MassVoter.com← Harwich Select BoardHarwich Select Board · 2023–2024 Board · Regular meeting
June 26, 2023
12 recorded votes, 2 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: Mary Anderson, Julie Kavanagh, Jeffrey Handler, Michael MacAskill, Donald Howell
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Accept the appointment of Officer Pellegrino
To accept the appointment of Officer Pellegrino
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to accept the appointment of Officer Pellegrino, seconded by Ms. Kavanagh. Vote 5:0 in favor.” (Motion: Handler, second: Kavanagh)
Accept the resignation of Officer Arrigo
To accept the resignation of Officer Arrigo
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to accept the resignation of Officer Arrigo, seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote 5:0 in favor.” (Motion: Handler, second: Howell)
Approve items C-G on the Consent Agenda with one correction that the minutes to be approved are June 5, 2023 and June 12, 2023
To approve items C-G on the Consent Agenda with one correction that the minutes to be approved are June 5, 2023 and June 12, 2023
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to approve items C-G on the Consent Agenda with one correction that the minutes to be approved are June 5, 2023 and June 12, 2023, seconded by Mr. Howell. Mr. Powers noted that the minutes are for June 12, 2023 and June 20, 2023. Vote 5:0 in favor.” (Motion: Handler, second: Howell)
Vote to approve the acquisition through eminent domain as presented
To vote to approve the acquisition through eminent domain as presented
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to vote to approve the acquisition through eminent domain as presented, seconded by Mr. Howell. Mr. MacAskill commented that this will take $700,000 off the owed taxes list and they will now have another 20 acres. Mr. Howell noted that it is an extremely important parcel of property, its's good to see it finally resolved. Vote 5:0 in favor.” (Motion: Handler, second: Howell)
Vote to approve and to authorize the Chair to sign as presented
To vote to approve and to authorize the Chair to sign as presented
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to vote to approve and to authorize the Chair to sign as presented, seconded by Ms. Kavanagh. Kathleen Barrette, Finance Director/Town Accountant explained the transfers and the reasons for the transfers that have been recommended by the Finance Committee. Mr. MacAskill began the discussion with budget transfers for C & D expenses noting that amount and the amount coming out of group health insurance. He questioned if they are overestimating the health insurance and then moving the money. He also asked that, if Mr. Powers doesn't have that information, that he get it for further discussion. Mr. Powers replied with an explanation of how they had arrived at the estimates for health care. He also noted what is being done to not have overages and shortages next year. Board members questioned specific amounts and asked for clarification on each. Also discussed was how they could better plan for retirements. Mr. Powers suggested what they could do going forward. Mr. Powers thanked Ms. Barrette, Megan Green and the Accounting Department for all their efforts. Vote 5:0 in favor.” (Motion: Handler, second: Kavanagh)
Approve a new Annual Victuallers license as presented
To approve a new Annual Victuallers license as presented
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to approve a new Annual Victuallers license as presented, seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Vote 5:0 in favor.” (Motion: Handler, second: MacAskill)
This item to the July 10, 2023 agenda to give the Committee an opportunity to have a joint meeting
This item to the July 10, 2023 agenda to give the Committee an opportunity to have a joint meeting
The minutes record this motion but no vote on it.
From the minutes
“Ms. Anderson moved this item to the July 10, 2023 agenda to give the Committee an opportunity to have a joint meeting..” (Motion: Anderson)
Approve and authorize the Chair to sign as presented
To approve and authorize the Chair to sign as presented
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to approve and authorize the Chair to sign as presented, seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote 5:0 in favor.” (Motion: Handler, second: Howell)
Vote to approve the fee waiver as presented
To vote to approve the fee waiver as presented
The minutes give only the count (1-4), not how each member voted.
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to vote to approve the fee waiver as presented, seconded by Ms. Kavanagh. Mr. MacAskill expressed being against fee waivers and gave his reasons. Other members expressed why they are or are not in favor of this fee waiver. Vote 4:1 against.” (Motion: Handler, second: Kavanagh)
Accept and approve the Grant Agreements as presented
To accept and approve the Grant Agreements as presented
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to accept and approve the Grant Agreements as presented, seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Mr. Howell expressed concern about the Housing Institute things, in the long run and explained why he is concerned. Vote 5:0 in favor.” (Motion: Handler, second: MacAskill)
Approve the contract with New England Recycling Co. as presented
To approve the contract with New England Recycling Co. as presented
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to approve the contract with New England Recycling Co. as presented, seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Mr. MacAskill questioned the charge per-ton and discussion followed including a possible rate change. Mr. Powers replied with options of what next steps would be if this contract is approved or not approved. Mr. MacAskill requested that there be a line item on the next agenda for a fee increase for C&D based in this contract. Mr. Handler noted that he does not like taking care of the fans and not taking care of the team. He feels they are not taking care of the Harwich residents by allowing other towns to come in. Mr. Powers noted that the audit is almost completed and he explained his directive to the audit. It is a significant audit being conductted by strong financial background auditors that are familiar with Municipal operations in general and transfer and Municipal Waste Operations in particular. He suggested they target the July 24th meeting for that discussion. Mr. MacAskill suggested that they deal with this as soon as possible and not wait for the audit. Vote 5:0 in favor.” (Motion: Handler, second: MacAskill)
Approve the License Agreements as presented
To approve the License Agreements as presented
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to approve the License Agreements as presented, seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Vote 5:0 in favor.” (Motion: Handler, 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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