The Harwich Community Center is moving toward a potential "service dogs only" requirement after a recent incident involving an animal left officials and staff concerned over building hygiene and safety. During Wednesday’s Facilities Committee meeting, Director Carolyn Carey described a situation where an unattended dog relieved itself in an activity room, highlighting the need for a more rigid animal policy similar to the one currently enforced at the town library. Carey noted that while the current informal understanding is that dogs must be leashed, the facility needs clearer boundaries to protect residents with allergies or fears of animals. We had an incident where a dog relieved itself in an activity room and no one told us. I think we should have stricter policies, Carey said, adding that she intends to draft recommendations for the Select Board after consulting with other department heads. Committee member Chris Joyce pointed to a neighboring model for success, noting that Jenny Hewitt at the library has a very simple policy: only service dogs are allowed.

The discussion around facility rules comes as the town navigates a broader push for administrative professionalization under incoming Town Administrator James McGrail, who is scheduled to begin his tenure next Monday. While the facility's FY2027 budget remains largely stable, staff provided a detailed update on the recently settled Harwich Employees Association (HEA) contract, which includes a 4% salary increase this year followed by a 3% hike next year. Committee member Keith Joyce emphasized the need for legal caution if a new animal policy is implemented, stating, I support a policy, but we must ensure staff is trained on what questions they can and cannot legally ask someone with a service animal. Staff member Reagan Mesquita cautioned that the public often confuses service animals with comfort animals, noting, It's also difficult for people who truly need service animals when others take advantage of the situation.

Beyond animal control, the committee is laying the groundwork for a significant overhaul of the building’s rental fee structure targeted for fiscal year 2028. Carey expressed a desire to move away from a deposit-based system, which creates administrative hurdles for the general fund, in favor of flat fees that better reflect the labor required for room setups. Mesquita highlighted a growing friction between staff time and public expectations, explaining that people think because we are fully staffed, the staff is at their service for every little change. The fee is literally for the room. The committee is currently utilizing student assistance to collect data on room usage, no-shows, and late changes to justify future rate adjustments. Chair Angie Chilaka praised the facility’s resilience during recent weather events, stating, I want to give a high five to the Police, Fire, DPW, community centers, and the schools that helped us through that crazy Nor'easter for that entire week.

Maintenance and staffing updates also highlighted a building busting at the seams with activity. Phil Thompson, representing the Recreation Department, reported that spring program sign-ups are already full and provided updates on court maintenance. Regarding Oak Street and Brooksfield, they are being resurfaced. There was a setback because of the storms. Also, we put a coyote decal out there to try to get the geese out of the way, Thompson noted. The building is also welcoming Jenn Anderson as a new Program Specialist following the departure of John Losi. Despite the high volume of programming, parking remains a critical hurdle for the facility, with Carey reporting that the lot reached full capacity during the meeting, a recurring issue as the Town Clerk’s office enters its busy spring season.

The committee also touched on long-term facility needs, including the eventual replacement of outdoor basketball hoops and the redistribution of the "soccer thing" currently occupying the parking lot, which was originally funded through Community Preservation Committee grants. Looking ahead, the committee scheduled a joint meeting with other community center stakeholders for March 31st. Discussing the timing of such sessions, Keith Joyce remarked that during the day seems easier to get more engagement from the public and staff alike. Chilaka concluded by confirming the committee's intent to engage with the new administration immediately, noting, We'll invite [James McGrail] to our next meeting.