The Harwich Select Board opened its February 9 session with significant labor news, announcing that the town has finalized a new labor contract with the Harwich Permanent Firefighters Association. Chair Donald Howell reported that the agreement was among the final projects completed by former leadership and confirmed that a new contract has also been reached with Fire Chief David LeBlanc. While the labor news provided a moment of stability, the meeting quickly transitioned into a complex debate over property assessments, revolving fund mismanagement, and the future of the town’s creative community.

Assessor Carly presented a major update on the town’s effort to identify "owner unknown" properties, an initiative stemming from Town Meeting Article 39. Since 2022, the Assessing Department has successfully added $3.3 million in property value back to the tax rolls, resulting in approximately $1 million in recouped taxes. Of that, $439,000 was town-owned property, Carly noted, adding that 516 acres of unidentified land still remain. Despite the financial windfall, the discussion turned tense as residents questioned the potential diversion of $3 million in "land for land" funds—proceeds from the sale of Queen Anne Road lots—to fund a new roof for the Cultural Center. Resident Michael Mascal reminded the Board of previous promises, asking, Why would we even consider taking that money and why any of you would consider ignoring two town meetings?

Chair Howell shared these fiscal concerns, particularly regarding how shifting these funds might impact future planning. We have been supporting the budget with some overlay money and to the extent that that was being repurposed... that was going to punch a hole in our budget processes particularly in fiscal 27, Howell said. The debate over the Cultural Center roof continued later in the meeting, where resident and builder Matt Sudin suggested the proposed $650,000 slate roof replacement might be excessive. Slates are pretty stubborn... I encourage you to really look at remedial work... it may be $100,000, Sudin suggested.

Financial accountability remained center stage as the Board addressed a crisis in the Recreation Revolving Fund. Finance Director Jen revealed that the fund had exceeded its $175,000 statutory spending cap, a violation that historical analysis suggests occurred in eight of the last 12 years. Internal controls—we want to be able to control that certain times things can't happen, she explained, requesting the cap be raised to $400,000 to allow programs to continue legally. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to approve an increase of the Recreation and Youth Department's FY26 revolving fund spending limit from $175,000 to $400,000, subject to Finance Committee approval. While the measure was necessary to keep programs running, Chair Howell cast a dissenting vote to protest the long-term lack of oversight. I'm not going to beat this to death, but everybody who sat in that chair for the last seven years [said] 'Oh yeah, we've audited it... everything's fine.' Obviously, it wasn't, Howell remarked. Motion Passed 4-1-0.

The human impact of municipal space needs took a personal turn during discussions regarding the 204 Sisson Road Cultural Center. A proposed policy would displace four artist studios to make room for municipal offices in a "Creative Suite." Artist John Banani, who works at the center, spoke against the displacement, arguing the plan lacks data related to people and relies on highly questionable revenue figures. Director of Cultural Affairs Cara Mooney explained that the goal was to maintain affordable studio space while acknowledging the town's need for secure staff areas. Member Mark Kelleher expressed skepticism about the center’s financial sustainability, noting, I don't think with inflation and fuel... that 2.8% [increase] is going to cover it.

The Board also interviewed the law firm Harrington Heap as they continue to evaluate options for Town Counsel. Partners Tom Harrington, Chris Brown, and Ethan Dively pitched a "Goldilocks" approach that balances specialized expertise with personalized service. Member Jeffrey Handler pressed the attorneys on how they handle difficult dynamics between boards, asking, How do you handle a situation with a board who is suggesting a course of action that you know is probably going to be legally problematic? Dively responded that he views his role as ensuring boards understand the risks of litigation before they proceed. The firm also emphasized proactive training to reduce legal costs over time.

Other community concerns were raised during public comment, including a plea from Sally Urbano West for the Board to finally approve architectural guidelines for the Captain’s Row district in West Harwich. One full year of trying to get this accomplished... Always an excuse, too busy month after month, West said. Additionally, resident Matt Sudin criticized the town's reliance on the Cape Cod Commission, noting that Harwich lags behind neighbors with only 22% of its land designated as protected.

Procedural updates included a clarification of the Spring Town Meeting warrant deadlines. Town Clerk Emily Mitchell noted that the Town Charter mandates a deadline of noon on the second Friday of February for petitioned articles. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to reopen the warrant to clarify the deadline as February 13, 2026 (Noon for petitions, 4:00 PM for town-initiated articles). Motion Passed 5-0-0. The Board also accepted a generous $50,000 gift from Paul Manning for the Saquatucket Harbor sidewalk project. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to accept a gift for the Saquatucket Harbor sidewalk project from Paul Manning in the amount of $50,000. Motion Passed 5-0-0.

In smaller items, Verizon representative Randy Doyle appeared before the Board to apologize for an unauthorized conduit installation on Hawk Nest Road, citing human error in reading a project spreadsheet. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to approve post-construction installation of one 2-inch conduit along Road Cove, Hawk Nest Road, Route 137, and Halls Path. Motion Passed 5-0-0. The Board also moved forward with a historic preservation project. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to approve a contract with Henry T. Crosby and Son for the Revolutionary War Monument in the amount of $93,950. Motion Passed 5-0-0.

The meeting concluded with a somber tribute to Greg O’Hara, the late publisher of the Cape Cod Chronicle. Chair Howell reflected on the importance of local journalism, stating, Love them or hate them for any particular article, the fact that they existed and everybody knows what's happening is a tribute to them.