The Harwich Select Board solidified the town’s future leadership on Tuesday, formally endorsing a three-year contract for incoming Town Administrator James Jay McGrail. Returning from an executive session, the board moved quickly to finalize the agreement, marking a pivotal transition for a municipality that has been under interim management for nearly a year. Vice Chair Peter Piekarski, who helped lead negotiations, praised the swift resolution of the contract. I’d like to thank Jay for his cooperation and willingness to have some back and forth. I’m pleased we’re able to wrap this up in a timely manner, Piekarski said. Chair Donald Howell added that the process was handled with transparency, stating, On behalf of the board, I’d like to thank you for your efforts. This was very quick. It was all done in good faith. Motion Made by M. Kelleher to ratify the contract approval between James McGrail and the Town of Harwich for a three-year contract. Motion Passed (4-0).

The transition in management comes at a critical fiscal juncture, as the board began a deep dive into a proposed $7.66 million capital budget for fiscal year 2027. Interim Town Manager Kevin Considine outlined a funding strategy that relies on $2.47 million from free cash and $2 million in excluded debt, but board members immediately questioned specific line items. Member Mark Kelleher scrutinized requests from the Department of Natural Resources and the Harbor Master, suggesting more cost-effective alternatives for municipal vehicles. DNR is asking for $80,000 for a truck. They don't tow or haul. You could get a hybrid Ford Maverick for half that price, Kelleher argued, also raising concerns about a $3 million jetty replacement at Allen Harbor and a $425,000 request for a new Harbor Master boat. That harbor is 70% private use. We should consider a betterment, he noted.

The board also tackled the complexities of the town’s sinking fund, which Chair Howell clarified is a receipts reserve fund generated from land sales. Howell emphasized the importance of maintaining the trust of taxpayers when using these funds for capital expenses. In English, the sinking fund is a receipts reserve fund from land sales. We've made promises that it would be 'land for land.' We need to make sure we aren't doing a bait-and-switch, Howell cautioned. Finance Director Jennifer Mintz noted that while revolving funds are essential tools, the town is working to ensure better oversight and audit controls to clarify how money is authorized and received. I'd love to get to a point where revolving funds isn't such a scary word and we iron out all the wrinkles, Mintz told the board.

A debate over the necessity of an Assistant Town Administrator (ATA) highlighted differing views on administrative structure. While Member Kelleher questioned the need for the role given recent hires in human resources and procurement, other board members argued the position is vital for managing the town's numerous direct reports. Resident and Charter Commission member Richard Waystack provided context from the commission's ongoing work, noting that the move toward a strong TA government would increase the Town Administrator's responsibilities. One of our major discussions has been the direct reports to the Town Administrator. Within the next year, we'll be going to town meeting with a potential charter that has more responsibility for the TA, Waystack explained. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to authorize the Town Administrator to post for the Assistant Town Administrator recruitment with the job description as previously approved by this board. Motion Passed (4-0).

In a move to modernize governance of the Affordable Housing Trust, the board discussed restructuring the trust’s leadership. Currently, the Town Administrator is mandated to serve as chair, a role Chair Howell suggested should be changed to an ex-officio, non-voting capacity to avoid conflicts of interest. Resident Brennan Lowry pointed out that the current bylaw requires the Town Administrator or a designate to be a member, prompting the board to begin drafting a bylaw amendment for the annual town meeting. Housing Trust member Larry Ballantine, appearing via Zoom, expressed support for the change, stating, We do plan to put this on our next meeting's agenda to discuss. It's not that complicated to work out.

The board also authorized the purchase of two new police cruisers for $134,953, though the acquisition sparked a discussion on energy efficiency. Kevin Considine, serving in his capacity as Police Chief, explained that the department is avoiding hybrid vehicles for now due to significant reliability issues reported by neighboring towns like Falmouth and Yarmouth. In the last few years, they've had half their fleet out for over a year based on major issues with hybrid vehicles in the police world, the Chief said, noting that Ford halted production of the models to address these defects. Motion Made by M. Kelleher to authorize the contract with Colonial Ford, Inc. for the purchase of two police cruisers in the amount of $134,953.60. Motion Passed (4-0).

Town Clerk Emily Mitchell officially opened the 2026 election season by announcing that nomination papers are now available for all offices on the annual town election ballot. Candidates have until March 27 to pull papers and must collect 50 valid signatures from registered Harwich voters. It is now a firm date, Mitchell reported. We did release nomination papers today for all of the offices that will appear on the 2026 annual town election ballot.

Community support for seniors remains strong, as the board formally accepted a $9,325 gift from the Friends of Harwich Council on Aging. Member Anita Doucette detailed the immediate impact of these funds, which assist elderly residents with critical home repairs and transportation. In some cases, we have safety issues, fixing a water heater or furnace. We have a medical driver program... that money is voted ahead of time so it's available to assist seniors, Doucette said. Motion Made by M. Kelleher to accept the gift for the Council on Aging Department in the amount of $9,325. Motion Passed (4-0).