Tom Barr

The strategic plan outlines the Select Board's goals and objectives for the Town of Chatham, aiming to establish a forward-looking, engaged, and inclusive community of demographically diverse year-round citizens by 2030. Key focus areas include increasing year-round housing, supporting educational excellence, fostering a vibrant and sustainable local economy, ensuring environmental conservation, coastal resiliency, and natural resources protection, optimizing water management, and effectively responding to the needs of a diverse, welcoming, safe, healthy, and livable community.

The meeting discussed a bench donation at seaside links, a special one-day wine and malt beverage permit for Mahi Gold, and the Comcast cable TV license renewal for the town. Updates were provided on coronavirus cases and upcoming flu clinics. The board also discussed protocols for public participation in hybrid and in-person meetings and voted to close the special town meeting warrant.

The committee discussed airport capital articles, focusing on a design permit bid for main apron rehabilitation, drainage improvements, paving the parking lot, and navigation aid replacements. The projects are part of a five-year airport improvement plan agreed upon with the FAA and MassDOT, with the town covering 5% of the costs and the state contributing another 5%. The committee also touched on green infrastructure, storm water management, and lighting.

The meeting included discussion of the meeting minutes from March 10th, 2021. The public raised questions about the availability of the environmental assessment. Commissioner Burke provided a report on the revolving fund, detailing lease proceeds, personal services payments, and purchase of services. Commissioner Owens discussed efforts to clear the perimeter fence line, identify ownership of gear, and repurpose the area for non-aeronautical use. The removal of an osprey nest on the police station tower was also discussed, along with a grant notification from MassDOT for survey work. Commissioner Galen provided an update on public relations efforts and the town's website revamp. The board also discussed the area outlined by the Runway Protection Zone.

The Chatham Conservation Commission held a public hearing to discuss several requests. The first was a request for determination of applicability for a property on Zero North Gate Road, concerning a proposed house, septic system, driveway, utilities, and associated site improvements. The commission also discussed a request for a second-floor addition and modifications to the basement and mechanicals at 22 Diane Drive. Finally, they reviewed a request for a change in the plan for 125 Stage Harbor Road, concerning the location of the water line.