MassVoter.com← Chatham Select BoardChatham Select Board · 2025–2026 Board · Meeting night
February 17, 2026
2 meetings this evening, 31 recorded votes in all, in the order they were held.
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Chatham Select Board · Special meeting
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
Attendance
Note on these minutes: Released minutes of a closed (executive) session about the Town Manager’s employment agreement, held the same night as the open-session meeting shown separately. The board later approved and released these minutes. Town Manager Jill Goldsmith left the session at 4:21 PM, before the votes on her contract.
Present: Dean Nicastro, Jeffrey Dykens, Stuart Smith, Shareen Davis, Cory Metters
Absent: None
6 recorded votes, 4 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Executive session
Enter executive session to discuss the Town Manager’s contract
To enter into executive session under MGL Ch. 30A, sec. 21(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel (Town Manager), with a return to open session
From the minutes
“Chair Nicastro made a motion to enter into executive session under MGL Ch. 30A, sec. 21(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel (Town Manager) and that the Chair declares that an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Town with a Return to Open Session. Second: Vice Chair Dykens Roll Call: Shareen Davis: yes Jeffrey Dykens: yes Cory Metters: yes Stuart Smith: yes Dean Nicastro: yes.” (Motion: Nicastro, second: Dykens)
Extend the Town Manager’s contract now, beyond its June 30, 2027 end date
To extend the Town Manager’s contract (beyond its current end date of June 30, 2027) at the present time
Yes: Davis, Dykens, NicastroNo: Metters, Smith
From the minutes
“a motion to extend the contract at the present time was made by Member Davis and seconded by Vice Chair Dykens, and voted upon by roll call with Chair Nicastro, Vice Chair Dykens and Member Davis in support and Clerk Smith and Member Metters opposed. The motion was approved 3-2..” (Motion: Davis, second: Dykens)
Extend the Town Manager’s contract from July 1, 2027 to June 30, 2031
To approve the extension of the Town Manager’s contract from July 1, 2027 to June 30, 2031
Yes: Davis, Dykens, NicastroNo: SmithAbstained: Metters
From the minutes
“Member Davis moved to approve; Vice Chair Dykens seconded. After some discussion the Board voted 3-1-1 by roll call to approve the contract s extension to 6/30/2031 with Chair Nicastro, Vice Chair Dykens and Member Davis in support; Clerk Smith opposed and Member Metters abstaining..” (Motion: Davis, second: Dykens)
Town Manager pay under the extension: 5% raise in the first year (July 2027) and 3% a year after that
To approve an increase of 5% in the first year of the new contract (7/1/2027 – 6/30/2028) and 3% increases per year thereafter (7/1/2028-6/30/2029; 7/1/2029-6/30/2030; 7/1/2030-6/30/2031)
Yes: Davis, Dykens, Metters, NicastroNo: Smith
From the minutes
“Vice Chair Dykens moved to approve an increase of 5% in the first year of the new contract (7/1/2027 – 6/30/2028) and 3% increases per year thereafter (7/1/2028-6/30/2029; 7/1/2029-6/30/2030; 7/1/2030-6/30/2031). Seconded by Member Davis. The Board voted 4-1 by roll call to approve the motion with Chair Nicastro; Vice Chair Dykens; Member Davis; and Member Metters in support and Clerk Smith opposed..” (Motion: Dykens, second: Davis)
Approve the Town Manager’s contract extension as a whole
To approve the Town Manager’s contract extension in its entirety
Yes: Davis, Dykens, NicastroNo: SmithAbstained: Metters
From the minutes
“Vice Chair Dykens moved to approve the contract extension in its entirety. Seconded by Member Davis. The Select Board voted 3-1-1 by roll call to approve the contract extension in its entirety with Chair Nicastro, Vice Chair Dykens, Member Davis in support; Clerk Smith opposed and Member Metters abstaining..” (Motion: Dykens, second: Davis)
Adjourn
To adjourn
From the minutes
“A motion to adjourn was made by Vice Chair Dykens, seconded by Member Davis and approved unanimously, by roll call, by the Board..” (Motion: Dykens, second: Davis)
Chatham Select Board · Regular meeting
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
Attendance
Present: Dean Nicastro, Jeffrey Dykens, Stuart Smith, Shareen Davis, Cory Metters
Absent: None
During the meeting:
- Jeffrey Dykens left before the meeting ended (“Mr. Dykens left the meeting”).
25 recorded votes, 4 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
I. Executive Session – MGL CH. 30A, §21(2) – To conduct strategy sessions in preparation
Enter executive session pursuant to MGL Ch. 30A, §21(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or...
To enter executive session pursuant to MGL Ch. 30A, §21(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel (Town Manager) and that the Chair declares that an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Town with a Return to Open Session
From the minutes
“Chair Nicastro made a motion to enter executive session pursuant to MGL Ch. 30A, §21(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel (Town Manager) and that the Chair declares that an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Town with a Return to Open Session. Second: Mr. Dykens Roll Call Shareen Davis: yes Jeffrey Dykens: yes Cory Metters: yes Stuart Smith: yes Dean Nicastro: yes.” (Motion: Nicastro, second: Dykens)
A. February 3, 2026
Approve the minutes of February 3, 2026 as amended
To approve the minutes as amended
From the minutes
“Mr. Metters made a motion to approve the minutes as amended. Second: Ms. Davis Roll Call Shareen Davis: yes Jeffrey Dykens: yes Cory Metters: yes Stuart Smith: yes Dean Nicastro: yes.” (Motion: Metters, second: Davis)
C. Consider Sales on Town Property; Fishing Vessel (F/V) Lilly Jean Fundraiser on
Approve the consent agenda, with a change in end time to 4:00 pm for item C
To approve the consent agenda, with a change in end time to 4:00 pm for item C
From the minutes
“Ms. Davis made a motion to approve the consent agenda, with a change in end time to 4:00 pm for item C. Second: Mr. Dykens Roll Call Shareen Davis: yes Jeffrey Dykens: yes Cory Metters: yes Stuart Smith: yes Dean Nicastro: yes.” (Motion: Davis, second: Dykens)
A. Consider Town Manager’s Administrative Order No. 6 Filing: Re-Establishment of
That the Administrative Order be indefinitely postponed
That the Administrative Order be indefinitely postponed
Yes: Metters, SmithNo: Davis, Dykens, Nicastro
From the minutes
“Clerk Smith made a motion that the Administrative Order be indefinitely postponed. Second: Mr. Metters It was asked that the motion be explained further regarding “indefinitely postponing”. Clerk Smith stated he should not have stated “indefinitely” and offered an amended motion. Clerk Smith amended his motion to delay the Administrative Order pending further study. Second: Mr. Metters 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)
B. Finance Committee Preliminary FY2027 Budget Recommendations
Invoke the rule of necessity
To invoke the rule of necessity
From the minutes
“Ms. Davis made a motion to invoke the rule of necessity. Second: Cory Metters Roll Call Shareen Davis: yes Jeffrey Dykens: yes Cory Metters: yes Stuart Smith: yes Dean Nicastro: yes.” (Motion: Davis, second: Metters)
Place the fix salaries as amended on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant
To place the fix salaries as amended on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant
From the minutes
“Ms. Davis made a motion to place the fix salaries as amended on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant. Second: Mr. Dykens Roll Call Shareen Davis: yes Jeffrey Dykens: yes Cory Metters: yes Stuart Smith: yes Dean Nicastro: yes.” (Motion: Davis, second: Dykens)
Recommend the article (Finance Committee Preliminary FY2027 Budget Recommendations)
To recommend the article
From the minutes
“Ms. Davis made a motion to recommend the article. Second: Mr. Dykens Roll Call Shareen Davis: yes Jeffrey Dykens: yes Cory Metters: yes Stuart Smith: yes Dean Nicastro: yes.” (Motion: Davis, second: Dykens)
1. Childcare Voucher Program Article
Place the article on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant (Childcare Voucher Program Article)
To place the article on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant
From the minutes
“Mr. Dykens made a motion to place the article on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant. Second: Ms. Davis Roll Call Shareen Davis: yes Jeffrey Dykens: yes Cory Metters: yes Stuart Smith: yes Dean Nicastro: yes.” (Motion: Dykens, second: Davis)
Recommend the article (Childcare Voucher Program Article)
To recommend the article
From the minutes
“Mr. Dykens made a motion to recommend the article. Second: Ms. Davis Roll Call Shareen Davis: yes Jeffrey Dykens: yes Cory Metters: yes Stuart Smith: yes Dean Nicastro: yes.” (Motion: Dykens, second: Davis)
G. Discussion on the reported August 19/20 Power Surge and Consideration of Letter
Authorize the Chair and Town Manager and staff and Chair Wirtshafter to draft a letter to Eversource as discussed
To authorize the Chair and Town Manager and staff and Chair Wirtshafter to draft a letter to Eversource as discussed
From the minutes
“Mr. Dykens made a motion to authorize the Chair and Town Manager and staff and Chair Wirtshafter to draft a letter to Eversource as discussed. Second: Mr. Smith Roll Call Shareen Davis: yes Jeffrey Dykens: yes Cory Metters: yes Stuart Smith: yes Dean Nicastro: yes.” (Motion: Dykens, second: Smith)
i. Floor Treatment Replacements Municipal Buildings (Community Center,
Place the article on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant (Floor Treatment Replacements Municipal Buildings (Community Center,)
To place the article on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant
From the minutes
“Mr. Dykens made a motion to place the article on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant. Second: Ms. Davis Roll Call Shareen Davis: yes Jeffrey Dykens: yes Cory Metters: yes Stuart Smith: yes Dean Nicastro: yes.” (Motion: Dykens, second: Davis)
Recommend the article (Floor Treatment Replacements Municipal Buildings (Community Center,)
To recommend the article
From the minutes
“Mr. Dykens made a motion to recommend the article. Second: Mr. Metters Roll Call Shareen Davis: yes Jeffrey Dykens: yes Cory Metters: yes Stuart Smith: yes Dean Nicastro: yes.” (Motion: Dykens, second: Metters)
ii. PEG (Public/Education/Government) Cable Access Fund
Place the article on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant (PEG (Public/Education/Government) Cable Access Fund)
To place the article on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant
From the minutes
“Mr. Dykens made a motion to place the article on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant. Second: Ms. Davis Roll Call Shareen Davis: yes Jeffrey Dykens: yes Cory Metters: yes Stuart Smith: yes Dean Nicastro: yes.” (Motion: Dykens, second: Davis)
Recommend the article (PEG (Public/Education/Government) Cable Access Fund)
To recommend the article
From the minutes
“Mr. Dykens made a motion to recommend the article. Second: Ms. Davis Roll Call Shareen Davis: yes Jeffrey Dykens: yes Cory Metters: yes Stuart Smith: yes Dean Nicastro: yes.” (Motion: Dykens, second: Davis)
iii. Stabilization Trust Fund Appropriation
Place the article on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant (Stabilization Trust Fund Appropriation)
To place the article on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant
From the minutes
“Mr. Dykens made a motion to place the article on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant. Second: Mr. Metters Roll Call Shareen Davis: yes Jeffrey Dykens: yes Cory Metters: yes Stuart Smith: yes Dean Nicastro: yes.” (Motion: Dykens, second: Metters)
Recommend the article (Stabilization Trust Fund Appropriation)
To recommend the article
From the minutes
“Mr. Dykens made a motion to recommend the article. Second: Mr. Metters Roll Call Shareen Davis: yes Jeffrey Dykens: yes Cory Metters: yes Stuart Smith: yes Dean Nicastro: yes.” (Motion: Dykens, second: Metters)
iv. Expendable Trust Fund for Retirement
Place the article on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant (Expendable Trust Fund for Retirement)
To place the article on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant
From the minutes
“Mr. Dykens made a motion to place the article on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant. Second: Ms. Davis Roll Call Shareen Davis: yes Jeffrey Dykens: yes Cory Metters: yes Stuart Smith: yes Dean Nicastro: yes.” (Motion: Dykens, second: Davis)
Recommend the article (Expendable Trust Fund for Retirement)
To recommend the article
From the minutes
“Mr. Dykens made a motion to recommend the article. Second: Ms. Davis Roll Call Shareen Davis: yes Jeffrey Dykens: yes Cory Metters: yes Stuart Smith: yes Dean Nicastro: yes.” (Motion: Dykens, second: Davis)
v. Grant Match Fund (NEW)
Place the article on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant (Grant Match Fund (NEW))
To place the article on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant
From the minutes
“Mr. Dykens made a motion to place the article on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant. Second: Mr. Smith Roll Call Shareen Davis: yes Jeffrey Dykens: yes Cory Metters: yes Stuart Smith: yes Dean Nicastro: yes.” (Motion: Dykens, second: Smith)
Recommend the article (Grant Match Fund (NEW))
To recommend the article
From the minutes
“Mr. Dykens made a motion to recommend the article. Second: Ms. Davis Roll Call Shareen Davis: yes Jeffrey Dykens: yes Cory Metters: yes Stuart Smith: yes Dean Nicastro: yes.” (Motion: Dykens, second: Davis)
Place the article on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant (Grant Match Fund (NEW))
To place the article on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant
From the minutes
“Ms. Davis made a motion to place the article on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant. Second: Mr. Smith Roll Call Shareen Davis: yes Jeffrey Dykens: yes Cory Metters: yes Stuart Smith: yes Dean Nicastro: yes.” (Motion: Davis, second: Smith)
Recommend the article (Grant Match Fund (NEW))
To recommend the article
From the minutes
“Ms. Davis made a motion to recommend the article. Second: Mr. Dykens Roll Call Shareen Davis: yes Jeffrey Dykens: yes Cory Metters: yes Stuart Smith: yes Dean Nicastro: yes.” (Motion: Davis, second: Dykens)
F. Lease-to-Locals Program (Select Board Agenda Item Request by Member S. Davis,
Endorse the program and fund through the Attainable Housing Trust Fund as recommended and to instruct Town staff to draft an article for placement and recommendation by the Select Board
To endorse the program and fund through the Attainable Housing Trust Fund as recommended and to instruct Town staff to draft an article for placement and recommendation by the Select Board
Jeffrey Dykens had left the meeting (“Mr. Dykens left the meeting”).
From the minutes
“Mr. Smith made a motion to endorse the program and fund through the Attainable Housing Trust Fund as recommended and to instruct Town staff to draft an article for placement and recommendation by the Select Board. Second: Ms. Davis Roll Call Shareen Davis: yes Cory Metters: yes Stuart Smith: yes Dean Nicastro: yes.” (Motion: Smith, second: Davis)
G. Chatham Homeownership Opportunity Program (CHOP) House Deed Restrictions
Conduct a survey to assess the inventory and homeowner interest in a program as discussed
To conduct a survey to assess the inventory and homeowner interest in a program as discussed
Jeffrey Dykens had left the meeting (“Mr. Dykens left the meeting”).
From the minutes
“Ms. Davis made a motion to conduct a survey to assess the inventory and homeowner interest in a program as discussed. Second: Mr. Smith Roll Call Shareen Davis: yes Cory Metters: yes Stuart Smith: yes Dean Nicastro: yes.” (Motion: Davis, second: Smith)
Adjourn
To adjourn
Jeffrey Dykens had left the meeting (“Mr. Dykens left the meeting”).
From the minutes
“Ms. Davis made a motion to adjourn. Second : Mr. Smith Roll Call Shareen Davis: yes Cory Metters: yes Stuart Smith: yes Dean Nicastro: yes.” (Motion: Davis, second: Smith)
From the Chatham Select Board’s official minutes on mytowngovernment.org, where the town posts them. We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: Town of Chatham (town website, Select Board Members).
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