Harwich Special Town Meeting Filled With Juicy Requests

by William F. Galvin

HARWICH – The board of selectmen approved a 14-article special town meeting warrant Monday night that promises to generate as much debate as the entire annual town meeting warrant.

Proof that this warrant will generate debate was evident in the board’s struggle with language that would eliminate town-funded health insurance for paid elected officials.

The article seeks to authorize selectmen to file legislation to cease providing health insurance to elected officials who now participate in the program at the end of their current term.

Several amendments were offered to get the provisions where the board wanted to be. The initial language stated at the end of  “continuous” service, but was changed to “current” service. The board also added language to clarify its intention to allow continued access to health insurance for past elected officials who are currently getting the benefit.

Town Administrator James Merriam said the special legislation would not be necessary if the board voted to end all insurance for elected officials. He said town counsel has ruled that could be done by a vote of the board. But Merriam said if the board wants to add time frames for ending the insurance, a town meeting vote and an act of the legislature will be necessary.

On the subject of insurance, voters will have another shot at approving Medicare extension plans for retirees. This article was placed before voters in a special town meeting in February, but was indefinitely postponed because selectmen were not satisfied enough educational outreach occurred to allow retirees to understand its impacts and their options. The change will require retirees, their spouses and dependents to enroll in a Medicare health benefits plan offered by the town.

A third article would set up a special purpose stabilization fund for other post-employment benefits for town retirees and transfer $300,000 from a special town meeting appropriation in 2006 for funding. The motion of the article in 2006 was not clear in its direction for use of the funds, and Merriam said town counsel wants to set up this interim fund before establishing a special account.

Town budgets are running short in several accounts.  Voters will be asked to approve a supplemental FY08 operational budget to meet the needs of special education expenses in the school department, a  snow and ice account deficit and another in the bulk fuel account.

The finance committee is also looking to replenish the reserve fund, which Merriam said has $60,000 remaining. The committee is looking for an additional $50,000 to fund emergency or unforeseen costs to town departments.

A portion of the town hall roof is in need of repair, and voters will be asked to provide $40,000 to do the work in conjunction with the replacement of the HVAC for the town hall.    

The conservation commission is looking for an amendment to the town wetlands bylaw that will increase the daily fine limit for violations to $300.

The planning board has submitted a lengthy affordable housing inclusionary bylaw for approval. The bylaw would require that for each 10 new residential lots or 10 new multifamily dwelling units, one new affordable unit be created or a cash contribution be provided to promote the creation of affordable housing.

The planning board has been wrestling with membership issues lately and at present has two vacancies. A change is being sought to reduce the full complement of members from nine to seven. If approved, it will also require a vote in the ballot box to change the town’s home rule charter.

A second change in the home rule charter would also require a subsequent vote in the ballot box. That change would meld the historic district commission and historical commission into one body to be called the historical and historic district commission, which would take on the responsibilities of both commissions. Because of a lack of interest in serving on those commissions, selectmen last year appointed the same members to both commissions.

 Two additional articles would give the board of selectmen the authority to lease the land at 265 Sisson Rd. and 5 Bell’s Neck Rd. for a period of 99 years. Those are the sites where the town hopes to receive requests for proposals to build rental affordable housing and utilize two historic schoolhouses for cultural centers. The land lease component would be instrumental in attracting respondents to the RFP soon to be sought by the town.

Another article seeks the sale of a small portion of Cranberry Valley Golf Course to an abutter and would authorize selectmen to seek special legislation for this purpose (see story on page 5).

The special town meeting is scheduled for the second night of the annual town meeting, Tuesday, May 6 at 8 p.m. at the community center.

3/27/08