February 10, 2020

“Mr. Ford moved to approve items A - G listed above. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Ms. Lisa Whalen, said that she just wanted to introduce herself and say hello. She said that she had Dancing Spoons on Parallel Street several years back, but has continued her business catering, and has recently purchased a food truck. The food truck will be at the Tech School during construction and would also like to participate at the Cranberry Festival and other activities in Town. Mr. MacAskill said that he would like to thank Taylor Mills and Gabriella Parker, for their service to the Town. All in favor, motion carried by unanimous vote.” (Motion: Ford, second: MacAskill)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

“Mr. McManus moved that they approve the request from the Harwich Cemetery Commission that the Island Pond Arboretum be named the James Marceline Arboretum at Island Pond. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. All in favor, motion carried by unanimous vote.” (Motion: McManus, second: MacAskill)

Read it in the official minutes, page 14 (PDF)

“Mr. Howell moved to designate Joseph F. Powers as temporary Town . Administrator for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. All in favor, motion carried by unanimous vote.” (Motion: Howell, second: MacAskill)

Read it in the official minutes, page 15 (PDF)

“Mr. Howell moved that they increase the timeline for mandatory connection to the municipal sewer from one year to two years and contingent upon legal counsel, or concurrence that the agreement affords for that. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Mr. McManus said that he is happy to vote to approve both of these, but asked if they are in the jurisdiction of the Board of Health solely, and they are just sort of icing on the cake? Mr. Ballantine said no, it is their responsibility, as Wastewater Commissioners. He said that the Board of Health made the recommendation to them, and they are the enforcement body to move ahead. Mr. Howell said that there is concern over the budget presentation and he is thankful that this is a message that they are sending back to the public, that they are listening. He said also there is a lot of fear about what people are going to be pushed into and how quickly. He said it is important for them to vote this, so people understand that they hear them and going to give them as much time as they can, and they are also going to try and cut the cost. All in favor, motion carried by unanimous vote.” (Motion: Howell, second: MacAskill)

Read it in the official minutes, page 15 (PDF)

“Mr. Howell moved that they support the recommendation of the Board of Health to include registered sanitarians as designers for sewer connections that are proposed of discharge of less than 2,000 gallons per day, assuming they get confirmation from legal counsel that is consistent with the IMA. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Mr. Howell said that this is not only a lot cheaper than having an engineer, but in his view, there is no downside for Chatham. He said that there is not a single pipe that this would affect, that Chatham owns. The risk is to the Town of Harwich, and assuming there is not risk. He said that it is a question of trying to give a break to the homeowners who have to hook up to these lines, and there are a lot of sanitarians that are real professionals and know exactly what to do. Mr. McManus said that is something he recommended for quite some time, and requiring an engineer in his mind just added an extra cost. He said that he is not entirely conversant with what the training of sanitarians are, but quite honestly the waste lines inside of a house are designed and installed by a plumber, and he does not see the need for a more expensive class of people, other than a plumber, to install. All in favor, motion carried by unanimous vote.” (Motion: Howell, second: MacAskill)

Read it in the official minutes, page 16 (PDF)

“Mr. MacAskill moved that they approve Chapter 90 Project - Drainage Installation at Various Locations, in the amount of $165,500. Seconded by Mr. McManus. All in favor, motion carried by unanimous vote.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: McManus)

Read it in the official minutes, page 17 (PDF)