One notable matter at the meeting revolved around the need to address the upweller facility on Bridge Street, vital for the local shellfish industry. The current facility, established in 1995, faces issues, including insufficient space and environmental risks. Ben Sako, a propagation specialist, detailed the facility’s limitations, stressing the need for a new structure to increase capacity and improve water quality management. The facility currently houses over three million shellfish but is operating at maximum capacity. Pollution incidents from nearby boat launching areas have further exacerbated the situation, underlining the urgency of the project.

The Board discussed the proposal for a special town meeting to secure funding for the new upweller facility. One member argued against delaying the meeting until May, emphasizing that the project was in critical need of funding to avoid further risks. The cost of holding a special town meeting was estimated at $23,000, considered a necessary expense to prevent delays. The previous town meeting saw the proposal fail by a narrow margin of 38 votes, prompting calls for increased community participation in future meetings.

The shellfish industry, integral to Chatham’s economy, saw strong support from multiple board members and residents. The economic benefits of the industry were highlighted, with commercial shellfish landings valued between $1.5 to $2 million annually. The propagation program, running since 1983, is important for both commercial and recreational fisheries, contributing to the local economy and community activities.

Pat Freeland, a resident and recreational shellfisher, emphasized the industry’s importance and the necessity for stable resources to ensure the future of shellfish populations. The Shellfish Advisory Committee had been working since 2017 to improve the upweller on Bridge Street, and there was a push for immediate action to secure funding through a bond issue at the town meeting.

The discussion on the special town meeting also covered logistical challenges, including scheduling conflicts with other events such as the primary election. The potential date of September 16, 2024, was proposed to allow for better planning and consideration of project specifics. The Board acknowledged the difficulties in finding a universally agreeable date but agreed to proceed with the proposed date.

In addition to the shellfish project, the Board also deliberated on a feasibility study for the development of 127 Old Harbor Road. The study, initially funded by $50,000 from the town manager’s account, required expansion to explore additional housing units beyond the two existing structures. The discussion revealed varying opinions on the scope of development, with some members advocating for a modest approach while others suggested a more ambitious project to maximize housing opportunities.

The feasibility study’s structural analysis was also debated, with some members questioning the necessity of spending $50,000 without clarity on potential future uses. There was a proposal to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to developers to gauge creative proposals for the property’s use, rather than merely conducting a structural assessment. The goal was to create home ownership opportunities while maintaining the property’s character and respecting community sentiment.

The meeting further included discussions on various community events, such as the Christmas stroll and Turkey Trot, as well as the approval of common victualer licenses for local businesses. The Board reviewed requests for road closures and the use of town property for these events.