16:52The board’s recognition of Puritan Clothing’s centennial was a notable item of discussion. The board issued a proclamation to honor the longstanding impact of the Penn family business on the Chatham community. Members of the board acknowledged the significance of Puritan Clothing, describing it as a community anchor that has served both residents and tourists. Rick Penn, a third-generation family member involved in the business, expressed his gratitude. Megan Penn, the store’s manager, emphasized the store’s integral role in fostering a sense of community, noting that Chatham feels like family. The board’s unanimous vote in favor of the proclamation underscored the importance of the occasion.

33:47Following the celebration, the board shifted focus to a issue concerning a proposal from the U.S. Coast Guard to remove certain buoys from Chatham waterways. Harbor Master Jason Holm revisited a similar proposal from 2019 that faced local opposition and emphasized the critical role of these buoys in aiding navigation, particularly for those without modern equipment. The board discussed drafting a letter to the Coast Guard and various state and federal representatives, including Senator Markey and Senator Warren, to express their concerns. The removal of these buoys was compared to the removal of street signs, highlighting the potential danger to local boaters, especially novices who rely on these aids for safe navigation.

The board members agreed on the necessity of a coordinated regional response and the involvement of neighboring communities. It was suggested that coordination with neighboring towns and leveraging the congressional delegation’s support would strengthen their stance against the proposal. The board members supported drafting a letter that accurately conveyed community sentiment and emphasized the buoys’ importance for public safety and service.

34:19In other business, the board addressed the nomination of representatives to various committees. There was a focus on the Cape Cod National Seashore Federal Advisory Commission, with Katherine Ricks proposed as an alternate representative. The nomination process was expedited due to the slow appointment procedures of the federal government, and the board voted unanimously to appoint Ricks for a two-year term. Additionally, Shireen Davis was nominated and appointed as the select board representative to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees. Her experience and familiarity with housing issues were acknowledged, and the appointment was formalized with unanimous approval from the board members, excluding Davis, who abstained from the vote.

38:45Town Manager Jill Goldsmith presented the monthly report, highlighting the success of the recent Memorial Day observance, which she described as one of the best-attended events during her tenure. The event was noted for its personal touch and the strong community participation. Goldsmith also discussed the upcoming summer meeting schedule and encouraged the scheduling of special meetings as necessary. Recognition was given to several employees celebrating significant milestones in their service.

06:11The report also included an introduction to Marshall Burke, the new deputy harbor master, and ongoing recruitment efforts for various town positions, including an engineering technician and an assistant conservation agent. Goldsmith emphasized the importance of public service recognition and encouraged residents to use the town’s website for reporting maintenance issues.