The Harwich Select Board faced the stark reality of global supply chain delays Monday night as Fire Chief David Blank revealed a nearly three-year lead time for a newly authorized $1,129,571 pumper truck. While the board moved forward with the million-dollar purchase from Sutphen Corporation, the Chief warned that the current engine at headquarters, which already has nearly 100,000 miles on it, will be far beyond its prime by the time the replacement arrives in 2028. Blank noted that normal build time for this is 10 months. We're looking at 29 to 31 months, emphasizing the urgency of placing the order now to avoid further equipment degradation. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to approve the contract with Sutphen Corporation for the pumper truck — Motion Passed (5-0).

The meeting also signaled a significant shift in town administration as the board initiated a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) for legal counsel, a move that challenges years of reliance on the incumbent firm, KP Law. Chair Donald Howell pointed to a long-neglected town bylaw requiring an annual review and affirmation of legal services. We have a bylaw in this town that requires... that we review legal counsel and affirm it each year, Howell said, noting that Harwich has not bid out these services in many years. This move mirrors recent frustrations voiced by the Charter Commission, where some members have characterized the current legal arrangement as a bottleneck for town progress. Vice Chair Peter Piekarski agreed with the competitive shift, stating, I have no problem going through the RFP process.

Accountability and oversight dominated a joint session with the Community Preservation Committee (CPC). CPC Chair Dave Nixon and Vice Chair John Ketchum advocated for standardized grant agreements to ensure town funds are managed with teeth. A point of friction arose regarding the Harwich Affordable Housing Trust, with CPC members questioning why the Trust should be exempt from the rigorous reporting required of other entities. Ketchum asked, If we're requiring other external organizations to sign a grant agreement, why doesn't the same thing apply to the housing trust just to clarify completely what the obligations are? Chair Howell defended the Trust’s independence, arguing it operates as a fiduciary entity. I wouldn't vote for a trust agreement... they've got requirements under the law, Howell countered, suggesting that once funds are transferred, they become assets of the Trust beyond the town's immediate reach. CPC member Mary noted the importance of clarity on whether funds are dispersed as a lump sum or through invoicing.

In a long-awaited enforcement action, the board upheld three liquor license violations against Perks (Lucky Labrador Inc.) stemming from noise and operating hour incidents in 2024. Owners Taylor and Sarah Powell detailed $20,000 in sound system upgrades designed to mitigate future issues. Taylor Powell explained that the new Sonos system uses 13 distributed speakers because 13 speakers are quieter than one because they're all throughout the property and we're controlling that volume. Despite these efforts, abutter Gary Sawin urged the board to remain firm to ensure fairness across all local businesses. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to uphold the hearing officer's recommendation that the three violations occurred — Motion Passed (3-0), with Member Anita Doucette recused. The board further required the owners to provide written training policies for all employees to ensure music is silenced promptly at 10 PM.

Financial adjustments for the upcoming fiscal year were finalized, including a 4% salary increase for personnel bylaw positions to match appropriations made at Town Meeting. The Town Administrator noted that personnel bylaws is unlike collective bargaining. There is no negotiating for these specific cost-of-living adjustments. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to approve the FY2026 compensation table — Motion Passed (5-0). However, the allocation of human service grants saw a rare split. Vice Chair Piekarski voiced opposition to a $7,500 grant for the Housing Assistance Corp (HAC), suggesting the money could be better used by smaller, local applicants. Member Mark Kelleher and Member Anita Doucette disagreed, maintaining the full slate of recommendations. Motion Made by M. Kelleher to approve the FY2026 human service grant recipients — Motion Passed (2-1), with Piekarski opposed and Howell recused.

The community also celebrated a major environmental milestone as Tom Evans and Mike Linkach of the Harwich Conservation Trust presented the town with a Grand Conceptor Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies for the Cold Brook project. Evans noted that the project's natural nitrogen attenuation could save Harwich millions in future wastewater infrastructure costs. The town of Harwich stands to save $6 million in the sizing of future wastewater treatment expense if you work with Harwich Conservation Trust, Evans told the board. This spirit of partnership was echoed as the board processed several committee appointments. Member Anita Doucette noted a change in a recommendation for the Golf Committee, saying, We received an email today and we are only going to recommend [Russell Curtier] for the Golf Committee out of self-choice. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to approve the consent agenda as amended — Motion Passed (5-0).

The evening concluded with a farewell to Town Administrator Joseph Powers, marking his final public meeting before his June 30 departure. Powers, who has navigated the town through a complex administrative transition, offered a brief thank you, while board members reflected on his six years of service. Member Mark Kelleher looked toward the future, noting he was happy to see two new staff positions have started and are being trained to ensure continuity. Chair Howell emphasized the need for a rigorous financial roadmap to avoid delays in free cash certification later this year, stating it's not going to be acceptable this year to go into December to close the books. The board also designated July 1 as Band Day to honor the 50th anniversary of the Harwich Town Band. Motion Made by M. Kelleher to designate July 1, 2025, as Band Day — Motion Passed (5-0).