MassVoter.com← Harwich Select BoardHarwich Select Board · 2025–2026 Board · Joint meeting
November 24, 2025
26 recorded votes, 2 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 Board of Assessors. Only the Select Board's own votes are included.
Present: Donald Howell, Peter Piekarski, Mark Kelleher, Jeffrey Handler, Anita Doucette
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
The Select Board enter into Executive Session to discuss the items as outlined below
That the Select Board enter into Executive Session to discuss the items as outlined below
The minutes say 4-0, but 5 members were present for this vote (Donald Howell, Peter Piekarski, Mark Kelleher, Jeffrey Handler and Anita Doucette). Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved that the Select Board enter into Executive Session to discuss the items as outlined below, 2nd by Mr. Handler. The vote was 4-0-0 with Mr. Howell, Mr. Handler, Mr. Kelleher & Ms. Doucette all voting aye by roll call.” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Handler)
Open the public hearing
To open the public hearing
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to open the public hearing, 2nd by Mr. Piekarski and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Handler, second: Piekarski)
Close the public hearing
To close the public hearing
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to close the public hearing, 2nd by Mr. Piekarski and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Handler, second: Piekarski)
Vote a residential factor of 1
To vote a residential factor of 1
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to vote a residential factor of 1, 2nd by Mr. Handler and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Handler)
Not to grant an open space exemption
Not to grant an open space exemption
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved not to grant an open space exemption, 2nd by Mr. Handler and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Handler)
Not to grant a residential exemption
Not to grant a residential exemption
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved not to grant a residential exemption, 2nd by Mr. Handler and approved 5- 0-0.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Handler)
Not to grant a small commercial exemption
Not to grant a small commercial exemption
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved not to grant a small commercial exemption, 2nd by Mr. Handler and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Handler)
Authorize the Select Board Chair to sign the LAS form on behalf of the Select Board
To authorize the Select Board Chair to sign the LAS form on behalf of the Select Board
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to authorize the Select Board Chair to sign the LAS form on behalf of the Select Board, 2nd by Mr. Handler and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Handler)
Approve the appointment of Olivia Keiderling to Student Officer, as recommended by the Police Chief, effective November 30, 2025
To approve the appointment of Olivia Keiderling to Student Officer, as recommended by the Police Chief, effective November 30, 2025
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved to approve the appointment of Olivia Keiderling to Student Officer, as recommended by the Police Chief, effective November 30, 2025, 2nd by Mr. Handler and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Handler)
Accept the appointment of Police Chaplain Darren L. Morgan
To accept the appointment of Police Chaplain Darren L. Morgan
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved to accept the appointment of Police Chaplain Darren L. Morgan, 2nd by Mr. Handler and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Handler)
Approve the Select Board Meeting Minutes from November 10, 2025 & November 17, 2025
To approve the Select Board Meeting Minutes from November 10, 2025 & November 17, 2025
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved to approve the Select Board Meeting Minutes from November 10, 2025 & November 17, 2025, 2nd by Mr. Handler and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Handler)
Approve the Acting Town Administrators' recommendations for four Select Board Holidays at Town Offices as listed above
To approve the Acting Town Administrators' recommendations for four Select Board Holidays at Town Offices as listed above
Yes: Doucette, Handler, Howell, KelleherNo: Piekarski
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to approve the Acting Town Administrators' recommendations for four Select Board Holidays at Town Offices as listed above, 2nd by Ms. Doucette and approved 4-1- 0 (Piekarski opposed).” (Motion: Handler, second: Doucette)
Approve the appointment of Jennifer Mince as the Finance Director/Town Accountant effective December 1, 2025
To approve the appointment of Jennifer Mince as the Finance Director/Town Accountant effective December 1, 2025
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved to approve the appointment of Jennifer Mince as the Finance Director/Town Accountant effective December 1, 2025, 2nd by Mr. Handler and approved 5-0- 0.” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Handler)
Approve the Acting Town Administrators proposal to reorganize the Division of Highway and Maintenance/Department of Public Works and approve the creation of the Deputy DPW Director in the...
To approve the Acting Town Administrators proposal to reorganize the Division of Highway and Maintenance/Department of Public Works and approve the creation of the Deputy DPW Director in the Personnel Bylaw at Grade M7 consistent with the Deputy Police and Fire Chief and formerly the Assistant Town Administrator
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to approve the Acting Town Administrators proposal to reorganize the Division of Highway and Maintenance/Department of Public Works and approve the creation of the Deputy DPW Director in the Personnel Bylaw at Grade M7 consistent with the Deputy Police and Fire Chief and formerly the Assistant Town Administrator, 2nd by Ms. Doucette and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Handler, second: Doucette)
Approve a temporary closure for Cape Sea Grille, 31 Sea Street, Harwich Port, closing December 7, 2025, through March 31, 2026
To approve a temporary closure for Cape Sea Grille, 31 Sea Street, Harwich Port, closing December 7, 2025, through March 31, 2026
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved to approve a temporary closure for Cape Sea Grille, 31 Sea Street, Harwich Port, closing December 7, 2025, through March 31, 2026, 2nd by Mr. Piekarski and approved 5- 0-0.” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Piekarski)
Approve the amended special permit application for Harwich Cranberry Festival for entertainment, one-day liquor license (wines & malt), craft fair and event, for an event to be held on September...
To approve the amended special permit application for Harwich Cranberry Festival for entertainment, one-day liquor license (wines & malt), craft fair and event, for an event to be held on September 19, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. & September 20, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., event to be held at 100 Oak Street (approved on October 27, 2025 meeting). Added dates include September 15, 2026, through September 18, 2026, to allow for set up and required inspections
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved to approve the amended special permit application for Harwich Cranberry Festival for entertainment, one-day liquor license (wines & malt), craft fair and event, for an event to be held on September 19, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. & September 20, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., event to be held at 100 Oak Street (approved on October 27, 2025 meeting). Added dates include September 15, 2026, through September 18, 2026, to allow for set up and required inspections, 2nd by Mr. Handler and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Handler)
Approve a special permit application for Bernadette Waystack for one- day liquor license (wines & malt) for an event to be held on December 11, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., event to be held...
To approve a special permit application for Bernadette Waystack for one- day liquor license (wines & malt) for an event to be held on December 11, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., event to be held at 204 Sisson Road
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved to approve a special permit application for Bernadette Waystack for one- day liquor license (wines & malt) for an event to be held on December 11, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., event to be held at 204 Sisson Road, 2nd by Mr. Handler and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Handler)
Approve a special permit application for Jessica Gomes for one-day liquor license (wines & malt) for an even to be held on November 30, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at 554 Route 28, Unit 14
To approve a special permit application for Jessica Gomes for one-day liquor license (wines & malt) for an even to be held on November 30, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at 554 Route 28, Unit 14
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved to approve a special permit application for Jessica Gomes for one-day liquor license (wines & malt) for an even to be held on November 30, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at 554 Route 28, Unit 14, 2nd by Mr. Handler and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Handler)
Approve the 2026 Common Victuallers license renewals as listed above
To approve the 2026 Common Victuallers license renewals as listed above
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved to approve the 2026 Common Victuallers license renewals as listed above, 2nd by Mr. Handler and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Handler)
Approve the 2026 Auto license renewals as listed above
To approve the 2026 Auto license renewals as listed above
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved to approve the 2026 Auto license renewals as listed above, 2nd by Mr. Handler and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Handler)
Approve the 2026 Entertainment license renewals as listed above, except for 400 East, consistent with the terms and conditions of their 2025 licenses
To approve the 2026 Entertainment license renewals as listed above, except for 400 East, consistent with the terms and conditions of their 2025 licenses
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved to approve the 2026 Entertainment license renewals as listed above, except for 400 East, consistent with the terms and conditions of their 2025 licenses, 2nd by Mr. Handler and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Handler)
Approve the Acting Town Administrator's recommendation to grant permission by NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy to install (1) new handhole 277/HA3 and 39' +/- of 3" conduit on Wales...
To approve the Acting Town Administrator's recommendation to grant permission by NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy to install (1) new handhole 277/HA3 and 39' +/- of 3" conduit on Wales Road with the condition that the area is returned to its original condition when the work has been completed
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved to approve the Acting Town Administrator's recommendation to grant permission by NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy to install (1) new handhole 277/HA3 and 39' +/- of 3" conduit on Wales Road with the condition that the area is returned to its original condition when the work has been completed, 2nd by Mr. Handler and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Handler)
Approve the Acting Town Administrator's recommendation to grant permission by Verizon New England, Inc. and NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy to install one (1) jointly owned mid-span...
To approve the Acting Town Administrator's recommendation to grant permission by Verizon New England, Inc. and NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy to install one (1) jointly owned mid-span pole - P55 on the South Side of Orleans-Harwich Road. with the condition that the area is returned to its original condition when the work has been completed
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved to approve the Acting Town Administrator's recommendation to grant permission by Verizon New England, Inc. and NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy to install one (1) jointly owned mid-span pole - P55 on the South Side of Orleans-Harwich Road. with the condition that the area is returned to its original condition when the work has been completed, 2nd by Mr. Handler and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Handler)
Approve the Acting Town Administrator's recommendation to grant permission by NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy to install 10' +/- of 3" conduit on Bank Street with the condition that...
To approve the Acting Town Administrator's recommendation to grant permission by NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy to install 10' +/- of 3" conduit on Bank Street with the condition that the area is returned to its original condition when the work has been completed
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved to approve the Acting Town Administrator's recommendation to grant permission by NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy to install 10' +/- of 3" conduit on Bank Street with the condition that the area is returned to its original condition when the work has been completed, 2nd by Mr. Handler and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Handler)
Approve a contract with GHD in the amount of $178,000 for engineering services for Route 28 Phase 1 Sewer Construction project
To approve a contract with GHD in the amount of $178,000 for engineering services for Route 28 Phase 1 Sewer Construction project
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved to approve a contract with GHD in the amount of $178,000 for engineering services for Route 28 Phase 1 Sewer Construction project, 2nd by Mr. Handler and approved 5- 0-0.” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Handler)
Adjourn the regular meeting of the Select Board at 8:15 p.m
To adjourn the regular meeting of the Select Board at 8:15 p.m
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to adjourn the regular meeting of the Select Board at 8:15 p.m., 2nd by Mr. Piekarski and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Handler, 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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