A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the proposal for seasonal shellfish openings. Constable Renee Gagny outlined plans to open specific shellfish areas effective December 1, 2025. While some locations awaited approval from the Division of Marine Fisheries due to pending water quality samples, Gagny assured the board that no issues were anticipated. The board unanimously approved the proposal, allowing areas such as Mill Creek, Taylor Pond, Champlain Creek, Oyster Pond, Muddy Creek, and Bucks Creek to open for shellfishing. This decision supports local fisheries and aligns with the town’s environmental management practices.

Another major topic of discussion was the intermunicipal agreement with Orleans concerning North Beach. Greg Burman, the director of natural resources, facilitated this conversation, emphasizing the successful financial and operational collaboration with Orleans. He noted that Chatham received approximately $145,000 in revenue from Orleans, a slight increase from the previous year’s $133,410.

The board also highlighted the importance of defining the beach’s boundaries more precisely. This move aims to streamline management efforts and ensure both towns adhere to agreed-upon operational practices. Members acknowledged the complex nature of managing the beach, especially in terms of environmental concerns such as protecting wildlife like piping plovers and American oyster catchers. Despite these challenges, they advocated for maintaining the status quo, as the current agreement appears to be functioning well without significant disputes.

Emergency preparedness was another topic that garnered attention during the meeting. An attendee, Elaine Gibbs, raised concerns about the town’s plan for power outages, particularly the lack of information on the town’s website and the status of the community center as an emergency shelter. Her request for clarity and improved communication on emergency plans highlighted the need for the town to enhance its preparedness and public information efforts.

The board also addressed various community events, including the approval of special one-day alcohol licenses for local businesses. Chatham Paint and Hardware, represented by Paul Fox, received unanimous approval for a license to host an event on December 12, 2025. The board considered the logistics of the event, including staffing and security measures to ensure compliance with regulations. However, the application from Sundance Clothing was deferred due to the absence of their representative, highlighting the board’s emphasis on maintaining protocol and fairness among applicants.

Furthermore, the meeting included updates from the town manager, who presented the monthly report for September. The report covered several areas, including the initiation of the FY2027 budget process and ongoing projects at the Center for Active Living. The town manager emphasized transparency and community engagement, noting the availability of public comments and online access to meeting materials. The report also recognized employee achievements and new hires.

In addition to these topics, the town manager highlighted the success of the inaugural Chatham Municipal Academy, which engaged 14 participants over nine weeks. The academy aimed to promote volunteer opportunities within the town’s committees, concluding with a graduation ceremony that further connected participants with available roles.