The committee’s primary focus was the proposed amendments to Chapter 238 of the town bylaws concerning stormwater management. Since 2003, Chatham’s stormwater discharges have been regulated under a municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permit, with updates last made in 2018. Director of Public Works Rob Failey introduced the revisions, which included new definitions for “common plan of development,” “low impact development,” “new development,” and “soil disturbance.” A significant amendment was the identification of “one acre of land disturbance,” emphasizing actual earth disturbance rather than parcel size. This change is relevant to both individual landowners and subdivisions, where cumulative disturbances could trigger regulatory compliance.

Committee members inquired about enforcement and the potential impact on private landowners, especially concerning runoff management. There was an acknowledgment of previous challenges with stormwater runoff from private properties overloading public catch basins. Discussions highlighted the need for stormwater management practices and explored the feasibility of net-zero runoff goals.

Following these discussions, the committee unanimously approved the proposed amendments, recognizing them as administrative changes to align with state and federal mandates. The meeting then transitioned to a proposed amendment to Chapter 10, allowing finance committee members to serve on ad hoc working groups. This change, suggested by the town moderator, aims to increase flexibility while maintaining prohibitions on serving on permanent standing committees. The committee also supported this amendment.

Attention then shifted to a home rule petition introduced by Greg Burman, Director of Natural Resources. The petition seeks to allow associate members of the Conservation Commission to vote in the absence of regular members, addressing quorum issues that have led to meeting cancellations. The proposal aims to enhance the commission’s operational efficiency and encourage greater participation by offering voting opportunities to associate members, akin to a “farm league” system for gaining experience.

The meeting also addressed a proposal to reduce speed limits in thickly settled areas and business districts from 30 mph to 25 mph, based on Massachusetts General Law chapter 90, section 17C. This proposal, arising from community concerns, was accompanied by police data on traffic incidents and the logistical challenges of implementing new signage. The estimated costs include over $80,000 for materials and significant labor from the Department of Public Works.

Committee members debated the necessity and effectiveness of the proposed speed limit change. Some argued existing enforcement efforts sufficed, while others questioned the cost-effectiveness of the measure. Discussions included the potential for increased traffic incidents due to driver confusion and the strain on law enforcement resources. The possibility of using temporary or permanent speed monitoring devices as an alternative was suggested, emphasizing technological solutions for traffic safety.

The committee also reviewed budgetary items following the select board’s approval of the operating and capital budgets and the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) articles. The operating budget saw a 9% increase compared to the previous year, with a total of $55,985, including education assessments. Notable budget changes included a $232,000 increase in the retirement assessment and adjustments related to school district assessments.

Capital budget discussions involved a $220,000 replacement for a 2005 dump truck, balanced by funds from a previous roll-off truck article. The committee confirmed a capital budget increase from $2.9 million to $3.1 million, utilizing less free cash. Tax rate impacts were clarified, with a calculated increase of $288 based on the operating budget.

The committee unanimously voted in favor of the proposed operating and capital budgets. The CPC articles, including allocations for affordable housing and historical restoration projects, were also approved without objection.