The Harwich Charter Commission moved to professionalize its record-keeping Tuesday, voting unanimously to hire Judy Molstead as its recording secretary at a rate of approximately $25 per hour. The decision came as the commission seeks to avoid the dense, multi-page transcripts typical of other town boards, aiming instead for a concise record of the ongoing effort to modernize the town’s governing document. The Chair noted that while Molstead’s work for the Select Board is exhaustive, the commission requires a more focused approach, stating, I told her we don't need all that; we really just want to try to get what action has been taken, the sense of the meeting, maybe just a broad sense of the discussion.

The hire prompted a discussion on efficiency and the cost of administrative overhead. R. Wstack expressed concern regarding the time required to produce meeting records, noting, I heard 12 hours to do the Select Board; we should somehow limit it. Have you ever looked at the Select Board minutes? They're like 18 pages long. T. Lord, who has served as a secretary for numerous boards, agreed that verbatim transcripts are often unnecessary, adding, I can't fathom 12 hours, but if she's doing verbatim, she might as well be running a transcript. Motion Made by a commission member to hire Judy Molstead as recording secretary. Motion Passed (9-0-0).

Financial planning for the commission’s next phase took center stage as P. Don presented research on potential consulting firms to guide the charter overhaul. He highlighted Municipal Resources Inc. (MRI), a New Hampshire firm that has previously worked with Harwich. P. Don reported that the firm’s CEO, Alan Gould, suggested the commission perform the initial grunt work themselves to save money, charging an hourly rate of $135 for specific expertise later in the process. He cautioned against a flat fee because it reduces the urgency, P. Don explained, estimating the total consulting cost could range between $13,000 and $14,000. He also identified Community Paradigm, led by former Chelmsford Town Manager Bernie Lynch, as another viable candidate for the commission to evaluate.

Commission members outlined the specific traits they are seeking in a professional consultant. J. Jory emphasized the need for someone with an attorney background or within the firm, with a comprehensive understanding of Mass General Laws, while J. Underwood pushed for a team working with us, not just one lead person, with a variety of skill sets. L. Burbano noted he is looking for someone who can take us all beyond our own limitations. S. Hall added that any consultant must be someone who recognizes and understands the unique culture of Harwich or is willing to learn about it.

The commission also began debating the methodology for their line-by-line assessment of the town charter. While some members suggested a top-down approach starting with the town administration, R. Wstack advocated for a collaborative start, suggesting they send correspondence to all town committees and departments first. Let's start with the correspondence. That's the low-hanging fruit, he said, arguing that gathering input from those impacted by the charter's current rules will make the commission’s work more efficient. The Chair reflected on a recent June 25 public hearing, calling it legally necessary but pro-forma at this early stage, noting, it seems premature because you want to hear from people about the work you've actually done. Members Leva and Linda joined in the consensus to begin drafting outreach letters to department heads as they prepare for a 2027 Town Meeting target.