The session began with an update on short-term rental regulations, presented by Greg Berman, director of natural resources, alongside Karen Chimaza. They outlined the financial implications of state requirements, including annual inspections by certified building officials. This prompted discussions on adjusting the current $50 fee for short-term rentals, with Berman suggesting a hike to $200 to cover anticipated costs and staffing needs. This proposed increase was notable, given that Chatham’s fee is currently among the lowest on Cape Cod.

Concerns were raised about the perception of such a significant fee increase, especially since neighboring towns like Bourne, Brewster, and Orleans either lack fees or are considering implementing them. Berman explained that Orleans is expected to introduce a fee soon, and Brewster is deliberating. A Board member expressed apprehension about communicating the fee rise to property owners when nearby towns have no fees. Berman reassured that the justifications in the agenda report would clarify the necessity of the increase.

Further complicating the decision was the uncertainty surrounding the pending Maggie Hubert Rental Safety Act, which could impose additional inspection requirements. This uncertainty led to questions about whether increased staffing from the fire department might be required and whether a fee increase to $200 was indeed justified. Suggestions were made to find a middle ground to balance financial needs with property owner concerns.

Chimaza provided data showing that the state monitors approximately 1,500 short-term rentals in Chatham, encompassing both current and former property owners. Berman clarified that any fee increase would mandate a public hearing and potential regulatory changes, although there was a proposal to allow the Board of Health or Select Board to set fees without a regulatory change each time.

Attention then turned to the town’s waste disposal regulations, with a focus on an introduced waiver system in Section 8A. This system would permit out-of-town waste to be brought into Chatham with board approval, addressing historical restrictions limiting waste to local origins. Section 6 was also revised to incorporate a mandatory recycling clause, aligning with Massachusetts waste disposal bans. The clause mandates the separation of recyclable materials from solid waste, impacting both residential and commercial waste generators.

During discussions, members questioned the feasibility of enforcing residential recycling mandates and sought clarification on the definition of “special waste,” which includes materials like medical and radioactive waste. Concerns were raised about the frequency of waiver applications, with suggestions to extend the validity of waivers to three years to ease the administrative burden on local haulers.

A significant portion of the meeting also focused on the perception that Chatham was being used as a regional transfer station. This led to an analysis of whether local haulers were bringing in excessive waste from neighboring towns. Concerns about financial implications for taxpayers arose, as the town had been subsidizing the transfer station due to fee shortfalls. The board discussed developing a waiver form to provide clarity on fee structures for haulers bringing in non-local waste.

Elaine Gibbs, a participant, questioned the compensation for waste generated by the Monoy Regional School District, emphasizing the need for audits on the trash volume accepted at the transfer station. The board clarified its lack of authority over financial contracts between haulers and entities like the school system but acknowledged the importance of monitoring out-of-town waste volumes. A vice chair from the select board appreciated the board’s handling of the situation and confirmed low levels of outside refuse, based on discussions with the DPW director.