Town of Chatham

Town of Chatham 

Office of the Selectmen 

Town Manager 

549 Main Street 

Chatham, MA 02633 

Jill R. Goldsmith 

TOWN MANAGER 

Tel: (508) 945-5105 

Fax: (508) 945-3550 

www.chatham-ma.gov 

TO: 

FROM: 

Honorable Board of Selectman 

Jill R. Goldsmith, Town Manager 

DATE: March 22, 2013 

SUBJECT: Town Manager’s Report for the BOS meeting of March 19, 2013 

I am pleased to enclose the Monthly Report of Department Heads for the month of February 

2013. 

TOWN MANAGER’S OFFICE: Submitted by Jill Goldsmith 

Mission Statement: The Board of Selectmen and Town Manager provide executive leadership for 

the Town of Chatham. Together, we pursue collaborative processes, ethical, and professional 

procedures to insure that Town resources are directed to providing the best services possible to 

protect public safety, public assets and a special quality of life in Chatham. 

Professional and Community Outreach Meetings Notes 

Weekly Department Head and Regular 

Biweekly Meetings w/DHs 

Professional 

Meetings/Seminars/Conferences 

18 

4 Cape Town Manager’s Monthly Meeting; 

E-Permitting Demonstration; Cape 

Manager/Suffolk Local Gov’t Program 

Steering Committee; MA Joint Labor- 

Management Committee (JLMC) for 

Police and Fire Labor Relations. 

Meetings with Residents 5 

Project/Issue Meetings 19 Budget, Fire Station, ATM warrant, 

Personnel matters, MRSD, Rte 28 

Visioning Project, Airport, MRB 

Easements 

Committee/Board Meetings Attended 11 BOS, FinCom, CPRC, EPL Learning Series 

Union Meetings/Negotiation Sessions 2 CMEA Impact Bargaining, IAFF Fire Union 

Negotiations 

Town Counsel – On-site Office Hours 1 

Department Head Monthly Report to the Town Manager – February 2013 Page 1

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT: Submitted by Deanna Ruffer 

On a daily basis the Chatham Community Development Department strives to provide courteous and 

responsive quality service to our valued customers by fostering a respectful and welcoming 

environment resulting in a positive experience for all by: 

Listening to your concerns and providing accurate answers and information by responding in 

a friendly and thoughtful manner 

Being accountable for all we do, “not shutting the door and pulling down the blinds” 

recognizing that everyone’s needs are important 

Being the “helping hand” in making the permitting process easier and employing a 

collaborative approach to finding solutions on complex issues, enabling the successful 

completion of your projects 

 

Maintaining a commitment to transparency by responding to requests for information to the 

full extent of Massachusetts public meeting and records law 

And when we do need to say no, to do so in a manner that is informative and educational, explaining 

the regulatory basis for such decisions 

The following information provides a summary of the Community Development Department’s 

monthly activity in its Building, Land Use Regulatory, and Planning functions for the month of 

February 2013. We continue to refine the format and content of this report to present as 

concise of a synopsis of the Department’s activities as possible. 

BUILDING DIVISION 

2013- 

Feb 

2012 

Ave/Mo 

2012 

Total 

2013 

YTD 

Total 

$ Value – 

2012 Total 

$ Value – 

2013 YTD 

Applications 

58 58 693 109 

Submitted 

Permits Issued 

New Dwellings 5 3 37 8 $28,684,000 $8,050,000 

House Demolitions 3 2 24 3 - - 

Residential 

Additions/Renovations 

Nonresidential 

Additions/Renovations 

New 

Commercial/Public 

Structures 

42 45 536 90 $21,457,034 $4,553,160 

7 2 36 13 $3,374,800 $2,355,000 

- - 1 - $306,672 - 

Totals 58 51 637 119 $53,822,506 $14,958,160 

Average 

$84,494 $125,670 

$Value/permit 

Inspections 

Building 107 80 965 152 

Electrical 61 68 819 138 

Gas & Plumbing 57 66 813 119 

Total 225 214 2,597 409 


The number of building permits received and issued is tracking closely with 2012 activity 

although the average dollar value per permit is significantly higher than the average for the full 

2012 calendar year. This appears to be due to the higher number of permits for new homes 

and the amount of nonresidential additions/renovations occurring in the community this year 

as compared to 2012. 

Building Permits Total $Value by Month 

$10,000,000 

$8,000,000 

$6,000,000 

$4,000,000 

$2,000,000 

$0 

Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 

2011 

2012 

2013 

REGULATORY BOARDS 

As expected, the activity of the Land Use Regulatory Boards is increasing and is tracking at 

comparable levels as in 2012. 

Historical Commission – There were two Historical Commission meetings in February 2013. 

The Building Commissioner worked closely with the Commission on several of the applications 

considered during February. 

Applications Cases Imposed Not Imposed 

Demolition Delay 2 - 2 

Cases Approvals Denials 

Partial Demolitions 2 2 - 

Cases Referred Not Referred 

Substantial Alterations 2 - 2 

TOTAL 6 

Historic Business District Commission (HBDC) – There was two HBDC meetings in February 

2013. Of note is the significant number of sign applications which came before the Commission 

in February. This seems to be consistent with past years and appears to reflect the movement 

of existing retail establishments within the community as well as the introduction of new 

businesses in anticipation of summer business activity. 

Applications Cases Approvals Denials Continued 

COAs 4 4 - - 

Signs 8 7 - 1 

TOTAL 12 

Planning Board – There were two Planning Board meetings in February 2013. 


Jan 

Feb 

Mar 

Apr 

May 

Jun 

Jul 

Aug 

Sept 

Oct 

Nov 

Dec 

Jan 

Feb 

Mar 

Apr 

May 

Jun 

Jul 

Aug 

Sept 

Oct 

Nov 

Dec 

Applications Cases Approvals Denials 

ANR Plans - - - 

Preliminary Subdivisions - - - 

Definitive Subdivisions - - - 

Site Plans – Pre-Applications 1 1 - 

Site Plans – Formal 1 1 - 

Site Plans – Amendment 2 2 - 

Special Permits - - - 

Endorsement of Plans - - - 

Bond Reduction/COC Issuance 1 1 - 

TOTAL 5 

The Planning Board dedicated a significant portion of its February 26 th meeting to reviewing the 

criteria set forth in the Protective Bylaw for the review of site plans. This was the first of 

several workshops the Board plans to have leading to the development of recommended bylaw 

amendments. 

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) – There were two ZBA meetings in February 2013. 

Applications Cases Approvals Denials Continued Withdrawals 

Special Permits 8 7 - 1 - 

Sign Permits 1 1 - - - 

Sign Appeals - - - - - 

Comp Permit - - - - - 

(40B) 

TOTAL 9 

One of the special permit applications before the ZBA in February was a modification of a 

previously issued special permit. On February 21,2013 Judge Sands of the MA Land Court ruled 

in favor of the complaint filed by Hallock and Deadrick appealing a special permit granted to 

Chandler regarding a single family dwelling at 24 Windmill Lane. Staff is reviewing this decision 

with legal counsel to assess the potential effect on future applications for the expansion or 

alteration of non-conforming dwellings. 

The following two tables provide a comparison of the 2012 and 2013 permitting activity of 

these four land use regulatory boards/commissions. 

2013 Land Use Permitting 

History 

2012 Land Use Permitting 

History 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

CHC 

HBDC 

PB 

ZBA 

20 

10 

0 

CHC 

HBDC 

PB 

ZBA 


PLANNING DIVISION 

Department Project Activity 

During the month of February 2013, staff worked on the following planning projects and 

assisted the following advisory committees with their activities: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Main Street / Route 28 Corridor Study (refer to the project specific monthly report for 

more information). 

The Committee for the Disabled met with the Building Commissioner to review Town 

projects and discuss ways of highlighting ADA issues through the Architectural Access 

Board regulations. The Committee has sent out letters to businesses holding Year-Round 

Liquor Licenses and will begin working with business owners to schedule site visits in 

order to review any potential ADA accessibility issues. The Committee will be preparing 

a report of their findings for BOS review. 

The Affordable Housing Committee is preparing for a March 26 th public hearing for the 

draft Housing Production Plan. Staff is also working with the chair of the Affordable 

Housing Committee to develop a public outreach plan to build support for the 

implementation actions included in the plan. 

Staff is supporting the Bikeways Committee’s planning and coordination efforts with the 

Harwich Bike Committee regarding shared responsibilities for the Old Colony Rail Trail. 

The Committee will be appointing a subgroup to focus on long range plan beginning in 

March. 

Staff continues to support the Economic Development Committee in its background 

research. The Committee is now turning its focus to preparing for an update to the 

Board of Selectmen on April 9 th . 

Staff met with representatives from FEMA to review upcoming changes to the FEMA 

Flood Insurance Rate Maps. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for March 

Inter-Departmental Projects 

Community Development Department staff was involved in the following town-wide projects in 

the month of February 2013: 

E-Permit Project: Ongoing project coordination with software vendor (Acella) and other pilot 

towns, additional analysis sessions were held to review Health and Building department record 

types, coordination between software vendor and Chatham IT Dept. on legacy data 

mapping/configuration. Health and Building Department staff continues to test software. Work 

on online payment configuration is ongoing. The Go-Live date for Chatham has been pushed 

back to July 1 st to allow for further user testing and configuration. This date will also align 

software licensing payments with the Town’s fiscal calendar. 

Sewer Connection Project: Ongoing work and coordination among IT, Health& Environment, 

Water, Sewer and DPW departments for the development of an automated system to track and 

manage pending sewer connections. The process will utilize existing software (Peopleforms) to 

allow for multi-departmental permit tracking and signoffs. 

Harbor Management Project: The Town submitted a joint DLTA grant request with the Towns 

of Dennis and Provincetown for $19,000. This funding is intended to offset the development 


cost of the Mooring Management software system. Grant applications are currently under 

review by the Cape Cod Commission. 

Miscellaneous GIS Projects: 

Master Address Database: Ongoing maintenance of Master Address Database involving 

research and data entry to locate/fix missing and erroneous street addresses. This work 

is closely coordinated among Police, Fire and Building departments. Staff from CD/IT 

and Police attended a regional meeting held by MassGIS to discuss state wide 

addressing standards. 

Senior Tax Work off Program: Assisted Conservation and Coastal Resources Depts. with 

developing their work off projects as they related to using PeopleForms software. 

FINANCE DEPARTMENT: Submitted by Alexandra H. Heilala 

The Town of Chatham Finance Department will listen carefully and completely to our customers 

request for service and view their needs with importance and responsiveness while using the 

opportunity to foster positive relationships. 

Accounting 

February was a busy month with the review of the FY2014 proposed budget by the Board of 

Selectmen and Finance Committee. We continue to update the budget as numbers are 

received from the Commonwealth for State Aid, and Monomoy Regional School District. 

The office continues processing payroll for all employees, maintaining the general ledger of the 

town as well as monitoring the current budget. 

The Accounting Clerk worked 19 business days and processed 750 invoices on two accounts 

payable warrants. There were 392 phone calls and 365 walk-in customers. 

In addition to discussing the financial state of the town as part of the Learning Series at the 

Eldredge Public Library, the Finance Director attended the following meetings in January: 

Board of Selectmen 4 

Finance Committee 4 

Community Preservation Committee 1 

Monomoy Finance Team 1 

Assessors 

Continue to meet with Grace Sandell, DOR and Paul Kapinos regarding FY2013 

Revaluation per timeline 

Review of Vision CAMA data conversion into PK 

Enter/update owner information into PK & Vadar 

Collect & review 3ABC tax forms, statutory exemption forms & Form of Lists for FY13 

Accept passport applications on a regular basis 

Continue reorganizing archives in 549 basement into old Annex filing cabinets; shred old 

confidential info 

Work with Clerks & Collectors for office coverage 

Process monthly MV & Boat excise abatements 

Answer taxpayer inquiries regarding when FY13 values will be available, RE abatement 

requests. 


Access RMV using remote communications 

Test GIS integration in CAMA system; test/commence using pk & MOL for certified 

abutters’ lists. 

Test pkValuation data export for Impact Statement mailing 

Treasurer/Collector 

Tax title letters were mail to 20 property owners on January 31, 2013. The outstanding tax due 

on the properties is $322,990 and including interest of $166,318 brings the total due to 

$489,309. Out of 20 foreclosure letters mailed: 

3 accounts have been paid in full, 

3 accts entered into payment plans, 

5 accts will be in contact with me by Mar. 15 th (deadline) to discuss payment plan 

amounts, 

8 accts have not contacted me yet, and 

1 certified letter was returned unclaimed and no other known address has been found 

yet. 

Total collected: $27,879.75 of which $15,219.01 was for taxes and $12,660.74 was for interest. 

This total does not include any payments made in the month of February for payment plans 

made prior to this mailing. 

Information Technology Services 

During the month of February, we continued to deploy upgraded desktops throughout many 

town departments and moved into the final stages of the E-Permitting software projects. 

Other specific areas we have been focusing on are; 

Currently we are on hold with the Exchange 2010 upgrade. We have run into a problem 

with the integration of Exchange 2010 and the current VOIP phone system. 

 

 

 

The final design of the network file sharing structure has been completed. We will begin 

the deployment in March. 

The go live date for the Acella permitting software has been moved to July 1 st . We 

believe this will allow the Town more time to develop the user’s accounts and training 

schedule. 

Met with Robert Duncanson and Jeff Colby to discuss the implementation of an asset 

tracking software. The timeline for deployment will developed in March. 

Over the next month the IT department will continue to review and enhance the Towns 

utilization of technology. 

FIRE RESCUE/EMS DEPARTMENT: Submitted by Chief Michael Ambriscoe 

Answering the Call, Making a Difference, Protection and Service through EXCELLENCE! 

The fire department responded to 265 emergency calls for service in the month of February. 

The ambulance transported 69 patients to the hospital and received 

$ 60,428.02 in revenue Fire inspections and permits generated $1,055.00 in revenue. Total 

fire department revenue received for February is $61,483.02. The fire department was 


awarded a grant in the amount of $4,600 to provide Student Awareness Fire Education to the 

school students in Chatham. 

Fire Suppression/Emergency Medical Service 

Emergency Incidents: 265 

Ambulance Transports: 69 

Ambulance Receipts: $60,428.02 

Firefighter Injury: 0 

Civilian Injury: 0 

Mutual Aid: Received: 0 Given: Harwich - 2 

Fire Prevention/Code Enforcement 

Smoke Detector/CO Inspections: 10 

Building Inspections: 20 

Plan Review: 24 

Oil Tank Removals: 8 

Oil Burner Inspections: 3 

Sprinkler Modifications/Disconnects: 35 

Sprinkler System Test: 1 

Permits: 14 

Marine Refueling Permits: 0 

Open Burning Permits: 24 

Fire Prevention Division revenue received: $1,055.00 

TOTAL FIRE DEPARTMENT REVENUE – February $61,483.02 

Training 

The department received a total of 209.5 hours of training in the month of February. 

Below is a table listing the types of monthly training for February. 

TYPE HOUR # FIREFIGHTERS TOTAL TRAINING 

HOURS 

Technical Rescue Team 

2 22 44 

Protocols 

Technical Rescue Team Drill 4 6 24 

Electrical Power Incidents 2 10 20 

Call Firefighter 4 2 8 

Ice Rescue Drill 6.5 7 45.5 

Rapid Intervention Team 16 1 16 

Fire Officer II 8 1 8 

OEMS- Medical Protocol 

2 22 44 

Changes 

TOTALS 44.5 209.5 

Public Education 


The elementary school students received a total of 10 hours of fire and life safety instructions 

from the fire department. 

HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT: Submitted by Dr. Robert Duncanson 

We are committed to maintaining the health and welfare of the citizens of Chatham while 

preserving, and enhancing where possible, Chatham’s unique natural environment within the 

confines of state and town regulations, codes, and policies and will endeavor to administer 

these rules in a fair and impartial manner. 

CONSERVATION DIVISION 

Conservation Commission / Regulatory Responsibilities 

The Conservation Commission held 4 meetings and 1 organized onsite. 

The following applications appeared on agendas in January. They may have been heard either 

as new or continued hearings, or may have been continued at the applicant’s request, or if new 

information was requested: 

Notices of Intent – 16 

Requests for Amendment – 7 

Requests for Determination of Applicability - 2 

Administrative Reviews - 17 

The ConCom issued with approval: 11- Orders of Conditions, 2 - Amended Order of 

Conditions, 12 - Administrative Reviews. 

This month the Commission dealt with several field changes requested by applicants on 

projects already permitted and underway. If minor, these changes were accepted. If significant 

and still within the scope of the original permit, the Commission allowed the filing of a request 

to Amend the Order of Conditions pursuant to MA DEP’s policy #85-4. 

New Applications received in the month of February 2013 compared to January 2012: 

APPLICATION 2013 2012 

Notice of Intent 3 6 

Request for 

Determination 1 2 

Request to Amend an 

Order 2 3 

Administrative 

Reviews 10 5 

TOTAL RECEIPTS $800.00 $2,507.50 


Comments to other Boards: 5 comment letters were provided to the Zoning Board of Appeals 

and/or the Planning Board. 

Violations: The Commission dealt with no violations this month. 

Subcommittee Work: One subcommittee meeting was held with contractors to discuss 

procedures of the Commission. Another meeting would be set in upcoming weeks to discuss 

specific details that will be provided in advance by the contractors group. 

Field Work and Administrative Work : Staff made numerous site visits to review proposed 

projects; inspected projects for compliance; conducted numerous site visits prior to work start 

or to review projects in progress; conducted inspections for Certificates of Compliance; 

followed up on violation matters which included attending Orleans District Court, writing 

violation letters, calling contractors; and met with applicants, contractors and representatives; 

reviewed all building permits prior to their issuance; issued comments to the Zoning Board of 

Appeals and to the Planning Board. 

Conservation Land Management 

Sylvan Gardens: Met with staff members of Community Development regarding parking area 

and trail access to the property. 

Training Field Triangle: Oversaw AmeriCorps trail maintenance at Training Field Triangle. 

Led walk around property. 

George Ryder Forest, Hill Conservation Area: Reviewed recently surveyed bounds of 

conservation properties and mailed letter to homeowner regarding encroachment onto Town 

Land. 

Wildfire Preparedness: Met with contractor regarding additional work at Town Forest. 

Stewardship: Met with Chatham Senior Tax Work Off Program Employee, to develop a work 

plan for the Stewardship Program. 

Videos: Met with Channel 18 staff and AmeriCorps Service Member to develop a plan for 

creating short videos about Conservation Properties. 

Public Outreach & Education 

Commission Chair DeeDee Holt writes a biweekly column for the Cape Cod Chronicle. 

 

Agent gave a presentation to the Chatham Garden Club on native and invasive plants 

Senior Tax Work Off Program: The Conservation Division is very pleased to have three 

participants who have begun projects under this program. One is working on a conservation 

land stewardship program and another will be assisting with public education materials and 

organizing a couple of workshops/lectures. A third will be assisting with upcoming recycling 

events. We are delighted that the town will benefit from their career skills and expertise to 

accomplish these projects. 


Land Bank Open Space Committee - LBOSC did not meet. 

SWAT – Solid Waste Advisory Taskforce: The Taskforce met twice a week in advance of the 

release of its report and presentation to the Selectmen on February 19 th . At the direction of 

the Selectmen, the next step is to hold one or two public forums. Next meeting of SWAT will be 

in late-March. 

Other Meetings - Staff attended the following meetings / workshops: 

Pleasant Bay Alliance Shoreline Workgroup 

 

Ecological Landscaping Conference 

Conservation Division Webpage 

Staff continues to work with Community Development on providing an interactive map for the 

website with information on town-owned conservation properties. Some trail maps are 

available online, others to come. Staff continues to update the conservation webpage as 

necessary and as time allows. 

ChathamRecycles 

Volunteer Paulette Fehlig continues to provide the biweekly ChathamRecycles column in the 

Cape Cod Chronicle and helps manage the website – www.ChathamRecycles.org 

The current list of recyclables in brochure form is now handed out with the transfer station 

stickers that list the recyclables and the fee schedule for other items that must be disposed of 

and diverted from SEMASS (mattresses, tires, construction debris, appliances, etc.). Recent 

changes include: 

Mixed Paper – no more separation of newspapers and magazines. Mixed paper bin is 

for newspaper, magazines, phonebooks, cereal boxes, paper bags, etc. 

Textile Bin – new added bin takes all things textile including single shoes, damaged 

clothing, linens, towels, rags, hats, belts, remnants, etc. Items do NOT need to be reusable, 

only clean and dry as they will be recycled in many ways. The town receives 

$100 per ton. American Red Cross and Salvation Army bins remain. 

Bulky, Rigid Plastics – a separate receptacle is now in place taking bulky plastics such as 

children’s toys, patio furniture, fish totes, etc. 

NEW! Food Composting Program – bring food compost to the Transfer Station. Accepting 

compostable food scraps (please no meat/bones/fat). Bins are located in the recycling area. 

Any questions, contact the Transfer Station. Food scraps are a significant part of our trash and 

much of it is compostable and can be diverted from the waste stream which saves the cost of 

trash disposal at SEMASS. 

ChathamRecycles blue recycle totes are for sale at the Transfer Station for $8 each and 

Compost Bins for a bargain price of $43 each. 

NEXT RECYCLING EVENT: 4 th Annual Book & Media Swap to be held Friday, March 22 and 

Saturday March 23 at the Town Annex, lower level. See posters, or the town’s website, or 


Channel 18, or the Chronicle, or ChathamRecycles website, or contact the conservation office 

for more information. 

HEALTH DIVISION 

The following items and activities occurred during the month of February 2013 by Health 

Department staff: 

Process applications for annual licenses and renewals for 2013. 

Issuing of Landfill, Recycling and Shellfish Licenses (Permit Dept.) 

Health Agent/Health Inspector: Annual and routine inspections/reinspections/complaint-based 

inspections. 

Health Agent: Emergency Preparedness; Meeting with Chatham Emergency 

Management, Captain Cauble regarding CEMP. 

Health Agent: Engineer conferences. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Health Agent: Review hearing applications and prepare staff reports for Board of Health. 

Health Agent/Health Inspector: Meetings with businesses regarding changes to permits 

and or location of operations; Chatham Cookie Company, Chatham Jam and Jelly Shop, 

Orpheum Café, and the Bistro. 

Health Agent & Secretary: Acella Training(s) for new regional permitting initiative. Office 

training and testing of future application process online. 

Health Agent: Solid Waste Advisory Task Force. Meetings and report preparations. 

Prepare meeting minutes. Presentation to Board of Selectmen 

Health Agent: Mandatory sewer connections, meeting with Departments involved to 

stream line permitting process via the use of People Forms. 

Health Agent: Sewer Bank final meeting, review of ongoing applications. 

Health Agent: Review of sewer connection applications. 

Health Agent/Health Inspector: follow-up with Food service establishments- post 

blizzard 

Health Agent/Health Inspector: prepare poster and additional information for 

Community Preservation Committee meeting re: walking path, Volunteer Park. 

Health Agent: Box Office Café, Documentation of violations and history of business 

prepared for BOH and Department review. 

BOARD OF HEALTH: 

Meetings: February 4 Staff: February 11-cancelled 

Hearings/discussions: 3 

PERMITS/LICENSES ISSUED: 

Disposal Works Construction/Plan reviews: 9 

Food Handlers: 5 

Test Holes: 4 

Real Estate Inspection Reports: 11 

Septic Installer License: 3 

Room Inspections: 1 

Tobacco Sale Permits: 1 

Stable Permits: 0 


Septage Hauler License: 2 

Rubbish Hauler License: 1 

Swimming Pool Permits: 2 

DWELLING SITE VISITS: 2 

FOOD SERVICE INSPECTIONS: 3 

MOTEL/LODGING INSPECTIONS: 1 

ROOM INSPECTIONS: 

28 BUILDINGS(CBI) 

PERC TESTS 4 

SEPTIC INSPECTIONS: 7 

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS COMMENTS: 6 

PLANNING BOARD COMMENTS: 2 

BUILDING DEPARTMENT PERMIT REVIEWS: 25 

BOARD OF SELECTMEN COMMENTS: 2 

COASTAL RESOURCES 

Project Planning/Coordination 

Old Mill Boat Yard Pier Reconfiguration- Subsurface borings taken and being analyzed. 

Met with our consulting engineers, State Dept of Conservation and Recreation 

(Waterways) and Seaport Advisory representatives to review overall scope of project. 

Request for Seaport grant funding for construction to be prepared/submitted in March. 

Emergency repairs completed on existing holes at base of the bulkhead. 

Town-Wide Dredge permit- Chapt 91 permit nearing completion and Water Quality 

Certification is completed. Checking on status of Corps permit. 

Cotchpinicut and Cow Yard Landings Hazard Mitigation Grant Projects- Final project 

accounting records being developed. Projects have performed well during the recent 

winter storms although the bank stabilization portion was severely damaged at Cow 

Yard. 

Ryder’s Cove/Marconi Park- No further action at this time pending possible initiation of 

design efforts (if funding identified) to refine cost and design details. 

Ryder’s Cove Ramp- Evaluating whether repairs should be initiated given other priority 

needs for limited available funding. 

Mitchell River Bridge- Final Section 106 consulting parties meeting held on February 12, 

2013. Comments from BOS have been sent to FHWA. Continued coordination of 

easements including appraisal efforts underway. 

Corps of Engineers Stage Harbor Dredge Disposal Study (Sect 204)- Draft analysis report 

of coastal processes and habitat benefits being reviewed by the Corps internally. 

Mill Creek/South Chatham Beach Nourishment- Still awaiting approval of the private 

permits for placement of sand along beaches in South Chatham. Project likely to be 

rescheduled for the fall of 2013. 

Battlefield Landing and road- Engineer finalizing draft design alternatives to address 

drainage issues, road layout improvements and dinghy storage. 

 

 

South Coastal Harbor Plan Committee- Draft update plan nearing completion. 

Linnell Lane Nourishment- No movement from private interests regarding the 

modification of their standing permits for nourishment along their beaches. 


Water Street East Access Stairs- Rough cost estimate for stairs has been prepared by 

engineer. Estimate has been presented to representatives of the Old Village Association 

to identify possible interest in private donations. 

Fish Pier Maintenance- Assessing various maintenance projects/issues at the Fish Pier. 

Painting contractor selected and various plumbing and electrical work underway. 

Engineer is preparing design specs and plans for rehabilitation of the steel fish hoists. 

Winter Storm Preparedness/Response 

Activated by Coastal Zone Management (CZM) and MEMA on two separate as 

Chatham’s Storm Team representative for pre and post storm damage assessment. 

Storm events of Feb blizzard (Feb 8-9) and Feb 22. 

Initiated aerial fly-overs to document coastal impacts/damage from recent storms. 

Provided cost estimates for submittal to FEMA for damages to town landings caused by 

the Feb blizzard event. 

Coordinating repairs to Strong Island landing, Cotchpinicut Lndg, Scatteree Lndg, Cow 

Yard and Fish Pier resulting from series of storms. 

Ongoing Administrative Activities 

Fish Pier Tide Gauge- Awaiting further information regarding options to maintain the 

existing National Ocean Service tide gauge at the Fish Pier. 

Pleasant Bay Summer Series- Working with the Pleasant Bay Alliance Coastal Processes 

work group to develop a colloquium series for the summer 2013. Also reviewing the 

draft 5 year update to the Pleasant Bay Resource Management Plan for approval at the 

annual town meeting. 

Fish Pier Leases- Lessee selected (Red’s Best). 

Overseeing a citizen under the senior tax incentive program assisting in record keeping 

and research effort regarding permits and licenses for shoreline structures. 

Monomoy Refuge- Met with USFWS staff to discuss ongoing development of the USFWS 

CCP for Monomoy. Briefed Sarah Peake on ongoing town interests/issues associated 

with Monomoy. 

Other Meetings 

Monthly Committee Meetings- Attended regular meeting of the North Beach Advisory 

Committee, South Coastal Harbor Plan Committee and the Pleasant Bay Alliance Coastal 

Processes Workgroup and Pleasant Bay Technical Resource Committee. 

Attended meeting with FEMA officials to review new/revised draft Flood Plain maps. 

SHELLFISH 

Persistent Nor’easter’s and frigid temperatures again limited the harvesting days for 

commercial shellfishermen throughout the month of February. The severity of the winds kept 

tide levels higher than normal in the harbors long after the storms moved past, creating less 

available harvesting areas and shorter tides to harvest. Landings for all species dropped for the 

month. 

Estimated wholesale values of commercial fleet: 


Soft-shelled clams: $ 32,200.00 

Quahogs: $ 7,600.00 

Mussels: $ 3,000.00 

Razor clams $ 18,500.00 

Staff covered all patrols, seven days a week. 

Department staff also: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Completed Massachusetts Shellfish Officer’s Association Constable Certification course 

held at MA Maritime Academy. 

Met with Woods Hole Oceanography Institute scientist Neel Aluru to discuss possible 

collaborative project: Effect of Nursery Rearing Environment on the Growth and Survival 

of Quahogs. Project proposal submitted to WHOI Sea Grant. 

Presented summer employment opportunity with the propagation program to 

Monomoy Regional School counselor for interested student 

Continued gear work, boat work 

Submitted request for upweller information for Old Mill Boat Yard Pier Reconfiguration 

Storm preparation 

AmeriCorps volunteer project: building new oyster float bags 

Begin developing PowerPoint presentation for three scheduled speaking engagements 

Replaced missing “no shellfishing” signs (storm related damage) 

Shellfish Advisory Committee 

Discussion on proposed dock for Capri Lane Association on Oyster Pond and impacts on 

shellfish and shellfish habitat 

 

Concluded discussion on new proposed razor clam fishery regulations. Recommended 

language submitted to Town Counsel for review 

WATER QUALITY LABORATORY 

 

 

Continued relocation/setup of laboratory facilities into new laboratory in wastewater 

treatment facility Operations Building 

Demobilization and winterization of equipment from 30 monitoring stations part of the 

Coastal Water Quality Nutrient Monitoring Program and Pleasant Bay Alliance Water 

Quality Monitoring Program. 

PERMIT OFFICE 

The Sticker (Permit) Office closed of the season in September 2012, the Office will re-open in 

spring 2013. Beach, Transfer Station, and Recycling stickers, and Shellfish licenses are available 

from the Health & Environment Department (upstairs at 261 George Ryder Rd) Monday to 

Friday from 9 AM to Noon and Monday to Thursday 2 PM to 4 PM (office is closed Friday 

afternoons). 2012-2013 applications are available on the town’s website at: 


http://www.chatham-ma.gov/Public_Documents/ChathamMA_Permits/index. 

During February the following stickers/permits were sold: 

New Recycle Sticker – 4 

New Combo Sticker (transfer station & beach) – 0 

New Transfer Station only Sticker – 9 

New Beach only sticker -0 

New Family Resident Shellfish (includes seniors) – 1 

New Family Non-Resident Shellfish - 1 

New Commercial Shellfish - 0 

Replacement Stickers (all types) – 11 

Total Revenue for January - $445 (through 2/26) 

WASTEWATER PROJECT 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wastewater Treatment Plant construction progress meeting(s) 

Multiple site visits to wastewater treatment plant construction site and pump station 

construction sites 

Filed U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau, Construction Project Report 

Updated wastewater project webpage on town website as needed 

Meeting with WPCF OPM Support consultant and Engineer on pending request for 

WPCF construction phase services and Change Orders 

Meeting with engineer to review remaining punchlist items for WPCF project 

Meeting with Town Counsel re possible claim from General Contractor 

Processed multiple contractor payment requisitions and Change Orders 

Ongoing dissemination of information on the Barnstable County Community Septic 

Management Loan Program, this program provides low interest loans for septic system 

replacement/upgrade and sewer connections. Information is available at: 

http://www.barnstablecountysepticloan.org/ 

TOWN/OTHER PROJECTS 

Director of H&E activities included the following areas, in addition to wastewater project 

activities above: 

Weekly Department Head meetings 

Bi-weekly Town Manager meetings 

Water & Sewer Advisory Committee meeting 

Staff meeting with Habitat for Humanity to discuss upcoming Chatham project 

Chaired Barnstable County Coastal Resources Committee meeting 

Chaired meeting of Pleasant Bay Resource Management Alliance Technical Resources 

Committee 

Participated in interviews with selected consultants for Iron/Manganese Removal 

Facility engineering/permitting project 

Board of Health meeting on Box Office Café 

Conservation Commission sub-committee meeting with local builders to discuss 

process/procedures 

Bridge St. Bridge Replacement Project consulting parties meeting with MassDOT 


Multiple meetings with SWAT (Solid Waste Advisory Task Force) to discuss/finalize 

report to BOS 

Staff meeting to discuss/plan for public forums in response to SWAT report 

On-site to review response to storm damage at Scatteree and Cowyard TL 

Meetings of Muddy Creek Restoration Bridge Project Team for 2 nd round of consultant 

interviews for engineering and permitting services 

Meeting of North Beach Advisory Committee to review proposed electronics tower as 

part of graduate project on North Beach Island (postponed to summer 2014 due to 

federal sequestration funding cutbacks)) 

Working meeting with Chatham and Cape Cod Commission staff on Rt. 28 build-out 

projections 

Staff meeting to review sewer applications 

Prepared memos to Water & Sewer Commissioners on sewer applications 

Participated in second session of workshop on Facilitating Difficult Situations 

Meeting with representatives of Seaport Council to review pending projects 

Work session on EPermitting with software vendor for beach, transfer stations, 

recycling, etc. stickers 

Staff meeting on permitting issues related to proposed move of cottage to North Beach 

Island 

Staff meeting on consolidating/coordinating printer services in Annex 

Staff meeting on coordination of permitting responsibilities between Health and 

TM/BOS offices 

Meeting with Fish & Wildlife Service staff regarding Monomoy Refuge Conservation Plan 

Coordinated ongoing environmental clean-up activities at Fire Station 

Prepared and submitted comments to Planning Board and DPW on pending projects 

Prepared and submitted monthly Department activities report 

Prepared and submitted Department Annual Report 

Attended Board of Selectmen meeting(s) on variety of topics 

HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT: Submitted by Gerry Panuczak 

Assimilate best practices to balance management, employees, and taxpayers points of view in 

the creation of that environment. 

Human Resources 

Recruiting activity was conducted for the Secretary DPW position. Seven candidates were 

interviewed of the seventy six applicants. Robin Young was chosen as the finalist, and she will 

start on March 18, 2013. Robin lives in Chatham and has significant experience in an office 

environment with an emphasis on bringing technology solutions to office processes. There was 

a significant weather event from February 8 through February 11 that required time and 

coordination of public safety, coastal resources, sheltering, and information resources. 

Chatham fared well through the event with minimal power outages, and sheltering needs. 

Coastal areas experienced significant erosion, and a coordinated effort among departments 

kept information available through channel 18, the Town website, and local media sources. The 

Cape Cod Municipal Health Group finalized benefits rates for fiscal 2014. Overall increases will 

be 5.5%, and made up of 6% on active plans and 0% on retiree plans. This modest increase, 

given healthcare trends at 10-12%, was possible due to the group’s ability to use $8,000,000 of 


fund balance to offset potential larger increases. These new rates will be communicated to 

employees and retirees in March/April in anticipation of the annual Health and Wellness Fair to 

be held in May. During February time was spent with preparations and analysis for Chatham 

Municipal Employees Association and Fire contract negotiations. 

Channel 18 

The channel 18 staff responded to the weather event by posting notices and running an 

informational crawl on the channel and live stream. An intermittent problem was discovered on 

the broadcast was causing interference. This problem was traced back to converter boxes in the 

studio. These are under warrantee, and will be replaced. Additionally, in tracing the problem, 

Comcast provided a new modulator at no expense to the Town, and reconfigured the signal 

such that our broadcast has been improved significantly in appearance. 

Council on Aging 

The Senior Tax Work-off program has nine participants placed, six requests in various stages of 

being fulfilled, two pending requests, and three slots still available for department requests. 

The gourmet Monday lunch program continued with lunch prepared by Heather Bailey at a cost 

of $7 per meal and has been funded through the end of the fiscal year. There have been recent 

grant approvals for $700 for Chronic Disease Self-Management, $500 for computer purchase, 

and $600 for a six week cooking course from Cape Consortium for At-risk Older Adults. The 

Board of Selectmen has accepted the Pastore Foundation donation to the Friends of COA for 

the purchase and installation of a generator for the Senior Center, and the bids are out. This 

time of year typically brings a significant number of outreach challenges, and this year is no 

exception. The needs have been in financial (housing, food, medication), employment, 

caregiving, memory loss, and transportation. 

Human Services Committee 

The Human Services Committee February meeting was cancelled due to the weather event. 

PARKS & RECREATION: Submitted by Dan Tobin 

Creating lasting memories and community through people, programs, parks and beaches with 

integrity and excellence. 

Below is a list of activities and some highlights that took place during the month of February 

2013 with the Chatham Parks and Recreation Department. 

Youth Services Programs: 

In February, we had a 5 th and 6 th grade party on the 1 st , with many in attendance. Cooking 

gained a couple new participants, and pottery started at the Creative Arts Center. Arts and 

Crafts, and floor hockey continue to be successful, while Wednesday group sports has 

not. Sewing will continue with a second installment with Kathy Doyle as our instructor. Hide 

and seek on February 18 and movie day on February 22 were also successful; while the 

Lazergate trip on the 21 st was not. We had a low enrollment for our Ragged Mt. trip, so it was 

cancelled and the Wachusett trip in March replaced it. Planning with Sheila House for 

upcoming combination events Boys and Girls Nights occurred. Our Father/Daughter dance 

planned for February 8 was cancelled due to snow; and is rescheduled for March 22. 


Youth Sports/programs: 

On Thursday, February 21 st we had a blood drive with CLAB from the Cape Cod Hospital. 

We host blood drives every 8 weeks. 

 

 

 

Planning for the Family Ski Trip to Wachusett Mountain 

2 nd annual Father/Daughter dance was supposed to be on February 8 th , but we had the 

blizzard. We have postponed it until Friday, March 22 nd . 

1 st session of programs came to an end (PTUSA, Tumbling, Arts & Crafts). 

Adult Programs: 

Adult Classes: 

• All Occasion Stamp-A-Stack Card Class – ongoing once per month 

Portrait and Still Life Class – Tuesday 

Mosaic Heart Class - Saturday 

Adult Recreation: 

Pickleball – Mon./ Wed./ Fri. morning 

Badminton – Tuesday/Thursday morning 

Indoor Recreational Tennis – Tuesday & Wednesday 

Age 18+ Basketball – Tuesday evening 

Floor Hockey – Thursday evening 

Adult Fitness: 

Senior Fit Class with Charlie Abate – Monday 

Totally Fit, Totally Fun – Mon./Wed./Fri. 

Yoga for All with Missy White – Mon./ Wed./ Fri. 

Kripalu Yoga with Jennifra Norton – Tuesday 

Beginner & Intermediate T’ai Chi – Tuesday 

Fix Your Back – MecaBack Class – Tuesday & Friday 

Yoga with Margaret Moore – Thursday 

Other Offerings: 

USCG Open Recreation – Mon./Wed./Fri. 

Mahjong – Wednesday & Thursday 

Other Duties: Front Desk – Wednesday 

Compile CCC News for monthly advertisement in The Chronicle 

Winter Planning including Course Announcements, news articles & registration forms 

ReCPro data entry for program registrations, memberships, & winter courses 

Ensure assigned space is clean & ready for adult programs 

Update Adult Recreation & Fitness monthly handout 

Update website documents 

Financial Reports/Turn-Ins to Helene 

Grounds Maintenance: 


Trash 3 days per week at all locations 

Overhaul and cleaning of all regular use small grounds maintenance machines 

Repaint of one utility trailer 

Repair and staining of picnic tables and park benches. 

Plowing with the Highway Department 

POLICE DEPARTMENT/HARBORMASTER DEPARTMENT: Submitted by Chief Mark Pawlina 

Providing Excellence in law enforcement and community policing services to our citizens through 

dedication, fairness and professionalism 

A review of crime statistics for the month showed no significant trend or pattern. There a few 

random thefts and break-ins, but most of them were amongst known parties to each other or 

family members. Domestic calls for service continue to be steady during the winter months, 

including the month of February. 

The three new police officers hired have completed all their pre-academy requirements and 

have been outfitted and equipped to start the five month police academy training sessions. 

These new officers will be available for full duty in late October 2013 after they complete their 

courses in Plymouth. 

Officers have been attending in-service training sessions and programs that have been set up 

with our regional law enforcement partners. In-service training continues to be non-funded and 

not supported by the state academies and the burden has fallen on the municipalities to find 

and pay for our own training. Officers will continue with in-service training sessions for at least 

another month. The department held its annual tactical training exercise at the school this year, 

conducting operations at the Middle School this time. The training includes various scenarios 

that require officers to respond, contain the threat and evacuate innocent persons. This 

training is in partnership with the schools to enhance our safety program within all of the new 

Monomoy School District. We continued to meet with school officials for improving school 

security during the month of February. 

CPD Crime Statistics – Month of January 2013 

0 Forcible Rape 

0 Forcible Fondling 

0 Kidnapping/Abduction 

0 Aggravated Assault 

4 Simple Assault 

1 Intimidation 

2 Burglary – B&E 

0 Shoplifting 

1 Theft from Building 

2 Other Larceny, Swindle, Stolen Property 

0 Credit Card/Automatic Teller Theft 

0 Statutory Rape 

2 Motor Vehicle Theft 

0 Counterfeiting/Forgery 


1 Destruction/Vandalism 

0 Disorderly Conduct 

1 Driving Under the Influence 

1 Drug/Narcotic Violations 

0 Bad Checks 

0 Liquor Law Violations 

0 Trespass Offense 

0 Drunkenness 

3 All Other Offenses 

4 Town By-Law, Traffic Arrests 

22 Total Crimes 

Motor Vehicle Accidents – Month of January 2013 

0 Major Property Damage Accident 

3 Minor Property Damage Accident 

0 Injuries 

3 Total Accidents 

CHATHAM HARBORMASTER DEPARTMENT 

PROFESSIONAL-COMPETENT-READY Committed to serving the maritime community in a fair and 

equitable manner to ensure the safe, environmentally friendly and lawful 

use of Chatham’s maritime resources and facilities. 

Operations: 

H-26 underway to tow disabled fishing vessel from the mooring to the dock. 

H-25B underway to rescue a stranded kite boarder on Monomoy Island. 

H-26 underway to retrieve a dinghy adrift in Chatham Harbor. 

H-26 underway to retrieve a 14’ skiff adrift in Chatham Harbor. 

H-26 underway to assist in righting a sunken skiff in Ryders Cove. 

Performed storm preparations in advance of winter storm “Nemo”. H-25B was removed 

from the water and secured on its trailer. Fish Pier buildings, docks and floats were 

secured. Additional storm lines were added to the H-26. 

Portable generator brought online to provide power to the Stage Harbor office and 

bathrooms during the storm. 

Conducted post “Nemo” cleanup. Trees, branches, a wooden walkway, four dinghies, 

sea weed and other debris were removed from the dinghy dock area at the Fish Pier. 

Water caused by storm surge, was removed from the fuel dispensers and the fuel valve 

pit in the parking lot at the Fish Pier. 

H-26 underway in Chatham Harbor to put two (2) flags and three (3) buoys back on 

station which were displaced during “Nemo”. Also replaced CH-1 buoy which was lost 

during the storm. 

H-25B underway to transport insurance adjuster to Adams camp on North Beach Island 

during demolition. 

H-25B underway to retrieve a buoy on the beach at Claflin Landing. 


Generator was transported to assist Sandwich Water Department during power loss. 

H-25B underway in the South Way to retrieve spar buoys displaced during “Nemo”. Five 

(5) spar buoys were hauled and brought ashore for maintenance. Three (3) additional 

spar buoys were placed back on station. 

Buoy retrieved from the shore at Little Mill Pond. 

Mitchell River Bridge openings – 0. 

Maintenance: 

Replaced the winch and safety chain on the H-25B trailer. 

Repaired flat tire and remounted on the H-25B trailer. 

Oversaw the completion of the Fish Pier lighting project. 

Continued with maintenance and repairs on H-25. 

Continued with maintenance and repairs to both fish lift frames. 

Continued with maintenance and repairs in the north packing bay at the Fish Pier. 

Administration: 

Continued processing of 2013 Waitlist and Mooring renewals. 

Answered numerous inquiries about the new break in South Beach. 

Office Manager logged 424 phone calls and office visits relating to mooring permits 

and waiting lists, transient mooring requests, pump outs, boat haul-outs, regulation 

compliance issues. 

Meetings/Training: 

02/12 – Asst. Harbormaster attended Aunt Lydias Cove Committee meeting. 

Upcoming Projects: 

Continue with maintenance and repairs on seasonal navigational buoys. 

Repair or replace fallen parking lot light pole at the Fish Pier. 

Continue with maintenance and repairs on H-25. 

Continue pursuit of adding Stage Harbor buildings and parking lot to the lighting 

conversion project. 

Continue with maintenance, repair and installation of both fish lift frames. 

Conduct training for all Chatham and Harwich Harbormaster Department personnel in 

the proper operation of the new closed loop boat wash trailer. 

Remove, repair or replace all bulkhead ladders in the north and south jogs at the Fish 

Pier. 

PRINCIPAL PROJECTS AND OPERATIONS: Submitted by Terry Whalen 

PRINCIPAL PROJECTS 

Department Project Activity - There was activity during the month of February 2013 on these 

Department projects: 

West Chatham Roadway Design Project – Continued Data Coordination/Public Participation Plan 

Development/MPO Coordination 

Collins Center Performance Management Grant - Coordination/Next Steps Meeting 


New Fire Station Headquarters Project – OPM, Designer, CPRC , Public, Staff, School District, 

Town Counsel and Relocation Study Coordination 

Phase I Solar Project – Project Status Monitoring with CVEC 

Phase II Solar Projects – Project Status Monitoring with FAA/CVEC 

Airport Commission – Support, research and meeting follow up including FAA safety audit 

conference call participation 

Energy Committee – Support and meeting follow up 

Inter-Departmental Projects/Other Support - Staff was also involved in other town-wide projects in the 

month of February 2013 as follows: 

Fish Pier Leases Request for Proposals (RFP) Review and Selection Team Follow Up 

Engineering Services for Water Treatment Facility Request for Qualifications (RFQ) Interviews 

Submission Package for Crowell Road PIF to MassDOT 

Route 28 Buildout Analysis Work session with the Cape Cod Commission 

Skateboard Park Alternative Site Reviews 

OPERATIONS 

Department activities related to Operations in February 2013 included: 

Police Department, Annex and Community Center Buildings – Continuing coordination of 

Preventative Maintenance (PM) activities and site issues review 

Coordination of multiple emergency responses/repairs and reporting of building damages 

associated with the “blizzard” 

Please see attached Facilities Crew report for maintenance activities for the month of February 

FACILITIES DEPARTMENT: Submitted by Chip Whalen 

To deliver thorough and timely service to citizens and staff in a courteous and professional 

manner. To maintain buildings in a clean, safe condition at all times. 

In addition to daily routine duties (building rounds, general monitoring, preventative 

maintenance inspections and responses), which had to be curtailed this month due to the 

frequency of significant storm events, the Facilities Crew also was worked on the following 

specific items: 

Snow removal and deicing activities at Town buildings for multiple storm events over 

the course of the month. 

Troubleshooting various building issues with HVAC, electrical, and plumbing companies 

as result of damage/impacts from the blizzard and subsequent wind/rain event. 

Resolved emergency generator malfunction at the Town Hall 

Responded to leaking fire suppression system at Town Hall and oversaw corrective 

actions and testing 

Investigated various roof/building leak reports associated with major wind/rain event 

and coordinated reviews/actions. 

Library wall repair construction/painting 

Storm preparation activities for multiple events this month. 

Responses to numerous alarm calls as a result of weather events over the course of the 

month. 

Assisted COA for setup and breakdown for several functions 

Coordinated with elevator company for Doc Keene Scout Hall 


DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS: Submitted by Jeff Colby 

Our focused effort is to provide rapid and friendly service responses that are inviting, helpful, 

and courteous to all who contact any employee of the DPW. 

Water Iron & Manganese Treatment Facility 

The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for designer services for the proposed Iron & Manganese 

removal facility have been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated. Three firms were selected for 

interviews that were held on February 1 st . A decision should be early in March on a selected 

design firm. 

Solid Waste Transfer Station Maintenance 

Maintenance projects are on-going in the off-season at the Transfer Station. Welding and 

electrical upgrades have continued in the solid waste building. During the first week of 

February, one of the large overhead doors was replaced. Other maintenance projects including 

container repair and painting will continue during the early spring. 

Winter Storm – February 8th & 9th 

On February 8 th & 9 th , Chatham experienced a significant winter storm. DPW crews and snow 

plow contractors worked around the clock to keep the roadways clear of downed trees and 

snow. Downed utility wires and electricity outages made storm response difficult. Clean-up of 

trees and storm debris continued throughout most of the month of February. 

Barn Hill Road sidewalk construction 

We are continuing to work with the utility companies to facilitate the moving of several utility 

poles that are still in the area of the planned sidewalk. During the late February Comcast was 

able to transfer most of their wires to the new utility poles. It is expected that the remaining 

utility wire transfers will be completed in March or early April. We expect to complete the 

paving of the sidewalk along Barn Hill Road in the spring of 2013. 

Barnstable County Procurement 

The Chatham DPW assisted the Barnstable County procurement staff in opening the roadway 

construction and material bids on February 14 th . The County construction and material 

contracts, which Chatham participates in, run from April 1, 2013 to March 30, 2014. 

Annual Reporting 

In mid-February, the Water Division completed the Annual Water Quality Report and prepared 

it for mailing to the water customers. This report is available electronically at www.chathamma.gov/annualwaterqualityreport. 

We are exploring the possibility of saving money by offering 

this annual report only electronically starting next year, unless a customer requests a paper 

copy. 

Solid Waste Disposal Options 

The Chatham Solid Waste Advisory Task Force held several meetings in February to complete 

the report and presentation to the Chatham Board of Selectman. A presentation to the Board 

of Selectman occurred on February 19 th . We are also continuing to work with the Cape Cod 


Commission on a regional approach to the future solid waste disposal options after the current 

SEMASS contract expires at the end of 2014. 

DPW Division Operations 

Attached are the reports from the Department of Public Works divisions consisting of the 

Water, Sewer, Solid Waste Transfer Station, and Highway Divisions. 

Listed below is an overview of the daily and monthly activities for February, 2013. 

January Water Pumpage: 

Monthly Maximum 

Total Day 

Minimum 

Day 

Average 

Day 

Estimated 

Other Use 

Previous 

Month 

14,800,600 

Gallons 

919,100 

Gallons 

331,200 

Gallons 

528,592 

Gallons 

744,732 

Gallons 

16,076,500 

Gallons 

The variance between February 2013 and February 2012’s pumpage shows a decrease of 4.7%, 

which equates to 734,600 gallons. Please note that 2012 was a leap year and February had 29 

days. 

Process 

Control 

328,746 

Gallons 

Flushing 

and 

Blowoffs 

259,300 

Gallons 

WWTP 

Usage 

0 

Gallons 

Total other uses 652,546 gallons. 

Municipal 

Usage 

24,875 

Gallons 

Chatham 

Fire 

Dept. 

34,625 

Gallons 

New 

Mains 

0 

Gallons 

For more specific breakdown of other water use, please see Pumpage Report. 

Fire Flow 

Tests 

0 

Gallons 

Water Sampling 

10 bacteria samples were taken for the month of February. All were free of bacteria. 

Station Maintenance 

Routine and annual maintenance and housekeeping was performed at all stations. 

Static and dynamic (drawdowns) water level readings were recorded for each well. 

All standby engines were run and recorded. 

Woodard and Curran repaired the SCADA computer upstairs at the DPW building. 

Utility Services installed a data logger at the 1.35 MG storage tank to determine the 

cause of the PAX mixer faulting. 

System Maintenance 

Leak detection is on-going. 

Dubis replaced the main to curb service for 159 Seaview Street. 

Compliance 


The 2012 Annual Statistical Report was sent electronically to the Department of 

Environmental Protection. 

Meter Activities 

Dig Safes New Final Turn Repair Replace Inspections 

on/off 

87 1 6 3 8 17 4 

Meter Reading 

Water meter readings were completed for the month of February. 

CHATHAM WATER POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITY 

Main Facilty 

Daily, weekly and monthly laboratory testing was performed. 

Bi-weekly and monthly samples were collected and sent to Rhode Island Analytical 

Laboratory for analysis. 

Daily, weekly and monthly O&M requirements were met and completed utilizing 

computerized maintenance program work orders. 

All portable emergency pumps, generators, blowers and compressors have been tested 

and exercised. 

All off-line equipment has been exercised. 

Representatives of TCS installed both the Highway and Water/Sewer Department 2-way 

radios in S-2. 

Representatives of both TCS and Woodard & Curran were here to troubleshoot the 

communication issue between Meadowview station and the WPCF. 

Hiller Fire Protection performed the semi-annual inspection/maintenance and testing on 

both the Sludge Processing and Process Building’s fire suppression systems. 

All Cape Spring installed rear helper springs on vehicle S-2 to aid in leveling and 

stabilizing the truck bed. 

Hach Co. performed their quarterly calibration on the process control instrumentation. 

Advance Imaging delivered and set up the new Sharp copier in the support room. 

Prior to the Blizzard of 2013 Noonan delivered 568 gallons of low sulfur diesel fuel for 

the emergency generators. 

Kelsey’s Auto Body replaced the driver’s side door hinges on S-1 which were damaged 

by the wind. 

We received two 36” Ariens snow blowers from J.L. Marshall & Sons. 

Milton CAT reset the parameters on the battery chargers which were incorrectly reading 

and falsely sending out alarms. This work was covered under warranty. 

Whiteley’s Plumbing attempted to repair a faulty toilet and sink located in the men’s 

bathroom. A new flushing mechanism has been ordered. 

Ritec/Sullivan Company changed out the faulty gas sensors located in the secondary 

clarifiers. 

JL Marshall installed three (3) bollards in front of the Septage Receiving Building’s 

Lakeside unit control cabinet. 

Monomoy Tree Service removed a tree that had fallen on the fence by the WPCF’s 


Middle Road entrance. We are in the process of obtaining quotes to have the damaged 

fence repaired. 

Overhead Door of Southeastern Massachusetts repaired truck bay # 3’s overhead door. 

Representatives of JL Marshall were on site performing various “punch list” items. 

Thermal imaging of the MCCs throughout the facility was performed by Annese Electric. 

We received 2,973 gallons of Methanol from Univar. 

Sludge Dewatering Building 

Performed sludge dewatering as needed. 

We disposed of the sludge cake at the Yarmouth W.W.T.F. 

Stage Harbor Road Pumping Station 

Daily inspections and checks of the station were performed. 



We performed weekly exercising of the emergency generator. 

Monomoy Fuel topped off the emergency generator diesel fuel. 

Monomoy Tree Service removed a fallen tree located behind the station. 

Verizon repaired the telephone line at the station that had become inoperative. 

Queen Anne Road Pumping Station 




We performed weekly exercising of the emergency generator. 

We de-ragged pump 2. 

Mill Pond Road Ejector Station 




C.H.O.P.S. Pumping Station 




Huckleberry Road Pumping Station 




George Ryder Road Pumping Station 





Lime Hill Road Pumping Station 




Meadowview Road Pumping Station 




We continue to experience issues with pump # 1 failing to run in automatic. We are 

working with representatives of GHD, Hayes Pump/Gorman Rupp and MECO to resolve 

the issue. 

Horeseshoe Lane Pumping Station 




Barn Hill Road Pumping Station 




National Grid responded to a possible natural gas leak at the pumping station. Upon 

arrival, they determined that it was not a leak. The cause of the odor appears to be with 

the station’s odor control unit. GHD, Meco and the unit’s manufacturer have been 

notified of the problem and are currently working to identify and resolve the issue. 

Collection Station and Forcemain 

Grease trap inspections for the month of February were performed and completed. 

Dig safe mark outs are up to date. 

As a precaution, we jet washed the Kate Gould Park sewer line. 

J.W. Dubis Co. temporarily repaired (plated and buried) a manhole located in the 

intersection of Old Harbor and Depot Roads that was damaged by a snow plow. Final 

repair will occur this spring. 

CHATHAM WATER POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITY 

MONTHLY REPORT 

February 2013 

INFLUENT 


Total Influent received for the month 

Total Septage received for the 

month 

Total Grease received for the month 

Combined flow received for the 

month* 

2,178,905 Gallons 

3,034 Gallons 

0 Gallons 

2,181,939 Gallons 

LOADING** 

Pounds of BOD received per day 713.9 

Pounds of BOD removed per day 704.7 

Pounds of TSS received per day 732.1 

Pounds of TSS removed per day 730.9 

FINAL EFFLUENT QUALITY** 

Total Suspended Solids 1.9 Permit 10 mg/l 99.8% Removal 

Biochemical Oxygen Demand 14.2 Permit 30 mg/l 98.1% Removal 

Nitrate Nitrogen 2.3 Permit 10 mg/l 

Total Nitrogen 3.4 Permit 10 mg/l 

Prepared by Michael B. Keller - Chief Wastewater Operator 

* This includes Septage and Grease flows 

** These numbers are monthly averages 

BRL = Below Reporting Limit 

HIGHWAY DIVISION 

 

 

 

 

 

Cleaned up and checked out all sanders and trucks. 3 men 22 hours 

Emptied all the sanders, greased and adjusted conveyer chains, Made small repairs to 

sanders and trucks. 2 men 26 hours. 

2-3-2013 Sanded Main roads, Schools and parking lots first sanding, Sanded Main and 

secondary roads, schools and parking lots. 4 Town sanders and 2 private contractor 

sanders. 27.5 hours town sanders and 11 hours 2 contract sanders 

2-5-2013 Sanded Main and secondary roads, Schools and parking lots.4 town sanders 

17.5 hours, 2 contract sanders 7 hours. 

Replaced broken fan and alternator belt on 1996 Chevrolet Kodiak dump truck, also 

fixed oil leak by replacing rusted out dip stick tube for engine oil on same truck. 1 man 

14 hours. 


Put new sweeper nozzle on Johnson sweeper, Also washed and waxed sweeper and 

John Deere mowing tractor. 

2-8-2013 Sanded Main roads, Schools and parking lots, Town sanders 12 hours, 2 

contract sanders 4 hours. 

2-8-2013 Called 14 private contractors for snow plowing at 8:00 PM, 271.5 hours snow 

plowing by private contractors. 3 Park Dept vehicles 68.5 hours plowing, 2 WPCF 

vehicles 43 hours plowing, 8 Highway Dept vehicles, 5 dump trucks 120 hours plowing 

and 3 one ton dump trucks 102 hours snow plowing, Sidewalk plow 32 hours plowing 

sidewalks and two persons from the Building Dept clearing the sidewalks at the 

Annex 12 hours clearing sidewalks. 

John Deere front end loader moved 27 trees out of roadway around town so roads 

could be plowed. Trees will be cut and picked up after storm. 1 man 26 hours. 

2-9-2013 Sanded after plowing Main, secondary, Schools, parking lots and dirt roads. 4 

town sanders 24 hours. 2 contract sanders 8 hours. 

Checked out and greased all trucks, sanders, sidewalk plow and loader. 2 men 16 hours 

Put ice melt and salt and sand were needed on sidewalks. 2 men 42 hours 

Cut up downed trees and chipped up limbs with wood chipper and picked up remaining 

wood and took to TW Nickerson 5 men 300 hours. 

2-12-2013 Sanded main roads, Schools, parking lots and touch up secondary roads. 

Town sanders 12 hours, private contractors 4 hours. 

Plowed airport runway 1 man 2.5 hours. 

2-13-2013 Spot sanding roads, 1 town sander 1.5 hours. 

Made repairs to TW Nickerson snow plow. 1 man 3 hours 

Made repairs to snowblower for Bobcat skidsteer loader 1 man 5 hours. 

2-14-2013 Sanded Main, secondary roads, Schools and parking lots. 4 town sanders 17.5 

hours, 2 private contractor sanders 7 hours. 

2-17-2013 Sanded Main, secondary roads and parking lots. Town sanders 21 hours, 2 

private contractor sanders 7 hours. 

2-17-2013 Called 13 private contractors for snow plowing at 10 AM. 109 hours plowing, 

3 Park Dept one ton dump trucks 28 hours plowing, WPCF 1 pickup truck and 1 one ton 

work truck 24 hours plowing, Highway Dept 6 wheel dump trucks 60 hours plowing, 

3one ton dump trucks 36 hours plowing, Sidewalk plow 23 hours, 2 employee’s from 

Building Dept clearing sidewalks at Annex 12 hours. 

2-17-2013 Sanded Main and secondary roads, Schools, parking lots after plowing, 4 

town sanders 17.5 hours sanding, 2 private contractor sanders 7 hours sanding. 

2 men maining sidewalks on Main Street and keeping crosswalks open to foot traffic 

along with keeping Main Street cleaned. 82 hours. 

Cleaned out all sanders and greased conveyor chains and rollers, Cleaned and checked 

out all trucks oil,water, lights,etc. 

2 men checking and patching pot holes, 80 hours ( lot of patching will be needed in the 

future) 

Continued cleanup from storm chipping brush and downed tree limbs, also removed 

tree stumps and took same to TW Nickerson 6 loads.3 men 32 hours. 

Checked and cleaned off all catch basin grates and drainage runoffs 4 men 128 hours. 


CHATHAM TRANSFER STATION 

MONTHLY RECYCLING REPORT 

COMMODITY MARKET TONNAGE HAULER REVENUE 

MONTH: Feb 2013 

TIN 0 

ANTIFREEZE 0 

OIL FILTERS 0 

BATTERIES 0 

PAINT 0 

TIRES BOBS 0 

WASTE OIL CYN 0 

CLEAR GLASS CRA 0 

MIXED GLASS CRA 0 

UNIVERSAL WASTE CRS 0 

#1 CLEAR PLASTIC 0 

#2 MIXED PLASTIC 0 

#1-7 MIXED PLASTIC AAA 2.74 t 

CARDBOARD AAA 5.19 t 

mixed paper AAA 17.68 t 

rigid plastic AAA 0 

textiles Baystate 0 

METAL PILE EXCEL 8.64 t 

WHITE GOODS EXCEL 0 

PROPANE TANKS RINDGE 0 

GOT BOOKS GB 3.51 t 

RED CROSS RC .89 t 

SALVATION ARMY SA .65 t 

PLANET AID PA .14 t 

DEMOLITION DANIELS 24.90 t 

CHAMP HOMES CH 2.27 t 

MATTRESSES 0 

COMPOST TP 0 

WOOD CHIPS TP 0 

TW 

BRUSH 

NICKERSON 44.46 t 


BOY SCOUTS BS 0 

C R T'S EXCEL 2.23 t 

NI CAD BATTERIES 

1 box 

MERCURY 0 

semass 10 loads 228.60 t 22.80 avg ton 

rolloff 

15 loads 

TOWN CLERK: Submitted by Julie Smith 

Neutrality - Impartiality - Trust: The Town Clerk’s Office upholds the integrity of the town’s 

democratic process by ensuring the town voters can rely upon impartiality and neutrality at our 

town meetings and elections. We strive for a well-informed public by maintaining and 

preserving the official town records consistent with the Town Charter, local, state, and federal 

laws, by providing equal and professional service to all. 

ANNUAL TOWN CENSUS: 

As required by law, the 2013 Annual Town Census has been delivered. If you have not received 

your census, please contact the Town Clerk, as we may have an incorrect mailing address. If you 

have received your census but have not yet returned it, please do so or you may encounter a 

delay at the polls. As of February 28 th , 471 residents had not returned their 2013 census – 

these residents will be receiving a 2 nd Census form in the mail. If you do not receive either 

census, blank 2013 census forms are located on the Town Clerk’s website and are also available 

at the Town Clerk’s Office. 

SPECIAL STATE PRIMARY NOMINATION PAPERS: 

Due to the resignation of Senator John F. Kerry, Massachusetts Town & City Clerks received 

nomination papers from candidates hoping to appear on the April 30 th Special State Primary 

Election ballot. The deadline for receipt was Wednesday, February 27 th by 5:00 p.m. The Town 

Clerk’s Office completed certification and nomination papers were returned to the Democrat 

and Republican campaigns for their transmittal to the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s 

Elections Division before their deadline of March 6 th . 

ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION: 

Nomination papers are still available for candidates interested in running for local office; the 

deadline to return to the Town Clerk’s Office is Thursday, March 28 th (by 5:00 pm). Candidates 

are required to submit 39 signatures, but we recommend that they submit 50 in the event that 

signatures are not legible or are not Chatham voters. The following seats are available: Board 

of Selectmen (2 Three-year terms), Housing Authority (1 Five-year term), and Monomoy 

Regional School Committee (1 Three-year term). The Annual Town Election will be held on 

Thursday, May 16 th from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Chatham Community Center (702 Main 

Street). 

VITAL RECORDS: 

We recorded the following number of Vital Records during the Month of February: 

3 - Birth Certificates 


2 - Intentions of Marriage 

0 - Marriage Certificates 

13 - Death Certificates 

VOTER REGISTRATION: 

We processed 8 new voter registration forms and removed 70 voters due to death or change of 

residence. The total number of registered voters at the close of February was: 5,524. Our total 

number of residents was: 6,203. 

DOG & CAT LICENSES: 

2013 Dog and Cat licenses are still currently available. The cost is $10.00 (non-neutered) or 

$6.00 (neutered). In the month of February we licensed 132 dogs and 32 cats. 

CASH RECEIPTS: 

The total amount collected and submitted to the Treasurer’s Office for the month of February 

was $2,256.00. 

* * * * * 

Should you have any questions regarding the forgoing, please contact Jill Goldsmith, Town 

Manager at 508.945.5105 or jgoldsmith@chatham-ma.gov. Please visit the Town’s website 

for more up to date information – www.chatham-ma.gov

Town of Chatham

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