MassVoter.com← Harwich Select BoardHarwich Select Board · 2024–2025 Board · Regular meeting
May 19, 2025
10 recorded votes, 6 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 and read item A
To enter into Executive Session and read item A
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.
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to enter into Executive Session and read item A. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote: 4:0 in favor by roll call vote. Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Howell)
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)
Approve the Select Board Meeting Minutes from May 12, 2025 as printed
To approve the Select Board Meeting Minutes from May 12, 2025 as printed
Yes: Handler, Kavanagh, MacAskill, PiekarskiAbstained: Howell
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to approve the Select Board Meeting Minutes from May 12, 2025 as printed. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Vote: 4:0:1 in favor by roll call vote with Mr. Howell abstained.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: MacAskill)
Affirm the Town Administrator's recommendation of Stephanie Sykes to the position of Natural Resource Director, effective June 1, 2025
To affirm the Town Administrator's recommendation of Stephanie Sykes to the position of Natural Resource Director, effective June 1, 2025
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to affirm the Town Administrator's recommendation of Stephanie Sykes to the position of Natural Resource Director, effective June 1, 2025. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Mr. Howell noted that he had reviewed all the individual resumes and that Ms. Sykes is clearly qualified. He welcomed her as a great addition to the town. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Howell)
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)
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)
Approve the following new 2025 Annual Common Victualler License: Sea Street Sweets, LLC, d/b/a Mochinut, 537 Route 28
To approve the following new 2025 Annual Common Victualler License: Sea Street Sweets, LLC, d/b/a Mochinut, 537 Route 28
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to approve the following new 2025 Annual Common Victualler License: Sea Street Sweets, LLC, d/b/a Mochinut, 537 Route 28. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: MacAskill)
Vote to approve and execute the owner's authorization form for a tent permit application submitted by The Harwich Children's Fund for an event to be held at 75 Oak Street; tent to be set up on...
To vote to approve and execute the owner's authorization form for a tent permit application submitted by The Harwich Children's Fund for an event to be held at 75 Oak Street; tent to be set up on July 14, 2025, through July 18,2025 and to have the Town Administrator sign on behalf of the Select Board
From the minutes
“Mr. MacAskill moved to vote to approve and execute the owner's authorization form for a tent permit application submitted by The Harwich Children's Fund for an event to be held at 75 Oak Street; tent to be set up on July 14, 2025, through July 18,2025 and to have the Town Administrator sign on behalf of the Select Board. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Mr. Powers noted that this is before the Board as it is a new location for Circus Smirkus which is on Town property. He noted that he has not been authorized by the Select Board to fill out the document. He endorses the Board authorizing him to sign on their behalf or directing the Chair or anyone else to sign. Angie Raneo Chilaka expressed her appreciation for the Board, Town Administrator and everyone who supported them. She noted a fund raiser they had which was very successful and that he profits go to the children in this community. Mr. Howell recognized the sponsoring organization for the circus, noting that the Harwich Children's Fund does remarkable work and he thanked them for everything they do. Mr. Piekarski asked for details of where the tents will be set up which Ms. Chilaka answered in detail. He also asked if there is an alternate plan if the grounds are soaked. Ms. Chilaka replied that there are no other plans once the contract has been signed. She explained their efforts to not damage the fields. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Howell)
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.”
Adjourn
To adjourn
From the minutes
“Mr. Howell moved to adjourn. Seconded by Mr. Piekarski. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Howell, second: Piekarski)
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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