Harwich has finally cleared a major bureaucratic hurdle in its wastewater expansion as Superintendent Jason Trepanier announced the arrival of a long-awaited MassDOT permit for Route 28. The permit, which spent two years in the state’s hands, allows the town to put the Route 28 East project—stretching from the Herring River Bridge to Harwich Port—out to bid within the next 30 days. Despite the breakthrough, Trepanier and the Board of Water and Wastewater Commissioners confirmed that construction will not begin until September to avoid paralyzing the village during the peak summer tourism season. Trepanier noted that within 30 days, we'll be putting that out to bid, marking a significant step forward for a project that has been stalled in draft status for months.

While infrastructure progress moves forward, the town’s water supply is facing immediate environmental pressure. Harwich is currently categorized in a Level 2 Significant Drought, with groundwater levels sitting more than a foot below the required March threshold. Trepanier warned that mandatory water restrictions are scheduled to begin May 1. Commissioner Alan Thompson emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that the thing of it is we could be fat and happy right now, but a couple months from now we could be in a complete mess if the dry trend continues. The board is also tracking a $1.1 million warrant article for Well 15, which Trepanier clarified is specifically for the construction and connection of the well to the treatment plant rather than just design costs.

The meeting also served as the first formal introduction for new Town Administrator James Jay McGrail, who identified wastewater management as a primary professional interest. McGrail told the board, I'm looking forward to working with you guys. This is probably one of my favorite parts of the job... trying to shape the wastewater over the next decade here in Harwich. Outgoing Chair Noreen Dunn emphasized the fiscal necessity of expanding the customer base to stabilize the enterprise fund, noting that approximately 65 lagging customers from Phase 2 still need to connect. Building the department both staff-wise and financially is important to us, Dunn said. Revenue can use the revenue. Trepanier estimated that once all three current phases are complete, the system will serve roughly 1,430 customers.

Leadership of the board shifted during the annual reorganization as Bob Young ascended to the role of Chair. Dunn, who has led the board through two years of intense financial scrutiny and the push for a forensic audit of a $75,000 fund deficit, stepped down to become Vice Chair. Young, accepting the nomination, remarked, I just want to say I hope I have the temperament to do all of this, before nominating Dunn to the Vice Chair seat to retain her data and history. Judith Underwood was elected as Clerk. Motion Made by N. Dunn to elect Bob Young as Chair. Motion Passed (5-0). Motion Made by B. Young to elect Noreen Dunn as Vice Chair. Motion Passed (5-0). Motion Made by B. Young to elect Judith Underwood as Clerk. Motion Passed (5-0).

The board spent significant time refining proposed town charter changes to ensure departmental autonomy and fiscal transparency. A key point of contention involved language requiring the Finance Director to inform the Superintendent of financial entries in a timely manner. Underwood raised concerns that the phrase was too ambiguous, stating, depending on who that finance person is in the future, maybe they think timely manner is something else. McGrail also cautioned that the term entries could be overly broad, potentially including routine items like payroll. The board eventually agreed to language specifying that the enterprise funds are administered by the Finance Director rather than managed, ensuring the Superintendent remains central to financial oversight. Motion Made by B. Young to approve the charter changes with the amendment to use the word administered instead of managed. Motion Passed (5-0).

A startling update regarding town-wide governance was also brought to light, with Dunn reporting that 65 members across various town boards are currently out of compliance regarding ethics training, swearing-in procedures, or town email usage. The shocking part of it was... 65 people, Dunn said. Some people have never been sworn in for years. When you think of the ramifications of the votes that have been taken, it is shocking. This administrative lapse comes as the board continues to untangle the history of the wastewater fund. Dunn noted a recent letter from the Finance Director acknowledged that several projects previously charged to the wastewater fund were not actually wastewater-related, a discovery that validates the board's recent demands for a capital reconciliation.

Looking toward future expansion, the board began preliminary discussions on how to allocate sewer flow capacity for new developments and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Commissioner John Goth noted the environmental benefits of transitioning from septic to sewer, particularly in East Harwich’s Zone 2 areas. If you're going into sewers, obviously it's not going to impact the groundwater, Goth noted regarding current 10,000-square-foot per bedroom zoning requirements. McGrail suggested that staff and the Health Director develop a comprehensive flow allocation game plan before involving legal counsel to address potential high-density 40B developments that may seek connection to the system. The board also remains focused on finding a second candidate for upcoming vacancies, as staff member Tracy Alves noted one potential candidate just needs a couple more signatures before the March 27 deadline.