The Harwich Select Board secured a significant financial win for the town Monday night, awarding vehicle contracts that came in more than $111,000 under budget while simultaneously moving to broaden public involvement in the search for a permanent town administrator. Following a three-hour executive session to discuss collective bargaining and real estate negotiations, the board turned its attention to a series of high-priority infrastructure and administrative projects that highlight the town’s ongoing shift toward fiscal stabilization and predictive planning.

The evening’s most concrete financial news involved the procurement of four heavy duty vehicles for the Department of Public Works. Acting Town Administrator Megan Eldridge reported that while voters at Town Meeting had authorized $830,000 for the replacements, the competitive bidding process yielded a total cost of $718,263.62. The remaining $111,736.38 will be returned to the town’s free cash reserves. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to award contracts to Ballard Mack Sales and Service Inc. for a new Mack tractor ($193,731) and a six-wheel dump truck ($281,654), and to Colonial Municipal Group for a Ford Super Duty F450 dump truck ($130,375.23) and an F350 service truck ($112,502.39). Motion Passed (4-0-0).

The board also took the first formal steps in the permanent Town Administrator search by awarding a $12,450 contract to executive recruitment firm Grew White. While the board voted to lock down the consultant, Vice Chair Peter Piekarski expressed caution regarding the timeline, noting that the board still needs to reach a consensus on salary ranges and specific qualifications, such as experience with wastewater infrastructure or housing trusts. I don't think we want to sit here with the consultant trying to debate on where we stand as a collective group of five on a salary, Piekarski said. Chair Donald Howell emphasized a commitment to quality over speed, stating, We're not looking for the fastest candidate. We're looking for the best candidate. Motion Made by J. Handler to award a contract to Grew White for executive recruitment services in the amount of $12,450, with the understanding that activity does not commence until invited by the Board. Motion Passed (4-0-0).

Related to the search process, the board debated the size and composition of the screening committee. While previous discussions hovered around a five-member group, the board moved toward a seven-member model to include more residents. Resident Richard Waystack urged the board to utilize the existing Citizen Activity Form (CAF) process to fill these roles. You already have a system in place that you could utilize, Waystack suggested. Have someone fill out an activity form... your interview committee interviews and then brings it back to the board. Board member Jeffrey Handler questioned how the additional members would be selected, leading the board to consensus on a model where each Select Board member appoints one representative, supplemented by two citizens chosen through the formal interview process.

The board also tackled the sensitive issue of a town-wide remote work policy, reviewing samples from neighboring Cape communities as they attempt to fill key vacancies, including the Finance Director position. Member Jeffrey Handler argued for a strict framework, asserting that Remote working is a privilege rather than a universal employee benefit or right. The town has a right to offer remote work to an employee and to unilaterally terminate a remote work agreement at any time. Handler also expressed support for a 40% cap on remote hours, a model used in East Ham. Vice Chair Piekarski agreed with the need for formalization, noting, I like the fact that they have to sign an agreement... that way they know exactly what they're required. Acting TA Eldridge reminded the board that any policy would likely exclude public safety and public works roles and would be subject to union bargaining.

In the weekly briefing, Eldridge provided updates on the Phase 3 sewer extensions along Route 39 and Bay Road, noting that the town has resubmitted its application for State Revolving Fund (SRF) financing for the Great Sand Lakes area for 2026. This move aligns with the town’s long-term strategy to strictly follow state guidelines to protect 0% interest eligibility. Chair Howell requested that the upcoming Request for Proposals (RFP) for legal services be split into three distinct categories—labor counsel, regulatory, and general legal advice—to allow for specialized expertise. He also suggested exploring a monthly retainer model to avoid high hourly costs for simple queries.

During public comment, resident Patrick raised alarms regarding environmental threats to Harwich ponds. Our ponds are under attack with cyanobacteria blooms, he said, urging the board to install state-mandated signs at all boat ramps to remind boaters to clean their vessels. He also reported persistent issues at Long Pond Beach involving illegal fires. At Long Pond Beach four days a week... there's broken glass, there's nails from all those burnt pallets, he warned. Resident Lynn Zallac added a historical perspective, donating a book on Harwich's role in the American Revolution. Harwich actually declared independence before the rest of the country, Zallac noted, highlighting the town's early mandate that every male citizen possess or rent a weapon.

Board reports focused on the aesthetics and maintenance of town property. Vice Chair Piekarski criticized the proliferation of commercial signage on public ways, calling the advertisements insane and likened them to wallpaper that residents eventually ignore. Chair Howell echoed this, stating, What concerns me even most about this is the misuse of town property to advertise things... the transfer station, the fire, the municipal building, all these places are supposed to be sacred. Member Mark Kelleher requested a status update on wastewater recharge areas and the ongoing treatment plant coordination with the town of Dennis, which is expected at the August 4 meeting.

The board also approved a $10,000 annual agreement with the Lower Cape Housing Institute to support regional housing efforts. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to approve the 2025 Community Preservation Act agreement with Lower Cape Housing Institute in the amount of $10,000. Motion Passed (4-0-0). Additionally, the board appointed Phyllis Thomasson to the Community Center Facilities Committee, though Chair Howell used the moment to clarify procedural authority. The charter still conveys to the select board the authority to select a specific person to confirm them, Howell noted, emphasizing that the board retains interview rights even when a committee makes a recommendation. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to appoint Phyllis Thomasson to the Community Center Facilities Committee for a term to expire June 30, 2028. Motion Passed (4-0-0).

Before the session began, board member Anita Doucette read the town into a three-hour executive session to handle complex negotiations, including strategy for collective bargaining for all town unions and non-union personnel, the value of real property at 62 Route 28, and contract negotiations for the Acting Town Administrator. Upon reconvening at 7:01 PM, Chair Howell noted that while these matters were discussed at length, no items were yet ready to be reported out to the public.