MassVoter.com← Harwich Select BoardHarwich Select Board · 2023–2024 Board · Joint meeting
March 4, 2024
17 recorded votes, 4 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Note on these minutes: Joint meeting. Only the Select Board's own votes are included.
Present: Julie Kavanagh, Michael MacAskill, Jeffrey Handler, Donald Howell
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Close the Public Hearing
To close the Public Hearing
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell moved to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Vote 4:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Howell, second: MacAskill)
Approve the transfer of the M.G.L. Chapter 138, Section 12, Annual All Alcohol liquor license held by Morningstar Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Villa Roma, Manager Douglass Morrissey, 278 Route 28, to...
To approve the transfer of the M.G.L. Chapter 138, Section 12, Annual All Alcohol liquor license held by Morningstar Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Villa Roma, Manager Douglass Morrissey, 278 Route 28, to Milano Hospitality Group, Inc. d/b/a Milano's Italian Kitchen, Manager Francis Wiacek, Jr
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to approve the transfer of the M.G.L. Chapter 138, Section 12, Annual All Alcohol liquor license held by Morningstar Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Villa Roma, Manager Douglass Morrissey, 278 Route 28, to Milano Hospitality Group, Inc. d/b/a Milano's Italian Kitchen, Manager Francis Wiacek, Jr., seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote 4:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Howell)
The following Charter changes be included in the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting Warrant: 2-3-1-The Annual Election of Town Officers shall be called under Clause 811 of Chapter 8
That the following Charter changes be included in the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting Warrant: 2-3-1-The Annual Election of Town Officers shall be called under Clause 811 of Chapter 8. The Annual Town Meeting shall meet regularly in the first week of May to consider and adopt Annual Operating and Capital Budgets and to act on financial and other matters. The meeting shall be continued on other days until all Articles in the Warrant have been acted upon as well as 3-5-3, The Select Board Chair shall have the authority to designate from time to time one or more of its members to sign Warrant for the payment of Town Funds in the absence of the Town Administrator. As referenced in Clause 4-6-1 the Town Treasurer shall be notified of this designation 4-3-2-I Change would be in the second line, Water Department to Water/Wastewater Department. 4-4-3 The removal of - The Town Administrator shall appoint the Harbormaster and any Assistant Harbormasters. Reason, the Town Administrator has the authority to do this under 4-4-1 and 4-4-2
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved that the following Charter changes be included in the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting Warrant: 2-3-1-The Annual Election of Town Officers shall be called under Clause 811 of Chapter 8. The Annual Town Meeting shall meet regularly in the first week of May to consider and adopt Annual Operating and Capital Budgets and to act on financial and other matters. The meeting shall be continued on other days until all Articles in the Warrant have been acted upon as well as 3-5-3, The Select Board Chair shall have the authority to designate from time to time one or more of its members to sign Warrant for the payment of Town Funds in the absence of the Town Administrator. As referenced in Clause 4-6-1 the Town Treasurer shall be notified of this designation 4-3-2-I Change would be in the second line, Water Department to Water/Wastewater Department. 4-4-3 The removal of - The Town Administrator shall appoint the Harbormaster and any Assistant Harbormasters. Reason, the Town Administrator has the authority to do this under 4-4-1 and 4-4-2. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Ms. Cebula commented on 443 that they should remove that line and gave her reasons. Vote 4:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Handler, second: Howell)
The following By-Law change be included in the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting Warrant: 271-16 Votes of the Select Board and Finance Committee establishing recommendations regarding Town meeting...
That the following By-Law change be included in the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting Warrant: 271-16 Votes of the Select Board and Finance Committee establishing recommendations regarding Town meeting Articles shall be printed in the Warrant with each individuals recorded vote
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved that the following By-Law change be included in the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting Warrant: 271-16 Votes of the Select Board and Finance Committee establishing recommendations regarding Town meeting Articles shall be printed in the Warrant with each individuals recorded vote. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Ms. Cebula noted that at the 2019 Annual Town Meeting, Article 55 passed adding that the Select Board's votes included individual's names. This is to clean up the Charter By-Law language which had not yet been done. Vote 4:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Handler, second: Howell)
The following Charter changes be included in the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting Warrant: Chapter 3-7-1 Include the language that the Human Resource position will report to both the Select Board and...
That the following Charter changes be included in the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting Warrant: Chapter 3-7-1 Include the language that the Human Resource position will report to both the Select Board and the Town Administrator. In Chapter 3-6-1 Add to the list of appointments made by the Select Board, the position of Human Resources
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved that the following Charter changes be included in the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting Warrant: Chapter 3-7-1 Include the language that the Human Resource position will report to both the Select Board and the Town Administrator. In Chapter 3-6-1 Add to the list of appointments made by the Select Board, the position of Human Resources. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Discussion followed regarding possibly waiting until the Fall Town Meeting to make this change. Vote 4:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Handler, second: Howell)
The following Charter changes be included in the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting Warrant: Chapter 2-2-2 Warrants will be mailed to all households
That the following Charter changes be included in the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting Warrant: Chapter 2-2-2 Warrants will be mailed to all households
No: Handler, Howell, Kavanagh, MacAskill
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved that the following Charter changes be included in the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting Warrant: Chapter 2-2-2 Warrants will be mailed to all households. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Discussion followed with Board members giving their opinions. Vote 0:4 against.” (Motion: Handler, second: Howell)
The following Charter change be included in the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting Warrant: Chapter 2-8-1 That all new additions to staff and changes from part-time to full-time be included in the Town...
That the following Charter change be included in the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting Warrant: Chapter 2-8-1 That all new additions to staff and changes from part-time to full-time be included in the Town Meeting Warrant as separate Articles
No: Handler, Howell, Kavanagh, MacAskill
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved that the following Charter change be included in the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting Warrant: Chapter 2-8-1 That all new additions to staff and changes from part-time to full-time be included in the Town Meeting Warrant as separate Articles. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Discussion followed with Board members giving their opinions. Vote 0:4 against.” (Motion: Handler, second: Howell)
The following General By-Law change be included in the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting Warrant: Chapter 7-2 Specify the reports/information to be included in the Warrant and reported to Town Meeting...
That the following General By-Law change be included in the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting Warrant: Chapter 7-2 Specify the reports/information to be included in the Warrant and reported to Town Meeting - Proposed Budget, Anticipated Receipts, Capital Plan, Sources and Uses, Uses of Funds, Statement of Activity on all Revolving Funds including balances for prior fiscal year and at the close of the previous calendar year
No: Handler, Howell, Kavanagh, MacAskill
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved that the following General By-Law change be included in the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting Warrant: Chapter 7-2 Specify the reports/information to be included in the Warrant and reported to Town Meeting - Proposed Budget, Anticipated Receipts, Capital Plan, Sources and Uses, Uses of Funds, Statement of Activity on all Revolving Funds including balances for prior fiscal year and at the close of the previous calendar year. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Mr. MacAskill asked what information is not currently included in the Warrant. Mr. Powers replied that the Capital Plan is in the Warrant but he does to believe that the others are included in the Warrant. Ms. Cebula noted that the Budget is in but receipts are not. There is receipt information in various places but they are looking for a one page document that says what the Budget total is and also lists all the information of where all the receipts are coming from. She commented that this is effectively the Sources and Uses Report. Discussion followed with Board members giving their opinions and Ms. Cebula explaining why they are in favor of the wording. Mr. MacAskill stated for the record that nowhere did he say that they should hide this information from the public. Nowhere did he say that it shouldn't be readily available to everybody that wants to see it. He stressed that there is no lack of transparency. Discussion continued on what information is in the Warrant and what could/should be added in a format that is easily understood. Mr. MacAskill commented that having a one page document plus having another one page document with receipting information is something that they should bring forward as a Board, to make a request and get as much of that information into the Warrant. Discussion continued on the Revolving Funds and previous conversations on the same subject. It was emphasized that the information is being requested because it will be help the public to better understand the Revolving Fund. Ms. Kavanagh suggested looking into what other towns are providing as references and comparisons. Vote 0:4 against.” (Motion: Handler, second: Howell)
The following General By-Law change be included in the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting Warrant: Chapter 271-3 During Legislative Session of Town Meeting, the floor shall be occupied solely by...
That the following General By-Law change be included in the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting Warrant: Chapter 271-3 During Legislative Session of Town Meeting, the floor shall be occupied solely by registered voter and it shall be the duty of the Moderator to clear the floor of all non-voters. Non-voters shall not address the meeting without majority consent thereof, provided however that the Moderator shall allow a Non-resident Department Head to speak on any Article, the subject matter of which might affect that Department or in response to a question from the floor. The Select Board will send this motion to the Moderator, if carried, for review and approval
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved that the following General By-Law change be included in the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting Warrant: Chapter 271-3 During Legislative Session of Town Meeting, the floor shall be occupied solely by registered voter and it shall be the duty of the Moderator to clear the floor of all non-voters. Non-voters shall not address the meeting without majority consent thereof, provided however that the Moderator shall allow a Non-resident Department Head to speak on any Article, the subject matter of which might affect that Department or in response to a question from the floor. The Select Board will send this motion to the Moderator, if carried, for review and approval. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote 4:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Handler, second: Howell)
Approve the appointment of Andrea Akridge as a Temporary Treasurer Collector per M.G.L. Chapter 41, Section 40, effective immediately
To approve the appointment of Andrea Akridge as a Temporary Treasurer Collector per M.G.L. Chapter 41, Section 40, effective immediately
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to approve the appointment of Andrea Akridge as a Temporary Treasurer Collector per M.G.L. Chapter 41, Section 40, effective immediately. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote 4:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Handler, second: Howell)
Accept and place the following Articles in the 2024 Annual Town Meeting Warrant: *Town Officers & Committees * Reports of Officers & Committees * Elected Officials Salaries * Lease Purchase...
To accept and place the following Articles in the 2024 Annual Town Meeting Warrant: *Town Officers & Committees * Reports of Officers & Committees * Elected Officials Salaries * Lease Purchase Agreements * Defray Library Expenses * Promote the Town of Harwich * Herring Fisheries
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to accept and place the following Articles in the 2024 Annual Town Meeting Warrant: *Town Officers & Committees * Reports of Officers & Committees * Elected Officials Salaries * Lease Purchase Agreements * Defray Library Expenses * Promote the Town of Harwich * Herring Fisheries Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Vote 4:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Handler, second: MacAskill)
Accept the Town of Harwich Recreation Department's Use of Facility Form as presented in the packet
To accept the Town of Harwich Recreation Department's Use of Facility Form as presented in the packet
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to accept the Town of Harwich Recreation Department's Use of Facility Form as presented in the packet. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Vote 4:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Handler, second: MacAskill)
Approve a 2024 Annual Class IV Auto Repair license renewal for A & G Accident Repair, Inc. d/b/a Cranberry Collision, 161 Queen Anne Road
To approve a 2024 Annual Class IV Auto Repair license renewal for A & G Accident Repair, Inc. d/b/a Cranberry Collision, 161 Queen Anne Road
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to approve a 2024 Annual Class IV Auto Repair license renewal for A & G Accident Repair, Inc. d/b/a Cranberry Collision, 161 Queen Anne Road. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Vote 4:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Handler, second: MacAskill)
Approve a Special Permit Application for one day entertainment and one day wines & malt permit - Sativa, 517 Route 28, Event to be held at 517 Route 28 outside in parking lot, May 25, 2024, 11:00...
To approve a Special Permit Application for one day entertainment and one day wines & malt permit - Sativa, 517 Route 28, Event to be held at 517 Route 28 outside in parking lot, May 25, 2024, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Live/recorded music with amplification
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to approve a Special Permit Application for one day entertainment and one day wines & malt permit - Sativa, 517 Route 28, Event to be held at 517 Route 28 outside in parking lot, May 25, 2024, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Live/recorded music with amplification. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote 4:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Handler, second: Howell)
Approve the Harwich Affordable Housing Trust- Community Preservation Act Grant Agreement
To approve the Harwich Affordable Housing Trust- Community Preservation Act Grant Agreement
The minutes record this motion but no vote on it.
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to approve the Harwich Affordable Housing Trust- Community Preservation Act Grant Agreement. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill..” (Motion: Handler, second: MacAskill)
Approve a contract with Woodard & Curran, Inc. in the amount of $93,500.00 for MS4 Stormwater Year 6 Permit Compliance
To approve a contract with Woodard & Curran, Inc. in the amount of $93,500.00 for MS4 Stormwater Year 6 Permit Compliance
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to approve a contract with Woodard & Curran, Inc. in the amount of $93,500.00 for MS4 Stormwater Year 6 Permit Compliance. Seconded by Mr. Handler. Vote 4:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Handler)
Adorn
To adorn
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell moved to adorn, seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Vote 4:0 in favor Motion carried.” (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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