Harwich Select Board Chair Donald Howell punctuated Tuesday evening’s meeting with a surprise announcement, declaring he will step down from leadership as the town prepares for a massive administrative overhaul. Citing a desire to give his colleagues ample time to plan, Howell stated he would not accept any nominations for Chair, Vice Chair, or Clerk during the upcoming June 2 reorganization. June 2nd, 2025 will be my last day in the seat as chair, Howell noted, marking a significant shift in board dynamics as Harwich faces the June 30 departure of Town Administrator Joseph Powers.

The leadership news followed a contentious discussion regarding recurring noise violations at Lucky Labrador, Inc., doing business as Perks. Despite claims from the owners that they have invested in sound mitigation technology, the Board expressed skepticism over music playing as late as 2:00 a.m. I've been on this case for sound for the longest time, Howell said, though he ultimately voted against requiring a further hearing, calling it micromanagement. Vice Chair Peter Piekarski disagreed, insisting on technical proof of the business’s claims. I'd like to know what it is that whatever these sound control and mechanisms that they are putting in place, Piekarski said. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to have a further hearing on the allegations of a liquor license violation by Perks and to require documentary information regarding sound control equipment. Motion Passed (4-1-0) with Howell dissenting.

The Board also addressed a separate show-cause hearing for The Port Restaurant and Bar, Inc., following an incident where a seasonal employee hindered a police investigation during a crowd control event. Police Chief Kevin Considine emphasized that while he trains owners, the burden of staff education lies with the establishment. It's incumbent upon you as business owners to go back... and have a training with all their employees, Considine told the Board. In response, the Board mandated that the restaurant obtain signed acknowledgments from all seasonal staff proving they have read and understood town regulations. Motion Made by D. Howell to accept the Town Administrator's recommendations and further specify that the establishment secure the signed acknowledgement of receipt of all town regulations for any staff. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

Administrative transitions remained a focal point as the Board launched the formal search for Joseph Powers’ successor. While the UMass Collins Center was discussed as an option that bypasses standard procurement, several members expressed a desire for a wider net. Howell noted a preference for looking outside the box, asking, If we keep doing things the same way, why are we expecting a different result out of it? Assistant Town Manager Megan Eldridge cautioned that the procurement process alone would take six to eight weeks, likely leaving a gap after Powers' departure. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to begin the 30B procurement process for a Town Administrator search firm. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

Public resource access, a recurring point of "digital friction" in town, was addressed by Treasurer/Collector Crystal Gendry. She announced that in-person sales for beach and transfer station stickers would be available at Town Hall starting June 2, responding to community frustration regarding online-only systems. Meanwhile, Assessor Richard Waystack alerted the Board to a critical oversight regarding the town's Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI). We as a board of assessors will be coming to you... with recommendations for you to create a policy on how the town will subsidize affordable housing moving forward, Waystack said, noting the list is currently not being monitored.

The Board also moved forward with the first reading of the 204 Sisson kitchen use policy. Discussion centered on preventing rodent issues and ensuring fiscal responsibility for the community space. Piekarski advocated for strict insurance and sanitation rules, stating, I'd personally like to see some language that the individual hosting the event is responsible for their own waste removal. Motion Made by D. Howell to consider the first reading complete of the policy on the 204 cafe use with discussed edits. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

The meeting served as the first for newly elected members Anita Doucette and Mark Kelleher. Member Kelleher took the opportunity to praise the management of the Monomoy School projects, while Doucette thanked voters for her seat on the Board. The session opened with a moment of silence for beloved second-grade teacher Pat Smith, who recently passed away.