A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to deliberating the proposed $5 admission fee for October Fest, an annual event traditionally free to the public. Concerns were voiced about the legality and ethicality of charging an entry fee, particularly given the park’s deed restrictions. One participant, Mr. Hogen, questioned the legality of the fee, suggesting instead that a donation box be set up, similar to the Festival of Arts. He also pointed out the logistical challenges of controlling multiple access points to the park from Main Street.

Miss Gibbs echoed these concerns, emphasizing that Kate Gold Park is the primary gathering place for families in downtown Chatham and should remain accessible without financial barriers. She questioned the Merchants Association’s approach to using surplus funds for charitable contributions, arguing that the park should not be commercialized. Former Park Commissioner Ien Hour supported these sentiments, underscoring that the park should remain free from commercial activities.

Despite these objections, representatives from the Chatham Chamber of Commerce and the Merchants Association defended the fee, explaining that it was necessary to cover the increasing costs of organizing the event, which includes hiring multiple bands and providing accommodations for performers. They assured the board that the fee was not intended to generate profit but to offset the event’s expenses. However, the idea of a voluntary donation was proposed as a compromise to maintain the event’s spirit while addressing financial needs.

In another significant topic, the board received a presentation from Weston and Samson, led by Rob Failey, Director of Public Works, on revitalizing a water supply study originally conducted in 2019. Cassandra Albrecht and Leah Stanton from Weston and Samson provided a analysis of Chatham’s current and projected water demands. The town’s water supply system, which includes 11 groundwater wells and two water storage tanks, was scrutinized, particularly focusing on the impact of seasonal population increases on water resources. Recommendations included maintaining outdoor watering restrictions and developing a comprehensive town-wide water conservation plan.

The discussion also emphasized the importance of managing water resources effectively, especially during peak demand months. Historical data showed that mandatory watering restrictions during drought conditions reduced water withdrawal. The board acknowledged the need for sustainable water management strategies to accommodate future growth and environmental changes, emphasizing that conservation measures could yield significant savings compared to developing new wells.

The meeting then moved to the housing production plan, presented by Gloria McPherson and consultant Laura Me from JM Goldson. The plan, which has been in development since January, aims to address both affordable and market-rate housing needs in Chatham. Community engagement revealed concerns about the lack of year-round rental options and affordable housing, with many residents expressing that they could not afford to move to Chatham today. The proposed strategies included zoning changes to allow more multi-family housing, incentives for developing accessory dwelling units, and programs to convert properties into year-round rentals.

Board members debated the language of the zoning recommendations, with some expressing concerns about presenting rigid directives. The suggestion to soften the language to make the recommendations more palatable was discussed, emphasizing the need for further scrutiny by relevant boards. The board eventually voted to approve the housing production plan with modifications, acknowledging the urgency of addressing the town’s housing crisis while ensuring thorough vetting of the document.

Other notable discussions included the acceptance of a $10,000 donation for tree removal in deeper waters, presented by Greg Burman, Director of Natural Resources. The funds will be used to hire a barge and crane to remove hazardous trees without disturbing shellfish resources. The board also approved several special one-day alcohol permits for various community events.