MassVoter.com← Harwich Select BoardHarwich Select Board · 2024–2025 Board · Regular meeting
March 31, 2025
20 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, Julie Kavanagh, Donald Howell, Peter Piekarski, Michael MacAskill
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Enter into Executive Session as presented
To enter into Executive Session as presented
The minutes say 3-0, but 5 members were present for this vote (Jeffrey Handler, Julie Kavanagh, Donald Howell, Peter Piekarski and Michael MacAskill). Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell moved to enter into Executive Session as presented. Seconded by Ms. Kavanagh. 4 Vote: 3:0 in favor by roll call vote. Motion carried.” (Motion: Howell, second: Kavanagh)
Approve the Select Board Meeting Minutes from March 17, 2025 as printed
To approve the Select Board Meeting Minutes from March 17, 2025 as printed
Yes: Handler, Howell, MacAskill, PiekarskiAbstained: Kavanagh
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to approve the Select Board Meeting Minutes from March 17, 2025 as printed. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote: 4:0:1 in favor by roll call vote with Ms. Kavanagh abstained. Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Howell)
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)
Accept and adopt the Monomoy Regional School District Budget as presented
To accept and adopt the Monomoy Regional School District Budget as presented
From the minutes
“Ms. Kavanagh moved to accept and adopt the Monomoy Regional School District Budget as presented. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Mr. MacAskill reiterated that he would like more information and clarification on the Preschool Program as that may have a direct result in the Budget that they are about to vote. Ms. Kavanagh removed her second. Mr. Howell did not remove his second and questioned why. Mr. Handler explained that Mr. MacAskill would like to hear more information about the Integrated Preschool from a Budget standpoint which is the next item on the Agenda. Mr. Howell replied that he would only change the motion at Town Meeting. He commented that i they are all at the point that they need to be at and questioned why they wouldn't accept and i adopt. Ms. Kavanagh noted that the Select Board can revise the Budget and that she is keeping her motion. Vote: 5:0 in favor by roll. Motion carried.” (Motion: Kavanagh, second: Howell)
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)
Reduce the local receipt line item within the funding source for Article 4 by $309,000 and increase the taxes line within the funding sources of Article 4 by $309,000
To reduce the local receipt line item within the funding source for Article 4 by $309,000 and increase the taxes line within the funding sources of Article 4 by $309,000
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to reduce the local receipt line item within the funding source for Article 4 by $309,000 and increase the taxes line within the funding sources of Article 4 by $309,000. Seconded by Ms. Kavanagh. Mr. MacAskill noted that Overlay Surplus is $200,000 this year and he asked if that is accurate. Mr. Powers replied that it is accurate at this time as a vote of the Board of Assessors. Mr. MacAskill asked if there has been further conversation with the Board of Assessors by Administration to see if there is an additional $200,000 to alleviate some of the pressure on this Budget. Mr. Powers replied, not at this time but they could do that if needed. Vote: 5:0 in favor by roll call vote. Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Kavanagh)
Rescind the prior action
To rescind the prior action
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell moved to rescind the prior action. Seconded by Ms. Kavanagh. Mr. Piekarski confirmed that the motion is on the Operating Budget of $48,127,931. Vote: 5:0 in favor by roll call vote. Motion carried.” (Motion: Howell, second: Kavanagh)
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
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. Piekarski clarified that the motion is for Article 4 to have a total Operating Budget of $48,127,931. Vote: 5:0 in favor by roll call vote. Motion carried.” (Motion: Kavanagh, second: Handler)
Indefinitely postpone Article 9 as presented
To indefinitely postpone Article 9 as presented
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to indefinitely postpone Article 9 as presented. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Mr. Handler commented that he wants to wait and see what happens at the April 8th meeting. Mr. Powers explained that the Moderator will ask for a positive motion on Town Meeting floor. He also explained why the Finance Committee uses NRPFI-No Recommendation Pending Further Information. Mr. MacAskill noted that there was a Committee that studied the window replacement and mold and that no one from that Committee has been before this Board to explain the findings. He asked if the Board would request that the Harwich representatives come before the Executive body and give the taxpayers another platform to understand what is going on and to explain this project. Mr. Howell and Ms. Kavanagh noted that the two representatives have been present at meetings but have not spoken to the issue. q Vote: 5:0 in favor by roll call vote. Motion carried.” (Motion: Handler, second: MacAskill)
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)
Close the 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant with the addition of Article 37 and any scrivener corrections that need to be made that are discovered after this vote
To close the 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant with the addition of Article 37 and any scrivener corrections that need to be made that are discovered after this vote
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell moved to close the 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant with the addition of Article 37 and any scrivener corrections that need to be made that are discovered after this vote. Seconded by Ms. Kavanagh. earn j Mr. Handler noted the language he would like to add to Article 20, pond water quality in place of water quality. Mr. Powers responded that the wording is from the Town's CWMP. It does not, in any way, tie to drinking water quality, its pond water quality. He noted that it is not a scrivener's error, it is an important thing for everyone to be aware of. Vote: 5:0 in favor by roll call vote. Motion carried.” (Motion: Howell, second: Kavanagh)
Accept the 2025 Annual Town Election Warrant
To accept the 2025 Annual Town Election Warrant
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell moved to accept the 2025 Annual Town Election Warrant. Seconded by Ms. Kavanagh. Vote: 5:0 in favor by roll call vote. Motion carried.” (Motion: Howell, second: Kavanagh)
Close the 2025 Annual Town Election Warrant
To close the 2025 Annual Town Election Warrant
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to close the 2025 Annual Town Election Warrant. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote: 5:0 in favor by roll call vote. Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Howell)
Approve the fee waiver request from the Harwich Garden Club for a plant sale on May 24, 2025, at Doane Park
To approve the fee waiver request from the Harwich Garden Club for a plant sale on May 24, 2025, at Doane Park
From the minutes
“Ms. Kavanagh moved to approve the fee waiver request from the Harwich Garden Club for a plant sale on May 24, 2025, at Doane Park. Seconded by Mr. Howell. \ Mr. Howell noted that there is no cost to the Town and also what the Garden Club does around Town with the proceeds. Vote: 5:0 in favor by roll call vote. Motion carried.” (Motion: Kavanagh, second: Howell)
Approve the 2025 seasonal on-premise liquor license renewals as presented including any previous restrictions
To approve the 2025 seasonal on-premise liquor license renewals as presented including any previous restrictions
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to approve the 2025 seasonal on-premise liquor license renewals as presented including any previous restrictions. Seconded by Mr. Howell Vote: 5:0 in favor by roll call vote. Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Howell)
Approve the 2025 Seasonal Innholder license renewal as presented including any previous restrictions
To approve the 2025 Seasonal Innholder license renewal as presented including any previous restrictions
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to approve the 2025 Seasonal Innholder license renewal as presented including any previous restrictions. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote: 5:0 in favor by roll call vote. Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Howell)
Approve the 2025 Common Victualler license renewals as presented including any previous restrictions
To approve the 2025 Common Victualler license renewals as presented including any previous restrictions
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to approve the 2025 Common Victualler license renewals as presented including any previous restrictions. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote: 5:0 in favor by roll call vote. Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Howell)
Approve the 2025 Seasonal Entertainment license renewals as presented
To approve the 2025 Seasonal Entertainment license renewals as presented
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to approve the 2025 Seasonal Entertainment license renewals as presented. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote: 5:0 in favor by roll call vote. Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Howell)
Enter into an agreement for Wastewater Management Consultant between the Town of Harwich and Waterworks Consulting, LLC, not to exceed $50,000 Article 3 compensation
To enter into an agreement for Wastewater Management Consultant between the Town of Harwich and Waterworks Consulting, LLC, not to exceed $50,000 Article 3 compensation
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to enter into an agreement for Wastewater Management Consultant between the Town of Harwich and Waterworks Consulting, LLC, not to exceed $50,000 Article 3 compensation. Seconded by Ms. Kavanagh. Vote: 5:0 in favor by roll call vote. Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Kavanagh)
Adjourn
Adjourn
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell moved adjourn. Seconded by Ms. Kavanagh. Vote: 5:0 in favor by roll call vote. Motion carried.” (Motion: Howell, 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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