MassVoter.com← Harwich Select BoardHarwich Select Board · 2024–2025 Board · Regular meeting
March 24, 2025
28 recorded votes, 9 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
Approve the Consent Agenda as presented
To approve the Consent Agenda as presented
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Mr. Handler thanked Mark Martello for serving on the Golf Committee. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Howell)
Place Article 9
To place Article 9
Yes: Handler, Howell, Kavanagh, PiekarskiNo: MacAskill
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell moved to place Article 9. Seconded by Ms. Kavanagh. Mr. MacAskill noted that he wants the information he requested before he makes a decision. He will not be voting in favor of it tonight but he is not saying that he is against it. Mr. Howell noted that they have to place this Article, even if it is without a number. Mr. MacAskill responded that the Board doesn't have to do anything. Mr. Piekarski noted that the Article does have a number and that is what they are placing. He noted that he will be voting to place the Article but whether he votes yay or nay to the Article is a different story. Mr. Howell noted that in putting it there with that number, the number won't go up. That would be outside the scope of the Article. It would be legal to have a number somewhat less. Mr. MacMillen noted that they have no intention of coming back with a different number for the Middle School Project. Vote: 4:1 in favor with Mr. MacAskill opposed.” (Motion: Howell, second: Kavanagh)
Place Article 20 The Great Sand Lakes
To place Article 20 The Great Sand Lakes
The minutes record this motion but no vote on it.
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell moved to place Article 20 The Great Sand Lakes. Seconded by Ms. Kavanagh..” (Motion: Howell, second: Kavanagh)
Donovan commented that if they have to go back to Chatham, they're still dealing with the schools and she asked if they'd want to be dealing with two issues at the same time
Donovan commented that if they have to go back to Chatham, they're still dealing with the schools and she asked if they'd want to be dealing with two issues at the same time
Yes: Handler, Howell, KavanaghNo: MacAskill, PiekarskiThe minutes do not say who made this motion.
From the minutes
“Donovan commented that if they have to go back to Chatham, they're still dealing with the schools and she asked if they'd want to be dealing with two issues at the same time. Vote: 3:2 in favor by roll call vote with Mr. Piekarski and Mr. MacAskill voting against.”
Indefinitely postpone
To indefinitely postpone
Yes: Handler, MacAskill, PiekarskiNo: Howell, Kavanagh
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to indefinitely postpone. Seconded by Mr. Piekarski. Vote: 3:2 in favor by roll call vote with Mr. Howell and Ms. Kavanagh voting against.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Piekarski)
Indefinitely postpone Article 12 Funds for anticipated expenses for the Harwich Home Charter Commission in the amount of $125,000
To indefinitely postpone Article 12 Funds for anticipated expenses for the Harwich Home Charter Commission in the amount of $125,000
Yes: Handler, Kavanagh, MacAskill, PiekarskiNo: Howell
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to indefinitely postpone Article 12 Funds for anticipated expenses for the Harwich Home Charter Commission in the amount of $125,000. Seconded by Mr. Piekarski. Vote: 4:1 in favor with Mr. Howell voting against. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Piekarski)
Accept and adopt Article 13 the Capital Outlay Plan
To accept and adopt Article 13 the Capital Outlay Plan
The minutes record this motion but no vote on it.
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to accept and adopt Article 13 the Capital Outlay Plan. Seconded by Mr. Howell..” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Howell)
Approve Article 13 as amended and presented by the Chair of the COC
To approve Article 13 as amended and presented by the Chair of the COC
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to approve Article 13 as amended and presented by the Chair of the COC. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Mr. Howell commented that of the next few Articles, the one peculiarity seems to be Brooks Academy. Mr. Powers had wanted to fund that through the Sinking Fund. He asked if that is still the intention. Mr. MacAskill replied that that is what their conversation was. Mr. Piekarski noted that Article 15 has it funded by Free Cash. Mr. MacAskill noted that they voted as presented and can change it next week. Mr. Handler asked, in the Phase 3A is a CWMP and not a Watershed. Ms. Eldredge replied that they have been calling it the Watershed Management Plan (WMP) instead of the CWMP. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Howell)
Accept and adopt Article 14 Fund Capital from various sources as presented
To accept and adopt Article 14 Fund Capital from various sources as presented
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to accept and adopt Article 14 Fund Capital from various sources as presented. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Howell)
Accept and adopt Article 15 Fund Capital from Free Cash as amended and as presented
To accept and adopt Article 15 Fund Capital from Free Cash as amended and as presented
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to accept and adopt Article 15 Fund Capital from Free Cash as amended and as presented. Seconded by Ms. Kavanagh. Mr. Piekarski asked if there was more specific information on the Police Cruiser Replacements. He asked how many cruisers they get for $210,000. Officer Hutton replied, 3 cruisers including outfitting. Mr. Piekarski referred to the DPW and that there are vehicles with low miles that are rusting out. Ms. Eldredge replied that the vehicle with 45,000 miles is an off road excavator vehicle. The other vehicle was used for plowing. Mr. MacAskill asked that the DPW Director be asked to put it in memo form for the Board next week. Mr. Piekarski noted that the explanation talks about a balance of Free Cash $1,945,000 after this Article and he asked if that is a true number. Ms. Eldredge replied that there is an amendment to Article 15 in the amount of $700,000. The Article is updated to total $4,341,149 and the updated certified Free Cash balance is $1,480,000. Mr. Piekarski pointed out a possible discrepancy in the total amount of Free Cash. Ms. Eldredge agreed with Mr. Piekarski that the total Free Cash is $1,245,290 and will update the number. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Kavanagh)
Accept and adopt Article 16 Fund Capital from Golf Improvement Fund as presented
To accept and adopt Article 16 Fund Capital from Golf Improvement Fund as presented
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to accept and adopt Article 16 Fund Capital from Golf Improvement Fund as presented. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Howell)
Accept and adopt Article 17 Fund Capital from Water Retained Earnings as presented
To accept and adopt Article 17 Fund Capital from Water Retained Earnings as presented
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to accept and adopt Article 17 Fund Capital from Water Retained Earnings as presented. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Howell)
Accept and adopt Article 18 Fund Capital from Wastewater Retained Earnings as presented
To accept and adopt Article 18 Fund Capital from Wastewater Retained Earnings as presented
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to accept and adopt Article 18 Fund Capital from Wastewater Retained Earnings as presented. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Howell)
Accept and adopt Article 19 Fund Capital with Borrowing and Debt Exclusion for the Fire Department as presented
To accept and adopt Article 19 Fund Capital with Borrowing and Debt Exclusion for the Fire Department as presented. Mr. Piekarski asked if the Board would consider purchasing the ambulance with the remaining Free Cash of $1,245,290 rather than borrowing another $1.1 million. Mr. MacAskill commented the he would agree with Mr. Piekarski and suggested they move forward with the vote and change the funding source at the next meeting
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to accept and adopt Article 19 Fund Capital with Borrowing and Debt Exclusion for the Fire Department as presented. Mr. Piekarski asked if the Board would consider purchasing the ambulance with the remaining Free Cash of $1,245,290 rather than borrowing another $1.1 million. Mr. MacAskill commented the he would agree with Mr. Piekarski and suggested they move forward with the vote and change the funding source at the next meeting. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill)
Accept and adopt Article 54 Annual Departmental Revolving Fund Authorizations as presented
To accept and adopt Article 54 Annual Departmental Revolving Fund Authorizations as presented
The minutes record this motion but no vote on it.
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to accept and adopt Article 54 Annual Departmental Revolving Fund Authorizations as presented. Seconded by Ms. Kavanagh..” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Kavanagh)
Place Article 56 Amend Zoning By-law/ADU as presented on the Town Meeting Warrant
To place Article 56 Amend Zoning By-law/ADU as presented on the Town Meeting Warrant
Yes: Handler, Howell, Kavanagh, MacAskillNo: Piekarski
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to place Article 56 Amend Zoning By-law/ADU as presented on the Town Meeting Warrant. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote: 4:1 in favor with Mr. Piekarski against. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Howell)
Indefinitely postpone Article 56 Amend Zoning By-law/ADU as presented
To indefinitely postpone Article 56 Amend Zoning By-law/ADU as presented
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to indefinitely postpone Article 56 Amend Zoning By-law/ADU as presented. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Howell)
Place the non-binding public advisory question regarding the Holtec Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth and discharging untreated radio contaminated industrial water into the atmosphere on...
To place the non-binding public advisory question regarding the Holtec Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth and discharging untreated radio contaminated industrial water into the atmosphere on the 2025 Annual Town Election Warrant
From the minutes
“Ms. Kavanagh moved to place the non-binding public advisory question regarding the Holtec Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth and discharging untreated radio contaminated industrial water into the atmosphere on the 2025 Annual Town Election Warrant . Seconded by Mr. Howell. Mr. Howell commented that he would not want any kid exposed to radiation that wasn't there naturally. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Kavanagh, second: Howell)
Approve the 2025 Seasonal on-premise liquor license renewals as presented and including any restrictions previously placed on those licenses
To approve the 2025 Seasonal on-premise liquor license renewals as presented and including any restrictions previously placed on those licenses
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to approve the 2025 Seasonal on-premise liquor license renewals as presented and including any restrictions previously placed on those licenses. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: MacAskill)
Approve 2025 Lodging House license renewal as presented and including any restrictions previously placed on that license
To approve 2025 Lodging House license renewal as presented and including any restrictions previously placed on that license
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to approve 2025 Lodging House license renewal as presented and including any restrictions previously placed on that license. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Howell)
Approve the following 2025 Amusement license renewals wth any preexisting conditions
To approve the following 2025 Amusement license renewals wth any preexisting conditions
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to approve the following 2025 Amusement license renewals wth any preexisting conditions. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Howell)
Approve the following 2025 Seasonal Entertainment license renewal: 1
To approve the following 2025 Seasonal Entertainment license renewal: 1. The Port Restaurant & Bar, Inc, 5431 Route 28 Weekday 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. inside 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. outside Jukebox, radio, TV, live/recorded music, acoustic music, dancing Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. inside 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. outside Jukebox, radio, TV, Live/recorded music, acoustic music, dancing Ms. Eldredge will correct the error to read 11:00AM to 12:00AM
The minutes say the motion carried but do not give a count or say how each member voted.
From the minutes
“Ms. Kavanagh moved to approve the following 2025 Seasonal Entertainment license renewal: 1. The Port Restaurant & Bar, Inc, 5431 Route 28 Weekday 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. inside 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. outside Jukebox, radio, TV, live/recorded music, acoustic music, dancing Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. inside 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. outside Jukebox, radio, TV, Live/recorded music, acoustic music, dancing Ms. Eldredge will correct the error to read 11:00AM to 12:00AM Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Vote: 5:00 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Kavanagh, second: MacAskill)
Approve the following 2025 Seasonal Entertainment license renewal: Lucky Labrador, Inc. d/b/a Perks, 545 Route 28 Weekday 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. inside Jukebox, radio, TV, live/recorded music,...
To approve the following 2025 Seasonal Entertainment license renewal: Lucky Labrador, Inc. d/b/a Perks, 545 Route 28 Weekday 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. inside Jukebox, radio, TV, live/recorded music, amplification, dancing 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. outside Jukebox, radio, TV, live/recorded music, amplification, dancing Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. inside Ambient music, TV 3:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. inside Jukebox, radio, TV, live/recorded music, amplification, dancing 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. outside Jukebox, radio, TV, Live/recorded music, amplification, dancing
From the minutes
“Ms. Kavanagh moved to approve the following 2025 Seasonal Entertainment license renewal: Lucky Labrador, Inc. d/b/a Perks, 545 Route 28 Weekday 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. inside Jukebox, radio, TV, live/recorded music, amplification, dancing 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. outside Jukebox, radio, TV, live/recorded music, amplification, dancing Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. inside Ambient music, TV 3:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. inside Jukebox, radio, TV, live/recorded music, amplification, dancing 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. outside Jukebox, radio, TV, Live/recorded music, amplification, dancing Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Kavanagh, second: MacAskill)
Approve the 2025 Seasonal Common Victaullers license renewals as presented
To approve the 2025 Seasonal Common Victaullers license renewals as presented
From the minutes
“Ms. Kavanagh moved to approve the 2025 Seasonal Common Victaullers license renewals as presented. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Kavanagh, second: MacAskill)
Approve a Special Permit Application for a one day wines & malt permit for Kim Gagne, event to be held on June 6, 2025, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at 204 Sisson Road
To to approve a Special Permit Application for a one day wines & malt permit for Kim Gagne, event to be held on June 6, 2025, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at 204 Sisson Road. Seconded by mr. MacAskill
From the minutes
“Ms. Kavanagh moved to to approve a Special Permit Application for a one day wines & malt permit for Kim Gagne, event to be held on June 6, 2025, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at 204 Sisson Road. Seconded by mr. MacAskill. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Kavanagh)
Vote to accept the Harwich Green Communities Grant Agreement in the amount of $135,388 as presented
To vote to accept the Harwich Green Communities Grant Agreement in the amount of $135,388 as presented
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to vote to accept the Harwich Green Communities Grant Agreement in the amount of $135,388 as presented. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Howell)
Approve a contract with Markings Inc., in the amount not to exceed $95,000 for road markings as presented
To approve a contract with Markings Inc., in the amount not to exceed $95,000 for road markings as presented
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to approve a contract with Markings Inc., in the amount not to exceed $95,000 for road markings as presented. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote: 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.
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