MassVoter.com← Harwich Select BoardHarwich Select Board · 2019–2020 Board · Regular meeting
May 26, 2020
12 recorded votes, 3 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: Larry Ballantine, Donald Howell, Michael MacAskill, Edward McManus
Absent: Stephen Ford
Every vote, in order
Based on exigent circumstances that they approve another 90-day appointment
That based on exigent circumstances that they approve another 90-day appointment. Seconded by (could not hear). Mr. Ballantine requested to invite Mr. Norman Clarke, who chairs the Town Administrator Search Committee, to join the meeting next week to provide the number of applicants and tentative schedule
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell moved that based on exigent circumstances that they approve another 90-day appointment. Seconded by (could not hear). Mr. Ballantine requested to invite Mr. Norman Clarke, who chairs the Town Administrator Search Committee, to join the meeting next week to provide the number of applicants and tentative schedule. All in favor, motion carried by unanimous vote.” (Motion: Howell)
Approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the Harwich Community Center and the Nutrition Program of Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, with the understanding of the generator...
To approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the Harwich Community Center and the Nutrition Program of Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, with the understanding of the generator language that could be added
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moves to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the Harwich Community Center and the Nutrition Program of Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, with the understanding of the generator language that could be added. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Mr. McManus asked for clarification on if the Tech is available as an option to be used as a back-up. Mr. Powers said that the Tech is not available, and they are in the process of looking for an alternate back-up option. All in favor, motion carried by unanimous vote.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Howell)
They accept the ballot warrant, as it is contained in the packet, for the June 30, 2020 election, and to sign that this evening
That they accept the ballot warrant, as it is contained in the packet, for the June 30, 2020 election, and to sign that this evening
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell moved that they accept the ballot warrant, as it is contained in the packet, for the June 30, 2020 election, and to sign that this evening. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. All in favor, motion carried by unanimous vote.” (Motion: Howell, second: MacAskill)
They postpone Annual Town Meeting from June 22, 2020 to September 28, 2020
That they postpone Annual Town Meeting from June 22, 2020 to September 28, 2020
The minutes record this motion but no vote on it.
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved that they postpone Annual Town Meeting from June 22, 2020 to September 28, 2020..” (Motion: MacAskill)
They rescind the previous vote to have Town Meeting on June 22, 2020
That they rescind the previous vote to have Town Meeting on June 22, 2020
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved that they rescind the previous vote to have Town Meeting on June 22, 2020. Seconded by Mr. Howell. All in favor, motion carried by unanimous vote.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Howell)
Have their annual Town Meeting on September 28th, 2020 and initiate the 1/12th budget mechanism
To have their annual Town Meeting on September 28th, 2020 and initiate the 1/12th budget mechanism
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill then moved to have their annual Town Meeting on September 28th, 2020 and initiate the 1/12th budget mechanism. Seconded by Mr. Howell. All in favor, motion carried by unanimous vote.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Howell)
Authorize the Interim Town Administrator to execute contracts in excess of $25,000, in response to COVID-19 reimbursable procurement with the CARES ACT Fund
To authorize the Interim Town Administrator to execute contracts in excess of $25,000, in response to COVID-19 reimbursable procurement with the CARES ACT Fund
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moves to authorize the Interim Town Administrator to execute contracts in excess of $25,000, in response to COVID-19 reimbursable procurement with the CARES ACT Fund. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Mr. McManus said that if they are going to have to disinfect for longer period of time, he would like to see they spend some of the reimbursable funds amongst their own people. Mr. Powers said that this is FY20, and there is an expectation that there will be an additional funding for FY21. So, there is an expectation to be able to continue to use CARES Act Funds. Disinfecting is a significant transaction based on CDC guidance and requirements, and they have to certify that they have met it. These would be COVID-19 only, and only through the calendar year. Mr. Howell said that the motion did not cover any of this and Mr. MacAskill should clarify this. He imagines that because it is the CARES Act, they are going to scrutinize this. He would think the DPW should come up with a plan for going forward. He also believes that Mr. Powers will put everything in front of them if not ahead of time, they will at least see it the following Monday. All in favor, motion carried by unanimous vote.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Howell)
Approve the bid award for tree work at the golf course of $34,998.00
To approve the bid award for tree work at the golf course of $34,998.00
The minutes name Stephen Ford as the seconder, but Stephen Ford is not on the attendance line, so no seconder is shown.
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to approve the bid award for tree work at the golf course of $34,998.00. Seconded by Mr. Ford. All in favor, motion carried by unanimous vote.” (Motion: MacAskill)
The Board of Selectmen declare that they enter into default proceedings through the appropriate officials in anticipation of reprocuring and charging against the previous contract
That the Board of Selectmen declare that they enter into default proceedings through the appropriate officials in anticipation of reprocuring and charging against the previous contract
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell moved that the Board of Selectmen declare that they enter into default proceedings through the appropriate officials in anticipation of reprocuring and charging against the previous contract. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill Mr. Ford questioned about the second part regarding the second bidder. Mr. Powers confirmed that this can be two separate items, first going forward with the default. Mr. McManus asked if they are voting on the default issue tonight. Mr. Powers said that if they declare Con Edison in default, then Mr. Ryder and Mr. Libby will work with Ms. Argo and the CVAC team to take the next steps for the projects they want to keep on tract. Which could include a future procurement contract with GreenSky's. Mr. Ryder agreed, that they would have to bring a new contract in front of the Board. What is in the agenda is spelling out the next steps, but really only asking the decision on the default. He also believes that in default, there is a provision for a 110% for any expenditure the town made to date, with this current vendor. He does not guarantee that, but will follow up on it. Mr. McManus asked if is there an expectation that tonight they give direction on the re-award process? Mr. Ryder said that it would be helpful, but there is some leg work that needs to be done before going to that next step. All in favor, motion carried by unanimous vote.” (Motion: Howell)
The town of Harwich participate in the reginal FY19 CDBG COVID-19 Grant for small business and micro enterprise loans along with the rental and mortgage subsidies program
That the town of Harwich participate in the reginal FY19 CDBG COVID-19 Grant for small business and micro enterprise loans along with the rental and mortgage subsidies program
From the minutes
“Mr. McManus moved that the town of Harwich participate in the reginal FY19 CDBG COVID-19 Grant for small business and micro enterprise loans along with the rental and mortgage subsidies program. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. All in favor, motion carried by unanimous vote.” (Motion: McManus, second: MacAskill)
Approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Commonwealth of MA Dredging Program Grant contracts for Allen Harbor and Wychmere Harbor for $72,000.00
To approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Commonwealth of MA Dredging Program Grant contracts for Allen Harbor and Wychmere Harbor for $72,000.00
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moves to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Commonwealth of MA Dredging Program Grant contracts for Allen Harbor and Wychmere Harbor for $72,000.00 Seconded by Mr. Howell. All in favor, motion carried by unanimous vote.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Howell)
They adjourn at 8:13 pm
That they adjourn at 8:13 pm
The minutes record this motion but no vote on it.
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell moved that they adjourn at 8:13 pm. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill..” (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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