MassVoter.com← Harwich Select BoardHarwich Select Board · 2019–2020 Board · Regular meeting
May 18, 2020
5 recorded votes, 2 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
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Attendance
Present: Larry Ballantine, Stephen Ford, Donald Howell, Michael MacAskill, Edward McManus
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
MacAskill requested that they bring this back towards the end of the meeting, so that they can keep the agenda going now
MacAskill requested that they bring this back towards the end of the meeting, so that they can keep the agenda going now
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“MacAskill requested that they bring this back towards the end of the meeting, so that they can keep the agenda going now. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Howell - Aye, Mr. MacAskill - Aye , Mr. Ford - Aye, Mr. McManus - Aye. Mr. Ballantine - Aye. Motion carried by unanimous vote.”
Appoint Deputy Fire Chief David J. LeBlanc as Fire Chief effective upon the retirement of current Fire Chief Norman Clarke contingent upon the successful negotiations for contract
To appoint Deputy Fire Chief David J. LeBlanc as Fire Chief effective upon the retirement of current Fire Chief Norman Clarke contingent upon the successful negotiations for contract
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell made a motion to appoint Deputy Fire Chief David J. LeBlanc as Fire Chief effective upon the retirement of current Fire Chief Norman Clarke contingent upon the successful negotiations for contract. Mr. MacAskill seconded. Chief Clarke commented that after a long career, he has also learned from the best of the best. He assured them that with this appointment, they will leave the Harwich Fire Department, and the Town of Harwich, in very very good hands. He is very proud of Deputy Fire Chief LeBlanc. He is a great man, a great friend and a true professional. Mr. Howell said that he wanted to comment about the initial rumblings in the public, on nepotism, and he wanted to just take that head on. This department has a culture of accountability. Whenever they have any fiscal problems, the fire department is among the best departments and the most cooperative to save the town money. They do things the right way. Mr. Howell said that if they don't wind up rewarding people in the town, they will wind up with a morale problem. This reflects the merit that Deputy Fire Chief LeBlanc has shown as the next man up, not just because he is the next man up. Mr. MacAskill said he wanted to congratulate Deputy Fire Chief LeBlanc. He has worked for it and has looked forward to this goal. He also explained that the board got a letter about six months ago, from a resident. It was about the automatic reappointments, and that it is a practice that the town should not be involved in. He does not believe that the board ever took that up. Though he does believe that Chief Clarke has done a great job, as well as the previous Chiefs before him, in mentoring and bringing these employees up. Deputy Fire Chief LeBlanc has earned this spot. He does a lot for the town outside of the Fire Department, and that is recognized. Mr. Ford thanked Deputy Fire Chief LeBlanc for the letter that he sent to the board, highlighting his reasons for being so committed and wanting this position. He also, thanked Chief Clarke for his recommendation of Deputy Fire Chief LeBlanc. His own experience has been superb with Deputy Fire Chief LeBlanc and he is happy to support him. They are in a difficult time for the Town and the Fire Department, which is even more reason to choose someone who has such deep knowledge of the department. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Howell - Aye, Mr. MacAskill - Aye, Mr. Ford - Aye, Mr. McManus - Aye, Mr. Ballantine - Aye. Motion carried by unanimous vote.” (Motion: Howell, second: MacAskill)
Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Commonwealth of MA Dredging Program Grant award to the Town of Harwich for $36,000.00
To approve and authorize the Chair to sign Commonwealth of MA Dredging Program Grant award to the Town of Harwich for $36,000.00
The minutes give the result as 4-1, but the roll call reads: Donald Howell yes, Michael MacAskill yes, Stephen Ford yes, Larry Ballantine yes. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to approve and authorize the Chair to sign Commonwealth of MA Dredging Program Grant award to the Town of Harwich for $36,000.00. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Howell - Aye, Mr. MacAskill - Aye, Mr. Ford - Aye, Mr. Ballantine - Aye. Mr. McManus was not able to respond. Motion carried 4-1-0.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Howell)
Approve the Interim Town Administrator's recommendation to grant permission request of NSTAR/Eversource for the purpose of the installing approximately 40' +/- of conduit and cable and one...
To approve the Interim Town Administrator's recommendation to grant permission request of NSTAR/Eversource for the purpose of the installing approximately 40' +/- of conduit and cable and one handhole# 65/H3A in town road to provide electrical service to customer at 22 Central Avenue
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to approve the Interim Town Administrator's recommendation to grant permission request of NSTAR/Eversource for the purpose of the installing approximately 40' +/- of conduit and cable and one handhole# 65/H3A in town road to provide electrical service to customer at 22 Central Avenue. Mr. Ford seconded. Mr. McManus asked if they held the undergrounding hearing on this. Mr. Powers said that they did a teleconference dial-in meeting, and the minutes are in the packet. Roll Call Vote: Mr. McManus - Aye, Mr. Ford - Aye, Mr. Howell - Aye, Mr. MacAskill - Aye, Mr. Ballantine - Aye. Motion carried unanimously.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Ford)
They adjourn at 8:53 pm
That they adjourn at 8:53 pm
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell moved that they adjourn at 8:53 pm. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Roll Call Vote: Mr. MacAskill - Aye, Mr. Howell - Aye, Mr. Ford - Aye, Mr. McManus - Aye. Mr. Ballantine - Aye. Motion carried by unanimous vote.” (Motion: Howell, second: MacAskill)
From the Harwich Select Board’s official minutes, posted on the town’s agendas and minutes portal (2025 on) and its archived Agendas & Minutes page (2012–2024). We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: The Cape Cod Chronicle (William F. Galvin and file photos) and the Handler For Harwich campaign website.
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