Seeking to anchor a competitive search for a permanent leader, the Harwich Select Board authorized a substantial salary range for the incoming Town Administrator that reflects the region's daunting housing market. The board voted 4-1 on Monday night to establish a compensation window of $210,000 to $240,000 annually, not including benefits, as they move toward a strong-management model intended to centralize town authority. Member J. Handler advocated for the higher figures to ensure the town attracts elite talent, noting, I think we need to start in the twos and I would start at 210 and top out at 240... we have set the bar already at 240 in my opinion. Chair D. Howell agreed that the market dictates the increase, stating, I don't think in today's market that topping out at 225 is going to get us anywhere... I'd go as high as 240 because you want to attract the best candidates. Motion Made by J. Handler that the salary range for the incoming Town Administrator position be $210,000 to $240,000 annually, not including benefits. Motion Passed 4-1 (P. Piekarski opposed).

Vice Chair P. Piekarski, who cast the lone dissenting vote on the salary range, expressed skepticism that a higher price tag alone would solve the town’s recruitment challenges. I'm comfortable putting a range out there between $195,000 and $225,000, Piekarski said, adding, I don't believe that the perfect candidate is going to come forward just because we offer a certain dollar number. The board also reached a consensus to form a five-member screening committee to vet applicants. Member M. Kelleher emphasized the need for clear leadership within that group, observing, When we pick our five we really you probably will have five people with strong personalities... we need to have a leader to kind of control things.

In a significant win for Harwich Port residents, the board unanimously rejected requests from the Port Restaurant and Ember Pizza to expand their entertainment licenses to include amplified outdoor music and dancing until 10 p.m. Neighbors voiced persistent concerns regarding noise and low-frequency vibrations that they say penetrate their homes even with windows closed. Resident Michael Hershey warned that the low frequency sound, interestingly, travels way further than the melody, arguing that amplified music would definitely detract from the quiet in the neighborhood. Neighbor Doug Grant noted that complaints had dramatically been reduced since the establishments were limited to acoustic-only performances. P. Piekarski agreed with the residents, stating that amplified music in this district till 10 p.m. is unreasonable. Motion Made by J. Handler to deny the request to amend the entertainment licenses to allow for amplified outdoor entertainment and extended operation hours. Motion Passed 4-0 (M. Kelleher recused).

The board addressed the town's ongoing housing crisis by approving a letter of support for the Penrose affordable housing project, though the decision was not without debate regarding the 50-year affordability restriction and traffic safety. Interim Town Manager Tony Schiavi recommended striking a portion of the support letter to align with the developer's 50-year limit rather than a permanent restriction. Richard Waystack, Chairman of the Council on Aging, used the discussion to highlight a systemic lack of oversight regarding expiring affordability. No one has been monitoring when these properties are coming off the affordability list, Waystack said. It's not been done. It needs to be done. P. Piekarski voiced concerns about the project's egress onto Queen Anne Road near Route 124, stating he did not believe the developer had given the traffic issue enough consideration. Motion Made by M. Kelleher to approve and send the letter of support for the project eligibility letter for Penrose LLC, excising the last paragraph of page one. Motion Passed 4-1 (P. Piekarski opposed).

The town’s administrative ranks will soon see a new face as the board affirmed the appointment of Eleanor McKay as the new Building Commissioner. Schiavi praised McKay’s 30 years of experience as a licensed architect and her existing commissioner certification, noting she would have excellent interactions with the building community. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to affirm the Interim Town Manager's recommendation of Eleanor McKay to the position of Building Commissioner effective no earlier than September 16, 2025. Motion Passed 5-0.

Tensions surrounding the Affordable Housing Trust (AHT) surfaced during a discussion about a persistent vacancy on the board and the role of the Town Manager. Resident Mary Anderson questioned why the board had not moved to reappoint former member Larry Valentine, asking, Why in the name of God do you want to back Larry out of this when right here tonight you could say let's put Larry back in and let that committee continue to function as it was intended. A member of the AHT noted that state law requires the chief executive officer to serve on the trust, but Schiavi expressed hesitation due to his interim status, stating, I don't really feel I have that knowledge at this point in order to be able to do that. J. Handler committed to working with A. Doucette to activate an interview committee to fill the vacancy as quickly as possible. Member A. Doucette maintained her focus on procedural consistency throughout the session, participating in the evening's unanimous votes on municipal contracts and gift acceptances.

To curb rising legal costs and reduce reliance on outside consultants—a recurring theme in recent town governance—the board reviewed a draft RFP for town legal services and a new formal request tracking form. The new system will require staff and committees to submit written requests for legal opinions. Schiavi noted this has been used very effectively again not only in terms of controlling cost but to also have an understanding of what various staff members... are needing to access counsel. P. Piekarski requested that the form include a check to ensure that a full board or committee has authorized any legal inquiry rather than an individual member.

Infrastructure improvements moved forward with the approval of a $186,721.50 contract for fiber optic installation and maintenance across town buildings. Motion Made by J. Handler to approve the contract with Contract in the amount of $186,721.50 for the fiber optic installation and maintenance of town buildings. Motion Passed 5-0. Additionally, Schiavi reported that sewer Phase 3 construction is slated to resume on Route 39 and Pleasant Bay Road starting September 19. The town also accepted several community gifts, including a $2,500 donation from Shaw’s/Star Market for the People’s Fridge and a greenhouse from the Harwich Conservation Trust. Motion Made by J. Handler to accept the gift of $2,500 from Shaw/Star Market for the People’s Fridge. Motion Passed 5-0.