Harwich seniors turned out in force at Monday’s Select Board meeting to protest a new digital-only beach and disposal sticker policy, prompting an immediate administrative pivot. Residents Marjorie Pist, Terry, and Margaret Tuffin voiced concerns that the shift to online and mail-in applications unfairly burdened the town's older population. Pist argued the computer-centric system is unfair to the senior citizen population, while Terry called the policy draconian, noting that 90% of the people in this town are probably over 60. Tuffin warned the board that the current July 1 timeline for in-person sales would leave residents unable to access the disposal area for weeks after their current stickers expire in June. In response, Interim Town Manager Kevin Considine announced that the town is now targeting June 1st for pre-season in-person sales to accommodate those who cannot use the digital portal.

The board also shifted focus toward the future of town leadership following the recent Annual Town Meeting. Select Board Member Julie suggested that the obvious choice for a transition would be to appoint Assistant Town Manager Megan Eldridge as interim administrator. However, Vice Chair Peter Piekarski advocated for a broader conversation focused on hiring a search firm to handle the long-term recruitment process. Select Board Member Michael McCaskill agreed that the board should begin interviewing consultants, noting that a list of four potential search firms has already been identified. Reflecting on the recent Town Meeting, Piekarski said it was refreshing to see significant public discussion regarding the budget, while McCaskill noted that the high level of support for a Tree Warden article did not fall on deaf ears and would be added to a future agenda.

In substantive infrastructure news, the board authorized a significant investment in town maintenance. Motion Made by M. McCaskill to approve a contract extension with Robert Bour Company Incorporated for catchbasin replacement and installation not to exceed $1,000,000. Motion Passed 4-0. Additionally, Interim Town Manager Considine updated the board on Phase 3 sewer extensions, reporting that gravity sewer main and manhole construction is continuing near Orleans Harwich Road and West Pleasant Bay Road through May 23. Resident Patrick questioned the impact on local traffic, to which Considine clarified that construction is contractually limited to the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The board also addressed local business needs and community events. Motion Made by M. Kelleher to approve a temporary closure for Brax Landing from May 5, 2025, through May 19, 2025, for septic replacement. Motion Passed 4-0. Piekarski praised the restaurant owner as a great partner of the town, noting the request was delayed only because town meeting got in the way. For the upcoming cycling season, the board reviewed a special permit for the Second Summer Cycle ride on September 14. Deputy Police Chief Patrick Hutton explained that while the charity pays for six detail officers, this is not a race, it's a ride and participants must follow standard rules of the road. Motion Made by M. McCaskill to approve the special permit as presented. Motion Passed 4-0.

Administrative updates included a reminder from Town Clerk Emily Mitchell that the annual town election is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, with polls open at the Harwich Community Center from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Mitchell warned that the deadline for mail-in ballot applications is Tuesday, May 13, at 5:00 p.m. Additionally, Ellie Gerson of the Treasure Chest Committee announced that the facility will be open for three days over Memorial Day weekend—Friday through Sunday—to distribute flyers regarding the new sticker requirements. Anita Doucette of the Historical Society also invited the board to their annual meeting on May 17, while thanking town crews for recent maintenance work at Brooks Academy.

In other business, the board filled vacancies within the town’s cultural and committee spheres. Motion Made by M. McCaskill to approve license agreements for studio spaces A-06 and A-04 at 204 Sisson Road for artists Amanda Nukem and Shelma Pier Dashi. Motion Passed 4-0. Select Board Member Julie noted the high demand for the space, with ten applicants vying for the two available studios. The board also handled routine appointments and resignations. Motion Made by M. Kelleher to accept the resignation of Robert Donut and appoint John Harker to the Barnstable County Dredge Subcommittee, with William Niser as an alternate. Motion Passed 4-0.