MassVoter.com← HarwichMunicipal votes · 2024–2025 Board
Harwich Select Board
How the Harwich Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide. Same five members after the May 2024 town election. On June 3, 2024 the board chose Julie Kavanagh as Chair (4-1, Peter Piekarski opposed), Jeffrey Handler as Vice Chair (3-1-1, Piekarski opposed, Donald Howell abstaining) and Peter Piekarski as Clerk (4-0-1, Piekarski abstaining). Julie Kavanagh stepped down as Chair on January 27, 2025. On February 10, 2025 the board chose Jeffrey Handler as Chair (4-0-1, Howell abstaining) and Michael MacAskill as Vice Chair (4-1, Howell opposed). Covers 45 meetings, June 3 to May 19, 2025.
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
ChairJeffrey HandlerChair · Elected townwide · at 45 of 45 meetingsVice-ChairMichael MacAskillVice Chair · Elected townwide · at 43 of 45 meetings
Donald HowellMember · Elected townwide · at 42 of 45 meetingsJulie KavanaghChair · Elected townwide · at 39 of 45 meetings
Peter PiekarskiClerk · Elected townwide · at 42 of 45 meetings"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 1921(a)(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations…Motion: 21(a)(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union…Passed 4–0 · see note
May 19, 2025: 21(a)(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel and to conduct contract negotiations with non-union personnel: Finance Director
21(a)(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel and to conduct contract negotiations with non-union personnel: Finance Director
The minutes say 4-0, but 5 members were present for this vote (Jeffrey Handler, Michael MacAskill, Peter Piekarski, Julie Kavanagh and Donald Howell). Showing the count only. The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“21(a)(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel and to conduct contract negotiations with non-union personnel: Finance Director. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote: 4:0 in favor by roll call vote. Motion carried.” (second: Howell)
May 19Approve the annual Harwich Police Department Reappointments as presentedMotion: To approve the annual Harwich Police Department Reappointments as presentedPassed 4–0 · Abstained: Piekarski
May 19, 2025: Approve the annual Harwich Police Department Reappointments as presented
To approve the annual Harwich Police Department Reappointments as presented
Yes: Handler, Howell, Kavanagh, MacAskillAbstained: Piekarski
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to approve the annual Harwich Police Department Reappointments as presented. Seconded by Ms. Kavanagh. Vote: 4:0:1 in favor with Mr. Piekarski abstained. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Kavanagh)
May 19Approve the proposed kitchen rental rates at 204 Sisson…Motion: To approve the proposed kitchen rental rates at 204 Sisson RoadPassed 4–1 · No: Piekarski
May 19, 2025: Approve the proposed kitchen rental rates at 204 Sisson Road
To approve the proposed kitchen rental rates at 204 Sisson Road
Yes: Handler, Howell, Kavanagh, MacAskillNo: Piekarski
From the minutes
“Ms. Kavanagh moved to approve the proposed kitchen rental rates at 204 Sisson Road. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Mr. Piekarski referred to the Facility Use Policy and asked if it is a policy that the Select Board needs to approve. Mr. Powers replied that it would have to be from the Board. He deferred to the Director for presentation of that. He noted that the Board is only asked to approve the rates at this time but the Use Policy is something the Board would have to do. Kara Mewhinney, Director of Cultural Affairs noted that she is asking that the Board to approve the Use Policy because the language in it has adjusted a bit pertaining to just the kitchen. She explained that it is the Town's Facility Use Policy with kitchen contingencies included, which she explained. She noted that it has been reviewed by KP Law. Mr. Piekarski noted that the Agenda notes the fees but not the policy. He asked that Ms. Mewhinney explain the rates in more detail. Ms. Mewhinney explained the differences in rates in detail. She also explained what the limited use of the facility would include. Mr. Piekarski asked for comparable fees at other Cape towns which Ms. Mewhinney provided in detail. She also explained why they are charging the proposed rates. Ms. Mewhinney continued answering questions from Mr. Piekarski by describing the class instruction and the hourly rate in detail. Mr. Piekarski commented that the monthly rental and class instruction is a little low compared to other towns' rates. He expressed concern about insurance and noted that the town may require additional insurance. Ms. Mewhinney responded that the current Facility Use Policy uses language regarding insurance. She noted that everyone who comes on site has to offer the town a certificate of liability. Mr. Piekarski suggested that when the Board entertains the policy itself, they entertain removing the word "may". Mr. Howell asked exactly what portion of the cafeteria and the kitchen would be included in the rental. Ms. Mewhinney replied that it is just the kitchen. They may use the cafeteria for class purposes if it is available. Ms. Kavanagh commented that she is in agreement with the rates and appreciated the proposal. Mr. MacAskill expressed concern regarding the unlimited monthly rate and asked for an explanation of how that amount was determined. Ms. Mewhinney explained the calculations in detail. She also noted that the rates can be adjusted if they are taken advantage of. Mr. MacAskill commented that, with that said, he would support the rate structure. Mr. Handler commended Ms. Mewhinney for her efforts to continually create new things at the Cultural Center. He is happy with all the work she has done and he is happy to support the proposed rates. Vote: 4:1 in favor with Mr. Piekarski opposed. Motion carried.” (Motion: Kavanagh, second: MacAskill)
May 19Also public is the information regarding the HERS ratingsMotion: Also public is the information regarding the HERS ratingsPassed 4–0 · Abstained: MacAskill
May 19, 2025: Also public is the information regarding the HERS ratings
Also public is the information regarding the HERS ratings
Yes: Handler, Howell, Kavanagh, PiekarskiAbstained: MacAskillThe minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“Also public is the information regarding the HERS ratings. Vote: 4:0:1 in favor with Mr. MacAskill abstained. Motion carried.”
Apr 7Accept a gift in the amount of $10,000 from…Motion: To accept a gift in the amount of $10,000 from Timothy…Passed 4–1 · No: Howell
April 7, 2025 (Joint meeting): Accept a gift in the amount of $10,000 from Timothy Ritchie for the purpose of rebuilding the stairs to access Jenkins Beach on Walther Road
To accept a gift in the amount of $10,000 from Timothy Ritchie for the purpose of rebuilding the stairs to access Jenkins Beach on Walther Road
Yes: Handler, Kavanagh, MacAskill, PiekarskiNo: Howell
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to accept a gift in the amount of $10,000 from Timothy Ritchie for the purpose of rebuilding the stairs to access Jenkins Beach on Walther Road. Seconded by Mr. Piekarski. Mr. Howell noted that he would have preferred to have something in the packet that confirms the Ritchie's desire to shift the money from one place to another. Mr. Piekarski commented that he appreciated Mr. Sutphin's passion on the subject and that this is a disagreement on an interpretation. He added that the emails received by the Board did not impact his decision. Mr. Piekarski noted that the Conservation Commission did not opine on the stairs, they opined on the letter. He commented that he is comfortable with and appreciates the donation. He also would've preferred an updated letter. Mr. Piekarski noted that it is right and appropriate for the Town to pay for everything but he also appreciates the donation. Ms. Kavanagh commented that this belongs in front of Conservation. She also noted that it was a generous gift and she is not opposed to it being used for a site plan or whatever is needed to get t his issue before Conservation. Vote: 4:1 in favor with Mr. Howell opposed. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Piekarski)
Apr 7Accept and adopt Article 54: Annual Departmental Revolving Funds…Motion: To accept and adopt Article 54: Annual Departmental Revolving Funds Authorization…Passed 3–2 · No: Howell, Piekarski
April 7, 2025 (Joint meeting): Accept and adopt Article 54: Annual Departmental Revolving Funds Authorization in the 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant
To accept and adopt Article 54: Annual Departmental Revolving Funds Authorization in the 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant
Yes: Handler, Kavanagh, MacAskillNo: Howell, Piekarski
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to accept and adopt Article 54: Annual Departmental Revolving Funds Authorization in the 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Seconded by Ms. Kavanagh. Mr. Howell commented that the Town is spending too much money through revolving accounts that should be done through the general fund. He stated that he will be voting against this and wants to be sure all Board members are making the same commitment in this meeting, that they have in the past, that their intention is that they are going to fix this next year. He noted that they have used 204 Sisson as an example and they know how much should be in a regular budget as every other municipal building is for operation. He commented that there shouldn't be over a million dollars worth of funds that the program people access directly. Vote: 3:2 in favor with Mr. Howell and Mr. Piekarski opposed. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Kavanagh)
Apr 7Sundae School IC Holding LLC d/b/a Sundae School Ice…Motion: Sundae School IC Holding LLC d/b/a Sundae School Ice Cream, 606…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · see note
April 7, 2025 (Joint meeting): Sundae School IC Holding LLC d/b/a Sundae School Ice Cream, 606 Route 28
Sundae School IC Holding LLC d/b/a Sundae School Ice Cream, 606 Route 28
The minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“Sundae School IC Holding LLC d/b/a Sundae School Ice Cream, 606 Route 28 Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (second: Howell)
Mar 31Accept a gift in the amount of $10,000 from…Motion: To accept a gift in the amount of $10,000 from Timothy…Passed · see note
March 31, 2025: Accept a gift in the amount of $10,000 from Timothy Ritchie for the purposes of rebuilding the stairs to access Jenkins Beach on Walther Road
To accept a gift in the amount of $10,000 from Timothy Ritchie for the purposes of rebuilding the stairs to access Jenkins Beach on Walther Road
The minutes record this motion but no vote on it.
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to accept a gift in the amount of $10,000 from Timothy Ritchie for the purposes of rebuilding the stairs to access Jenkins Beach on Walther Road. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill..” (Motion: Piekarski, second: MacAskill)
Mar 31Accept and adopt the Town Operating Budget of $48,127,931…Motion: To accept and adopt the Town Operating Budget of $48,127,931 as…Passed 4–1 · No: MacAskill
March 31, 2025: Accept and adopt the Town Operating Budget of $48,127,931 as presented
To accept and adopt the Town Operating Budget of $48,127,931 as presented
Yes: Handler, Howell, Kavanagh, PiekarskiNo: MacAskill
From the minutes
“Ms. Kavanagh moved to accept and adopt the Town Operating Budget of $48,127,931 as presented. Seconded by Mr. Handler. Mr. MacAskill commented that they have had no discussion about the Finance Committee's desire to go from $50,000 to $125,000 in the Reserve Fund where they haven't spent the $50,000 in at last 10 years. He stated that it is a part of the Budget that he doesn't support. He noted that having a balanced Budget tonight doesn't mean a lot to him knowing that they are going to Town Meeting with the possibility of an adjustment because of inaccuracies, just to get something closed. é % Mr. Piekarski commented that he shares Mr. MacAskill's concerns about the local receipts and he is unsure why they don't move the $300,000 now, when they can, from one line to the other Mr. Powers noted that the Board can vote the motion as presented and support $48,127,931. They can then take another vote and give direction on how the Board wants the sources to be. He asked that they separate them and explained why. He urged the Board to accept and adopt their Budget of $48,127,931. Vote: 4:1 in favor by roll call vote with Mr. MacAskill opposed. Motion carried.” (Motion: Kavanagh, second: Handler)
Mar 31Withdraw Article 54 from the Annual Town Meeting Warrant…Motion: To withdraw Article 54 from the Annual Town Meeting Warrant 2025Passed 3–2 · No: Howell, Piekarski
March 31, 2025: Withdraw Article 54 from the Annual Town Meeting Warrant 2025
To withdraw Article 54 from the Annual Town Meeting Warrant 2025
Yes: Handler, Kavanagh, MacAskillNo: Howell, Piekarski
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to withdraw Article 54 from the Annual Town Meeting Warrant 2025. Seconded by Ms. Kavanagh. Mr. Piekarski asked Mr. Powers for an overview of what the Board needs to do to change the Revolving Funds in the future. Mr. Powers explained the process as well as suggesting that the Board give guidance starting immediately after Town Meeting. Mr. Piekarski noted why he would vote against the motion and emphasized that he wants the Board to start working on the Revolving Funds issue, noting what he feels should be accomplished. He noted that his intent is not to eliminate the funds but to reduce the spending i : limit. Mr. Howell noted that he would be voting against the motion because he feels the public should see the information. Mr. Powers noted that they now have to give a report on the status of Revolving Funds at Town Meeting, which can be done ahead of Article 53. The information can be available to the public. Vote: 3:2 in favor by roll call vote with Mr. Piekarski and Mr. Howell opposed. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Kavanagh)
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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