and in 2015, though a greater than average set has members who assist us with our most physi- hosted a number of educational tours and been noted in all waters of Chatham. cally challenging tasks. A thank you to our AmeriCorps Placements, Natalie Wall and Lauren Bonatakis, who continue to collect data on an ongoing shellfish assessment proj- ect. Much appreciation to a dedicated staff of Deputy Wardens and seasonal propagation staff. And finally, a thank you to members of the Shellfish Advisory Committee who donate their valuable time advising the Board of Selectmen on the many issues affecting shellfish throughout the year. Water Quality Laboratory The assessment and protection of the Town’s water resources (marine and fresh surface, and groundwater) remained a primary area of activity for the Water Quality Laboratory (WQL). The seasonal shellfish closure program, which affects Mill Creek, Taylors Pond, Bucks Creek, and Muddy Creek, continues to function well allowing these areas to open in the winter and spring when water quality criteria for harvest are met. In compliance with the Massachusetts Beaches Bill, public and semi-public beaches were tested weekly during the swimming season (mid-June to Labor Day). 231 water samples were collected and tested for Entero- cocci or E. coli bacteria from 19 locations (13 saltwater public beaches (156 samples + 5 re- tests), 3 freshwater ponds (36 samples), and 3 semi-public beaches (36 samples)). Based on the test results, overall the beaches met the required water quality standards for recre- ational use. There were a total of 9 “beach 78 day” postings (no swimming advisories) pursue opportunities on the Outer Cape. Ani- Marine Fisheries (DMF) due to the reduced during the 2015 swimming season. All post- mal Control Officer Meg McDonough, who population stocks. It would be my recom- ing days occurred at Bucks Creek, likely also served as the Board of Health’s Animal mendation to keep the Ryder’s Cove run related to higher average water temperatures Inspector, retired in 2015. We thank them for closed to the taking of herring for at least and the influence of the surrounding wetlands. their many years of dedicated service to the another year, even if the Commonwealth lifts Cockle Cove CREEK remains posted No community. We welcomed Diane Byers as it ban in 2016. Swimming per Order of the Board of Health new Animal Control Officer/Animal Inspec- I appreciate the help provided by Norman due to naturally occurring elevated bacterial tor. Paul Wightman came onboard in Decem- St. Pierre, Paul White and Ted Keon for their counts originating from the surrounding wet- ber as Conservation Agent. Interviews were generous assistance in the seasonal mainte- lands. The Board’s No Swimming posting of being conducted at year-end for the Assistant nance of the herring run. Andrew Harding’s Lane Beach, due to con- Conservation Agent/Health Inspector position. Respectfully submitted, cerns over strong currents and a steep drop-off Mike Ryder joined the Harbormaster staff as Donald St. Pierre, Herring Warden to deep water, also remained in effect. Coastal Facilities Manager/Wharfinger. Beach testing results and closure notices Special thanks are due the staff of the continued to be posted at the Town Offices, Department of Natural Resources as they Historic Business District Town Annex, Sticker (Permit) Office, and the continue to serve the citizens of Chatham Commonwealth of Massachusetts web site with respect and professionalism. Commission (www.mass.gov, go to beach testing). Respectfully submitted, hank you for the opportunity to inform The WQL continues to coordinate the Robert A. Duncanson, Ph.D. Tyou of the work completed by the HBDC volunteer Pleasant Bay Alliance Citizen Water Director of Health & Natural Resources in its 2015 calendar year. Quality Monitoring Program and the Chatham Director, Water Quality Laboratory • The HBDC held 23 meetings in 2015. Water Watchers Program to maximize data Stuart Smith, Harbormaster • 116 applications were reviewed for Certifi- collection and effectively utilize limited Judith Giorgio, R.S., Health Agent cates of Appropriateness, in comparison to resources. The Chatham Water Watchers is a Kristin Andres, Conservation Agent 143 applications for the previous year. volunteer-based monitoring program run in (retired 2015) • $2,400.00 was generated through applica- cooperation with the Friends of Chatham Paul Wightman, Conservation Agent tion fees. Compared to $2,590.00 generated Waterways. The Friends are actively recruit- Theodore Keon, Coastal Resources in the previous year. ing new members to join this program that Renee Gagne, Shellfish Constable remains integral to understanding the condi- Emily Beebe, Assistant Conservation Applications included: tion of our local waterways. More information Agent/Health Inspector • 67 sign applications. (79 applications in the is available at www.chathamwaterways.org Jason Holm, Deputy Harbormaster previous year) The Coastal Water Quality Nutrient Moni- Rachel Hutchinson, Propagation • 26 applications for major renovation/con- toring Program had another very successful Specialist/Assistant Shellfish Constable struction. (30 in the previous year) season in 2015 thanks to all the volunteers Mike Ryder, Coastal Facilities Manager/ • 12 Minor applications. (22 for the previous involved. The programs has 15 stations Wharfinger year) located throughout the estuarine waters of Susan Rocanello, Harbormaster Office • 0 Demolition applications (7 in the previ- Chatham which were sampled twice monthly Manager/Assistant Harbormaster ous year) July through August and once in September Mary Fougere, Conservation Secretary • 2 Pre-applications (3 for the previous year) yielding 130± samples for nutrient analysis. Dianne Langlois, Health Secretary • 5 Satisfactions of Conditions for approved In addition, a comparable number of field Sarah Griscom, Ph.D., Intermittent Certificates of Appropriateness (5 for the measurements for parameters such as tem- Environmental Technician previous year) perature, dissolved oxygen, transparency, etc. • 0 Site Visits (2 for the previous year) were collected. • 11 Administrative Approvals The WQL tested 87 samples for process Herring Warden control in support of Water Department Daniel Sylver was re-elected as Chairman, hatham’s Herring run at Ryder’s Cove efforts to understand the source of bacterial Darci Sequin as Vice Chair, Theodore P. was particularly unproductive this past contamination detected in the water system in C (Sam) Streibert, as Clerk. Lynn Van Dine year. This was surprising for a number of fall 2015. remains a regular member. Steve Burlingame reasons including: Monthly Department reports are available was appointed to serve as a regular member. on the Town’s website (www.chatham-ma. • the previous few years had consistently Jackson Smith became the HBDCs First Al- gov/Public_Documents/index) as part of showed improvement, ternate, and Ali Van der Burg was appointed Board of Selectmen meeting packets. • the run had good water flow throughout the as the second Alternate. Selectperson Seth The DNR is grateful to all Town Departments season, and Taylor is the HBDCs’/ BOS Liaison. Deanna and the public for their support, assistance, and • other runs in the region reported good num- Ruffer, Director of Community Development cooperation during 2015. The Director would bers of returning herring for 2015. is the HBDC/Planning Board Liaison and like to again offer thanks to the many volunteers Sarah Clark is the HBDCs’ Secretary. It is not clear why our run had such few of the Chatham Water Watchers. herring but hopefully 2015 was an anomaly Some highlights included: The Department had several personnel and perhaps 2016 will again show increased • Re-write of the HBDC Guidelines and changes in 2015. Long-time Conservation numbers. All Commonwealth herring runs Procedures Agent Kristin Andres retired in August. remain closed to the taking of herring as Emily Beebe, Assistant Conservation Agent/ mandated by the Massachusetts Division of Health Inspector, resigned in November to
79 Other notable items include: The Commission continues to be engaged Human Services Advisory in numerous on-going programs and projects • The HBDC participated with the Histori- including: Committee cal Commission and Historical Society in 1) Continued generating/updating of histori- he Town of Chatham’s Human Services celebration of Preservation Month. The cal surveys with our consultant Eric Dray Advisory Committee currently is com- HBDCs’ continued support for funding of T of all properties over 75 years old. posed of nine members–and has no vacancies. the preparation of Historic Property and 2) The successful Preservation Awards Two members joined in 2015, Jack Zilliox Area Surveys and to that point Lynn Van Program, in cooperation with HBDC and and Margaret Stenberg. The full member- Dine was appointed as the liaison to the Historical Society. ship is: Paul Brown, Joanne Donoghue, Cece Preservation Awards Committee. 3) Interpretive sign program for homes and Motz, Janice O’Connell, Margaret Stenberg, Respectfully submitted, businesses. Marilyn Sneden, Ann Wade, Jack Zilliox, and Daniel Sylver, Chairman 4) Active support of the Chatham Windmill Mandi Speakman (non-voting member). Darci Sequin Group in cooperation with Parks and Rec- The Human Services Advisory Committee Sam Streibert reation for the operation of the Benjamin reviews and recommends funding for human Lynn Van Dine Godfrey Gristmill in Chase Park. service agencies providing needed services Steve Burlingame 5) Working closely with community to for Chatham residents. In 2015 the Commit- Jackson Smith providing advice and guidance on requests tee administered Fiscal 2016 grants to 19 Ali Van der Burg for listings properties on the National agencies, and reviewed 22 requests for fund- Register and creation of Historic Districts ing for the 2017 Fiscal year, including RFPs in Chatham. from three agencies not previously funded by Historical Commission the Town. The funding request listing of all Continued initiatives of the Commission he Historical Commission under the “De- agencies was shared at the January 12, 2016 include: molition Delay Bylaw” hears applications Board of Selectmen meeting. T 1) coordination and consultation with HBDC for major renovations or proposed demolition In addition to our work involving the fund- and ZBA for historic properties under its of properties greater than 75 years old. If a ing requests, the Committee has continued jurisdiction; property is deemed “Historically Significant” addressing several other initiatives during 2) review of certain building permit applica- and a compromise cannot be reached, a maxi- 2015. tions for non-contributing buildings in the mum of 18 month demolition delay can be We are continually updating the informa- Historic District; imposed. The Commission also reviews prop- tional brochure listing all the funded agen- 3) review procedures for monitoring building erties in Chatham’s National Register districts cies and how to access services from those demolition and renovations to assure com- (i.e. The Old Village, Marconi–RCA site) and agencies. The brochure is currently with the pliance with decisions of the Commission, other National Register properties. If the pro- Cape Cod Technical High School where the in close cooperation with Community posed changes are deemed to be a “substantial graphics and layout are being reviewed. Once Development Staff; alteration,” of contributing structures in the Na- the brochure is printed, Committee members 4) consultation with Community Preserva- tional Register Districts, or a National Register will again distribute it throughout the Town, tion Committee on applications requesting property, it must be referred to the Cape Cod and upload the data to the Town website to funds for Historical preservation. Commission for review and approval. make the information easy for Town residents In 2015, the Commission heard 28 ap- Long serving member, Nancy Yeaw retired to access. plications for partial and/or full demolition from the Commission and alternate Benjamin We also updated the Request for Proposal of historic structures. This compares with Smolenski was appointed by the BOS to full forms we send to agencies requesting funding 17 applications heard in 2014. Of the 28 membership. Two regular members were also from the Town to help us more easily gain applications heard, the Commission imposed reappointed during the year. We continue to important information about the utilization two demolition delays and did not refer any seek volunteers to join the commission as al- of services by Chatham residents, as well as, applications to the Cape Cod Commission. In ternates, to learn the process and be available how funding agencies receive is being spent. 2014, the Commission imposed no demoli- for full membership when needed. After many months of planning, the Hu- tion delays and made no referrals to the Cape The Commission is proud of its efforts to man Services Advisory Committee hosted a Cod Commission. This evidences the suc- recognize, preserve and restore the histori- very successful networking event. We invited cessful effort of the Commission in working cal buildings in our community. We look specific funded agencies and representa- with applicants toward a compromise. forward to continuing to work with citizens, tives from local services that are involved in The vast majority of applications are re- developers and municipal departments in our making referrals such as the Chatham public solved without imposing a demolition delay efforts to maintain and enhance the historical safety departments, Monomoy Regional or referral to Cape Cod Commission. This character of Chatham. School personnel, local clergy, Town youth continues to suggest that the Demolition De- Respectfully submitted, services personnel, Chatham Health Agent, lay By-law is instrumental in preventing the Frank Messina, Chairman and representatives from local agencies such demolition of some historic buildings. It is Robert Oliver as WE CAN, FISH, the Fishing Partnership, also the opinion of the members of the Com- Donald Aikman WOFF, etc. The event was held on November mission that the bylaw provision continues William Manley 17, 2015 at the Wayside Inn. We are very to be a constructive incentive for owners to Jane Moffett grateful for the donation by the Wayside Inn work with the Commission, on a compromise Sandi Porter management and staff of that beautiful meet- basis, to limit the loss of historic structures. Benjamin Smolenski ing space as well as the lovely refreshments. The Commission has continued its policy Stephanie Hamilton The event gave agency representatives and of encouraging applicants to informally ad local first responders a chance to meet and
80 share information about accessing services The parade ended up with the largest specta- cording Secretary. Her resignation is deeply for needy Chatham residents of all ages. Ev- tor crowd ever estimated at 28,000. The regretted. eryone who was invited attended and the exit number of parade entrants were the third Since 2012, George Cooper has served questionnaires collected at the conclusion highest in Chatham history. It was established as Chairman, succeeding Victor DiCristina of the event were 100% positive, with many that the Chatham Independence parade began who is the Land Bank representative to and requests to hold a similar event in the near in 1896, which made this the 120th version Vice-Chairman of the Community Preserva- future. of the parade. tion Committee. Dean Nicastro, Esq., is our Representatives of the Human Services Respectfully submitted, Board of Selectmen liaison. Advisory Committee regularly attended Brad Schiff, Chairman Respectively submitted, the Barnstable County Regional Substance Dr. George Cooper, Chairman Abuse Council meetings, and are represented Jack Farrell, Vice-Chairman at the Barnstable County Substance Abuse Land Bank Open Space David Doherty, Clerk Prevention Collaborative. Both initiatives Victor DiCristina are involved in identifying the magnitude of Committee Hank Russian the substance abuse epidemic, and creating he Land Bank Open Space Committee Ali van der Burg actions that increase awareness, enhance pre- Twas formed in 1999 for the purpose of ac- vention, and encourage rehabilitation. After quiring land for open space preservation and identifying a need for substance abuse and passive recreation. The Committee continues Monomoy Regional School mental health clinical support for Chatham to seek properties that protect the recharge youth attending High School in Harwich, zones and watersheds of drinking water wells, District Committee members held discussions with protect wildlife habitats, extend contiguous or the Monomoy Regional School Dis- Gosnold Hospital and the Monomoy Re- Town conservation properties and protect Ftrict, 2015 was the second year operating gional School District authorities. As a result, scenic views. Strategic purchases that mitigate as a fully regionalized school district. The in October 2015, there is now a clinic in the consequences of anticipated sea level rise winter and spring of 2015 found the newly Harwich, located at the Albro House on Main are a priority. regionalized Monomoy Regional Middle Street which is within walking distance of The Committee has facilitated the pur- School and Monomoy Regional High School Monomoy Regional High School. This clinic chase of more than 143 acres for open space concluding their first year of operation, and is staffed by a licensed clinician and provides preservation. Bonded debt service continues the new high school graduating its first cohort services and support to Chatham students and to limit our ability to make significant land of seniors. At a June School Committee meet- their families. purchases. However, we seek to leverage ing, Superintendent Scott Carpenter began to The Human Services Advisory Committee funds for land purchases with the Community shift the district’s focus: with regionalization also continued to meet with Monomoy Com- Preservation Committee, the Chatham Con- behind us, it was now time to look forward, munity Services staff and board members to servation Foundation, Inc., private neighbor- and begin to strategically look at how each of discuss the increases in services Monomoy is hood initiatives and State Land Grants. Monomoy’s schools can improve, to provide now providing Chatham residents, including The Committee sponsored Article 40 on the best educational outcomes and opportuni- taking over the Angel Fund, the Chatham the May 2015 Town Meeting Warrant that ties for students. sought Perpetual Conservation Restrictions Children’s Fund, and opening a satellite cen- The First Graduating Class on nine parcel sets acquired for the Town be- ter for the Baby Center located in Hyannis. June 7th provided a beautiful Sunday fore 2005. The Article passed. The Chatham Thank you. afternoon for the first graduating class from Conservation Foundation, Inc. already held Respectfully submitted, Monomoy Regional High School. Assembled such perpetual restrictions on open space Cece Motz, Acting Chairperson under a tent behind the Harwich Community land purchased for the Town after 2005. Center were 93 seniors dressed in cap and The Town Conservation Division has a gown, along with their family and friends. Land Stewardship Program and Newsletter. Independence Day Parade Jessica Wilson was the valedictorian at Its volunteers monitor several Town conser- Monomoy Regional High School’s first com- Committee vation properties, helping to identify property mencement. She also received the Massachu- his past years parade was themed “Dis- management issues regarding safe public setts Association of School Superintendents’ tinctly Chatham”...what makes Chatham access and the preservation of conservation T Certificate of Academic Excellence Award, so much different and wonderful versus other values of land bought from Land Bank and acknowledging her exemplary grade point av- places. Community Preservation Act funds. erage (GPA) and contributions to the school It featured three major changes to the The ‘Friends of Sylvan Gardens, Inc.’ is and community. process. a 501c(3) non-profit organization formed to promote public access and to assist the Town Strategically Improving Teaching and 1. The parade was extended by 1/3rd of a in the management of the “Rolf E. Sylvan Learning mile down Crowell Rd to make more room Garden Conservation Area” - a 9.47 acre Following a model found in many high- for spectators, and to improve the flow of property off Old Main Street that is under the performing school districts, the 2014-2015 the parade. oversight of the Chatham Conservation Com- academic year found our new regional school 2. A pre-registration was held at the Police mission. district enacting a biweekly early release Station on several days prior to the parade The Land Bank Committee wishes to to facilitate all teachers collaborating every where 80% of the participants ended up express its profound indebtedness to Kristin other Wednesday afternoon in professional doing so. Andres, Chatham’s first Conservation Agent. learning communities (PLC). Through this 3. Parade day registration process was im- She was a master of detail regarding Land ongoing professional collaboration, Mono- proved, moving the times earlier in the am. Bank purchases and served lately as our Re- 81 moy’s teachers are now able to regularly academic year was the high school’s last year covered by an insurance claim in excess of share best practices and cooperatively de- in the South Shore League. $650,000, but the needed repairs to the TV velop and improve curricula. In winter sports, Monomoy Cheerleading studio set back this component of the school’s Monomoy’s administrative team followed finished in third place in the South Shore curriculum until the fall of 2015. Once fully a research-based process outlined in Curtis League competition. Boys basketball had operational in September 2015, the TV and and City’s Strategy in Action and began two South Shore League All Stars: Lo- Video production spaces began enabling the reflecting upon and reviewing current work gan Desouza and Chris Ryder. Monomoy high school to provide daily broadcasts of in the district, including a review of testing students excelled, along with their Mashpee announcements and other productions. data, survey results, and outcomes of cur- teammates, on a cooperative boys ice hockey The total cost to build the new Monomoy rent initiatives to formulate a draft Strategic team, known as the Monarchs, where the Regional High School continued to track well Plan. In the fall of 2015, the Superintendent team qualified for the state tournament in beneath the initial $64.7 million estimate for shared this draft with the community and their inaugural year. the project. Voters in our towns had previous- began collecting feedback on the draft, along Spring sports found the boys fielding a ly approved bonding of $36,550,815 for the with additional input from staff, parents, very young club lacrosse team and compet- construction project. Favorable competitive students and community members. Through ing against Cape rivals in preparation for a bidding saved the taxpayers approximately school and community forums and surveys launch of Junior Varsity Lacrosse during the $5.2 million. In fall presentations before each Superintendent Carpenter asked individuals, 2015-2016 school year. Monomoy Baseball town’s Board of Selectmen, Superintendent “From your vantage point, what do you think qualified for the state tournament and made it Carpenter reported that sound oversight of Monomoy Regional Schools should focus to the Division 4 South Sectional Semifinal. the construction project is now expected to upon to most significantly improve student Dalton Nickerson was named a South Shore save the taxpayers an additional $3.3 million, learning and/or best prepare our students for League All Star from this team. making the anticipated final cost of the high their futures? What lever would you pull to Fall sports saw the Field Hockey team win school about $8.5 million less than what was most improve the teaching, learning, and/or 11 games and advance to the second round approved by the voters. Low interest rates student outcomes?” Over 500 stakeholders of the state tournament. Brooke Wrightingon at the time of borrowing for the construc- from our communities provided input which was named the South Shore League Player tion project will also save taxpayers millions was subsequently melded into later revisions of the Year – she and teammates Marina more over the life of the loan. of the draft Strategic Plan. The four strategic Small, Carlee Tolley, and Hannah Potter were Finance objectives identified in the draft are: all South Shore League All Stars in Field The FY15 General Fund budget presented to Hockey. Monomoy Football started to see the • Develop engaging, appropriately challeng- each community’s Town Meeting, for the first wins add up and had a number of nail-biting ing, and interdisciplinary curriculum. year of full regionalization, was $31,097,989, finishes. Drew Senatore was named a South • Strengthen parent and community partner- a 0.17% increase over the prior fiscal Shore League All Star in Football. Boys golf ships in support of student learning. year. The FY16 General Fund budget was had a tremendous year, capped by Jacob Poi- • Support learners of all ages in a supportive $35,012,973, a 12.6% increase from FY15. tras being named co-champion of the South and safe environment. This sizeable increase was largely driven by Shore Sectional, shooting a 76. Girls golf • Create an inspiring, positive culture that the borrowing costs for the new high school made it to the State finals and found junior promotes and celebrates achievement. hitting the FY16 budget with a $2,565,130 Jennifer Keim ranked 4th in New England. first year payment on a 25-year bond. The Strategic Plan, which will focus the Monomoy Regional High School The FY16 budget season found the school district’s improvement over the next Building Project school district, along with many staff and three years, is being presented, for adoption, The calendar year 2015 found the Mono- parents, engaged in, at times emotional, to the Monomoy Regional School Committee moy Regional High School building project public discourse before the Selectmen and in January 2016. slowly winding down. Students and staff Finance Committee in Harwich. The FY16 Monomoy Athletics and Arts had been occupying the new school since budget presented by the Superintendent A vibrant arts program, combining the best the August 2014 ribbon cutting ceremony. was a reduced-staff budget, eliminating ten from Chatham and Harwich, continues to The construction project in 2015 was largely full-time equivalents (FTEs). The bulk of this flourish at Monomoy. Outstanding instrumen- focused upon site work and establishing grass staff reduction came at the high school level, tal and choral performances occurred at both on the expansive athletic fields in front of the as the school district negotiated with its union our middle and high schools throughout the new Monomoy Regional High School. Con- and adjusted the high school schedule to a year. In March, the first musical production currently, the Building Committee and Super- “7-Block” model, requiring fewer teachers, in the beautiful new high school auditorium intendent were working with the general while providing more instructional time for took place as our high school students wowed contractor and project manager to address students within each of the seven courses in a audiences with a performance of Grease. The punchlist items of which a disproportionate student’s schedule. While the FY16 reduced- fall theatrical production of Peter Pan later number related to HVAC issues. staff budget presented by the Superintendent found the stage crew literally making use of The brutal winter of 2015 presented its was ultimately supported by the Selectmen the facility’s fly space, hoisting the actors own challenges to the newly opened high and FinCom in Harwich, the emotional pub- into the air. school when a pipe burst within a rooftop lic debates over school program and sched- In athletics, Monomoy Regional peti- ventilation unit above the art rooms, TV ule impacted enrollment and school choice tioned to move from the South Shore League studio, and part of the library. The brunt of numbers and found some families looking to the Cape and Islands League, in search the damage from the ensuing flood flowed at educational options where there was less of competition with schools more closely down to the TV studio, literally days before budgetary turmoil. matching Monomoy Regional High School’s it was to be opened for use in the high school During 2015, the regional school district size and geographic location. The 2015-2016 curriculum. Repairs of the TV studio were successfully reached a three-year collec- 82 tive bargaining agreement with its Unit A • Luann Angelone, Music teacher, Chatham • Catherine Moye, Art teacher, Chatham teaching staff, representing the bulk of the Elementary School – 9 years Elementary School – 9 years district’s employees. • Elaine Aschettino, English teacher, • Georgia Petrasko, English teacher, Chatham High and Monomoy Regional Harwich Middle School and Monomoy Enrollment & School Choice High School – 18 years Regional Middle School – 7 years Monomoy Regional’s October 1 enroll- • Mary Bantick, Administrative Assistant, • Mary Roy, Teacher, Chatham Middle ment remained virtually unchanged between Harwich Public Schools and Monomoy School and Monomoy Regional Middle the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 academic Regional Schools Central Office School – 23 years years–dropping negligibly from a 2014-2015 • Janice Beattie, Teacher, Chatham Elemen- • Karen Savage, Science teacher, Harwich enrollment of 1,934 students to a 2015-2016 tary School – 33 years Middle School and Monomoy Regional enrollment of 1,931. • Bob Byrnes, Biology teacher, Harwich Middle School – 25 years Monomoy Regional Schools continues to High School and Monomoy Regional High • Liane Schneider-Biron, Art teacher, be one of the few school districts on the Cape School – 10 years Harwich High School and Monomoy that brings in more school choice tuition than • Margaret Callagy, Guidance counselor, Regional High School – 16 years sends out to other districts. In 2015-2016, the Harwich High School and Monomoy • Denise Sessler, Math teacher, Harwich district is projected to take in $1,467,354 in Regional High School – 15 years High School and Monomoy Regional High school choice tuition for 258 students, which is • Joanne Campbell, Administrative Assis- School – 15 years 13 fewer school choice students in the district. tant, Harwich High School and Monomoy • Luke Simpson, Science teacher, Chatham The decrease in school choice students enter- Regional High School – 13 years High School and Monomoy Regional High ing the district largely comes from a contrac- • Nancy Condelli, Special Education, School –15 years tion of kindergarten sections, from six to five Chatham Middle School and Monomoy • Donna Smoller, Teacher, Chatham classrooms, at Harwich Elementary School. Regional Middle School – 17 years Elementary School – 17 years In 2015-2016, the district is projected to • Skip Crowell, Lead Custodian, Chatham • Susan Trainor, Teaching Assistant, pay out $1,111,009 in school choice tuitions Elementary School and Monomoy Regional Chatham High School and Monomoy Re- for 185 Harwich and Chatham resident High School – 8 years gional High School – 12 years students attending school in other districts, • Kathy Curt, Administrative Assistant, • Sandy Valentine, Teacher, Harwich which is an increase of 14 resident students Chatham High School and Monomoy Elementary School – 31 years exiting the district. The movement of resident åRegional High School – 22 years • Deirdre Wittemore, Librarian, Harwich students out to other school districts happened • Anne D’Urso, Teacher, Harwich Elemen- High School and Monomoy Regional largely at the early high school grades, with a tary School – 20 years Middle School – 13 years disproportionate number of Harwich families, • Ann Marie Dooley, Special Education • Deborah Zabielski, Teaching Assistant, who were worried about budgetary impacts Teacher, Harwich High School and Mono- Harwich Elementary School – 16 years on the high school educational program, opt- moy Regional High School – 24 years ing for perceived stability elsewhere. Shifts in Administration • Diane Dorgan, Business and Technology The 2015-2016 academic year saw a The 2014-2015 found Interim Principal teacher, Harwich High School and Mono- decrease in Chatham and Harwich resident Adam O’Shea leading Chatham Elementary moy Regional High School – 31 years students opting for more expensive charter School, while the district conducted a search • Nikki Fallon, Administrative Assistant, schools. The total number of children opting for the next principal. Mr. O’Shea had joined Harwich High School and Monomoy for area charter schools dropped to 69 stu- Monomoy the previous school year and had Regional High School – 8 years dents, but these students are projected to take been serving as the district’s Supervisor of • Lisa Graham, Business teacher, Harwich with them a net $995,063 in charter school Elementary Curriculum. After an exhaustive High School and Monomoy Regional High tuitions. Despite a reduction of four students search, Mr. O’Shea and Mrs. Robin Millen, School – 8 years attending charter schools from Chatham and Harwich Elementary School’s Assistant Prin- • Suzanne Horne, Special Education Teacher, Harwich, the net tuition dollars leaving the cipal, were left standing as the two finalists. Chatham Elementary School and Monomoy school district for charter schools is projected In the end, Robin Millen, a product of the Regional Middle School – 36 years to increase by over $50,000. former Chatham School system, was selected • Paulette Jones, Guidance counselor, as the next principal for Chatham Elemen- Chatham Middle School and Monomoy Staff Retirements and a Retirement Incentive tary School, and Adam O’Shea stepped into Regional Middle School – 23 years In the development of the FY16 budget, the role of Assistant Principal at Monomoy • Jeanne Keefe, Nurse, Harwich Middle Monomoy Regional School District offered a Regional Middle School. School and Monomoy Regional Middle retirement incentive to its employees, which The 2014-2015 school year was also School – 18 years led to an unprecedented number of retire- Brian Daniels’ first and last year as princi- • Anne Leete, English teacher, Harwich ments. With the retirement of 35 staff, the pal of Monomoy Regional Middle School. High School and Monomoy Regional High school district was able to significantly con- After Mr. Daniels decided to move back School – 18 years trol the growth of its FY16 payroll, as new “off Cape,” Mark Wilson was selected as • Donna Leger, Teaching Assistant, Harwich staff were hired to fill positions vacated by the Interim Principal of Monomoy Regional Elementary School – 28 years more costly veterans. Those retiring from the Middle School. Under Mr. Wilson’s leader- • Nancy Long, Administrative Assistant, district collectively had provided the children ship, a vibrant school culture has continued Chatham Middle School and Monomoy and families of Chatham and Harwich 642 to evolve, which has been welcomed by Regional Middle School – 8 years years of service. We appreciate and honor the students, parents, and staff alike. service of each: • Joanna McGuigan, Teacher, Harwich • Mary Albertine, Librarian, Harwich Elementary School – 13 years Elementary School – 30 years • Joan Mohr, Nurse, Chatham Elementary School – 19 years 83 The Monomoy Mission The NBAC discussed, and approved, a rule organizations, businesses and individuals. Our district’s mission statement reads that change proposed by the TOO allowing for A variety of recreational activities are run “Monomoy Regional School District is a self-contained ORV’s (campers) to remain on throughout the year for our youth. These community of learners of all ages focused on the beach for up to 96 hours, followed by 24 include soccer, basketball, baseball, and soft- building knowledge, positive character, and hours off the beach. ball. Additional classes are run in tumbling, resiliency in a safe, supportive, creative, and The NBAC does not anticipate holding arts and crafts, and music. For teens there are challenging environment.” Using the Strate- any meetings in 2016 at this time due to the also dances, games, the skate park and many gic Plan to focus continual improvement, we aforementioned lack of membership. trips to recreational, cultural and sporting intend to deliver on this mission – providing Respectfully submitted, events. Community involvement projects are the children of Harwich and Chatham a rich Tom Olson, Chairman also organized. and rigorous educational experience, so they The Community Center continues to offer are ready to succeed in the future, while also a variety of adult programming in the areas continuing to control costs for our towns and Park and Recreation of fitness classes and recreational activities. their citizens. Fitness classes that met on a regular basis in- Proud to be a Shark. Commission clude Aerobics, Yoga, T’ai Chi, “Boot Camp Respectfully submitted, n 2015 the Park and Recreation Commis- Chatham”, Circuit Training and Zumba. Scott Carpenter, Superintendent Ision continued with its mission of providing Recreational activities included Badminton, Monomoy Regional School District quality recreational programs and facilities Pickleball, Basketball, Futsal, Floor Hockey, to the residents and visitors of Chatham. The and group Tennis Lessons. Many community Park and Recreation Commission is a five groups meet at the Community Center to North Beach Advisory member appointed Commission. knit, rug hook, work on arts & craft projects, Committee At the beaches non-resident beach parking as well as to play card games and mahjong. receipts totaled $224,065. Resident beach he North Beach Advisory Committee The Commission wishes to thank Mike parking sales were $139,880. The Depart- (NBAC) held only four meetings from Seidewand for his many years of service on T ment also took in $9,900 from leased conces- January through March 2015. No other meet- the Park and Recreation Commission serving sion sales at Veterans Field and the beaches. ings were subsequently held due to a lack as the Chairman for a number of years. We This summer was had very good beach of a quorum caused by insufficient NBAC also thank Mike Ryder for his service on the weather and this resulted in increased beach membership. Commission and welcome Kimberly Rob- parking sales. The beach patrol continued to Issues discussed by the NBAC and the bins, appointed to the Commission this year. monitor Lighthouse Beach under a modi- recommendations provided to staff and the The Commission wishes to thank the fol- fied plan adopted last year. There were no Chatham Board of Selectmen are as follows: lowing groups and organizations for their gen- significant safety issues at this beach. A new There was considerable discussion with erous support and donations in 2015: Cha- personal water craft was purchased for use to regard to the Habitat Conservation Plan tham Athletic Association, Chatham Garden replace an older machine that became non- (HCP) issued to the Town of Orleans (TOO) Club, Chatham Merchants Association, the functional. White sharks were seen regularly to allow limited ORV access to Nauset Beach Chatham Windmill Group, the World War II off the outer beaches in Chatham but not during the shorebird nesting season. The Committee and the Friends of Trees. We also were ever observed in the vicinity of Light- NBAC specifically discussed the manage- thank the Building Maintenance and High- house Beach. Sharks are now being seen off ment issues for Chatham that may result from way Departments, the School Department be beaches of many towns across the Cape. increased ORV use during the nesting season. and other Town Departments for their help In Chase Park the Godfrey Windmill was The NBAC also voted to support a surcharge throughout the year. We especially thank you, open this year 3 days per week from 11:00am ($16) on all Nauset Beach ORV permits to the citizens of Chatham, for your continued to 3:00pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday offset the additional resources needed by the interest and support. Please call our Depart- and staffed with windmill attendants. The TOO to implement the HCP. All funds from ment with your thoughts and ideas, so that “Chatham Windmill Group” continued to help the surcharge are to be provided to the TOO. we may continue to work together in making with organizing and staffing the mill for spe- The NBAC reviewed changes to the TOO Chatham a great place to live and play. cial event days in June and August when the dog rules on Nauset Beach, and the effect the Respectfully submitted, mill is actually operated and grinding corn. changes would have on the Chatham portion Meredith Fry, Chairman The construction of a new skateboard park of North Beach. The NBAC also reviewed Robert Becker, Vice Chairman began in 2015. This all new concrete park is and made recommendations to modify the Ira Seldin located in Volunteer Park. Final landscaping dog rules for North Beach Island under the Michael Ryder and fencing will take place in the spring of jurisdiction of the Chatham Park and Recre- Kimberly Robbins 2016. This replaces the skateboard park that ation Commission (PRC). The PRC adopted existed previously at the Airport but needed the NBAC’s recommendation that dogs to be removed because of new airport facili- remain on leash at all times while on NBI Planning Board ties there. unless they are actively swimming. A new World War II Memorial was dedi- he Planning Board, with the support of The NBAC reviewed the wording of vari- cated on Memorial Day in Nickerson Park Tthe staff and director of the Commu- ous informational signs used on North Beach this year. The memorial was created with the nity Development Department, meets twice and North Beach Island. The NBAC recom- involvement of several dedicated residents monthly. Regular business items include, but mended changes in wording of the signs to working on a committee. The Town sup- were not limited to Site Plan Reviews, Sub- help clarify various rules and proper beach ported this effort with Community Preserva- divisions, ANR Plans and By-Law develop- etiquette. New signs were developed and put tion Funds and generous donations from local ment. It should be noted that site plan review into use. is primarily required for non-residential devel-
84 opment. Thus, while the number of projects Road neighborhoods. The Planning Board • Queen Anne Road Tree Removal subject to this review is small in comparison values the input provided by neighborhood • Barn Hill Road Tree Removal to the volume of residential development that residents, property owners and businesses. Fees Collected (through November) occurs, the projects and the related site plans The Planning Board has also drawn on the $4,712.40 tend to be more complicated in nature and goals and strategies set forth in the Long Site Plan Reviews (through December) with a great potential of impact on neighbor- Range Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Pre-applications (7) hood and community character. Board used these inputs during recent work Formal (6), Public Hearings held for (2) On June 30, 2015 DeeDee Holt and John meetings from August through November Site Plan Amendments/Change of Use (15) Marsh, Clerk were appointed to the Planning as the foundation of discussion and Board Board to take the place of outgoing members direction to the staff on developing By-Law ANR Plans Endorsed (5) Cory Metters and James Norcross. We thank amendments. A draft of the By-Law Amend- Bond Reductions/Releases & Certificates of Cory, past Chairman and James for their ments is scheduled for review by the Plan- Compliance (19) outstanding dedicated service to the Plan- ning Board in January. Recommendations to ZBA (4) ning Board. On December 15, 2015, the BOS As a result of a posting error, the Attorney Respectfully submitted, appointed Bob Wirstshafter and Stephen General’s Office did not approve Article Peter Cocolis, Chairman Burlingame to replace outgoing members 47 of the 2015 Annual Town Meeting to Bob Dubis John Hausner and Richard Gulick. We thank eliminate three of the six Flexible Develop- John Marsh John and Richard for their years of dedicated ment Overlay Districts designated in the Kathryn Halpern outstanding service in leadership positions as Protective Bylaw. On September 15, 2015 DeeDee Holt Vice Chairman and Clerk respectively. Other the Planning Board began discussions with members of the Board are: Peter Cocolis, the petitioners about how to correct this Chairman; Kathryn Halpern; and Bob Dubis. administrative error. At that time, the Plan- Pleasant Bay Alliance During the past year, the Planning Board ning Board informed the petitioners it was he Pleasant Bay Alliance (www.pleasant- met almost weekly due to two major Protec- unwilling to seek a Special Town Meeting Tbay.org) is an organization of the Towns tive By-law Amendments that are planned to to address the situation, but was amenable of Chatham, Orleans, Harwich, and Brewster be sponsored at the May 2016 Town meeting: to working with them to resubmit the peti- charged with implementing the Pleasant 1) Simplified amendments to the Flood Plain tion for consideration at the 2016 Annual Bay Resource Management Plan. The plan and Conservancy District Overlays within Town Meeting. On September 25, 2015 a incorporates the Pleasant Bay Area of Criti- the Protective By-law to address flood hazard new citizen’s petition was filed with the cal Environmental Concern (ACEC) and the mitigation, and 2) Implementation of the Town Clerk and the Planning Board held the 21,600-acre Pleasant Bay watershed. The Route 28 Visioning Study recommendations. required public hearing on this petition on Alliance develops public policy recommenda- In March 2014, after co-hosting with the November 10, 2015. The Planning Board has tions, technical studies and public education Board of Selectmen three public workshops voted to support this petition, while noting tools to support the Bay’s natural resources and other meetings to gather citizen under- that it does not address the proposed changes and safe public enjoyment of the Bay. High- standing and preferences for the Cape Cod within the context of the Town’s overall land lights from 2015 are listed below: Commission Corridor Study, the Board of use needs and comprehensive plan. Specifi- The Pleasant Bay Citizen Water Quality Selectmen tasked the Planning Board to cally, multi-family housing and congregate Monitoring Program completed its 16th mon- proceed with implementing the Cape Cod and independent living facilities are critical itoring season. Trained volunteers collected Commission’s land use recommendations for uses that must be addressed in order to ensure samples at 24 bay-wide sites. Data from the Route 28 from the Harwich town line to the that future housing needs of Town residents monitoring program are used to guide local Crowell Road intersection. On April 22, 2014, are met. As a result, the Planning Board will and regional nutrient management planning. the Planning Board reviewed the Commis- encourage Chatham’s citizens to take a more The Alliance selected the Cadmus Group to sion’s twelve recommendations and decided holistic view of the needs of our community conduct a statistical trend analysis of multi- to proceed with implementation of the first and support the Planning Board’s proposed year water quality data, and this analysis was five. These five recommendations are: amendments to the Protective Bylaw, which presented at a forum in July. will render the citizen’s petition moot. The Alliance continued to spearhead a 1. Create four unique, neighborhood centers, In addition, the Planning Board held watershed approach to nutrient management. tailoring the boundaries to create areas public hearings on two (2) applications for Wright-Pierce was selected by the Alliance to where similar land use is desired Formal Site Plan Review: 78 Crowell Road assess the watershed-wide effects associated 2. Limit formula-business activity in the cor- for development of five single family homes; with all four town’s nutrient management ridor by, at a minimum, prohibiting them and, 136 George Ryder Road for the Nicker- plans, and to coordinate this information in the Small Business District son Tree & Landscape nursery. The Planning with the regional 208 Plan Update. When 3. Adopt zoning provisions to encourage Board continues a standard practice, as part completed, this effort is expected to identify mixed use in neighborhood centers of the Site Plan Pre-Application Review, to opportunities to increase cost effectiveness 4. Rezone parts of the corridor in between determine whether a Public Hearing should and foster regional cooperation among efforts the neighborhood centers to low density be scheduled as part of the review of the to reduce nutrient loads in Pleasant Bay. residential districts (R-20) Formal Site Plan. The Alliance continued development of 5. Remove Flexible Development District The following are additional Town projects guidelines for managing shoreline erosion, In 2014 and early 2015, the Planning Board of interest which came before the Planning with the release of draft guidelines expected held a series of meetings in each of the Route Board in 2015 and for which public hearings in 2016. The Alliance also continued tide 28 study neighborhood centers: South Cha- were held: level monitoring in concert with the Center tham, West Chatham, Cornfield and Crowell for Coastal Studies, and issued a report ana-
85 lyzing multi-year tide data. Late this year a experiencing an overdose of heroin and has DETECTIVE Request for Proposals was released to assess saved numerous lives. Louis F. Malzone the effects of Sea Level Rise on the barrier Parking issues were a major source of COURT OFFICER/ beach and inner shoreline of Pleasant Bay. complaints to the Chatham Police Depart- RECORDS FACILITATOR This project will be undertaken in 2016. Also ment in 2015. The Department issued 1,301 Geoffrey E. Phillips in 2016, the Alliance also is planning the tickets during the year and was able to placement of an acoustic receiver to monitor resolve many parking disputes and problems POLICE OFFICERS tagged shark activity. over the summer months. John R. Whittle At the request of local officials, theAl - The Independence Day Parade was extended William S. Little liance also provided comment on a range this year to continue from Main Street through Michael A. Murphy of projects concerning consistency with the Crowell Road. This in turn, required additional Joshua S. Wisniewski Resource Management Plan, including the traffic resources and traffic control manage- Andrew P. Hutton Muddy Creek Restoration Bridge, Pleasant ment, as it had a major impact on that intersec- Thomas J. Powers Bay Dredging, and Ryder’s Cove Landing tion. For the most part, things went smoothly. Sean P. Ryder access plans, as well as private projects. The Department continued its efforts to Christopher Merigan The Alliance wishes to thank the citizens effectively respond to persons who may be Christopher Vardakis of Chatham for your ongoing support. in a mental health crisis. A partnership with Joseph Amara Respectfully submitted, the District Attorney, the Cape Police Chiefs Brendan Walker Jane Harris, Steering Committee and the Behavioral Health Provider Coalition Mark Pasionek Charles Bartlett, Steering Committee of Cape Cod produced a unified policy on POLICE DISPATCHERS Dr. Robert Duncanson, Director of Health arrested persons whose mental health situa- Jeanine Meehan & Natural Resources, tion may have contributed to the arrest. The Erin Hemeon Technical Advisory Committee arrested person would be given appropriate Amanda De Oliveira Theodore Keon, Director of Coastal consideration for care and treatment instead Brendan Cronin Resources, Technical Advisory Committee of being channeled through the typical crimi- Renee Gagne, Shellfish Constable, nal justice route. RESERVE OFFICERS Technical Advisory Committee I want to thank all of the dedicated Robert Finacom Carole Ridley, Alliance Coordinator members of the Chatham Police Department, other Town departments, our citizens, our ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER Town Manager, and our Board of Selectmen Diane Byers Police Department for their partnership and support of the Police n 2015, Chatham again remains a very Department. Principal Projects and Isafe community to work, live and vacation Respectfully submitted, in. The Police Department worked toward Chief Mark R. Pawlina Operations establishing an effective partnership with the he Principal Projects and Operations downtown business community to reduce Chatham Police Statistics 2015 TDepartment is focused on the coordina- larcenies, particularly from shoplifting. This Responses to Citizen Calls for Service: tion of special projects and the supervision of effort paid off with a reduction in larcenies, 21,988 facilities operational staff and functions. The but equally important, there was an overall Total Criminal Offenses: 447 primary goal of the Principal Projects and Op- reduction in total crimes for 2015 compared Motor Vehicle Accident Investigations: 241 erations Department related to its projects role to 2014. Further, the Town saw a reduction Total Arrests: 70 is for coordinated planning and implementa- in calls for service and a reduction in traffic Citations Issued: 218 tion activities to produce projects meeting the accidents. The only significant crime trend Juveniles Referred: 14 identified needs of the community and staff. for 2015 occurred during late September and Motor Vehicle Enforcement Actions 1,406 Another goal is continuing to provide support early October. Approximately thirty residen- Community Policing Interactions: 7,816 to assigned Committees for the completion of tial break-ins were perpetrated during this Parking Tickets Issued: 1,301 their tasks, by providing research, coordina- period with numerous household items stolen Film Permits Issued: 5 tion activities and information/data to help from jewelry to electronics. Fortunately, Firearms Permits Issued: 78 them comply with statutory responsibilities several arrests were made by Chatham Police and help meet their objectives and desired in a short period of time to put a stop to the 2015 Chatham Police Department Personnel outcomes. criminal activity. The top priority for operations is assuring ADMINISTRATION The scourge of opiate drug addiction, the functional continuity of Chatham’s build- Mark R. Pawlina, Chief of Police heroin, became a major issue for all com- ings for both the short and long term benefit Deputy Chief John D. Cauble munities on Cape Cod and continues to be a of the Town’s residents and staff by providing Lieutenant Michael D. Anderson major contributor to commissions of crimes. efficient, effective operation and stewardship Melanie Boutin, Administrative Assistant Chatham has not been spared by this scourge of all facilities. This emphasis on maintaining as many of our crimes have been linked to SERGEANTS Chatham’s municipal buildings provides an drug addiction. Fortunately, we have not been William R. Glover environment for all departments to meet their touched as deeply as other communities on Andrew B.Goddard baseline needs for the continued delivery of a the Cape. Chatham officers were trained in Sarah A. Harris high level of public and customer service. and issued the medication Naloxone. This William G. Massey medication can be administered to someone
86 Projects snow removal. The following highlights of This past winter 80 of 363 private roads Several significant projects reached key mile- 2015 accomplishments include: were not plowed or sanded because of their stones in 2015, including the following: unsuitable condition. Residents of these roads • Winter Storm Responses – Managing were notified in October and December as • West Chatham Roadway Design Project challenging workload during prolonged pe- to what repairs were needed to their road, – Continued progress with MassDOT on riod of winter weather conditions requiring so they could receive plowing and sanding the West Chatham Roadway Design Project extensive snow removal activities coupled services. Once improvements to the roads are after a 25% Design Public Hearing (Febru- with expanded urgent building issues/ made which would bring them to an accept- ary 2015), Public Information Meeting responses as a result of persistent storm able standard residents are encouraged to call (May 2015) and submission of 75% Design conditions. to have their street re-inspected. Plans to MassDOT (June 2015). The 100% • Preventative Maintenance (PM) – In- The winter of 2014/2015 was a busy win- Design Plans are expected to be completed tegration of HVAC systems at the Water ter. We plowed 7 times and sanded 31 times in 2016. Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) into the placing 1,632 cubic yards of a sand and salt • Fire Station Headquarters Project – Town’s Preventative Maintenance (PM) mixture over the roads or 212 loads Completion of the public bidding process program and annual service contract In fiscal year 2015, 342 xcavation/trenche and the initiation of the construction phase • Building Systems – Heating, ventilation permits and 12 driveway permits were issued. for the Fire Station Headquarters Project in and cooling (HVAC) improvements at the This permit system requires the inspection spring 2015. Anticipated building occu- Eldredge Public Library, Department of of all driveway permits before issuance and pancy is targeted for summer 2016. Public Works, and Council on Aging re-inspection of both after completion. • Crowell Road Intersection Project – • Transfer Station – Assisted in improve- Old Comers Road was resurfaced during Public Information Meeting (June 2015) ments at the Transfer Station over the the fall of 2015. In addition, Queen Anne on the Crowell Road intersection project as course of the year including new windows, Road had the final paving completed after the part of the pre-25% Design Process for this doors, gate shack, gift shop, compactor installation of Town Sewer and the comple- MassDOT 2019 TIP project. Evaluation of installation and scale lighting system tion of the new sidewalk. Sections of Stage intersection improvements alternatives will • Public Restrooms – Interior painting of Harbor Road from the rotary to Pond Street, be continuing into 2016 working towards the the Oyster Pond and Kate Gould Public Stepping Stone Road and Skyline Drive were submission of a 25% Design to MassDOT. Restrooms also repaved due to deteriorating pavement • Cape and Vineyard Electric Collabora- Respectfully submitted, conditions. tive – Continued coordination with the Terence M. Whalen, Administrator Energy Committee and CVEC in 2015 to SOLID WASTE DIVISION take advantage of opportunities to offset the The Chatham Transfer Station / Solid Waste Town’s energy costs via “off-taker” agree- Department of Public Division provides waste disposal services ments for Net Metering Credits. to the community by receiving and transfer- • Skydive Request for Proposals (RFP) – Works ring various materials to the SEMASS Waste Supported the Town Manager and Airport ustomer service is a primary goal of the to Energy facility, and various recycling Commission in developing and issuing a CChatham Department of Public Works facilities. This includes Municipal Solid Request for Proposals (RFP) for skydiving and our focused effort is to provide rapid and Waste, construction demolition, glass, plastic, services to comply with an FAA approved friendly service responses which are inviting, cardboard, newspaper, metal, and over 30 corrective action plan to meet Grant Assur- helpful, and courteous to all who contact any categories of recycled or diverted products ance conditions. employee of the DPW. from the waste stream. The Solid Waste • Airport Five-Year Capital Plan – De- HIGHWAY DIVISION Division coordinates Capital Improvement veloped a five-year capital plan submis- The Chatham Highway Division is respon- Projects which involve on-going improve- sion with the Airport Commission to be sible for maintaining over 70 miles of Town ments to the Town of Chatham Transfer considered in the FY17 budget planning owned roads, over 10 miles of sidewalks, and Station facility, for instance the installation of process outlining implementation of future Town parking and paved areas. This includes compacting machines to bail the material in a projects identified in Airport Master Plan but is not limited to cleaning and repair of more cost effective manner for handling and and maintenance of Town owned buildings drainage structures, sweeping, brush clearing, transporting. at the Airport. mowing, and snow removal of roads and Our goal is to recycle as much of the refuse as possible arriving at the Transfer Sta- Facilities parking areas. The Highway Division coor- tion. Aside from being better for our environ- On the operational side, the Department’s dinates Capital Improvement Projects which ment, this reduces the volume of trash sent to activities include the oversight of the Town’s involve Chatham roadways using Chapter 90 SEMASS, which reduces costs. The facility buildings with facilities staff responsible for State Aid or Town authorized funding. The is laid out to make it easy and convenient maintaining the condition of municipal build- Division also reviews and approves Excava- to recycle various materials. If there is any ings in Chatham. In addition to daily routine tion/Trench Permits and Driveway permits. question on what can be recycled or how it duties (building rounds, general monitoring, The Highway Division is also responsible is to be prepared, please feel free to call the and preventative maintenance inspections), for repair and maintenance of vehicles of Transfer Station (508-945-5156) and they supporting scheduled visits by contractors to the Highway, Transfer Station, and various will start you in the right direction. maintain various building systems (HVAC, equipment from other departments. Route The materials on the next page were recy- fire protection, alarms, elevators, plumbing, 28 is the responsibility of the Massachusetts cled from January 1, 2015 through December and electrical), seasonal storm preparations/ Department of Transportation for road main- 31, 2015. responses (which dominated efforts in late tenance, litter cleanup, snow plowing and The more material that is recycled or January, February, March and into April) and sanding, etc. diverted from the waste stream, the more that 87 Recycling 2015 Water used by Fire Flow Testing 2,300,278 gallons Water used for Fire Dept Usage 674,800 gallons Water used for Hydrant Maintenance 43,000 gallons Water used for Highway & Landfill Use 552,600 gallons Water used for WWTP / Jetting 116,000 gallons Water used for other known Usage 121,953 gallons
Water used due to tank overflow 750,000 gallons Water used for construction 559,275 gallons Water used for Tank Draining 1,171,087 gallons Unaccounted water 26,097,759 gallons or 4.8 percent (well below the standard 10 %) Number of new water customers added to the system in 2015 = 60
Distribution System – Water services that we will reduce the cost of disposal, currently WATER CONSUMPTION were installed using pipes made from lead, priced at $60 per ton. In 2015, 5,554 tons of Total water pumped each month from all wells: steel or copper, are continued to be replaced solid waste was transported to SEMASS. (In Gallons) to improve the quality of water to the cus- WATER DIVISION January 19,987,000 tomers who have these types of old pipes The Water Division strives to improve the February 20,677,500 delivering water to them. When the customer quality of water provided, increasing cus- March 19,821,700 replaces the private side of their water service tomer service, and provide a high level of re- April 20,611,900 the Water Department replaces the public liability to the water supplies and distribution May 50,493,800 side or street side of their water service. system to ensure the Town has safe drinking June 66,812,000 Replacing these pipes will conserve water by water and the required flows for firefighting. July 91,053,900 preventing the waste of water through pos- The Water Division will continue to improve August 94,410,900 sible leaks from the old pipes. on its services by performing the following September 69,028,100 Additional water main work included: projects: dissemination of information on October 39,841,500 • Homestead Lane East - replaced 230’ of 2” the Division’s water quality and services by November 22,900,200 main with an 8” ductile iron pipe. preparing and mailing the “Chatham Water December 18,940,700 • Juniper Lane - replaced 1000’ of 2” main with News” to all water customers; providing the Total Water pumped in 2015 8” ductile iron pipe and two fire hydrants. “Chatham Water Division Water Quality 534,579,200 gallons • Mitchell River Bridge - relocated a 8” main Report” to all water customers, performing to accommodate new sheet pilings. a valve exercising program with the spring Billed water 479,330,368 gallons water system disinfecting and flushing Also this year, the Department continued Increased amount of water pumped in 2015 program; maintaining all public fire hydrants with a water meter change out program that compared to 2014 78,440,100 gallons and perform fire flow tests; optimizing the once fully implemented, will free up the ex- corrosion control system to ensure the water isting staff to operate the future Iron Removal system continues to meet lead and copper Water used for Well Treatment Operations Facility. regulations; cleaning, painting, and keeping 3,386,225 gallons Trainingfield (Wells 5 & 8) Emergency organized all well pumping stations; updating Water used for Flushing & Blowoffs Generator – In an effort to provide unin- water main and service records; maintaining 18,313,855 gallons terrupted water during power outages, the and replacing water meters; and optimizing Department installed a 150 KW natural gas the accuracy of all existing and new accounts Water used for New Main Activations emergency generator with final completion on the Town’s centralized computer system. 1,162,000 gallons expected in January 2016.
88 • In July, Well 6 (Ebens) had to be taken off line due to high levels of manganese. The pumping difference was made up by the remaining wells. • Unfortunately, due to an extremely high demand this past summer, the Department exceeded the limit for Total Coliform 18 times in September and October.
SEWER DIVISION The Sewer Division strives to improve the quality of wastewater treatment, increasing customer service, and providing a high level of reliability to the sewerage system to ensure that the Town has a healthy environment. The Sewer Division plans to continue to improve on its services by performing the following projects: disseminating information on the Division’s services by publishing articles in the “Chatham Water News” and mailing it to all water customers; performing a spring and fall wastewater collection system flushing program; optimizing the wastewater treat- ment’s nitrogen control system to ensure the system removes the maximum amount of nitrogen from the wastewater that the facility can achieve; cleaning, painting, and keeping organized all pumping stations and the treat- ment facility; updating sewer main service records; maintaining the equipment at the Water Pollution Control Facility and associ- ated sewage pump stations; and optimizing the accuracy of all existing and new accounts on the Town’s centralized computer system. Treatment & Pumpage – The Sewer Division collected, treated and discharged a total of 61,257,129 gallons of water which calculates to an annual daily average of 165,348 gallons. There are currently 784 properties connected to the sewer mostly around and along Main Street. Included in the total gallons collected treated and discharged were 803,906 gallons of septage and 101,302 gallons of grease from various Chatham residents and local businesses. The facility successfully removed 192,829 pounds Iron Removal Facility - This project The WTP will be located at 375 Morton Road. of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and includes the construction of a new 2.02-mil- On Dec 31, 2014 MADEP issued the Project 408,507 pounds of Total Suspended Solids lion gallon per day pressure filtration water Approval Certificate to allow the Town to con- (TSS) from the waste received at the treat- treatment plant (WTP) to improve the water struct the project with a low interest SRF loan. ment facility. The treatment facility was able quality from Wells 6, 7 with the intention Public Outreach to maintain its biological nitrogen control of adding Well 9 in the future. The iron and • In May, an Open House was held at the Training process and meet its permit’s Total Nitrogen manganese levels from Wells 6 and 7 are Field Pumping Stations and was well attended. limitation of less than 10 parts per million above the secondary maximum contaminant • In November, the Department gave a pre- (ppm) and maximum levels (SMCL) set by the DEP for iron and sentation on water to four (4) classes in the Annual Total Nitrogen discharge loadings manganese. The new WTP will remove Middle School. of 9,132 pounds. By the end of calendar year the naturally occurring levels of iron and 2015, the facility discharged a total of 2,066 manganese to levels less than the DEP and Water Quality – Statistical Water Division information can be found under the Water pounds of Total Nitrogen which is well below EPA standards. The design and permitting the permit of 9,132 pounds. for the new WTP started in March 2014 and Division Annual Statistical Report and its funding for the construction of the facility Consumer’s Confidence Report on the Town was approved by Town Meeting in May 2014. of Chatham’s website www.town.chatham. ma.us. 89 Sewer Project – In May 2014, Town Meet- Steve Hart • Appointment of SAC Officers ing appropriated a further $17,500,000 to Ron Kelley • Review of ongoing AmeriCorps shellfish complete Phase 1C of the sewer expansion Bill Koerner survey efforts plan. Phase 1C continues sewer extensions Ryder Martin • Support allowing any child 12 years of age in the Oyster Pond and Little Mill Pond Ralph Pape and under to shellfish with any adult hold- watersheds. Contract 1C-1 (D&C Construc- William Tuxbury ing a valid shellfish permit tion of Rockland, MA) is approximately 95% Malcom F. Ward • Continued update on the Eldredge deep- complete. This contract provided sewers on Dick Boberg, Associate water mussel aquaculture project
Homestead Lane, Chatham Heights, Old • Support of the Bridge Street Article (pur- Emeritus Members Main Street, Wood Valley Road Extension, chase) at 2015 Annual Town Meeting James C. Spence Oyster Pond Furlong, and portions of Old • Support for continued Water Street Public Frank Yeager Queen Anne Road, Wilfred Road, Stepping access Stones Road, Stage Harbor Road, and Main Shellfish Advisory • Support moving Oyster season opening Street. The remaining contracts of Phase 1C from September 1st to October 1st are still in the design phase. Committee • Monthly review of municipal propagation The next sewer contract (1C-2) expected he protection of Chatham’s fragile shell- efforts to begin construction in 2016 is for sewer Tfish habitat was of particular importance • Support for Article 7 of the 2015 Town construction along Wheldon Way, Village to the Shellfish Advisory Committee during Meeting asking the Town to approve the Landing, Oyster Bluff, Tabitha Terrace, Inde- all of 2015 due to a noticeable spike in hard use of 25% of the receipts received from pendence Lane, Inlet Road, Shattuck Place, structure and stone revetment applications to the issuance of Family Shellfish Permits for Shattuck Lane, Spinnaker Lane, Earle’s Way, the Conservation Commission. The Shellfish deposit into the Shellfish Revolving Fund Janes Way, Gristmill Lane, Tide Mill Lane, Advisory Committee maintains deep con- • Monthly review of Shellfish Department Absegami Run, Oyster Pond Lane, Wine- cern over the potential loss of irreplaceable updates berry Lane, and The Cornfield. In addition, shellfish habitat due to the recent and current The Shellfish Advisory Committee’s monthly an upgrade to the 40+ year old Mill Pond trend of armoring Chatham’s coastline and meetings are available for viewing on The pumping station is currently under design. will continue all efforts within its purview to Town of Chatham website: (www.town. Public Outreach – In May, an Open House protect this public trust for Chatham’s current chatham.ma.us/Public_Documents/ was held at the Water Pollution Control Facil- residents and future generations. ChathamMA_CH18/Ch18) and the Commit- ity and was well attended. The ShellfishAdvisory Committee (SAC) tee equally welcomes and encourages mem- Respectfully submitted, is an advisory committee to the Board of bers of the public to attend and participate Robert R. Rooney Selectmen and is comprised of seven members in all of its meetings. Special thanks to Dave Interim Director of Public Works that meet monthly. It was originally appointed Likos for his years of service as Chairman by the Board of Selectmen in 1967 to deter- and to Selectman liaison Seth Taylor. mine the most productive use of the Town’s Respectfully submitted, Railroad Museum Group vital shellfish resources. The Committee also Jamie Bassett, Chairman he Chatham Railroad Museum attracted advises the Shellfish Department on fishery Stephen Wright, Vice Chairman T6,093 visitors during 2015 from 20 differ- management, shellfish propagation, and regu- Barry Greco, Clerk ent countries and 35 States. Cash donations lations. Along with Chatham’s Shellfish Regu- James Blanchfield by visitors totaled $4,460.00. lations, the Committee references the Town of John Garey In 2015, over 80 individuals volunteered Chatham Bylaw 272 (Wetlands Protection), Wendy Homer their time, energy, and knowledge to sustain 310 Massachusetts Code of Regulations 10.00 David Likos the Chatham Railroad Museum as a local (Wetlands Protection, and Massachusetts Gen- summertime tradition. eral Laws Chapter 130, 91 and 131 (Marine South Coastal Harbor Mr. William S. Beinecke made a very Fisheries, Waterways and the Wetlands Protec- generous donation of $1500.00 with a 2-to-1 tion Act, respectively) for decisions pertaining Plan Committee matching gift from The Prospect Hill Foun- to shellfish habitat and resources. he Commonwealth approved the South dation, Inc. providing $3500.00 for use in In 2015 the ShellfishAdvisory Committee TCoastal Harbor Plan, originally voted by preserving the Museum. convened in open meeting 16 times for an ap- Town Meeting, with updates by this Commit- The Museum Group looks forward to the proximate total of 23 hours and 59 minutes. tee approved by the Board of Selectmen. The rehabilitation and historic preservation of The Committee took some 27 different votes plan covers Chatham’s south-facing harbors, the 1910 Caboose. Funding was approved with discussion and deliberation on 27 differ- waters and waterfronts from Monomoy to the for this project at the 2014 Annual Town ent agenda topics such as: Harwich town line and is in force for the next Meeting and work is targeted to begin in • Continued review of Monomoy National seven years. The plan includes our Implemen- Spring 2016. Also scheduled to begin in 2016 Wildlife Refuge proposed management plan tation Report for the past ten years and sets is the updating of the 2004 inventory of the • Review of The Spectrum of Erosion Control priorities for the future. It addresses the need Museum collection. Methods published by Woods Hole Sea for public access to our beaches, the critical Respectfully submitted, Grant and Cape Cod Cooperative Extension role of habitat and eelgrass for our fisheries James Aaron as an educational document dealing with and shellfisheries, and encourages incor- Don Aikman coastal erosion. poration of future sea level rise into future Eugene Guild • Approval of the increase in in all classes of planning and project designs. Coastal Zone John E. Gulow Shellfish Permit Fees Management (CZM) signed the approval let- ter on May 12, 2015.
90 The 2015 Annual Town Meeting approved habitat critical to fisheries and shellfisheries, SRAC position papers as far back as 2002 the zoning bylaw changes we proposed as well as beaches and dunes for the enjoy- promoting access to water and development which expand the previous prohibition of ment of the public and protection of upland of the Marconi Triangle. SRAC believes that new private residential piers to include new property. it is unfortunate that the Town chose not to private association piers in the Stage Harbor We voted unanimously to support efforts fund this project. SRAC also spoke in sup- complex. Amendments to the Waterways for the Town to acquire the Eldredge private port of the Charter Amendments proposed Bylaws restricting kiteboarding to the outer pier, adjacent to the Harbormaster’s office in Article 26 which promoted diversity on section of Stage Harbor which we had rec- at the Old Mill Boat Yard in Stage Harbor. Town boards and committees. Unfortunately, ommended were also approved. We support- The private pier is currently for sale and it is this proposal was also defeated. In addition, ed changes to the Mooring regulations and critical for the Town to preserve landing and SRAC supported Articles 38 and 39 dealing Town Landing regulations which require that offloading facilities for commercial fisher- with a prevailing wage exemption and Water- dinghies not in active use be removed from men in Stage Harbor in addition to the Fish ways Improvement Fund and these articles the shore after November 30. Pier at Aunt Lydia’s Cove. were approved by Town Meeting. SRAC We worked to enable Aquaculture Re- Reconstruction of the existing timber pier expressed its strong opposition to Article 44 search Corporation (ARC) to continue shell- at 90 Bridge Street was well underway at which would have severely limited a summer fish nursery operations at the facility they year’s end. We will work with Town staff and resident’s ability to serve on Town advisory leased from Stage Harbor Yacht Club which other Town committees to oversee the site committees and this article was defeated by was due to expire in 2014. All of Chatham’s feasibility assessment to be performed by the voters at Town Meeting. Similarly, SRAC shellfish seed and over 80% of all shellfish the consultant, Fay, Spofford and Thorndike. expressed its opposition to Article 48 which seed, Cape-wide was derived from this This effort is intended to assist the Town in would have restricted the authority of the Se- important upwelling facility. ARC has made determining the best use and most feasible lectmen with respect to roads and sidewalks arrangements for a new similar operation in layout for future re-use of the parcel for and this article was also defeated. Harwich for 2016, to complement reconstruc- mixed municipal and public access, includ- At its May 2015 meeting, SRAC also tion of their main facility in Dennis. ing new piers, floats, and potentially, a new voted to educate itself on the issue of shore- Chatham won a partial victory in disagree- upwelling facility for the Town’s shellfish line erosion and voted to implement a survey ments with the US Fish & Wildlife Service propagation program. in order to gauge public interest in shoreline related to the draft Comprehensive Conserva- Respectfully submitted, erosion.The survey results, which are pub- tion Plan (CCP) for the Monomoy National Michael Westgate, Chairman lished on the Town website, revealed strong Wildlife Refuge (MNWR). The proposed Tom King, Vice Chairman public interest in further education. In order final CCP now includes recommendations Martha Stone, Secretary/Clerk to further SRAC’s interest in education and in that would maintain Chatham’s management Ernest Eldredge response to the survey results, SRAC is proud of South Beach and allow the continua- Dean Ervin to have produced the “Shoreline Erosion in tion of certain traditional fishing activities Dave Likos Chatham Presentation and Discussion” which in the waters and submerged lands east of George Olmstead took place on August 13, 2015.The presenta- the MNWR. This Committee supported the tion was moderated by Hal Kraus, a SRAC efforts and comments of the Town’s very member who also made public the results of effective Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge Summer Residents the SRAC erosion survey. SRAC was also Task Force. We also worked, with others, to privileged to have the benefit of presenta- strengthen the Attorney General’s claim that Advisory Committee tions from the following speakers who all the Commonwealth has ownership and juris- he Summer Residents Advisory Com- generously volunteered their time: Ted Keon, diction of the waters and submerged lands to Tmittee (SRAC) had a very active year. Director of Coastal Services for the Town of the west of Monomoy. The issue of manage- Including the Summer Town Meeting, SRAC Chatham; Greg Berman, Coastal Processes ment jurisdiction of these submerged lands met on eleven separate occasions. Specialist Woods Hole Sea Grant and Cape is yet to be resolved to the satisfaction of the For the second consecutive year, SRAC Cod Cooperative Extension; and, Bob Perry, Town and State. met in advance of town meeting to consider Cape Cod Engineering. SRAC intends to We worked with other Town committees, the 2015 Town Meeting warrant articles. On continue its investigation of coastal erosion in notably Waterways Advisory and Shellfish May 2, 2015, SRAC voted to support Ar- the coming years. Advisory, on mutual issues of concern. We ticles 17, 18, 26, 38 and 39. SRAC opposed At its June 19 meeting, SRAC was privi- also met with the Summer Residents Advi- Articles 44, 47 and 48. Although SRAC was leged to hear from Jeffrey Dykens who spoke sory Committee and Greg Berman, Coastal very interested in the zoning amendments on several issues which the Board of Select- Processes Specialist with the Woods Hole proposed in Article 30, as of the date of its men intends to address. Among the issues Oceanographic Institute/Barnstable County May meeting, SRAC had had insufficient addressed by Mr. Dykens was inadequate Extension Service staff, to discuss shoreline time to adequately study the proposed zoning parking in the downtown area as well as in erosion and the potential impacts associated changes. Therefore, SRAC declined to take certain other areas of Town and the potential with efforts to mitigate erosion. We have a position on this article. Representatives of implementation of a shuttle as a possible posted on our website the County’s “Spec- SRAC attended Town Meeting in order to solution. SRAC had previously addressed trum of Erosion control Methods” which express to the voting public the position of this issue with respect to the Fish Pier and identifies various alternative techniques SRAC on the foregoing warrant articles. surrounding streets and SRAC had previ- to address shoreline erosion. The natural At Town Meeting, SRAC strongly sup- ously published position papers on the issue functioning of our coastal landforms, includ- ported Article 17, the proposal to develop of Fish Pier parking, which can be located on ing erosion and the movement of sand and the Marconi Triangle at Ryder’s Cove into the Town website. In 2015, SRAC attempted marshes, play essential roles in sustaining a park. This proposal was consistent with to expand its investigation of parking and
91 shuttle service to include the downtown area thank the Selectmen and Town employees DEMOGRAPHICS and Lighthouse Beach. On multiple occa- who attended and were available to assist in 5,970 Year-Round, Full Time Residents were sions, SRAC members met informally with responding to questions. listed at the close of 2015 Deanna Ruffer and Jeff Colby for the purpose SRAC also wishes to thank the Board of 5,324 Registered voters were listed at the of gathering information and data. On July Selectmen and the permanent residents of the close of 2015 24th, Deanna and Jeff met formally with the Town of Chatham for their support of SRAC, 1,101 were enrolled in the Democrat Party entire Committee and provided their thinking and for providing the summer residents the 1,134 were enrolled in the Republican Party to the Committee.SRAC members also met opportunity to participate in the civic and 3,051 were registered as Unenrolled informally with Stuart Smith who shared his governmental affairs of Chatham. SRAC (formerly termed “Independent”) knowledge of parking uses and permits at the appreciates all of the support it receives 17 were enrolled in the United Independent Fish Pier. Finally, SRAC also met informally from the Selectmen, Town Manager, Finance Party with the manager of a Main St. business with Committee, Department Heads and staff. On 21 were enrolled in a “political designation” a large number of employees who shared behalf of all summer residents, SRAC would Two Voter Events were held during 2015 with us that he would be receptive to the use especially like to thank the Board of Select- May 11, 2015 - Annual Town Meeting of a shuttle by his employees as an alternative men and Finance Committee for their support May 14, 2015 - Annual Town Election to downtown employee parking. Unfortunate- of summer resident participation on Town Respectfully s ubmitted, ly, SRAC ran out of time to gather enough advisory committees in addition to SRAC. Julie S. Smith, MMC/CMMC information to expand its position on park- Respectfully submitted, Town Clerk ing beyond the Fish Pier. Therefore, SRAC’s Joel Rottner, Chairman 2015 position on parking and the shuttle is limited to the Fish Pier. SRAC’s 2015 “Re- port on Fish Pier Parking” is published on the Town Clerk Tree Warden Town website. Office activity during the calendar year 2015 n 2015 the Tree Warden carried out the du- Town finances are always high on the list included: Ities as specified in Chapter 87 of the Mas- of issues to be addressed each year by SRAC. sachusetts General Laws. The Tree Warden This issue was addressed by Jill Goldsmith 20 Planning Board applications, decisions, position is part of the Park and Recreation at SRAC’s June 19th meeting.The issue was etc. filed Department. The Tree Warden is charged with also the focus of SRAC’s June 26th meet- 95 Zoning Board of Appeals applications, maintaining the street trees along all Town ing, where it was addressed by Alix Heilala decisions, etc. filed owned roads. and Ken Sommer.SRAC’s work on the Town 65 Doing Business Under An Assumed There were several dead or hazardous finances is summarized in the “Chatham Name filings (DBA) trees removed throughout the Town during Scorecard,” presented at the Summer Town 19 Gasoline Storage permits issued the year. Meeting and published on the Town website. 12 Raffle Permits issued The Chatham Friends of Trees, Inc. SRAC also prepared a “Summer Residents 73 Marriage Intentions filed donated and planted several more trees and Advisory Committee Position Paper – Other shrubs around Town. The Friends of Trees Post Employment Benefits, August 14 2015,” Monies received at the Town Clerk’s Office remains a very active organization for plant- which is published on the Town website. and paid to Treasurer: ing and maintaining trees in our community At its June 19th meeting, SRAC also For certifications and other and I thank them for their continued help and heard from Deanna Ruffer and Peter Cocolis miscellaneous fees $ 19,649.60 support. Trees were planted in Chase Park, concerning the 2015 Town Meeting Warrant 580 Dog and Cat licenses sold $ 4,350.00 Kate Gould Park and other locations in Town. Article 30 and their intention to revisit the Bylaw violations $ 2,185.00 The Friends of Trees led effort which has flood plain zoning issues at 2016 Town Meet- TOTAL $ 26,166.60 Chatham recognized as a “Tree City USA” ing. As a result of this meeting and as a result by the National Arbor Day Foundation of further study by SRAC members, SRAC VITAL RECORDS RECORDED continued for a second year. Chatham is now will likely be able to take a position on flood As recommended by the State Office of Vital recognized a “Tree City.” There are signs at plain zoning should it again be put before the Records, only the number of births, mar- the entrance to Town that indicate this. It is voters at the 2016 Town Meeting. riages and deaths recorded in the last three recognition that Chatham is a community At its meeting on July 10, SRAC dis- years are listed: that is actively planting and managing its cussed public safety in Chatham.The assis- community trees. tance provided by Police Chief Pawlina, Fire Birth Comparison Tree removal hearings were held for a Chief Ambriscoe and Harbormaster Stuart 25 recorded in 2015 request to remove a maple tree at 483 Main Smith was invaluable. On July 17, SRAC ex- 27 recorded in 2014 Street. The age and size of this tree with its plored services available to Chatham seniors 29 recorded in 2013 prominent location on Main Street brought and youth with the help of Mandi Speakman, many comments objecting to the removal of Marriage Comparison Sharon Stark and Dan Tobin. Scott Carpenter this tree to the Tree Warden. The tree was not 71 recorded in 2015 discussed the progress of the Monomoy Re- removed and will be watched in the future 93 recorded in 2014 gional School District on August 7 and John for any deterioration that may make this 73 recorded in 2013 Speers, general manager of Chatham Bars tree a hazard to persons and property. The Inn (CBI), described CBI’s future plans at Death Comparison Tree Warden also had joint hearings with the our last meeting of the year on August 14th. 191 recorded in 2015 Planning Board on tree removal requests on On August 6, 2015 SRAC sponsored 138 recorded in 2014 Scenic Roads. the Summer Town Meeting. We wish to 184 recorded in 2013
92 The summer drought we had in 2015 Contact Information D) In November a bacterial concern was exacerbated the effects of insect issues that Our service officers for the Town are Wil raised regarding tests of two wells. The local trees are facing. Drought combined Remillard and Robert Schultz. We encour- event was very short lived and its cause with insect defoliation is an issue and seems age all veterans and their dependents to remains in question. to be having an impact on a greater number utilize our services. Veterans may contact the E) Extensive discussion was given and public of trees in Chatham and across the Cape. main office in Hyannis five days per week comment heard regarding amendments The Winter Moth remains the major at 1-888-778-8701. We can also schedule to Article II of the Sewer Regulations. A pest problem on Cape Cod. Look for the appointments in one of our offices, at your concerted effort was made to draft a less inchworm-like caterpillar to emerge in great home or any location that is best for you. complicated, user friendly version of this numbers in the spring. The repeated defolia- We would especially like to thank the Town document while considering both conser- tion of trees by the caterpillars reduces the Manager, Finance Director and Town Ac- vation, and future needs. At year end the health of the trees. countant for their assistance and support Committee was finalizing the seventh Crypt Oak Gall Wasp is a newer pest to throughout the year. version of the proposed Regulations for our area affecting many oak trees in Cha- In the Service of all Veterans. consideration by The Selectmen in tham. This insect lays its eggs in the twigs of Respectfully submitted, early 2016. oak trees. The insect larvae live in the twig Edward F. Merigan, Director Paul Kelley and Debbie Ecker representing and cut off nutrients to the twigs. This causes and Veterans’ Agent The Friends of Chatham Waterways, and the tree to have a browning death of outer Wilfred Remillard, Chatham Veterans Norm Pacun and Gloria Freeman contributed leaves. In trees with a significant infestation Service Officer significantly to the drafting of the document. this reduces the tree’s health and can lead to Robert Schultz, Lower Cape While this is a short list of the activity of loss of the tree. There were a few trees killed Service Officer the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee, I in Town this year by this pest. would like the opportunity to thank each of If anyone has a concern regarding a street the Committee Members, Dr. Duncanson, Val tree along a Town road please call me at 508- Water and Sewer Advisory Peter, Jeff Colby, Pam Jones, Bob Rooney 945-5158. and the aforementioned members of the Respectfully submitted, Committee Community for their extraordinary patience Daniel L. Tobin, Tree Warden he Water and Sewer Commissioners T(Town Selectmen) on subjects regarding and contribution to the needs of the Town of funding and operation of the Town Depart- Chatham. Veteran’s Services ment’s handling of water supply and sewage Respectfully submitted, concerns. Larry Sampson, Chairman he following report is of the activities The Committee meets monthly to hear Michael Skelley Tof the Department of Veterans’ Ser- public concerns and requests for billing George Cooper vices for Calendar Year 2015. Our duties are abatements and has been heavily invested in Chuck Bartlett categorized in two basic areas: Benefits and rewriting proposed regulations for the Sewer Debbie Aikman Services. Department (Article II). Commonwealth Low-income Benefits The Committee hears monthly reports This program is covered and authorized un- from both the Water and Sewer Departments Waterways Advisory der Massachusetts General Law Chapter 115. regarding usage, infrastructure buildout, ad- Committee ditional process concerns, and budget needs. It provides financial assistance to honorably- he year started out on what we thought All Committee meetings include information discharged, veterans who establish need and was a good note relative to proposed im- that is important to the general public and the T worthiness and are residents of the Town of provements envisioned for the Ryder’s Cove public is encouraged to comment at every Chatham. During the year the Town, through Town Landing. We worked many hours with Meeting. Meetings may be viewed remotely our office, extended benefits to qualified Town staff to develop a project to improve on Chatham’s Town website. veterans totaling $14,400 for housing, food, the functionality of the landing and to create The following are items of interest that heat, medical and other related costs. The a place for all the people of Chatham to use were discussed during 2015: amount expended was reimbursed to the and enjoy. The project would have provided Town by the Commonwealth at a rate of 75% A) Three requests were made for abatement substantial improvements to vehicular flow of total expenditures. of extraordinary water bills. Of these, two and parking for use of the landing and walk- Federal Benefits and Services requests were rejected and one mitigated. ing trails in a park-like setting. We met with We assisted veterans and their dependents B) Quoted costs for a water treatment facil- many other committees in Town to get their in obtaining federal, state and local benefits ity, which was proposed in 2014 Town thoughts and suggestions and all these groups under the broad umbrella of the Department Meeting, significantly exceeded funds agreed it was a good plan and should go to of Veterans Affairs. These services included approved for that project requiring Town Town Meeting for approval. When Town payments for service-connected disabilities, employees and Weston and Sampson to Meeting came around it was turned down. pensions, education, medical, burial, med- consider design changes to reduce cost. The opposition had a good turnout and, un- als and records. During the year, this office C) Water consumption increased markedly fortunately, many of those that supported the assisted in obtaining $1,427,356 in cash in the second half of 2015. The increase project did not attend Town Meeting to vote payments for compensation and pensions for was sufficient (~15%) to question the in favor. Chatham veterans and their dependents. need for voluntary water use restrictions, The Waterways Advisory Committee additional well development, additional (WAC) recommended reconstruction of the investigation to determine the cause. timber pier at 90 Bridge Street with a goal
93 of having it completed for the 2015 summer. ing in the Morris Island Cut in case it was Zoning Board of Appeals Issues raised by the successful bidder delayed too shallow in the spring of 2016.The WAC progress and we are now anticipating it will did not vote in favor of the dredging and the he Chatham Zoning Board of Appeals be completed for summer 2016. We have Selectmen also did not support. Tscheduled ninety-seven (97) hearings been working with the Shellfish Department The WAC is reviewing safety concerns through December 31, 2015, with the sum- and support their vision to relocate the exist- related to waterskiing, tubing, and other mary of results through December 31, 2015 ing shellfish upwelling system from the Old water sport activities in Oyster Pond and shown below, as compared to one hundred Mill Boat to a new facility at this site. The Crows Pond. The WAC supports efforts by one (101) hearings in 2014.Please note that Committee recently recommended that the the Harbormaster to limit the encroachment one request may necessitate relief from more larger of the two existing buildings located on of moorings into the open water at these loca- than one dimensional requirement or provi- the parcel be removed to provide additional tions and we are still discussing other options sion of the Zoning Bylaw. maneuverability and parking for vehicles. A to improve watersport safety. There were seventy-six (76) Special Per- master plan for reuse of the site will begin in We discussed the need for dredging of the mit requests, of which sixty-three (63) were 2016 and the WAC looks forward to working mooring basin and South Jog and ongoing granted [six (6) with conditions], one (1) was with the consultant on this project. parking concerns at the Chatham Fish Pier. denied, four (4) were withdrawn and one (1) We spent several meetings reviewing The WAC would like to see further resolution was continued to a future date. options for new or revised fees and revenue of both these topics. There were six (6) Variance requests, one sources to support water-related projects and Finally, the WAC would also like to (1) was granted, two (2) were denied, and activities and there are always pros and cons. recognize Bob Hamblet for his many years three (3) were withdrawn. We remain concerned that the growing needs of volunteer service to the Town as a valued Five (5) of the applications heard con- and capital investment required to maintain member, and former chairman, of the WAC. tained a request for both a Variance and a and improve our waterfront infrastructure Respectfully submitted, Special Permit, one (1) application had both will never be satisfied simply by increas- John Huether, Chairman the Special Permit and Variance requests ing revenue with fees. Therefore, the WAC Ed Conway, Vice Chairman granted, three (3) of the Variance requests encourages the Town to place a higher com- Don St. Pierre were withdrawn, and one (1) Special Permit mitment of tax receipts toward waterways Tim Linnell request was withdrawn. projects. We plan to look at revenue sources Dave Davis There were no Appeals of the Chief Zon- again in 2016. Peter Taylor ing Officer. We asked staff to review the permit status Dick Hosmer There were nine (9) Requests for Modifi- for the Pleasant Bay dredging project.Some Bob Hamblet cation of existing Special Permits, eight (8) WAC members do not understand why the were granted [one (1) with conditions]. permitting process takes so long for these There were two (2) requests to modify projects to be approved. We also expressed 40B Comprehensive Permits, both which caution that the dredged sand that is placed were granted. on nearby beaches may end up back in the There were six (6) appeals to the Sign channels where it was dredged. Code Appeals Committee, of which six (6) The Committee is recommending that the were granted. Town allow limited haul out activities and Revenue collected for calendar 2015 winter storage spaces for commercial fishing through December 31, 2015 was $17,900, vessels at the upper lot at the Ryder’s Cove as compared to $18,500 in 2014. The 2015 Landing and Old Mill Boat Yard. We have figure includes fees collected for several been working with staff to develop proposed hearings in 2016. regulations to govern this work. Boat storage The Board discussed the Palitz vs. Tisbury and maintenance activities of this nature ZBA ruling by the Supreme Judicial Court are currently not allowed in the upper lot at with regard to 81L subdivision plans and ac- Ryder’s Cove due to restrictions placed on cepted the ruling. the facility by the Conservation Commission. Respectfully submitted, The Selectmen have supported our request to Robert Hessler seek revisions to the current prohibition from Donald Freeman the Conservation Commission. This issue Joseph F. Craig will require further review and involvement David S. Nixon of other committees and boards in 2016. David Veach The Committee was asked to comment on Rick Leavitt establishing a “place holder” in the County Happy Van Sickle dredge’s 2016 schedule for potential dredg- Paul Semple
94 CHATHAM ANNUAL REPORT 2015 ★ ★ ★ Town Meeting – Monday, May 11 - Tuesday, May 12, 2015 Town Election – Thursday, May 14, 2015
95 Annual Town Meeting Gilley, Harvey Huetter, Jean Jones, Fran- Motion to Amend Resolution: Voter cis X. Kennedy, Bruce McCluskey, Kevin Stephen Buckley moved to amend Section Minutes S. McDonald, Clarence Norcross, Patricia G of the Resolution from 5 minutes to 4 Monday, May 11, 2015 Siewert, Laurel Shaw Sorenson, Richard minutes. C. Spitzer, and Thomas B. White. VOTE: Voice. Unable to determine, the Resolution as presented by Selectman o any of the Constables in the Town of Moderator asked for a Show of cards. The Summers: Resolved that the Town vote to Chatham in the County of Barnstable. Moderator stated that he believed the No’s T adopt the following rules of procedure for IN THE NAME OF THE COMMON- had it, but Mr. Buckley requested a hand the Town Meeting of May 11, 2015. WEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, you count: are hereby directed to NOTIFY and WARN A) The Moderator shall have the option VOTE the INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN OF of reading each Article in the Warrant YES 245 CHATHAM, qualified to vote in elections and verbatim or summarizing the subject NO 149 Town affairs to meet in the gymnasium of the matter therein in general terms, at his Monomoy Regional Middle School (formerly discretion. The resolution passes, declared the the Chatham High School) on Crowell Road B) Upon an Article having been disposed of Moderator. in said Chatham on the 11TH day of May, by vote, the Moderator shall entertain As a procedural issue, Moderator Litch- 2015 at 6:00 o’clock in the evening, then and a motion to reconsider said Article or to field announced that if he needed to step there to act on any business that may legally accept a Resolution pertaining to said down for a particular article he asked that a come before said meeting, and to meet again Article only during the same session Deputy Moderator be appointed. Selectman in the community Center on Thursday, the during which said vote was acted upon. Sean Summers moved that David Nixon act 14TH day of May, 2015 to elect the necessary C) A motion to move the previous question as a Deputy Moderator in the event that Town Officers as contained in the Warrant. shall require a two-thirds vote and may Mr. Litchfield needs to step down. Polls for the election of Officers will open not be debated. VOTE: Voice. So voted. at 7:00 a.m. and will close at 8:00 p.m. D) The Moderator shall not accept a Moderator William Litchfield opened this motion to move the previous question Annual Town Meeting at 6:02 p.m., there by any person discussing the Article Article 1 – Annual Town Election were 523 voters present, far exceeding the until after an intervening speaker has To bring in their votes on one ballot to elect quorum of 100. discussed the Article. the following Town Officers: On behalf of Town Clerk Julie Smith, E) A non-voter may request the privilege • Two Selectmen for three (3) year terms the Moderator read the “Constable’s Re- of addressing the meeting on a motion • One Moderator for a three (3) year term turn of Service”: Barnstable, ss. “Pursuant made under any Article or Resolution • One Housing Authority Member for a five to the written WARRANT, I have notified offered the request to be granted by the (5) year term and warned the inhabitants of the Town Moderator unless there is an objection • One Housing Authority Member for a one of Chatham by posting attested copies of by a voter. Upon objection, the Mod- (1) year unexpired term the same in each of the Post Offices of said erator shall poll the meeting by voice or • One Monomoy Regional School Committee Town at least fourteen days before May 11, count, at his discretion, and a majority Member for a three (3) year term 2015 on April 6, 2015, Thomas R. Penny- vote in favor shall entitle said non-voter • One Monomoy Regional School Committee packer, II, Constable.” to address the meeting. However, the Member for a two (2) year unexpired term The Moderator then administered the Moderator may grant the privilege • One Monomoy Regional School Committee Oath of Office to the volunteer Tellers for of the floor to any non-resident Town Member for a one (1) year unexpired term the evening: Bruce, Beane, Pat Cass, Jamie Department Head without necessity of Chalker, Susan Plumb, Deborah Walther, a vote. No Motion and Jean Young. Louise Redfield and F) The Moderator shall not entertain the Shanna Nealy served as vote tabulators for question of the presence of a quorum Article 2 – Accept Annual Reports this town meeting. at any point at which a motion to move To hear the reports of various Town Officers The Moderator then introduced Stefanie the previous question has already been and Committees and see what action the Farrell who again provided CART services voted. Town will take relative to the appointment for the hearing impaired, and Chatham G) Speakers addressing the meeting shall of officers not chosen by ballot, or take any Boy Scouts Justin Brown, Carlisle Nash, be limited to five (5) minutes within other action in relation thereto. Eddie Thatcher and Troop Leader Warren which to present their remarks. The (Board of Selectmen) Nash from Troop #71 who presented the Moderator will not recognize anyone Motion: Sean Summers, Board of Select- flags and led the voters in the Pledge of who has previously spoken on the Arti- men, moved that the Town Moderator Allegiance. He reminded the voters that cle until all persons wishing to address and Board of Selectmen be authorized to representatives from the League of Women the meeting have had an opportunity appoint the necessary Town officers whose Voters were present in the first row to keep to speak. The Moderator may exercise appointments are not otherwise provided track of the 5 minute rule. reasonable discretion in enforcement of for and that the Town hear and accept the Moderator Litchfield then eadr the in this rule. memoriam list and asked the voters to join reports of various Town officers and com- in a moment of silence for the former town The foregoing rules are not intended to mittees as they appear in the Town Report. committee members and employees who alter or change the traditional conduct of have died in the past year: Castella Ford, the Town Meetings in Chatham except as Explanation as printed in the Warrant: The Charlotte M. Forgeron, Agnes Galop, Karl specifically stated above. purpose of this Article is to enable a Town offi-
96 Article 3 Article 5 – Fix Salaries – Elected Officials To fix the salaries of the elected Town of- ficers for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015, or take any other action in relation thereto. FY2015 FY2016 Officer Voted Request cer or committee member to address the Town and equipment to the incident to combat the Moderator $ 600 $ 600 Meeting. The Town’s Annual Report is avail- fire. There were several firefighter injuries Selectmen – Each 2,000 2,000 able on the Town’s website and hard copy. resulting in overtime to fill their position on Chairman – Extra 500 500 shift while on 111F. Incidents are up 10% in (Board of Selectmen) VOTE: Voice. So Voted Unanimously. fiscal year 2015 as compared to same period Motion: Florence Seldin, Board of Select- The Moderator asked the voters to rise in in fiscal year 2014. men, moved that the Town vote to fix the thanks for the service of our two outgoing Funding for items 2 and 3 – There is money salaries of the elected Town officers in ac- long-time Selectmen Sean Summers and left in the short-term interest account as we cordance with the positions and amounts Florence Seldin, and the audience gave will not bond the Fire Station Project and in this Article. them a standing ovation. outstanding bans until June 2015. Explanation: In accordance with Massachu- Board of Selectmen Recommendation: Article 3 – FY2015 Budget setts General Law, Chapter 41, Section 108, Approve 5-0-0 Adjustments/Transfers salaries and compensation of elected officers Finance Committee Recommendation: must be fixed annually by vote of the Town To see if the Town will vote to raise and Approve 7-0-0 appropriate and/or transfer from available at an Annual Town Meeting. This Article funds, such sums of money as it determines VOTE: So Voted Unanimously. fixes (sets), but does not appropriate these necessary to balance the line items noted salaries. Actual appropriation of funds for above within the FY2015 budget approved Article 4 - Prior Year Bill Payment these salaries occurs under Article 9 – Town under Article 6 of the May 12, 2014 Annual Appropriation Operating Budget. No increase to the prior Town Meeting for the period beginning July To see if the Town will vote to raise and year is being sought. 1, 2014 and ending June 30, 2015 inclusive. appropriate, and/or transfer from avail- Board of Selectmen Recommendation: able funds, a sum or sums of money, to be Approve 5-0-0 Or take any action relative thereto. expended for payment of a prior year bill, or Finance Committee Recommendation: (Board of Selectmen) take any other action in relation thereof. Approve 6-0-0 Motion: Jeffrey Dykens, Board of Select- (Board of Selectmen) VOTE: So Voted Unanimously. men, moved that the Town vote to appro- priate the sum of $47,376.45 in additional Motion: Seth Taylor, Board of Selectmen, Article 6 – Consolidated Revolving funds to fund the Uninsured Damages moved that the Town vote to appropriate Funds Account, and to meet said appropriation, and transfer $20,000 from Free Cash and the Town transfer $47,376.45 from the In- $262.70 from the Railroad Museum Fund To see if the Town will vote pursuant to the surance Proceeds Account, and further the for the payment of the following invoices: authority granted under Massachusetts Gen- eral Law Chapter 44, Section 53E ½ , to es- Town vote to transfer $325,000 from the FROM DATE AMT Short-term Interest Account to the Police tablish or reestablish the following Revolving Paul S Kapinos & Assoc. 4/22/2013 10,000 and Fire overtime line items as listed in the Funds for the purpose of receiving revenues Paul S Kapinos & Assoc. 9/9/2013 10,000 warrant. and making disbursements in connection with Thompson’ s Printing 6/12/2014 262.70 the following authorized Town activities, or Explanation: Item 1 – We have received an Explanation: These invoices were received take any other action in relation thereto. insurance check to reimburse the Town for from the vendors in March 2015 after review of A) Airport Revolving Fund damages incurred from the fire at “Hanger their outstanding receivables. Per Massachu- B” restaurant located at the Chatham Munic- All monies received by the Airport Com- setts General Law, the Town must approve pay- mission from the operation of the Cha- ipal Airport. Per MGL Ch. 44 §53, Insurance ment in this fiscal year for a prior year(s) bill. Proceeds over $20,000 must be appropriated tham Municipal Airport shall be credited by the legislative body (Town Meeting). Board of Selectmen Recommendation: to this fund. The Airport Commission Item 2 – The Police Dept. overtime is a result Approve 5-0-0 and Town Manager shall be authorized of three vacancies that required overtime Finance Committee Recommendation: to expend from this fund, without further to fill shifts. Other factors were the winter Approve 7-0-0 appropriation, to defray the operating ex- storms as additional staff were required to Vote Required: Four-Fifths Majority penses of the Chatham Municipal Airport operated by the Commission. No more be on duty to ensure the safety of Chatham VOTE: So Voted Unanimously. residents. than $40,000 shall be expended from this Item 3 – There were a higher number of fund during fiscal year 2016. structure fires this fiscal year in comparison B) Bassett House Revolving Fund to previous fiscal years. Many were large All monies received by the Town from scale incidents which required recall of the operation of the lease of the Bassett personnel for manpower to get apparatus House shall be credited to this fund. The
97 Article 6 the use of those revenues to the purpose for which they are collected. As required by State statute, on this page is an accounting of these funds for the last eighteen months. Board of Selectmen Recommendation: Approve 5-0-0 Finance Committee Recommendation: Approve 6-0-0 VOTE: So Voted Unanimously.
Article 7 – Shellfish Revolving Fund To see if the Town will vote to authorize and approve the use of 25% of the receipts received from the issuance of Family Shell- fish Permits for deposit into the Shellfish Revolving Fund established by Town Meet- ing in 1983 for the propagation, cultivation, protection and study of shellfish; said funds to be expended by the Department of Natural Resources, with the approval of the Town Manager, without further appropriation. Or take any action in relation thereto. (Board of Selectmen) Motion: David Likos, Chairman, Shell- fish Advisory Committee, moved that the Town vote to deposit 25% of the receipts Town Manager shall be authorized to expend from this fund, without further received from the issuance of all Family expend from this fund, without further appropriation, to defray the expense of Shellfish Permits into the Shellfish Revolv- appropriation, to defray the maintenance purchasing additional recycling contain- ing Fund. expenses of the House operated by the ers and items particular to recycling and Explanation: In 1983, Town Meeting Chamber of Commerce. No more than conservation, including advertising the voted to create a Shellfish Revolving Fund $8,000 shall be expended from this fund availability of such items. No more than dedicated to the propagation, cultivation, during fiscal year 2016. $5,000 shall be expended from this fund during fiscal year 2016. protection, and study of shellfish. From that C) Inspectional Services Revolving Fund date forward, seventy-five percent (75%) of 10% of all monies received by the Town E) Marconi Station Revolving Fund commercial permit fees have been deposited from the issuance of all inspection per- All monies received by the Town from into the Shellfish Revolving Fund with 0% mits shall be credited to this fund. The the operation of the leases at the Mar- of family permit sales revenue contributed. Community Development Department, coni Station on Old Comers and Orleans Propagation efforts include the seeding of with the approval of the Town Manager, Road shall be credited to this fund. The quahogs, oysters and bay scallops in all shall be authorized to expend from this Town Manager shall be authorized to Chatham waterways including the “Recre- fund, without further appropriation to expend from this fund, without further ation Only” area at the Causeway on Morris defray the expenses associated with the appropriation, to defray inspection and Island Road. Recreational permit holders approval of inspectional permits, includ- maintenance expenses outside of the lease have benefited from the Town’s propagation ing paying any wages or salaries for full requirements of the buildings operated program for over 30 years at the expense time employees and costs of fringe ben- by the lessees at the Marconi Station. No of the commercial shellfishermen. In 2001, efits associated with the wages or salaries more than $5,000 shall be expended from half of the monies supporting the Town’s so paid. No more than $70,000 shall be this fund during fiscal year 2016. initial efforts in defending Chatham’s historic expended from this fund during fiscal (Board of Selectmen) harvesting rights on Monomoy Island were year 2016. expended from the Shellfish Revolving Fund. Motion: Tim Roper, Board of Selectmen, The decrease in sales of commercial shellfish D) Recycling Revolving Fund moved that the Town authorize and ap- permits in recent years has resulted in the All monies received by the Department of prove the Airport Revolving Fund, Bassett Fund no longer being able to “subsidize” Public Works from the sale of recycling House Revolving Fund, Inspectional Ser- recreational shellfish interests. bins, compost bins, rain barrels, kitchen vices Revolving Fund, Recycling Revolving The purpose of this article is to increase scrap buckets, water saving devices, Fund, and the Marconi Station Revolving revenues to the revolving fund in order to recycling bags/totes, and other items Fund for the purposes and in the amounts continue providing a sustainable shellfish particular to recycling conservation, shall listed in Article 6 of the Warrant. resource, through propagation, for the benefit be credited to this fund. The Department Explanation: The purpose of these revolving of both commercial and recreational harvest- of Public Works, with the approval of the funds is to segregate the revenues generated ers alike. Town Manager, shall be authorized to by each of these operations and to restrict
98 Board of Selectmen Recommendation: Article 9 Approve 4-0-0 Finance Committee Recommendation: Approve 6-0-0 VOTE: So Voted Unanimously.
Article 8 – Wood Waste Reclamation Facility Enterprise Fund To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds, a sum of money to operate the Wood Waste Reclamation Facility Enterprise Fund, or take any other action in relation thereto. Lease Revenue $25,000 Operating Expenses $25,000 (Board of Selectmen) Motion: Seth Taylor, Board of Selectmen, VOTE: Voice. So Voted by a very substan- moved that the Town vote to appropriate tial majority, declared the Moderator. Motion: Jeffrey Dykens, Board of Select- the sum of $27,818,929 to fund the Operat- men, moved that the Town vote to appro- ing Budget for the Town for the fiscal year Article 10 – Regional School Oper- priate $25,000 to operate the Wood Waste beginning July 1, 2015 for the purposes ating Budget – Monomoy Regional Reclamation Facility Enterprise Fund and and amounts designated in the column to meet said appropriation the Town raise School District titled “Proposed Budget FY2016” of $25,000 through lease revenue or other To see if the Town will vote to raise and Article 9 of the Warrant and to meet said funds available for appropriation. appropriate and/or transfer from available appropriation, the Town raise $26,855,829 funds, such sums of money as it determines Explanation: Town Meeting voted to adopt through taxation; and transfer $75,000 necessary for Chatham’s share of the Re- Chapter 44 Section 53F ½ of the Massachu- from the Waterways Improvement Fund, gional Educational and School expenses and setts General Laws establishing an Enter- $870,100 from the Land Bank Fund, charges, including without limitation of the prise Fund. An enterprise fund establishes a $10,000 from the Wetlands Protection foregoing, debt and interest, wages, salaries separate accounting and financial reporting Fund, $5,000 from Cemetery Perpetual and expenses for operation of the Monomoy system to support a specific business activity, Care Fund and $3,000 from the Railroad Regional School District for the fiscal year in this case the Wood Waste Reclamation Museum Fund. beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, Facility. Explanation: A full explanation of this fund- 2016 inclusive, or take any other action in One of the requirements of an enterprise ing request and its fiscal context is provided relation thereto. fund is that a budget has to be adopted at in Appendix B: Town Manager’s Budget (Board of Selectmen) Town Meeting every year. The Wood Waste Summary. The Regional Schools’ Operating Facility is leased out with annual revenue at Motion: Jeffrey Dykens, Monomoy Budgets are not included in this Article and approximately $25,000 per year. The revenue Regional School Committee, moved that are presented in Articles 10 and 11. will be used to support groundwater moni- the Town vote to appropriate the sum of toring and other costs associated with the The approval of Articles 9 - 13 provide for an $8,207,932 to fund the Operating Budget operation of the facility. approximate total impact of $894,258 increase for the Monomoy Regional School District (less than 2.5 %) to the FY2016 tax levy. for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015 Board of Selectmen Recommendation: for the purposes and amounts designated Approve 5-0-0 Please visit the Town’s website, Budget in the column titled “Proposed Budget Finance Committee Recommendation: Central tab, for the Town Manager’s FY 2016 FY2016” of Article 10 of the Warrant and Approve 6-0-0 Budget message: www.chatham-ma.gov/ to meet said appropriation, the Town raise Public_Documents/ChathamMA_Budget/ VOTE: So Voted Unanimously. $8,207,932 through the tax rate. index. Town and Regional Schools budget details and financial documents past and Explanation: This article requests funding Article 9 – Town Operating Budget present can also be found there. for Chatham’s obligation to the Monomoy To see if the Town will vote to raise and Regional School District as a separate appropriate and/or transfer from available Board of Selectmen Recommendation: “assessment” within the Town’s budget. funds, such sums of money as it determines Approve 3-1-0 Compared to FY2015, the FY2016 budget necessary for Town expenses and charges, Finance Committee Recommendation: reflects an increase of $414,144. This article including without limitation of the fore- Approve 7-0-0 funds the Chatham portion of the Monomoy going, debt and interest, wages, salaries and expenses for operation of the Town’s Article 10 departments and offices, all for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2016 inclusive, or take any other action in relation thereto. (Board of Selectmen)
99 Article 11 Explanation: The FY2016 Water Department budget is directed towards continuing to im- prove the quality of water provided, customer relations, and providing a high level of reli- ability to the water supplies and distribution system to ensure the Town has safe drinking water and the required flows for firefighting. Board of Selectmen Recommendation: Approve 5-0-0 Regional School District as voted by the Article 12 – Water Department Oper- Finance Committee Recommendation: Monomoy Regional School Committee on ating Budget Approve 6-0-0 March 25, 2015. Please refer to Appendix D To see if the Town will vote to raise and for more detail. appropriate and/or transfer from available VOTE: Voice. So Voted Unanimously. Board of Selectmen Recommendation: funds, such sums of money as it determines Approve 3-1-0 necessary for expenses and charges, includ- Article 13 – Five Year Capital Finance Committee Recommendation: ing without limitation of the foregoing, debt Authorization Approve 5-2-0 and interest, wages, salaries and expenses To see if the Town will vote to raise and for operation of the Town Water Department appropriate, and/or transfer from avail- VOTE: Voice. So voted by a very substan- for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015 and able funds, a sum or sums of money, to be tial majority, declared the Moderator. ending June 30, 2016 inclusive, or take any expended for capital projects, equipment and other action in relation thereto. expenses, or take any other action in relation Article 11 – Regional School Oper- (Board of Selectmen) thereto. ating Budget – Cape Cod Regional (Board of Selectmen) Technical High School Motion: Florence Seldin, Board of Select- men, moved that the Town vote to ap- To see if the Town will vote to raise and Motion: Timothy Roper, Board of Select- propriate $2,362,440 for direct costs, and appropriate and/or transfer from available men, moved that the Town vote to ap- further that an additional $276,837 be funds, such sums of money as it determines propriate $1,775,000 for the purpose of transferred to the General Fund to be necessary for Chatham’s share of the Re- funding the FY2016 Capital Budget in applied to overhead and indirect costs gional Educational and School expenses and the column titled “FY2016 Proposed” of associated with the Water Department charges, including without limitation of the Article 13 of the Warrant and to meet said Operating Budget of the Town for the foregoing, debt and interest, wages, salaries appropriation, the Town raise $959,000 fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015, for the and expenses for operation of the Cape Cod through taxation; and transfer $750,000 purposes and in the amounts designated in Regional Technical High School for the fiscal from Free Cash, $40,000 from Waterways the column titles “Proposed Water Budget year beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June Improvement Fund, $25,000 from the PEG FY2016” of Article 12 of the Warrant and 30, 2016 inclusive, or take any other action in Cable Access Fund and $1,000 from the to meet said appropriation, the Town raise relation thereto. Cemetery Sale of Lots Fund. $2,239,277 through water receipts and (Board of Selectmen) raise $400,000 through the tax rate. Motion: James “Buck” Upson, Cape Cod Article 12 Regional Technical High School Commit- tee, moved that the Town vote to appropri- ate the sum of $309,122 to fund the Oper- ating Budget for the Cape Cod Regional Technical High School for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015 for the purposes and amounts designated in the column titled “Proposed Budget FY2016” of Article 11 of the Warrant and to meet said appropriation, the Town raise $309,122 through the tax rate. Explanation: This article requests funding for Chatham’s obligation to the Cape Cod Regional Technical High School as a sepa- rate “assessment” within the Town’s budget. Compared to FY2015, the FY2016 budget reflects a decrease of $58,315 for Cape Tech as voted by the CCRHS School Committee. Board of Selectmen Recommendation: Approve 4-1-0 Finance Committee Recommendation: Approve 7-0-0 VOTE: Voice. So Voted Unanimously. 100 Article 13 VOTE: Voice. So Voted by a very substan- tial majority, declared the Moderator.
Article 16 – Capital Project Pier Reconstruction 90 Bridge Street To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate and/or transfer from available funds a sum of money for the purpose of paying costs related to the reconstruction of the ex- isting licensed timber pier located on Town- owned property at 90 Bridge St. for public use, and for construction, purchase and/or installation of other associated structures and Explanation: Items in the Capital Improve- Explanation: This is a placeholder article as materials and facilities that may be necessary ment budget shall fall into the categories of negotiations are in progress with all four of to the maintenance and operation of such maintenance projects (not ongoing mainte- the Town’s Unions as collective bargaining a pier, and to fund additional planning and nance), equipment, and new projects within agreements expire on June 30, 2015. Funding engineering services to assist the Town in the range of $5,000-$250,000. The Capital for this article is not included in the FY2016 developing a comprehensive plan for further Plan presented is in accordance with the Fis- proposed budget under Article 9. site re-use, including all costs incidental and cal Policies; representing 6.4% of the operat- related thereto, or take any other action rela- Board of Selectmen Recommendation: ing budget. For FY2016 Department identi- tive thereto. Recommendation from Town Meeting Floor fied capital requests totaled $3,145,500 while (Board of Selectmen) Finance Committee Recommendation: funding recommendations in the amount are Motion: Seth Taylor, Board of Selectmen, Recommendation from Town Meeting Floor provided for priority items. To accomplish moved that the sum of $175,000 be trans- such, we recommend a capital spending plan Article 15 – OPEB Trust Fund ferred from the Waterways Improvement that uses a combination of available funds, Fund for the purposes of paying costs free cash, and a portion of the tax rate to Appropriation To see if the Town will vote to transfer from related to the reconstruction of the existing provide adequate funding. Please refer to licensed timber pier located on Town- Appendix G for details. overlay surplus the sum of $150,000 for the purpose of funding the Other Post-Employ- owned property at 90 Bridge St., and for Board of Selectmen Recommendation: ment Benefits Trust Fund, or take any other construction, purchase and/or installation Approve 3-1-0 action in relation thereto. of other associated structures and materi- Finance Committee Recommendation: (Board of Selectmen) als and facilities that may be necessary to Approve 7-0-0 the maintenance and operation of such a Motion: Jeffrey Dykens, Board of Select- pier, and to fund additional planning and VOTE: Voice. So Voted Unanimously. men, moved that the Town vote to transfer engineering services to assist the Town the sum of $150,000 from overlay surplus in developing a comprehensive plan for Article 14 – Collective Bargaining for the purpose of funding the Other Post- further site re-use including all costs inci- Agreements Employment Benefits Trust Fund. dental and related thereto; or to take any To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- Explanation: The Town established the other action in relation thereto. propriate or transfer from available funds in OPEB trust fund in 2012 in compliance with the treasury a sum of money to fund salary Explanation: The Town approved the pur- the General Accounting Standards Board increases and other cost-items resulting from chase of the 90 Bridge St. waterfront property (“GASB”) Statements 43 and 45 and MGL contract settlements with union personnel, or at the 2014 Annual Town Meeting, to enhance chapter 32B, §20. Such is the mechanism to take any other action in relation thereto. public waterfront access and other general fund future financial obligations for health (Board of Selectmen) municipal and public water-dependent uses. insurance benefits, other than pensions, for The existing timber pier is proposed to be Motion: NO MOTION. eligible former employees of the Town. The reconstructed, with minor modifications, in proposed funding source, Overlay Surplus, is an effort to provide immediate public use of I move that the sum of $______be raised a fund balance remaining after the payment the site in 2015. The cost for reconstruction and appropriated to fund salary increases of property tax abatements, and was used is conservatively estimated to be $123,000 and other cost-items resulting from contract last year to fund the Trust, and previous to and the necessary licenses and permits are in settlements by and between the Town of that transferred to the Stabilization Fund. place to proceed with construction. The goal Chatham and: Since the balance in the Stabilization Fund is to have the pier reconstructed and avail- 1. Chatham Municipal Employees Associa- is at a level in accordance with our fiscal able for public use by summer 2015. tion (CMEA) policies, the Overlay Surplus is again being The balance of the funding will be used 2. Police (MCOPs) transferred to the OPEB trust fund. Such ac- to develop a comprehensive plan for addi- 3. Dispatchers (NEPBA) tion is viewed positively by the Bond Rating tional site-use, including conceptual design, 4. Fire (IAFF) Agencies. preliminary design, and permit filings. Several concepts for site re-use are being discussed and to authorize the Town Accountant to al- Board of Selectmen Recommendation: with various Town committees (including locate such sum to the appropriate operating Approve 5-0-0 additional float space, kayak/small vessel budgets, and to meet this appropriation the Finance Committee Recommendation: ramp, new shellfish upweller facility, US Coast Town raise $______through taxation. Approve 6-0-0 101 Guard docking facilities), and such funds be reduced by the sum of money appropri- further complicated by the requirement that would enable an engineer to assist in these ated by the Town Meeting from Commu- all non-resident boat trailers be parked on efforts and refine these concepts and plans. nity Preservation Act funds for the subject Old Comers Road, necessitating parking at The reconstruction of the existing pier will purposes. distances often more than a quarter of a mile complement future site re-use options. Final from the Landing. Such distance contributes Explanation: The total budget requested for design, bidding, and construction funds will be to delays in the turnaround time for boaters this project is not to exceed $900,000. Fund- sought at a future time and the Town will also to complete launching and retrieval opera- ing requested under this article may be offset pursue grant opportunities for these costs. tions, contributing to vessel congestion at the with approval for funding the Town’s CPA The Waterways Advisory Committee, limited dockage. In addition, the alignment application, dated December 26, 2014, under Shellfish Advisory Committee, South Coastal and sight distances at the intersection of Ry- a separate warrant article (Article 18) seek- Harbor Plan Committee and Economic der’s Cove Road, Orleans Road (Rt. 28) and ing a CPA funding allocation of $300,000. Development Committee have all endorsed Old Comers Road make it difficult to safely The Ryder’s Cove Town Landing is Cha- this proposal. egress from Ryder’s Cove Road. tham’s most heavily utilized public landing The Board of Selectmen tasked the Water- Board of Selectmen Recommendation: facility. This Landing provides the only viable ways Advisory Committee to review the traf- Approve 5-0-0 all-tide boat launching facility for recreation- fic flow, parking, safety and other limitations Finance Committee Recommendation: al and commercial boaters seeking access to associated with the Ryder’s Cove facility Approve 4-1-0 the waters of Pleasant Bay, Chatham Harbor, and to develop a plan that would improve and the Atlantic Ocean. With the closure of VOTE: Voice. So Voted by a very substan- upon these deficiencies. A key directive of the the Southway inlet opposite Monomoy in tial majority, declared the Moderator. Selectmen was to ensure consideration of the 2006, many boaters that previously might important natural and historic setting of the have launched at one of Chatham’s south- Article 17 – Capital Project parcel and to include features that provide side facilities now utilize Ryder’s Cove. for complimentary use of the site as a park Ryder’s Cove Landing Improvements This Landing is actively used year-round by for the general public. The plan was also To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- commercial fishermen and shellfishermen. prepared to assure that none of the exist- propriate and/or transfer from available funds The Landing also serves as an important site ing Marconi structures and buildings which a sum not to exceed $900,000 for the purpose for commercial offloading of fish (generally contribute to the site’s listing on the Na- of constructing improved road access and striped bass, tuna and dogfish) and shellfish. tional Historic Register would be adversely egress, additional parking, restroom facility, During the busy summer boating sea- impacted by the proposed improvements. accessible walking trails, vegetative screen- son, Ryder’s Cove Landing becomes overly ing and other site improvements as shown on congested as a result of poor site traffic flow The proposed project incorporates many the attached sketch plan and on file with the and a lack of suitable and accessible parking features to address these goals, including: Town Clerk’s Office, on Town-owned land for vehicles with trailers and single vehicles. • Net increase of 18 parking spaces for single located on the north side of Orleans Road Ryder’s Cove Road frequently becomes vehicles and 17 vehicle/trailer combina- (Route 28), adjacent to the Ryder’s Cove gridlocked as vehicles attempting to launch tions. Town Landing as shown on Assessors Map or retrieve vessels are blocked or limited in • Incorporation of a “loop” road to facilitate 11J, Parcel 6-6 and further described as Lot their ability to maneuver by other vehicles traffic flow to and from the upper parking 1 on Land Court Plan 5445A as recorded engaged in similar activities. This situation is with the Land Court at the Barnstable County area and launching ramp. Registry of Deeds; provided, however, that Article 17 said $900,000 not to exceed sum shall be reduced by the sum of money appropriated by the Town Meeting from Community Pres- ervation Act funds for the subject purposes, or take any other action relative thereto. (Board of Selectmen) Motion: Florence Seldin, Board of Select- men, moved that the sum of $900,000 be transferred and appropriated from Free Cash for the purposes of paying the costs of construction of new road access and egress, expanded parking, restroom facili- ty, vegetative screening, accessible walking trails and various other site improvements and amenities, as appropriate, associated with the referenced site improvement plan for the Town-owned parcel of land shown on Assessors Map 11J, Parcel 6-6 and further described as Lot 1 on Land Court Plan 5445A as recorded with the Land Court at the Barnstable County Registry of Deeds, and such not to exceed sum shall
102 • Provision of a more operationally efficient Article 17 does not prevail, declared the of M.G.L. Ch. 44B §6, the sum of $15,000 trailer staging area, with a freshwater rinse Moderator. for the purpose of funding administrative faucet, away from main traffic congestion costs associated with the Community Preser- for securing boat and gear after retrieving Article 18 – Community Preservation vation Act, including any necessary costs and boat from the ramp. – Ryder’s Cove Landing expenses related thereto, as recommended by • Substantial use of “pervious pavement”, To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the Community Preservation Committee, or rain gardens and other Best Management and transfer from the Community Preserva- take any other action relating thereto. Practices to mitigate stormwater impacts. tion Fund, in accordance with the provisions (Community Preservation Committee) • Alternative exit to safely egress onto Rt. 28 of M.G.L. Ch. 44B §5, the sum of $300,000 Motion: John Kaar, Community Preser- with improved lines of sight. to fund improvements at the Ryder’s Cove vation Committee, moved that the Town • A restroom facility. Triangle as provided in the Town’s CPA ap- vote to appropriate the sum of $15,000 • Maintaining a significant portion of upland plication dated December 26, 2014, including from FY2016 Community Preservation green buffer between the parking area and any necessary costs and expenses related Fund Revenues for the purpose of funding top of the coastal bank while providing thereto, as recommended by the Community administrative costs associated with the handicapped accessible walking trails and Preservation Committee, or take any other Community Preservation Act. water vistas. action relating thereto. Explanation: The Community Preservation • Furthering adaptive re-use of the Marconi (Community Preservation Committee) National Historic District by providing Act allows Town Meeting to appropriate up enhanced access and use of the parcel Motion: Bob Dubis, Community Preser- to 5% of estimated revenues for the Commu- with potential connection to the adjacent vation Committee, moved that the Town nity Preservation Committee to carry out its Marconi campus contributing to public vote to appropriate $300,000 from FY2016 statutory duties. This year $15,000 (less than awareness and appreciation of the historical Community Preservation Revenues for the 5%) is being requested for clerical expenses, significance of the Marconi site. improvements at Ryder’s Cove Triangle appraisals, consulting and legal services. for design and construction of a walking Community Preservation Committee Use of this parcel in this manner is consistent path, restroom facilities and associated Recommendation: Approve 7-0-0 with previous goals established by the Town access & parking improvements, as pre- Board of Selectmen Recommendation: when the property was purchased in 1999. sented in the project application. Approve 5-0-0 The deed for the Town’s purchase of the Mar- Finance Committee Recommendation: coni property contains language specifically Explanation: This Article proposes to use Approve 7-0-0 allowing the use of this parcel for expansion CPA funds for the construction of a walking of the adjacent Town Landing. The Town’s path, restroom facilities, as well as access VOTE: Voice. So voted by a very substan- Comprehensive Plan also includes a recom- and parking to support such improvements, tial majority, declared the Moderator. mendation that states: as detailed in the Town’s application dated December 26, 2014. As mentioned in a sepa- Article 20 - FY2016 Community Pres- “On newly acquired land adjacent to rate article (Article 17) which will propose ervation Reserve Fund Appropriations Ryder’s Cove Landing, construct a public additional funding for improvements on the To see if the Town will vote to appropriate parking area for vehicles and boat trailers property (total project cost is not to exceed and transfer from the Community Preserva- and public restrooms”. (OP44) $900,000), the Selectmen recognize the tion Fund, in accordance with the provisions The proposed plan has been reviewed and important natural and historic setting of the of M.G.L. Ch. 44B §6, the sum of $300,000 endorsed by Waterways Advisory Committee, parcel and this proposed use of CPA funds to reserve for Open Space, Historic Resourc- Shellfish Advisory Committee, Parks & Rec- supports partial use of the site as a park for es and Community Housing, including any reation Commission, and Economic Develop- the general public. Any improvements to necessary costs and expenses related thereto, ment Committee. the parcel will be consistent with and will as recommended by the Community Preser- not negatively impact the existing Marconi vation Committee, or take any other action Board of Selectmen Recommendation: structures and buildings which contribute relating thereto. Approve 5-0-0 to the site’s listing on the National Historic (Community Preservation Committee) Finance Committee Recommendation: Register. Approve 5-0-0 Motion: John Kaar, Community Preser- Community Preservation Committee vation Committee, moved that the Town Voter David Whitcomb made a MOTION Recommendation: Approve 6-1-0 appropriate and reserve from FY2016 TO CUT OFF DEBATE: voice. In my Board of Selectmen Recommendation: Community Preservation Fund estimated opinion, more than 2/3rds have voted in Approve 4-0-1 annual revenue amounts as follows: favor of cutting off debate, declared the Finance Committee Recommendation: Moderator. Approve 5-0-0 Reserve Open Space $100,000 VOTE: Voice. In my opinion, the No’s have VOTE: Voice. The No’s have it, Article 18 Historic Resources $100,000 it, declared the Moderator. After a show of does not prevail, declared the Moderator. Community Housing $100,000 cards, the Moderator stated, in my opin- Total Reserves $300,000 ion, the No’s have it. Then the Moderator Article 19 - FY2016 Community Explanation: The Community Preservation asked for a hand count: Preservation Committee Act requires that each year 10% of estimated VOTE Administrative Budget revenue being reserved or expended for each YES: 188 To see if the Town will vote to appropriate and transfer from the Community Preserva- of the following categories; Open Space, NO: 264 tion Fund, in accordance with the provisions Community Housing and Historic Resources.
103 This article fulfills that requirement. In the Article 22 – Community Preservation munity Preservation Committee, or take any subsequent articles, the motions presented – Historic Property Survey other action relating thereto. transfer these funds out of the reserves To see if the Town will vote to appropriate (Community Preservation Committee) to fund the projects. If one or more of the and transfer from the Community Preserva- Motion: Alan Mowry, Community Pres- articles does not receive town meeting ap- tion Fund, in accordance with the provisions ervation Committee, moved that the Town proval, the reserve remains thus meeting the of M.G.L. Ch. 44B §5, the sum of $75,000 to vote to appropriate the sum of $250,000; statutory requirement. fund the Historic Property Survey, includ- with $100,000 from Community Hous- Community Preservation Committee ing any necessary costs and expenses related ing Reserves and $150,000 from FY2016 Recommendation: Approve 9-0-0 thereto, as recommended by the Community Community Preservation Fund Revenues to Board of Selectmen Recommendation: Preservation Committee, or take any other transfer to the Affordable Housing Approve 5-0-0 action relating thereto. Trust Fund. Finance Committee Recommendation: (Community Preservation Committee) Explanation: The Affordable Housing Trust Approve 7-0-0 Motion: Jane Moffett, Community Pres- Fund (AHTF) was created by Town meeting in VOTE: Voice. So Voted by a very substan- ervation Committee, moved that the Town 2006. The AHTF is administered by the Board tial majority, declared the Moderator. vote to appropriate $75,000; with $75,000 of Selectmen and two other appointed trustees, from Historic Preservation Reserves in and is governed by the “Guidelines for the Article 21 – Community Preservation order to fund continuance of the Historic Disbursement of Funds in the AHTF”. This re- – Water Street Landing Property Survey. quest would provide the AHTF with a balance To see if the Town will vote to appropriate that allows the Town to respond to opportuni- Explanation: This article seeks funds to con- and transfer from the Community Preserva- ties in the housing market in a time-sensitive tinue the program of the Chatham Historical tion Fund, in accordance with the provisions and efficient manner, not having to wait for Commission to professionally document, of M.G.L. Ch. 44B §5, the sum of $28,500 a future Town Meeting for approval. Main- with narrative and photographs, the historic for the purpose of providing pedestrian ac- taining ample funds in the AHTF allows the properties in Town. This program began cess to the shoreline at Water Street Town Town to support a variety of both small and receiving funding through the CPA in 2008, Landing, including any necessary costs and large-scale initiatives. The current balance in 2013, and 2014. More than 700 properties, expenses related thereto, as recommended by the AHTF is $393,000; approval of this article structures and assets, have been researched, the Community Preservation Committee, or would raise the balance to $643,000, of which including most of the historical homes in the take any other action relating thereto. $100,000 is earmarked for redevelopment of Old Village and Historic Business Districts. (Community Preservation Committee) an existing affordable dwelling. To help prioritize future inventory efforts, a Motion: Ira Seldin, Community Preserva- Comprehensive Plan was prepared to identify Board of Selectmen Recommendation: tion Committee, move that the Town vote all buildings, areas, objects, sites, burial Approve 5-0-0 to appropriate the sum of $28,500 from grounds, structures, parks and landscapes Finance Committee Recommendation: FY2016 Community Preservation Fund that are of architectural and historical Approve 7-0-0 Revenues in order to complete a new ac- significance. The additional funding will cess to the shoreline at the Water Street complete the inventory of “high” priority VOTE: Voice. So voted by a virtually Town Landing. resources as well as 195 properties identified unanimous vote, declared the Moderator. as “medium” priority. The inventories are Explanation: This project is to construct a Article 24 – Community Preserva- new stair system to re-establish pedestrian used by the Chatham Historical Commission, the Historic Business District, Community tion – St. Christopher’s Architectural access to the shore at the Water Street (East) Features town landing located in Chatham’s Old Vil- Development, contractors & engineers, as To see if the Town will vote to appropriate lage. Water Street (East) is a town landing well as property owners. The information is and transfer from the Community Preserva- that previously included a set of concrete in the process of being digitized. tion Fund, in accordance with the provisions steps that provided pedestrian access to Community Preservation Committee of M.G.L. Ch. 44B §5, the sum of $147,438 the shores of Chatham Harbor. This access Recommendation: Approve 7-0-0 to fund the restoration and preservation of St. was lost over 25 years ago due to coastal Board of Selectmen Recommendation: Christopher’s exterior/architectural details, erosion, however the recent breach (2007) Approve 4-1-0 including any necessary costs and expenses has provided beach growth in this area. The Finance Committee Recommendation: related thereto, as recommended by the Com- proposed stair access includes a new viewing Approve 7-0-0 munity Preservation Committee, or take any area for the public. The Old Village Associa- VOTE: Voice. So voted by a very substan- other action relating thereto. tion (OVA) has committed up to $20,000 tial majority, declared the Moderator. (Community Preservation Committee) toward construction and future maintenance of the proposed stair system. Motion: Jane Moffett, Community Pres- Article 23 – Community Preservation ervation Committee, moved that the Town Community Preservation Committee – Affordable Housing Trust Fund Recommendation: Approve 6-0-0 vote to appropriate $147,438 with $25,000 Board of Selectmen Recommendation: To see if the Town will vote to appropriate from Historic Reserves and $122,438 from Approve 5-0-0 and transfer from the Community Preserva- FY2016 Community Preservation Fund Finance Committee Recommendation: tion Fund, in accordance with the provisions revenues in order to fund the restoration Approve 7-0-0 of M.G.L. Ch. 44B §5, the sum of $250,000 and preservation of the architectural de- to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, tails at St. Christopher’s Church described VOTE: Voice. So voted by a very substan- including any necessary costs and expenses in more detail in the Explanation on the tial majority, declared the Moderator. related thereto, as recommended by the Com- next page. 104 Explanation: The consulting firm of CBI and Community Preservation Committee be required by law of the commonwealth or St. Christopher’s architectural historian have Recommendation: Approve 7-0-0 inter-local agreement. identified the deterioration of many unique Board of Selectmen Recommendation: Explanation: The deleted and added lan- architectural details on the exterior of the Approve 5-0-0 guage above reflects the elimination of the 1870’s structure. The purpose of this project is Finance Committee Recommendation: Chatham School Committee and the Town’s to restore and preserve the historical features Approve 7-0-0 agreement with the Monomoy Regional that include the trim around the Cathedral VOTE: Voice. So Voted Unanimously. School Committee. windows, cornice rakes, soffits, frieze boards, crown molding, scrollwork, eaves, and pilas- Voter Richard Leavitt asked the Modera- Section 3-2(c): ters. Restoration of the exterior of St. Christo- tor to move Article 48 before Article 26. (c) Appointment Powers [Amended 1-10- pher’s, one of the notable Main St. landmarks, 2013 by Chapter 457, Acts of 2012] VOTE: Voice. In my opinion, the No’s have will not only improve the appearance of the The board of selectmen shall appoint a town it, declared the Moderator. building, but will deter further deterioration manager, town counsel and registrars of vot- and prolong the life of this historic structure. ers and election officials. The board of select- Article 26 – Charter Amendments Community Preservation Committee men shall appoint members of boards, com- Strikethrough indicates language proposed missions or committees for which no other Recommendation: Approve 5-0-2 for deletion. Board of Selectmen Recommendation: appointment provision is made in this charter. Underline indicates language proposed for To promote a diverse representation, includ- Disapprove 0-5-0 addition. Finance Committee Recommendation: ing without limitation diversity as to age, To see if the Town will vote to adopt the fol- gender, experience and philosophy, the board Disapprove 2-4-1 lowing proposed Amendments to the respec- of selectmen shall endeavor, to the extent Voter Don Akin Moved Question: Voice. tive cited sections of the Town of Chatham practical and feasible, to make a concerted So voted by more than 2/3rds majority, Charter, consisting of “language proposed for effort to solicit prospective diverse, qualified declared the Moderator. deletion” or “language proposed for addi- persons when filling vacancies for appoint- VOTE: Voice. In my opinion, the ayes have tion”, as set forth herein, or take any other ment to a board, commission or committee. it, declared the Moderator. After a show of action in relation thereto. To further promote a maximum level of cards – Article 24 is adopted, declared the (Board of Selectmen) diverse, qualified citizen participation, the Moderator. The current Charter can be viewed on board of selectmen shall announce all vacan- Article 25 – Community Preservation http://ecode360.com/documents/CH2233/ cies and expiring terms that are to be filled – World War II Memorial CH2233-C.pdf and, for boards and committees that are created via this charter or the town’s general To see if the Town will vote to appropriate Section 2-8 Town Meeting Action [Added bylaws, the selectmen shall annually, and and transfer from the Community Preserva- 5-11-2009 ATM by Art. 31, approved 5-13- with monthly updates as needed, publish tion Fund, in accordance with the provisions 2010 Annual Town Election; amended such vacancies and expiring terms electroni- of M.G.L. Ch. 44B §5, the sum of $9,800 to 1-10-2013 by Chapter 457, Acts of 2012] cally and via newspapers and by other means fund the World War II Memorial, including The exercise of the legislative power by a as may be appropriate. any necessary costs and expenses related vote of town meeting shall be presumed to be thereto, as recommended by the Community binding, to the extent permitted by law, and Explanation: The added language empha- Preservation Committee, or take any other shall be implemented by a designated town sizes the Board of Selectmen’s responsibility action relating thereto. agency or department in conformance with to consider diversity of membership on each (Community Preservation Committee) the law or such vote. Upon the introduction Town Board, Commission or Committee. It also instructs the Board of Selectmen to Motion: Victor DiCristina, Community of every non-binding warrant article at town widely announce vacancies on each Town Preservation Committee, moved that meeting, the moderator shall state the article Board, Committee or Commission to make the Town vote to appropriate the sum of is non-binding, to the extent feasible. it easier for residents to be aware of those $9,800 from Community Preservation Explanation: Most votes at Town Meet- openings. Undesignated Fund Balance to fund the ing are binding upon the Town. The added World War II Memorial, including site language seeks to direct the Moderator, if Section 3-3 School Committee work and landscaping. he is able to do so, to inform Town Meeting a) Composition, Terms of Office There shall be a school committee com- Explanation: This request for a memorial participants about articles which are not posed of five members elected for terms will fill in the missing piece of Chatham’s binding before discussion and a vote is taken. of three years each, so arranged that the history during World War II. The proposed Non-binding articles would include articles terms of as nearly an equal number of Memorial will be consistent with other me- that conflict with state or town law, or are members as is possible expire each year. morials in Chatham parks: Civil War Memo- advisory in nature. b) Powers and Duties rial in Sears Park, World War I Memorial at Section 3-1 Elected Town Officers, In The school committee shall have general the Community Center, Korean and Vietnam General charge of the public schools of the town. Memorials at Oyster Pond Park. This funding The offices to be filled by the voters shall be The school committee shall have the complements the over $6,000 in private do- a board of selectmen, a school committee, power to select and to terminate a super- nations already received. The Chatham Parks the town’s representatives for the Monomoy intendent of schools, establish educa- and Recreation Commission supports the Regional School Committee, a moderator, tional goals and policies for the schools request for the WWII Memorial to be located housing authority and such other regional consistent with the requirements of the at Nickerson Park. authorities, districts or committees as may laws of the commonwealth and standards 105 established by the commonwealth. The Section 4-1 Appointment, Qualifications, (m) To be responsible for the negotiation of school committee shall have all the pow- Term of Office all contracts with town employees over ers and duties given to school committees The board of selectmen shall appoint a wages and other terms and conditions of by the laws of the commonwealth. town manager and shall annually evaluate employment.; except employees of the the performance of the town manager. The school department; Explanation: The deleted language above re- town manager shall be a person of proven flects the elimination of the Chatham School Explanation: The deleted and added lan- administrative ability, especially qualified Committee and the Town’s agreement with guage in the sections above reflects the elimi- by education and training with at least five the Monomoy Regional School Committee. nation of the Chatham School Committee years full-time experience as a city or town and the Town’s agreement with the Monomoy Section 3-4 3-3 Moderator manager or an assistant city or town manager Regional School Committee. (b) Powers and Duties or the equivalent experience in the public or The moderator shall have the powers and private sector. The board of selectmen may Section 5-1 Organization of Town Government duties provided that office by the constitution from time to time establish such additional (a) Method of Organization – Town De- and the laws of the commonwealth, by the qualifications as deemed necessary and ap- partments [Amended 5-11-2009 ATM charter, or by bylaw or by other town meeting propriate. by Art. 31, approved 5-13-2010 Annual vote. The moderator shall appoint a finance Town Election; amended 1-10-2013 by Explanation: The added language clarifies committee of nine members. To promote a Chapter 457, Acts of 2012] that qualifications for Town Manager include diverse representation, including without The organization of town government equivalent experience in the public or private limitation diversity as to age, gender, experi- into operating departments for the provi- sectors. ence and philosophy, the moderator shall sion of services and the administration endeavor, to the extent practical and feasible, Section 4-6 Powers of Appointment of government shall be the responsibil- to make a concerted effort to solicit prospec- Except as otherwise provided by this charter, ity of the town manager. Subject only to tive diverse, qualified persons when filling the town manager shall appoint, based on the express prohibitions in the laws of vacancies for appointment to the finance merit and fitness alone, and may remove the commonwealth or the provisions of committee. all department heads, assistant department this charter, the town manager may by heads, officers, subordinates, employees administrative order reorganize, consoli- To promote a maximum level of diverse and serving under elected and appointed boards, date, create, merge, divide or abolish any qualified citizen participation on the finance commissions, committees and employees town department or office, in whole or in committee the moderator shall annually, and for whom no other method of selection and part, establish such new town departments with monthly updates as needed, publish removal is provided in this charter except em- or offices as he the town manager deems such vacancies and expiring terms electroni- ployees of the school department and housing necessary or advisable, and prescribe the cally and via newspapers and by other means authority. functions and the administrative proce- as may be appropriate. Should the moderator Appointment of department heads by the dures to be followed by all such depart- fail to fill a vacancy on the finance commit- town manager shall become effective on the ments or offices. tee within 45 60 days of having been notified fifteenth day following the day on which At a minimum, the town manager shall in writing by the town clerk of said vacancy, notice of the proposed appointment is filed provide for the following governmental a majority of the remaining members of the with the board of selectmen unless the board functions: finance committee may nominate a person of selectmen shall, within such period, by for each such vacancy. Should the moderator (i) administrative and finance; (ii) law en- majority vote of the full board of selectmen, fail to take action on said nomination within forcement; (iii) fire protection and rescue vote to reject such appointment. 21 days, the nominee shall become a member services; (iv) operation and maintenance of the finance committee. Section 4-7 Administrative Powers and of the town’s roads, parks, buildings and Duties other facilities; (v) management and Explanation: The above section has been re- (h) To be responsible for rental, use, main- protection of coastal resources; (vi) town numbered to reflect the elimination of Section tenance, repair and the development of a planning and enforcement of zoning 3-3 School Committee. The added language comprehensive maintenance program for and building codes; (vii) enforcement of emphasizes the Moderator’s responsibility all town facilities.; except those under the health and environmental regulations; and to consider diversity of membership when jurisdiction of the school committee; (viii) operation of the water and sewer making appointments to the Finance Commit- (i) to serve as the chief procurement officer systems. tee. It also instructs the Moderator to widely and be responsible for the purchase of all announce vacancies on the Finance Commit- Administrative orders made by the town supplies, materials and equipment except tee to make it easier for residents to be aware manager shall become effective on the books and other educational materials of those openings. The appointing authority’s thirtieth (30) day following the day on for schools, and approve the award of all time limit has been increased from 45 to which notice of the proposed administra- contracts for all town departments.; with 60 days to allow time for the publication of tive order is filed with the board of select- the exception of the school department; vacancies. men and the office of the town clerk un- (k) To administer personnel policies, prac- less the board of selectmen shall, within Section 3-5 3-4 Housing Authority tices, and rules and regulations, any com- such period, by majority vote of the board pensation plan and any related matters for Explanation: The above section has been of selectmen, vote to reject such adminis- all municipal employees, and to adminis- renumbered to reflect the elimination of trative order or has earlier voted to affirm ter all collective bargaining agreements; Section 3-3 School Committee. it. For the convenience of the public, except for school department agreements, copies of administrative orders and votes entered into by the town; of the board of selectmen establishing the
106 nature of the town organization and any amendments thereto shall be available At the onset of the annual budget process, the amendments thereto shall be available from the office of the town manager and town manager shall meet with the board of from the office of the town manager and the office of the town clerk and posted to selectmen, the Monomoy Regional School the office of the town clerk and posted the town’s website. All boards, com- Committee and the finance committee electronically and via other means that mittees or commissions shall annually, to discuss the upcoming operating and allow access by the public. on a date determined by the board of capital budgets. selectmen, submit a report of activities, Within a time fixed by by-law, prior to the (b) Method of Organization – Town achievements and other information to the annual meeting, the town manager shall sub- Boards, Commissions or Committees board of selectmen. mit to the board of selectmen and the finance [Amended 5-11- 2009 ATM by Art. 31, committee a proposed operating and capital approved 5-13-2010 Annual Town Elec- (d) Report of Activities – All boards, com- budget for all town departments, including tion; amended 1-10- 2013 by Chapter mittees or commissions shall annually, the operating and capital budgets as adopted 457, Acts of 2012] on a date determined by the board of by the Monomoy Regional School Commit- Unless otherwise provided by this charter, selectmen, submit a report of activities, tee, for the ensuing fiscal year with an ac- the establishment and organization of achievements and other information to the companying budget message and supporting boards, commissions or committees board of selectmen. documents. shall be the responsibility of the board Explanation: Changes in language in Section The budget as adopted by the Monomoy of selectmen. Subject only to the express 5-1(a) are designed to exclude any reference Regional School Committee shall be submit- prohibitions of the laws of the common- to gender in the Charter and adds specificity ted to the town manager in sufficient time wealth or the provisions of this charter, to the town manager’s responsibility to make to enable the town manager to consider the the board of selectmen may by vote administrative orders accessible to the public. effect of the school department’s requested prescribe the term of office, reorganize, In Section 5-1(c) the appointing authority’s appropriation on the total town budget which consolidate, create, merge, divide or time limit has been increased from 45 to is required to be submitted under this section. abolish any town board, commission or 60 days to allow time for the publication of The budget message submitted by the town committee, in whole or in part, establish vacancies. The deleted language in Section manager shall explain the budget in fiscal such new board, commission or commit- 5-1(d) has been moved to Section 5-1(a) for terms and in terms of work programs. It tee as deemed necessary or advisable, clarity. The deleted language in Section 5-2 shall outline the proposed fiscal policies of and prescribe the functions, purpose and has been moved to Section 5-1(d) for clarity. the town for the ensuing fiscal year, describe responsibilities of such boards, com- important features of the proposed budget missions or committees. Nothing in this Section 5-2 Sunset Provision [Amended and indicate any major variations from the section shall prohibit the town meeting 1-10-2013 by Chapter 457, Acts of 2012] current budget, fiscal policies, expenditures from authorizing the appointment of Annually, the board of selectmen shall and revenues together with reasons for the one or more committees. Votes of town consider the administrative and practical changes. The proposed budget shall provide meeting which authorize the formation needs of all town boards, commissions and a complete fiscal plan of all town funds and of such committees shall state the charge, committees under the jurisdiction of the activities and shall be in the form the board composition and town agency to be the board of selectmen. During the course of of selectmen deems desirable. appointing authority, if it is not the board such consideration, the board of selectmen Upon receipt of the town manager’s pro- of selectmen. The tenure of any such shall review whether each board, commission posed operating budget, the board of select- committee shall continue under its charge or committee has a defined purpose or func- men shall announce the date on which they and until abolition by or change by a tions or if there is another possible method of intend to act on the budget, but that date shall subsequent town meeting. achieving the mission of the board, commis- not be earlier than 30 days after receipt. sion or committee. If the board of selectmen (c) Failure to Fill Vacancies – Town determines that any board, commission or Explanation: The deleted and added lan- Boards, Commissions or Committees committee does not appear to serve a purpose guage above reflects the elimination of the Should the appointing authority fail to or that another method of achieving the Chatham School Committee and the Town’s fill a vacancy on a board, commission, or board, commission or committee’s mission is agreement with the Monomoy Regional committee within 4560 days of having desirable, the board of selectmen shall hold School Committee. been notified in writing by the town clerk a public hearing and take any action deemed of said vacancy, a majority of the remain- Section 6-2 Capital Improvement Program necessary. ing members of the board, commission, [Amended 5-11-2009 ATM by Art. 31, ap- All boards, committees or commissions or committee may nominate a person for proved 5-13-2010 Annual Town Election; shall annually, on a date determined by the each such vacancy. Should the appoint- amended 1-10-2013 by Chapter 457, Acts board of selectmen, submit a report of activi- ing authority fail to take action on said of 2012] ties, achievements and other information to nomination within twenty-one (21) days, The town manager shall submit a five-year the board of selectmen. the nominee shall become a member of capital improvement program to the board said board, commission or committee. Explanation: The deleted language in Sec- of selectmen and the finance committee at tion 5-2 has been moved to Section 5-1(d) the date fixed by bylaw for the submission of (d) Publication of Administrative Orders for clarity. the proposed operating budget unless some [Amended 1-10-2013 by Chapter 457, other time is provided by bylaw. The capital Acts of 2012] Section 6-1 Budget Process [Added 5-11- improvement program shall contain infor- For the convenience of the public, copies 2009 ATM by Art. 31, approved 5-13-2010 mation regarding the cost of such program of the administrative orders and votes of Annual Town Election; amended 1-10- including a schedule of the existing principal the board of selectmen establishing the 2013 by Chapter 457, Acts of 2012] and interest owed by the town. In addition, at nature of the town organization and any 107 least once every 10 years, a long-term facility b) The finance committee shall make budget over the last 25 months, and has prepared for master plan shall be created and/or updated recommendations and report those recom- your consideration a series of changes to the for each of the major facility groups includ- mendations to the board of selectmen in Town’s governing document. Many of those ing but not limited to buildings, roads, sewer, sufficient time for the board of selectmen changes are essentially administrative (for water, storm drains, landings and piers, to consider those recommendations prior example, acknowledging that Chatham is sidewalks, and parking facilities showing all to the board of selectmen voting on the now part of the Monomoy Regional School major capital investments anticipated for the operating and capital budgets. District), while others are more substantive ensuing 20-25 years. Year one of the five- c) The finance committee shall report to the and may generate some questions or debate. year capital improvement program shall be voters at the annual town meeting or at a After consultation with the Moderator, we submitted as the capital improvement budget special town meeting its advisory recom- felt the best approach is to divide Article 26 with the operating budget for the ensuing mendations on all articles on the warrant into three sections for your consideration, fiscal year. for such town meetings. and the proposed changes will be presented Upon receipt of the Ttown Mmanager’s to you under three separate motions. Explanation: The added language makes proposed capital improvement budget, the We believe that this will simplify your it clear that the Finance Committee has the Bboard of Sselectmen shall announce the consideration of Article 26, so that if either or responsibility to provide Town Meeting with date on which they intend to act on the both of the two proposed changes which we recommendations on all warrant articles. budget, but in no case earlier than 30 days understand may result in more debate are not after receipt. Section 8-2 Periodic Charter Review [Add- adopted, their fate will not hinder adoption of The first year of the 5-year capital improve- ed 5-11-2009 ATM by Art. 31, approved the noncontroversial proposals which will be ments program shall be submitted with the 5-13- 2010 Annual Town Election] covered in Motion #1. operating budget for the ensuing fiscal year. At least once every five years a special com- The first motion will be to adopt the Upon receipt of the town manager’s mittee shall be appointed by the board of proposed changes that are largely administra- proposed capital improvement budget, the selectmen for the purpose of reviewing the tive in nature, and they will be presented to board of selectmen shall announce the date provisions of the charter and shall have the you under a single motion. Those sections on which they intend to act on the budget, but title of charter review committee. The charter are found on pages 1 through 8 of the yellow the date shall not be earlier than 30 days after review committee shall submit a report to colored handout. receipt. town meeting concerning any proposed With that said, let me begin by offering the amendments or revisions to the charter which first Motion: Explanation: The added language above such committee deems necessary. requires the Town Manager to periodically Motion #1: I move that the Town vote to prepare a long-range facilities’ master plan Explanation: The language added above amend the Charter by adopting Sections at least once every 10 years. In recent years, clarifies the Charter Review Committee’s 3-1, 3-3 (deleted), 4-1, 4-6, 4-7, 5-1, 5-2, the Town’s facilities and infrastructure have name and its responsibility to report directly 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, and 8-2, 8-4, 8-5 as set forth grown significantly more complex. The pro- to Town Meeting. in this Article in the Warrant. posed master plan would require the Town to Section 8-4 Rules of Interpretation Voter Seth Taylor moved to amend Section create projections for maintaining or replac- (b) Number and gender: Words imparting the 6-2. ing all of its facilities. The forecast would singular number may extend and be ap- project out 20-25 years. This plan would VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND: Voice. plied to several persons or things; words provide the Town Manager, the Selectmen The amendment is lost, declared the imparting the plural number may include and the Finance Committee with advance Moderator. the singular. ,words imparting the mas- notice of future investment requirements. It culine gender shall include the feminine VOTE ON Motion #1: Voice. So voted by a could also be used as a tool to re-evaluate gender. virtually unanimous vote; well more than priorities to minimize any major peaks and the requisite 2/3rds, declared the Moderator. valleys in spending. The language also clari- Explanation: Changes in language are fies that the first year of the five-year capital designed to exclude any reference to gender Motion #2: Selectman Tim Roper moved improvement plan will be called the capital in the Charter. that the Town vote to amend the Charter improvements budget. Language deleted in by adopting Section 2-8 as set forth in this Section 8-5 Definitions this section is redundant. Article in the Warrant. Section 6-3 Finance Committee Action (d) Majority Vote: the words “majority vote” [Amended 5-11-2009 ATM by Art. 31, ap- shall mean a majority of those present VOTE On Motion #2: Voice. The Modera- proved 5- 13-2010 Annual Town Election; and voting, provided a quorum is present tor declared, “In my opinion that was not amended 1-10-2013 by Chapter 457, Acts when a vote is taken, unless a higher 2/3rds in favor.” He then asked for a show of 2012] number is required by law. , this chapter, of cards. After viewing the cards, the Mod- a) The finance committee shall, upon receipt or by its own rules. erator declared, clearly that is not a 2/3rds vote in favor, the motion is not adopted; it of the operating and capital budgets from Explanation: Language deleted in this sec- is defeated. the town manager, consider in public tion provides more clarity. meetings the detailed expenditures for Motion #3: Selectman Tim Roper moved The Moderator then called on Tim Roper to each town department and agency. The that the Town vote to amend the Charter introduce the Charter Review Committee finance committee may request the town by adopting Sections 3-2(c) and 3-3(b) as Amendments. manager to provide necessary information set forth in this Article in the Warrant.” from any town agency. Selectman Tim Roper then read the fol- lowing: Thank you, Mr. Moderator. Your Voter William Riley moved to cut off The town manager shall promptly meet Charter Review Committee has met 36 times debate: requests of the finance committee. 108 VOTE ON MOTION TO CUT OFF Explanation: The dimensional requirements, Explanation: The term “Pier, Private Resi- DEBATE: Voice. So voted by more than including minimum lot size, for development dential” was added to the Town of Chatham the requisite 2/3rds majority, declared the in each zoning district in town are set forth Protective (Zoning) Bylaw at the 2010 Annu- Moderator. on Appendix II, Schedule of Dimensional al Town Meeting (ATM). SECTION IV 6 c, of Requirements, of the Protective Bylaw. As Chatham’s Zoning Bylaw was also amended VOTE ON Motion #3: Voice. In my opin- stated in Appendix II, the minimum lot size at the 2010 Annual Town Meeting (ATM) to ion, there is not a 2/3rds vote, declared the for parcels in the GB1 zoning district is 5,000 include a prohibition on the construction of Moderator. The Moderator then asked for square feet, 7,000 square feet in GB2, 10,000 new private residential piers within the Stage a show of cards. After viewing the cards, square feet in GB3, and 10,000 square feet in Harbor Complex. This prohibition was the the Moderator declared, I am quite confi- the I zoning district. Yet, Section III.D.3.a.1 result of an extensive analysis of the environ- dent there is not a 2/3rds vote in favor. requires (with some exceptions) “…A build- mental, human use, and physical criteria that Explanation: Please see explanations ing lot in any zoning district shall contain not could be impacted by the construction of new as provided above within the article. The less than twenty thousand (20,000) square private residential piers. The analysis was Charter Review Committee began its work feet of buildable upland, as defined in Section conducted by the South Coastal Harbor Plan in April 2013 with meetings available for II…”. No exception is provided for lots in Committee (SCHPC) acting on specific rec- viewing on the Town’s website via Channel zoning district where the minimum lot size ommendations contained within Chatham’s 18. A Public Hearing was held on April 8, is less than 20,000 square feet. This article South Coastal Harbor Plan (SCHP) which 2015 and will be available for on-demand would correct this omission. was adopted at the 2005 ATM and approved viewing. Per MGL c. 43B, §11, amendments by the MA Executive Office of Energy and Board of Selectmen Recommendation: to the Charter will be scheduled for a ballot Environmental Affairs. Approve 5-0-0 vote at the next Annual Town Election at least The existing definition of a private resi- Finance Committee Recommendation: two months following Town Meeting approval dential pier is explicitly limited to one family Approve 6-0-0 (May 2016). https://malegislature.gov/Laws/ dwellings. The existing Bylaw does not define Planning Board Recommendation: GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleVII/Chapter43B/ how a pier owned by a group of private Approve 5-0-0 Section11 homeowners, including neighborhood asso- Vote Required: Two-Thirds Majority ciations, should be treated. Furthermore, the Board of Selectmen Recommendation: VOTE: Voice. So voted by well over the existing Bylaw does not define public piers. Approve 3-2-0 required 2/3rds majority, declared the This warrant article addresses these omis- Finance Committee Recommendation: Moderator. sions by proposing to include informal and Approve 7-0-0 formally organized neighborhood associa- Vote Required: Two-Thirds Majority Article 28 – Protective (Zoning) Bylaw tions in the definition of private residential Amendment: Addition of Neighbor- piers as well as vacant residential lots that Article 27 – Protective (Zoning) Bylaw hood Associations to the Definition of might be purchased for the sole purpose of Amendment: Private Residential Piers proposing a new private pier. The second Section III.D.3.a.1 - Buildable Strikethrough indicates language proposed proposed amendment proposes the addi- Uplands/Lot Area for deletion. tion of a definition for public piers in order Strikethrough indicates language proposed Underline indicates language proposed for to clearly differentiate a public pier from a for deletion. addition. private residential pier. This change also rec- Underline indicates language proposed for Bold Italicized Words are defined in the ognizes the importance of maintaining viable addition. existing Bylaw. water access for the public and continuing to Bold Italicized Words are defined in the To see if the Town will vote to amend its allow for such. existing Bylaw. existing Protective (Zoning) Bylaw, Section Given the existing wording of SECTION IV 6 c, the proposed revision to the definition of To see if the Town will vote to amend its II, Definitions, Subsection B., as follows: ”Piers, Private Residential” would only pro- existing Protective (Zoning) Bylaw by adding 77. “Pier, Private Residential” means a pier hibit the construction of private association the following sentence to the end of Section incidental and accessory to a one-family all piers in the Stage Harbor Complex, consistent III.D.3.a.1, District Regulations, District dwelling types, vacant residential lots and with the original intent of the 2010 ATM. Area Regulations, Specific Requirements, neighborhood associations informally or for- Minimum Lot Conditions, Upland Re- Board of Selectmen Recommendation: mally organized, used by property owner(s) quirements, as follows: Approve 3-2-0 to access fresh or salt water and is not avail- Finance Committee Recommendation: These Upland Requirements shall not ap- able for use by the general public. Approve 6-0-0 ply to the GB-1, GB-2, GB-3 and I Zoning 78. “Pier, Public” means a pier that is owned, Planning Board Recommendation: Districts. constructed or operated by a governmental Approve 5-0-0 entity and regulated in a manner that provides Or take any action in relation thereto. Vote Required: Two-Thirds Majority access to fresh or salt water by the general (Planning Board) public. VOTE: Voice. So voted by more than the Motion: Peter Cocolis, Chairman, Plan- Or take any action in relation thereto. requisite 2/3rds majority, declared the ning Board, moved that the Town vote to (Board of Selectmen) Moderator. amend its Zoning Bylaw as printed in the Motion: Peter Cocolis, Chairman, Plan- Warrant for Article 27. ning Board, moved that the Town vote to amend its Zoning Bylaw as printed in the Warrant for Article 28. 109 Article 29 – Protective (Zoning) Bylaw Article 32 – General Bylaw a. A permit may be granted for up to Amendment: Appendix 1 – Kennels Amendment one year, subject to renewal, and may Strikethrough indicates language proposed Section 208-24 Outdoor Display of be conditioned on such bases as the for deletion. Goods Director/designee deems appropriate, or may be denied as not being in keep- Underline indicates language proposed for Strikethrough indicates language proposed ing with the purposes of this bylaw. addition. for deletion. The Director/designee shall have the Bold Italicized Words are defined in the Underline indicates language proposed for discretion to hold a public hearing on existing Bylaw. addition. such application and/or to have the To see if the Town will vote to amend its To see if the Town will vote to amend its application reviewed by an advisory existing Protective (Zoning) Bylaw by adding existing General Bylaw as follows: committee appointed by the Board of animal hospitals and kennels to Appendix Selectmen (consisting of both business Section 208-24 Outdoor Display of Goods I Schedule of Use Regulations as allowed owners and members of the general A. The purpose of this bylaw is to limit the uses by special permit in the industrial dis- public), but any such hearing or re- amount, size and type of outdoor dis- trict, as follows below. view shall be nonbinding. plays (or outdoor sales) in order to help Or take any action in relation thereto. b. Any denial or conditions imposed on maintain the aesthetic continuity of the (Planning Board) such application may be appealed to downtown business district, its sense of the Board of Selectmen. Motion: Peter Cocolis, Chairman, Plan- orderliness and tone, and to allow the ap- c. The Director/designee shall act to ning Board, moved that the Town vote to propriate movement and safety of pedes- approve, deny or approve with condi- amend its Zoning Bylaw as printed in the trians in a crowded area. The downtown tions any such application within 21 Warrant for Article 29. business district is in the geographical days following the proper filing of area set forth in Subsection B. Explanation: While historically it may have same (which period can be extended B. The outdoor display (or outdoor sale) of been common for a kennel to be located in a by agreement of the applicant), failing goods or merchandise shall be prohib- residential zone and possible as an accessory which the application shall be deemed ited downtown business district is in the use to a residence, today such use may not to have been approved. geographical area within an area of 250 be considered compatible with residential 2. Special events such as church, library feet on either side of Main Street from uses. Rather this use is more compatible with and other charitable or nonprofit outdoor the western side of the rotary to Mulford other commercial or industrial businesses. displays, sales and fairs, one-day/week- Howes Lane, subject only to the excep- This amendment allows kennels, when ap- end business district-wide and holiday tions set forth in Subsection C. proved by special permit, to be located in displays and sales, or other similar limited C. The outdoor display (or outdoor sale) of an industrial zoning district. There are two and specific activities which include the goods or merchandise shall be prohibited industrial zones in Chatham, Commerce Park outdoor display or outdoor sale of goods except as allowed in Subsection D. on Meetinghouse Road and Enterprise Drive or merchandise, shall require the filing of D. Special Permit off of Stony Hill Road. an application with and the receipt of a 1. Upon application made to the Director special permit from the Board of Select- Board of Selectmen Recommendation: of Community Development, or his/ men. After holding a public meeting, the Approve 5-0-0 her appointed designee, a permit may Board may grant or deny such application Finance Committee Recommendation: be granted to display a single item (or or make such special permit subject to Approve 6-0-0 grouping of items) for placement on, limits and conditions as the Board may Planning Board Recommendation: upon or against the outer wall or door determine to be in keeping with the Approve 5-0-0 of the commercial establishment, with purposes of this bylaw, including but not Vote Required: Two-Thirds Majority such item (or grouping of items) to be limited to making any such permit appli- limited in size, height, type, arrange- VOTE: Voice. So voted by more than the cable on a year-to-year basis, unless, in the ment and placement as the Direc- requisite 2/3rds majority, declared the judgment of the Board, there are material tor/designee, in his/her reasonable Moderator. changes in the scope and nature of the discretion and giving consideration activities and/or display/sale involved. Due to the late hour and the fact that to the setting and physical structure E. The Board of Selectmen shall have the Articles 30 and 31 could take some time to of the commercial establishment, power and authority, after a public hear- complete, the Moderator asked the voters may determine is in keeping with the ing, to establish further regulations, not to vote on whether they would agree to purpose of this bylaw. Any shop which inconsistent with this bylaw, to define jump over Articles 30 and 31 and proceed has a setback of 10 feet or more from and/or clarify the above provisions. to Article 32. Main Street can display a single item F. Violations of this section shall be subject or a small grouping of items outside VOTE: Voice. So Voted Unanimously. to noncriminal disposition pursuant to the of their property up to and within five provisions of Chapter 1, § 1-7A through feet of Main Street. D of these bylaws; provided, however, Article 29 that: 1. The Director of Community Devel- opment or his/her designee shall be considered as an additional enforcing person(s) for purposes of these provisions.
110 2. Notwithstanding the general penalties b. Signs may be placed in the town the regulations applicable to accessory and set forth under Chapter 1, § 1-7 of these layout provided that the sign does not temporary signs. bylaws, the specific penalties for viola- obstruct the sight lines for motor ve- Board of Selectmen Recommendation: tions of this section shall be as follows: hicles, pedestrian access, and roadside Approve 5-0-0 a. First offense: written warning. maintenance. Finance Committee Recommendation: b. Second offense: $50. c. Permits are not to be issued more than Approve 7-0-0 c. Third offense: $200. seven days prior to the sale and signs shall be removed within 48 hours of VOTE: Voice. So voted by a very substan- 3. In addition to the penalties set forth the sale. tial majority, declared the Moderator. above, the Director or his/her designee d. A bond of $25 must be posted before a shall be authorized to institute any and permit is issued. Said bond will be re- all actions and proceedings as may be Article 34 – General Bylaw Amendment turned if all signs are removed within necessary and appropriate to obtain Section 208-16 – Roadside Obstructions 48 hours of the sale. compliance with this section, including Strikethrough indicates language proposed injunctive relief to enjoin and restrain (2) Temporary signs, banners and posters, ex- for deletion. any violations or threatened violations cept posters intended for window display, Underline indicates language proposed for thereof, or take any other action in rela- will require a permit from the sign agent. addition. tion thereto. a. A maximum of four signs per event, To see if the Town will vote to amend the Or take any action in relation thereto. not to exceed four square feet per General Bylaw, as follows: (Board of Selectmen) sign, erected on its own post will be allowed. Motion: Sean Summers, Board of Select- Section 208-16: b. Signs may be placed in the town men, moved that the Town vote to amend C. No roadside obstruction as described in layout provided that the sign does not its General Bylaw §208-24 as printed in this section shall be permitted within or obstruct the sight lines for motor ve- Article 32 of the Warrant. along the layout of any town road where hicles, pedestrian access, and roadside the boundaries of said road are known Explanation: The purpose of this warrant ar- maintenance. or can be ascertained upon review of ticle is to clarify where and how the Town of c. Permits for these signs are not to be available public records. Any roadside Chatham regulates the outdoor display and issued more than seven days prior to obstruction placed within or along a town sale of goods. It is the opinion of the Board the scheduled event and signs are to road layout or within or on town property of Selectmen that such regulation should only be removed within 48 hours after the that prevents or impedes motor vehicle apply in the downtown business area. The event. parking and/or pedestrian passage shall Board of Selectmen will continue to regulate d. A bond of $25 must be posted before a be prohibited. Roadside obstructions the display and sale of goods on Town owned permit is issued. Said bond will be re- deemed to be in violation of this sec- land as set forth in Section 208-23 of the turned if all signs are removed within tion by the Chatham DPW Director or a Town of Chatham Code. 48 hours of the sale. Chatham Police Department Officer shall e. Signs promoting the election of a po- Board of Selectmen Recommendation: be removed immediately upon request by litical candidate are exempt from these Approve 5-0-0 the person(s) that placed the roadside ob- requirements. Finance Committee Recommendation: struction. Roadside obstructions that are Approve 7-0-0 Or take any action in relation thereto. removed immediately shall not be subject VOTE: Voice. So voted by a substantial (Board of Selectmen) to penalties. If any roadside obstruction majority, declared the Moderator. violation hereunder has not been cor- Motion: Jeffrey Dykens, Board of Select- rected within seven days of a request to men, moved that the Town vote to amend Article 33 – General Bylaw Amendment remove same, the provisions in paragraph its General Bylaw Section 225-15 as set D shall apply. Section 225-15 Accessory Signs forth in this Article in the Warrant, except C. D. Strikethrough indicates language proposed that Section 225-15 (D) (2) (e), shall be In addition to the penalties provided for for deletion. changed to read: “Signs promoting the violation of these bylaws, if the owner Underline indicates language proposed for election of a political candidate, or such or occupant of the premises upon which, addition. other signs as may contain constitutionally or adjacent to which, a violation of this To see if the Town will vote to amend its protected speech, are exempt from these section exists has not corrected such vio- existing General Bylaw as follows: requirements.” lation within seven days after receipt of written notice by the Police Department Explanation: Section 225 of the General By- Section 225-15 Accessory Signs or the Highway Surveyor, the Highway laws regulates billboards, signs and other ad- D. Special permit signs Accessory and Tem- Surveyor or the Tree Warden or their vertising devices within the Town of Chatham porary Signs Requiring Permits. authorized agents may perform the neces- on public ways, or on private property within (1) Tag, yard or garage sales, etc., will sary trimming, pruning or other removal public view of a public way to preserve for require a permit from the sign agent. action required to effect compliance with the citizens of Chatham the natural, architec- Only two sign permits per calendar this section and the expense incurred in tural and historical assets and other qualities year per residence may be allowed. such action may be charged to such owner which distinguish the Town as a desirable (2) a. A maximum of four signs per sale, or occupant. community for permanent residence and for not to exceed four square feet per sign, Or take any action in relation thereto. summer recreational and other purposes. The erected on their own posts will be (Board of Selectmen) allowed. purpose of this warrant article is to clarify 111 Motion: Seth Taylor, Board of Selectmen, Explanation: These changes reflect buoy Article 37 – General Bylaw Amendment moved that the Town vote to amend Gen- numbering changes the Coast Guard has Section 265-20 Anchoring in Stage eral Bylaw §208-16 as printed in Article 34 made. Additionally, it allows sailboarders, Harbor of the Warrant. kiteboarders and similar watersport craft to Strikethrough indicates language proposed transit the safety zone in the Stage Harbor Explanation: The Traffic Safety Commit- for deletion. bottleneck area, specifically between the new tee has noticed an increasing number of Underline indicates language proposed for buoy #7, and new buoy #10. roadside obstructions being placed along addition. town roadways and on town property to Board of Selectmen Recommendation: To see if the Town will vote to amend the prevent vehicles from legally parking. The Approve 4-0-1 Waterways Bylaw, as follows: placement of roadside obstructions, such as Finance Committee Recommendation: driveway reflectors, posts, rocks, saw horses, Approve 7-0-0 265-20. Anchoring and mooring in Stage and plantings is occurring at numerous loca- Harbor VOTE: Voice. So voted unanimously, tions in town. In some cases, the placement A. Vessels shall not anchor in Stage Harbor declared the Moderator. of these roadside obstructions is creating a in the inner harbor, east of Stage Harbor safety hazard, forcing vehicles and pedes- Buoy 8 10 or in the area on the north side Article 36 – General Bylaw Amend- trians further out into the roadway than of the dredged channel, west of Stage necessary. This bylaw amendment would ment: Kiteboarding Harbor Buoys 8 11 and 13. expand the current Roadside Obstruction Strikethrough indicates language proposed B. Vessels may anchor, in Stage Harbor, on bylaw to address the roadside obstructions for deletion. a temporary basis only, in the area on the listed above. Underline indicates language proposed for south side of the dredged channel, west addition. southeast of Stage Harbor Buoy 8 10. Board of Selectmen Recommendation: In no case shall a vessel anchor in the To see if the Town will vote to amend the Approve 5-0-0 dredged channel. Waterways Bylaw, as follows: Finance Committee Recommendation: Or take any action in relation thereto. Approve 7-0-0 265-8. Sailboards, Kiteboards and Similar (Board of Selectmen) VOTE: Voice. Voted by more than the Watersport Craft Motion: Sean Summers, Board of Select- requisite majority, Article 34 is adopted, A. The use of sailboards is prohibited in all men, moved that the Town vote to amend declared the Moderator. marked channels, and in restricted swim- Waterways Bylaw, §265-20, as printed in ming areas, kiteboards and other similar Article 37 of the Warrant. Article 35 – General Bylaw Amendment watersport craft, are prohibited in marked Section 265-3 – Speed Limit & No Wake navigational channels, guarded swimming Explanation: The Coast Guard has renum- areas, and within a 150 feet of bathers, bered these buoys, and this amendment Strikethrough indicates language proposed divers, piers, docks, and moored/anchored reflects those changes. for deletion. vessels. Sailboarders, kiteboarders and Underline indicates language proposed for Board of Selectmen Recommendation: other similar watersport craft are allowed addition. Approve 4-0-1 to operate within the area of outer Stage Finance Committee Recommendation: To see if the Town will vote to amend the Harbor as defined in Chapter 265-20(c). Approve 7-0-0 Waterways Bylaw, as follows: B. If to gain access to another area a sailboarder is obliged to sailboarders, VOTE: Voice. So voted unanimously, 265-3. Speed limit and No Wake; posted kiteboarders or other similar watersport declared the Moderator. areas and safety zone craft must cross a marked channel he to D. In addition to any other provisions of this gain access to another area, they shall do Article 38 – Home Rule Petition for section, a safety zone is established in so as nearly practicable at right angles to Prevailing Wages Exemptions Stage Harbor from Stage Harbor Buoy the vessel traffic flow, in the marked channel. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the 4 7 to Stage Harbor Buoy 6 10, effective Or take any action in relation thereto. Board of Selectmen to petition the General annually from 15 June to 15 September. (Board of Selectmen) Court for special legislation seeking the Town’s In the safety zone there shall be no swim- exemption from complying with sections 26 ming, or anchoring, water skiing or scuba Motion: Tim Roper, Board of Selectmen, through 27G of Chapter 149 of the General diving in the channel, waterskiing, use of moved that the Town vote to amend Laws for projects estimated to cost $50,000 or sailboards or scuba diving. Sailboarders, Waterways Bylaw §265-8, as printed in less, in substantially the following form: kiteboarders and other similar watersport Article 36 of the Warrant. craft may use this area to transit between Explanation: These changes would expand the AN ACT RELATIVE TO THE PREVAILING Stage Harbor and Nantucket Sound in prohibition on the use of sailboards to include WAGE IN THE TOWN OF CHATHAM accordance with 265-8. kiteboards and other similar watersport craft. Section 1. Notwithstanding any general Or take any action in relation thereto. or special law to the contrary, the Town of (Board of Selectmen) Board of Selectmen Recommendation: Approve 4-0-1 Chatham shall be exempt from complying Motion: Florence Seldin, Board of Select- Finance Committee Recommendation: with Sections 26 through 27G of Chapter 149 men, moved that the Town vote to amend Approve 7-0-0 of the General Laws for projects estimated to Waterways Bylaw, §265-3 as printed in cost $50,000 or less. Article 35 of the Warrant. VOTE: Voice. So voted by a very substan- tial majority, declared the Moderator. Section 2. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
112 Or take any other action relative thereto. Section 1: Notwithstanding section 2(i) of ways should be dedicated to maintaining and (Board of Selectmen) Chapter 60B of the Massachusetts General enhancing our waterways. Special enabling Laws or any other special or general laws legislation requested through a home rule Motion: Jeffrey Dykens, Board of Select- to the contrary, 100% of the sums collected petition is required to allow Chatham to men, moved that the Town vote to autho- by the Town of Chatham as Boat Excise Tax deposit 100% of the contribution of boat rize the Board of Selectmen to petition the pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 60B excise tax revenue into the WIF. This article General Court for special legislation seek- of the Massachusetts General Laws shall be was originally proposed and supported by ing the Town’s exemption from complying credited to the Town Waterways Improve- the Waterways Advisory Committee. Similar with sections 26 through 27G of Chapter ment Fund established under Section 5G of special legislation was recently approved 149 of the General Laws for projects esti- Chapter 40 of the Massachusetts General by the MA legislature and signed into effect mated to cost $50,000 or less, as printed in Laws, which funds may be expended solely by former Governor Patrick for the Town of Article 38 of the Warrant. for the purpose set forth in Section 5G. Mattapoisett. Explanation: There have been a number Section 2: This Act shall take effect upon Board of Selectmen Recommendation: of small capital repairs for which the Town passage. Approve 5-0-0 received either no bidders or the bid amounts Finance Committee Recommendation: Or take any action in relation thereto. exceeded project estimates. The purpose of Approve 6-0-0 this Home Rule petition is to exempt certain (Board of Selectmen) VOTE: Voice. So voted unanimously, municipal projects, including routine mainte- Motion: Seth Taylor, Board of Selectmen, declared the Moderator. nance work and small public works projects moved that the Town vote to authorize the estimated to cost $50,000 or under, from the Board of Selectmen to petition the Gen- Article 40 – Perpetual Conservation mandated MA prevailing wage statute which eral Court to adopt special legislation as Restrictions on Properties Purchased can add a cost premium of approximately printed in Article 39 of the Warrant. 30%. Such change would not remove protec- with Land Bank Funds tions for workers, but would allow local con- Explanation: As mandated by current Mas- To see if the Town will vote to authorize the tractors more flexibility and opportunity to sachusetts General Law, only 50% of the grant of perpetual conservation restrictions to bid on municipal projects, with less adminis- amount of revenue annually received through be held by a land trust, qualified conservation trative burden. This proposed action will still the collection of boat excise taxes is depos- organization or appropriate state agency with require proper oversight and accountability. ited into the Town’s Waterways Improvement respect to the properties identified below pur- Fund (WIF). The WIF is an account where suant to MGL Ch.184, § 31-33, and to place Board of Selectmen Recommendation: receipts are dedicated to support water- said land under the care, custody and control Approve 4-0-0 ways related operations and infrastructure. of the Conservation Commission pursuant to Finance Committee Recommendation: Chatham annually collects approximately MGL Ch. 40, § 8C, or take any other action Approve 6-0-0 $70,000 in total boat excise tax revenue. in relation thereto. VOTE: Voice. So voted by a very substan- However, like all towns, Chatham is only able Motion: George Cooper, Chairman, Land tial majority, declared the Moderator. to deposit a maximum of 50% of this sum into the WIF as mandated by the MA Department Bank Open Space Committee, moved that Article 39 – Home Rule Petition for of Revenue. The remaining 50% is deposited the Town vote to authorize the grant of perpetual conservation restrictions with Waterways Improvement Fund with into the Town’s General Fund. respect to the properties, identified in Arti- Funding at 100% of Boat Excise Tax The Selectmen have made improvement cle 40 of the Warrant, as authorized under (vs. 50%) of Chatham’s waterfront infrastructure a priority and it is deemed appropriate that MGL Chapter 184, Sections 31-33, to be To see if the Town will vote to authorize the funds derived from the users of our water- held by a land trust, qualified conservation Board of Selectmen to seek Special Legisla- tion to allow the Town to credit 100% of the sums received by the Town from the collec- Article 40 tion of boat excise taxes to the Waterways Improvement Fund, rather than crediting only 50% of such funds to said Fund; provided that the General Court may make clerical or editorial changes of form only to the bill, un- less the Board of Selectmen approves amend- ments to the bill before enactment by the General Court, and, further, to authorize the Board of Selectmen to approve amendments to the bill which shall be within the scope of the general objectives of the petition: AN ACT RELATIVE TO BOAT EXCISE TAX REVENUE FOR THE CHATHAM WATERFRONT
113 organization or appropriate state agency, Motion: Florence Seldin, Board of Select- different times with the necessary conduits, and to place said land under the care, men, moved that the Town vote to au- cables, wires, anchors, guys, supports and custody and control of the Conservation thorize the Board of Selectmen to grant, fixtures appurtenant thereto for the transmis- Commission pursuant to MGL Chapter to Verizon New England Inc., 125 High sion and/or distribution of electricity and the 40, Section 8C. Street, Oliver Tower, Floor 7, Boston, MA transmission and/or distribution of telecom- 02110 and Eversource (NSTAR) Electric munications upon, over and across land as Explanation: The MA Land Bank Act Company, 800 Boylston Street, Boston, now laid out and shown as Lot 5 on a plan requires that a perpetual Conservation MA 02119, together with their respec- recorded with the Barnstable County Regis- Restriction be placed on properties that tive successors and assigns, as tenants in try of Deeds at Plan Book 561, Page 33, and have been purchased with Land Bank funds. common with quitclaim covenants (herein which is approximately shown on a sketch The identified town-owned properties in called the “Grantees”), the exclusive and labeled Exhibit A, and to authorize the Board this article were purchased with Land Bank perpetual right and easement to, access, of Selectmen to do all things necessary to Funds for the purposes of conservation and/ erect, construct, operate, maintain, con- carry out the provisions of this article, or take or open space and/or passive recreation; nect, extend, replace and remove pole 435- any other action in relation thereto. however a perpetual Conservation Restric- 2 Mill Farm Lane which may be erected at (Board of Selectmen) tion was inadvertently not placed on such different times with the necessary conduits, properties. A Conservation Restriction is a Motion: Timothy Roper, Board of Select- cables, wires, anchors, guys, supports and separate document recorded at the registry men, moved that the Town vote to au- fixtures appurtenant thereto for the trans- of deeds that contains language detailing thorize the Board of Selectmen to grant, mission and/or distribution of electricity the protection of the properties. The Town to Verizon New England Inc., 125 High and the transmission and/or distribution of has executed Conservation Restrictions for Street, Oliver Tower, Floor 7, Boston, MA telecommunications upon, over and across all other parcels purchased with Land Bank 02110 and Eversource (NSTAR) Electric land as now laid out and shown on Barn- funds. Conservation Restrictions follow a Company, 800 Boylston Street, Boston, stable County Registry of Deeds at Plan State specified format, however, the details of MA 02119, together with their respec- Book 561, Page 33, and which is approxi- each Conservation Restriction can be written tive successors and assigns, as tenants in mately shown on a sketch labeled Exhibit to reflect the uniqueness of each property. common with quitclaim covenants (herein A, and to authorize the Board of Selectmen called the “Grantees”), the exclusive and Board of Selectmen Recommendation: to do all things necessary to carry out the perpetual right and easement to, access, Approve 5-0-0 provisions of this article. erect, construct, operate, maintain, con- Finance Committee Recommendation: Explanation: The Selectmen have the nect, extend, replace and remove pole Approve 7-0-0 authority to grant permission for utilities to 435-1 on Dusty Miller Lane, which may be VOTE: Voice. So voted unanimously, install and maintain utility poles and lines erected at different times with the neces- declared the Moderator. over public ways, and a “license” was ap- sary conduits, cables, wires, anchors, guys, proved on 12/16/14. However the installation supports and fixtures appurtenant thereto Article 41 – Easement to Verizon/ of utility poles on any other property requires for the transmission and/or distribution Eversource (NSTAR) Mill Farm Lane the subsequent grant of an easement upon of electricity and the transmission and/or To see if the Town will vote to authorize the authorization by Town Meeting. distribution of telecommunications upon, Board of Selectmen to grant, to Verizon New over and across land as now laid out and Board of Selectmen Recommendation: England Inc., 125 High Street, Oliver Tower, shown as Lot 5 on a plan recorded with Approve 5-0-0 Floor 7, Boston, MA 02110 and Eversource the Barnstable County Registry of Deeds Finance Committee Recommendation: (NSTAR) Electric Company, 800 Boylston at Plan Book 561, Page 33, and which is Approve 7-0-0 Street, Boston, MA 02119, together with approximately shown on a sketch labeled Vote Required: Two-Thirds Majority their respective successors and assigns, as Exhibit B, and to authorize the Board of tenants in common with quitclaim covenants VOTE: Voice. So voted by more than the Selectmen to do all things necessary to (herein called the “Grantees”), the exclusive requisite 2/3rds majority, declared the carry out the provisions of this article. and perpetual right and easement to, access, Moderator. erect, construct, operate, maintain, connect, Explanation: The Selectmen have the authority to grant permission for utilities to extend, replace and remove pole 435-2 Mill Article 42 – Easement to Verizon/Ever- install and maintain utility poles and lines Farm Lane which may be erected at different source (NSTAR) Dusty Miller Lane times with the necessary conduits, cables, over public ways, and a “license” was ap- To see if the Town will vote to authorize the wires, anchors, guys, supports and fixtures proved on 12/16/14. However the installation Board of Selectmen to grant, to Verizon New appurtenant thereto for the transmission and/ of utility poles on any other property requires England Inc., 125 High Street, Oliver Tower, or distribution of electricity and the transmis- the subsequent grant of an easement upon Floor 7, Boston, MA 02110 and Eversource sion and/or distribution of telecommunica- authorization by Town Meeting. (NSTAR) Electric Company, 800 Boylston tions upon, over and across land as now Street, Boston, MA 02119, together with Board of Selectmen Recommendation: laid out and shown on Barnstable County their respective successors and assigns, as Approve 5-0-0 Registry of Deeds at Plan Book 561, Page tenants in common with quitclaim covenants Finance Committee Recommendation: 33, and which is approximately shown on a (herein called the “Grantees”), the exclusive Approve 7-0-0 sketch labeled Exhibit A, and to authorize the and perpetual right and easement to, access, Vote Required: Two-Thirds Majority Board of Selectmen to do all things necessary erect, construct, operate, maintain, connect, to carry out the provisions of this article, or VOTE: Voice. So Voted Unanimously, extend, replace and remove pole 435-1 on take any other action in relation thereto. declared the Moderator. Dusty Miller Lane, which may be erected at (Board of Selectmen)
114 Article 42 meadow, marsh, meadow bank, dune or beach and which extends beyond Mean Low Water (MLW) or beyond the Natural High Water Mark of a fresh water body. (5/12/97 ATM) 108. “UPLAND, BUILDABLE” means a contiguous area of land, exclusive of any land in a Conservancy Flood Plain District as defined herein, and which is not less than four (4) feet above the water table. Groundwater elevations shall be determined by on-site investigations conducted by a licensed engineer or land surveyor, and shall be adjusted for seasonal fluctuations using the U.S.G.S. procedure set forth in Estimating High- est Groundwater Levels for Construc- tion and Land Use Planning – Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Also amend, Section III District Regula- tions, Subsection A as follows: A. Type of Districts For the purpose of this Bylaw, the Town of Chatham is divided into the following basic districts: MOTION TO ADJOURN: At 10:00 p.m., SECTION IV OVERLAY REGULATIONS Residential: R20, R20A, R30 (5/12/97 Voter Deborah Ecker moved that we A. Conservancy Shoreline Protection Districts ATM), R40, R40A (5/16/01 ATM), R60 recess until 6:00 tomorrow evening. 1. Purpose Small Business: SB 2. Location VOTE: Voice. The ayes have it, declared General Business: GB1, GB2, GB3 32. Permitted Uses the Moderator. Industrial: I 43. Special Permit Uses Residence-Seashore Conservancy: RC3 54. Prohibited Uses Municipal: M Annual Town Meeting 5. Location Municipal Conservancy: M/C (11/7/95 Minutes 6. Procedures STM) Tuesday, May 12, 2015 B. Flood Plain District In addition the following overlay districts are 1. Purpose established: Moderator William G. Litchfield opened 2. District Location this second night of the Annual Town Meet- 3. Definitions Conservancy Shoreline Protection ing at 6:00 p.m. 334 voters were present in 4. Vacant Lots within the Flood Plain Flood Plain the hall, exceeding the quorum of 100. District Airport Hazard Area The volunteer tellers for the second night 5. Permitted Uses Water Resource Protection (5/12/96 ATM) of town meeting were Bruce Beane, Donald 6. Special Permit Uses Flexible Development St. Pierre, Pat Cass, Sue Plumb, Deborah 7. Prohibited Uses The specific locations and definitions of Walther and Jean Young. Louise Redfield and 8. Development Regulations the overlay districts are set forth in Sec- Shanna Nealy again served as tabulators. 9. Procedures tion IV of this Bylaw. Article 30 – Protective (Zoning) Bylaw E. Scope of Authority Also amend, Section III District Regula- tions, Subsection D. District Area Require- Amendment: Conservancy District Also amend, Section II., Definitions, ments, sub-section 3. Specific Require- and Flood Plain District Changes Subsection B., as follows: ments, sub-paragraph k. Erosion Control Strikethrough indicates language proposed 26. “CATWALK” means an elevated struc- as follows: for deletion. ture, usually located within a Conservan- k. Erosion Control Underline indicates language proposed for cy Shoreline Protection District, used as If the Building Inspector determines that addition. a pedestrian walkway to traverse fresh or erosion controls are necessary, erosion Bold Italicized Words are defined in the salt meadow, marsh, meadow bank, dune controls adequate to prevent damage existing bylaw or beach. The term shall include PLANK to a Conservancy Shoreline Protection To see if the Town will vote to amend its Pro- WALK. (5/12/97 ATM) District shall be required for any project, tective (Zoning) Bylaw, Table of Contents, 78. “PIER” means an elevated structure building or structure which will alter in Section IV, A. Conservancy Districts as located within a Conservancy Shoreline any manner land within three hundred follows: Protection District, used to access fresh (300) feet of a Conservancy Shoreline or salt water or traverse fresh or salt 115 Protection District. Erosion controls shall 1. Those areas identified by number with g. The use or improvement of land or be adequate to prevent eroded material corresponding elevations for the water water for agricultural purposes provided, from entering, or siltation of wetlands levels of the Inland Shoreline Protec- however, that any subsequent non-agricul- within, a Conservancy Shoreline Protec- tion Districts as shown on maps filed tural uses of land which was altered for tion District. Erosion control measures in the Town Clerk’s office, entitled agricultural purposes may be regulated, shall be taken prior to the commencement Shoreline Protection Districts, Cha- restricted or prohibited in accordance of work and shall remain in place until tham, Massachusetts, as most recently with any condition stated herein. the disturbed areas have been stabilized amended. h. The dredging of navigational channels permanently. 2. Any area not identified by number or mooring basins by the Town, State or Also amend, Section IV., Overlay Regula- shall be established by topographic Federal government. tions as follows: data, to be provided by the applicant, i. The construction and maintenance of at the request of the Zoning Agent. Town Landings, public boat launching A. Conservancy Shoreline Protection 3. When an inland bank of a pond, lake, or ramps, public beaches, including beach Districts water course exceeds two (2) feet in height, nourishment of Town owned beaches 1. Purpose the Inland Shoreline Protection District and landings, except on salt marsh and Conservancy Shoreline Protection Districts boundary shall be the top of the bank. land containing shellfish as identified by are overlay districts intended to: the Shellfish Warden and the Division of 32. Permitted Uses a. preserve and maintain the ground Marine Fisheries. Notwithstanding any other provision of this water supply on which the inhabitants j. Mosquito control as approved and carried out Bylaw the following uses and activities are depend; by the Cape Cod Mosquito Control Project. permitted in Conservancy Shoreline Protec- b. protect the purity of coastal and inland k. Maintenance dredging of existing private tion Districts: waters for the propagation of fish and channels and marine facilities provided shellfish and for recreational purposes; a. Fishing, cultivation and harvesting of that such maintenance dredging shall not c. protect the public health and safety; shellfish, worms for bait, and the excava- increase the scope of the original dredge d. protect persons and property from tion and construction of areas for the project licensed under MGL Ch. 91. the hazards of flood and tidal waters cultivation and harvesting of shellfish and l. Expansion dredging of existing private which may result from unsuitable other marine foods. Salt marsh haying, channels or marine facilities with the ap- development in or near swamps, dune or marsh grass planting, and the proval of the Shellfish Warden, Conser- ponds, bogs and marshes, along water manual harvesting (without use of ma- vation Commission, Division of Marine courses or in areas subject to flooding, chinery) of marine algae, Irish moss, wild Fisheries, the Division of Waterways, and Eextreme Hhigh tides Water and the shrub fruits and seeds. the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. Said rising sea level; and b. Outdoor recreation activities including, expansion shall be accomplished without e. preserve the amenities of the Town hiking, boating, trapping, hunting, fishing, dredging in marsh areas or land containing and to conserve natural conditions, horseback riding, skeet and trap shoot- shellfish as identified by the Shellfish -War wildlife and open space for the educa- ing, and shooting preserves, provided any den and the Division of Marine Fisheries. tion and general welfare of the public. structures related thereto do not destroy m. Beach nourishment except on salt marsh 2. Location the beneficial character of the Conser- areas or productive shellfish tidal flats as a. The Coastal Shoreline Protection Districts vancy Shoreline Protection District identified by the Division of Marine Fish- shall consist of all the submerged lands c. The installation of floats, provided they are eries or the local Shellfish Department; along the coast of Town, and areas subject located below mean low water, or the Natu- dune nourishment; non-structural bank to flooding including: ral High Water Mark on fresh water ponds, and dune stabilization; and coastal engi- and are permitted by the Harbormaster. neering structures which are otherwise 1. Areas delineated as special flood haz- d. The maintenance to minimum legal and approved under MGL c. 131 Sec. 40 and ard areas within the Town of Chatham practical width and height of all roads and the Town of Chatham Wetlands Protection designated as Zone AE or VE on the driveways that exist as of July 1, 2007. Bylaw, and not prohibited by a restriction Barnstable County Flood Insurance (5/12/08 ATM) filed in the Barnstable County Registry of Rate Map (FIRM) issued by the Fed- e. The construction and maintenance of a Deeds pursuant to MGL c. 130 Sec.105. eral Emergency Management Agency driveway or roadway of minimum legal (10/24/89 STM). (FEMA) for the administration of the and practical width where no alternative n. The installation of unpaved trails. National Flood Insurance Program. means of access from an established way o. The installation of fences in the AE Zone 2. When a coastal bank exceeds the is available, provided that such drive- of less than sixty (60) percent solid and at elevation of the relevant one hundred way or roadway shall be constructed of least six (6) inches above grade, provided (100) year flood plain, the Coastal pervious material and in a manner which that such installation will be done in a Shoreline Protection District boundary permits the unobstructed flow of water. manner that does not deflect, displace or shall be the top of the bank. f. The installation, operation and main- channelize flood waters or increase the velocity of flow. b. The Inland Shoreline Protection District tenance of underground and overhead utilities limited to electrical, communica- shall consist of submerged lands in and 43. Special Permit Uses tion, sewer, potable water and gas lines, under all ponds, wetlands as defined in Notwithstanding any other provision of this provided the surface vegetation is restored Section II of this Bylaw, and those areas Bylaw the following uses and activities in a substantially to its original condition. lying below two (2) feet above the Natu- Conservancy Shoreline Protection District ral High Water Mark of any fresh water require a Special Permit from the Zoning pond, lake or water course, including: Board of Appeals. 116 a. The construction of catwalks, piers*, a. No person shall fill, place or dump in a 2. When a coastal bank exceeds the eleva- ramps, stairs, unpaved trails, boathouses, Conservancy Shoreline Protection District tion of the relevant one hundred (100) year boat shelters, roadside stands, fences, any soil, loam, peat, sand, gravel, rock flood plain, the Coastal Conservancy Dis- wildlife management shelters, foot bridg- or other material substance, refuse, trash, trict boundary shall be the top of the bank. es, observation decks or shelters, tennis rubbish, debris or dredged material, with b. The Inland Conservancy District shall courts, and structures used in conjunction the exception of landscaping material as consist of submerged lands in and with a fishing use. With the exception of allowed under Section IV.B.8.m of this under all ponds, wetlands as defined stairs, steps and walkways, (see footnote Bylaw. in Section II of this Bylaw, and those 3 Appendix II) structures shall conform b. No person shall drain, excavate or dredge areas lying below two (2) feet above to the street setback and abutters setback in a Conservancy Shoreline Protection the Natural High Water Mark of any for the district in which the lot is located, District or remove therefrom loam, peat, fresh water pond, lake or water course, and shall be constructed so as to permit sand, soil or other material substance. including: the reasonably unobstructed flow of water c. No person shall discharge hazardous sub- 1. Those areas identified by number with cor- and preserve the natural contour of the stances, effluent from a sewage treatment responding elevations for the water levels area. Structures shall not exceed twenty facility, or thermal effluent from a power of the Inland Conservancy Districts as (20) feet in height. Provided there is no plant or other industrial source. shown on maps filed in the Town Clerk’s expansion, those dwellings which existed d. No person shall construct a residential office, entitled Conservancy Districts, prior to January 16, 1992 and are required dwelling unit, or use a houseboat or barge Chatham, Massachusetts”, as most re- by the Building Inspector to be elevated designed or used as a dwelling unit in cently amended. in accordance with FEMA Regulations, the Conservancy Shoreline Protection 2. Any area not identified by number shall shall not be required to conform to District. be established by topographic data, to be the twenty (20) foot height restriction. e. No person shall construct any building provided by the applicant, at the request of (5/11/92 ATM). in Zones V and V1-30, as defined on the the Zoning Agent. b. Non-Residential buildings not intended Flood Insurance Rate Maps, prepared by 3. When an inland bank of a pond, lake, for use as living quarters or Accessory the National Flood Insurance Program or water course exceeds two (2) feet in Buildings shall not exceed twenty (20) for the Town of Chatham, dated June 20, height, the Inland Conservancy District feet in height. 1998. (5/11/98 ATM) boundary shall be the top of the bank. *See specific requirements of Section IV, A. e. No person shall construct any pipeline 6. c. below. designed to carry crude oil or unprocessed 6. Procedures natural gas in the Conservancy Shoreline a. General Provisions c.b.Construction of a structure or building Protection District. All uses and activities located within used in conjunction with a marina or f. No person shall perform any act or use Conservancy Shoreline Protection boatyard. Buildings shall conform to the in said Conservancy Shoreline Protection Districts shall comply with the general street setback and abutters setback for the District in a manner which would destroy administrative procedures set forth in Sec- district in which the property is located. the natural vegetation of the Conservancy tion VIII of this Bylaw. The Conservation c. The construction and maintenance of a Shoreline Protection District, substantial- Commission may also have jurisdiction driveway or roadway of minimum legal ly alter the existing patterns of tidal flow, over activities in Conservancy Shoreline and practical width where no alternative or otherwise alter or permit the alteration Protection District. means of access from an established way of the natural beneficial character of the b. Special Permit Uses is available. Plans for such construction Conservancy Shoreline Protection District. The Zoning Board of Appeals shall act shall be submitted to the Planning Board g. No person shall remove or destroy natural as the Special Permit Granting Authority, and Conservation Commission prior to growth essential to the prevention of ero- utilizing the procedures set forth in Chap- the Zoning Board of Appeals hearing. sion and storm damage. ter 40A section 9 of M.G.L. and Section Such driveway or roadway shall be con- h. No person shall drain, dam or relocate VIII of this Bylaw. However, any Special structed in a manner which permits the any water course or other drainage works, Permit use in a Conservancy Shoreline unobstructed flow of water. except as incidental to aquaculture, or Protection District shall be referred to the d. The construction and maintenance of establish agricultural use, flood control, Conservation Commission for review and private boat launching ramps and beaches, or mosquito control. recommendation prior to the Board of except on marsh areas and land contain- i. No person shall install a fence in a VE zone. Appeals hearing. In evaluating a Special ing shellfish as identified by the Shellfish Permit request, the Board of Appeals shall Warden and the Division of Marine Fish- 5. Location consider both the general purpose and in- eries, providing that no natural vegetation a. The Coastal Conservancy Districts shall tent of the Bylaw and the stated purposes is destroyed. consist of all the submerged lands along of the Conservancy Shoreline Protection e. The installation of submerged pipes or the coast of Town, and areas subject to Districts. cables used for swimming pools or com- flooding including: c. Private Piers (Commercial and Residential) mercial fishing operations. 1. Areas delineated as special flood hazard The Zoning Board of Appeals may autho- areas within the Town of Chatham desig- 54. Prohibited Uses rize a Special Permit for the construction nated as Zone AE or VE on the Barnstable of a private pier if it is found that the All activities, except those needed to ac- County Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) complish the above permitted uses, shall be proposed structure will not be detrimen- issued by the Federal Emergency Manage- tal to safety on waterways, preservation prohibited, including: ment Agency (FEMA) for the adminis- of water quality, ease of access to and on tration of the National Flood Insurance waterways, equity of interest in utilizing Program.
117 waterways, the protection of the natural 1. Location d. Pre-existing Structures and Uses environment, and the protection of the a. No new pier or float system shall 1. Pre-existing nonconforming structures aesthetic values of the Town. The Zoning be located closer at any point than and uses in a Conservancy Shoreline Board of Appeals shall consider, in as- twenty-five (25) feet to a property line, Protection District shall be subject to sessing the potential impact of a proposed except, for a pier jointly owned and the nonconforming use provisions of pier or pier extension, the distance of the used by two (2) or more contiguous Section V of this Bylaw. Any altera- pier and its approach area from desig- shorefront properties, the twenty-five tions or expansions of pre-existing nated or customary navigation channels, (25) foot setback shall be measured conforming structures and uses shall from designated or customary mooring from the outermost property lines of comply with the Conservancy Shore- areas, from areas traditionally used for the applicable properties. line Protection District regulations sailing, and from public swimming areas. b. No new pier or float system shall be set forth herein, including the specific The Zoning Board shall also consider located closer at any point than two locations where extensions of existing whether the proposed pier or pier exten- hundred fifty (250) feet to another pier. piers are prohibited. This prohibition sion is consistent with locally adopted c. No new pier shall be located closer at shall not apply to commercial boating plans, including the comprehensive plan, any point than one hundred (100) feet facilities with Chapter 91 licenses in any applicable harbor plan, and any ap- to a boat ramp. existence as of November 21, 1998. plicable resource management plan. The d. No new pier or float system shall be (5/8/00 ATM) construction of private piers or the exten- located closer at any point than one 2. Any expansion or enlargement of a sion of existing piers shall be specifically hundred (100) feet to a public swim- pre-existing nonconforming pier shall prohibited in the following locations: ming area. satisfy the criteria set forth in the first • In Pleasant Bay from the Town line at 2. Construction – All private residential paragraph of Section IV. A. 6. c. above Jackknife Harbor to the southerly prop- piers shall be seasonal. Permanent piers and the Zoning Board of Appeals erty line of 4 Minister’s Lane, including shall not be permitted. shall, in the granting or denial of any Crows Pond, Ryders Cove, Frost Fish 3. Size Special Permit to extend or enlarge Creek, and Bassing Harbor; and a. No pier shall exceed eighty (80) feet such a pier, make findings of fact on • In Chatham Harbor from the southerly in overall length (including stairs, each criteria in assessing the impact property line of 4 Minister’s Lane to ramps and floats) measured from the on the neighborhood. Cow Yard Landing. Mean High Water (MHW) line. 3. Notwithstanding the above, noncon- Additionally, the construction of new private b. No stairs, pier or ramp shall exceed forming private piers may be extended residential piers shall be specifically prohib- four (4) feet in width, measured seaward with a Special Permit to ited in the following locations: outside the support structure (pilings, minimum length required to gain the • Marine waters located northerly of an posts, railings). required depth of water described in imaginary line across the mouth of Stage c. The total area of any and all floats subsection c.3 above, provided said Harbor Inlet, separating the Stage Harbor associated with a pier shall not exceed length does not exceed eighty (80) feet Complex from Nantucket Sound, includ- three hundred (300) square feet, measured from the Mean High Water ing but not limited to the following wa- except a greater total area may be (MHW) line. (5/10/99 ATM) terways: Stage Harbor Inlet, Oyster Pond, allowed for a pier jointly owned and e. Catwalks Stetson Cove, Oyster River, Little Mill used by two (2) or more contiguous The Zoning Board of Appeals may Pond, Mill Pond, Mitchell River and the shorefront properties, and there shall authorize a Special Permit for the total Stage Harbor including Snake River be no floats above the Mean Low construction of a catwalk if it is found and all other tidal embayments within the Water (MLW). that the proposed structure will not be Complex. (5/10/10 ATM) d. The height of the deck (walkway) detrimental to safety on waterways, shall not exceed four (4) feet above preservation of water quality, ease of Maintenance of existing piers in the above Mean High Water (MHW) unless access to waterways, equity of interest locations is permitted provided no work is in the interest of preserving marsh in utilizing waterways, and the protec- done beyond the existing, licensed footprint. growth, a greater height is required; in tion of the aesthetic values of the All new pier requests shall be referred to which case the height above the marsh Town. In addition, all new catwalks the Town Harbormaster for written comment shall not exceed 1.5 times the width of shall comply with the requirements on the potential impact of the proposed pier the dock. listed below. or pier extension on existing, customary or planned boating channels or mooring areas, 4. Depth of Water – At Mean Low Water 1. Construction – Catwalks shall have no to the Shellfish Warden for written comment (MLW) there shall be, without benefit of more than one (1) handrail. on the potential impact of the proposed pier dredging, at least two and one half (2 ½) 2. Size or pier extension on shellfish beds or shellfish feet of water at the end of the pier and/or a. The height shall not exceed the lowest habitat, and to the Conservation Commission float system. (5/9/89 ATM) elevation allowed by current Wetland for written comment on, at a minimum, the 5. Access – At all normal levels of the tide, Regulations (State and Town). The potential impact of a pier or pier extension alongshore pedestrian passage shall be Conservation Commission shall state on fish runs, marine and shoreline ecology, provided. A flight of stairs on each side of this maximum allowable height in marsh, and eel grass beds. the pier may be provided for this purpose. their recommendation to the Zoning In addition, all new residential piers shall (5/8/00 ATM) Board of Appeals. comply with the following requirements: b. No catwalk shall exceed three (3) feet in width.
118 3. Length – Catwalks shall not extend be- 3. District Location Definitions g. “STRUCTURE” means for flood yond the most seaward point of the salt or In the Flood Plain Overlay District the fol- plain management purposes, a walled fresh meadow, marsh, etc.; beyond Mean lowing definitions shall apply: and roofed building, including a gas or High Water (MHW); or beyond the point liquid storage tank that is principally a. “BASE FLOOD” means the flood hav- where a horizontal plane two (2) foot above ground, as well as a mobile ing a one (1) percent chance of being above the Natural High Water Mark of a home. “Structure” for insurance cover- equaled or exceeded in any given year. fresh water body intersects the landform. age purposes, means a walled and b. “DEVELOPMENT” means any (5/12/97 ATM) roofed building, other than a gas or manmade change to improved or un- liquid storage tank that is principally B. Flood Plain District improved real estate, including but not above ground and affixed to a perma- 1. Purpose limited to buildings or other structures, nent site, as well as a mobile home on The purposes of the Flood Plain District mining, dredging, filling, grading, pav- a foundation. For the latter purpose, are to: ing, excavation or drilling operations. the term includes a building while in a. Protect the public health, safety, and c. “FUNCTIONALLY DEPENDENT the course of construction, alteration general welfare; USE” means a use which cannot or repair, but does not include build- b. Protect human life and property from perform its intended purpose unless it is ing materials or supplies intended for the hazards of periodic flooding flood located or carried out in close proximity use in such construction, alteration or and tidal waters which may result from to water. The term includes only Func- repair, unless such materials or supplies unsuitable development in or near tionally dependent structures are limited are within an enclosed building on the swamps, ponds, bogs and marshes, to docking facilities, port facilities that premises. along water courses or in areas subject are necessary for the loading and un- h. “SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT” to flooding, eroding shorelines, Extreme loading of cargo or passengers, and ship means repair, construction or altera- High Water and rising sea level; building and ship repair facilities, but do tions costing fifty (50) percent or more c. Preserve the natural flood control not include long-term storage or related of the market value of the structure characteristics, and the flood storage manufacturing facilities. before improvement, or, if damaged, capacity of the flood plain; d. “LOWEST FLOOR” means the low- before damage occurred or in the case d. Preserve and maintain the ground water est floor of the lowest enclosed area of a foundation, work that impacts (50) table and water recharge areas within (including basement). An unfinished or percent or greater of the perimeter of the flood plain. flood resistant enclosure, usable solely the foundation. (5/11/93 ATM) for parking of vehicles, building access 2. Definitions District Location or storage in an area other than a base- The Flood Plain District is herein estab- 4. Vacant Lots within the Flood Plain ment area is not considered a build- lished as an overlay district. The District District ing’s lowest floor; provided that such includes all special flood hazard areas a. A vacant lot located within the Flood enclosure is not built so as to render the within the Town of Chatham designated as Plain District may be developed by structure in violation of the applicable Zone AE or VE on the Barnstable County special permit in accordance with the non-elevation design requirements of Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) issued provisions of this bylaw if the vacant State and local regulations. by the Federal Emergency Management lot contained a minimum of twenty e. “MANUFACTURED HOME” means Agency (FEMA) for the administration thousand (20,000) square feet of build- a structure, transportable in one (1) or of the National Flood Insurance Pro- able upland prior to July 16, 2014. With more sections, which is built on a per- gram. The map panels of the Barnstable the exception of functionally dependent manent chassis and is designed for use County FIRM that are wholly or partially structures: with or without a permanent foundation within the Town of Chatham are panel when connected to the required utilities. 1. For vacant lots that have twenty thou- numbers 25001C0609J, 25001C0616J, For flood plain management purposes sand (20,000) square feet of buildable 25001C0617J, 25001C0626J, the term “manufactured home” also upland after July 16, 2014, develop- 25001C0627J, 25001C0628J, includes park trailers, travel trailers, ment is limited to those portions of the 25001C0629J, 25001C0631J, and other similar vehicles placed on a vacant lot that are located outside of the 25001C0633J, 25001C636J, site for greater than one hundred eighty Special Flood Hazard Area (Zones AE 25001C0637J, 25001C0638J, (180) consecutive days. For insurance and VE) as depicted on the Barnstable 25001C0639J, 25001C0641J, purposes the term “manufactured home” County Flood Insurance Rate Map 25001C0850J, and 25001C0875J dated does not include park trailers, travel (FIRM) dated July 16, 2014. July 16, 2014. The exact boundaries of the trailers, and other similar vehicles. 2. For vacant lots that have less than District may be defined by the 100-year f. “NEW CONSTRUCTION” means for twenty thousand (20,000) square feet of base flood elevations shown on the FIRM the purpose of determining insurance buildable uplands after July 16, 2014, and further defined by the Barnstable rates, structures for which the “start of development may occur on those por- County Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report construction” commenced on or after tions of the vacant lot that are located in dated July 16, 2014. The FIRM and FIS the effective date of an initial FIRM or the AE Zone or on those portions of the report are incorporated herein by reference after December 31, 1974, whichever vacant lot that are located outside of the and are on file with the Town Clerk, Plan- is later. For flood plain management Special Flood Hazard Area (Zones AE ning Board, and Building Inspector. (ATM purposes, “new construction” means and VE) as depicted on the Barnstable 5/12/14) structures for which the “start of con- County Flood Insurance Rate Map struction” commenced on or after May (FIRM) dated July 16, 2014. 12, 1980. 119 3. Development must meet the Develop- 1. Repair of existing foundations. b. Special Permit Uses VE Zone ment Regulations set forth in Section 2. The elevation of an existing structure Notwithstanding any other provi- IV.B.8b of this Bylaw, cannot exceed for the sole purpose of flood hazard sion of this bylaw, and upon issuance a Maximum Building Coverage of two mitigation. of a Special Permit by the Zoning thousand eight hundred (2,800) square 3. Repair of existing structures other than Board of Appeals, and subject to such feet, and must meet the road and abut- existing foundations, provided that the special conditions and safeguards as ter setbacks for the underlying zoning repair does not constitute a substantial are deemed necessary by the Special district as set forth in Appendix II of improvement. Permit Granting Authority to fulfill the this Bylaw. 4. Replacement or repair of swimming purposes of this bylaw, the following b. A vacant lot or portions of a vacant pools, tennis/basketball courts, and uses and activities may be permitted in lot located within Zone VE of the retaining walls, provided there is no ad- the VE Zone of the Flood Plain District: Flood Plain District as depicted dition or expansion. 1. Substantial improvement to an existing on the Barnstable County Flood 5. Repair of a substantially damaged structure within the existing footprint. Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) dated existing structure within its existing 2. Construction of functionally dependent July 16, 2014 shall not be developed footprint. structures. with the exception of those uses 6. Beach nourishment except on salt marsh permitted under Section IV.B.5.b, areas or productive shellfish tidal flats c. Special Permit Criteria Permitted Uses VE Zone and under as identified by the Division of Marine For uses requiring a Special Permit in the Section IV.B.6.b, Special Permit Fisheries or the local Shellfish Depart- Flood Plain Overlay District the special Uses VE Zone. ment; dune nourishment; non-structural permit granting authority shall take into bank and dune stabilization; and coastal consideration the following in addition to 5. Permitted Uses engineering structures which are other- the criteria set forth in Section VIII.C of a. Permitted Uses AE Zone wise approved under MGL c. 131 Sec. the Protective Zoning Bylaw: Notwithstanding any other provision of 40 and the Town of Chatham Wetlands this bylaw the following uses and activi- 1. Extent of proposed grade change. Protection Bylaw, and not prohibited ties are permitted within the AE Zone of 2. Increase of building height, up to thirty by a restriction filed in the Barnstable the Flood Plain District as depicted on the (30) feet as measured from grade plane, County Registry of Deeds pursuant to Barnstable County Flood Insurance Rate beyond that which is required to comply MGL c. 130 Sec.105. Map (FIRM) dated July 16, 2014. with the Massachusetts State Building 6. Special Permit Uses Code for flood hazard mitigation and to 1. Repair of existing foundations. a. Special Permit Uses AE Zone meet the Development Regulations set 2. The elevation of a structure for the sole Notwithstanding any other provision of forth in Section IV.B.8.b of this Bylaw. purpose of flood hazard mitigation. this bylaw, upon issuance of a Special 3. Cumulative impact to neighborhood of 3. Repair of existing structures other than Permit by the Zoning Board of Appeals, flood hazard mitigation. existing foundations, provided that the and subject to such special conditions 7. Prohibited Uses repair does not constitute a substantial and safeguards as are deemed necessary a. Prohibited Uses AE Zone improvement. by the Special Permit Granting Authority The following uses are prohibited within 4. Replacement or repair of existing swim- to fulfill the purposes of this bylaw, the the AE Zone of the Flood Plain District: ming pools, tennis/basketball courts and following uses and activities may be per- retaining walls; provided there is no ad- mitted in the AE Zone of the Flood Plain 1. The use of a houseboat or barge designed dition or expansion to these structures. District: or used as a dwelling unit. 5. Repair of a substantially damaged 2. The use of fill for structural support of existing structure within its existing 1. New construction of residential and buildings. footprint. non-residential structures. b. Prohibited Uses VE Zone 6. Beach nourishment except on salt marsh 2. Construction of functionally dependent The following uses are prohibited within areas or productive shellfish tidal flats structures. the VE Zone of the Flood Plain District: as identified by the Division of Marine 3. The construction of an addition or other 1. New construction of any residential Fisheries or the local Shellfish Depart- alterations to an existing structure that or non-residential building with the ment; dune nourishment; non-structural results in an increase in the building exception of functionally dependent bank and dune stabilization; and coastal footprint or constitutes a substantial structures. engineering structures which are other- improvement. 2. The use of a houseboat or barge de- wise approved under MGL c. 131 Sec. 4. Demolition and reconstruction of an signed or used as a dwelling unit. 40 and the Town of Chatham Wetlands existing structure. 3. The construction of an addition or other Protection Bylaw, and not prohibited The following activities are allowed by alterations to an existing structure that by a restriction filed in the Barnstable Special Permit, provided a Massachusetts results in an increase in building County Registry of Deeds pursuant to registered civil engineer certifies in writing footprint. MGL c. 130 Sec.105. that the activity will not cause an increase in 4. Demolition and reconstruction of an b. Permitted Uses VE Zone wave run-up, a deflection, displacement or existing structure. Notwithstanding any other provision of channelization of flood waters, or an increase 5. Repair of substantially damaged existing this bylaw the following uses and activi- in the velocity of flow: structure that results in an increase in ties are permitted within the VE Zone of a. An increase in impervious surface, building footprint. the Flood Plain District: including swimming pools, tennis/bas- 6. Any increase in impervious surface on a ketball and retaining walls. residential lot. This may include, but is 120 not limited to, swimming pools, tennis/ mined by obtaining, reviewing and system. For the purposes of this section, basketball courts and retaining walls. reasonably utilizing any existing base a breakaway wall shall have a design For functionally dependent projects al- flood elevation data from federal, state safe loading resistance of not less than lowed in the VE Zone, impervious sur- or other sources. ten (10) and no more than twenty (20) faces accessory to the use are allowed e. Utilities (including but not limited to, pounds per square foot. Use of break- provided a Massachusetts registered sewage systems, heating, electrical, ven- away walls which exceed a design civil engineer certifies in writing that tilation, plumbing and air-conditioning) safe loading resistance of twenty (20) the impervious surface will not cause Electrical heating, ventilation, plumb- pounds per square foot (either by design an increase in wave run-up, a deflection ing and air-conditioning equipment and or when so required by local or State or channelization of flood waters, or an other service facilities shall be designed codes) may be permitted only if a regis- increase in the velocity of flow. and/or located so as to prevent water tered professional engineer or architect 7. The use of fill for structural support of from entering or accumulating within certifies that the designs proposed meet buildings. the components during conditions of the following conditions: flooding. the following: 84. Development Regulations 1. breakaway wall collapse shall result from 1. Reflecting, redirecting, or channel- a water load less than that which would a. All development in the district in- izing the flow of flood water that occur during the base flood; and cluding structural and non-structural could increase erosion and storm 2. the elevated portion of the building and activities whether permitted by right or damage to adjacent buildings and/or supporting foundation system shall not be by Special Permit must be in compli- infrastructure and decrease function subject to collapse, displacement, or other ance with all other applicable laws and of the floodplain. structural damage due to the effects of regulations. 2. Adversely increasing the eleva- wind and water loads acting simultaneous- 1. Chapter 131, Section 40 of the Mas- tion or velocity of flood waters or ly on all building components (structural sachusetts General Laws. (See Wetlands increasing flows due to a change in and non-structural). Maximum wind and Protection, 310 CMR 10.00, Department drainage or flowage characteristics water loading values to be used in this de- of Environmental Quality Engineering) on the subject site, adjacent proper- termination shall each have a one (1) per- 2. The State Environmental Code - Title V, ties, or any public or private way. cent chance of being equaled or exceeded Minimum Requirements for the Sub- 3. Impairing the utility or contaminat- in any given year (one hundred (100) year surface Disposal of Sanitary Sewage, ing the utility during flooding. mean recurrence interval). Such enclosed Department of Environmental Quality space shall be usable solely for parking of f. For all new construction and substan- Engineering vehicles, building access or storage. tial improvements, fully enclosed areas 3. The Flood-Resistant Construction require- below the lowest floor that are subject to h. No land within areas designated as V ments of the Massachusetts State Building flooding shall be designed to automati- (Velocity) zones of the FIRM maps the Code. (5/11/98 ATM) cally equalize hydrostatic flood forces Flood Plain District shall be developed b. New construction or substantial on exterior walls by allowing for the unless such development is demon- improvement of residential structures entry and exit of flood waters. Designs strated by the applicant to be located shall have the lowest floor (including for meeting this requirement must either landward of the reach of the mean high basement) elevated to not less than one be certified by a registered professional tide Extreme High Water. Any manmade (1) foot two (2) feet above the base flood engineer or architect or must meet or alteration of sand dunes in the course of elevation. New construction or sub- exceed the following minimum criteria: such development within said designated stantial improvement of non-residential A minimum of two (2) openings having V zones the Flood Plain District which structures shall either be similarly el- a total net area of not less than one (1) might increase the potential for flood evated or together with attendant utility square inch for every square foot of damage shall be prohibited. Incremental and sanitary facilities be flood proofed enclosed area subject to flooding shall improvements shall be considered sub- to not less than base flood elevations. be provided. The bottom of all open- stantial improvements (see definitions) if Incremental improvements shall be ings shall be no higher than one (1) within a five-year period, they cumula- considered substantial improvements foot above grade. Openings may be tively meet the definition of “substantial (see definitions) if within a five-year (5) equipped with screens, louvers, or other improvement.” (5/11/93 ATM) period, they cumulatively meet the defi- coverings or devices provided that they i. New or replacement water and/or sewer nition of “substantial improvement.” permit the automatic entry and exit of systems shall be designed to avoid im- (5/11/93 ATM) flood waters. pairment to them or contamination from c. Where flood proofing is utilized a regis- g. In all new construction and substan- them during flooding. tered engineer or architect shall certify tial improvements within Zone VE the j. If any part of a subdivision proposal that the flood proofing methods are space below the lowest floor must either or other new development is located adequate to withstand the flood depths, be free of obstruction or constructed within the Flood Plain District estab- pressures, velocities, impact and uplift with non-supporting breakaway walls, lished under the Zoning Bylaw it shall forces and other factors associated with open wood lattice-work, or insect be reviewed by the Planning Board to the base flood. screening intended to collapse under assure that: d. In unnumbered A zones, in the absence wind and water loads without causing 1. the proposal is designed consistent with of Federal Emergency Management collapse, displacement, or other struc- the need to minimize flood damage, and is Agency base flood elevation data, the tural damage to the elevated portion of also compliant with FEMA construction base flood elevations shall be deter- the building or supporting foundation regulations, and
121 2. all public utilities and facilities, such as towards grade plane and shall not be of Historic Places, without regard to the sewer, gas, electrical and water systems considered fill as regulated in Section procedures set forth above. shall be located and constructed to mini- IV.A.5.a of this Bylaw. 6. Variances for functionally dependent uses mize or eliminate flood damage, and will be considered for those docking facili- 95. Procedures Administration 3. adequate drainage systems shall be pro- ties, port facilities that are necessary for a. The Building Inspector shall review all vided to reduce exposure to flood hazards, the loading and unloading of cargo or pas- proposed development within the flood and sengers, and ship building repair facilities, district to assure that all necessary per- 4. base flood elevation (the level of the but does not include long-term storage or mits have been received from those gov- 100-year flood) data shall be provided for related manufacturing facilities. ernment agencies from which approval is proposals greater than fifty (50) lots or five required by Federal or State law. Also amend, Section IV., Overlay Regula- (5) acres, whichever is the lesser, for that b. The Building Inspector shall obtain and tions by adding the following: portion within the Flood Plain District, and maintain records of elevation and flood- 5. Demolition debris is removed from the E. Scope of Authority proofing levels for new construction site within fourteen (14) days of comple- The Shoreline Protection District, Flood- or substantial improvement within the tion and not stored within a resource area plain District, Water Resource Protection flood district. or a buffer strip. If a dumpster is used District, and the Flexible Development c. Zoning Board of Appeals to contain the debris, the dumpster will District are overlay districts and shall be covered. The debris will be properly 1. The Board of Appeals may grant a be superimposed on the other districts disposed of in accordance with applicable variance from these requirements only established by the town of Chatham. All federal, state, and local regulations. No upon: regulations in the Chatham Zoning Bylaw debris or trash is allowed to enter resource a. a showing of good and sufficient cause, applicable to such underlying districts waters, and and shall remain in effect. The Shoreline 6. Construction material and excavation or b. a determination that failure to grant the Protection District, Floodplain District, fill materials will be stored completely variance would result in exceptional Water Resource Protection District, and outside of the Flood Plain District when hardship to the applicant, and the Flexible Development District are possible based on the boundaries of the c. a determination that the granting of a intended to be overlay districts, serving parcel and the boundaries of the designat- variance will not result in increased as an expansion of the regulatory scope ed floodplain. When there is no available flood heights, additional threats to pub- of the underlying district. Where the property outside the Flood Plain District lic safety, extraordinary public expense, overlaying district’s regulations conflict these materials will be stored in the area create nuisances, cause fraud on or with the underlying district’s regulations, least likely to flood based on distance from victimization of the public, or conflict the more restrictive regulation(s) applies. water sources and topography, and with existing local laws, and If a building or structure or alteration or 7. Exposed, disturbed, or erodible soils will d. a determination that the variance is the expansion of such is being proposed that be protected to minimize erosion, sedi- minimum necessary, considering the crosses more than one designated flood mentation, pollution, and damage to the flood hazard, to afford relief. zone the more restrictive standards shall subject and adjacent properties. apply to the entire building or structure. 2. A variance shall not be issued within any k. In Zone AE, along watercourses that designated regulatory flood way if any in- Also amend, Appendix II Schedule of have not had a regulatory floodway crease in flood levels during the base flood Dimensional Requirements as follows: designated, the best available Federal, discharge would result. 1 Except when a building is erected on a State, local, or other floodway data 3. If a variance is granted, the Board of Ap- corner of two streets, a setback of fifty shall be used to prohibit encroachments peals shall notify the applicant in writing (50) feet shall be required on the primary in floodways which would result in over their signature that: street and a setback of thirty (30) feet shall any increase in flood levels within the a. the issuance of such variance to be required on a secondary street. community during the occurrence of the construct a structure below the base 2 Nonresidential buildings and structures base flood discharge, and flood elevation will result in increased permitted by the Board of Appeals under l. New construction, additions or other premium rates for flood insurance up Section IV. A. 3. of this Bylaw need not alterations to existing structures and to amounts as high as twenty-five (25) conform to the Conservancy Shoreline substantial improvements located dollars for one hundred (100) dollars of Protection District setbacks. within the fifty (50) foot setback to the insurance coverage, and 3 Stairs, steps and walkways used as ac- Flood Plain District where the exist- b. such construction below the base flood cess from the top of a bank to a beach or ing grade plane within twenty (20) feet level increases risks to life and property. wetland need not conform to the abutter’s of the proposed location of the new 4. The Board of Appeals will maintain a setback requirements; however, in no case construction, addition or alteration to record of all variance actions, including shall the abutter’s setback be less than existing structures is at or below one justification for their issuance and report three (3) feet. (1) foot above the nearest base flood such variances issued in the Annual 4 Except single family dwellings in the GB1 elevation must meet the Development Report submitted to the Federal Insurance District shall comply with the following Regulations set forth in Section IV.B.8.b Administration. setback requirements: 25 ft. road/15 ft. of this Bylaw. 5. Variances may be issued for the recon- abutters. m. Landscape material up to two feet in struction, rehabilitation, or restoration of 5 Except when a lot is located on the corner depth at the foundation and tapered structures listed on the National Register of two streets, a setback of sixty (60) feet to meet grade within ten feet (10) of of Historic Places or on State Inventory shall be required on the primary street the foundation shall not be calculated 122 and a setback of twenty (20) feet shall be 13 In zoning districts where Open Space Resi- dwellings and other similar structures (but required on the secondary street. dential Developments (OSRD) are allowed not including certain accessory structures) 6 A building may contain either a finished by Special Permit, the minimum lot size, has been moved from the Shoreline Protec- basement or a finished attic but in no case lot frontage, lot shape, building setbacks, tion District (formerly named the Conser- shall both attic and basement areas be used and maximum building coverage shall be vancy District) to the Flood Plain District. as habitable space. allowed in accordance with Section VI, This change helps to clarify requirements, 7 Except that for lots in existence prior to D.3.g. of the Town of Chatham Protective particularly for dwellings. In addition, May 1987, a road setback of thirty (30) Bylaws. specific permitting requirements are defined feet and an abutter’s setback of twenty (20) 14 See Section IV.B.8.l for requirements for and additional development requirements feet shall be required. new construction within fifty (50) feet of are established for dwellings in the flood 8 Except along Route 137 (Meetinghouse the Floodplain District plain – including the approximately 700 Road) where the minimum frontage shall * R40A-Added (5/16/01 ATM) existing dwellings located in the flood plain. be one hundred (100) feet. Or take any other action in relation thereto These requirements take into consideration 9 Except that retaining walls which are needed (Planning Board) the difference in flood hazard areas subject to to upgrade or replace existing substandard wave action (VE zones) and those subject to septic systems (as determined by the Board Motion: Peter Cocolis, Chairman, Plan- surface flooding (AE zones), as designated on of Health), where no expansion of use is ning Board, moved that the Town vote to the FIRM maps. An example of a VE zone is involved, shall not be required to conform to amend its Zoning Bylaw as printed in the the area along the shore in the vicinity of Old the road, abutter’s and conservancy Shore- Warrant for Article 30 with the following Salt Works and Eastward Roads. The town line Protection setbacks set forth herein. addition and deletions . . . (get wording). parking lot behind the Orpheum Theater is 10 See Section III D.3.i. for business or Explanation: Last year at the May 2014 An- an example of an area that is in the AE zone. industrial lots which abut a residential zon- nual Town Meeting the Town adopted the new An important goal of this warrant article ing district or Route 137. (10/9/97 STM) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) devel- is to remove provisions in the current bylaw 11 For all nonresidential uses and uses acces- oped by the Federal Emergency Management that discourage or impede the elevation sory to the residential use. (10/9/97 STM) Agency (FEMA). At that time, the Planning of existing structures and dwellings above 12 The maximum building coverage for all Board committed to revisiting the impact map base flood elevation in order to reduce flood lots, whether vacant or improved with a changes had on properties and structures that hazards. The most significant impediment is structure, which contain thirty thousand were added to the flood plain as of July 16, the twenty (20) foot height restriction in the (30,000) square feet or less or buildable of 2014. This warrant article represents the re- Shoreline Protection District. The proposed upland shall be as follows: sults of this review. The proposed amendments bylaw amendment eliminates this restriction aim to strike a balance between appropriate while leaving intact the maximum build- Buildable Upland Maximum Building regulatory control within the Conservancy Coverage ing height of thirty (30) feet (as measured (proposed to be renamed Shoreline Protec- from grade) that applies in all other zoning 20,000 s.f. or less 15%, but not more tion) and Flood Plain Districts and prohibit- than 2,800 districts in the town of Chatham, as well as ing development in the flood plain, while also to the dwellings that were not in the flood 20,001 to 22,500 s.f. 2,850 s.f. taking into consideration property rights. The 22,501 to 25,000 s.f. 2,900 s.f. plain until the maps were changed on July amendment also seeks to prevent the cre- 16, 2014. This change ensures all existing 25,001 to 27,500 s.f. 2,950 s.f. ation of hundreds of new nonconformities. 27,501 to 30,000 s.f. 3,000 s.f. dwellings in the flood plain have the same A fundamental change included in the rights to be elevated. (5/16/01 ATM) proposed amendment is that the regulation of 123 The proposed amendment prohibits new Board of Selectmen Recommendation: NO MOTION. construction and additions to existing dwell- Recommendation from Town Meeting Explanation: Article 31 of the 2015 An- ings in the VE zone. This is consistent with Floor. nual Town Meeting proposes to change the existing bylaw restrictions and recognizes the Finance Committee Recommendation: name of the current Conservancy District to high level of flood hazard risk that exists in Approve 5-1-1 “Shoreline Protection District”. The purpose those areas of the flood plain subject to wave Planning Board Recommendation: of this amendment is to maintain consistent action. In fact, the proposed restrictions are Approve 5-0-0 naming conventions and references between more stringent than the existing bylaw. Under Vote Required: Two-Thirds Majority the zoning bylaw and the related reference the current bylaw existing dwellings in the map. VE zone can be altered, expanded or recon- Voter Seth Taylor made a motion suspend structed via a special permit. In the AE zone, the 4-minute rule on Article 30. Board of Selectmen Recommendation: the proposed amendment allows additions to VOTE ON AMENDMENT TO SUSPEND Approve 5-0-0 or reconstruction of existing dwellings via a THE 4-MINUTE RULE ON ARTICLE Finance Committee Recommendation: special permit and subject to more stringent 30: Voice. In my opinion, that is not 2/3rds Approve 7-0-0 construction requirements than required by majority, declared the Moderator. Planning Board Recommendation: the current building code. This is consistent Approve 5-0-0 with the current bylaw. Voter Judith Winters moved to indefinitely Vote Required: Two-Thirds Majority Another area of careful review by the postpone Article 30. Planning Board involved vacant lots which Voter Bruce Beane moved to cut off debate. Article 43 – Citizen Petition were buildable prior to the FEMA map Sidewalk/Parking Area Bond change of July 16, 2014. The Planning Board VOTE TO CUT OFF DEBATE: Voice. To see if the Town will vote to raise and concluded that the buildable status should Certainly more than 2/3rds, declared the appropriate and/or transfer from available be preserved for vacant lots which had at Moderator. funds, a sum of money for the purpose of the least 20,000 square feet of building upland VOTE ON MOTION TO INDEFINITELY design, construction and reconstruction/repair (i.e. land located outside of the flood plain) POSTPONE ARTICLE 30: Voice. Mod- of a sidewalk on Stage Harbor Road from prior to the 2014 map change and which erator asked for a show of cards. I believe Cross Street to Bridge Street and a sidewalk subsequent to the 2014 map change are now the ayes have it, I will take a count if you and on-street parking areas on Bridge Street located partially or completely in the AE ask me to, declared the Moderator. After a from the Mitchell River Bridge to Stage zone (i.e. the area subject to surface flooding, request for a hand count: Harbor Road, including the payment of all rather than wave action) with certain very other costs incidental and related thereto, and specific conditions and restrictions. These VOTE to meet this appropriation, the Treasurer is include, for example, obtaining a special per- YES: 194 hereby authorized to borrow said sum under mit and meeting specific design requirements. NO: 97 and pursuant to Chapter 44, Section 7(5) The Planning Board also noted that any Article 30 is Indefinitely postponed, de- and/or Section 7(6) of the General Laws, or construction in the AE zone would continue clared the Moderator. pursuant to any other enabling authority, and to be regulated by the Conservation Commis- to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor; sion. It should be noted that any parcel that Article 31 – Protective (Zoning) Bylaw further, that the Board of Selectmen is autho- could not be developed before the 2014 map rized to apply for Chapter 90 reimbursement change still cannot be developed under the Amendment: and/or accept grants that may be available proposed bylaw amendments. Map Change – Conservancy & Flood from any source. The Special Permit process is an impor- Plain Districts tant mechanism to ensure that threats to Resolution as Presented by George Myers, Strikethrough = language proposed for deletion public health and safety are minimized and Chatham Citizen Petitioner Underline = language proposed for addition that the community’s capacity to recover Bold Italicized Words are defined in the I move that the Town vote to adopt the fol- quickly after a storm event is maintained existing bylaw lowing Resolution: by reducing damage to personal and public property. Special permits are used through- To see if the Town will vote to amend the title Whereas, the 2007 Town Meeting autho- out the proposed amendment and additional of its Conservancy District Map prepared by rized funding for construction of sidewalks evaluation criteria have been established for Nickerson & Berger, Inc. and dated February on Stage Harbor Road and Bridge Street; special permits sought under this section of 1980 used to identify Conservancy Districts Whereas, the Board of Selectmen has the bylaw. Additional design requirements as defined in Section IV., A.5.b.1 as follows: approved a sidewalk only for that portion also help decrease the risk of flood hazards, 1. Those areas identified by number with cor- of Bridge Street from Main Street to the recognizing that much of the flood plain has responding elevations for the water levels Mitchell River Bridge; already been developed. of the Inland Conservancy Districts as The Planning Board recognizes this is a Now, therefore, be it hereby resolved that shown on maps filed in the Town Clerk’s complex issue. Voters interested in learning the Board of Selectmen, in the exercise of its office, entitled “Conservancy Shoreline more in advance of the Annual Town Meet- judgment, order the design, construction and Protection Districts, Chatham, Massachu- ing are encouraged to review the material reconstruction/repair of a sidewalk on Stage setts”, as most recently amended. provided on the town website: www.chatham- Harbor Road from Cross Street to Bridge ma.gov/Public_Documents/ChathamMA_ Or take any other action in relation thereto Street and a sidewalk and on-street parking CommDev/CFPDB (Planning Board) areas on Bridge Street from the Mitchell River Bridge to Stage Harbor Road;
124 Be it further resolved that the Board of Se- Construction of the sidewalks contemplat- Motion: Stuart Smith moved that Section lectmen authorize application for Chapter ed by this resolution will also complete safe 10-1(B) of the General Bylaws of the Town 90 approval and funding for the sidewalks pedestrian facilities for the entire approxi- of Chatham be amended to read as set and/or accept grants that may be available mately three mile walking tour of the Town forth in Article 44. from any source. known as the Chatham Loop and will at long Explanation: As provided by the Petitioner: last make the entire Loop accessible to the Explanation as provided by the Petitioner: The purpose of this amendment to the Gen- physically challenged. At the 2007 Annual Town Meeting, Chatham eral ByLaws is to affirm that the appointment The petitioners want to work with the voters approved Article 12 which, among of nonresident property-owning taxpayers to Town and the residents of Stage Harbor Road other things, provided for the design and con- the Council on Aging, the Cultural Council and Bridge Street to come up with a context- struction of sidewalk projects. The sidewalk and Town advisory committees shall not be sensitive sidewalk design that is acceptable projects contemplated by Article 12 included made if there are one or more residents who to the Town and all parties and that can be Stage Harbor Road, Bridge Street, Hardings are registered voters and who have volun- paid for with Chapter 90 state funds. I urge Beach Road, Barn Hill Road, Queen Anne teered for any such appointment. you to vote YES on the Article 43 Resolution. Road and Old Queen Anne Road. With the Board of Selectmen Recommendation: exception of Bridge Street and Stage Harbor Board of Selectmen Recommendation: Disapprove 1-4-0 Road from Cross Street to Bridge Street, all Disapprove 2-3-0 Finance Committee Recommendation: the sidewalk projects approved by voters in Finance Committee Recommendation: Disapprove 0-7-0 2007 have been constructed or are under Disapprove 1-6-0 construction. VOTE: Voice. In my opinion, the No’s have MOTION TO CUT OFF DEBATE: Voice. At its meeting on September 9, 2014, it and Article 44 does not prevail, declared So voted by more than the requisite 2/3rds the Board of Selectmen voted 3-2 against the Moderator. majority, declared the Moderator. constructing sidewalks on Bridge Street and Stage Harbor Road. However, at its December VOTE ON RESOLUTION: Voice. Unable Article 45 – Citizen Petition 16, 2014 meeting, the Board reconsidered its to determine, the Moderator asked the Retired Firefighters’ Retroactive Pay earlier decision and voted 3-2 to proceed with tellers to come forward for a hand count: To see if the Town will vote to pay Retired construction of a sidewalk on Bridge Street FF John Proudfoot $304.90, and to pay from Main Street to the Mitchell River Bridge. HAND COUNT Retired Fire Captain Kate Hansen $2,525.08, The article as printed in the warrant asks Yes: 155 out of the $275,000 that was already appro- the Town to provide funding for the construc- No: 113 priated by Town Meeting on September 15, tion of sidewalks on Stage Harbor Road and The Resolution is adopted, declared the 2014 for the purpose of funding retroactive the remaining portion of Bridge Street from Moderator. compensation for the Firefighters outdated the Mitchell River Bridge to Stage Harbor contract. Road and additional on-street parking areas on that portion of Bridge Street. However, Article 44 – Citizen Petition Motion: Kevin Moore, Petitioner, moved because of some concern of the Board of General Bylaw - Committee Appoint- that the town vote to pay Retired Firefight- Selectmen and the Finance Committee to a ments er John Proudfoot $304.90, and to pay Re- funding article, we are moving instead to ask Strikethrough indicates language proposed tired Fire Captain Kate Hansen $2,525.08, the Town to adopt a non-binding resolution to for deletion. out of the $275,000 that was appropriated the Board of Selectmen. The resolution asks Underline indicates language proposed for by Town Meeting on September 15, 2014 the Board, in the exercise of its judgment, to addition. for the purpose of funding retroactive authorize construction of the sidewalks which compensation for the Firefighters outdated Section 10-1(B) of the General Bylaws of are the subject of this article and to authorize contract. the Town of Chatham, shall be amended application for Chapter 90 funds from the to read: Explanation as provided by the Petition- state to pay for the sidewalks. ers: John Proudfoot and Kate Hansen, One of the transportation goals of Cha- “Members of the Finance Committee, former bargaining unit members, did not tham’s Long Range Comprehensive Plan is Monomoy Regional School Committee, receive retroactive compensation from the to “improve pedestrian safety and comfort by Board of Selectmen, Board of Assessors and Town of Chatham for time employed during developing a systematic program to construct all boards, committees and commissions the contract period extending from July 1, sidewalks on major roadways in Chatham, with regulatory powers shall be residents and 2012 to June 30, 2015. These members were including roadways in the vicinity of schools, registered voters of the Town. The Board of employed, and received regularly scheduled neighborhood centers, beaches and parks.” Selectmen may appoint nonresident property- bi-weekly compensation beyond the effec- Stage Harbor Road and Bridge Street are owning taxpayers to the Council on Aging, tive start date of this contract (July 1, 2012). both major roads based on Cape Cod Com- Cultural Council and all Town advisory Additionally, these employees were members mission traffic counts. They are also closely committees, except that such nonresidents of the bargaining unit during a portion of adjacent to Lighthouse Beach and Oyster shall not be appointed when one or more the most recent contract negotiations, lead- Pond Beach, as well as the new Mitchell residents who are registered voters has/have ing to the Arbitration Award for the current River Bridge now being constructed with volunteered for any appointment sought by contract period. Because these members were ADA-compliant sidewalks. Those sidewalks a nonresident.” (The proposed amendment employed and received payment beyond the will be “sidewalks to nowhere” unless the to the bylaw is italicized and underlined; the effective start date of the current contract, Stage Harbor Road and Bridge Street side- remainder of Section 10-1(B) remains as in they are entitled to retroactive compensa- walks are connected to them. the original.) tion based on the changes to the contract,
125 as applied by the Arbitration Award, for the Section IV, Paragraph D. Flexible Develop- Board of Selectmen Recommendation: portion of the contract period during which ment Districts, Subparagraph 3. Location, Disapprove 1-3-1 they were employed. These members should as follows:The Flexible Development Over- Finance Committee Recommendation: receive the same level of compensation that lay District is located in the following zones: Disapprove 3-4-0 any current employee is entitled to for the a. The GB2 (D) District bounded northerly Planning Board Recommendation: specific amount of time employed during this by an irregular line 300 feet from, and Disapprove 0-6-0 contract. Just as an employee hired during parallel to, Route 28 and by Conservancy the contract period is entitled to compensa- District C28; easterly by land of Emily P. VOTE TO CUT OFF DEBATE: Voice. So tion for time worked during this period, an Sylvan and Uncle Albert’s Drive, souther- voted unanimously, declared the Moderator. employee who retired during the effective ly by an irregular line three hundred (300) VOTE: Voice. The Moderator stated, in dates of the contract period, is also entitled feet from, and parallel to Route 28; west- my opinion, it is a 2/3rds vote; is there a to retroactive payment for time worked. A erly by Kelley Lane; southerly by Route request for a show of cards? After an af- refusal to pay these members is a breach of 28; and westerly by the easterly bound of firmative request for a show of cards, the contract. land of Pilgrim Village of Chatham, Inc. Moderator declared, No question in my Board of Selectmen Recommendation: b. The SB (FC) District bounded westerly mind there is a 2/3rds vote, Article 47 is Disapprove 0-5-0 by the westerly property line of Sumner adopted. Finance Committee Recommendation: G.N. Harding and Jean C. Harding; north- Disapprove 0-6-0 erly by land of the Town of Chatham, by Article 48 – Citizen Petition Bearse’s Pond, and by a line five hundred VOTE: Voice. In my opinion, the ayes General Bylaw – Streets and Sidewalks (500 feet from, and parallel to Route 28; have it; Article 45 is passed, declared the To see if the Town will vote to create a westerly by Whelden Way; and South- Moderator. new bylaw under Chapter 240, (Streets and erly by Route 28, excluding therefrom Sidewalks) of the Town of Chatham General any land lying within the bounds of the Article 46 – Citizen Petition Bylaws, Section 5 (new section), or to take adjoining Conservancy District. Eldredge Public Library COLA any other action related thereto, as follows: To see if the Town will vote to raise and e. The SB (FD) District in South Chatham Section 240-5: Changes to the Public Ways, appropriate and/or transfer from available bounded westerly by Route 137; northerly Roads and Streets of Chatham: funds the sum of $17,000 to reimburse the by land of the Town of Chatham from A) Any proposed change in design, lay- Library for a cost of living adjustment for Route 137 to Cockle Cove Creek; easterly out, or configuration, including but not the employees of Eldredge Public Library in by Cockle Cove Creek to Route 28 and limited to, widening of paved or unpaved Fiscal Year 2015, the first such increase since Southerly by Route 28.” surfaces, the addition of sidewalks, bike Fiscal Year 2009 or to act on anything relat- And to redesignate the remaining subsections paths, shoulders or curbing; the addition, ing thereto. accordingly. removal or reduction in the width of travel Motion: Dr. Peter Saunders, Petitioner, Motion: Petitioner Deborah Ecker moved lanes; the creation of permanent one-way moved that the town vote to appropriate that the Town Meeting vote to amend streets; or the proposed addition of, or and transfer from free cash the sum of Chatham’s Zoning Protective Bylaw as set changes to, any traffic lights or controls, $17,000 to reimburse the Eldredge Public forth in Article 47 in the Warrant. which affects, or is considered for, any of Library for FY2015 salary adjustments. Explanation as provided by the Petition- Chatham’s designated Scenic Roads, or ers: Flexible Development Overlay Districts any portion of Main Street, shall require Board of Selectmen Recommendation: (FDODs) allow multiple housing (4 dwelling a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote at town Approve 5-0-0 units, 8 bedrooms per acre), independent meeting before it may proceed to con- Finance Committee Recommendation: living and congregate residential facilities struction. Approve 7-0-0 (12 dwelling units, 24 bedrooms per acre) B) The town may not, whether acting inde- VOTE: Voice. So voted unanimously. and commercial development. The purpose pendently, or through any employee, com- of these amendments is to eliminate develop- mittee, or contractor, support, endorse, Article 47 – Citizen Petition ment contrary-to the Goals and Policies of advance, propose, or otherwise influence any plan or design for the reconfiguration Protective (Zoning) Bylaw: Deletion the Comprehensive Long Range Plan and of, or changes to, any roads, streets, or of Three of Six Flexible Development conclusions of the 2013 Visioning Sessions highways of the state, which involve an Overlay Districts for the Route 28 Corridor. Both recommend elimination of these Districts. The general act of public taking of private property or Strikethrough indicates language proposed locations of the FDODs to be removed are town property through eminent domain for deletion. the Cornfield Area (Paragraph a), West or otherwise, except by consent of the To see if the Town will vote to amend its Pro- Chatham (Paragraph b) and South Chatham property owner (and where the property is tective Bylaw (Zoning) by deleting subsec- (Paragraph e). Three remaining FDODs have town property, the consent of town meet- tions a, b, and e of Section IV, Paragraph D, been mostly or entirely expended for good ing), unless it is approved by a two thirds Flexible Development Districts, as set forth purposes (Park Place, Liberty Commons, majority vote at town meeting. below, or to take any other action relative Town Offices Annex). In these three Districts C) Any proposals submitted to town meet- thereto: it is not expected much will be changed. ing pursuant to this bylaw shall be in a substantively final design stage so as to clearly identify to the voters the substance of the proposed changes and the amount
126 of monies to be spent or appropriated F) Severability: If any provision of this C) This bylaw does not affect or restrict therefor, whether such amount is to be bylaw is held illegal or unenforceable in a off-street parking lots or structures, and fully or partially reimbursed to the town judicial proceeding, such provision shall nothing herein shall be construed to limit pursuant to Chapter 90 or otherwise. be severed and shall be inoperative, and or restrict the resurfacing of or mainte- Further, a full description of any land that the remainder of this bylaw shall remain nance of the streets, roads, and public is proposed to be taken by the state in any operative and binding as provided under ways in town, the installation of signage, action considered in Section 240-5(B), law and Chatham’s Home Rule Charter. or the addition of painted and marked above, must be detailed and included in crosswalks. Neither does this bylaw re- Motion: James “Buck” Upson, Petitioner, the article proposing action under this strict or prohibit actions necessary to the moved to see if the Town will vote to create section, and any individual whose land is construction, maintenance, upkeep, or a new bylaw under Chapter 240, (Streets the subject of an adverse taking, whether servicing of public utilities, which may and Sidewalks) of the Town of Chatham a registered voter of Chatham or not, will abut, or run beneath, the streets, roads, General Bylaws, Section 5 (new section), be allowed to speak on the floor of town and public ways of the town. or to take any other action related thereto, meeting in opposition to the taking and D) Severability: If any provision of this as follows: to the article incorporating or considering bylaw is held illegal or unenforceable the taking. Section 240-5: Changes to the Public in a judicial proceeding, such provision D) This bylaw does not affect or restrict off- Ways, Roads and Streets of Chatham: shall be severed and shall be inopera- street parking lots or structures, and noth- tive, and the remainder of this bylaw A) Any proposed change in design, layout, ing herein shall be construed to limit or shall remain operative and binding as or configuration, including widen- restrict the resurfacing of or maintenance provided under the law and Chatham’s ing of paved surfaces, the addition of of the streets, roads, and public ways in Home Rule Charter. sidewalks, bike paths, shoulders or town, the installation of signage, or the curbing; the addition, removal or re- Board of Selectmen Recommendation: addition of painted and marked cross- duction in the width of travel lanes; the Disapprove 1-4-0 walks. Neither does this bylaw restrict or creation of permanent one-way streets, Finance Committee Recommendation: prohibit actions necessary to the construc- which affect, or are considered for, Disapprove 1-5-1 tion, maintenance, upkeep, or servicing any of Chatham’s designated Scenic of public utilities, which may abut, or VOTE: Voice. I believe the No’s have it Roads, shall require a majority vote at run beneath, the streets, roads, and public asked for a show of cards, at the request of town meeting before it may proceed to ways of the town. the voters, the Moderator asked for a count: construction. E) The effective date of this bylaw shall be B) Any proposals submitted to town meet- HAND COUNT the date it is approved by the voters, and ing pursuant to this bylaw shall be in YES: 99 it shall be interpreted to retroactively a substantively final design stage so as NO: 153 apply to any proposals for the alteration to clearly identify to the voters the sub- in the design of any street, road or public The article does not pass, declared the stance of the proposed changes and the way, which is still in the design stage and/ Moderator. amount of monies to be spent or appro- or the construction of which has not yet priated therefor, whether such amount commenced, at the time of approval of Selectman Seldin moved that the meeting is to be fully or partially reimbursed this bylaw. be adjourned at 9:40 p.m. to the town pursuant to Chapter 90 or otherwise. VOTE: Voice. So Voted Unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Julie S. Smith, MMC/CMMC Town Clerk
127 Annual Town Election MONOMOY REGIONAL SCHOOL (1) 3-Year Term TOTAL Minutes BLANKS 55 Thursday, May 14, 2015 STEPHEN B. DAVOL* 287 WRITE-IN 0 his Annual Town Election, called by the TOTAL 342 TBoard of Selectmen as required by law on a Warrant duly posted by Constable Thomas MONOMOY REGIONAL SCHOOL (1) R. Pennypacker II on April 6, 2015, was held 2-Year Term TOTAL on Thursday, May 14, 2015 at the Chatham BLANKS 47 Community Center.The polls opened at AMY DARE MIDDLETON* 293 7:00 a.m. WRITE-IN 2 Town Clerk Julie Smith and Computer TOTAL 342 Specialist James Cuddy examined the bal- lot boxes, demonstrated the boxes were MONOMOY REGIONAL SCHOOL (1) empty and showed the ballot counters to be 1-Year Term TOTAL registered at zero.The Optical Scan electronic BLANKS 39 voting systems operated throughout the day KAREN J. RYDER* 301 without incident. WRITE-IN 2 Inspectors Joan Bagnell, Beverly Brown, TOTAL 342 Ann Eldredge, Sandra Koski, Mary McDer- mott, Ethel Shafter, Jennifer Smith, Carol HOUSING AUTHORITY (1) Tautkus, Paula Tobin, and Tellers Shanna 5-Year Term TOTAL Nealy, David Porter, Sandi Porter Louise BLANKS 43 Redfield all contributed to the success of this IRENE VAN DUYN* 297 election. WRITE-IN 2 The polls closed at 8:00 p.m.At the time of TOTAL 342 this election there were 5,322 registered vot- ers in Chatham; 342 ballots were cast (7%). HOUSING AUTHORITY (1) 1-Year Term TOTAL BOARD OF SELECTMEN (2) TOTAL BLANKS 45 BLANKS 86 SHIRLEY L. SMITH * 296 CORY J. METTERS * 295 WRITE-IN 1 DEAN P. NICASTRO * 275 TOTAL 342 WRITE-IN 28 Respectfully submitted, TOTAL 684 Julie S. Smith, MMC/CMMC Town Clerk MODERATOR (1) TOTAL BLANKS 22 WILLIAM G. LITCHFIELD * 320 WRITE-IN 0 TOTAL 342
128 ★ CHATHAM ANNUAL REPORT 2015 ★ ★ ★ CHATHAM ANNUAL REPORT 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★
Photo courtesy of Lt. Michael Anderson, Chatham Police Department USCG photo by PA3 Amy Thomas. Courtesy of the Orleans Historical Society, Orleans, MA
Photos courtesy of the Orleans Historical Society, Orleans MA
Location shots from the filming of “The Finest Hours” Celebrating Chatham’s Finest