The Harwich Board of Water/Wastewater Commissioners navigated a leadership transition and a sobering financial outlook during their Tuesday morning meeting, as long-term capital needs clashed with the town's current "infrastructure realism" phase. Commissioner Noreen was unanimously returned to her role as Chair, though she admitted the weight of recent public scrutiny had been a deterrent. I did feel that I got a lot of criticism last year and it was painful to me, she told the board, eventually agreeing to serve another term to provide continuity during a period of executive turnover across town departments. I will take one for the Gipper because I have the knowledge and the time. Motion Made by J. Judith to elect Noreen as Chair. Motion Passed (5-0). The board rounded out its leadership by electing Bob as Vice Chair and Allan as Clerk to prepare for upcoming vacancies in the next election cycle. Motion Made by N. Noreen to elect Bob as Vice Chair. Motion Passed (5-0).

The board’s focus quickly shifted to a looming budget gap regarding the proposed "space building" project intended for department vehicles and offices. While the town’s current capital plan holds a $1.5 million placeholder for the facility, Superintendent Jason warned that actual costs have skyrocketed. A metal building for vehicles might be $3 million to $3.5 million, Jason explained, noting that a full facility with offices and meeting rooms could reach $10 million due to prevailing wage requirements and engineering. If you want offices and meeting rooms, you're talking $10 million with prevailing wage and engineering. Chair Noreen expressed concern over the low placeholder, urging the board to finalize a plan before meeting with the Capital Outlay Committee in September. Bob and Judith were tasked with working alongside staff to determine if the town should build new or seek an existing property.

Persistent delays from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) continue to stall the Route 28 East water main project. Despite a successful business meeting in May, the town is still waiting on state approvals regarding road restoration, backfill, and police details. I'm going to make some calls to see where the project is in the stack, Jason said, adding that even the engineering firm for related Phase 1 work is in the dark on timelines. It should be a cut and paste, but they must be swamped with not enough engineers to review. The board intends to begin drafting notices for residents and businesses as soon as a bid date is secured, emphasizing the need for town-wide coordination to manage the two-year construction window.

In a move reflecting a stricter stance on fiscal responsibility, the board unanimously denied a $25 late fee abatement request from a resident who cited mailing address issues. Commissioners noted the resident had received a prior waiver in 2023 and pointed to available online and phone payment options. My feeling is unless you keep the—they need to learn, Bob said. We can't just keep abating it. Motion Made by N. Noreen to deny a late fee. Motion Passed (5-0). This coincided with the first-ever separate listing of wastewater internal adjustments, a procedural shift as the town manages its growing sewer network. Motion Made by N. Noreen to approve the wastewater internal adjustments. Motion Passed (5-0).

Operational updates highlighted the high-tech and high-hazard nature of current water management. Jason reported that staff are now monitoring the Station 10 vernal pool via a remote SCADA system to avoid field hazards. The vernal pool is being monitored... saving staff from field hazards like ticks, the Superintendent noted. Meanwhile, residents should prepare for a dry season, as the Brewster well levels suggest water restrictions will likely remain in place all summer. To improve asset management, the department is applying for a 50% matching state grant to digitize the history of every pump and valve, moving away from the era where only "old-timers" knew where specific infrastructure was buried. Bruce Cahoot knew where specific valves were located (e.g., 'by the oak tree'), Jason recalled, illustrating the need for formal documentation.

Finally, the board explored small-scale community improvements, including a proposal by Bob to repair the non-functional water fountain at the park near the Exchange building and bike path. It’s not usable and it would be good PR to allow people to fill water bottles, Bob noted, while also suggesting department-branded apparel for board members to improve professional visibility at Select Board meetings. The session concluded with a note of gratitude as the board reviewed a letter from a resident praising staff members Matt and Steve for their rapid response to an emergency pipe leak that threatened her basement.