The Harwich Charter Commission moved to professionalize the town’s public safety operations this week, reaching a consensus to grant the Police Chief Strong Chief status under Massachusetts General Law. This shift, which mirrors the existing authority of the Fire Chief, would allow the Police Chief to hire and terminate staff without seeking individual ratification from the Select Board for every appointment. Richard Waystack emphasized the practical impact of the change, noting that currently, the police have to come in and get all of his hirings ratified by the Select Board. He added that the new language will give the police chief that authority to hire and basically fire without needing the ratification.

The move aligns with a broader effort to insulate Harwich’s day-to-day operations from political friction as the town faces a looming fiscal cliff and a rigid property tax levy limit. While some members considered moving public safety reporting directly under the Town Administrator, the Commission ultimately decided to maintain the reporting line to the Select Board to avoid unnecessary controversy at Town Meeting. Paul Doane cautioned that a more radical shift might trigger a battle with the Select Board in terms of their endorsement. Motion Made by Consensus to incorporate Strong Chief language for Police and move safety sections to Chapter 3.

In a parallel effort to streamline town government, the Commission cleared the way for the Town Administrator to manage departmental structures with greater autonomy. By deleting several specific sections of Chapter 5, the Commission effectively handed the Town Administrator the power to reorganize, consolidate, or abolish divisions. The Chair noted that under the new framework, the TA can reorganize and do whatever their little heart desires regarding administrative divisions. To ensure clear oversight, the Commission amended the charter to specifically include director positions under this authority. Sandy Hall read the updated language for Section 4.5.1, noting the town administrator may with the approval of the affirmative vote of at least three members of the Select Board shall establish, reorganize, consolidate or abolish any division, department or position. Motion Made by Consensus to delete sections 5.1.1 through 5.1.7 and amend section 4.5.1 to include the term director.

The push for professionalization sparked a debate over whether to rename the Town Administrator position to Town Manager. Paul Doane suggested the change would better reflect the strong nature of the role as defined in the new charter, noting perception becomes reality. However, the proposal met resistance from members worried about voter optics. Richard Waystack expressed concern that the term Manager might alienate residents, stating, I'm not willing to throw out a year and a half's work over one word. Judith Underwood suggested alternative titles like chief executive officer... or chief operating officer, while the Chair ultimately decided to consult with the Collins Center to research current trends in municipal titles across the Commonwealth before proceeding.

The Commission also took steps to make the town charter more resilient by moving specific board compositions out of the document and into the town bylaws. This change would allow the town to adjust the number of members or alternates on boards like the Board of Health without requiring a full charter amendment. John Ketchum raised a procedural concern, asking, What if town meeting doesn't adopt the bylaws after this charter is done? The Commission noted that bylaw updates would likely be coordinated with the charter vote. Additionally, the Commission moved to bring the Housing Authority into alignment with state law. Motion Made by Consensus to update the Housing Authority section to be in accordance with Massachusetts General Law. Earlier in the session, the commission approved its records. Motion Made by R. Waystack to approve the minutes of February 12, 2026. Motion Passed (Unanimous).