MassVoter.com← HarwichMunicipal votes · 2023–2024 Board
Harwich Select Board
How the Harwich Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide. Jeffrey Handler joined the board after the May 16, 2023 town election; Larry Ballantine left. On May 30, 2023 the board chose Mary Anderson as Chair, Julie Kavanagh as Vice Chair and Jeffrey Handler as Clerk (each 5-0). Mary Anderson resigned in late October 2023; on November 6, 2023 the board chose Julie Kavanagh as Chair and Michael MacAskill as Vice Chair, with Jeffrey Handler staying on as Clerk (each 4-0). Peter Piekarski won the seat in an April 9, 2024 special election. Covers 48 meetings, May 22 to May 28, 2024.
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
Jeffrey HandlerClerk · Elected townwide · at 46 of 48 meetings
Donald HowellMember · Elected townwide · at 38 of 48 meetingsJulie KavanaghChair · Elected townwide · at 44 of 48 meetings
Peter PiekarskiMember · Elected townwide · at 6 of 7 meetings · from Apr 2024"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 28Approve the committee recommendations from the Select Board Interview…Motion: To approve the committee recommendations from the Select Board Interview Committee…Passed · see note
May 28, 2024: Approve the committee recommendations from the Select Board Interview Committee 1
To approve the committee recommendations from the Select Board Interview Committee 1. Frank Wiacek, Jr. - Golf Committee - Full Member - Term to be determined 2. Eric Clark - Golf Committee - Full Member - Term to be determined 3. John Adams - Golf Committee - Full Member - Term to be determined 4, Jean Bulger - Treasure Chest Committee - Full Member - Term to expire 6/30/2026 5. Deborah Gibson - Treasure Chest Committee -Alternate Member - Term to expire 6/30/2027 6. Frederick Rice - Bikeways Committee - Full Member - Term to expire 6/30/2025
The minutes record this motion but no vote on it.
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to approve the committee recommendations from the Select Board Interview Committee 1. Frank Wiacek, Jr. - Golf Committee - Full Member - Term to be determined 2. Eric Clark - Golf Committee - Full Member - Term to be determined 3. John Adams - Golf Committee - Full Member - Term to be determined 4, Jean Bulger - Treasure Chest Committee - Full Member - Term to expire 6/30/2026 5. Deborah Gibson - Treasure Chest Committee -Alternate Member - Term to expire 6/30/2027 6. Frederick Rice - Bikeways Committee - Full Member - Term to expire 6/30/2025 Seconded by Mr. MacAskill..” (Motion: Handler, second: MacAskill)
May 28Approve the applicants presented: 1Motion: To approve the applicants presented: 1. Frank Wiacek, Jr. - Golf…Failed · see note
May 28, 2024: Approve the applicants presented: 1
To approve the applicants presented: 1. Frank Wiacek, Jr. - Golf Committee - Full Member - Term to be determined 2. Eric Clark - Golf Committee - Full Member - Term to be determined 3. John Adams - Golf Committee - Full Member - Term to be determined Seconded for discussion by Mr. MacAskill. Mr. MacAskill stated that he will vote no to give Mr. Howell his statement about the Interview Committee being listed as bringing it forward. He would like the language to be different but be able to take that action next week. He added that the Interview Committee is not Mr. Howell or himself. It is sometimes them and sometimes other people. He noted that he and Mr. Howell did speak about this and agreed not to agree and that the conversation would come to the full Board. This is the first time Mr. Howell has done what he did tonight related to the golf course and had a premade statement to attack himself and the Board. He emphasized that yes, in the beginning, Mr. Howell told him that there should be a balance of men and women on that Committee. He asked that if
The minutes say the motion carried but do not give a count or say how each member voted.
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to approve the applicants presented: 1. Frank Wiacek, Jr. - Golf Committee - Full Member - Term to be determined 2. Eric Clark - Golf Committee - Full Member - Term to be determined 3. John Adams - Golf Committee - Full Member - Term to be determined Seconded for discussion by Mr. MacAskill. Mr. MacAskill stated that he will vote no to give Mr. Howell his statement about the Interview Committee being listed as bringing it forward. He would like the language to be different but be able to take that action next week. He added that the Interview Committee is not Mr. Howell or himself. It is sometimes them and sometimes other people. He noted that he and Mr. Howell did speak about this and agreed not to agree and that the conversation would come to the full Board. This is the first time Mr. Howell has done what he did tonight related to the golf course and had a premade statement to attack himself and the Board. He emphasized that yes, in the beginning, Mr. Howell told him that there should be a balance of men and women on that Committee. He asked that if the motion fails, that they bring it back next week with the language that Mr. Howell would want.” (Motion: Handler)
May 20Approve the presented 2024 Reappointment List with the following…Motion: To approve the presented 2024 Reappointment List with the following redactions:…Passed · see note
May 20, 2024: Approve the presented 2024 Reappointment List with the following redactions: Sandra Hall, Brooks Academy Museum Commission full term, Sandra Hall, By-law Charter Review Committee full term, Noreen...
To approve the presented 2024 Reappointment List with the following redactions: Sandra Hall, Brooks Academy Museum Commission full term, Sandra Hall, By-law Charter Review Committee full term, Noreen Donoghue By-law Charter Review Committee full term and Carol Fuller Golf Committee full term
The minutes record this motion but no vote on it.
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to approve the presented 2024 Reappointment List with the following redactions: Sandra Hall, Brooks Academy Museum Commission full term, Sandra Hall, By-law Charter Review Committee full term, Noreen Donoghue By-law Charter Review Committee full term and Carol Fuller Golf Committee full term. Seconded by Mr. Handler..” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Handler)
May 20Amended the motion to include the reappointment of Sandra…Motion: To amended the motion to include the reappointment of Sandra Hall…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · see note
May 20, 2024: Amended the motion to include the reappointment of Sandra Hall to the Brooks Academy Commission, Mr. Piekarski commented that he does not use social media and is unaware of what…
To amended the motion to include the reappointment of Sandra Hall to the Brooks Academy Commission, Mr. Piekarski commented that he does not use social media and is unaware of what others are eluding to. He would like an opportunity to speak with Ms. Hall to hear her view. He does not have an issue with seconding Mr. Howell's motion but he is also not inclined to vote against Ms. Hall on the Charter Review Committee. At this point he does not have enough facts on what has transpired to vote against her. Mr. Howell withdrew his motion because if it gets turned down it would have to be subject to a reconsideration vote. His withdrawal will leave an overt vacancy in each position. The current motion on the floor by Mr. MacAskill will leave two vacancies intact. Mr. MacAskill commented that the word bully has often been used against him and there is no greater bully than someone who sits behind their keyboard and throws a shot from a distance. He added that Mr. Howell made Ms. Hall aware that this was going to transpire and she chose not to attend this meeting and defend herself as is her right. The Board members do not have the right, under the law, to defend themselves against the bullying that is on her platform. He feels very strongly that a lot of people are against running for things or wanting to be on things because of that behavior. Anyone that wants to go on line and read it they will read that she has created an atmosphere where you don't even have to use your own name
The minutes say "he moved"; the mover shown is the member named just before (Donald Howell).
From the minutes
“he moved to amended the motion to include the reappointment of Sandra Hall to the Brooks Academy Commission, Mr. Piekarski commented that he does not use social media and is unaware of what others are eluding to. He would like an opportunity to speak with Ms. Hall to hear her view. He does not have an issue with seconding Mr. Howell's motion but he is also not inclined to vote against Ms. Hall on the Charter Review Committee. At this point he does not have enough facts on what has transpired to vote against her. Mr. Howell withdrew his motion because if it gets turned down it would have to be subject to a reconsideration vote. His withdrawal will leave an overt vacancy in each position. The current motion on the floor by Mr. MacAskill will leave two vacancies intact. Mr. MacAskill commented that the word bully has often been used against him and there is no greater bully than someone who sits behind their keyboard and throws a shot from a distance. He added that Mr. Howell made Ms. Hall aware that this was going to transpire and she chose not to attend this meeting and defend herself as is her right. The Board members do not have the right, under the law, to defend themselves against the bullying that is on her platform. He feels very strongly that a lot of people are against running for things or wanting to be on things because of that behavior. Anyone that wants to go on line and read it they will read that she has created an atmosphere where you don't even have to use your own name to attack a person and their character. He noted someone who goes on under a fake name and attacks the Town Administrator and the Board members that she does not like. He commented that if a Board member doesn't agree with her, she will immediately go after them. If that was done in a school or workplace, that person would be gone. Under the guise of social media you can say anything you want and this elected body cannot respond back. That person and that character is not what the Board should be putting on their Committees. He has had many people call and ask why they have continued to reappoint Ms. Hall. She was one of the original authors of the Charter and has expressed having a Charter Commission to take the Committee out and go to elected officials. He thinks that it would be Sandra Hall and her friends running for said Commission and he does not think that should be something that the Select Board condones and puts up with. There are lies on that site and the Board members cannot go on the site and correct them. To his knowledge, the only one who has not been attacked is Mr. Howell. People can come to this room and defend or discuss but those conversations don't happen in that room or on Town Meeting Floor. She gets traction on social media and he thinks that probably 80% of the people are on for the entertainment. To the reporter in attendance, Mr. MacAskill would be happy to sit with him and articulate as many things as he wants but the Board should not be condoning bullies whether its the Brooks Academy Commission or the Charter By-law Committee. He stands with both of them, it's the character of the person that he does not think should be on them. Mr. Howell commented that Mr. MacAskill is conflating two different issues. In the period of the time referred to, Mr. Howell has had a number of 4:1 votes against him, it's not him but the positions he is taking. He also stated that Mr. MacAskill had said, on the phone that he was inclined to reappoint Ms. Hall to the Brooks Academy Commission but not to the Charter Review Committee and that is what he called and conveyed to Ms. Hall, not that she would not be appointed to either. Ms. Kavanagh commented that she does not know why one Committee would be ok and the other would not. Other Board do not take issues to social media and she feels their negativity is why there are vacancies on other Committees. She noted that she is not on the site but gets screen shots. The Select Board discusses things openly and anyone can attend and speak to the Board. Ultimately if you're part of a Committee that is raging on social media, you may not say what you want to say to avoid the push back. People who are volunteering their time should feel free to speak up and say what they believe. She reiterated that the motion currently is as Mr. MacAskill presented. Mr. Piekarski commented that he agrees that bullying should not be tolerated by anyone and he has heard from people as to why they may or may not serve on Committees, He does not have enough information to vote against Ms. Hall at this time. His vote will be against the motion but he respects the Board member's opinions and will do his own homework. He is not interested in anyone sending him screen shots. Mr. Howell noted that if Mr. Piekarski does what he said and they do revisit this issue afterwards, it will require a reconsideration vote because voting the list with the omissions was a flat out vacancy. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Howell)
May 20Approve the annual Harwich Police Department Reappointments as presentedMotion: To approve the annual Harwich Police Department Reappointments as presentedPassed · see note
May 20, 2024: Approve the annual Harwich Police Department Reappointments as presented
To approve the annual Harwich Police Department Reappointments as presented
The minutes say the motion carried but do not give a count or say how each member voted.
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to approve the annual Harwich Police Department Reappointments as presented. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Voter: 4:0:1 in favor with Mr. Piekarski abstained. Motion carried.” (Motion: Handler, second: Howell)
May 13The Attorney General as set forth in 940 CMR…Motion: the Attorney General as set forth in 940 CMR 29.03b at…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · see note
May 13, 2024: The Attorney General as set forth in 940 CMR 29.03b at least 48 hours not including Saturday, Sundays and legal holidays prior to the time of the meeting and remain…
The Attorney General as set forth in 940 CMR 29.03b at least 48 hours not including Saturday, Sundays and legal holidays prior to the time of the meeting and remain so posted at the time of the meeting that no deliberations of decisions in connection with the sale of the Bonds were taken in Executive Session all in accordance with General Law Chapter 30A 18-25 as amended
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“the Attorney General as set forth in 940 CMR 29.03b at least 48 hours not including Saturday, Sundays and legal holidays prior to the time of the meeting and remain so posted at the time of the meeting that no deliberations of decisions in connection with the sale of the Bonds were taken in Executive Session all in accordance with General Law Chapter 30A 18-25 as amended. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (second: Howell)
May 13Approve the Town Administrator's recommendation to grant permission by…Motion: To approve the Town Administrator's recommendation to grant permission by VERIZON…Passed · see note
May 13, 2024: Approve the Town Administrator's recommendation to grant permission by VERIZON NEW ENGLAND INC. and NSTAR ELECTRIC d/b/a EVERSOURCE ENERGY to relocate one jointly owned pole on 158/10A on...
To approve the Town Administrator's recommendation to grant permission by VERIZON NEW ENGLAND INC. and NSTAR ELECTRIC d/b/a EVERSOURCE ENERGY to relocate one jointly owned pole on 158/10A on Archibald Circle, Harwich, MA
The minutes record this motion but no vote on it.
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to approve the Town Administrator's recommendation to grant permission by VERIZON NEW ENGLAND INC. and NSTAR ELECTRIC d/b/a EVERSOURCE ENERGY to relocate one jointly owned pole on 158/10A on Archibald Circle, Harwich, MA. Seconded by Mr. Howell..” (Motion: Handler, second: Howell)
May 6Reconsider Article 16 and support the Finance Committee's recommendation…Motion: To reconsider Article 16 and support the Finance Committee's recommendation on…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Piekarski
May 6, 2024 (Special meeting): Reconsider Article 16 and support the Finance Committee's recommendation on this Article
To reconsider Article 16 and support the Finance Committee's recommendation on this Article
Yes: Handler, Howell, Kavanagh, MacAskillAbstained: Piekarski
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill motioned to reconsider Article 16 and support the Finance Committee's recommendation on this Article. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Voted 4-0-1 (Mr. Piekarski abstained), vote carried in favor.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Howell)
Apr 29Approve GHD to proceed for an Award of Contract…Motion: To approve GHD to proceed for an Award of Contract from…Passed 3–1 · see note
April 29, 2024: Approve GHD to proceed for an Award of Contract from the State for base bid of Contract 1-E as well as alternates 1., 2, and 3 as presented as well…
To approve GHD to proceed for an Award of Contract from the State for base bid of Contract 1-E as well as alternates 1., 2, and 3 as presented as well as approve Contract 2-W base bid as well as alternates 1 and 2 only
The minutes give the count (3-1) and name Peter Piekarski, but the names and count do not match the members present. Showing the count only. The minutes name Jeffrey Handler as the mover, but Jeffrey Handler is not on the attendance line, so no mover is shown. The minutes name Michael MacAskill as the seconder, but Michael MacAskill is not on the attendance line, so no seconder is shown.
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to approve GHD to proceed for an Award of Contract from the State for base bid of Contract 1-E as well as alternates 1., 2, and 3 as presented as well as approve Contract 2-W base bid as well as alternates 1 and 2 only. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Vote: 3:1 in favor with Mr. Piekarski opposed.”
Apr 29Designate Select Board member Don Howell to present the…Motion: To designate Select Board member Don Howell to present the Proclamation…Passed 4–0 · see note
April 29, 2024: Designate Select Board member Don Howell to present the Proclamation at the Memorial Day Ceremony
To designate Select Board member Don Howell to present the Proclamation at the Memorial Day Ceremony
The minutes say 4-0, but 0 members were present for this vote (no one). Showing the count only. The minutes name Jeffrey Handler as the mover, but Jeffrey Handler is not on the attendance line, so no mover is shown. The minutes name Michael MacAskill as the seconder, but Michael MacAskill is not on the attendance line, so no seconder is shown.
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to designate Select Board member Don Howell to present the Proclamation at the Memorial Day Ceremony. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Ms. Kavanagh stated that Mr. Howell is in favor of presenting the Proclamation. Vote 4:0 in favor. Motion carried.”
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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