MassVoter.com← Harwich Select BoardHarwich Select Board · 2025–2026 Board · Regular meeting
March 16, 2026
25 recorded votes, 12 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: Donald Howell, Peter Piekarski, Mark Kelleher, Jeffrey Handler, Anita Doucette
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Approve the Select Board meeting minutes from March 9, 2026 as presented
To approve the Select Board meeting minutes from March 9, 2026 as presented
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved to approve the Select Board meeting minutes from March 9, 2026 as presented, 2nd by Mr. Handler and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Handler)
Designate Jennifer Harrington as Inspector of Animals for 2026
To designate Jennifer Harrington as Inspector of Animals for 2026
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved to designate Jennifer Harrington as Inspector of Animals for 2026, 2nd by Mr. Handler and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Handler)
The Select Board support the citizens petition article to Amend By- law 325 - Multifamily Development Permits
That the Select Board support the citizens petition article to Amend By- law 325 - Multifamily Development Permits
Yes: Doucette, Handler, Howell, PiekarskiNo: KelleherThe minutes say "and approved 4-1-0 (Kelleher)"; MassVoter reads the name in brackets as the member who voted with the minority (no).
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved that the Select Board support the citizens petition article to Amend By- law 325 - Multifamily Development Permits, 2nd by Mr. Handler and approved 4-1-0.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Handler)
The Select Board support the citizens petition article for the Prohibition of Fertilizer
That the Select Board support the citizens petition article for the Prohibition of Fertilizer
No: Doucette, Handler, Howell, Kelleher, Piekarski
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved that the Select Board support the citizens petition article for the Prohibition of Fertilizer, 2nd by Mr. Handler and denied 0-5-0.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Handler)
The Select Board support the citizens petition for the Designation of Scenic Roads
That the Select Board support the citizens petition for the Designation of Scenic Roads
Yes: Doucette, Handler, Howell, KelleherNo: PiekarskiThe minutes say "and approved 4-1-0 (Piekarski)"; MassVoter reads the name in brackets as the member who voted with the minority (no).
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved that the Select Board support the citizens petition for the Designation of Scenic Roads, 2nd by Ms. Doucette and approved 4-1-0 (Piekarski).” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Doucette)
The Select Board support the citizens petition for a tree preservation bylaw
That the Select Board support the citizens petition for a tree preservation bylaw
Yes: HowellNo: Doucette, Handler, Kelleher, PiekarskiThe minutes say "and denied 1-4-0 (Howell)"; MassVoter reads the name in brackets as the member who voted with the minority (yes).
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved that the Select Board support the citizens petition for a tree preservation bylaw, 2nd by Mr. Handler and denied 1-4-0 (Howell) 5.” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Handler)
The Select Board support the citizens petition for the restriction of SGAR Rodenticides
That the Select Board support the citizens petition for the restriction of SGAR Rodenticides
No: Doucette, Handler, Kelleher, PiekarskiAbstained: HowellThe minutes say "and denied 0-4-1 (Howell)"; MassVoter reads the name in brackets as the member who voted with the minority (abstained).
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved that the Select Board support the citizens petition for the restriction of SGAR Rodenticides, 2nd by Mr. Kelleher and denied 0-4-1 (Howell).” (Motion: Handler, second: Kelleher)
Support the petition article to evaluate the acquisition of the former Marceline Salvage Yard
To support the petition article to evaluate the acquisition of the former Marceline Salvage Yard
Yes: Doucette, Howell, Kelleher, PiekarskiNo: HandlerThe minutes say "and approved 4-1-0 (Handler)"; MassVoter reads the name in brackets as the member who voted with the minority (no).
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved to support the petition article to evaluate the acquisition of the former Marceline Salvage Yard, 2nd by Mr. Howell and approved 4-1-0 (Handler).” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Howell)
The Select Board support the citizens petition article for regulation of committee membership
That the Select Board support the citizens petition article for regulation of committee membership
No: Doucette, Handler, Howell, Kelleher, Piekarski
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved that the Select Board support the citizens petition article for regulation of committee membership, 2nd by Mr. Handler and denied 0-5-0.” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Handler)
The Select Board support the citizens petition article for regulation of tree removal oversight
That the Select Board support the citizens petition article for regulation of tree removal oversight
Yes: KelleherNo: Doucette, Handler, Howell, PiekarskiThe minutes say "and denied 1-4-0 (Kelleher)"; MassVoter reads the name in brackets as the member who voted with the minority (yes).
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved that the Select Board support the citizens petition article for regulation of tree removal oversight, 2nd by Mr. Handler and denied 1-4-0 (Kelleher).” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Handler)
The Select Board support the citizens petition article for a bylaw to protect town funds and document development impacts
That the Select Board support the citizens petition article for a bylaw to protect town funds and document development impacts
No: Doucette, Handler, Howell, Kelleher, Piekarski
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved that the Select Board support the citizens petition article for a bylaw to protect town funds and document development impacts, 2nd by Mr. Handler and denied 0-5- 0.” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Handler)
Reconsider CPC article 4 as presented in the packet
That the Select Board vote to reconsider CPC article 4 as presented in the packet
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved that the Select Board vote to reconsider CPC article 4 as presented in the packet, 2nd by Mr. Kelleher and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Handler, second: Kelleher)
Support CPC article 4 as presented on the article tracker
That the Select Board vote to support CPC article 4 as presented on the article tracker
Yes: Doucette, Handler, Howell, PiekarskiNo: KelleherThe minutes say "and approved 4-1-0 (Kelleher)"; MassVoter reads the name in brackets as the member who voted with the minority (no).
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved that the Select Board vote to support CPC article 4 as presented on the article tracker, 2nd by Mr. Kelleher and approved 4-1-0 (Kelleher).” (Motion: Handler, second: Kelleher)
Approve the 2026 Seasonal Common Victualler license renewals as presented
To approve the 2026 Seasonal Common Victualler license renewals as presented
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved to approve the 2026 Seasonal Common Victualler license renewals as presented, 2nd by Mr. Handler and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Handler)
Approve the 2025 Seasonal Amusement license renewals as presented
To approve the 2025 Seasonal Amusement license renewals as presented
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved to approve the 2025 Seasonal Amusement license renewals as presented, 2nd by Mr. Piekarski and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Piekarski)
Approve the 2026 Seasonal Entertainment license for Cape Sea Grille
To approve the 2026 Seasonal Entertainment license for Cape Sea Grille
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved to approve the 2026 Seasonal Entertainment license for Cape Sea Grille, 2nd by Mr. Handler and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Handler)
Approve the 2026 Seasonal On-Premises Liquor license renewals as presented
To approve the 2026 Seasonal On-Premises Liquor license renewals as presented
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved to approve the 2026 Seasonal On-Premises Liquor license renewals as presented, 2nd by Mr. Handler and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Handler)
Approve a special permit application for Harwich Historical Society for a one day liquor license (wines & malt) for an event to be held on May 16, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., at 80 Parallel...
To approve a special permit application for Harwich Historical Society for a one day liquor license (wines & malt) for an event to be held on May 16, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., at 80 Parallel Street
Anita Doucette stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote.
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved to approve a special permit application for Harwich Historical Society for a one day liquor license (wines & malt) for an event to be held on May 16, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., at 80 Parallel Street, 2nd by Mr. Handler and approved 4-0-0.” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Handler)
Approve a special permit application for Big Sound Productions for a one day entertainment and one day liquor license (wines & malt) for an event to be held on April 13, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. - 8:30...
To approve a special permit application for Big Sound Productions for a one day entertainment and one day liquor license (wines & malt) for an event to be held on April 13, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., at 204 Sisson Road
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved to approve a special permit application for Big Sound Productions for a one day entertainment and one day liquor license (wines & malt) for an event to be held on April 13, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., at 204 Sisson Road, 2nd by Mr. Handler and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Handler)
Extend the storm damage brush fee waiver for Harwich residents until March 29, 2026
To extend the storm damage brush fee waiver for Harwich residents until March 29, 2026
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to extend the storm damage brush fee waiver for Harwich residents until March 29, 2026, 2nd by Mr. Handler and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Handler)
The Select Board authorize the Interview Committee to work with Town Administration staff to draft a letter regarding compliance for all board and committee members thai are out of compliance...
That the Select Board authorize the Interview Committee to work with Town Administration staff to draft a letter regarding compliance for all board and committee members thai are out of compliance which would include a compliance deadline ' of April 13, 2026 and if not compliant, they would be subject to immediate termination, letter to be signed by the Interview Committee
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved that the Select Board authorize the Interview Committee to work with Town Administration staff to draft a letter regarding compliance for all board and committee members thai are out of compliance which would include a compliance deadline ' of April 13, 2026 and if not compliant, they would be subject to immediate termination, letter to be signed by the Interview Committee, 2nd by Mr. Piekarski and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Handler, second: Piekarski)
Approve the artist studio rental rates as presented in the packet
To approve the artist studio rental rates as presented in the packet
Yes: Doucette, Handler, Howell, KelleherNo: PiekarskiThe minutes say "and approved 4-1-0 (Piekarski)"; MassVoter reads the name in brackets as the member who voted with the minority (no).
From the minutes
“Mr. Handler moved to approve the artist studio rental rates as presented in the packet, 2nd by Mr. Kelleher and approved 4-1-0 (Piekarski).” (Motion: Handler, second: Kelleher)
Approve the letter regarding real estate transfer taxes
To approve the letter regarding real estate transfer taxes
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to approve the letter regarding real estate transfer taxes, 2nd by Mr. Handler and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Handler)
Authorize the Town Administrator to sign the Intergovernmental Agreement between Plymouth County and the Town of Harwich to lease a John Deere 210G LC mechanical dredge in the amount of $1,450.00
To authorize the Town Administrator to sign the Intergovernmental Agreement between Plymouth County and the Town of Harwich to lease a John Deere 210G LC mechanical dredge in the amount of $1,450.00
From the minutes
“Mr. Kelleher moved to authorize the Town Administrator to sign the Intergovernmental Agreement between Plymouth County and the Town of Harwich to lease a John Deere 210G LC mechanical dredge in the amount of $1,450.00, 2nd by Mr. Handler and approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Kelleher, second: Handler)
Adjourn the regular meeting of the Select Board at 8:44 p.m
To adjourn the regular meeting of the Select Board at 8:44 p.m
From the minutes
“Mr. Piekarski moved to adjourn the regular meeting of the Select Board at 8:44 p.m., 2nd by Mr. Handler approved 5-0-0.” (Motion: Piekarski, second: Handler)
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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