The Harwich Select Board entered a new chapter on Monday evening as Member Donald Howell was elected Chair in a 4-1 vote, succeeding Jeffrey Handler. The reorganization, which occurs annually following town elections, saw Peter Piekarski elected as Vice Chair and newly re-elected member Mark Kelleher named as Clerk. The leadership shift comes at a pivotal moment as the town navigates a search for a permanent Town Administrator and manages massive infrastructure investments in wastewater and conservation. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to nominate Donald Howell as Chair. Motion Passed (4-1-0), with Member Handler casting the lone dissenting vote.

Following his election, Howell addressed the board’s internal dynamics and his vision for communication with town staff. I don't view this as a pyramidal thing, Howell said. The job of the chair is to facilitate and gather what the board members want and try to make sure that gets advanced. I also feel pretty strongly that all the board members should have access to the town administrator's office for their own individual questions. No one should be shut out, even the minority opinions. Outgoing chair Jeffrey Handler had opened the session by declining any leadership roles for the coming year. I will not be accepting any nominations for chair, vice chair, or clerk, Handler stated. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to nominate P. Piekarski as Vice Chair. Motion Passed (5-0-0). Additionally, the board rounded out its leadership team by appointing the town’s newest member. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to nominate M. Kelleher as Clerk. Motion Passed (5-0-0). Kelleher accepted the role, noting, I'm willing to learn. I can take notes.

Environmental and fiscal priorities converged during a presentation by Michael Lach, Executive Director of the Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT). The board approved conservation restrictions for the Cape Cod Rail Trail Overlook and the Red River Valley Preserve, covering approximately 50 acres of the Thatcher property between Great Western Road and Main Street. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to approve the conservation restrictions at the Cape Cod Rail Trail Overlook and the Red River Valley Preserve as presented. Motion Passed (5-0-0). Lach explained that while the land has deep cranberry roots, the acquisition is funded by a state grant focused on ecological restoration. Harwich has deep cranberry roots... but larger off-cape farms have been creating an oversupply... making it more difficult for some local growers, Lach explained, adding that one of the purposes of that grant program is to acquire bog properties for future eco restoration.

The ecological focus extended to the Herring River Watershed, where HCT recently secured a $150,000 grant for a 50% design phase of three restoration sites. This project carries significant financial weight for taxpayers, as a 2016 study estimated such natural nitrogen reduction efforts could save the town up to $6 million in future sewering infrastructure costs. Clerk Kelleher questioned the connection between the restoration and the town’s nitrogen mandates, while Member Handler asked why additional funds were needed if previous studies already provided data. Lach clarified that the current $20,000 portion of the state grant would move the town toward a design that regulatory agencies could officially recognize for nitrogen credits. The board ultimately agreed to include a portion of town-owned land on Main Street in the design scope. Motion Made by J. Handler to approve including the easterly portion of the town-owned 374 Main Street property in the 50% design scope. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

Waterworks Consultant Dan Pelletier provided a sobering update on the Great Sand Lakes sewer project, which voters recently supported through a $35 million debt exclusion. Pelletier warned that the project may require utility easements for private roads and recommended engaging with the Town of Chatham to update the Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA) for wastewater flows. The why [for Great Sand Lakes] is because the flow goes towards the ponds and we're trying to stop it before it even gets there, Chair Howell noted. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to approve expending funds for D. Pelletier to represent the town at the Pleasant Bay Alliance. Motion Passed (5-0-0). During the sewer briefing, Pelletier also addressed concerns from resident Patrick Otton regarding the impact of the Pine Oaks 4 development on the Herring River, noting that the watershed permit requires you to mitigate the nitrogen plus build-out, which can be a moving target with 40Bs.

The board faced internal friction regarding the Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP). Consultant Sharon Rooney of Ty & Bond requested a time-only contract extension to conduct further public outreach over the summer. We are at about 90% of our budget... we were requested to ask for this extension request for time only... to conduct additional outreach over the summer, Rooney said. However, both Howell and Handler expressed frustration with the project's timeline. I'm very unhappy that we were asked to pass something in April that would have committed us to passage of this at town meeting when it wasn't ready, Handler remarked. Howell added he was unwilling to vote for an extension without a detailed explanation of current progress. Despite the opposition, the extension was granted. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to approve a contract extension with Ty & Bond for the completion of the Local Comprehensive Plan. Motion Passed (3-2-0), with Howell and Handler opposed.

In other financial matters, the board moved forward with several operational contracts. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to approve a contract with RGB Architects for Owners Project Management services for Brooks Academy Museum in an amount not to exceed $100,000. Motion Passed (4-0-0), with Member Handler recusing himself. The town also secured its fuel supply for the coming year. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to approve a contract with MJT Enterprises (Cape Cod Oil) in an amount not to exceed $192,000 for heating oil. Motion Passed (5-0-0). Interim Town Manager Kevin Considine also announced a $10,000 contract for police cardiovascular screenings and presented the fiscal year 2026 holiday schedule. The town follows the Secretary of the Commonwealth's holiday calendar as well as any other dates that are required by collective bargaining, Considine noted. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to approve the proposed fiscal year 2026 holiday schedule. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

Community updates highlighted the town's creative and civic spirit. Cara Mooney, Director of Cultural Affairs, introduced a summer art project featuring 28 painted seals that will be auctioned to benefit the Harwich Children’s Center. All proceeds raised will be going towards them at the end of the summer, Mooney said. Reference Librarian Jamie Thornton announced the completion of an accessibility upgrade at the library. We have completed our meeting room upgrade, which means that we have a brand new assisted listening system available in our meeting room space, Thornton shared. During public comment, resident Susan Seir urged the board to prioritize a more robust communication strategy during the upcoming search for a permanent Town Administrator, a process the board expects to refine in its next meeting.