MassVoter.com← Fairhaven Select BoardFairhaven Select Board · 2025–2026 Board · Regular meeting
September 22, 2025
13 recorded votes, 1 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
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Enter into Executive Session Pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, § 21{a)(3) To discuss strategy with respect to litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body
To enter into Executive Session Pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, § 21{a)(3) To discuss strategy with respect to litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares (Civil Service) and Pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, s. 21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to potential litigation where the chair declares that an open session would have a detrimental effect on the Town’s litigating position (Atlas Tack) and to return to open session
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to enter into Executive Session Pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, § 21{a)(3) To discuss strategy with respect to litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares (Civil Service) and Pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, s. 21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to potential litigation where the chair declares that an open session would have a detrimental effect on the Town’s litigating position (Atlas Tack) and to return to open session. Ms. Mello seconded. Roll Call Vote. Mr. Saunders, Ms. Mello, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Romano and Mr. Silvia in favor. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Waive the 60-day application deadline for the Manjiro Festival application
To waive the 60-day application deadline for the Manjiro Festival application
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to waive the 60-day application deadline for the Manjiro Festival application. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve the Event Request and Use of Town Hall for the Manjiro Festival on October 4, 2025 contingent upon coordination with Police, Fire, Public Works at the non-profit rate for the custodian
To approve the Event Request and Use of Town Hall for the Manjiro Festival on October 4, 2025 contingent upon coordination with Police, Fire, Public Works at the non-profit rate for the custodian
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the Event Request and Use of Town Hall for the Manjiro Festival on October 4, 2025 contingent upon coordination with Police, Fire, Public Works at the non-profit rate for the custodian. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve the Event Request for the Turkey Trot 5k on Thursday, November 27, 2025 contingent upon coordination with Police, Fire, Public Works for any applicable services
To approve the Event Request for the Turkey Trot 5k on Thursday, November 27, 2025 contingent upon coordination with Police, Fire, Public Works for any applicable services
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the Event Request for the Turkey Trot 5k on Thursday, November 27, 2025 contingent upon coordination with Police, Fire, Public Works for any applicable services. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Board. He said the unit would need to be ordered by July 4, 2026 in order to file the request, proceed with
Have Mr. Saunders meet with the Building Inspector and Mr. Shah to discuss zoning and bylaw impacts
To have Mr. Saunders meet with the Building Inspector and Mr. Shah to discuss zoning and bylaw impacts
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Silvia motioned to have Mr. Saunders meet with the Building Inspector and Mr. Shah to discuss zoning and bylaw impacts. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Silvia, second: Mello)
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Approve the Mutual Aid Agreement with Rochester Police as outlined in the agreement with the additions discussed of Town Insurance, authorize Labor Counsel to work on the agreement and Chief Dorgan to sign the agreement
To approve the Mutual Aid Agreement with Rochester Police as outlined in the agreement with the additions discussed of Town Insurance, authorize Labor Counsel to work on the agreement and Chief Dorgan to sign the agreement
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the Mutual Aid Agreement with Rochester Police as outlined in the agreement with the additions discussed of Town Insurance, authorize Labor Counsel to work on the agreement and Chief Dorgan to sign the agreement. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
EXECUTIVE SESSION – EXECUTIVE SESSION
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned 1o table this item. Ms. Mel!o seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders)
Mr. Samia advised the Board there was no Request for Proposals (RFP) and he called five different firms and
Table this item indefinitely until Mr. Hickey adds it to an agenda
To table this item indefinitely until Mr. Hickey adds it to an agenda
Yes: Mello, Murphy, Romano, SaundersNo: Silvia
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Romano motioned to table this item indefinitely until Mr. Hickey adds it to an agenda. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed (4-1-0) Mr. Silvia opposed.” (Motion: Romano, second: Mello)
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Call Special Town Meeting for Wednesday, November 19, 2025
To call Special Town Meeting for Wednesday, November 19, 2025
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to call Special Town Meeting for Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Accept the Open Session minutes of September 8, 2025 with amendment discussed
To accept the Open Session minutes of September 8, 2025 with amendment discussed
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to accept the Open Session minutes of September 8, 2025 with amendment discussed. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Accept the Executive Session minutes of September 8, 2025
To accept the Executive Session minutes of September 8, 2025
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to accept the Executive Session minutes of September 8, 2025. Ms. Mello seconded, The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Enter the Select Board correspondence as listed into the record
To enter the Select Board correspondence as listed into the record
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to enter the Select Board correspondence as listed into the record. Ms, Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Enter into Executive Session Pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, § 21{a)(2) To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel or contract negotiations with nonunion Fairhaven Select Board Septemb
To enter into Executive Session Pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, § 21{a)(2) To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel or contract negotiations with nonunion Fairhaven Select Board September 22, 2025 — Open Session — Page 4 personnel. (Police Chief} and Pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, s. 21(a)(6) to consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property where the chair declares that an open session would have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Select Board; 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) (Fairhaven Wind) and not to return to Open Session
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to enter into Executive Session Pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, § 21{a)(2) To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel or contract negotiations with nonunion Fairhaven Select Board September 22, 2025 — Open Session — Page 4 personnel. (Police Chief} and Pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, s. 21(a)(6) to consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property where the chair declares that an open session would have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Select Board; 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) (Fairhaven Wind) and not to return to Open Session. Ms. Mello seconded. Roll Call Vote. Mr. Saunders, Ms. Mello, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Romano and Mr. Silvia in favor. ‘The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
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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