MassVoter.com← Harwich Select BoardHarwich Select Board · 2024–2025 Board · Regular meeting
March 10, 2025
27 recorded votes, 5 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: Jeffrey Handler, Michael MacAskill, Peter Piekarski, Julie Kavanagh, 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 Meeting Minutes for February 24, 2025
To approve the Select Board Meeting Minutes for February 24, 2025
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to approve the Select Board Meeting Minutes for February 24, 2025. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Mz. Handler referred to page 23, last line, spelling correction of LeBlanc. Mr. Piekarski referred to page 34 of the Agenda, page 26 of the Minutes, paragraph starting with : his name. He noted that after the completion of the second sentence, full time equivalent there, should be language pertaining to Dr. Millen. It refers to her response but not that it is her speaking at the moment in time. Mr. Handler noted that those two edits will be included in the Minutes. Vote: 5:0 in favor by roll call vote. Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Howell)
Approve the committee appointments as recommended by the Interview Committee, as presented
To approve the committee appointments as recommended by the Interview Committee, as presented
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to approve the committee appointments as recommended by the Interview Committee, as presented. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Mr. Handler thanked the volunteers. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: MacAskill)
Open the Public Hearing
To open the Public Hearing
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell moved to open the Public Hearing. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Mr. Handler read the Public Hearing Notice as published. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Howell, second: MacAskill)
Continue the Public Hearing to Aril 7, 2025 no earlier than 6:00PM
To continue the Public Hearing to Aril 7, 2025 no earlier than 6:00PM
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell moved to continue the Public Hearing to Aril 7, 2025 no earlier than 6:00PM. Seconded by Ms. Kavanagh. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Howell, second: Kavanagh)
Reconsider last week's vote on the Great Sand Lakes Article vote from 2 : weeks ago
To reconsider last week's vote on the Great Sand Lakes Article vote from 2 : weeks ago
The minutes record this motion but no vote on it.
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to reconsider last week's vote on the Great Sand Lakes Article vote from 2 : weeks ago. Seconded by Mr. Howell..” (Motion: Handler, second: Howell)
Rescind the decision not to place on the Greg Sand Lakes Article from two weeks ago
Rescind the decision not to place on the Greg Sand Lakes Article from two weeks ago
Yes: Handler, Howell, Kavanagh, MacAskillNo: Piekarski
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved rescind the decision not to place on the Greg Sand Lakes Article from two weeks ago. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote: 4:1 in favor with Mr. Piekarski opposed. Motion carried.” (Motion: Handler, second: Howell)
Accept and adopt the elected Officials' Salaries at the amount of $138,848.43
To accept and adopt the elected Officials' Salaries at the amount of $138,848.43
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell moved to accept and adopt the elected Officials' Salaries at the amount of $138,848.43. Seconded by Ms. Kavanagh. Mr. MacAskill commented that he assumed that number would be modified after Town Meeting or after union negotiations. Mr. Powers replied that depending on any action that the Town may take as an employer would cause that to happen. Should there be any changes in the overall salary structures, that would be included. The negotiations will dictate how that happens. Mr. MacAskill commented that if the Warrant goes to print before that, it's a motion at Town Meeting. Mr. Howell responded that the motion gets made off of this Article. It could be a different number if they make a motion. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Howell, second: Kavanagh)
The Town Administrator craft a letter to the Monomoy Regional School Committee and the Monomoy Regional Administration team to see if they could sharpen their pencil on the 10% operating increase...
That the Town Administrator craft a letter to the Monomoy Regional School Committee and the Monomoy Regional Administration team to see if they could sharpen their pencil on the 10% operating increase of being assessed to the Town of Harwich
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved that the Town Administrator craft a letter to the Monomoy Regional School Committee and the Monomoy Regional Administration team to see if they could sharpen their pencil on the 10% operating increase of being assessed to the Town of Harwich. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Mr. Piekarski noted that they have talked about it several times but not made a formal request. : This puts the formal request before the Monomoy Regional School Committee and the Monomoy Regional Administration. Mr. Handler noted that Mr. Powers would have to craft the letter in the next 24-48 hours and asked if the Board wants to approve the letter or if he can look at the letter. é Mr. Powers responded that he heard a motion to direct the Administrator to write to the district : expressing the town's concerns and directing them to sharpen. Mr. Powers stated that if the motion were to pass, that's going to happen. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Howell)
Accept and adopt the Cape Cod Regional Technical School Regional ) Assessment at $2,116,618
To accept and adopt the Cape Cod Regional Technical School Regional ) Assessment at $2,116,618
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell moved to accept and adopt the Cape Cod Regional Technical School Regional ) Assessment at $2,116,618. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Howell, second: MacAskill)
Accept and adopt the Water Department Budget in the amount of $4,940,416 as amended tonight
To accept and adopt the Water Department Budget in the amount of $4,940,416 as amended tonight
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell moved to accept and adopt the Water Department Budget in the amount of $4,940,416 as amended tonight. Seconded by Ms. Kavanagh. f Mr. MacAskill noted that the Town is in union negotiations with the employees and asked what : salary number is included and at what percentage. Mr. Powers replied that it is as all in Appendix B., it reflects 2% wage adjustment across the board. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Howell, second: Kavanagh)
Accept and adopt the Wastewater Department Budget at $704,863
To accept and adopt the Wastewater Department Budget at $704,863
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell moved to accept and adopt the Wastewater Department Budget at $704,863. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Howell, second: MacAskill)
Accept and adopt Fund Electronic Voting at Town Meeting in the amount of $35,000
To accept and adopt Fund Electronic Voting at Town Meeting in the amount of $35,000
Yes: Handler, Howell, Kavanagh, PiekarskiNo: MacAskill
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell moved to accept and adopt Fund Electronic Voting at Town Meeting in the amount of $35,000. Seconded by Ms. Kavanagh. Mr. Piekarski asked for the source of available funds. Mr. Powers stated that the funds will come from Free Cash and offered to write an explanation. Vote: 4:1 in favor with Mr. MacAskill opposed. Motion carried.” (Motion: Howell, second: Kavanagh)
Accept and adopt Fund for Prior Years Unpaid Bills in the amount of $1,250.91
To accept and adopt Fund for Prior Years Unpaid Bills in the amount of $1,250.91
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell moved to accept and adopt Fund for Prior Years Unpaid Bills in the amount of $1,250.91. Seconded by Ms. Kavanagh. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Howell, second: Kavanagh)
Accept and adopt Fund Site Research for Treated Wastewater Affluent Recharge in the amount of $150,000
To accept and adopt Fund Site Research for Treated Wastewater Affluent Recharge in the amount of $150,000
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell moved to accept and adopt Fund Site Research for Treated Wastewater Affluent Recharge in the amount of $150,000. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Mr. Howell noted that the explanation would be changed to reflect the funding source, c Page 23 of 32 Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Howell, second: MacAskill)
Place, accept and adopt Amend General By-law Chapter 8 Department Revolving Funds as they relate to the Golf Infrastructure Fund
To place, accept and adopt Amend General By-law Chapter 8 Department Revolving Funds as they relate to the Golf Infrastructure Fund
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell moved to place, accept and adopt Amend General By-law Chapter 8 Department Revolving Funds as they relate to the Golf Infrastructure Fund. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Mr. Piekarski asked if the Board would put the spending limit to zero with the Plan. Mr. Powers replied that if the Board did these as a stand alone and did the $140,000, it is rendered moot by the adoption of the By-law. He expressed concern about the Attorney General saying that can't get rid of it, then the funds can't be used. He recommended that they amend the By-law first. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Howell, second: MacAskill)
Place, accept and adopt G-9 MGL Chapter 59 Section 5 Clause 22 I and J, Section 23 Property Tax Exemptions also known as the Hero Act
To place, accept and adopt G-9 MGL Chapter 59 Section 5 Clause 22 I and J, Section 23 Property Tax Exemptions also known as the Hero Act
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to place, accept and adopt G-9 MGL Chapter 59 Section 5 Clause 22 I and J, Section 23 Property Tax Exemptions also known as the Hero Act. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Howell)
Place, accept and adopt MGL Chapter 59 Section 5 Clause 56 Assessment of Local Taxes Property Tax Exemptions
To place, accept and adopt MGL Chapter 59 Section 5 Clause 56 Assessment of Local Taxes Property Tax Exemptions
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell moved to place, accept and adopt MGL Chapter 59 Section 5 Clause 56 Assessment of Local Taxes Property Tax Exemptions. Seconded by Ms. Kavanagh. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Howell, second: Kavanagh)
Accept and adopt Amend Charter 125 to Article 2 and Article 4 of previous Town Meeting votes
To accept and adopt Amend Charter 125 to Article 2 and Article 4 of previous Town Meeting votes
Yes: Handler, Kavanagh, MacAskill, PiekarskiAbstained: Howell
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to accept and adopt Amend Charter 125 to Article 2 and Article 4 of previous Town Meeting votes. Seconded by Mr. Piekarski. Mr. MacAskill commented that the past Articles have done nothing to save the Town of Harwich , as presented on Town Meeting Floor. He noted that there was backlash after this was passed and he wholeheartedly supports this. ! Mr. Howell commented that he had been in favor of this in the past but plastic containers are still supplied at Stop and Shop and the Town doesn't have a Department of plastic compliance and there is nothing to stop anyone from doing anything. He commented that he would abstain because he's torn and he suggested that restaurants use their compliance as marketing. He has a problem with the fact that it cannot be uniformly enforced. Mr. Piekarski stated for the record that water is not better in a box regardless of what they print on it. f Mr. Handler commented that it's not better in a box or a metal container either. Vote: 4:0:1 in favor with Mr. Howell abstained. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Piekarski)
Accept and adopt Petitioned Article Establishing a Historic Preservation Award
To accept and adopt Petitioned Article Establishing a Historic Preservation Award
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell moved to accept and adopt Petitioned Article Establishing a Historic Preservation Award. Seconded by Ms. Kavanagh. Mr. Piekarski noted that it says zero cost and commented that the Board should have a figure so they can appropriate funds for it. Mr. Howell noted that the Petition cannot be changed. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Howell, second: Kavanagh)
Affirm the Town Administrator's recommendation of John Harker to the position of Harbormaster, effective March 31, 2025
To affirm the Town Administrator's recommendation of John Harker to the position of Harbormaster, effective March 31, 2025
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to affirm the Town Administrator's recommendation of John Harker to the position of Harbormaster, effective March 31, 2025. Seconded by Ms. Kavanagh. Mr. Powers commented that Mr. Harker is a fantastic individual and gave a brief summary of his experience. He urged the Board to affirm the appointment. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Kavanagh)
Approve the closure extension request for BLM Restaurant Group, Inc. d/b/a Lanyard Bar & Grill to close until March 28, 2025 as presented
To approve the closure extension request for BLM Restaurant Group, Inc. d/b/a Lanyard Bar & Grill to close until March 28, 2025 as presented
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to approve the closure extension request for BLM Restaurant Group, Inc. d/b/a Lanyard Bar & Grill to close until March 28, 2025 as presented. Seconded by Ms. Kavanagh. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Kavanagh)
Approve a 2025 Special Permit for a one-day entertainment permit for Cape FarmSupply, 1601 Factory Road, event to be held on June 28, 2025, 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Live/recorded music, amplification
To approve a 2025 Special Permit for a one-day entertainment permit for Cape FarmSupply, 1601 Factory Road, event to be held on June 28, 2025, 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Live/recorded music, amplification
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell moved to approve a 2025 Special Permit for a one-day entertainment permit for Cape FarmSupply, 1601 Factory Road, event to be held on June 28, 2025, 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Live/recorded music, amplification. Seconded by Ms. Kavanagh. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Howell, second: Kavanagh)
Send a letter of support for the Fiscal Year 2025 Housing Rehab Program
To send a letter of support for the Fiscal Year 2025 Housing Rehab Program
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to send a letter of support for the Fiscal Year 2025 Housing Rehab Program. Seconded by Mr. Piekarski. Brianna Powell, Housing Advocate shared how the funds from the FY22 and FY23 have helped Harwich residents, highlighting the Housing Rehab Program and describing each project in detail. She also noted how the funds helped the Childcare Assistance Program. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Piekarski)
Approve the revised Housing Production Plan with the deletion of the industrial as noted
To approve the revised Housing Production Plan with the deletion of the industrial as noted
From the minutes
“Ms. Kavanagh moved to approve the revised Housing Production Plan with the deletion of the industrial as noted. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Mr. Piekarski thanked the Town employees who put time and effort into creating the HPP as well as the Local Planning Committee. He commented that the document today is better than it was when the Board first saw it. Mr. Piekarski commented that when there is not unity amongst them it is deemed to be as if the Board is trying not to support a particular item or project. That is not the case, he is pleased with the end result and he appreciates the effort from Select Board H members MacAskill and Howell to continue to engage and make the enhancements to this document. He noted that he still has concerns about the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and what they do with this document but he is not looking to delay this any further and the Plan has his support. Mr. Handler thanked the members of the LPC, Ms. Flynn and all the employees. He commented that it was a beneficial exercise for the Town of Harwich and he emphasized the community involvement. He noted that they could not have done it without the public's participation. Vote: 5:0 in favor by roll call vote. Motion carried.” (Motion: Kavanagh, second: MacAskill)
Approve a a contract extension request from Partners Solutions General Contracting Corporation for seasonal comfort station cleaning in the amount of $57,575.20
To approve a a contract extension request from Partners Solutions General Contracting Corporation for seasonal comfort station cleaning in the amount of $57,575.20
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 approve a a contract extension request from Partners Solutions General Contracting Corporation for seasonal comfort station cleaning in the amount of $57,575.20. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Mr. Powers noted that staff recommends extending the option. Voter: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Howell)
Adjourn
To adjourn
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell moved to adjourn. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Vote: 5:0 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.
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 →