Meetings are being held in person. Go to eastham-ma.gov/calendar-by-event-type/16 and click on the meeting you are interested in to learn about meeting locations and any remote options that may be offered.
Monday, July 26
- Eastham 400 Commemoration Committee, 10:30 a.m.
- Visitors’ Tourism and Promotion Services Board, 3:30 p.m.
- Select Board, 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 27
- Conservation Commission, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, July 28
- Open Space Committee, 3 p.m.
Thursday, July 29
- Board of Health, 3 p.m.
Conversation Starters
Porta-Potties Need to Move
The conservation commission at its July 13 meeting approved the installation of water bottle filling stations at First Encounter Beach and the Route 6 visitor information booth with one condition: the beach’s porta-potties should be moved away from the proposed location for the water bottle filling station.
Procurement Director Shana Brogan presented the commission with the proposal and noted that, while installing the water system closer to the bathhouse had been considered, the preferred option was closer to the parking area.
“Next to the port-a-johns,” pointed out commission member Tom Durkin.
“Yes,” replied Brogan.
“Oh, that’s nice,” said Durkin, his reply drawing laughter.
“There are very limited options there,” said Brogan.
The town water line is located near the porta-johns in the beach parking lot. The bathhouse has a well and is not yet connected to the town water system, said Brogan.
“The location closer to the porta-potties is flat and paved, so it’s a much better location for people with disabilities to access rather than trying to get up that sandy slope,” said commission member Karen Strauss.
Commission member Chuck Wagner shared Durkin’s concern over the water bottle filling station’s proximity to the porta-potties. The stations will have water fountain attachments and dog bowls.
“I kind of agree with Tom,” said Wagner. “I’m only thinking that some people may decide that now that they’re done with the porta-john, it’s time to go on over to the water fountain and wash their hands.”
“That did not cross my mind,” Brogan replied.
“It’s a big parking lot and the porta-john can be just about anywhere,” said Wagner. “It makes sense to put the water dispenser where the water line is and move the potty system away from it a little bit.”
The water filling stations are expected to be installed in late summer or early fall. —Linda Culhane