SUMMER RESIDENTS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Chatham, Massachusetts
Minutes of Non-Meeting of July 20, 2007
Present: Don Edge, Nell Pinckert, Roy Sheldon, Arnold Trebach.
Also present: The Honorable Douglas Bohman
It was noted that since only four members of the committee were present, a quorum was lacking. The group recognized that fact and decided to discuss certain matters of interest. No votes were taken. The informal discussion started at 9:07 under the leadership of Don Edge. There were five people in the audience.
1. Nell explained that she had made some inquiries into the parking situation and it appears that individual parking spaces will not be marked this time.
2. There was a brief discussion of the observation that Chatham’s power lines are eyesores in an otherwise lovely streetscape.
3. Ted Keon, Director, Coastal Resources, then set up maps and provided a review of the situation regarding the breach and the new inlet in North Beach. He explained that the breach in April was caused by a big Nor’easter storm that stayed in the area for several days, which was somewhat unusual. It was not expected that the breach would stay open, but it has – and presents the possibility of creating severe damage to the coasts and waterways in this area. It is possible, Keon explained, that the sand could build up and block access to the harbor for the fishing fleet. However, there is a good deal of disagreement as to what approach to take to deal with this new situation. He is of the opinion that 4.1 million dollars should be made available by a warrant at the July 31
special town meeting so as to hire a New York firm with a big dredge that would allow major dredging. In addition, he will propose a second possible warrant to provide $150,000 to hire a firm to study the likely impact of the breach on all public and private coastal properties.
Mr. Keon observed that the overwhelming sentiment in the town now is to do nothing. Leave it alone and let nature take its course, at least for the time being. He said he was going ahead with his proposals nonetheless.
4. Don discussed the upcoming summer residents meeting on August 7. He explained that there was still some question as to whether there would be effective air conditioning. He also said that the dress code for committee members would be sports jackets and polo shirts, with the understanding that if it is too warm of course the jackets could be removed.
No air conditioning, no coats.
5. Don also asked Nell if she would mind taking responsibility for refreshments at the August 7 event. She agreed to do so, with the understanding that as in the past the other members would be ready to help move items from her car and also to help set up the refreshments on the tables.
The meeting ended at 10:24
Respectfully submitted,
Arnold Trebach
Recording Secretary
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