MassVoter.com← Harwich Select BoardHarwich Select Board · 2024–2025 Board · Regular meeting
August 5, 2024
16 recorded votes, 5 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: Julie Kavanagh, Jeffrey Handler, Peter Piekarski, Michael MacAskill, Donald Howell
Absent: None
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. Howell. Vote: 5:0 in favor by roll call vote. Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Howell)
Approve the Select Board Minutes of July 8, 2024
To approve the Select Board Minutes of July 8, 2024
Yes: Handler, Howell, Kavanagh, MacAskillAbstained: Piekarski
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to approve the Select Board Minutes of July 8, 2024. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Mr. Howell commented that minutes cannot be corrected to say something that did not occur at a meeting. It is referenced in the minutes that Mr. Howell questioned Kathleen Barrette, Finance Director about the transfers of money at the end of the year to cover a particular item. It was listed as the Cape Cod Commission and he clarified that there is a difference between the Cape Cod Commission and the County Government. He explained that, in terms of its receipts, the Commission operates through the office of the Finance Director there, He noted that, that was for the yearly assessment to be a member of the Cape Cod Commission. It was paid to the County but it was dispersed to the Cape Cod Commission. Had that knowledge been conveyed, it would have been in the Minutes. The clarification is the it was both but the County Government was not involved other than taking money in from the Commission. It is something that, under State Law, is assessed for participation in the Commission. Ms. Kavanagh noted that there is also an email trail. Vote: 4:0:1 in favor with Mr. Piekarski abstained. Motion carried.” (Motion: Handler, second: MacAskill)
Approve the Minutes of July 22, 2024 with the correction from $475,000 to $775,000
To approve the Minutes of July 22, 2024 with the correction from $475,000 to $775,000
Yes: Handler, Kavanagh, MacAskill, PiekarskiAbstained: Howell
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to approve the Minutes of July 22, 2024 with the correction from $475,000 to $775,000. Seconded by Mr. Piekarski. Vote: 4:0:1 in favor with Mr. Howell abstained. Motion carried.” (Motion: Handler, second: Piekarski)
Approve the appointment of Eric A. Kinsherf as the Interim Finance Director and Town Accountant effective August 5, 2024
To approve the appointment of Eric A. Kinsherf as the Interim Finance Director and Town Accountant effective August 5, 2024
The minutes record this motion but no vote on it.
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to approve the appointment of Eric A. Kinsherf as the Interim Finance Director and Town Accountant effective August 5, 2024. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill..” (Motion: Handler, second: MacAskill)
The appointment of Eric A. Kinsherf as the Interim Finance Director and Town Accountant effective August 5, 2024 for a period of 30 days
To the appointment of Eric A. Kinsherf as the Interim Finance Director and Town Accountant effective August 5, 2024 for a period of 30 days
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to the appointment of Eric A. Kinsherf as the Interim Finance Director and Town Accountant effective August 5, 2024 for a period of 30 days. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Handler, second: MacAskill)
Vote to designate In Person Early Voting hours and location for the 2024 State Primary Election
To vote to designate In Person Early Voting hours and location for the 2024 State Primary Election
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to vote to designate In Person Early Voting hours and location for the 2024 State Primary Election. Seconded by Mr. Handler. Emily Mitchell, Town Clerk noted that, included in the packet is a memorandum with a recommendation on specific dates and times. She also noted that State law requires in-person early voting to be available for all State and Federal elections both primary and general and gave details. Her recommendation complies with those requirements. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Handler)
Vote to approve and sign the State Primary Election Warrant, to be held September 3, 2024
To vote to approve and sign the State Primary Election Warrant, to be held September 3, 2024
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to vote to approve and sign the State Primary Election Warrant, to be held September 3, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Mr. Powers noted for the record that there are three originals and he asked that the Board Members sign all three. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Howell)
Vote to appoint the recommendation from Real Estate and Open Spaces Committee of Kathy Green to the Community Preservation Committee, term to expire June 30, 2027
To vote to appoint the recommendation from Real Estate and Open Spaces Committee of Kathy Green to the Community Preservation Committee, term to expire June 30, 2027
The minutes say the motion carried but do not give a count or say how each member voted.
From the minutes
“Piekarski moved to vote to appoint the recommendation from Real Estate and Open Spaces Committee of Kathy Green to the Community Preservation Committee, term to expire June 30, 2027. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Voter: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Howell)
Approve the proposed Select Board Committee Liaison list with revisions to be acknowledged later
To approve the proposed Select Board Committee Liaison list with revisions to be acknowledged later
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to approve the proposed Select Board Committee Liaison list with revisions to be acknowledged later. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Mr. Howell repeated publicly that he would like to maintain being liaison to the Brooks Academy Commission because there are things going on relative to funding which he has been involved in up to this point. Mr. Handler supports Mr. Howell's request and they will have a discussion to decide an exchange. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: MacAskill)
Move forward with the initiative, subject to final review by the Select Board
To move forward with the initiative, subject to final review by the Select Board
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to move forward with the initiative, subject to final review by the Select Board. Seconded by Mr. Handler. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Handler)
Approve a Special Permit Application for a one day wines and malt permit for Harwich Cranberry Festival for events to be held on September 14, 2024 and September 15, 2024, 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m....
To approve a Special Permit Application for a one day wines and malt permit for Harwich Cranberry Festival for events to be held on September 14, 2024 and September 15, 2024, 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Community Center, 100 Oak Street
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to approve a Special Permit Application for a one day wines and malt permit for Harwich Cranberry Festival for events to be held on September 14, 2024 and September 15, 2024, 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Community Center, 100 Oak Street. Seconded by Howell. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Howell)
Approve a Special Permit Application for a one day entertainment permit for the Harwich Chamber of Commerce & Special Friends Café for an event to be held at Brooks Park on August 24, 2024, 11:00...
To approve a Special Permit Application for a one day entertainment permit for the Harwich Chamber of Commerce & Special Friends Café for an event to be held at Brooks Park on August 24, 2024, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Entertainment type: yard games, live recorded music, amplification
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to approve a Special Permit Application for a one day entertainment permit for the Harwich Chamber of Commerce & Special Friends Café for an event to be held at Brooks Park on August 24, 2024, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Entertainment type: yard games, live recorded music, amplification. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Howell)
Approve a Special Permit Application for a one day wines & malt permit for Rotary Club of Harwich-Dennis for an event to be held at Stonewood Products, 15 Great Western Road, on September 28,...
To approve a Special Permit Application for a one day wines & malt permit for Rotary Club of Harwich-Dennis for an event to be held at Stonewood Products, 15 Great Western Road, on September 28, 2024, 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to approve a Special Permit Application for a one day wines & malt permit for Rotary Club of Harwich-Dennis for an event to be held at Stonewood Products, 15 Great Western Road, on September 28, 2024, 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Howell)
Approve a Special Permit Application for a one day all alcohol and one day entertainment permit for Lower Cape Outreach Council, event to be held at 204 Sisson Road on September 21, 2024, 5:00...
To approve a Special Permit Application for a one day all alcohol and one day entertainment permit for Lower Cape Outreach Council, event to be held at 204 Sisson Road on September 21, 2024, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Entertainment type: Recorded/live music, amplification, theatrical exhibit, play or moving picture show
From the minutes
“Mr. Pieklarski moved to approve a Special Permit Application for a one day all alcohol and one day entertainment permit for Lower Cape Outreach Council, event to be held at 204 Sisson Road on September 21, 2024, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Entertainment type: Recorded/live music, amplification, theatrical exhibit, play or moving picture show. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Howell)
Seek outside legal counsel for a consultation relative to the Housing Assistance Corporation Family Transition Center on Love Lane in Dennis, for an amount not to exceed $10,000
To seek outside legal counsel for a consultation relative to the Housing Assistance Corporation Family Transition Center on Love Lane in Dennis, for an amount not to exceed $10,000
Yes: Handler, Kavanagh, MacAskill, PiekarskiAbstained: Howell
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to seek outside legal counsel for a consultation relative to the Housing Assistance Corporation Family Transition Center on Love Lane in Dennis, for an amount not to exceed $10,000. Seconded by Mr. Handler. Vote: 4:0:1 in favor with Mr. Howell abstained. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Handler)
Adjourn
To adjourn
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to adjourn. Seconded by Mr. Handler. Vote: 5:0 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.
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