Two Harwich Board of Health members resign amid dispute over Select Board involvement

Kevin Dupont, chair of Harwich's Board of Health, read a resignation letter to the Select Board saying he would step down effective immediately and that he believed a recent effort to refer him to the interview committee reflected an appearance of conflict tied to Select Board member Don Howell.

Dupont wrote that he was “particularly troubled by the involvement of select board member Don Howell in this process” and said he was provided an appointment time before the Select Board’s vote, creating the impression the result was predetermined. Dupont said he would not engage in a lengthy fight over his seat and cited family, work and school obligations as reasons he would step away.

Sharon Flegger, who identified herself as a member of the Board of Health and a Harwich resident, also announced her immediate resignation and said she was resigning because the board’s independence had been undermined. “Interference with the activities of the board of health has caused me to reconsider my desire to be on the board of health,” she said.

Public commenter Michael McCascal urged the Select Board to review and clarify the town’s appointment and interview procedures, saying the handling of the reappointment list “is a terrible look for the town” and urged the board to discuss the committee handbook and the policy for referral to the interview committee.

In a lengthy Select Board discussion the members debated whether a board member’s conduct allegations should be handled in full public session or referred to the interview committee. Several members said the committee handbook requires that concerns about a committee member’s conduct be referred to the interview committee; others contended a board member had acted independently in directing staff to schedule an interview-committee meeting without first discussing the matter with the full Select Board.

The Select Board agreed to adhere to the committee handbook moving forward and to be cautious about public discussions that address an individual volunteer’s personal performance. Chair statements emphasized following the handbook’s process and coordinating any referral through the full board rather than through unilateral action.

The town clerk acknowledged receipt of Dupont’s resignation. The board did not take action on reappointment of any Board of Health members during the meeting; members said they would return to the matter following the handbook’s prescribed steps.

The Select Board also heard multiple public comments expressing concern that the way volunteers are treated could discourage future civic participation. The board directed staff to engage with the relevant committee chairs and to return in July with updates on process and any recommended changes.