The Harwich Water Department is set to receive approximately $750,000 in settlement funds over the next five years, despite the town’s current water supply showing no detectable levels of "forever chemicals." Dan Pelletier of Waterworks Consulting explained that while recent sampling remains clean, the settlement stems from trace detections found nearly a decade ago. Pelletier noted the funds arrive as a significant boost, stating, This announcement is with regard to some PFAS settlement funds that the Harwich Water Department is the recipient of to the tune of approximately three-quarters of a million dollars... all of the PFAS sampling that's been taken in the last number of years has been reported as non-detect. Select Board Chair Donald Howell emphasized the town's proactive stance, adding that there is no way to know whose water is whose when resources are shared regionally.

The board also celebrated a milestone in local housing policy as the Board of Assessors issued the town’s first-ever affordable housing tax credits. Under the new program, property owners who rent to individuals meeting HUD guidelines can receive a direct credit of $1,000 or $1,500. Assessor Richard Waystack reported that his department is actively vetting applications, noting, we're hoping that up to 30 residents will take advantage of that program this year. This financial incentive coincides with a growing focus on housing oversight; resident Lou Urbano urged the board during public comment to form a study group to review the governance and financial safeguards of the Affordable Housing Trust.

Infrastructure costs continued to climb as the board authorized a significant contract amendment for the Great Sand Lake sewer extension. Motion Made by M. Kelleher to approve a contract change for GHD, Inc. for the remaining design work for the Great Sand Lake Sewer Extension in the amount of $574,700. Motion Passed (5-0-0). The funds, which move the project from 50% to 100% design completion, are covered under existing state revolving fund appropriations. Additionally, Pelletier reported a big milestone with the successful connection of properties on Bay Road, resolving a long-standing "belly" in the pipe that had delayed Phase 3 progress.

A proposal for a new mixed-income development at 456 Queen Anne Road met with hesitation over traffic safety. Ryan Kirkoff of Penrose requested a Project Eligibility Letter (PEL) to move toward a 40B zoning application, explaining that without having a PEL, you cannot proceed through the zoning process. However, board members expressed alarm over the lack of an egress onto Route 124. Vice Chair Peter Piekarski argued that putting everybody onto Queen Anne... is just a problem waiting to happen. Member Anita Doucette and other colleagues agreed to delay a letter of support for two weeks to allow for formal input from town departments. Motion Made by J. Handler to write a letter of support for the Penrose project eligibility letter. Motion and second withdrawn following board discussion.

The search for a permanent Town Administrator is officially underway as consultant Rick White briefed the board on the recruitment landscape. Following the town’s recent failure to attract any applicants for the Finance Director position, White warned that the candidate pool is shallow. Board members shared their priorities for the new leader, with Mark Kelleher stating, What I'd be looking for is good communication skills in a town administrator who gets back phone calls, returns emails. Jeffrey Handler suggested that while the search continues, this board needs to create its values to ensure the right fit. Chair Howell added that the town requires a manager who knows how to be able to get the best out of our employees.

In other business, the board formally welcomed Tony Skiavi as the Acting Town Administrator. The board also moved to update the leadership of the Brooks Academy Museum project. Motion Made by M. Kelleher to add Bob Nickerson to the Brooks Academy Museum Design Selection Committee in replacement of Lynn Zalzac. Motion Passed (5-0-0). Acting TA Skiavi reported that the design RFP for the museum will close on August 20, keeping the $2 million elevator and renovation project on schedule.