A potential $1 million state grant for climate resiliency met with significant resistance at Harwich Town Hall on Monday, as the Select Board expressed deep concern over the long-term costs and regulatory strings attached to the "Climate Leader Community" designation. Valerie Bell of the Harwich Energy and Climate Action Committee and Lisa Sullivan from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) presented the program, which requires the town to adopt a specialized building code and create a decarbonization roadmap for municipal buildings.

While the designation would unlock a $1 million grant, board members questioned the practical impact on town operations and residents. Chair Donald Howell pointed to the financial burden of retrofitting municipal infrastructure, stating, Everything you said has a dollar figure associated with it... digging up our storage facility of gasoline in the DPW area. Howell also raised concerns about the "specialized opt-in code" required for the program, noting that you’re gonna have to convince the public that they were willing to give up all gas appliances.

Vice Chair Peter Piekarski remained wary of the state-led initiative, telling the presenters, I’ll remain the skeptic of the crew... I don’t necessarily agree with all of the proposed elements of the climate leader criteria. I’m a skeptic when it comes to state monies. Member Jeffrey Handler suggested the policy shift was significant enough to require a broader mandate, adding, I see this truly on the floor of town meeting. I think this is a big enough decision that town meeting should determine whether or not we’re a climate leader. Sullivan clarified that the program is not a fossil fuel free program, but does require electric prewiring for new constructions. The board ultimately deferred the decision, directing a staff-level review by the DPW Director and public safety chiefs.

The administrative transition following the departure of former Town Administrator Joseph Powers also took center stage as the board considered hiring an outside interim leader. Chair Howell introduced Tony Schiavi, a retired Air Force General and former Town Administrator in Ashland and Bourne, as a candidate who could provide a 40 hour a week commitment to the role. The proposal met with some pushback from Member Handler, who read a letter from resident Mary Anderson supporting current Acting Town Administrator Megan Eldridge. The letter argued that hiring an outsider sends a horrible message to do this disservice to our very capable and accomplished ATA. Handler also questioned Schiavi's procurement certifications. Despite the concerns, the board agreed to invite Schiavi for a formal interview on July 14.

In a significant move to stabilize the town’s financial department, the board re-engaged with a previous finalist for the permanent Finance Director position. Vice Chair Piekarski noted that Jennifer Mintz was a very strong finalist in the previous search who may have felt the process lacked a personal touch. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to have the chair or his designee reach out to Jennifer Mintz and determine if she's still interested in the finance director position and if so enter into contract negotiations. Motion Passed (4-0).

To bridge the gap in the interim, the board secured professional accounting services to ensure the town's books are closed on schedule. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to approve the appointment of Eric A. Kinzer as the interim finance director and town accountant. Motion Passed (4-0). The board also authorized two contracts for Kinzer’s firm: one for finance director services not to exceed $100,000, and another for treasury support services not to exceed $40,000. Acting Town Administrator Megan Eldridge emphasized that the contract includes a termination for convenience clause, allowing the town to end the agreement as soon as a permanent director is hired.

The board also tackled a heavy slate of fiscal items, including the purchase of two new ambulances. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to approve a contract with Specialty Vehicles Incorporated for the purchase of two new unused Ford F-550 Lifeline ambulances in the amount of $1,098,502. Motion Passed (4-0). To wrap up the current fiscal year, the board addressed necessary internal accounting maneuvers. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to approve the year-end budget transfers as authorized per MGL chapter 44, Section 33B. Motion Passed (4-0). Eldridge noted these transfers must be completed by July 15 to avoid staffing and processing delays.

In affordable housing news, the board took steps to officially record units at 203 Bank Street. Eldridge explained the application allows the town to put these units on our Subsidized Housing Inventory list, noting that the units are already under construction. Howell clarified that this was a procedural step for a previously approved project rather than a new development. Motion Made by M. Kelleher to authorize the chair to sign the application for local action units for 203 Bank Street. Motion Passed (4-0).

During staff briefings, Eldridge shared positive news regarding the Saquatucket bulkhead, reporting that repair options appear significantly cheaper than the original $9 million replacement estimate. Member Mark Kelleher turned the focus toward town aesthetics during a discussion of the Harwich Center sidewalk project. When you look at some old pictures... they’re all lined with trees, Kelleher said. I just think it would improve our center so much to have some tree plantings in.

The meeting concluded with member reports, including a legislative update from Kelleher regarding the Maggie Hubbard Rental Safety Act. He noted that if it passes... it will require all short term rentals to have a fire inspection done, a move that could significantly impact local property owners. Chair Howell closed the session by inviting the community to the Harwich Town Band's 50th birthday celebration at Brooks Park.