The bulkhead project became the meeting’s focal point, with several board members raising questions about the lowest bidder’s reliability and the potential for cost escalations due to change orders. The discussion revealed deeper issues such as the project’s overall plan, inclusion of docks, and the timing’s impact on the waterfront area. Despite the skepticism expressed by some members, the board eventually sided with the staff’s recommendation and approved the contract.

The meeting also included two public hearings regarding new traffic signs aimed at improving safety in the community. The first hearing addressed a new stop sign at the intersection of Morris Island Road and Little Beach Road. The Traffic Safety Committee had recommended this installation due to concerns about vehicle speeds and the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists. The board approved this sign after a resident’s support and a brief discussion about the possibility of making it a four-way stop.

The second hearing dealt with replacing yield signs with stop signs and adding an intersection warning sign at Joshua Jethro Road and Riverview Drive. Similar to the first hearing, the board considered a resident’s concerns about traffic speed and visibility, ultimately agreeing with the committee’s recommendation for new signs to improve safety at this intersection.

Other items on the agenda included the use of town roads for the annual walk for home organized by the Homeless Prevention Council. The board approved the event, scheduled for Saturday, June 9th, 2024, which will start at St. Christopher’s Parish and proceed along Main Street and Shore Road.

The board also discussed the South Chatham Library’s upcoming 150th birthday, which plans to celebrate by constructing three little libraries resembling the main building. These libraries would be placed at C Cove, Pleasant Beach, Pleasant Street Beach, and Forest Beach. After deliberation, the board approved the construction and placement of these libraries.

Additionally, the board addressed the sale of town property to Supreme Fairs for craft fairs on the front lawn of the community center. The board raised questions about the vendor’s nonprofit status and the use of town property by for-profit organizations. The vendor, having provided liability insurance and agreed to a fee of $1,500 per day, had been approved in the previous year, which led to the event’s approval for the proposed dates.

Furthermore, the meeting involved a discussion on a proposed amendment to the Cape Light Compact Joint Powers Agreement. The board’s debate focused on the agreement’s extension and the governing board’s authority. The language of the amendment and the process for future extensions were points of contention, with the board seeking further clarification before making a decision.

The meeting also included a continuation of a public hearing regarding a nuisance dog on Silven Way. The dog’s owner requested a continuation until April 9th, 2024, due to the unavailability of certain entities, which the board granted.

Lastly, the board tackled proposed edits to the town bylaw chapter 115 section 6 concerning nuisance dog complaints. Different interpretations of a sentence in the proposed amendment led to the decision to postpone final approval until these issues were resolved.