December 2, 2025

“Clerk Smith made a motion asking the Town Manager to develop an alternative to the regional sheltering plan in the eventuality that the regional sheltering plan fails to open or fails to meet the needs of our constituency. Second: Mr. Metters Some members of the Board stated that the Town needs to not just identify a facility but also identify any additional needs for those locations. It was stated that the motion was deliberately broad so the operational folks can develop whatever plan for an alternative sheltering option. Some members of the Board discussed the potential duplication of a regional shelter and any impacts to the Town by doing so. The Town has adopted the regional shelter plan and the contingency plans are the result of different brainstorming and tabletop exercises. No other towns on Cape have a secondary shelter to the knowledge of Chief Tavano. He also stated that the failure of the regional shelter was due to a generator and the specific storm referenced affected generators across the area. Tabletop exercises have been done at Cape Cod Regional Technical High School multiple times since it has opened following the renovations. The Chair expressed support of the Fire Chief and Police Chief and the current Emergency Management Plan, which was also the recommendation of Chief Tavano’s predecessor. It’s understood in the recommendation that the Emergency Management Division is always undertaking continuous evaluation, improvement, and adjustment of the plan, allowing for the concerns discussed by the Board to be incorporated. The Chair opened the item to public comment. There was no public comment at this time. The Chair called for a vote on the current motion. Roll Call Shareen Davis: no Jeffrey Dykens: no Cory Metters: yes Stuart Smith: yes Dean Nicastro: no The motion failed in a vote of 2-3-0.” (Motion: Smith, second: Metters)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

“Mr. Nicastro made a motion that the Board endorse the Fire Chief’s recommendation that Chatham should maintain the capability to open emergency personal care sites locally for short-term community needs. For larger or prolonged events requiring overnight accommodation, the Town should collaborate with regional partners to activate the regional sheltering plan. The Town should continue public education and information efforts to ensure residents understand the difference between a Personal Care Site and a Regional Shelter. Second: Mr. Dykens Roll Call Shareen Davis: yes Jeffrey Dykens: yes Cory Metters: yes Stuart Smith: abstain Dean Nicastro: yes The motion passed in a vote of 4-0-1.” (Motion: Nicastro, second: Dykens)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)