MassVoter.com← Harwich Select BoardHarwich Select Board · 2024–2025 Board · Joint meeting
February 10, 2025
9 recorded votes, 5 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 Finance Committee. Only the Select Board's own votes are included.
Present: Jeffrey Handler, Peter Piekarski, Michael MacAskill, Julie Kavanagh, Donald Howell
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Enter into Executive Session as presented
To enter into Executive Session as presented
The minutes say 4-0, but 5 members were present for this vote (Jeffrey Handler, Peter Piekarski, Michael MacAskill, Julie Kavanagh and Donald Howell). Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell moved to enter into Executive Session as presented. Seconded by Ms. Kavanagh. Vote: 4:0 in favor by roll call vote. Motion carried.” (Motion: Howell, second: Kavanagh)
Approve the Select Board Meeting Minutes for January 27, 2025
To approve the Select Board Meeting Minutes for January 27, 2025
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to approve the Select Board Meeting Minutes for January 27, 2025. Seconded by Mr. Howell. i Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Howell)
The Select Board send the Zoning related Articles for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) to the Planning Board for review according to the new State Laws
That the Select Board send the Zoning related Articles for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) to the Planning Board for review according to the new State Laws
From the minutes
“Ms. Kavanagh moved that the Select Board send the Zoning related Articles for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) to the Planning Board for review according to the new State Laws. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Mr. Howell asked if the intent here is to broadly just do ADUs. He pointed out that in the past, that if they're Affordable restricted ADUs, that's a whole different outcome. They haven't had anybody step forward to do that because an awful lot of people are reticent to put a restriction on a property that they have to convey if they sold the house. He asked if this is just generically : ADUs. He stated that he is in support of that because the Town needs more lower class and middle class housing that's full time. He wants everyone to know that it's not that narrow swath, it actually is by right within the buildings as prescribed. Ms. Kavanagh commented that what she is trying to understand with the new Legislation is that with all the work that the various towns tried to put forward to get exactly that or at least workforce housing, they are now taking a step back. However it is in the Town's Zoning By-laws and it needs to be cleaned up. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Kavanagh, second: Howell)
Approve a Disclosure by Special Municipal Employee of Financial Interest in a Municipal Contract as required by G.L. c.268A, section 20(d) - Brendan J. Lowney, as presented, as requested by him...
To approve a Disclosure by Special Municipal Employee of Financial Interest in a Municipal Contract as required by G.L. c.268A, section 20(d) - Brendan J. Lowney, as presented, as requested by him and to authorize the Chair to sign
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to approve a Disclosure by Special Municipal Employee of Financial Interest in a Municipal Contract as required by G.L. c.268A, section 20(d) - Brendan J. Lowney, as presented, as requested by him and to authorize the Chair to sign. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Howell)
(the minutes do not state the motion)
(the minutes do not state the motion)
Yes: Handler, Kavanagh, MacAskill, PiekarskiAbstained: HowellThe minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“: Vote: 4:0:1with Mr. Howell abstained. Motion carried.”
MacAskill as Vice Chair
MacAskill as Vice Chair
Yes: Handler, Kavanagh, MacAskill, PiekarskiNo: HowellThe minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“MacAskill as Vice Chair. Seconded by Mr. Handler. Mr. Handler commented that he would have been happy with any of the three of them. Vote: 4:1 in favor with Mr. Howell opposed. Motion carried.” (second: Handler)
Julie Kavanagh for the Interview Committee
Julie Kavanagh for the Interview Committee
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill nominated Julie Kavanagh for the Interview Committee. Seconded by Mr. Handler. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Handler)
Piekarski for Clerk
Piekarski for Clerk
Yes: Handler, Howell, Kavanagh, MacAskillNo: PiekarskiThe minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“Piekarski for Clerk. Seconded by Mr. Handler. Vote: 4:1 in favor with Mr. Piekarski opposed. Motion carried.” (second: Handler)
Adjourn
To adjourn
The minutes say the motion carried but do not give a count or say how each member voted.
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to adjourn. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Howell)
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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