Interim Town Administrator Tony Schiavi urged the Harwich Charter Commission to codify a "strong" management model that would effectively transform the town’s top administrative post into a CEO with sole authority over hiring and personnel. During a deep dive into proposed changes to Chapter 4 of the town charter on September 11, Schiavi argued that the town’s current "fractured" reporting lines create unnecessary "organizational turbulence" and inefficiency. Drawing on his experience managing $100 million municipal operations in other Massachusetts towns, Schiavi told the commission that the most successful governments are those where the Select Board has one belly button to push to ensure policy implementation, rather than interfering in daily department head activities.

The commission has been moving toward centralizing hiring and supervision authority under the Town Administrator to address long-standing friction between elected officials and staff. Schiavi emphasized that the Select Board should act as a Board of Directors, focusing on "big rocks" like housing, strategic planning, and economic development. If you have things coming in from the side, you create organizational turbulence, Schiavi warned, suggesting that the Town Administrator should be the only employee appointed directly by the Select Board. To ensure consistency, Motion Made by Richard to accept the minutes of August 28th. Motion Passed (6-0-0).

A primary focus of the discussion centered on the reporting structure for Harwich’s financial and human resources leadership. Schiavi noted that under the current charter, the Select Board hires the Finance Director while the administrator manages the functions—a conflict he described as a barrier to professional management. The Finance Director and HR are my inner circle; I need to talk to them multiple times a day, Schiavi explained. If they report elsewhere, it slows the train. He also recommended that the commission look into creating an independent Charter Compliance Committee to serve as a check on elected officials who might overstep their bounds.

Commission members expressed strong support for removing ambiguities that have plagued past administrations. Chair Linda Cebula noted that the commission is specifically targeting "weasel words" that allow for multiple interpretations of the town’s foundational document. We want to make sure there isn't room for different interpretations, Cebula said. For example, we were told 'shall' was advisory. Member Richard Waystack echoed the need for professionalization, particularly as the town prepares to offer a $240,000 top salary for its next permanent administrator. I want a strong TA and to relegate the Board back to staying in their lane of policy, Waystack said, adding that the town has historically suffered because it focused on personalities rather than positions.

The commission is also looking to modernize Chapter 5 of the charter, which Schiavi described as clear as mud due to outdated language regarding town divisions. Lou Urbano pointed out a significant gap in the existing organizational structure, noting that Chapter 5 completely leaves out the Water and Sewer Department, which is huge. Schiavi suggested that giving the Town Administrator executive-level authority would allow the board to meet less frequently, perhaps every two weeks, by freeing them from the "minutia" of government. Herb Bell noted that he appreciated the focus on a higher level discussion, which he described as the primary benefit of a empowered management model.

Ensuring future boards adhere to these new rules remains a concern for the commission. Sandy Hall suggested that the community must take an active role in enforcing the charter. Compliance is the issue, Hall remarked. If someone won't follow the charter and gets involved in the color of the forms in a department, it won't work. As the commission continues its review, they are seeking input from various town agencies to refine these proposals. Valerie noted that the outreach is ongoing, telling the group, The Energy Committee will be coming. You've got an inside scoop on that. The commission expects to hear from the Finance and Capital Outlay committees in upcoming sessions to further align the charter with the town’s shifting financial needs.