The Veterans Park restrooms emerged as a focal point of the meeting, sparking a discussion about the need for repairs following vandalism incidents. The restrooms, which have not been used for First Night events due to a lack of heating and insulation, require plumbing updates to meet ADA compliance. The board considered the financial burden of these repairs, weighing them against the potential benefits of keeping the restrooms operational during winter events like First Night. Some members questioned the necessity of the investment, given the proximity of alternative restroom facilities at the community center, while others emphasized the importance of maintaining public amenities for large community gatherings.

The board discussed the possibility of allocating additional funds for heating and insulation to ensure the restrooms could remain open during colder months. The conversation revealed a division among members regarding whether the investment was justified, with some advocating for essential repairs and others suggesting a focus on more extensive upgrades. The board agreed on the importance of involving the community in this decision, proposing that the matter be presented to voters at a town meeting.

In another development, the Select Board accepted the donation of the former US Coast Guard station boathouse to house the upweller on Bridge Street. The director of natural resources presented an updated memorandum of agreement. The board discussed the logistics and costs associated with the move, including the removal of the boathouse floor due to lead paint and creosote concerns. The timeline suggested a potential February move, contingent on weather conditions, with favorable cost projections due to potential grant savings. The board unanimously authorized the execution of the memorandum of understanding.

Water management issues also took center stage, with updates on the operational status of Chatham’s wells and the Morton Road plant, which had been offline for part of November. The board reviewed pumping statistics and infrastructure developments, noting the successful sale of irrigation meters and ongoing issues with a cracked pre-clarification tank. The conversation highlighted the importance of stable water management practices, with current year pumping totals approximately 13 million gallons less than the previous year.

Coastal challenges were another topic, with discussions on the dynamics of barrier beaches and the necessity for continuous dredging efforts. The board considered the potential purchase of a town-owned dredge, weighing the benefits of scheduling flexibility against the costs of hiring skilled staff. The conversation emphasized the importance of consistent dredging, as evidenced by recent projects in Mil Creek Channel and the upcoming dredging at Aunt Lydia’s Cove. The board explored options for state support, acknowledging the looming discontinuation of dredging grants and the competitive nature of securing resources.

The meeting also addressed public access to waterways, with updates on parking improvements and stormwater management at local landings. The board discussed regulations for removing personal watercraft from town landings, emphasizing the need for additional storage solutions. The conversation highlighted the importance of balancing public access needs with environmental considerations and the enforcement of new regulations by the harbor master’s office.

Lastly, the board considered the holiday schedule for town employees, proposing alignment with nearby Harwich to enhance employee well-being and save energy during low traffic days. The financial implications were examined, particularly for public safety employees, with support expressed for recognizing staff efforts through the holiday break. The board also decided to cancel the December 30th meeting due to planned vacations and the new holiday schedule, with the next meeting scheduled for January 6th.