The Harwich Treasure Chest Committee established a strict 4 p.m. weekday curfew for its volunteers on Wednesday, citing liability concerns and safety risks at the isolated facility. The decision follows reports of individuals staying as late as 8 p.m. to sort donations alone, a practice the committee now deems too dangerous as daylight hours begin to shorten. The move aligns with a broader push toward professionalized management in Harwich, ensuring volunteer operations comply with town liability standards.

Mary, the committee’s secretary, raised the issue after learning that some volunteers were working long after the neighboring disposal area had closed for the day. I do not think it is a good idea that Linda stays until 8:00 PM on a Sunday by herself, Mary said, questioning the town’s exposure if a volunteer were to be injured or approached in the secluded area. While some members noted that certain volunteers prefer the quiet hours for cleaning, Jean emphasized the physical difficulty of exiting the site after hours. If the gate is locked, you have to unlock it, bring your car out, and relock it. It’s a maze to get out otherwise, Jean noted. George, the committee chair, agreed that the facility should be vacated by 4:30 p.m. at the latest. Motion Made by G. [Chair] to require that for cleaning and distributing items, volunteers must be out of the Treasure Chest by 4:00 p.m. on weekdays. Motion Passed 4-0.

The shift in hours comes amid growing concerns over facility security. Reinie, the committee’s vice chair, reported that two clothes racks recently disappeared from the shop without explanation. George noted that while access is theoretically limited to a few keyholders and a cleaning contractor, the security gate has occasionally been left open. To tighten oversight, the committee determined that new volunteers must now serve a three-month probationary period before they are eligible to receive a key. We don't want too many keys floating around, George said, noting that the committee needs to maintain a high level of vigilance over the town's assets.

The committee also formalized its leadership for the new fiscal year, retaining its current officers to maintain continuity during the transition to more structured town reporting. Motion Made by a board member to accept G. [Chair] as Chair, Reinie as Vice Chair, and Mary as Secretary for the fiscal year. Motion Passed 4-0. George informed the members that he will be drafting a formal assessment of the Treasure Chest’s goals and accomplishments for the Select Board’s annual report, a task Mary offered to assist with by providing last year’s records.

New protocols are also being implemented for the volunteer pipeline, moving away from informal "shadowing" and toward a regulated DPW interview process. George explained that the process has returned to the old way, where Link, the DPW liaison, conducts a final interview and provides a formal "blessing" before a volunteer is certified. Currently, volunteers like Amy Huran have completed the process, while others, including Julie Pfrommer and Pat Boon, are pending their formal town certifications. People should only shadow to see if they like it; they shouldn't keep coming back until they finish the process, George said.

To further professionalize the shop’s culture, the committee is developing a "volunteer packet" that includes etiquette rules and operational guidelines. Mary stressed that volunteers must exercise better discretion, specifically noting that sorting should only occur in the kitchen and items should never be taken in front of active shoppers. Items should not be taken in front of shoppers. Also, clothing should not be tried on during a volunteer shift, Mary said. George agreed, noting that the kitchen door must remain closed to prevent shoppers from peering in. Motion Made by a board member to accept the previous meeting minutes. Motion Passed 4-0.