The Harwich Youth Commission threw its support behind a $138,000 diagnostic assessment for Hinckley’s Pond following reports of a historic toxic algae bloom that persisted throughout the winter. Conservation Administrator Amy Usowski and Natural Resource Director Stephanie Rydenower presented the request for Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds, explaining that the pond’s health has deteriorated despite a nearly $400,000 alum treatment performed in 2019. The recent bloom, which lasted from December through February, is the latest ever recorded in Massachusetts history.

Usowski explained that while the 2019 treatment was intended to lock phosphorus in the sediment, recent data shows levels remain dangerously high. We unfortunately feel like we have to go back almost to the drawing board with this and do a full pond diagnostic study, Usowski told the Commission, noting that the last comprehensive data for the pond is now over a decade old. The proposed study will analyze current phosphorus inputs, including impact from sediment, changing water levels, and the cessation of nearby cranberry bog operations. The pond remains a high-priority public asset due to its ADA-accessible pathway from the bike trail to the beach.

Commission members expressed concern over the longevity of such investments. Phil questioned the lack of long-term certainty in pond remediation. What guarantee after spending roughly $500,000 plus—what guarantee is there that this issue is not going to surface again three, four, five years down the road? he asked. Usowski clarified that the current request is for information rather than another round of treatment. There’s not the guarantee. So this wouldn’t be for treatment. This is really just to study it... the answer may not be alum, she replied. Rydenower added that the town is also pursuing mitigation through public education regarding fertilizers and potential septic system impacts. Motion Made by Phil to support the Conservation Commission request from CPC for study for the pond. Motion Passed 3-0-0 (D. Nixon recused).

In his departmental report, the Recreation Director delivered a sober outlook for the upcoming fiscal year, reflecting the Select Board’s recent mandates for austerity across town departments. As Harwich faces a projected 10% spike in health insurance costs and a transition toward a more centralized management model, the Director noted that the Recreation budget will be strictly level-funded. The overall message from the Select Board and then the Town Administrator is level funded again, the Director stated. We're going to see what we can do with no new staff at all for anybody. That won't even be entertained is what we're told.

Despite the staffing freeze, the department is moving forward with capital improvements. Bids for the Brooks Park infield and Sand Pond restroom projects are scheduled to open on November 3. The Director also plans to request $40,000 for six new basketball hoops at the Community Center. This request comes as the town’s Capital Outlay Committee recently moved to push projects under $50,000 back into departmental operating budgets. Staff member Elaine is assisting with the budget preparation, while staff member John has implemented a new, cost-effective membership scanning system for indoor pickleball. The Director praised the solution, noting it was a cheap solution to try out and see how it goes.

Regarding property maintenance, the Commission briefly discussed the placement of a portable toilet near the pickleball courts. While some members questioned its proximity to existing restrooms, the Director explained it was a specific request from pickleball players and noted it would be removed for the winter season. On the financial front, the revolving fund currently sits at approximately $111,000, though the Director cautioned that system backlogs mean the true balance is likely higher. Chair Leah Flynn updated the group on the Potterfield dugout project, noting she is waiting for a response from Harwich High School regarding student labor for the construction. Motion Made by Phil to approve the minutes of August 26, 2025. Motion Passed 4-0-0. Motion Made by Van to approve the minutes of September 30, 2025. Motion Passed 4-0-0.

The Commission also welcomed the appointment of Arthur Dowski to the board, though he has not yet been sworn in. To accommodate the holiday season, the Commission decided to cancel its November session. If we go to December 16th, Flynn suggested, the board can wrap up the year's business in a single meeting. The next session will focus on finalizing budget requests and reviewing the results of the November bid openings.