MassVoter.com← Harwich Select BoardHarwich Select Board · 2024–2025 Board · Joint meeting
July 22, 2024
17 recorded votes, 3 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 with the Board of Assessors. Only the Select Board's own votes are included.
Present: Julie Kavanagh, Jeffrey Handler, Peter Piekarski, Michael MacAskill
Absent: Donald Howell
Every vote, in order
Enter into Executive Session as presented
To enter into Executive Session as presented
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to enter into Executive Session as presented, seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Vote: 4:0 in favor by roll call vote.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: MacAskill)
Approve the minutes for June 24, 2024
To approve the minutes for June 24, 2024
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to approve the minutes for June 24, 2024. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Vote: 4:0 in favor Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: MacAskill)
Approve the minutes for July 8, 2024
To approve the minutes for July 8, 2024
Yes: Handler, Kavanagh, MacAskillAbstained: Piekarski
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to approve the minutes for July 8, 2024, seconded by Mr. Handler. Mr. Handler noted a change that should be made, John Kerry to John Carey. Vote: 3:0:1 with Mr. Piekarski abstaining as he was not present at that meeting.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Handler)
Approve the resignation of Meredith Henderson from the Harwich Youth Services Committee, effective immediately, second by Mr. MacAskill. 3 of 20 3
To approve the resignation of Meredith Henderson from the Harwich Youth Services Committee, effective immediately, second by Mr. MacAskill. 3 of 20 3
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to approve the resignation of Meredith Henderson from the Harwich Youth Services Committee, effective immediately, second by Mr. MacAskill. 3 of 20 3 Vote: 4:0 in favor Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski)
Approve the following committee appointments as recommended by the Interview Committee: 1
To approve the following committee appointments as recommended by the Interview Committee: 1. Pauline Teas, Bikeways Committee, term to expire June 30, 2027 2. Pauline Teas, Voter Information Committee, term to expire June 30, 2025 3. Sheila House, Council on Aging, term to expire June 30, 2025 4, John August, Zoning Board of Appeals, term to expire June 30, 2027 5. Karen Doucette, Golf Committee, term to expire June 30, 2027 6. Patsy Ford, Brooks Academy Museum Commission, term to expire June 30, 2026 7. Robert Nickerson, Brooks Academy Museum Commission, term to expire June 30, 2025 8. Emily Milan, Voter Information Committee, term to expire June 30, 2027 9. Deborah Gibson, Treasure Chest Committee, term to expire June 30, 2027
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to approve the following committee appointments as recommended by the Interview Committee: 1. Pauline Teas, Bikeways Committee, term to expire June 30, 2027 2. Pauline Teas, Voter Information Committee, term to expire June 30, 2025 3. Sheila House, Council on Aging, term to expire June 30, 2025 4, John August, Zoning Board of Appeals, term to expire June 30, 2027 5. Karen Doucette, Golf Committee, term to expire June 30, 2027 6. Patsy Ford, Brooks Academy Museum Commission, term to expire June 30, 2026 7. Robert Nickerson, Brooks Academy Museum Commission, term to expire June 30, 2025 8. Emily Milan, Voter Information Committee, term to expire June 30, 2027 9. Deborah Gibson, Treasure Chest Committee, term to expire June 30, 2027 Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Mr. Handler thanked all 9 of the new Committee appointments. Mr. Powers noted that Ms. Teas has one of her appointment letters and he will be sure the Board gets the voter information. Vote: 4:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: MacAskill)
Close the Public Hearing
To close the Public Hearing
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 close the Public Hearing, seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Vote; 4:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Handler, second: MacAskill)
Approve a new Class II Used Auto Dealer license application for Cape Cod Trucks, LLC d/b/a Cape Cod Trucks, 195 Queen Anne Road
To approve a new Class II Used Auto Dealer license application for Cape Cod Trucks, LLC d/b/a Cape Cod Trucks, 195 Queen Anne Road
From the minutes
“Mr. MacASkill moved to approve a new Class II Used Auto Dealer license application for Cape Cod Trucks, LLC d/b/a Cape Cod Trucks, 195 Queen Anne Road, seconded by Mr. Handler. Mr. Handler thanked Mr. McLaughlin for his work cleaning up the property. Vote: 4:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Handler)
Support and create an Article for the 2025 Annual Town Meeting on an Affordable Housing Property Tax Exemption
To support and create an Article for the 2025 Annual Town Meeting on an Affordable Housing Property Tax Exemption
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to support and create an Article for the 2025 Annual Town Meeting on an Affordable Housing Property Tax Exemption. Seconded by Mr. Handler. Mr. Piekarski questioned the two different amounts noted in the paperwork. Mr. Waystack explained that they had changed the amount to create an incentive. He also requested that, if there is going to be a Town Meeting this fall, the Article would be considered to be put on the Town Meeting. Mr. MacAskill's motion was modified to reflect that request. He also noted that he wants the Article vetted by Town Counsel before he approves what is in the packet. He also wants to know if they can vote a tax exemption at a Town Meeting or if it has to be the Annual Town Meeting. Mr. Powers replied that he wil! find out about the Town Meeting or Annual Town Meeting. He also commented to Mr. Waystack that according to the sample Article, they want to adopt Mass General Law Chapter 59 Section 50 and not 50. He will work with counsel on this Article and see if it can come to the next Town Meeting, Special or Annual. Vote: 4:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Handler)
Appoint the Town Administrator as Hearing Officer and to conduct a Public Hearing for alleged liquor license violations that occurred on July 6, 2024, at The Port Restaurant and Bar, Inc., 541...
To appoint the Town Administrator as Hearing Officer and to conduct a Public Hearing for alleged liquor license violations that occurred on July 6, 2024, at The Port Restaurant and Bar, Inc., 541 Route 28
From the minutes
“Ms. Kavanagh moved to appoint the Town Administrator as Hearing Officer and to conduct a Public Hearing for alleged liquor license violations that occurred on July 6, 2024, at The Port Restaurant and Bar, Inc., 541 Route 28. Seconded by Mr. Handler. Vote: 4:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Kavanagh, second: Handler)
Approve a Special Permit application for one day entertainment and one day wines and malt permit for Reciprocity Artisans Market - Event to be held on September 7, 2024, 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.,...
To approve a Special Permit application for one day entertainment and one day wines and malt permit for Reciprocity Artisans Market - Event to be held on September 7, 2024, 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., outside at 4 Cross Street. Entertainment: Live/recorded music, amplification, dancing
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to approve a Special Permit application for one day entertainment and one day wines and malt permit for Reciprocity Artisans Market - Event to be held on September 7, 2024, 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., outside at 4 Cross Street. Entertainment: Live/recorded music, amplification, dancing. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Vote: 4:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Handler, second: MacAskill)
Approve a Special Permit application for a one day wines and malt permit for Nicole Pratt - Event to be held at Cape Life Brand Company, 537 Main Street, August 4, 2024, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m
To approve a Special Permit application for a one day wines and malt permit for Nicole Pratt - Event to be held at Cape Life Brand Company, 537 Main Street, August 4, 2024, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to approve a Special Permit application for a one day wines and malt permit for Nicole Pratt - Event to be held at Cape Life Brand Company, 537 Main Street, August 4, 2024, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Vote: 4:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Handler, second: MacAskill)
Approve the Democratic Town Committee list of election workers as printed
To approve the Democratic Town Committee list of election workers as printed
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to approve the Democratic Town Committee list of election workers as printed. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Vote: 4:0 in favor. Motion Carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: MacAskill)
Approve the Republican Town Committee list of election workers as printed
To approve the Republican Town Committee list of election workers as printed
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to approve the Republican Town Committee list of election workers as printed. Seconded by Mr. Handler. Vote: 4:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Handler)
Combine K1-3 and K 1-4 and set the minimum at $775,000 and for Article 42, set the minimum at $800,000
To combine K1-3 and K 1-4 and set the minimum at $775,000 and for Article 42, set the minimum at $800,000
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to combine K1-3 and K 1-4 and set the minimum at $775,000 and for Article 42, set the minimum at $800,000. Seconded by Mr. Handler. Vote: 4:0 in favor Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Handler)
The Town waive the Town's Right of First Refusal on an Affordable Housing home resale for the sale at 10 Driftwood Lane
That the Town waive the Town's Right of First Refusal on an Affordable Housing home resale for the sale at 10 Driftwood Lane
Yes: Handler, MacAskill, PiekarskiNo: Kavanagh
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved that the Town waive the Town's Right of First Refusal on an Affordable Housing home resale for the sale at 10 Driftwood Lane. Mr. Handler seconded. Mr. Handler commented that the is unsure how he feels about the Town entering into a building that needs a ton of repair. He also understands the timeline and that the process may not have been followed properly. If nothing more, the process should be followed properly. Mr. Piekarski asked if there was a mortgage issued or approval on the property. Atty. Norcross replied that the prospective buyer has a commitment. He is getting a construction loan to be able to do the repairs. He would not be able to purchase the property in the condition it is in right now. Ms. Bourget described all the work that has to be done on the property. She also noted that HECH has rent restrictions and it is a low producing property. It is not something that HECH would want to remain in the portfolio. Ms. Kavanagh noted that this came back on the Agenda because they had a discussion about bring it back and following a process because in general, the process isn't normally followed. That is what made it then go to the Trust. She added that if it goes to the Trust and they don't have an interest i it, it is only one week. 16 of 20 16 Mr. Handler noted that the purchase price is $275,000 with probably another $250-300,000 to get it up and running. They will be renting it at 36% of fair market which would be approximately just under $900. He does not see the value. He is not against subsidizing, they just done't have a process in place to do that right now. Mr. Handler explained what he meant by subsidizing. Mr. Piekarski commented that he is struggling with the 7 year window left in affordability. He agreed with Mr. MacAskill that they don't have the ability to turn this around and make it what it needs to be. As much as he is conflicted, he is inclined to support Mr. MacAskill's motion. Vote: 3:1 in favor with Ms. Kavanagh opposed. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Handler)
Approve a contract with Enterprise Equipment Co., Inc. for boiler replacement at 204 Sisson Road in the amount of $519,350.00
To approve a contract with Enterprise Equipment Co., Inc. for boiler replacement at 204 Sisson Road in the amount of $519,350.00
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to approve a contract with Enterprise Equipment Co., Inc. for boiler replacement at 204 Sisson Road in the amount of $519,350.00. Seconded by Mr. Handler. Mr. MacAskill asked if they had tried to get any Green Communities money on this contract or if it was eligible. Mr. Powers replied that it was not eligible. They are already in the Green Community and Mr. Libby is always looking for those opportunities. Vote: 4:0 in favor Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Handler)
Adjourn
To adjourn
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Handler. Vote: 4:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Handler)
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.
How to read these pagesWhere the votes come from, how we check them against the official minutes, what isn't included yet, and how to report a mistake.About city pages →