The Harwich administrative landscape shifted significantly Monday night as the Select Board announced that Town Administrator Joe Powers will conclude his service to the town this summer. Following an executive session to discuss contract negotiations, Chair Donald Howell informed the public of a mutual agreement ensuring Powers’ final day will be June 30, 2025, coinciding with the expiration of his current contract. Howell thanked Powers for his dedicated service and many contributions during his tenure as the town's chief administrative officer.

In a major reversal of a previous policy stance, the board turned its attention to the deteriorating state of the Monomoy Regional Middle School. Building Committee Co-chair Ed McManus and Superintendent Scott Carpenter presented a sobering assessment of the facility, describing punky plywood and mold concerns caused by original construction failures. The proposed restoration, which carries an estimated $11.5 million price tag for siding and windows, would result in a tax impact of approximately $58 per year for the average Harwich household. Carpenter emphasized the urgency of the project, noting that structural rot prevents simple repairs. While Vice Chair Peter Piekarski and Member Michael Howell questioned ADA compliance triggers and contingency funds, Chair D. Howell acknowledged the health risks, stating, If you can find wet sheathing and it's got fungus and mold on it, there's something going on. Resident Charles Kusa warned that rising capital debt could eventually squeeze the instructional budget if the regional funding formula remains unchanged. Despite previous hesitation, the board signaled its support for the project. Motion Made by D. Howell to reconsider the previous vote of indefinite postponement. Motion Passed 5-0. Motion Made by J. Kavanaugh to support and adopt Article 9. Motion Passed 5-0.

The town’s long-standing search for financial stability took a step forward as the board selected a new Finance Director following interviews with four finalists. The board prioritized experienced leadership to navigate recent bookkeeping challenges and audit errors. It's going to boil down to what we need at the moment to move forward because we have been stuck in a quagmire for about two years in our finances, D. Howell said, advocating for the eventual winner, Britney Agapony. Member Michael Howell agreed, stating Agapony was the top choice based on actual experience. Motion Made by M. Howell to enter into negotiations with Britney Agapony with the goal of hiring her as Finance Director. Motion Passed 5-0.

The Great Sand Lakes sewer extension project, a $35 million endeavor, faced new scrutiny after engineers from GHD revealed a technical shift to low-pressure systems for the western portion of the project. Engineer Jeff Rag explained the change was necessary for constructibility and cost because existing utilities on Queen Anne Road are buried over 20 feet deep. However, the change requires the installation of approximately 84 grinder pumps on private properties, sparking concern over maintenance. Member Michael Howell criticized the late-stage change, noting, The notion of not worrying about what the cost of the grinder pumps are going to be is misleading... We're in the 25th hour on this, pivoting the project with no education. D. Howell countered that failing to move forward would risk losing between $7 million and $8 million in state principal forgiveness and zero-interest loans. Public interest also focused on the project's impact on drinking water; Narin Donahue of the Board of Water and Wastewater Commissioners sought clarification on a funding form that suggested drinking water was threatened. Engineer Mark Draville clarified that while septic systems are a general concern, the project is driven by freshwater quality in the ponds, not drinking water protection.

A proposal to seek a state grant for a Climate Leader certification roadmap met with resistance and was eventually tabled until after Town Meeting. Valerie Bell of the Harwich Energy and Climate Action Committee argued the grant would provide a consultant to help the town decide its own path without obligating the town to anything. Deborah Andis of the Harwich Climate Action Network added that the grant would help Harwich be more forward moving. However, Town Administrator Powers warned that the grant requires a commitment to eliminate on-site fossil fuel use by 2050, and Member Michael Howell voiced strong opposition, stating he would not sign onto something this town cannot afford. Member Julie Kavanaugh suggested the roadmap was necessary to figure out what we do want and what we don't want, but the board opted to wait for more detailed information on the costs associated with specialized stretch codes.

In other business, the board addressed the preservation of the West Harwich Baptist Church property. J. Kavanaugh emphasized the need for a historic preservation restriction to be reviewed by the developer, Davenport, to ensure the structure's protection. D. Howell stressed the importance of finalizing the restriction right now so that everybody knows where this could land before any demolition occurs. Resident Duncan Berry called the move a step in the right direction. The board also approved utility pole installations on Lincoln Avenue and Gilbert Lane, though D. Howell questioned if the town could use the approvals as leverage to remove existing double poles. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to approve the installation of a push brace on Lincoln Avenue. Motion Passed 5-0. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to approve a J-pole on Gilbert Lane. Motion Passed 5-0.

Public concerns regarding recreational safety and environmental impact were raised during the approval of the 2025 Long Pond Bass Tournament. Resident Patrick Otton urged the board to implement speed limit warnings, noting that high-horsepower motors near rowers could create a dangerous situation. Member Michael Howell requested the state study the effects of tournaments on spawning bass. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to approve the 2025 Long Pond Bass tournaments. Motion Passed 5-0. Finally, Town Clerk Emily Mitchell reminded residents that the town election is scheduled for May 20, with mail-in ballots being processed this week.