Harwich has secured new temporary leadership, naming resident and former town manager Tony Skiabi as Interim Town Administrator in a 4-1 decision Monday night. The appointment comes at a critical juncture as the town faces the loss of approximately $86,000 in state subsidies for the Route 28 sewer project due to ongoing delays from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). The loss highlights the town's current struggle with state-level infrastructure coordination, a recurring theme as Harwich navigates its transition following the departure of former administrator Joseph Powers.

The urgency for stable leadership was underscored by a report from Acting Town Administrator Megan Eldridge regarding the Route 28 dry sewer pipe project. Because MassDOT has not yet moved to contract for the roadwork, Harwich has missed a critical deadline for the State Revolving Fund (SRF), resulting in a 3.3% loss of "principal forgiveness." Mark Drainville of GHD confirmed the town has definitely lost the subsidy. To protect the remaining funding eligibility, the board moved to resubmit the project for the next funding cycle. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to resubmit the Route 28 sewer project for the 2026 State Revolving Fund Passed 5-0. Chair Donald Howell noted the stakes of the delay, warning that if the town misses the next window, we’d be looking at an $8-10 million project instead of $2 million.

Skiabi, who previously served as town manager in Ashland, was brought forward despite concerns from board member Jeffrey Handler regarding the lack of a competitive recruitment process for the interim role. My position has nothing to do with you personally; your resume is wildly impressive, J. Handler told Skiabi during the interview. But this board has not defined the expectations... I have a problem with the process of having only one candidate and not advertising. Chair Howell defended the immediate move, noting that the morale in the town’s workforce has been continuously slipping and emphasizing the need to reassemble the team so collegiality is restored.

Skiabi pledged a collaborative approach, stating he is a proponent of certifying free cash by October and plans to implement outcome-focused budgeting to link spending directly to strategic goals. Regarding his engagement style, Anita Doucette asked about his experience with the public. Skiabi responded that he believes in shaping your future versus being shaped, noting he once stood in residents' kitchens to discuss controversial housing projects. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to offer Tony Skiabi the Interim Town Administrator position and enter into contract negotiations Passed 4-1 (J. Handler opposed).

While Skiabi steps in for the short term, Rick White of Grew White Consulting outlined a roughly 13-week timeline to find a permanent successor. White warned that the Cape market is unusual and fit is paramount. When asked by Mark Kelleher about hiring from the private sector, White cautioned that businessmen often grow impatient with public sector politics. M. Kelleher also highlighted recent community successes, offering a shout out to Eagle Scout Michael Theodoridis for the fence replacement project at East Harwich Union Cemetery.

Financial concerns extended to the Monomoy Regional School District, as the board moved to formally request a review of the regional agreement and its funding formula. Though a review is mandated for FY2027, P. Piekarski urged the school committee to open the agreement sooner to address long-standing budgetary friction. I would support that with a date-certain timeline, J. Handler added, noting we’re burning daylight here. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to craft a letter requesting the school committee open and review the regional agreement and funding formula Passed 5-0.

The board also waded into a debate over decorum during the reappointment of Elizabeth Harter to the Housing Committee. Resident Richard Waystack testified that he had been publicly labeled a greedy landlord by Harter at a previous hearing. That is not how members of our committees should be acting, Waystack said. Harter apologized for the incident, stating, I did not mean it to represent Mr. Waystack... I'm very sorry if anyone in the public thought that's what I meant. Despite the friction, Vice Chair Piekarski emphasized that respect and decorum are a must but supported the reappointment to fill the vacancy. Motion Made by A. Doucette to reappoint Elizabeth Harter to the Housing Committee for a term to expire June 30, 2028, Passed 3-2 (J. Handler and M. Kelleher opposed).

In public safety reports, Police Chief Kevin Considine detailed a challenging July 4th weekend that cost the town $19,600 in overtime. Considine noted that staffing remains tight, with only 27 of the town’s 35 officers currently available. Social media reportedly drew over 100 juveniles from off-Cape into Harwich Port, requiring officers to manage their transport home. Fire Chief David Blank added that despite the crowds, local restaurants successfully managed patrons during sudden weather events. On a positive note for local residents, the board approved "local preference" letters for upcoming affordable housing projects at 203 Bank Street and the West Harwich Schoolhouse, ensuring 70% of units are prioritized for those who live or work in Harwich.