The Harwich Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is moving to tighten oversight of local project funding by overhauling its standard grant agreements and introducing permanent signage requirements. During its September 11 meeting, the committee discussed new measures to ensure financial accountability and public awareness of how Community Preservation Act funds are utilized across the town’s historic, housing, and recreation sectors.

A primary focus of the session involved draft revisions to the town’s standard grant agreement, a move intended to distinguish between projects funded through reimbursements and those receiving lump-sum payments, such as the Harwich Affordable Housing Trust. Member Mary Maslowski emphasized the need for more robust oversight, noting that she included a placeholder in the draft for legal review. I also think it's worth having counsel explore audit rights so that the town has the right to go back and audit a project or an entity to ensure money was spent properly, Maslowski said. This push for fiscal transparency aligns with recent town-wide efforts to address missing historical records and ensure administrative continuity within housing-related boards.

Vice Chair Kathy Green, who has been collaborating with Maslowski on the revisions, suggested the committee adopt a more hands-on approach with successful applicants. One thing [other towns] do is assign a person from the committee to follow through with that applicant as a contact person. It's a little bit less loose, Green explained. Chair David Nixon spoke in favor of the liaison model, arguing it creates a direct conduit between the board and active projects. While Massie was asked for input on the proposed changes, the member declined to offer specific comments at this stage.

The committee also debated how to best display permanent recognition at project sites. While temporary banners are currently used during construction, members expressed interest in durable aluminum signage that would remain long after a project is finished. Member John Ketchum proposed a high-tech solution to keep signs uncluttered while providing deep project history. There is another way: you put a QR code on the aluminum sign. It sends anyone with a phone to a website that enumerates those particular projects, Ketchum suggested, noting that the code could link directly to the Harwich CPC webpage he maintains. Emily Milan raised concerns regarding the long-term maintenance of these markers, asking whether the town or the applicant would be responsible for upkeep. If we come up with design guidelines, Historic could bless them so they wouldn't necessarily have to come before us every time, Milan added, suggesting a streamlined approval process for historic sites.

In addition to policy discussions, the committee conducted its annual reorganization. Motion Made by an unidentified member to nominate D. Nixon as chair for the next year. Motion Passed 6-0. Nixon joked that the annual vote feels like a birthday before the board turned to the vice-chairmanship. Motion Made by an unidentified member to appoint K. Green as vice chair for the next fiscal year. Motion Passed 6-0. Green accepted the post, noting with a laugh that no one else wants to do it.

Regarding financial obligations, the committee authorized its annual membership payment to the state-wide coalition. Motion Made by M. Maslowski to approve payment of $4,350 as annual dues to the Community Preservation Coalition. Motion Passed 6-0. Nixon also reported that the town’s Finance Director is waiting for the final closing of the books to provide actual revenue and balance numbers for the CPC’s financial reports, rather than relying on estimates.

Residents and local organizations were reminded that the next deadline for new Community Preservation funding applications is Wednesday, October 1, at 4:00 PM. Applications must be submitted through the town’s online portal. Motion Made by an unidentified member to accept the minutes from June 12 and June 23, 2025. Motion Passed 6-0.