Heat. Heat. Good afternoon and welcome to the May 5th, 2026 meeting of the Town of Cadam Select Board. Please note this meeting is being recorded and will be available shortly hereafter for scheduled and on demand viewing on any smartphone or tablet device. If anyone else is
recording the meeting, including the use of AI note-taking apps, please notify the chair. Seeing none, pursuant to Governor Healey's March 28th, 2025 signing of chapter 2 of the acts of 2025 extending certain COVID 19 measures adopted during the state of emergency
suspending certain provisions of the open meeting law. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 38 Section 20 until June 30th, 2027. This meeting of the Cadam Select Board is being conducted in person and via remote participation. Every effort will be made to ensure that
the public can adequately access the proceedings as provided for in the order. A reminder that persons who would like to listen to this meeting while in progress may do so by calling the phone number 158-945-4410 conference ID 203386491 pound or join the meeting online via
Microsoft Teams through the link in the posted agenda. While this is a live broadcast and simalcast on Chattam TV Xfinity channel 1072, despite our best efforts, we may not be able to provide real-time access. We will post a record of this meeting on
the town's website as soon as possible. The first order of business is to establish a quorum. Miss Davis >> present. >> Mr. Dykins >> present. >> Mr. Matters >> present. >> Mr. Smith >> here. >> And the chair is present. Next are two sets of minutes that are
before us for approval. First are the minutes of our meeting of April 7th, 2026. Do I hear a motion? >> Motion to approve >> and a second. >> Second. >> Uh any corrections to the minutes? >> Uh Mr. Dykins, >> page eight, bottom of page eight, there there's an incomplete sentence that
begins. Ela Gibbs Chadam stated that the board needs to remember that they fought to maintain the will of blank. >> Yeah, something was left off there. >> Just just something's left off there. That's the only comment I have on those. >> That's all I had to. >> Okay, I'll call the role. Miss Davis. >> Hi. >> Mr. Dyer.
>> Hi. >> Mr. Meadows. >> I. >> Mr. Smith. >> I. >> And the chair votes I. So they are approved. Next are the minutes of April 14th 2026. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Moved and seconded. Any corrections? >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Page three. Dykens is an E, not an I. >> I didn't. >> Just a knit. >> I didn't catch that. There it is. >> You didn't catch that. >> So you're Dutch. You're Dutch now. >> I'm Dutch. Well, it was always Dutch. Okay. And then the bottom of page or the top of page six, I'm sorry. It says, "Mr. Dyke has made a motion to grant a
special one-day alcohol license for all alcoholic beverages to Amy Taglia." Just Amy Teglafero. Um, just a couple of nits. Uh, bottom of page nine, third paragraph up from the bottom, Joanie Craig Chadam
asked the board to consider designing the lot. I think it was the Elder Garage lot. >> Garage lot. >> Yeah. we need to insert there. Um and that is on those minutes. >> Okay. Any others? I have a few if no one else has any. Uh on page three,
um under the consent agenda, uh where it says cheercast ask Dan Young. I would just change ask to invited Dan Young to read it. Um then on page
five right in the middle that paragraph that begins Mr. Dyikens made a motion in the second line second to last word I think is um on sale of goods on town property instead of and town property.
page six. Uh that paragraph at the at the beginning um in the second sentence um I would strike the period after Amy
Talia's name and just have it read on as a representative lowercase of PALS for life which should be capitalized. Um, and in the last in the fourth line, I would
insert with a rain date after 5:00 p.m. And in the, uh, section B, uh, second paragraph, middle line, impact on employees and
residents. I would put a comma and then I would add the word and and lowercase the word suggestions. So it' be comma and suggestions. Next paragraph, second line,
second word from the end. Um I think out should be of in each of the downtown lots. Um, am I correct in that Mr. Oppenheim lives in West Chadam? It's twothirds of the way down. I didn't
>> Is that West Chadam? >> No, >> I think it's just Cadam. And Joan Craig is is that West Chadam? I don't know. She saw at the bottom. >> I thought it was just Chadam. I don't know where Joan lives. So
um then on page uh nine top line um second third word from the end I think projects should be projections. Um next paragraph which is which is a single sentence. Um I would change the verb from pays to
has. The town of Plymouth has uh an electric shuttle. I would strike the word for I don't know who pays for it. I actually think the merchants may pay for >> I thought the chamber did do. >> Yeah, I would just say that they have an electric shuttle. >> Um and um
threequarters of the way down that large paragraph that begins chair Niccaster stated I'd like to add this sentence. He concluded that he would not devote any further effort on this issue. >> I want that on the record.
And then um under the executive session um portion uh paragraph 8 on page 10 uh third uh line it's 243
CL road not 244 and then in the next line we should insert the word the detrimental effect on the negot negotiating position of the governmental body with
no return should be all caps. All right, with those edits, I'll call the role on Miss Davis. >> Abain. >> Abstain. >> Mr. Dykins. >> I >> Mr. Meadows. >> I >> Mr. Smith. >> I. >> And the chair votes side. That's 401.
Thank you. Public announcements and agenda item requests. Um I think uh Mr. Dykins you had >> I do. I'm going to have one in a moment. >> Yeah. So I'm I'm pleased to announce that we have a a talented and viable writing candidate for the open seat in the Monoy Regional School Committee in
the name of Lucia Loose Quinn. I'm going to spell it L U C I A L U C q U I N. Lucia is also the chair of the economic development advisory committee. He's done a great job there. So I look forward to having her join the Monoy Regional School Committee. Uh that's my
announcement. Uh I have two agenda item requests. Um and I guess a a brief editorial. The the campaign the candidates forum was wonderful. Um unfortunately it got over the room got overwhelmed here. So I'd like to put as an agenda item request to investigate
the the uh installation of TV cameras at the on the in the large meeting room at the community center. Um try to find some money in the budget somewhere to so we have TV capabilities there for large groups. This was a large group. We ended up turning folks away. They did go home
and watch it live, but I thought that there was enough interest for folks to to fill and overfill this room and overfill the room next door. So, let's take advantage of the large meeting room that we have in the community center and get TV capability there. If it's not too crazy expensive and then I've had some
questions about and Germaine, I think that some discussion this evening about the nature of the aquifer. Um, what is the Monoy lens? Um, where does it go? how deep is it? And I couldn't answer the question. So, love to have a session
for with with folks that know. I would even reach out to to talented experts we have on a Cape like Andrew Gotautle at the Association for the Preservation of Cape Cod and others that are really really on their game on water. So, anyway, not not that we aren't, but I think we need some education. A lot of
questions I can't answer. Thanks. That's it. >> Thank you. Any others from the board? Corey. >> Uh, thank you, Mr. Chair. This is more of a public service announcement I guess. So um over the weekend I was appro approached by a citizen um who share some stories um that were you know
if true you know were a little bit disturbing. We all know we have an election coming up. There's four fine candidates who put forth their name to serve on the open seat. Um they have different opinions, different positions. Um their supporters have different feelings in different positions.
absolutely express your freedom of speech, but try to be civil and try not to cross the lines. I'm sure these incidences are few and far between. I think we have a lot of class in this town. Um, but there have been some stories of things getting a little bit
in the negative unnecessarily. So, uh, let's, you know, stay positive, support all these candidates, and show up on the polls on election day because, uh, you know, four people have put their, um, faith in the town to put them in this in what will be an open seat, and let's be
civil about this and be professional about it. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Corey. Any others from the board? Stuart. >> Thank you, Dean. I have two uh I have one agenda request and uh I think it's
an important to uh have this public information announcement. Um I had the uh I was kind of disappointed. I I read the town report online and um
well before I get to that um in there is a in memoriam uh in the early part of the town report um it has a uh has a um little section on uh Jack Kofsky. Jack Kofsky was uh born
in central Massachusetts. He he taught uh in Central Mass uh at a high school. Um graduated from Worcester State College. Uh a US Army special forces uh uh for 28
years. Retired as a as a major uh from the Army National Guard. He moved to Chadam uh sometime I believe in the 70s and was a commercial lobsterman um when I first started with the town and uh um for 30
plus years um and uh he passed away in 2025 at the age of 80 um uh the the uh Jack was memorialized uh in this year's uh town report.
um because he served on the Atlas Cove committee and as as an assistant harbor master. Um what's a little bit disconcerting is the photo is not Jack Kofsky. It's from some person from Michigan.
And I'm sure this was an accident, but the problem is I don't know how correctable it is. Um, this this report is supposed to be a history of the community for those who
served uh uh for the officers to give their uh their their thoughts on the past year and statistics and uh it it's part of our history. It stays in our vaults in town hall as history. it
goes to the state house to the state library and um you know this is now going to be unless it's somehow corrected uh is going to is going to be incorrect for eternity. Um
so I don't know if it can be corrected but um it's a it's a it's a disservice to a uh long-standing member of the community and a veteran. So, um I'm going to make a an agenda request that we put the subject of town reports on
the agenda uh and that the board of selectmen select board uh approves that report um prior to uh distribution as the statute indicates. So, um but I would like it on
an agenda request if you would deem. >> Okay. If you're Zuli noted, I don't know whether in connection with the current report that the print copies have arrived, but they're on their way presumably maybe in I don't know how many we how many do we print up? >> Um we've we print up 300. We can um
>> certain she >> we could um every copy >> and we can definitely amend the online. Our graphic designer took that upon herself to find the photos. They were not submitted. It was based off of the
list that's provided by the town clerk. Um >> Well, hold on one second. Excuse me. >> Yes, >> the list is provided by the town clerk. >> Yes, sir. >> The photo >> was done um by the graphic designer as an additional touch to make
>> and that and that and that process for the town report is handled by the town manager's office. Is that correct? I will accept responsibility for noteing those but >> I'm going to go beyond that when we get to the agenda report because I don't think it is yours. Um, but in any event, uh, we'll get to that if unless you want
to talk about it now. >> No, that's fine. That's fine. >> Uh, talk about later. >> We can correct the the online uh section, but we can't correct the printed version. And that's, you know, >> what could be done in the printed version. And if there are only 300 copies that are printed, we could have
an you can't correct the printed page, but you can have an aratom sheet inserted in the front so it would accompany them. >> I would suggest that we have a dozen copies made that are correct, printed correctly, and that that be filed with
the state, that be filed with our archives in the town, and then we can go about how we uh >> okay, >> make sure this doesn't occur in the future with an agenda request. >> All right. duly noted. Okay. Anything else? I have one. Um,
this has to do with article 57 of this, which is a citizen petition um for next week's town meeting. The subject is a new general bylaw requiring the presentation of a regulatory analysis prior to voting on any implementation of Massachusetts general law options. This
is the one submitted by Mr. Christopher Ray. I have requested an opinion of town council on the legality of this item and um I expect that it will come in over the next day or so. Uh when it does come in, we will post it on the select board
page on the town website and it will be um probably read at town meeting. I will certainly ask town council for the opinion at town at town meeting, but I wanted to give folks a head up that that was in process. Um Jill, you had a
couple of announcements relative to town meeting also. >> Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, as we all know, town meeting is coming up next week on Monday, May 11th at 6 p.m. And a few reminders. Uh one is that child care is available for children aged three and
older by reservation. Drop off begins at 5:30 in the middle school library. And if people could please call Susan Mville at the community center for more information. no later than 12 noon on Friday, May 8th. This information is also included on the cover page of the
annual town meeting warrant. And transportation to annual town meeting is available, but space is limited. Please call Alexis at the Center for Active Living at 508945-55190 to reserve a seat no later than 12 noon
this Friday, May 8th, 2026. As you know, the CFAL is not membership. So, anyone who's 60 years or older is welcome to call to make a reservation for a ride to town meeting. And they're also doing rights to the annual town election, which is Thursday, May 14th. And that's
it, Mr. Chair. >> Thank you. Um, are there any agenda item requests or public announcements from the public, from the in-person audience or online? I see none. Okay, we will proceed with
the rest of the agenda. We have no public hearing tonight. No consent agenda. Next would be public comments on the business agenda for anyone who wishes to make them now. Otherwise, they they can be made uh contemporaneously with the agenda items in question.
Seeing none, first item on the business agenda is to consider seasonal shellfish closures and our shellfish constable Renee Gagny is present. Welcome Renee. >> Um, thank you Renee Gagny, Shellfish Conipal. Um, and good evening to the
board of selectman. Oh, sorry. Um, to the board and um, so I'm I'm seeking your approval to close Bucks Creek on May 15th and that would be uh, the a week from this Friday. >> Okay. Is we'll first take a motion and vote on it and then I'll ask the clerk
to read the actual >> motion to approve. >> Second. >> Moved and seconded. Call the role. Miss Davis >> I. >> Mr. Dykins. >> Hi. >> Mr. Matters. >> Hi. >> Mr. Smith. >> Hi. >> Chair votes. I Stewart. Would you mind reading the
>> the actual announcement on the other side of the page? >> Town of Cadam shellfish rules and regulations May 5th, 2026. Closed effective May 15, 2026. The waters and flats of Bucks Creek, north of a line
across the mouth of the creek, and east of a line across the mouth of Coco Co Creek are closed to the taking of shellfish by permit holders until further notice. Select board. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. And I will be back again in a few weeks for the rest of our seasonal
closures. >> Thank you. Next item is to consider a special license for the sale of wine produced by farmer winery for off premises consumption at indoor outdoor agricultural event. Chattam farmers market at 60 meeting house road cadam
spicy water distillers LLC doing business as Spicy Water Distillery. Cheryl St. An >> excuse me Mr. Chair I'm recusing myself. >> Okay. Duly noted. >> Good evening. >> Thank you. >> Cheryl St. launched Spicy Water
Distillery and I'm back again for a a license to be a member of the Cadam Farmers Market. >> Yes. You were here last year as I recall. >> Yes. >> And that occurred without incident. I haven't heard any issues. So >> that's a good thing. Yes. There was no
incidents. >> Yeah. >> No. >> So this is part of the Chattam Farm and Farmers Market. Are there any questions from the board? >> This is for the Lemonello. >> Yes. Is that the the only product you sell there or >> we we sell that and then this year we're
adding the actual rum that is used from spicy water so that they can get an opportunity to sell one or the other and they would only be again they would just receive a small quarter of an ounce for tasting. >> Gotcha. >> I just want to note all the rigor that
the state requires you to go through with the various permits here. >> I appreciate that. Thank you very much. It is a a long very long tedious process. >> Is there a motion? >> I move approval. >> Second. >> Moved and seconded. I'll I'll call the
role. Um Mr. Dykins. Hi. >> Mr. Matters. Hi. >> Mr. Smith. >> Hi. >> And the chair of votes. >> You have it. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. I hope to I hope to see you this year. No one came last year. Please come and visit us. Thank you. >> Good luck. >> I was there.
>> Okay. Um next um are several um motion amendments related to the Chattam annual town meeting for 2026. The first item I'm going to recuse myself and ask um Mr. Dykens if you
would take that under number article number one. I'll have you read it and do whatever you want with it. >> Mr. Chair, I also need to recuse myself from the first item. >> Thank you. So, we'll both leave the premises. Thank you.
>> Okay. Well, we had a request by the petitioner to make comment on article 60, which is uh looking to Hang on one second. I'm going to see what page it's on here so I can I know exactly what it's looking to to apply the same structure, if you will, to private wells
as we do public wells during emergent water utilization. Let me see. Page 100. I'll just I'll just read what's what the warrant reads. Okay, Gloria, if you second I have it here if you want me to read it.
>> Yeah, go ahead, please. Yeah. >> Yeah. um to see if the town will vote to amend chapter 261 water supply emergencies of its bylaws in section 26-3 definitions by adding the
by adding the words users of private wells drawing water from the same aquifer from which the town's public water system is withdrawn. So that the section shall read as follows. Water users and water consumers means all wa public and private users of the town's
public water system and users of private wells drawing water from the same aquifer from which the town's public water system is withdrawn irrespective of any person's responsibility for billing purposes for water used at any particular facility. And I have the amended version if you'd
like to hear that. >> I'd love to. Yep. Please. The amended version is I move that the town vote to amend its bylaws section 26-3 definitions by adding the words and users of private wells serving irrigation systems on residential
properties. Drawing water from the same aquifer from which the town's public water system is withdrawn. So that the section shall be read as follows. Means all public and private uses of the town's public water system and uses of private wells serving irrigation systems
on residential properties drawing water from the same aquifer from which the town's public water system is withdrawn irrespective of any person's responsibility for billing purposes for water used in any particular facility. I was remiss in not my intention was for residential.
>> Absolutely. So, I'm simply putting in the residential stipulation and making that distinction. >> Now, a town meeting, will you read that? >> Yes. >> Okay. Good. >> Mr. Lichfield will read it and then I will read it. >> Okay. And we don't need a new vote here. >> My understanding is no. It's just an amendment.
>> Okay. I I assume that that was the intention all along. >> Yeah. Well, I think the clarity really helped. >> Thought it was too. And I got a litany of phone calls from people that were very unhappy. Yeah. >> Um, so outside of residences. >> Stuart. Sure. Um,
Gloria, I have uh read more about the water table in Massachusetts than I care to uh think about over the last week because >> this is um you know I I supported this u because I believe that we all have to
live under the same rules when we have these water crisis. >> Um there is some very interesting legal history to this. Mhm. >> So, I would encourage people that think there's a legal question to do, you
know, a little Google search because I found a some really interesting information and um about how uh you know, property owners owned their uh not only the water resource under their property, but the mineral rights and
>> going back to uh you know, the 1800s. um that's evolved over the last 15 or 20 years in Massachusetts. So that isn't exactly the case uh any longer. >> I can tell you what I did find out doing my research. >> I just think it's important because I
think there was some confusion as to whether there was on my part as to whether we could do this. >> Um the state of Massachusetts was very clear that um it is up to every municipality to change whatever bylaws they want. The towns of Hamilton, Wenham, and Rentham have all changed
their bylaws. Um, the town of Orleans last month put this into place. I don't know that they changed their bylaw, but they put this practice into place last month because we're already at a level two drought. >> So, um, that's what the state has put
out on their website. >> Yeah. And it's it's I encourage re people to read this because um not to say it again, but it is interesting and um it it kind of settled for me some misnomers. I'm still kind of uh
reluctant although it's I do believe it's the right thing to do. Um because you know for I don't know how many years uh we the the town has been encouraging people to get their own private wells so they can irrigate their lawns. And now we're we're going to be if passed we're
going to be uh reversing that after you know people went through some some some expense for that >> right but I can also tell you by what um I was sent from the board of health there are hundreds just under 300 people this was as of last month waiting to put in wells.
>> Yeah. So, it it goes on and on and on and um I mean I can read you what I >> No, no, no. I I I I just wanted to share that really more with the public. So, uh, because I know that there's some, you know, frankly legitimate, uh, concerns and criticism, especially about
the fact that we've been we've been encouraging and now we're going to, you know, restricted along with, uh, the rest of >> Is it okay by anybody's standards to drive down the street and see sprinklers going off at 1:00 in the afternoon and water running down the street?
>> No, there's no I'm not justifying or excusing that. What I'm saying is trying to get out to the public that I think if they read this, it changed my perspective. Didn't change it on what we've been uh requiring these people to do. I'm sorry.
>> What you read from the state, you mean? >> Well, state and there's also papers on this from different universities that were really interesting um related to this. Uh so, you know, the board of health has the regulatory control of this or you can do it by bylaw like you're suggesting. um the board of
health uh can't do anything when it comes to restrictions. They have to follow a specific criteria. So, it's not uh unending or unlimited, right? >> Um anyway, it uh the the concerns about
um or the current concern I had about people being required to hook up if they wanted to irrigate their lawns, you know, that that is a hard uh pill for some people. Um, and I agree, you know, some of it self-inflicted because I go buy lawns that are irrigated because
they have a sign on it and they're irrigating at 2 in the afternoon on 80° weather and that's hurting their own argument. >> I mean, nobody is telling people they can't water. They just need to follow the water guidelines. >> Understood. >> Everybody else follows. >> That's right. >> Nobody's prohibiting any kind of watering of of anything.
>> Yeah. In terms of the time of day and and what days of the week, etc. Correct. The the other point I would like to make is the is the the uh the ask to to put in more private wells. Private wells we're they're not we're not watering with treated water coming out of our our
entire system. So it's more expensive to use public water if you will because it's treated and it seems >> no question. >> Yeah. It seems foolish to treat water systems anymore. They've been correct allowed. So the choices are to hand water. >> Yeah. Yeah. And and in my P brain it's a
matter of equity as well. I mean, if we were in a drought situation and you know, asking folks that are private wells to abide by the time a day and the amount blah blah blah is only a re is only reasonable philosophically, if you will consider >> and I was hoping Chadam would have been the first one, but we're not. Orleans stepped up to the plate a lot sooner
than we did. >> Okay, Gloria, I think it's a I think it's a really really good real good clarity there on on the petition article. >> Thank you very much. >> We have uh Elaine Gibbs wants to speak. Her hands up EP. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Yep. Uh yeah, I'd like some clarification where it was changed to
residential. Does that mean commercial facilities can still use aquafer water? Is that what that means by restricting it to residential versus other people? >> Correct. They would not be um mandated to follow this bylaw because they're exempt.
>> Okay. Okay. So that means that the boatyards with people who have boats, this has always been my contention, can wash their boats down and do all that kind of thing and we who have our homes
uh cannot do that. Um so there's an exception there. Um, secondly, I was one of those people who followed the law and in 2017, I believe was when they first said, you know, you should put in a
well. And they said, you'll get cheaper rates. And I said, I don't care about rates if I put in a meter. Just put it in because it's the right thing to do. And I don't personally use it. I follow the rules. Um, and then they changed that. Now the the reality is when you
see water running down the streets I'm telling you most of those homes those are not wells that are doing that. Um we've had family has acknowledged the fact that there are hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of phones of homes
that have not registered with the town and they are using treated water and they run it indiscriminately. They said well we've sent out letters etc. And my feeling is for those of us who followed the rules and did it um until you find
those people and start finding them uh and doing it properly, I think it's inappropriate to pick us who went through the expense when we also find out that people can wash down their boats, which are recreational vehicles
and commercial people can make a lot of money using wasting Um it it's inequitable and I think um you know there there has to be some kind of uh parody here to make sure the right
people are being penalized. Um it's it it makes no sense to me frankly. Uh people went to the expense and followed the rules and this is what happens. Thank you. >> Thanks Elaine. Uh anything else for Gloria? So it should be an interesting
discussion at town meeting. Gloria and I look forward to it. Thank you very much. >> You're welcome. >> We'll wait till Corey and Dean come back into the deis. Um the next article we're going to discuss is the airport matching grant
for design aircraft study reduction and funding requested. Um who has that one? >> I can introduce it Mr. Vice Chair. >> Yep. Um, so this is for article 29. It's the airport matching grant for design aircraft study and the amendment to the
motion relates uh to the amount of funding that's needed for the town's matching fund. So, originally in the warrant, it was submitted as an estimate of $7,500 based on a 5% match and since then, um, it's actually been confirmed
to be a two and a half% local match, uh, which gets us to $4,000, $4,50. So, it's just a change in the amount of money that would be needed uh for funding. Um we do have Terry here as the leazison to the airport commission if the board has any other questions but
this is just a financial change nothing related to the scope. >> So that will be announced at town meeting and that article is taken up. >> Yes. And we'll have our navigation slide so that people will see the new amount or the voters will see the new amount which is a reduction.
>> Okay. Any questions for Terry? >> No. >> Okay. I don't see any public comment on that. And next is article 51, the protective zoning bylaw amendment on accessory dwelling units from the planning board. What's the status of that Jill?
>> Katie or Oh, Christine's here. >> I'm sorry. Christine is here, our town planner, and she will provide the update as well as the amended language. >> Okay, Christine. >> So, the planning board um held a meeting today at 5:00 to amend the language. And
basically what what has happened here is that um we received guidance from town council to make two deletions within the um bylaw as presented at town meeting or present to be presented at town meeting I should say. Um so the motion will read
I move that the town vote to approve the accessory dwelling unit bylaw of the protective zoning bylaw as outlined in article 51 except for the following changes. delete the word satisfactory from section 7B19
C4 and then to delete the footnote seven in its entirety from appendix one schedule of uses regulation of use regulations table um that that footnote number seven
is allowed for legally preexisting non-conforming and special permitted single family dwellings in the general general business district uh general business district stones and that was from um annual town meeting May 13th 2019.
What is the >> As I said, >> Go ahead. I'm sorry. >> Um, as I said, the planning board voted voted to do this tonight. They voted 4 Z. >> This is on page 86 of the warrant.
I just want to understand the the changes. So, could you repeat the two changes again? >> Thank you, Chris. >> So, we're going to delete the word satisfactory, and it that's in um section C4.
of the um of the proposed bylaw. And then the second change, >> let me let me stop let me stop you there. >> Okay. >> B4. >> C4. >> C4. >> Yeah. >> C4. >> Oh, I'm sorry. B4. >> D4.
>> No. C as in C C as in Christine or C as in cat. >> It is C DC C4. >> So this this is I'll read four from the warrant. The board of health must have documented to the building commissioner that either a sewer connection is available or sewage disposal will be
you're going to strike satisfactorily. >> Yes. Originally you had you had said to us at the meeting that I presented to you on March 17th. It should have been satisfactoryy which is correct. Um uh the town council had advised us the day before to take the word out alto
together. >> Okay. And the next one, the next >> and the second the second one is on the last page of the proposed bylaw. And there's a a piece of the um of the table that I'm referring to that's normally in the appendix section of the bylaw. >> Yes.
>> And we're going to just delete that whole number seven. >> I lost >> that last line that says allowed for legally pre-existing non-conforming and special permitted. >> Top of the next page, >> single family dwelling. It's >> top of that page right there. >> Okay.
That's that's deleted. >> What's the con what's the consequence of that of deleting that >> in terms of how the bylaw works? >> Well, we we took it under the advisement of town council. Um it's we don't have
those we don't have those pre-existing non-conforming after this. I mean we do but we don't really and there is no there is no special permitted >> single family dwellings. Okay, that's in the footnote. So, you're deleting a footnote? >> Yes. >> Okay. Any any additional questions? >> No,
>> we don't have to take any action on this. This is simplyformational to us. >> Christine, we don't have to take any action on this tonight. >> That that is correct. >> All right. Okay. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Have a good night. >> Thank you. Next is um item D to consider
the conservation sign for placement at Harding Beach. Uh this is Greg Burman. Director of Natural Resources. Welcome. Thank you. Greg Burman, your director of natural resources. Uh we should have a few slides um that have very similar
images to what you saw in the agenda packet. Sorry, there we go. Uh we we should have some slides that are very similar to what you saw in the agenda packet. We did make a slight tweak to the overall sign design. Um, this
particular sign is proposed for a couple of different reasons. Uh, probably one of the main ones is to try to encourage overall conservation and reduce takes of federally and state listed species on a beach that's managed by the town. Um,
the proposed location of the sign is where that red dot is at the western most side of the parking lot at Hardings. Sorry, let's see. There we go. Um, and this is a a rendering of approximately
what the sign would look like in that location. Um, obviously wouldn't be in the asphalt. it would be just off the edge. Uh but it is that kind of cantalvered look uh with a a panel that's still under that six square ft threshold.
Here's the image of what the sign is proposed to look like. Um there are a few changes from what you saw in your agenda packet. Um, part of this has to do with a pilot program that we're examining that I plan to bring back
before the select board at a future meeting. Um, so the park and wreck uh committee did view this sign um except for a slight change of color there. Um, and they did vote to approve it and put
it before the select board for consideration. Uh they're also examining a pilot program uh with town staff to potentially allow dogs along the marsh trail even during the summer season. Again, I didn't have that in the agenda report. We just met with park and wreck
yesterday. Uh I plan on bringing that part of this program to a future meeting so it can be discussed. Uh but for now, I am hoping we can proceed if you like the overall design of the sign so I can start the fabrication. Um overall cost
is right around $1,000 and that would come from the uh Clover monitoring uh operating budget. Um so it it talks about what a barrier beach is. It talks about various walking trails around the area and then some of the biological
aspects of the bird, the migration patterns and overall um you know please don't disturb them. the the sooner they nest and fledge and succeed, the sooner the beach will be returned. >> So, we're talking about the piping
clover. >> Yes. Yes. Primarily at Hardings, it's piping clovers that uh are being managed. Uh >> if they're undisturbed, uh how long will they occupy the premises? >> What months, what weeks do we know roughly? >> So, I I there there's no promises or
guarantees in biology. Um a lot of it has to do with how quickly they get there. if there's a higher water level that might wipe out a first nest event, even if they're not disturbed, sometimes nature can disturb them. Um, that said,
you know, um, I don't want to give you inaccurate information, but, you know, August type time frame is usually when we can, uh, start expecting to be able to use the beach again. >> Okay, any questions for Greg? Shireen,
>> how big is it? How big is the sign? >> Uh 3 by two. >> Three. Three by two. Third >> three feet. Two feet. >> Something like that. And that >> you know rectangular longer there, shorter there. >> Uh there's a lot of information on that sign. >> Yeah.
Um, and is there just from a point of view of messaging, would it I'm not I don't know who put the sign together and I don't want to um not in I don't mean to be insulting in any way,
but what I would suggest is uh simpler messaging, bigger letters, little less of the photos, just so it like whatever that message is you're trying to get across is right there so people can see it instead of having to read it like like um you know just a little little
bigger print maybe I don't know >> yeah now we we did talk about that as part of the design team so Mass Ottabbon has created these signs in other areas they work with the designer to come up with that you know part of the rationale is you know you get the map and the big pictures to lure people over there and
then they have all the time in the world to kind of focus on the words u there are some things we may want to have pop a little bit more uh I don't think for uh Shauna recommended like um where it's very dark lettering at that lower middle section. We might uh make that a
different color to make it look a little bigger, but this was the the overall idea of the sign. >> Okay, >> any other questions from Stewart? >> And I I think you mentioned it, uh Greg, this is compliant with our bylaw
regarding science. >> Correct. That's the um two aspects of that bylaw are mentioned in the agenda report and both should uh uh are followed with this >> and these rules that or this program that uh you know we've been going on for
20 years I think um it's a more or less a requirement from the federal state folks and uh encouraged if you will by mass audabon So, Mass Ottabbon is the town's
contractor. So, they are the qualified bird monitors required by the state and feds. Um, and they help us manage that beach. It It's difficult to get clover monitors. Um, and they have provided
dredge support and support in this area. Um, I don't want to get too much into the dogs. That'll be the next time I come here. But we we're working with them to try to, you know, open up some areas and and release the pressure >> and with just and a little bit more
broadly, but um it's in keeping with this those requirements um that the town is subjected to. Uh is do the state or the feds pay for this? Are we the only ones paying for this?
So every town is required to have >> I I realize that do they pay anything? >> Um I mean they don't pay for the clover monitors. >> They don't contribute to the cost of the program that they are requiring. >> Correct.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> So what else is new? >> Yeah, that's an unfunded mandate again. Yet again, >> yeah, I I know unfunded mandate is, but it it's going to be I think it's I use this as an example, but and we've chatted about it before. I've chatted with it by well, it's actually come up
before us from the finance committee on the um on the expanding uh unfunded mandates that are costing the people of this community. And um this is an ongoing one. I'm not sure the piping flow is ever going to recover because we have been dealing with this for 25
years. So, um, you know, but the unfunded portion is, uh, you know, become very burdensome for these communities. Thanks. >> Any other comments from the board? >> I like the sign. Yeah, thank you, Dean. And Greg, I like the sign. I I do find
that even here that the uh the type is small. Um, so I don't know if you can enlarge the sign at all or so so the words put so you can read it more clearly. And we don't get plers in from the first beach down to the second beach in that section of dunes at all. Um
>> it's primarily west of >> west of the second beach. >> Yeah. Again, no promises they won't try there, but it's it's much more attractive habitat for >> Yeah. Okay. Um I think it's a lot of information. It's it's informationally
it's really good. Um it just the words seem really small to me. Thanks. Um, okay. Mereditis Fry, you had your hand up. Meredith Fry, chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Uh, this sign did have the full support of the commission
and it's not like a warning sign. The piping clovers have been here. They're not going anywhere. I don't know when they will be non extinct anymore. So, we're trying to uh live with the clovers. And this is just more of an
educational piece more for bird fans, uh clover fans. And there is going to be I thought it was going to be presented tonight, but the second path um on the marsh side be open all summer for dog
walking uh leash dogs. And it has a point, a beginning point and an end point >> there. Uh it's exciting uh that we can have dogs that people have been walking their dogs there uh for quite some time and
that Greg came up with this and Amy How as well and presented it to the commission. So, we were excited about the sign and excited about the dog path which I guess will be on next week. >> Um, per the chair schedule, but yeah,
we'll bring it shortly. >> All right. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Meredith. Any other comment from the public? I don't see any. Um, I found the I I I understand the comments about the sign being relatively busy, but um, in one
form or another, I was able to read the fine print. I think it was online. Um, that it was easier to read, but I I found it quite in informative. Uh, so I kind of like the sign myself. >> Uh, is there a motion on this? >> Move to approve.
>> Is there a second? >> Is there a second? >> A second. Okay. Moved and seconded. I'll call the role. Miss Davis. >> Hi. >> Mr. Dikkins. Hi. Mr. Meadows. Hi. >> Mr. Smith. >> Hi. >> And the chair votes I. So, it's approved. Next is a discussion on the
future use of North Beach for large events and there is a pending August 8th, 2026 request for a wedding. Uh, Greg, you're up again. >> Yep. So, um, Mark, if you'd be so good
to advance to the next one. So, North Beach is an interesting creature. North Beach Island is under the purview of park and wreck and is uh large events are are managed and under review by the
police department. North Beach is not. So, it it's kind of a a loophole and we wanted to get guidance from the select board as to how we should be managing this overall. Um, working with Orleans,
I think it does make sense to coordinate with their rules and regulations for these large events. uh if we were to allow large events and they weren't to allow large events, I think it would be a little tricky for the you know dual
use. Um there we go. Thank you, Mark. So that that's a the approximate Chattam Orleans line. Um most of the wider areas of the beach are in Chadam. It's fairly narrower in
Orleans and then kind of widens up when you finally get through. Um, so I would think that a lot of these type of activities would probably prefer to be in Chadam. Um, so I I did put a kind of wide range of options the select board
might want to take for this area. Um, but I I think one, we we do have that pending request uh for a wedding right now. It's not until August, so there's a little bit of time, but you know, we we
don't want to do these as a a oneoff. And I have been working with uh Nate Sears from Orleans to try to figure this out. You know, my my initial impression was I would just call PD and as per North Beach Island, that was the process. But North Beach is different
from North Beach Islands under the regs, even though they were connected many years ago. um happy to try to answer more questions about this, but I I just kind of wanted to give you guys a chance to have the discussion and and provide some guidance.
>> So, um we have basically two parts to your your item. One one is what guidance do we give you about the rules? Um and one of the proposals is to um basically adopt the for the
town of Chadam to adopt the town of Orleans um rules of of their park and natural resources department. I guess Department of Public Works and Natural Resources. One of which reads, "Wedings and events
will not be allowed from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during our regular season, weekends starting Memorial Day through Labor Day." Um, but the second part of of this agenda item is to consider the request of a particular couple that
would like to use this location for a wedding on August, would you say, the 6th? August 8th. >> Um, >> August 8th. >> Yes. Um and we and I I think uh the um applicants are may be online. We'll get to them presently, but
>> I'm not sure if they are present or not, but I they were made aware of the date just >> but um let's let's let's talk about what we want to do here. Um, and I'm sorry, just for >> it seems to me
that it makes the most sense to avoid confusion and adopt the Orleans protocol. Uh, and and which would include this limitation on weddings and events um on North. We're talking about
North Beach, right? >> Correct. And I I did just want to share too um so the the OV rules and regulations are also intended to be synchronous between the towns. >> Okay. So um I mean that's the simplest
thing. There are multiple uh variations that you've put forward for our consideration. Whatever we do, do we have to have a public hearing on this? If we were this is a regulation, would this be a regulation of the select board or >> I don't believe it's not under the jurisdiction. It's not under the
jurisdiction of the parks and recreation. >> Correct. >> Um what? So I'll throw it open for discussion. Anybody? Shireen and then Jeff. >> Yeah. Jeff and I were on the uh worked on the interm municipal agreement with
NASA with Orleans over the last I don't know how many years. And um and I think that the continuity issue is really important for for um for Howard. I mean for Orleans and Cadam. Um you know at
the during the summer I mean the end of this beach is just packed full of people if they can get there after the plvers and the lease turns are finished nesting. So, I mean, we even have those issues that we deal with that are a little different than what New Orleans
has to do with. So, I I not I don't find this to be restrictive, but more just like a continuum of of of of sort of a beach protocol. And, you know, when when that beach does open up, it's it's pretty crowded. So, it it's kind of a
you know, it get it's it gets pretty packed down there at the end of the beach. So, I don't even know where the the these folks were thinking of having uh their gathering or how many people were going to be involved or any of that stuff. So, um but I'm in favor of of of
uh of com, you know, looking at the for the interim at least the uh Orleans regulations. >> Thank you, Jeff. >> Yeah. Yeah, I echo uh Shireen's sentiments. I I had a technical question. Uh um I'm struggling, but uh
the Orleans uh regs read, "Wedding events will not be allowed from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during our regular season weekends starting Memorial Day through Labor Day. Does that mean these events are cannot be held on the weekends, but they can be
held during the weekdays?" >> That's what I took from it. >> Okay. >> Is that Do we know that? >> Okay. Okay. Now, is August 8th a week day? >> Uh weekend. >> It is a weekday. Okay. All right. So to your second question, I think we have the answer to that. But but I I think we
ought to cohhere at least for now with the regs that Arleans has to avoid confusion and to help manage the or to assist in the management of the beach from Naset parking lot down to the tip. Uh Shireen's exactly correct. In the summertime once it's open, it's packed
on the weekends. I mean packed. >> Yeah. And often, I mean, thinking of wedding and large events like this, they'll want to keep a relatively restricted space for themselves. And that's not something we can allow as a town either. >> But I just wanted to get clarity. We're not saying folks can't have a wedding
there. It just can't be on the weekend. >> And yes, as per the Orleans can't be on the weekend during that season. >> That's what I needed. Thanks. >> Yeah. I I would just note before we get some other comment here uh in the seven options you provided in the matrix. Let me just read what you have on on the
Orleans option which would be to mirror the Orleans regulations. The description would be to apply restrictions and permitting requirements substantially similar to the town of Orleans park regulations and conditions including seasonal weekend limitations.
And your explanation is that this would promote consistency across the shared beach system, reduces confusion and enforcement gaps, and maybe the least disruptive approach for co-management. And I would add it doesn't involve additional staff time or protocol.
Stuart, did you were about to say something, I think. >> Yeah. Um, so I'm I'm looking at the map and kind of asking questions that I sort of know the answer to, but I think that the public would be I think it's important
for the public to hear. Um, maybe the harbor master could step up here and uh explain if there is an incident here at a wedding or party. Um, you know, North Beach Island is
somewhat accessible. This one is uh a bit more challenging. >> Jason, >> good evening. Jason Holy, your harbor master. Thank you, Stuart. Uh, this particular area is significantly challenging for any type of a rescue.
Uh, it's the furthest point away by vehicle um and near to impossible by boat. Um, as you can see on the uh the map there, um, or the over over photo, there's not much deep water leading up to there. Um, we do have, uh, some
history of incidents has happened in the past. We've been relatively fortunate that they were close to areas that we could access. Um, but, uh, it presents a significant challenge. Uh, primarily using our shallow water skiffs. Um and we'd have to uh definitely be a
coordinated effort between Orleans, Chadam uh fire um from both departments as well uh to try to render aid depending upon what it is. Uh there's challenges with the Coast Guard landing aircraft uh out there as well. So not an ideal area if there were to be an
incident. >> Thank you, Jason. And um North Beach Island, Greg, uh we've had this regulation wouldn't affect that. >> Um what we're discussing would not
affect North Beach Island unless the select board deems it >> and that's regulated by the park and rec commission. >> Correct. They would have weigh in on that. So if if we were to mirror Orleans,
we would probably want to adopt some language that says that or would you draft something and come back to us with that? We could give you the guidance now to honor that. I mean, how would we do this? >> Whoever wants to address that.
>> Just wanted I just wanted to let you know that Chief Anderson had his hand raised. I'm sorry. Chief Anderson recognizing you. >> Thanks everybody. Uh can you hear me? >> Yes. >> U just a couple of things. I I want to
echo what the harbor master said. If it's going to be a challenge for him uh to access that, it's going to be almost an impossibility for us because we're going to rely on him uh for transportation. Um just a couple of points. uh and I'd
like to just insert them now is if if there was any type of language that regulates or prohibits it gives the PD a little bit more ability to enforce anything because patrolling during the summer out there we do not have a North Beach patrol. Uh we do not have the
ability to patrol and maintain it would strictly be uh a response or enforcement to a violation or a response to an emergency. The other thing too is if there's a large delay in response to an emergency, I'd hate to have it be on a
permit that the town signed given permission or authorization to and and heaven forbid that we it takes us, you know, a while to get out there to to, you know, provide public safety. And just one more thing, the words large
gathering, uh, I, if this goes forward, I'd really like to see that cleaned up a little bit because a large gathering could be a wedding or it could be something that turned into that party we had on North Beach Island several years ago, which drew a lot of attention and caused a lot of damage and and uh,
distress out there. So, again, I I don't want to be the fun police, but I I looked at Fred's chart. Uh if it was up to me, I would vote for uh option number five and then I would reluctantly vote for option number three, but I sorry to
be the fun police, but I'll happy I'll be happy to take any questions. >> Thank you, Chief. Five is to prohibit all weddings and large private events and three is a seasonal restriction only. Um I was looking here at the Orleans um
rules. It's they're pretty um comprehensive. They talk about the fee um and particular about who provides or but are the what the town does not provide, what is prohibited
um at the event. They don't define event. Um, so I'm I'm thinking I mean I'm still inclined to want to be consistent with what Orleans is doing, but I recognize what the chief said and
maybe um we take the Orleans document and we send it to town council and have him tailor it for our needs and concerns, but try to be consistent with Orleans. That's a
suggestion I'll throw out. Corey, you had a comment or question. >> Just trying to break in some some of the details down. Um, you know, we don't It says prohibit all weddings. Um, you know, we don't really specify size. I mean, a wedding could be, you know, dozen people, maybe a small wedding
would be nice. Um, 100 people, different story. Um, so I don't know if if we got to get into like more details with that. And, um, you know, we talk about large private events. Um, and this is going back years and years ago. I mean, there there could be a
a group of people that are have a common core, maybe some employer or something, and they happen to all show up at the public, you know, in a public beach. You know, it's not a technically a private function, but, you know, you have a 50 people that have a close-knit
relationship with each other, but they're co-workers or something. You know, it's that doesn't quite qualify as a private event, but it may qualify. So, I I just want to just kind of hammer out the details a little bit finer. Um, you know, I think we I think we want to mirror things with with Orleans a little
bit. Um, make it make it work. Um, but also kind of um just sharpen the pencil a little bit and make sure we're clear what our intent is and some and flesh out some of these details. >> Well, option two talks about permitting large events with Chattam specific conditions which would deal with event
size, timing, vehicles, so forth. Any other comments from the board on what we should do, Stuart? >> Well, I I I think, you know, I don't have any trouble with one. Um kind of in part and parcel with two, but
I think it would be helpful if maybe the uh the harbor master and the natural resource folks uh maybe hammer the regulations out a little bit more detail because I agree large events. I mean, maybe people size is the right way, but
>> yeah, I think this may have been more to at least get a a consensus from the board about what we should try to flesh out more. >> Yeah, my s my Go ahead. >> Well, looks like we're homing in on one. Yeah, my my sense is that the board would like to see some consistency with
Orleans, but that the regulation addressed the various concerns that we've heard here from the harbor master and the the police chief and as Stuart suggested, maybe you you and the other
department heads you mentioned could work on this. Um, and I think ultimately you would run it by town council and come back to us. I don't know what the timing is now. We also have this pending request and they're entitled to an answer there. They're I don't know if
the couple is online. I don't see anybody who wants to speak. >> They they have Is there a size of the proposal for the ETH? >> It don't >> I didn't put that in the agenda report. It's only been an email so far. Okay.
>> Mentioned um location somewhere shortly, probably between trail six and seven up there and they were talking potentially 80 people. >> 80 people. >> Um well, they're certainly entitled to some direction from us, a response from
us at some point soon. They're planning a wedding on August the 8th. >> And August the 8th is a Saturday. >> It is a Saturday. That's what I thought. So if we mirror Orleans, that would not be permitted. >> So I guess we could I assume they've
applied to your department >> or you're the one rece that's recipient of >> there is a permit process in Orleans for this that goes through you know when is it who's the contact and and to notify all the departments in Orleans that's
through the natural resource department. So Nate Sears, their natural resource director had them contact his counterpart me and Chadam to try to sort it out. So unless the board wants to give a specific response tonight that that it would not be permitted on the
ETH which maybe is we might I think what you can tell them is that this this is being um worked on and it's going to be presented to the board and there is a distinct possibility that an event on August 8th
might not be permitted. >> And Greg, thank you Dean. Um what have we done in the past? I mean, obviously there's a permit process and has has has has something initiated this other than trying to be consistent or was there a
bad event? >> I think last year might have been the the first wedding. Um, and that was right near the Orleans Cadam line. I think they got in touch with us to let us know and it it was a very like very
rapid thing. I don't necessarily think that one was on a weekend which is how they got through it with Orleans. Um, I don't know if this is becoming more of a wedding spot now. I think one of the uh people who attended that wedding is one
of these uh either the bride or the groom. So, >> um, it it seems to be building, so it' be good to get ahead of it. >> Is is there a permit process? I know we're not talking specifically, but it's related to North Beach Island. I mean, my recollection is that people wanted to
have a wedding out there. They just had a wedding. So that that would be under the police department actually under the park and wreck um have put in their regulations that um the chief uh has the ability to permit or deny large
gatherings. >> Okay. Maybe that was a result of a few years ago issue. Yeah. Okay. Thanks. >> So So the police department issues the permit >> in this case or Mr. Mr. Chair, that's correct. For North Beach Island only.
>> For North Beach Island only. But North Beach is and that's Park and Wreck. >> Merit is saying yes. Park and Wreck. >> North Beach Island is Park and Wreck and PD has the permit.
>> Meredith Fry, chair of the parks and recck commission. Uh, yeah, we have a whole packet for North Beach Island rules and regulations. We go over it every year. So, uh, you do have to get a permit if you're going to have a large gathering. I don't have it in front of me. I believe if it's more than 20
people or so, you have to apply for a permit. And then if you're going to, it's kind of odd that Orleans, this section is Cadam and you probably do want to come up with your own rules and regulations whether it falls under US or
falls under natural resources, but you probably want to review North Beach Island re uh regulations and rules as well as Orleans and maybe compile something. So currently there's no permitting process in place for town of
Chadam on North Beach. >> Correct. >> Correct. >> Okay. Corey, >> just want to follow up on if I'm reading the the chief correctly. We want to maybe be careful about promoting too much large gatherings in this area because of our lack of ability to
respond in a timely manner. Um and you know whether it be a wedding or an event, it could be simple dehydration, it could be a medical issue, there could be a number of of things that you know may happen and you know and and I think we got to be tread very carefully that
we don't put the town at risk because that's part of our duty um in in these events because um you know we are clearly limited in how we can you know from timing and and access respond to these events. Thank you. And that's further guidance
for staff on this. Sharing, >> so here's a here here's something that I would look at and having, you know, go out there on a regular basis and hang out on one of the trails in a car and there's lines and lines and lines of of vehicles and people enjoying the beach.
How is I mean, if somebody said, "Well, I you know, we're going to have our wedding out here. Are we going to allow demarcation and and and roping off of an area?" so other people can't have that access. That would be an that could be a potential problem or issue. Um, when you
said that they wanted to have it between 6:00 and 7, there's a lot of cars that park up through 6:00 and 7 in any given day. >> The only thing I can think is maybe they get there very early and stick out their spot. >> Okay. >> I think a lot of people do that. >> That's a risk.
>> Um, and you know, one of the options I didn't have on here and and maybe I should have. I didn't want to put more on the chief's plate, but I mean, it could be a similar permit process to North Beach Island for PD to approve or deny large gatherings. That's relatively
simple too but >> you've had issues with with the migratory birds there as well. >> Yes. >> I mean, we're always the turns and the >> turns the plvers are there, too. >> Yeah. I mean that it >> that that would also restrict I mean that would trump any kind of uh ability
to have an event. I mean even just people on the beach in some of these areas. >> Is someone permitted to drive a um like a trolley on on there? >> No. >> Or shuttle? >> No. >> Um I if they had a beach sticker
>> Yeah. If they had a beach sticker, I I can't imagine a trolley would be >> I remember the agreement with Orleans. Do we do we permit that? >> Uh, no. I mean, it's like there's beach buggies that go out there that don't have four-wheel drive, but mostly four-wheel drive. >> If they not
>> like a shuttle >> if they wanted to shuttle people in for the wedding and park elsewhere, >> I imagine they do it on the back of a pickup truck. >> Stewart, >> well, I mean, I think from a responding to an emergency of any sort,
you're we're relying on Orleans. Let's face it, I mean, they're they're closer. They're the ones that are going to be uh there first. Uh and you know, maybe we'll get there. Um so, I mean, North Beach Island is a different different
animal. Um I suspect that there's many, many, many, many people in gatherings, 20 people or more that are not getting permits. Um that's just a you know, that's just part of the program. So, um
All right. Well, >> Shireen, >> I think what you're going to have to add into this into the potential rules and regulations is a caveat to say at any given time the beach will be closed to bird nesting and you know cuz I I know
that into a August we've had closures on that beach. So, I'd make sure that anybody who's making some sort of plans and understand that it may not happen if we don't know if the beach is going to be open at that time.
>> And we may want to have a requirement to have a certificate of insurance and indemnification provision, that sort of thing. Um, you know, sort of leads you to the chief's preferred option, which is to prohibit everything.
Um but Jeff, >> yeah, I think uh Stuart's point about Orleans being responsible for kind of rescuing folks who, you know, is well made. I think uh getting our safety personnel over there is going to be difficult. I I did want to say that, you know, there's language that said that
says, you know, you could do a wedding ceremony only. They they're already prohibiting alcohol. They're prohibiting fire. They're prohibiting only acoustical music. I mean, I I think I can find a way to have a wedding there without they're not going to have a hundred people partying all night. I
mean, they have to party somewhere else. Uh, alcohol is prohibited. And maybe that's being naive, but I mean, having a wedding ceremony on the beach is cool. And if you keep keep the numbers down, I think I think people find it attractive. So, I can find a way if we can kind of
keep it safe and not crazy, I think I think it's okay. Well, let's I mean, you know, it it maybe limit the amount of people, 50, I don't know, making it up, but you know, folks, you know, that's a that's a great location. >> Well, I think we have consensus to
instruct the staff to work on a regulation, come back to us. regulation could be something that authorizes allows with certain conditions as close to um and is
as close to Orleans as possible for consistency or it could be an outright prohibition if that's what you ultimately conclude. And again, I would advise the um the the U applicants that this is a work
in progress and it may very well result in something they're not going to be permitted to do. >> So, they may want to make plans elsewhere. >> All the options we've talked about this evening, >> pardon me, >> aren't going to it. It seems like all the options that we're talking about this evening, August 8th would not work.
>> I think I could share that with >> Okay. All right. With that, we don't see any more comments. We'll go on to the next item, which is to consider the prohibition of town construction on shoreline facilities from June 1st through September 30th accepted
emergencies. This is an agenda item request by the waterways advisory committee. I know the chair is here, the harbor master is here, and um um I guess Greg, you're going to be involved in this item as well. So, who's going to present? Jason, you
>> I'm purely support this time. the leaves on the waterways will take over. >> All right. Good evening. Uh Jason Holm, your harbor master here to talk about your favorite topic, waterfront projects. Um so, uh if you read the agenda package, uh last July, waterways
advisory committee had some concerns uh at that time as far as the ongoing construction at 90 Bridge Street. Uh we were in phase two at that point and construction needed to continue throughout the summer. Um they had some concern with that. uh took a 3-1 vote to
prohibit construction on shore side town owned facilities between June 1st and September 30th except for emergencies. Um filed the transmitt of vote um ended up on the agenda now. Um we're uh talked
amongst ourselves as a staff um you know have some concerns with a a blanket prohibition during that time for a number of different reasons. Um, you know, we we never intend for projects to go in the summer. Um, I've been here almost 14 years. This is the first one
that's ever gone on in the summer, per se. Um, and there's a a ton of different reasons that it could happen. Um, but they're not scheduled to be that way typically. Uh, a couple of things that uh that can necessitate that could be uh project timelines, uh funding
constraints, permits, uh any number of things that could creep up. You know, project creeps not just with how much a project costs, it can be how long it takes or getting contractors or getting availability. It could be timelines for grants running out to be able to to use
the money. So, um, while I I share their concerns with waterfront access being limited in the summer because obviously in my role that's extremely important to me, um, I do have concerns with just a blanket prohibition during that uh, that time frame. Um and to catch you up just
on 90 Bridge Street in particular, uh we're about to enter into phase three of that. Um the portion where the fixed pier is and west will be open to the public uh within like another two weeks and will remain so throughout the summer. Uh the eastern portion of that
property uh will be fenced off and unusable to the public until that facility is open uh ideally in in 2027 in the spring. So uh about to enter into that uh that third phase of the project. Any immediate prohibition would severely
impact that project as noted in the fiscal impact in the agenda report. Uh and any future projects as stated we always try to schedule them for uh offseason um scheduling. Uh but sometimes and especially in this instance given the complexity of the project 90 Bridge Street in particular
uh that was not the case. So welcome any of your questions or any discussion. Uh we also have the chair of the waterways advisory committee uh in the audience as well. >> Yeah, I was going to invite Dick Cosmer if you have any comments as chair of the committee. Um we can take questions for
all three gentlemen. Dick Osma, chairman of the waterways advisory committee. I I think I would just reiterate what Jason has said. I mean we did discuss this. I was the dissenting vote for most of the reasons that uh have just been discussed. Um I
just feel we need a blanket prohibition to me doesn't suit the way some of these projects go and we obviously would make every effort and the staff would to make sure these things you know are not done during the busy season. So,
>> okay. >> To mention, um, you know, some of the things that we do to try to avoid going into the summer season, the South Joke, a project that's just wrapping up right now, uh, we we put some teeth into it. Um, I think it was $1,000 a day every
day. They go over schedule. So, I mean, we we are encouraging as best we can to not have, uh, construction during those times. >> Okay. Um before we open it up for other comments, I just want to read you the paragraph in the in the staff report
which summarizes what you all saying. Town staff have reviewed this recommendation and have concerns regarding a blanket prohibition on construction outside of emergency situations. Project timelines, permitting requirements, and funding constraints may necessitate construction
during the June 1 through September 30th time frame. For these reasons, town staff recommend against the prohibition for 2026 and for future years. And I'll just sort of add it editorially. I remember this project was advanced by calling a special town meeting a few
years ago uh and at the request of the Chellfish Advisory Committee. And it just seems to me contrary to that spirit to interrupt things now. And if this is the only project where this has been an issue, a
potential issue in recent times, it doesn't make sense to me to issue a blanket prohibition. But I'll open it up. Cory, >> no, I mean, I was at attended the waterways committee meeting when this vote happened. Um, I understand the spirit of what was being asked. I I
certainly do. They're looking for minimal disruption and waterway access and everything else. Um, but the a blanket prohibition is is is not feasible. It's in no way, shape, or form. Um, so you really kind of really have two options. Whether just flat out
no prohibition, just kind of business as usual. Um, I guess you could throw all the branch out and say something like no prohibition of the commencement of any waterway structure or projects unless it was an emergency situation. um which is
probably not even necessary, but it's I think the spirit is we understand we want to minimize disruption on the water waterfront. Um and hopefully that is going to be few and far between. Um so I think we're going to try to be good stewards and
I very much respect the emphasis behind the the request, but I don't think the prohibition is necessary um as long as we kind of keep the spirit of what we've all we've all kind of agreed to. So >> Jeff, then Shireen, >> no. I What were the reasons that just because they don't want construction on
the waterfront in the summertime? Is that basically it or was there some There was another line in the in the in the memo that said concerns were raised regarding the facil's availability to the public during the summer season. You just said that the the western side of that site will be available and where
the construction is taking place at 90 won't be available >> for this year. Yes. Last year it was restricted because they were entering into phase two of the project. So, um, and and this was when the vote was happening was during last summer. So, it was, you know, a hot topic at the at the
time. And like I said, I share their concern. We have very limited public access points. Um, however, you know, we make every effort to not do it. It's just in that instance that was really ne necessitated. So, um, you know, I think Greg does a great job of trying to keep
the board up to date on waterfront projects. um you know to keep the you know the maximum amount of transparency as far as what's going on and always at any time happy to answer any reasons why we may be proceeding with a project at any given time but but 90 Bridge would be the outlier here assuming that
Writers Cove and Barnhill get approved at town meeting. We wouldn't start those projects in the summertime unless there was an emerging condition where we had to address the you know the cap lock or something or we had more another cave in or whatever but we wouldn't start a project as as large as that in the
summertime. I understand, but to stop 90 bridge um makes no sense to me. That makes no sense to me. >> I'm not quite sure if that was the intent of the waterways advisory committee either. I think there were more just moving forward. We we're just still working on that project. But um to
date, we will have more access and availability at 90 Bridge Street than we've ever had before with the addition of the extra 12T on the end of the fixed pier as well as a concrete float and bulkhead there as well. Shireen and then Stuart. >> Um, so it doesn't make any sense to me
at all to um to do this. You've mitigated the idea of access by opening up the west side. It's it's it'll be open. I just find that and there's three things that I see that could be really impacting for the town. Um, you know,
well, two actually, the cost and the scheduling. And you know, you're going to ask a contractor to put something on hold. um in June and come back to it in September, there might be a point where that contractor will say, "Well, I can't come back in September, so it might take a little longer." So, the continuity of
keeping the project going, I think, is really really important to the efficiency and the costs that that we are incurring on the project or could incur if we give it a hiccup. >> Stuart, did you mention that four of the uh
seven members were there? >> It was a 3-1 vote. I mentioned that but >> yeah so we were missing >> three >> three yeah >> um well I I I share the concerns about the costs I think I can't even imagine
what what this prohibition would do to cost um whenever you delay contractors they got to come back and remod mobilize and and not to mention there's a slew of other permits that go along with this that we're already trying to work within
And um so I I I get their concern. Uh the the dollar signs are would scare me to death um alone. Is there a Can they get a box truck in there this summer? Uh >> they will be able to that the fixed beer will be open. Yeah. Um it's going to be
literally fenced off, you know, immediately at the end of it over. So parking will still be tight, you know, theoretically. Could they get a box truck over there? Yes. And um well I I I think that the cost alone would would would uh would scare
me. >> And one thing I would just mention, you know, your harbor master and coastal resource director, I think are doing a great job now of updating the waterways advisory committee uh with all the projects. So they're going to know these schedules and if something does have to
happen over the summer, they're going to know ahead of time and I'm sure they'll let everybody know. and and this one in particular, I certainly understand their frustration, but this one at 90 Bridge Street has been in the planning for forever and um is excruciatingly
complex. Uh it's, you know, so I I just I think that uh I'm not I don't think that's going to work. >> So I think there's the consensus of the board. I don't that we needn't take any action that we're not changing anything.
And we we certainly understand and appreciate the concerns that were expressed by a majority of the committee and that we we're present in voting, but we think it's in the best interests of the town not to make any changes and adopt this prohibition. You can report that back to them. Okay. Thank you very much.
>> Thank you for your time, Mr. Chair. Thank you, board members. >> Thank you. Um, next item on the agenda is the town manager's annual valuation for calendar year 2025, fiscal year 2026. And this is for board discussion. Public
comment will not be accepted. So it is um customary at this time per the protocol that has been approved by the select board a number of years ago before I ever got on the board for the chair to um read u the
evaluation that summarizes uh compilation of u independent evaluations that were conducted by the several members of the select board and I'm going to proceed proceed to do that.
Uh following which um I will entertain a motion to approve it after um inviting any comment from board members and from the town manager. 2025 annual performance evaluation of
the town manager Jill R. Goldmith presented by the select board chair Dean Pina Castro May 5th, 2026. In each year since her hire in 2011, the town manager has been evaluated annually with a performance evaluation instrument
developed collaboratively by the select board and the town manager. To assist the board in preparing the evaluation, town manager Jill R. Goldmith provided a summary of her accomplishments and activities occurring in the 2025 review period. Under the board approved
methodology, Miss Goldsmith's performance was evaluated on six general managerial categories. One, personalprofessional. Two, board support relations. Three, financial management. Four, personnel
management/organizational leadership. Five, community leadership/public relations. Six, town operations slashinfrastructure. Participating select board members then awarded performance points based on a
total of 38 different subcategories using a four-point rating scale for each. Four points equals excellent slight highly commendable. Three points equals strong performance. Two points equals satisfactory/acceptable.
One point equals improvement needed. N/o equals not observed. Based on this point system, Miss Goldsmith was awarded a composite score of 3.23 out of a possible 4.0.
This score given by the select board demonstrates a strong performance by the town manager over the past year. This score compares to 3.72 awarded last year with the difference essentially deriving from a score of 1.55 given by one select
board member. The other four select board members gave Miss Goldsmith scores of 3.05, 3.92, 3.82, and 3.79, respectively. Clearly, there were distinct differences between the four board members who rated
Miss Goldsmith's performance in the strong performance range with three of with three of those four members rating at the high end of that range and the single board member whose performance rating was considerably lower such that that rating can fairly be car
categorized as an outlier among the ratings given by the five board members. 2025 select board comments town manager performance evaluation. In addition to the metric measurements cited above, individual select board
members were encouraged to provide their own written comments and make personal observations regarding Miss Goldsmith's performance in the past year. Select board members were also provided with the opportunity to meet or speak with Miss Goldsmith regarding their individual evaluations.
Selections from the submitted comments follow with the disclaimer that these individual comments do not necessarily reflect the views of each and every select board member. One personal professional. The town manager consistently carries
out her job responsibilities in a capable disp dispassionate and professional manner. Next, my general experience during my tenure on the select board on issues coming before the town of which the town manager has responsibility for is that
she is less than creative, is extremely hesitant to think outside of the box, and frequently and too often uses mass municipal association as her guiding management style. My experience has been that the town manager too often relies upon consultants within her area of
responsibility and defers almost exclusively to department heads or other staff when questions are posed regarding issues facing the town. Next, Jill is a consumate professional in her approach to managing the affairs of Chadam. She listens carefully to her
many bosses and staff and then reacts accordingly. She is open to ideas and different viewpoints. Her commitment to the town is wide and deep. Two, board support and relations. Recommend improvements in providing complete background information on
higher profile agenda items. Better consideration needed on the timing of select board agenda item reviews on higher profile agenda items. Next, it would greatly enhance the board's work if the town manager could be could more proactively voice her opinions and
guidance at board meetings. Next, it's been a pleasure working with Jill over several years and see how passionate she is about our goals and objectives, always moving us forward. Three, financial management. Strong and consistent category for the
town manager with an exclamation point. Appreciate the continued fi financial efforts of the town manager to help maintain the town's AAA rating. Next. stellar balanced focus, great teamwork.
Next, the town manager's proposed FY27 budget begins to moderate the unsustainable growth in positions and suspend and spending that has taken place over the last decade. The town benefits considerably from a town fiscal position utilizing staggering increases
in property valuations. That being said, a 14% debt service on a community of our size is excessive and should be more aggressively addressed through its reduction. Four, personnel management, organizational leadership, better
oversight preferred with the delegation of tasks and assignment of staff. Next, the h the town manager's high quality hirings of department heads and other staff have helped keep town daily operations and long-term projections for programs, projects, and services well
grounded. Next, as I have commented publicly many times, Jill has recruited and developed an excellent senior team. Her appointments to finance, DPW, Department of Natural Resources are standouts in my mind. I am pleased she promoted from
within for the assessing department. She is reaching out to connect with town employees below the senior level and I suggest these efforts continue and that she make herself more visible to town employees at all levels of responsibility. Five, community leadership public
relations compliment the town manager on the continued use of the main sheet to better keep citizens informed on current issues. A next awesome public awesome relationship builder. Next, Jill is
involved outside Chadam in several state and municipal organizations. She represents our town in an exemplary fashion. She projects a positive image in the community. She is she is responsive to business and civic associations and participates in town
activities. Communication with all strata of the town has been much improved with the addition of Shauna in her role as communications quote zerena. Kathy Lewis is also an an excellent addition to Jill's team and assists the board with clear and present
communication. Six, town operations and infrastructure. Jill continues to promote the use of technology to enhance customer service. Next, while certain town operations appear to operate satisfactory, others
do not. Our infrastructure maintenance is significantly underfunded and deficient in the area of building and facilities maintenance. Next, as mentioned, Jill has used technology and innovations to better the town's delivery of services. Examples of
such are online payments for permits and taxes. Jill's reuse of a renewable energy infrastructure and vehicles for the town is laudable. Water and wastewater infrastructure are a paramount priority. Connections to our
sewer system need to be accelerated. At times, my perception is that it takes too long to get projects completed. Municipal and building maintenance needs to be scheduled and codified. Conclusion: Miss Goldsmith's job performance, as reflected in the written comments by
select board members above, demonstrates areas where she performs her duties as town manager and an exemplary manner as well as identifies areas for growth and refinement. There was near unanimity among four board members in assigning very high grades for her performance. I
am confident that she will work with all board members to address common concerns identified in the individual assessments. Dean Pina Castro, chair, chatam select board. So with that, I'm going to invite uh any comments. I will note that there is a grid that is
attached to this document um showing the scores unidentified of the five select board members for each category or there are 38 categories for evaluation and as per practice um this evaluation will be
posted on uh the town manager's website. So I'll open it up for any comments from board members. If not, I will ask um town manager if she has any comments. Okay, I see none.
>> Jill, do you have anything you would like to say? >> Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and members of the select board. I appreciate the time you put into this evaluation and the overall strong performance rating. I work for five board members, each bringing
different perspectives, and part of my role is to help align those perspectives and carry out the direction you set. I'm proud to lead an organization with a strong leadership team, my 11 direct reports, and 161 dedicated employees
whose work every day supports a year-round community of 6,600, and a seasonal population that grows more than 30,000 in the summer. I take your comments seriously and will continue to focus on the areas you identified while supporting our team in
delivering consistent and reliable services. I'm proud to lead this team and the work we deliver every day and to serve the community I call home. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um with that, I I don't recall um I did this once before eight
years ago. I don't recall whether we took votes, Kathy. I don't know whether we took a vote last year, but we there is an acknowledgement of receipt of the evaluation by to be signed by the select board members and dated and by the town
manager and dated. But if I I think I will entertain a motion to accept the report or approve the report. Let me you checking for last year. I'll wait a moment here. The board did not vote last year.
>> Okay. Yeah. >> Well, unless >> unless the board wants to entertain a motion, >> then we we don't vote. >> I mean, I think we've submitted I think we've submitted our evaluation and >> Okay.
>> Let it stand. >> Okay. So, with that, I think uh it just remains for us individually to sign this and for the town manager to sign it and then the evaluation would be posted. Um, and
we'll leave it at that. >> Um, >> thank you. Thank you for compiling all that. Appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, that was >> Well, you were good job. >> You're welcome. Thank you, >> Dina. I had one comment. >> Yes, sir. >> I think the process would benefit from a uh a review of the evaluation process.
Um, uh, it's been 13 years. >> Yeah. >> And, uh, I just think the whole the whole process would just benefit. you know, get the dust off of it. >> Yeah, I share your I share your interest
in doing that. I know Corey has talked about in the past. I know he's talked with Jill about it. Um I think I've talked with Jill a couple of times about particularly in I think the comment Corey you made was the grid the gradations were and you know um they're
not particularly expansive. I I don't particularly like this the the the method that we use. Yeah. This the scores the scores are more appropriate when you have someone for a couple years, but when you have someone with some longevity >> Yeah. >> Um I think there's just
they're not they're there's a better there's there's a better system out there, I think. >> Yeah. I I think Did you want to say something? >> Yeah, sure. I'm I'm happy to to um work with the chair of the board on an updated instrument. Um there's other
versions out there that um our our town managers, my colleague colleagues here on Cape that are using and I'm happy to bring forward a few samples for discussion. >> Okay. Well, thank you. Uh well, we'll do that. It will be incumbent on whoever is going to chair this board after May 14th
that to uh put that on the agenda because that's a good suggestion. Thank you. Well, thank you, Jill. Uh and um we commend you accordingly. So, we will um I think Kathy has this the signature page. We'll sign that after the meeting.
I'll >> motion to adjurnn. >> Motion to adjurnn. Is there a second? >> Okay. Moved and seconded. I'll call the role. Miss Davis. >> I. >> Mr. Dikkins. >> Hi. >> Mr. Meadows. >> Hi. >> Mr. Smith. >> I. >> And the chair votes I. We are adjourned at 7:14 p.m. Good night, Shadam.