Water management and drought conditions were at the forefront of the meeting as the board discussed the town’s decreased water usage, credited to ongoing restrictions. A new chart was presented, showing a significant reduction in the gallons used for flushing and blow-offs, down to 3.9 million gallons, compared to an expected five million. Despite these efforts, the town remains in a significant drought status, according to the Massachusetts drought task force. A positive trend was observed in a local observation well, but concerns persist about the town’s groundwater levels, particularly when compared to neighboring Brewster, which faces more severe declines.

The implications of these drought conditions on water supply were scrutinized, with discussions about the treatment plant’s operational timeline and the proposed addition of well 10 to the water supply. The presence of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in well 10 raised concerns about contamination, leading to discussions about potential reductions in pumpage to manage these levels.

In another development, the board unanimously agreed to proclaim June as Chatham History Month. This initiative, brought forward by a representative of the historical commission, aims to celebrate the town’s history dating back to its incorporation in 1712. The proclamation seeks to raise awareness about historically significant buildings and events, encouraging community pride and promoting local heritage tourism. The board noted that various organizations are collaborating to ensure the success of the month’s events, many of which will be free to the public to enhance accessibility.

The meeting also featured a follow-up on the recent annual town meeting, with discussions about the role of town council and the outcomes of various articles. A member emphasized the importance of consulting town council for authoritative legal advice, despite differing opinions on certain issues. Satisfaction was expressed regarding the success of the Center for Active Living proposal, while disappointment was noted over the failure of the airport improvement plan and the West Chatham Neighborhood Center proposal. The board acknowledged feedback about the scheduling of the town meeting on Mother’s Day weekend, which resulted in low voter turnout and called for a reevaluation of future meeting dates.

Affordable housing was another focal point of the meeting. The board authorized the town manager to refile several home rule petitions, including those related to a real property transfer fee and the establishment of a new housing trust. Discussions also included the use of Community Preservation Act funds for affordable housing and a petition to include commercial fishermen as a targeted group for affordable housing under seasonal community sections of the Affordable Homes Act.

The meeting concluded with A discussion about Article 59, related to a citizen petition, and the potential influence of town council on the attorney general’s decision. A member of the public expressed concerns about town council’s involvement, urging the board to ensure the petition receives an independent analysis. The board agreed that town council should not advocate against the petition but should remain available for inquiries from the attorney general.