Harwich voters will consider a major $1.5 million transfer to the Affordable Housing Trust and the implementation of electronic voting following a marathon Select Board session on Monday night. The board navigated a packed agenda that included heated debates over water safety, shoreline access at Walther Road, and a new policy regarding animals in municipal buildings.

The meeting opened with a firm reassurance regarding the town’s drinking water. Water Superintendent Jason Tran addressed recent public concerns, stating that our public drinking water remains safe, high quality, and well protected. Tran clarified that recent sampling near the Chatham Road and Depot Road wellfields showed no indication of human-caused contamination, despite concerns raised during previous discussions about sewer projects. However, resident skepticism remained, with one resident, identified as Pett, questioning the town's award-winning water status following last year’s water crisis and requesting more information on PFAS testing.

Modernizing Town Meeting became a focal point as Town Moderator Michael Little and Town Clerk Emily Mitchell presented research on electronic voting. Little noted that neighboring towns like Orleans and Chatham have found clickers to be an immense help that provides privacy for voters who might feel chilled voting in an open meeting where others see their vote. Mitchell detailed a purchase cost of approximately $31,000 for 800 clickers, or a rental fee of $10 per unit. Board Member Julie spoke in favor of the shift, noting, I like the idea of reducing the time for Town Meeting to get more people participating. Motion Made by J. [Select Board Member] to place an article on the warrant for electronic voting. Motion Passed (5-0)

Financial discussions grew tense during the review of warrant articles, specifically a request from Affordable Housing Trust Chair Larry Ballantine to transfer $1.5 million from the Special Purpose Stabilization Fund. Ballantine explained the funds would support projects like the 10-unit West Harwich Square development, noting the trust currently has about $1 million on hand. Member Michael opposed the move, stating, It just doesn't seem like you need it at this point. Chair Donald Howell argued for the need to support the notch of residents earning over 80% of the Area Median Income, stating, a rental provider cannot keep you if you start making over 80% AMI. We need to address that. Motion Made by J. [Select Board Member] to transfer $1.5 million to the Affordable Housing Trust. Motion Passed (3-2) with Member Michael and Vice Chair Peter Piekarski opposed.

The board also reversed a previous stance on the town’s demolition delay bylaw. Historical Commission Chair Mary Maslowski argued that the current 12-month delay fails to provide enough incentive for builders to collaborate with the commission. We hope adding six months might provide more incentive, Maslowski said. Motion Made by D. Howell to accept and place an 18-month demolition delay on the warrant. Motion Passed (4-1) with Member Michael dissenting.

A long-standing dispute over stairs at the town-owned beach at 23 Walther Road moved toward a resolution. While a deed of gift for the property restricted permanent structures, neighbors argued the stairs are essential for safety. Resident Richard Waystack noted that a previous board voted to replace the stairs in 1991, adding that the neighbors rely on them for safety. Resident Matt Sutphin urged the board to honor the original gift's intent to keep the land free of structures. Vice Chair Piekarski supported the neighbors, stating, I can't imagine you donate beachfront property and exclude [stairs]. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to support the reinstallation of the stairs and move the matter to the Conservation Commission. Motion Passed (5-0)

The board began crafting a policy for animals in municipal buildings following an incident where a therapy dog was found in the Select Board's chairs. Resident Patrick Aton apologized for the incident involving his certified therapy dog, Sky, pleading, Please don't punish the dogs of Harwich. Director of Youth and Family Services Ashley Symington highlighted the value of canine co-counselors in town services. Member Michael maintained that a clear policy is necessary, noting people reach out who don't understand why they have to be involved in a meeting where a dog puts paws on them. Chair Howell suggested looking at existing library policies before finalizing a draft that might unintentionally ban dogs in cars on town property. The board deferred the matter for further review.

In other business, the board declined to support several petitioned articles, including proposed fertilizer and pesticide bans and a $125,000 request for a Charter Commission. Director of Cultural Affairs Cara Moen invited the community to a Fiber Art Exhibit opening this Saturday and announced a lineup of 10 summer concerts at Brooks Park beginning June 30th. Wastewater Consultant Dan Peltier also presented a proposal to serve as a liaison for ongoing sewer projects, though the board requested more time to refine contract details regarding travel expenses.