The Harwich Select Board signaled a firm "Harwich-first" spending policy Monday night, unanimously rejecting two Community Preservation Act (CPA) requests for regional housing projects in Chatham. The board voted 0-5 against supporting funds for the Penrose projects, with Chair Donald Howell arguing that the town should prioritize its own inventory. Under state rules, only the host town receives the housing credit, Howell said. I'd rather the money stay here for Harwich housing. Vice Chair Peter Piekarski noted the lack of local support in the neighboring town, stating, The Chatham Select Board did not vote to support this from their own CPC. Member Mark Kelleher questioned the reciprocity of such regional agreements, asking, Have we ever received money from other towns for our projects? Motion Made by J. Handler to support CPC 5 and CPC 6 for Chatham housing. Motion Failed (0-5-0).

The board also grappled with the fiscal sustainability of the Harwich Cultural Center at 204 Sisson Road. While the board authorized the Town Administrator as the signatory for artist studio licenses, they balked at a proposed three-year rate structure ranging from $275 to $800 per month. Motion Made by M. Kelleher to authorize the Town Administrator or designate as signatory for 204 Sisson Road license agreements. Motion Passed (5-0-0). However, a second motion to approve the rental rates was withdrawn after members raised concerns about soaring overhead. Last month's gas bill for the building was $13,000, Kelleher said. We need to establish rates that are fair to the taxpayer. Piekarski added that he believed the proposed rates were too low and should be closer to market value. Director of Cultural Center Cara explained that the facility is intended as an incubator rather than a retail space, but the board opted to delay the vote until Town Administrator James McGrail returns next week.

In a significant labor update, the board returned from executive session to announce a successful resolution to contract talks. Both parties have now signed a contract and we have settled with the Harwich Employees Association, Howell announced. The evening began on a somber note as Jeffrey Handler led a moment of silence for the late Coach Glenn Rose, a Harwich High graduate and mentor. Harwich lost a legend in so many ways, Handler said. He made such a difference for so many people. Those who knew him were extremely fortunate. Howell added that Rose literally dragged people into graduation seats by force of will, ensuring students stayed on the right path.

Structural changes are also coming to the Annual Town Meeting. Town Clerk Emily Mitchell announced that the session will begin at 6:00 PM rather than 7:00 PM on May 4, with voter check-in starting at 4:00 PM. The Clerk's office enthusiastically supports a 6:00 PM start, Mitchell said, noting that the town will also utilize electronic voting clickers for specific articles this year. Regarding the upcoming May 19 town election, Mitchell reported that nomination papers are available until March 27, noting several vacancies across the Select Board, School Committee, and Water/Wastewater Commission.

Public safety and infrastructure dominated the later half of the meeting as Harbor Master John Harker defended a $425,000 capital request for a new Saquatucket Harbor boat and $65,000 for a Long Pond vessel. Kelleher expressed skepticism regarding the replacement of a 2014 boat, citing tight fiscal times. Harker countered that modern mission requirements for search and rescue have outpaced the current equipment. I don't want to be the town that has to rely on neighbors because we don't have the right tools, Harker warned. Meanwhile, Director of Natural Resources Stephanie Rydenower encouraged residents to volunteer for herring counting, noting that training begins this Friday.

The board also moved to reform the governance of the Affordable Housing Trust by supporting a bylaw change to remove the Town Administrator as the permanent chair. It allows the five appointed members to reorganize and select their own chair every year, just like every other board, Howell explained. This shift comes amid public scrutiny of Trust spending. Resident Lou cautioned the board that many people who voted for the Trust thought they were giving seed capital, and argued that three members should not be able to give away millions of dollars without any discussion. Motion Made by J. Handler to support G8, amending the Affordable Housing Trust bylaws. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

Finally, Handler issued a warning regarding committee compliance, noting that several members are currently in violation of swearing-in or conflict-of-interest training requirements. This presents significant potential legal problems, Handler said, suggesting the board may need to rescind appointments for those who remain out of compliance. The board also voted to recommend several other warrant articles, including the adoption of the Local Comprehensive Plan. Motion Made by J. Handler to support G1, adopting the Local Comprehensive Plan. Motion Passed (5-0-0).