Michael MacAskill

“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)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

“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)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

“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)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

“Also public is the information regarding the HERS ratings. Vote: 4:0:1 in favor with Mr. MacAskill abstained. Motion carried.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)

“Mr. MacAskill moved to accept a gift in the amount of $10,000 from Timothy Ritchie for the purpose of rebuilding the stairs to access Jenkins Beach on Walther Road. Seconded by Mr. Piekarski. Mr. Howell noted that he would have preferred to have something in the packet that confirms the Ritchie's desire to shift the money from one place to another. Mr. Piekarski commented that he appreciated Mr. Sutphin's passion on the subject and that this is a disagreement on an interpretation. He added that the emails received by the Board did not impact his decision. Mr. Piekarski noted that the Conservation Commission did not opine on the stairs, they opined on the letter. He commented that he is comfortable with and appreciates the donation. He also would've preferred an updated letter. Mr. Piekarski noted that it is right and appropriate for the Town to pay for everything but he also appreciates the donation. Ms. Kavanagh commented that this belongs in front of Conservation. She also noted that it was a generous gift and she is not opposed to it being used for a site plan or whatever is needed to get t his issue before Conservation. Vote: 4:1 in favor with Mr. Howell opposed. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Piekarski)

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“Mr. MacAskill moved to accept and adopt Article 54: Annual Departmental Revolving Funds Authorization in the 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Seconded by Ms. Kavanagh. Mr. Howell commented that the Town is spending too much money through revolving accounts that should be done through the general fund. He stated that he will be voting against this and wants to be sure all Board members are making the same commitment in this meeting, that they have in the past, that their intention is that they are going to fix this next year. He noted that they have used 204 Sisson as an example and they know how much should be in a regular budget as every other municipal building is for operation. He commented that there shouldn't be over a million dollars worth of funds that the program people access directly. Vote: 3:2 in favor with Mr. Howell and Mr. Piekarski opposed. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Kavanagh)

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“Sundae School IC Holding LLC d/b/a Sundae School Ice Cream, 606 Route 28 Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (second: Howell)

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)

“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)

Read it in the official minutes, page 16 (PDF)

“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)

Read it in the official minutes, page 19 (PDF)

“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)

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)