Harwich health officials are preparing to deploy nearly $300,000 in opioid abatement funds through a newly drafted Community Action Plan designed to bridge gaps in local mental health and transportation services. Health Director Carrie Sherner and consultant Nicole Halis presented the roadmap to the Select Board on Monday, emphasizing that while the town has already received significant settlement funds, the strategy focuses on long-term sustainability. Sherner reported that the town has spent approximately $80,000 so far, primarily on a shared recovery coach program with Chatham and Orleans. We're trying to be frugal because we don't know when the next distribution is coming, Sherner said, adding that the town is exploring grant programs similar to those in Falmouth to assist residents with sober living and transportation costs.

The plan, developed by Crescendo Consulting Group, identifies immediate priorities such as cataloging local resources into a cohesive guide and expanding the Council on Aging’s volunteer driver program. Nicole Halis noted the plan focuses on practical, everyday needs rather than unattainable goals. We didn't try to solve the nationwide housing crisis; these are basic actions for everyday needs like healthcare, transportation, and childcare, Halis explained. Board member Jeffrey Handler voiced concerns regarding the reach of the healthcare system, stating, Mental health is the most underserved aspect of our healthcare system. I'd like to find a way to get a larger pool of people involved in these surveys. Chair Donald Howell highlighted a specific concern for the town’s older population, noting that the opioid problem for seniors is driven differently—often starting with surgery and painkillers.

Transitioning to administrative stability, the board moved to address critical vacancies in Town Hall. Following an executive session, Chair Howell announced a pay adjustment for Acting Town Administrator Megan Eldridge to reflect her increased responsibilities. The board also recognized a need for professional recruitment assistance to fill the Finance Director position after a previous search proved unsuccessful. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to ask the Acting Town Administrator to solicit search consultants to secure a Finance Director for the town of Harwich using methodology consistent with best management practices and 30B. Motion Passed 5-0. Eldridge noted that if the cost remains under $10,000, she could solicit quotes informally, though Vice Chair Peter Piekarski emphasized the role's importance, stating, The Finance Director role is critical. I support soliciting a search firm to find a slew of candidates.

The board also initiated a formal challenge to the Monomoy Regional School District’s funding formula. Piekarski led the push to send a letter to the School Committee requesting they reopen the Regional Agreement to address financial sustainability as the town nears its levy limit. The school board is where this belongs, Piekarski said. It will help us understand where the elected officials who run the district stand. Monomoy Regional School Committee Chair Meredith Henderson, who attended the meeting, signaled a willingness to engage. One of my goals is to bring this to light and be transparent, Henderson said, noting that the committee has a workshop scheduled to review assessment formulas and census data. Member Mark Kelleher suggested that an ad hoc committee of financial experts might be necessary to produce a viable alternative to the current formula.

Infrastructure concerns centered on the timing of Phase 3A sewer expansion. The town faces a deadline of June 30th to let construction contracts to qualify for specific state and county funding, which necessitates securing several easements. The board debated whether to call a Fall Town Meeting specifically for these approvals or wait until May. I'm risk-averse, Chair Howell remarked. If we defer to May, all the eggs are in one basket. Eldridge indicated that at least one permanent easement is required on Lakeside Terrace to ensure three homes in the Great Sand Lakes area can be sewered. The board expects to make a final decision on a Fall Town Meeting next month.

In other business, the board formalized the committee responsible for overseeing the historic Brooks Academy Museum project. Motion Made by M. Kelleher to approve the Brooks Academy Museum Designer Selection Committee as presented. Motion Passed 5-0. The committee will include Eldridge, Facilities Manager Sean Libby, Planning Board Chair Duncan Barry, a representative from RGB Architects, and Lynn from the Brooks Academy Museum Commission. Eldridge projected a year-and-a-half timeline until the design work is completed.

The board also addressed a licensing oversight for Bagel Hound, a local business at 297 Route 28. While the board approved the common victualler license after the fact, Chair Howell expressed frustration that the business had been operating without explicit authority. Motion Made by M. Kelleher to approve a new Common Victualler license application for Bagel Hound Inc. Motion Passed 5-0. Howell requested that Eldridge express our displeasure that you could get as far as opening a place and not have the explicit authority to open. Additionally, the board approved a one-day liquor and entertainment license for a Cape Cod Commercial Fisherman’s Alliance event on August 2nd. Motion Made by M. Kelleher to approve the special permit application for Fisherman's Alliance. Motion Passed 5-0.

Veterans Services Director Greg Quilty provided reassurance regarding the retirement of long-time agent Shaunie, noting that an experienced female veteran will take over the Harwich office on September 1st. Quilty emphasized the scale of the district's impact, stating that Harwich residents receive approximately $4.6 million annually in federal disability benefits. Member Anita Doucette moved the board through several procedural items, including the appointment of election workers. Motion Made by M. Kelleher to appoint election workers from names submitted by the Harwich Democratic and Republican Town Committees. Motion Passed 5-0. Eldridge concluded the meeting by highlighting a surge in committee vacancies, particularly on the Conservation Commission and Board of Appeals, and encouraged residents to apply for these essential volunteer roles.