Harwich voted on single use plastics, including water bottles, and fertilizer. Results.
On the second night of town meeting, Harwich residents voted to hire a part-time tree warden.
The new tree warden will regulate shade trees in public places and have the authority to remove dangerous and dying trees without a hearing, prune for safety and health, identify planting sites and place new trees, according to the warrant.
Non-dangerous tree removal would require a public hearing. The position would be an annual appointment and the cost is estimated to be $25,000.
"I would also like to see a tree warden involved in a climate resiliency plan because trees are great for aesthetics but they're also great for controlling the heat we see in the summers," said resident Ann Frechette. "They're also great for controlling greenhouse gases and I think we can think a lot more comprehensively about what a tree warden would do for this town."
Harwich town meeting night one results: $9 million school repair approved, more
Town meeting concluded on Tuesday when voters gathered at the Harwich community center on Oak Street to finish the warrant.
Voters also decided to delete a ban of single use plastic food service containers, utensils, and all associated plastics from the general bylaws. The article was amended to no longer consider deleting a ban of single-use plastic water bottles.
Residents did not pass an article asking the Select Board to petition state officials for special legislation to ban using fertilizer in Harwich except for commercial agricultural and residential use of organic fertilizers.
Town meeting voters also passed all Community Preservation Act articles. This includes appropriating $500,000 from the Certified Community Housing Reserve to fund the Harwich Affordable Housing Trust and transferring $1.5 million from the Special Purpose Stabilization Fund for Affordable Housing to the Harwich Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
Zane Razzaq writes about housing and real estate. Reach her at zrazzaq@capecodonline.com. Follow her on X @zanerazz.
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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Harwich votes on plastic water bottle ban, fertilizer. Results.
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