MassVoter.com← Fairhaven Select BoardFairhaven Select Board · 2025–2026 Board · Regular meeting
October 14, 2025
35 recorded votes, 8 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 M.G.L. c. 30A, Section 21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to pending litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the collective bargaining or litigating
To enter into Executive Session Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, Section 21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to pending litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the collective bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares (Mary Freire-Kellogg v. Town of Fairhaven and Amanda Blais v. Town of Fairhaven) and Pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, s. 21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares (Police Union) and Pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, s. 21(a)(7) To comply with, or act under the authority of, G.L. c. 30A, s. 22, to approve the minutes of Executive Sessions on 9/22/25 and 9/30/25 and to review the minutes of Executive Session (1/8/24, 2/12/24, 2/26/24, 3/11/24, 4/8/24, 4/22/24, 6/10/24, 8/19/24, 9/23/24, 9/30/24, 10/15/24, 11/12/24, 11/19/24, 11/25/24, 12/16/24, 12/23/24, 12/30/24, 1/13/25, 1/27/25, 2/10/25, 2/19/25, 2/24/25, 3/10/25, 3/17/25, 3/24/25, 3/31/25, 4/7/25, 4/14/25, 4/28/25, 5/12/25, 5/27/25, 6/9/25, 6/23/25, 7/7/25, 7/10/25, 7/14/25, 7/28/25, 8/11/25, 8/25/25, 9/8/25, 9/22/25 and 9/30/25) and to return to open session
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to enter into Executive Session Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, Section 21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to pending litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the collective bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares (Mary Freire-Kellogg v. Town of Fairhaven and Amanda Blais v. Town of Fairhaven) and Pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, s. … 12/30/24, 1/13/25, 1/27/25, 2/10/25, 2/19/25, 2/24/25, 3/10/25, 3/17/25, 3/24/25, 3/31/25, 4/7/25, 4/14/25, 4/28/25, 5/12/25, 5/27/25, 6/9/25, 6/23/25, 7/7/25, 7/10/25, 7/14/25, 7/28/25, 8/11/25, 8/25/25, 9/8/25, 9/22/25 and 9/30/25) 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)
Appointment: Constable: Jeffrey Foisy
Appoint Jeffrey Foisy as a Constable through May, 2025 contingent upon payment of the fee and copy of active bond is provided to the Town Clerk’s Office
To appoint Jeffrey Foisy as a Constable through May, 2025 contingent upon payment of the fee and copy of active bond is provided to the Town Clerk’s Office
Yes: Mello, Murphy, Romano, SilviaAbstained: Saunders
From the minutes
“Motion: Ms. Mello motioned to appoint Jeffrey Foisy as a Constable through May, 2025 contingent upon payment of the fee and copy of active bond is provided to the Town Clerk’s Office. Mr. Romano seconded. The motion passed (4-0-1) Mr. Saunders abstained.” (Motion: Mello, second: Romano)
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Appoint Rick Forand as Wiring Inspector
To appoint Rick Forand as Wiring Inspector
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to appoint Rick Forand as Wiring Inspector, Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Appoint William Horrocks as Assistant Building Inspector
To appoint William Horrocks as Assistant Building Inspector
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to appoint William Horrocks as Assistant Building Inspector. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve the removal of 24 ash trees on Oliver Street as outlined in the in the tree removal notice from Public Works
To approve the removal of 24 ash trees on Oliver Street as outlined in the in the tree removal notice from Public Works
Yes: Murphy, Romano, Saunders, SilviaAbstained: Mello
From the minutes
“Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the removal of 24 ash trees on Oliver Street as outlined in the in the tree removal notice from Public Works. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed (4-0-1) Ms. Mello abstained.” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Waive the sixty-day application deadline for the Use of Town Hall
To waive the sixty-day application deadline for the Use of Town Hall
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to waive the sixty-day application deadline for the Use of Town Hall. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed (4-0-1) Mr. Silvia recused.” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve the applications for a Special One-Day Liquor License, Temporary Street Closure and Use of Town Hall bathrooms by the Economic Development Committee and Travelers Alehouse for Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 18,
To approve the applications for a Special One-Day Liquor License, Temporary Street Closure and Use of Town Hall bathrooms by the Economic Development Committee and Travelers Alehouse for Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 18, 2025
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the applications for a Special One-Day Liquor License, Temporary Street Closure and Use of Town Hall bathrooms by the Economic Development Committee and Travelers Alehouse for Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed (4-0-1) Mr. Silvia recused.” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve the pledge of collateral from OEA Restaurant Group doing business as Olivia's Restaurant to Bristol County Savings Bank
To approve the pledge of collateral from OEA Restaurant Group doing business as Olivia's Restaurant to Bristol County Savings Bank
The minutes record this vote with no count and no names, so only the result is shown.
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the pledge of collateral from OEA Restaurant Group doing business as Olivia's Restaurant to Bristol County Savings Bank. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed.” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve the updated Charge for the Atlas Tack Working Group
To approve the updated Charge for the Atlas Tack Working Group
Yes: Mello, Murphy, Saunders, SilviaNo: Romano
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the updated Charge for the Atlas Tack Working Group. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed (4-1-0) Mr. Romano opposed.” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
To approve the updated Charge for the Atlas Tack Working Group
Yes: Mello, Murphy, Saunders, SilviaNo: Romano
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the updated Charge for the Atlas Tack Working Group. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed (4-1-0) Mr. Romano opposed.” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Appointment: Constable: Jeffrey Foisy
Table this item – Appointment: Constable: Jeffrey Foisy
To table this item
Yes: Mello, Murphy, SilviaNo: Romano, Saunders
From the minutes
“Motion: Ms. Mello motioned to table this item. Mr. Silvia seconded. The motion passed (3-2-0) Mr. Romano and Mr. Saunders opposed.” (Motion: Mello, second: Silvia)
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Table item D4 – EXECUTIVE SESSION
To table item D4
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to table item D4. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve the employment agreement between the Town of Fairhaven and ‘ire Chief Todd Correia effective July 1, 2025 and authorize the Chair to sign on behalf of the Town
To approve the employment agreement between the Town of Fairhaven and ‘ire Chief Todd Correia effective July 1, 2025 and authorize the Chair to sign on behalf of the Town
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the employment agreement between the Town of Fairhaven and ‘ire Chief Todd Correia effective July 1, 2025 and authorize the Chair to sign on behalf of the Town. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Table this item to October 27, 2025
To table this item to October 27, 2025
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to table this item to October 27, 2025. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve a cost-of-living adjustment of one percent, consistent with members covered by collective bargaining agreements, effective January 1, 2026 for non-union employees not covered by individual employment contracts
To approve a cost-of-living adjustment of one percent, consistent with members covered by collective bargaining agreements, effective January 1, 2026 for non-union employees not covered by individual employment contracts
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve a cost-of-living adjustment of one percent, consistent with members covered by collective bargaining agreements, effective January 1, 2026 for non-union employees not covered by individual employment contracts. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Open the Special Town Meeting Warrant
To open the Special Town Meeting Warrant
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to open the Special Town Meeting Warrant. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Recommend Article 1 – EXECUTIVE SESSION
To recommend Article 1
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to recommend Article 1. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Recommend Adoption for Article 1
To recommend Adoption for Article 1
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to recommend Adoption for Article 1. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Recommend At Town Meeting for Article 2
To recommend At Town Meeting for Article 2
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to recommend At Town Meeting for Article 2. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Recommend Adoption for Article 3
To recommend Adoption for Article 3
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to recommend Adoption for Article 3. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Recommend Adoption for Article 4
To recommend Adoption for Article 4
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to recommend Adoption for Article 4. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Recommend Adoption for Article 5
To recommend Adoption for Article 5
From the minutes
“Mr. Saunders motioned to recommend Adoption for Article 5. Mr. Silvia seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Silvia)
Recommend Adoption for Article 6
To recommend Adoption for Article 6
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to recommend Adoption for Article 6. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Recommend Adoption for Article 7
To recommend Adoption for Article 7
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to recommend Adoption for Article 7. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Close and sign the Special Town Meeting Warrant
To close and sign the Special Town Meeting Warrant
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to close and sign the Special Town Meeting Warrant. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Mr. Hickey reviewed that to streamline the interview process at the joint meeting with the Fairhaven School
Appoint Natalie Mello as Setect Board Representative for the joint meeting with School Committee on October 27, 2025
To appoint Natalie Mello as Setect Board Representative for the joint meeting with School Committee on October 27, 2025
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Silvia motioned to appoint Natalie Mello as Setect Board Representative for the joint meeting with School Committee on October 27, 2025. Mr. Romano seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Silvia, second: Romano)
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Approve seasonal lighting of the Town Hall Clock Tower including April 2, 2026, using available bulbs in coordination with Facilities Manager Kevin Fournier
To approve seasonal lighting of the Town Hall Clock Tower including April 2, 2026, using available bulbs in coordination with Facilities Manager Kevin Fournier
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve seasonal lighting of the Town Hall Clock Tower including April 2, 2026, using available bulbs in coordination with Facilities Manager Kevin Fournier, Ms. Mello seconded, The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve discussion on the revised application deadlines for Town Hall Auditorium application process and to appoint Select Board member Andrew Romano
To approve discussion on the revised application deadlines for Town Hall Auditorium application process and to appoint Select Board member Andrew Romano
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve discussion on the revised application deadlines for Town Hall Auditorium application process and to appoint Select Board member Andrew Romano. Ms. Mello seconded. ‘The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Delegate the Board’s response to the Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Patrick Higgins on 10/3/2025 to Mead, Talerman & Costa, Labor Counsel
To delegate the Board’s response to the Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Patrick Higgins on 10/3/2025 to Mead, Talerman & Costa, Labor Counsel
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to delegate the Board’s response to the Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Patrick Higgins on 10/3/2025 to Mead, Talerman & Costa, Labor Counsel. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Release with redactions, the Executive Session minutes of August 19, 2024
To release with redactions, the Executive Session minutes of August 19, 2024
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to release with redactions, the Executive Session minutes of August 19, 2024. 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 Pursuant to G.L. c. 41, § 40, which authorizes the Select Board to appoint a temporary Town Treasurer in the event of a vacancy, and pursuant to Section 2 (aa) of the Town Administrator Act, which authorizes the Town Administrator to perform any other duties or tasks assigned by the Select Board, the Board hereby appoints Town Administrator Keith Hickey to the position of Temporary Treasurer, to serve until a successor temporary or permanent Treasurer is appointed by the Select Board. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Authorize Keith Hickey and Labor Counsel to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding extension with AFSCME for Interim Treasurer and Interim Assistant Treasurer/Collector. Ms. Mello scconded
To authorize Keith Hickey and Labor Counsel to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding extension with AFSCME for Interim Treasurer and Interim Assistant Treasurer/Collector. Ms. Mello scconded
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to authorize Keith Hickey and Labor Counsel to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding extension with AFSCME for Interim Treasurer and Interim Assistant Treasurer/Collector. Ms. Mello scconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders)
Accept the Open Session minutes of September 22 and 30, 2025
To accept the Open Session minutes of September 22 and 30, 2025
Yes: Murphy, Romano, Saunders, SilviaAbstained: Mello
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to accept the Open Session minutes of September 22 and 30, 2025. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed (4-0-1) Ms, Mello abstained.” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Accept the Executive Session minutes of September 22 and 30, 2025
To accept the Executive Session minutes of September 22 and 30, 2025
Yes: Murphy, Romano, Saunders, SilviaAbstained: Mello
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to accept the Executive Session minutes of September 22 and 30, 2025. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed (4-0-1) Ms. Mello abstained.” (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)
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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