MassVoter.com← Fairhaven Select BoardFairhaven Select Board · 2025–2026 Board · Regular meeting
April 14, 2025
27 recorded votes, 3 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF)
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Present: Charles Murphy Sr., Andrew Romano, Natalie A. Mello, Keith Silvia, Andrew B. Saunders
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Mr. Samia facilitated discussion and nominations for Chair, Vice Chair and Clerk
Appoint Charles Murphy, Sr. as Chair
To appoint Charles Murphy, Sr. as Chair
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Silvia motioned to appoint Charles Murphy, Sr. as Chair. Mr. Romano seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Silvia, second: Romano)
Appoint Andrew Romano as Vice Chair
To appoint Andrew Romano as Vice Chair
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Silvia motioned to appoint Andrew Romano as Vice Chair. Mr. Saunders seconded. The motion passed (5-0-0).” (Motion: Silvia, second: Saunders)
Appoint Natalie Mello as Clerk
To appoint Natalie Mello as Clerk
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to appoint Natalie Mello as Clerk. Mr. Silvia seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Silvia)
Approve the Transfer of an Annual All Alcohol Liquor License for JPTS Wine & Spirits dba Southcoast Wine & Spirits to Jason O. Silva
To approve the Transfer of an Annual All Alcohol Liquor License for JPTS Wine & Spirits dba Southcoast Wine & Spirits to Jason O. Silva
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the Transfer of an Annual All Alcohol Liquor License for JPTS Wine & Spirits dba Southcoast Wine & Spirits to Jason O. Silva. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve the Special One-Day Liquor License: Annual Full Bloom Festival, June 29, 2025
To approve the Special One-Day Liquor License: Annual Full Bloom Festival, June 29, 2025
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the Special One-Day Liquor License: Annual Full Bloom Festival, June 29, 2025. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Eyent Request and Temporary Street Closure Request: Cherry Blossom Festival, Sunday, May 4, 2025
Approve the event and temporary street closure request for the Cherry Blossom Festival on Sunday, May 4, 2025, pending approval of Police/Fire/Public Works
To approve the event and temporary street closure request for the Cherry Blossom Festival on Sunday, May 4, 2025, pending approval of Police/Fire/Public Works
From the minutes
“Motion: Ms, Mello motioned to approve the event and temporary street closure request for the Cherry Blossom Festival on Sunday, May 4, 2025, pending approval of Police/Fire/Public Works. Mr. Saunders seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Mello, second: Saunders)
Mr. Samia facilitated discussion and nominations for Chair, Vice Chair and Clerk
Approve the Event Request for the Tour de Créme, Sunday, June 1, 2025
To approve the Event Request for the Tour de Créme, Sunday, June 1, 2025
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the Event Request for the Tour de Créme, Sunday, June 1, 2025, Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve the Event Request for a Motorcycle Run for ALS, Sunday, June 22, 2025 (rain date, June 29, 2025) pending notification of abutters and working with Police/Fire on the event details
To approve the Event Request for a Motorcycle Run for ALS, Sunday, June 22, 2025 (rain date, June 29, 2025) pending notification of abutters and working with Police/Fire on the event details
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the Event Request for a Motorcycle Run for ALS, Sunday, June 22, 2025 (rain date, June 29, 2025) pending notification of abutters and working with Police/Fire on the event details. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve the use of Town Hall by the Fairhaven Improvement Association for the Summer Concerts as written in the application, waiving the town hall fee, the custodian fee does apply
To approve the use of Town Hall by the Fairhaven Improvement Association for the Summer Concerts as written in the application, waiving the town hall fee, the custodian fee does apply
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the use of Town Hall by the Fairhaven Improvement Association for the Summer Concerts as written in the application, waiving the town hall fee, the custodian fee does apply. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Discussion ensued on membership. ‘he lire and Police Chief would select the labor representatives. At-Large
Appoint Andrew Saunders and Keith Silvia as Select Board representatives lo the Public Safety Complex Committee
To appoint Andrew Saunders and Keith Silvia as Select Board representatives lo the Public Safety Complex Committee
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Romano motioned to appoint Andrew Saunders and Keith Silvia as Select Board representatives lo the Public Safety Complex Committee. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Romano, second: Mello)
Take items 114 and H5 out of order
To take items 114 and H5 out of order
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Romano motioned to take items 114 and H5 out of order, Mr, Saunders seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Romano, second: Saunders)
Mr. Samia facilitated discussion and nominations for Chair, Vice Chair and Clerk
Open the 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant
To open the 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to open the 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Reconsider the vote on Article 20A and 20B, reduce the amount from four million dollars to two and a half million dollars and remove the School reference
To reconsider the vote on Article 20A and 20B, reduce the amount from four million dollars to two and a half million dollars and remove the School reference
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to reconsider the vote on Article 20A and 20B, reduce the amount from four million dollars to two and a half million dollars and remove the School reference. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Reconsider the vote on Article 10, line 11 and change recommendation to pass over
To reconsider the vote on Article 10, line 11 and change recommendation to pass over
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to reconsider the vote on Article 10, line 11 and change recommendation to pass over. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Close the 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant
To close the 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to close the 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve and sign the 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant
To approve and sign the 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve and sign the 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Ms. Mello seconded. ‘Ihe motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Discussion ensued on membership. ‘he lire and Police Chief would select the labor representatives. At-Large
Enter into executive session Pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, s. 21(a)(3) discuss strategy with respect to litigation where the chair declares that an open session would have a detrimental effect on the Town’s litigating positio
To enter into executive session Pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, s. 21(a)(3) discuss strategy with respect to litigation where the chair declares that an open session would have a detrimental effect on the Town’s litigating position; and G.L. c. 30A, s. 21(a)(7) to comply with, or act under the authority of, the Public Records Law, G.L. c. 4, s. 7(26) (Fairhaven School Committec v. Fairhaven Zoning Board of Appeals, Land Court 25MISC000064) AND Pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, s. 21(a)(3) discuss strategy with respect to anticipated litigation where the chair declares that an open session would have a detrimental effect on the Town’s litigating position; and G.L. c. 30A, s. 21{a)(7) to comply with, or act under the authority of, the Public Records Law, G.L. ¢. 4, s. 7(26) (anticipated litigation by Patrick Carr and Ruy daSilva; written attorney-client privileged communications regarding same) AND to return to Open Session
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Romano motioned to enter into executive session Pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, s. 21(a)(3) discuss strategy with respect to litigation where the chair declares that an open session would have a detrimental effect on the Town’s litigating position; and G.L. c. 30A, s. 21(a)(7) to comply with, or act under the authority of, the Public Records Law, G.L. c. 4, s. 7(26) (Fairhaven School Committec v. Fairhaven … c. 30A, s. 21{a)(7) to comply with, or act under the authority of, the Public Records Law, G.L. ¢. 4, s. 7(26) (anticipated litigation by Patrick Carr and Ruy daSilva; written attorney-client privileged communications regarding same) AND to return to Open Session. Ms. Mello seconded. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Saunders, Ms. Mello, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Romano and Mr. Silvia all in favor. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Romano, second: Mello)
Mr. Samia facilitated discussion and nominations for Chair, Vice Chair and Clerk
Accept the Open Session minutes of March 24, 2025
To accept the Open Session minutes of March 24, 2025
Yes: Murphy, Romano, Saunders, SilviaAbstained: Mello
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to accept the Open Session minutes of March 24, 2025. Mr. Romano seconded. The motion passed (4-0-1) Ms. Mello abstained.” (Motion: Saunders, second: Romano)
Accept the Executive Session minutes of March 24, 2025
To accept the Executive Session minutes of March 24, 2025
Yes: Murphy, Romano, Saunders, SilviaAbstained: Mello
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to accept the Executive Session minutes of March 24, 2025. Mr. Romano seconded. The motion passed (4-0-1) Ms. Mello abstained.” (Motion: Saunders, second: Romano)
Table item H] to the April 28, 2025 meeting
To table item H] to the April 28, 2025 meeting
Yes: Mello, Murphy, Romano, Saunders, Silvia
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to table item H] to the April 28, 2025 meeting. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0) Mr. Saunders recused himself.” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve the conflict of interest disclosure under MGL c 268A, section 19(B)(1) and 23(B)(3) for Patrick Carr
To approve the conflict of interest disclosure under MGL c 268A, section 19(B)(1) and 23(B)(3) for Patrick Carr
The names in the minutes do not match the count (2-2-1), so individual votes are not shown.
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Silvia motioned to approve the conflict of interest disclosure under MGL c 268A, section 19(B)(1) and 23(B)(3) for Patrick Carr. Mr. Murphy seconded. The motion failed (2-2-1) Mr. Saunders abstained.” (Motion: Silvia, second: Murphy)
Approve the redemption of bonds as outlined contingent on the approval of a transfer from free cash by the 2025 Annual Town Meeting and that the Town Treasurer, the Town Administrator and other ‘Fown officials and repres
To approve the redemption of bonds as outlined contingent on the approval of a transfer from free cash by the 2025 Annual Town Meeting and that the Town Treasurer, the Town Administrator and other ‘Fown officials and representatives be authorized to take any and all actions required in order to affect the redemption of the redeemed bonds
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the redemption of bonds as outlined contingent on the approval of a transfer from free cash by the 2025 Annual Town Meeting and that the Town Treasurer, the Town Administrator and other ‘Fown officials and representatives be authorized to take any and all actions required in order to affect the redemption of the redeemed bonds. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve and sign the Annual Letter from the Select Board to the Democratic and Republican Town Committees
To approve and sign the Annual Letter from the Select Board to the Democratic and Republican Town Committees
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve and sign the Annual Letter from the Select Board to the Democratic and Republican Town Committees. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Appoint Andrew Romano liaison to the Belonging Committee, Cable Advisory Committee, Dog Park Study Committee and the Sustainability Committee; Natalie Mello liaison to the Bristo] County Advisory Committee, Buzzards Bay
To appoint Andrew Romano liaison to the Belonging Committee, Cable Advisory Committee, Dog Park Study Committee and the Sustainability Committee; Natalie Mello liaison to the Bristo] County Advisory Committee, Buzzards Bay Water Quality Working Group, Historical Commission and the Millicent Library Board of Trustees; Keith Silvia liaison to the Commission on Disability, Economic Development Committee, Harbormaster Renewal Plan and the Rogers Reuse Committee; Andrew Saunders liaison to the Livable Strects Committee, Marine Resources Committee, South Coast Bikeway Alliance and the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) Board; Charlie Murphy liaison to the Fair Housing Coordinator, Lagoa Friendship Pact Committee and the Sister City Committee
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to appoint Andrew Romano liaison to the Belonging Committee, Cable Advisory Committee, Dog Park Study Committee and the Sustainability Committee; Natalie Mello liaison to the Bristo] County Advisory Committee, Buzzards Bay Water Quality Working Group, Historical Commission and the Millicent Library Board of Trustees; Keith Silvia liaison to the Commission on Disability, Economic Development Committee, Harbormaster Renewal Plan and the Rogers Reuse Committee; Andrew Saunders liaison to the Livable Strects Committee, Marine Resources Committee, South Coast Bikeway Alliance and the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) Board; Charlie Murphy liaison to the Fair Housing Coordinator, Lagoa Friendship Pact Committee and the Sister City Committee. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Mr. Samia facilitated discussion and nominations for Chair, Vice Chair and Clerk
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned io appoint Andrew Romano liaison Southeast Regional Economic Development District (SRPEDD) pending schedules. Ms. Mello seconded, The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Discussion ensued on membership. ‘he lire and Police Chief would select the labor representatives. At-Large
Change language on public comment from “near the end” to “near the beginning” in the protocols
To change language on public comment from “near the end” to “near the beginning” in the protocols
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Romano motioned to change language on public comment from “near the end” to “near the beginning” in the protocols. Mr, Saunders seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Romano, second: Saunders)
Adopt and adhere to the protocols as outlined and discussed as amended
To adopt and adhere to the protocols as outlined and discussed as amended
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Romano motioned to adopt and adhere to the protocols as outlined and discussed as amended. Mr. Saunders seconded. ‘The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Romano, second: Saunders)
From the Fairhaven Select Board’s official minutes, posted on the town website. We check every vote against the members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Member photos: candidates’ own submitted photos, published by Fairhaven Neighborhood News (2021, 2024, 2025 and 2026 candidate statements). Other former members show initials.
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