MassVoter.com← HarwichMunicipal votes · 2020–2021 Board
Harwich Select Board
How the Harwich Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide. Same five members after the June 2020 town election. On July 13, 2020 the board chose Larry Ballantine as Chair, Stephen Ford as Vice Chair and Michael MacAskill as Clerk (each by a unanimous vote). Covers 46 meetings, July 13 to May 17, 2021.
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
What does the Select Board do? It is the town’s executive board. It prepares the Town Meeting warrant (the list of articles voters decide), appoints members of many town boards, hires the town’s top staff, signs warrants to pay town bills, and grants licenses and permits.
Town Meeting, not the Select Board, votes the town budget and town bylaws.
Sources: Massachusetts Select Board Handbook (MMA) · Mass. Division of Local Services: the town budgetBoard years
Coming up
- Tue, Oct 13Show Cause Hearing - The Port →
- Wed, Oct 14Select Board Interview Committee Meeting →
- Thu, Oct 15Show Cause Hearing - Perks →
- Thu, Oct 15Show Cause Hearing - Noble House →
From the agendas Harwich posts on its official site. Agendas can change; the posted agenda is the official one.
What Town Meeting decided
In Harwich, Town Meeting — not the Select Board — votes the town budget, bylaws and zoning. Here is what it did with each article, in the Town Clerk’s own words. Any registered voter can take part, and most votes are by voice or show of hands, so there is no list of who voted which way.
Annual Town Meeting · May 4, 2026 62 votes: 47 passed, 1 passed as amended, 11 failed, 3 indefinitely postponed
Sessions: May 4 and 5, 2026
- Art. 1 Choose various Town officers and committees Passed “The motion carried. · Yes: 350, No: 6”
- Art. 2 Hear reports of Town officers and committees for 2025 Passed “The motion carried. · Yes: 373, No: 8”
- Art. 3 Set salaries of elected officials for FY2027 Passed “The vote was taken by voice vote. The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 4 Town operating budget for FY2027: appropriate $51,763,298 Passed “The motion carried. · Yes: 365, No: 50”
- Art. 5 Monomoy Regional School District assessment for FY2027: raise $33,104,137 Passed “The motion carried. · Yes: 389, No: 42”
- Art. 6 Approve $11,801,239 Monomoy Regional School District borrowing for Middle School roof Passed “The motion carried. · Yes: 396, No: 40”
- Art. 7 Transfer $47,139 from Educational Cable Access Fund for high school TV studio equipment Passed “The vote was taken by voice vote. The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 8 Transfer $137,954 from Educational Cable Access Fund for fiber and press box PA system Passed “The vote was taken by voice vote. The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 9 Cape Cod Regional Technical High School assessment for FY2027: raise $1,828,391 Passed “The vote was taken by voice vote. The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 10 Water Department operating budget for FY2027: $5,442,329 Passed “The vote was taken by voice vote. The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 11 Wastewater Department operating budget for FY2027 Passed “The vote was taken by voice vote. The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 12 Transfer $890,000 from free cash for miscellaneous appropriations Passed “The vote was taken by voice vote. The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 13 Transfer $20,000 for Chase Library and Harwich Port Library Passed “The vote was taken by voice vote. The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 14 Pay $16,205.20 in prior-year unpaid bills Passed “The vote was taken by voice vote. The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 15 Authorize Select Board to evaluate possible acquisition of the former Marceline Salvage Yard (about 29 acres) Passed “The motion carried. · Yes: 283, No: 120”
- Art. 16 Adopt the FY2027–FY2031 Capital Outlay Plan Passed “The vote was taken by voice vote. The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 17 Appropriate $700,000 for road maintenance and improvements Passed “The motion carried with the necessary 2/3 majority. · Yes: 337, No: 37”
- Art. 18 Appropriate $577,500 for a new ambulance Passed “the Moderator ruled the vote received the necessary 2/3 majority and carried.”
- Art. 19 Appropriate $425,000 for a new Harbormaster boat replacing two boats Passed “The motion carried with the necessary 2/3 majority. · Yes: 285, No: 22”
- Art. 20 Appropriate $1,000,000 for design of a new DPW facility and mechanical workshop Failed “The motion did not carry. · Yes: 159, No: 172”
- Art. 21 Reappropriate $1,109,721.33 of unspent capital balances to FY2027 capital requests Passed “The vote was taken by voice vote. The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 22 Transfer $320,000 from Waterways Fund for capital projects Passed “The vote was taken by voice vote. The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 23 Transfer $915,369.53 from water retained earnings for well, treatment plant and equipment Passed “The vote was taken by voice vote. The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 24 Capital projects: transfer $2,495,410 from free cash Passed “The motion carried. · Yes: 231, No: 55”
- Art. 25 Transfer $45,000 from PEG fund for Harwich Channel remote meeting cart Passed “The vote was taken by voice vote. The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 26 Petition: add a Scenic Roads section to the General Bylaws Failed “The motion did not carry. · Yes: 122, No: 239”
- Art. 27 Adopt an updated Local Comprehensive Plan Passed “The motion carried. · Yes: 304, No: 29”
- Art. 28 Petition: bar fee waivers, tax reductions or other incentives for future development projects Failed “The motion did not carry. · Yes: 112, No: 211”
- Art. 29 Adopt a bylaw to protect Town funds and document development impacts Indefinitely postponed “The article was indefinitely postponed.”
- Art. 30 Transfer $5,000 for the Historic District Historic Commission preservation award Passed “The vote was taken by voice vote. The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 31 Ask the Legislature for a special act restricting fertilizer application in Harwich Passed “The motion carried. · Yes: 173, No: 130”
- Art. 32 Home rule petition to restrict use of SGAR rodenticides Passed “The motion carried. · Yes: 210, No: 57”
- Art. 33 Community Preservation: FY2027 budget and reserves Passed “The vote was taken by voice vote. The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 34 Community Preservation: $50,000 for committee administrative expenses Passed “The vote was taken by voice vote. The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 35 Community Preservation: $10,000 for Lower Cape Housing Institute Passed “The motion carried. · Yes: 170, No: 76”
- Art. 36 Community Preservation: $650,000 for the Harwich Affordable Housing Trust Passed “The motion carried. · Yes: 213, No: 75”
- Art. 37 Community Preservation: $100,000 for Pennrose project at 0 Meetinghouse Road, Chatham Failed “The motion did not carry. · Yes: 66, No: 212”
- Art. 38 Community Preservation: $100,000 for Pennrose project on Main Street, Chatham Failed “The motion did not carry. · Yes: 52, No: 220”
- Art. 39 Community Preservation: $667,500 for West Harwich Baptist Church exterior renovation Passed “The motion carried. · Yes: 265, No: 13”
- Art. 40 Community Preservation: $225,000 for Robbins Pond property acquisition Passed “The vote was taken by voice vote. The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 41 Community Preservation: $197,260 for fields irrigation project Passed “The vote was taken by voice vote. The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 42 Community Preservation: $35,793.50 for water quality equipment replacement Passed “The vote was taken by voice vote. The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 43 Community Preservation: $25,107.89 for shellfish lab updates Passed “The vote was taken by voice vote. The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 44 Community Preservation: $138,000 for Hinckley's Pond diagnostic assessment Passed “The vote was taken by voice vote. The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 45 Petition: add a Tree Preservation Bylaw to the General Bylaws Failed “The motion did not carry. · Yes: 50, No: 200”
- Art. 46 Petition: Select Board oversight of tree removal in road setbacks instead of a Tree Warden Failed “The motion did not carry. · Yes: 68, No: 166”
- Art. 47 Petition: amend Noise bylaw to regulate leaf blowers Failed “The vote was taken by voice vote. The motion did not carry.”
- Art. 48 Transfer $143,840.33 from PEG fund for Cape Cod Community Media Center Passed “The vote was taken by voice vote. The motion carried.”
- Art. 49 Supplement the Cultural Council (amended from $4,000 to $4,500) Passed as amended “The amended main motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 50 Petition: bar members of Town boards from serving on more than one board or committee Failed “The motion did not carry. · Yes: 29, No: 190”
- Art. 51 Amend Affordable Housing Trust bylaw (Code Section 140) Passed “The vote was taken by voice vote. The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 52 Petition: recommend the Housing Trust prioritize assistance programs for certain groups Failed “The motion did not carry. · Yes: 39, No: 173”
- Art. 53 Zoning: accessory dwelling unit rules (§325-14(T) and use table) Indefinitely postponed “The article was indefinitely postponed.”
- Art. 54 Zoning: special permit for single-family dwelling with accessory dwelling unit Indefinitely postponed “the article was indefinitely postponed.”
- Art. 55 Zoning: height and bulk rules for multifamily (§325-16 Table 3) Passed “The motion carried. · Yes: 74, No: 17”
- Art. 56 Petition: prohibit multifamily special permits in low and medium density residential districts Failed “The motion did not carry. · Yes: 66, No: 113”
- Art. 57 Zoning: remove §325-54(A)(5)(e) on replacing nonconforming structures Passed “The motion carried with the necessary 2/3 majority. · Yes: 112, No: 9”
- Art. 58 Zoning: amend §325-20 on stories for human use or occupation Passed “The motion carried with the necessary 2/3 majority. · Yes: 184, No: 9”
- Art. 59 Acquire a permanent easement for general municipal purposes Passed “The vote was taken by voice vote. The motion carried.”
- Art. 60 Set spending limits for revolving funds Passed “The vote was taken by voice vote. The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 61 Authorize lease purchase agreements for town equipment in the FY2027 budget Passed “The vote was taken by voice vote. The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 62 Herring fisheries Passed “The vote was taken by voice vote. The motion carried.”
Source: Town Clerk's results of the May 2026 Annual Town Meeting (full warrant).
Annual Town Meeting · May 5, 2025 57 votes: 49 passed, 1 passed as amended, 3 failed, 2 indefinitely postponed, 2 advisory
Sessions: May 5 and 6, 2025
- Art. 1 Choose various Town officers and committees Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 2 Hear reports of Town officers and committees for 2024 Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 3 Set salaries of elected officials for FY2026 Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 4 Town operating budget for FY2026: appropriate $48,127,931 Passed “The motion carried.”
- Art. 5 Monomoy Regional School District assessment for FY2026: raise $31,142,031 Passed “The motion carried.”
- Art. 6 Cape Cod Regional Technical High School assessment for FY2026: raise $2,116,618 Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 7 Water Department operating budget for FY2026: $4,968,049 Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 8 Wastewater Department operating budget for FY2026: $708,825 Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 9 Approve $9,007,030 Monomoy Regional School District debt for Middle School siding and windows Passed “The motion carried.”
- Art. 10 Authorize lease purchase agreements for town equipment in the FY2026 budget Passed “the motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 11 Transfer $150,486.75 from PEG Access fund for Cape Cod Community Media Center Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 12 Petition: $125,000 from free cash for the Home Rule Charter Commission Passed “The motion carried. · Yes: 188, No: 177”
- Art. 13 Adopt the FY2026–FY2030 Capital Outlay Plan Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 14 Capital projects: $101,000 from Cable PEG and Waterways funds Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 15 Capital projects: transfer $4,576,149 from free cash Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 16 Borrow $2,500,000 for Cranberry Valley Golf Course irrigation upgrade Passed “the Moderator ruled the vote received the necessary 2/3 majority and passed.”
- Art. 17 Transfer $100,000 from water retained earnings for pipe upgrades Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 18 Transfer $150,000 from wastewater retained earnings for capital items Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 19 Borrow $2,400,000 for a fire engine and two ambulances Passed “the Moderator ruled the vote received the necessary 2/3 majority and passed.”
- Art. 20 Borrow $35,000,000 for Phase 8 of the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan Passed “The motion carried. · Yes: 288, No: 30”
- Art. 21 Accept state Clean Water revolving funds for Queen Anne Road sewer construction Indefinitely postponed “The article was indefinitely postponed.”
- Art. 22 Community Preservation: allocate additional prior-year funds to the three reserves Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 23 Community Preservation: FY2026 budget and reserves Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 24 Community Preservation: $50,000 for committee administrative expenses Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 25 Community Preservation: $10,000 grant to Lower Cape Housing Institute Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 26 Community Preservation: $500,000 for the Affordable Housing Trust Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 27 Community Preservation: $120,000 grant for the Forward at the Rock project Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 28 Community Preservation: $37,015 for North Harwich gravestone preservation Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 29 Community Preservation: $500,000 to acquire a conservation restriction Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 30 Community Preservation: $168,000 for Herring River boardwalk Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 31 Community Preservation: $143,000 for Brooks Park infield replacement Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 32 Community Preservation: $33,000 for Sand Pond restroom Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 33 Community Preservation: $100,000 for Veterans Field shade project Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 34 Petition: hire a part-time tree warden under MGL Chapter 87 Passed “The motion carried.”
- Art. 35 Amend General Bylaw Chapter 125 (amended to remove only Article II) Passed as amended “The motion carried.”
- Art. 36 Petition: ask the Legislature for a special act restricting fertilizer application in Harwich Failed “The motion did not carry. · Yes: 94, No: 134”
- Art. 37 Petition: ask the Legislature to let the Town adopt a Pesticide Reduction Bylaw Failed “The motion did not carry. · Yes: 97, No: 112”
- Art. 38 Petition: add a Tree Preservation Bylaw to the General Bylaws Failed “The motion did not carry.”
- Art. 39 Non-binding resolution endorsing an annual Historic Preservation Award Advisory “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 40 Petition: rescind Select Board authority under 2022 Article 2 for 62 Route 28 (adopted as advisory only) Advisory “The motion carried.”
- Art. 41 Rescind $750,000 borrowing authorized under 2024 Article 19 Passed “The motion carried.”
- Art. 42 Transfer $600,000 from water retained earnings to paint Pleasant Lake Avenue water tank Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 43 Transfer $150,000 for engineering to find wastewater effluent recharge sites Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 44 Transfer $1,500,000 from affordable housing stabilization fund to the Housing Trust Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 45 Transfer $35,000 from free cash for electronic voting at Town Meeting Passed “The motion carried.”
- Art. 46 Pay $1,250.91 in prior-year unpaid bills Passed “the motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 47 Transfer $4,000 to supplement the Cultural Council Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 48 Transfer $20,000 for Chase Library and Harwich Port Library Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 49 Adopt MGL c.59 §5O affordable housing property tax exemption program Passed “The motion carried.”
- Art. 50 Accept cost-of-living increase to disabled veterans tax exemption (Clause 22I) Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 51 Reaffirm and extend tax abatement for National Guard and reservists (Clause 56) Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 52 Acquire road easements; transfer $200,000 from Chapter 90 funds Passed “the motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 53 Amend General Bylaw Chapter 8 Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 54 Set spending limits for revolving funds Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 55 Amend General Bylaw Chapter 131 Passed “The motion carried.”
- Art. 56 Zoning: allow protected-use accessory dwelling units by right in RH-2 and RH-3 Indefinitely postponed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 57 Herring fisheries Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
Source: Town Clerk's results of the May 2025 Annual Town Meeting (full warrant).
Annual Town Meeting · May 6, 2024 53 votes: 48 passed, 4 failed, 1 indefinitely postponed
Sessions: May 6 and 7, 2024
- Art. 1 Choose various Town officers and committees Passed “The motion carried.”
- Art. 2 Hear reports of Town officers and committees for 2023 Passed “The motion carried.”
- Art. 3 Set salaries of elected officials for FY2025 (estimated $136,616) Passed “The motion carried.”
- Art. 4 Town operating budget for FY2025: appropriate $45,732,309 Passed “The motion carried.”
- Art. 5 Monomoy Regional School District assessment for FY2025: raise $29,876,982 Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 6 Cape Cod Regional Technical High School assessment for FY2025: raise $2,204,820 Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 7 Water Department operating budget for FY2025: $4,831,887 from water receipts Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 8 Wastewater Department operating budget for FY2025: $700,432 total Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 9 Approve $2,500,000 Monomoy Regional School District debt for Middle School exterior siding Passed “The motion carried.”
- Art. 10 Petition: adopt a Tree Preservation Bylaw (amended on the floor) Failed “The motion did not carry.”
- Art. 11 Transfer $158,273 from PEG Access fund for Cape Cod Community Media Center Passed “The motion carried.”
- Art. 12 Authorize lease purchase agreements for town equipment in the FY2025 budget Indefinitely postponed “The article was indefinitely postponed.”
- Art. 13 Petition: ask the Legislature to let the Town adopt a Pesticide Reduction Bylaw (amended on the floor) Failed “The motion did not carry.”
- Art. 14 Petition: ask the Legislature for a special act restricting fertilizer application in Harwich Failed “The motion did not carry.”
- Art. 15 Petition: resolution supporting a public swimming pool and facilities at the Community Center Failed “The motion did not carry. · Yes: 134, No: 166”
- Art. 16 Adopt the FY2025–FY2029 Capital Outlay Plan, with additions to FY2025 projects Passed “The motion carried.”
- Art. 17 Capital projects: transfer $47,863 from Cable PEG Fund and $240,000 from Waterways fund Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 18 Capital projects: transfer $2,892,000 from free cash Passed “The motion carried.”
- Art. 19 Water capital projects: appropriate $2,402,000 ($1,652,000 retained earnings, borrow $750,000) Passed “the motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 20 Wastewater capital projects: transfer $75,000 from retained earnings Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 21 Acquire a conservation restriction on 9.6 acres at 1039 Route 28 Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 22 Acquire land; spend $1,505,001 from Sale of Land fund Passed “the motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 23 Amend 2023 Annual Town Meeting Article 24 vote to allow a conservation restriction Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 24 Community Preservation: FY2025 budget and reserves Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 25 Community Preservation: $39,000 for beach AED equipment Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 26 Community Preservation: $250,000 for Cold Brook Trailhead and public access Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 27 Community Preservation: $48,700 for mobile soccer pitch project Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 28 Community Preservation: $500,000 for the Affordable Housing Trust Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 29 Community Preservation: $7,500 for Lower Cape Housing Institute Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 30 Community Preservation: $100,000 for Monomoy press box project Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 31 Community Preservation: $100,000 for Northwoods conservation restriction Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 32 Community Preservation: $400,000 for 203 Bank Street housing at the old fire station Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 33 Community Preservation: $150,000 for a conservation restriction (Red River Valley) Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 34 Community Preservation: $110,000 for senior softball field fence Passed “The motion carried.”
- Art. 35 Community Preservation: $23,000 for South Harwich cemetery gravestone project Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 36 Community Preservation: $37,000 for Veterans Field irrigation/electrical project Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 37 Repurpose $25,000 from 2013 Article 31 for Brooks Free Library work Passed “The motion carried.”
- Art. 38 Transfer $858,742 from wastewater retained earnings for FY2024 debt payments Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 39 Set spending limits for revolving funds Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 40 Transfer care and custody of 172 Queen Anne Road Passed “the Moderator ruled the vote received the necessary 2/3 majority and passed.”
- Art. 41 Transfer care and custody of 178 Queen Anne Road Passed “the Moderator ruled the vote received the necessary 2/3 majority and passed.”
- Art. 42 Transfer care and custody of 246 Queen Anne Road Passed “the Moderator ruled the vote received the necessary 2/3 majority and passed.”
- Art. 43 Amend General Bylaw §7-10 (composition of appointed Town agencies) Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 44 Amend General Bylaw Chapter 271 Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 45 Amend the Harwich Town Charter Passed “the motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 46 Petition: seek special legislation to amend Affordable Housing Trust bylaw to include attainable housing Passed “The motion carried.”
- Art. 47 Raise $20,000 for Chase Library and Harwich Port Library Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 48 Raise $50,000 for the Chamber of Commerce to promote the Town Passed “The motion carried.”
- Art. 49 Raise $4,000 to supplement the Cultural Council Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 50 Direct Moderator and Town Clerk to study electronic voting at Town Meeting Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 51 Amend 2023 Article 19 vote (West Harwich sewer main project) to cover other projects Passed “the motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 52 Transfer $100,000 for a sewer connection assistance grant program Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
- Art. 53 Herring fisheries Passed “The motion carried unanimously.”
Source: Town Clerk's results of the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting (full warrant).
Titles are short descriptions of each article from the official record; the quoted words are the Town Clerk’s. A vote at Town Meeting is not the final word on everything: some articles also need a ballot vote (such as a tax override) or the Attorney General’s approval (bylaws).
Members
Donald HowellMember · Elected townwide · at 44 of 46 meetingsMichael MacAskillClerk · Elected townwide · at 44 of 46 meetingsEdward McManusMember · Elected townwide · at 46 of 46 meetings"At X of Y meetings" counts the members the minutes list as present at the start of each meeting in this record. Members who step out are listed on each meeting page.
Meetings
About missing minutes
Loaded: Harwich Select Board minutes (called the Board of Selectmen until 2023) from January 8, 2018 through September 21, 2026: 2018 to January 2025 from the town’s archived Agendas & Minutes page, and January 2025 on from its agendas and minutes portal (CivicClerk). The archive goes back to 2012; MassVoter has loaded 2018 on. Also loaded: joint meetings with other town boards and committees (only the Select Board’s own votes are counted). Not here: almost all of 2019 (the town has posted only seven sets of Select Board minutes for 2019, from February to April; minutes from January and from May to December 2019 are not online); minutes the town has not posted for about 151 other meeting dates since 2018 that have an agenda but no minutes (for example the Charter Commission joint meeting of November 6, 2025, the Monomoy School Committee joint meeting of December 11, 2025, January 26 and February 23, 2026, and the joint meeting with the Chatham Select Board on June 25, 2026); three executive-session minutes files that were posted in place of the regular minutes for March 5, March 19 and April 2, 2018 (the regular minutes for those dates are loaded); and every meeting after September 21, 2026. Most of Harwich’s minutes are scanned copies; MassVoter read them with text-recognition software and checked doubtful lines against the page images. Harwich’s minutes give the mover and seconder for each motion. Through 2019 they mostly say “the motion carried by a unanimous vote”; in 2020 and 2021 many votes are roll calls that list each member’s vote by name (“Mr. Howell - Yes”); since 2021 most votes give a count (“approved 5-0-0”, “Vote 4:0 in favor”), sometimes naming the members who voted no or abstained (“approved 4-1-0 (Handler opposed)”). When the minutes say a vote was unanimous, or the count matches the members present, we show every member present as voting yes; when they name the members who voted no or abstained, everyone else present as voting yes. Since 2025 the minutes often put one name in brackets after a split count (“approved 4-1-0 (Piekarski)”); we read that name as the member in the minority and say so in a note. Where the minutes give only a split count without names, a roll call leaves out a member who was there or names one who was not, or the count does not match the members present (for example “Vote 4:0” with five members present), we show the count only and add a note. Motions with no vote written down are shown with no count. Members who stepped aside (recused), had not yet arrived or had left are left out of that vote. Votes taken by other boards at joint meetings are not included. We will ask the town to confirm any noted vote.
Votes where members disagreed
Most board votes are unanimous. These are the ones where at least one member voted no or abstained, newest first.
May 12There has been sufficient finding of facts to uphold…Motion: that there has been sufficient finding of facts to uphold the…Passed · see note
May 12, 2021: There has been sufficient finding of facts to uphold the Town Administrator's findings that liquor license violations occurred at the Port Restaurant
That there has been sufficient finding of facts to uphold the Town Administrator's findings that liquor license violations occurred at the Port Restaurant
The minutes say "He moved"; the mover shown is the member named just before (Donald Howell). The minutes record this motion but no vote on it.
From the minutes
“He moved that there has been sufficient finding of facts to uphold the Town Administrator's findings that liquor license violations occurred at the Port Restaurant..” (Motion: Howell)
May 12Ballantine said that they have a motion and a…Motion: Ballantine said that they have a motion and a second and…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note
May 12, 2021: Ballantine said that they have a motion and a second and he will take a > roll call vote
Ballantine said that they have a motion and a second and he will take a > roll call vote
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“Ballantine said that they have a motion and a second and he will take a > roll call vote. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Howell - Aye, Mr. McManus - Aye, Mr. MacAskill - Aye, Mr. Ballantine - Aye. Motion carried by unanimous vote.”
May 12Ballantine said that they have a motion and a…Motion: Ballantine said that they have a motion and a second, and…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note
May 12, 2021: Ballantine said that they have a motion and a second, and said they would do a roll call vote
Ballantine said that they have a motion and a second, and said they would do a roll call vote
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“Ballantine said that they have a motion and a second, and said they would do a roll call vote. Roll Call Vote: Mr. MacAskill - Aye, Mr. McManus - Aye, Mr. Howell - Aye, Mr. Ballantine - Aye. Motion carried by unanimous vote.”
May 10Reconsider the expansion of outdoor tablesMotion: To reconsider the expansion of outdoor tablesPassed · see note
May 10, 2021: Reconsider the expansion of outdoor tables
To reconsider the expansion of outdoor tables
The minutes say the motion carried but do not give a count or say how each member voted.
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill said that he would make a motion to reconsider the expansion of outdoor tables. Mr. McManus seconded, for discussion. Mr. MacAskill said that his proposal is very much what he was talking about, and he would support outdoor expanded table dining, though he does not agree with Mr. Tomlinson's assessment of what they need, and what they are willing to manage. He said that he also does not agree with them, that patrons do not want to dine inside. He said that he took his mother to lunch yesterday, and the restaurant did have a tent with six tables under it, which were full and the . entire restaurant was full and the tables were separated. He said there were lots of laughs and smiles, so he does share a different view with them on that. He said that what he thinks they are asking for with the tent, based on the patron noise, will be too much. He said that the area for outdoor table expansion already exists at the Port. He said that there is a way to creatively add more, they are currently listing 32 tables out back, and 12 out front. He added that if there is an order from the Board of Health on the front tables, they could address that, but based on the diagram, he does not believe they had ordered them to take anything away. He said that outback, there is no way they can't get proper social distancing in that area, and then it would be incumbent upon the owners or managers to determine when the other part of the business starts. He said that given the diagram, he thinks that there is still room for a band. He would support expanded outdoor table dining for this restaurant, with some creativity behind the building, in the Nauti Bar area, but not a tent in the parking lot. Mr. Ballantine asked if there was any other discussion? Mr. Howell said that this motion doesn't pertain to that, this motion pertains to a reconciliation of the tent, just to point that out to everybody. Mr. MacAskill said that his motion is what is on the floor and it is the reconsideration of a tent. Mr. Ballantine said right, but then that would open this up for this sort of further discussion. Mr. McManus said that he had some thoughts, if this motion passes.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: McManus)
May 3MacAskill noted that given this is a new license,…Motion: MacAskill noted that given this is a new license, the Ballarin…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note
May 3, 2021: MacAskill noted that given this is a new license, the Ballarin Factors would be in play
MacAskill noted that given this is a new license, the Ballarin Factors would be in play
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“MacAskill noted that given this is a new license, the Ballarin Factors would be in play. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Howell - Aye, Mr. McManus - Aye, Mr. MacAskill - Aye, Mr. Ballantine - Aye. Motion carried by unanimous vote.” (second: Howell)
May 3They approve the application for a new annual wine…Motion: that they approve the application for a new annual wine and…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note
May 3, 2021: They approve the application for a new annual wine and malt, on premise liquor license for Cape Roots Market and Café, LLC, dba Cape Roots Market and Café, with the…
That they approve the application for a new annual wine and malt, on premise liquor license for Cape Roots Market and Café, LLC, dba Cape Roots Market and Café, with the license premise to include indoor first floor and three tables in front of the building
The minutes say "he moved"; the mover shown is the member named just before (Michael MacAskill).
From the minutes
“he moved that they approve the application for a new annual wine and malt, on premise liquor license for Cape Roots Market and Café, LLC, dba Cape Roots Market and Café, with the license premise to include indoor first floor and three tables in front of the building. Seconded by Mr. Howell. : Mr. Powers said that he thinks that it is appropriate that the Board take two distinct votes. He said that the first can certainly be this, but they should be on record indicating that they find no negative impact of the Ballarin Factors. He said that he recommends that they are separate votes. Mr. Ballantine said they have a motion and a second, and said they will take a roll call. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Howell - Aye, Mr. McManus - Aye, Mr. Ballantine - Aye, Mr. MacAskill - Aye. Motion carried by unanimous vote.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Howell)
May 3In consideration of the eight Ballarin Factors, which they…Motion: in consideration of the eight Ballarin Factors, which they deliberated over,…Passed · see note
May 3, 2021: In consideration of the eight Ballarin Factors, which they deliberated over, and found that they have not failed any of those factors
In consideration of the eight Ballarin Factors, which they deliberated over, and found that they have not failed any of those factors
The minutes record this motion but no vote on it.
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell made a motion, in consideration of the eight Ballarin Factors, which they deliberated over, and found that they have not failed any of those factors..” (Motion: Howell)
May 3They approve the acceptance within the Ballarin FactorsMotion: that they approve the acceptance within the Ballarin FactorsPassed Unanimous, 4 present · see note
May 3, 2021: They approve the acceptance within the Ballarin Factors
That they approve the acceptance within the Ballarin Factors
The minutes say "He moved"; the mover shown is the member named just before (Donald Howell).
From the minutes
“He motioned that they approve the acceptance within the Ballarin Factors. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Howell - Aye, Mr. McManus - Aye, Mr. Ballantine - Aye, Mr. MacAskill - Aye. Motion carried by unanimous vote.” (Motion: Howell, second: MacAskill)
May 3United States: +1 (872) 240-3311 Access Code: 737-195-829 Board…Motion: United States: +1 (872) 240-3311 Access Code: 737-195-829 Board of Selectmen…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note
May 3, 2021: United States: +1 (872) 240-3311 Access Code: 737-195-829 Board of Selectmen Local Licensing Authority Cape Cod Times April 15, 2021
United States: +1 (872) 240-3311 Access Code: 737-195-829 Board of Selectmen Local Licensing Authority Cape Cod Times April 15, 2021
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“United States: +1 (872) 240-3311 Access Code: 737-195-829 Board of Selectmen Local Licensing Authority Cape Cod Times April 15, 2021. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Roll Call Vote: Mir. Howell - Aye, Mr. MacAskill - Aye, Mr. McManus - Aye, Mr. Ballantine - Aye. Motion carried by unanimous vote.” (second: Howell)
Apr 27Ganley thanked him for saying that and said that…Motion: Ganley thanked him for saying that and said that he is…Failed 0–4 · No: Ballantine, Howell, MacAskill, McManus
April 27, 2021 (Joint meeting): Ganley thanked him for saying that and said that he is a resident
Ganley thanked him for saying that and said that he is a resident
No: Ballantine, Howell, MacAskill, McManusThe minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“Ganley thanked him for saying that and said that he is a resident. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Ballantine - No, Mr. Howell - No, Mr. McManus - No, Mr. MacAskill- No. Motion did not carry by unanimous vote.”
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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