The Harwich Board of Water and Wastewater Commissioners moved a major infrastructure project forward on Tuesday, finalizing a $835,250 contract to paint the Pleasant Lake "hydro pillar" water tank. The project, which was secured with a bid significantly lower than initial engineering estimates of $1.1 million, is slated to begin on October 6 and conclude by early December. Chair Noreen Donahue expressed relief at the project’s progression, noting that after various infrastructure delays elsewhere in town, it was positive to see this work moving all in time and under bid.

Superintendent Jason Trapania explained the technical logistics of the two-month project, which requires draining the massive structure. When questioned by Commissioner Judith Underwood regarding the disposal of the water, Trapania noted that the department would manipulate the water levels to minimize waste. We dechlorinate it and put it back in the ground, Trapania said, explaining that diffusers are used on hydrants to safely return the water to the site. Underwood, noting the October start date, jokingly suggested a party in the tank for her upcoming birthday while the structure is empty. Motion Made by J. Goff to approve the contract for painting the hydro pillar tank for $835,250. Motion Passed 4-0. A second procedural step was also cleared to ensure work begins on schedule. Motion Made by J. Goff to approve the Notice to Proceed for the tank painting project. Motion Passed 4-0.

The board also addressed a piece of town history by authorizing $6,000 for a new fountain at Exchange Park. The decision follows a discovery that the historic Chase family memorial drinking fountain, donated to the town in the early 1990s, is too deteriorated to be repaired. The new station will be a modern hydration point featuring a bottle filler and a dedicated pet station. Underwood emphasized the importance of public water access for residents and tourists alike. It supports so many different aspects of the town and the people that are using the bike path, Underwood said, adding that it serves the department's mission to provide clean drinking water. Commissioner Bob Young agreed, describing the $6,000 expenditure as a smart use of water revenue. I think that's a minimal investment for a great return on investment and for health, for the environment, for the tourism, for the history, and for our youth and our senior citizens, Young noted. Motion Made by J. Underwood to install a new fountain at Exchange Park. Motion Passed 4-0.

Tensions regarding the town’s shifting management structure surfaced during a discussion about the ongoing Charter Commission review. The town is currently moving toward a "Strong Town Administrator" model, which has raised questions about the specific authorities of elected boards. Donahue expressed concern that current language allows the board to appoint a superintendent but does not explicitly grant the power of removal. I want to get the word 'remove' in here, Donahue said. I don't want any other body coming along and saying they're going to remove our superintendent. Underwood, who also serves on the Charter Commission, noted that the commission is focusing on precise language, such as changing shall to must regarding cooperation between the superintendent and the Town Administrator, though Donahue questioned how a stalemate would be resolved if "cooperation" reached an impasse.

In other business, Ed from the Comprehensive Plan Committee updated the board on the final draft of the town’s long-range plan. We're sort of looking more for copyright, wrong words, misspelled words, or if we got any of the data or figures wrong, he told the commissioners, noting that a formal request for the board's endorsement would follow soon. Additionally, Trapania reported that the department is pursuing a $50,000 grant from MassDEP for cybersecurity improvements for the SCADA system. While infrastructure along Route 28 East remains in a holding pattern, Trapania expects a final permit comment from MassDOT by September 16, which would allow the long-awaited water main replacement project to move toward the bidding phase.