MassVoter.com← Fairhaven Select BoardFairhaven Select Board · 2025–2026 Board · Regular meeting
December 15, 2025
19 recorded votes, 6 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 Executive Session 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 negoti
To enter Executive Session 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. c. 4, s. 7(26) (Fairhaven Wind and privileged written legal opinion regarding same) AND to return to open session
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to enter Executive Session 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. c. 4, s. 7(26) (Fairhaven Wind and privileged written legal opinion 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 in favor. The motion passes unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve the Department of Fine Arts and Historical Society’s request to use the Town Hall on Friday, April 24, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. As a Town department, there is no rental or custodial fee
To approve the Department of Fine Arts and Historical Society’s request to use the Town Hall on Friday, April 24, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. As a Town department, there is no rental or custodial fee
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the Department of Fine Arts and Historical Society’s request to use the Town Hall on Friday, April 24, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. As a Town department, there is no rental or custodial fee. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Nils Isaksen and Patrick Carr addressed the Board individually regarding their application, interest and
Take all four candidates that showed interest
To take all four candidates that showed interest
No: Mello, Murphy, Romano, Saunders, Silvia
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Silvia motioned to take all four candidates that showed interest. Mr. Saunders seconded. The motion failed (0-5-0).” (Motion: Silvia, second: Saunders)
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Appoint Nils Isaksen as an Associate member of the Historical Commission for a term through May, 2026
To appoint Nils Isaksen as an Associate member of the Historical Commission for a term through May, 2026
Yes: Mello, Murphy, Saunders, SilviaNo: Romano
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to appoint Nils Isaksen as an Associate member of the Historical Commission for a term through May, 2026. Mr. Saunders seconded. The motion passed (4-1-0) Mr. Romano opposed.” (Motion: Saunders, second: Saunders)
Nils Isaksen and Patrick Carr addressed the Board individually regarding their application, interest and
Appoint Patrick Carr as an Associate member of the Historical Commission for a term through May, 2026
To appoint Patrick Carr as an Associate member of the Historical Commission for a term through May, 2026
Yes: Murphy, SilviaNo: Mello, RomanoAbstained: Saunders
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Silvia motioned to appoint Patrick Carr as an Associate member of the Historical Commission for a term through May, 2026. Mr. Murphy seconded. The motion failed (2-2-1) Mr. Romano and Ms. Mello opposed Mr. Saunders abstained.” (Motion: Silvia, second: Murphy)
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Appoint Matthew Paulson as an alternate member of the Historical Commission for a term through May, 2026
To appoint Matthew Paulson as an alternate member of the Historical Commission for a term through May, 2026
Yes: Mello, Murphy, Saunders, SilviaNo: Romano
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to appoint Matthew Paulson as an alternate member of the Historical Commission for a term through May, 2026. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed (4-1-0) Mr. Romano opposed.” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Establish a full-time Mental Health Clinician position within the Fairhaven Police Department funded from opioid settlement funds
To establish a full-time Mental Health Clinician position within the Fairhaven Police Department funded from opioid settlement funds
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to establish a full-time Mental Health Clinician position within the Fairhaven Police Department funded from opioid settlement funds. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve the liquor licenses contingent on inspections and taxes paid for the businesses listed as numbers | - 21, 23 - 31 and 33-38 under Liquor Licenses (Attachment C)
To approve the liquor licenses contingent on inspections and taxes paid for the businesses listed as numbers | - 21, 23 - 31 and 33-38 under Liquor Licenses (Attachment C)
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the liquor licenses contingent on inspections and taxes paid for the businesses listed as numbers | - 21, 23 - 31 and 33-38 under Liquor Licenses (Attachment C). Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Liquor Licenses
Approve the liquor license contingent on inspections and taxes paid for Courtyard Restaurant, 270 Huttleston Avenue
To approve the liquor license contingent on inspections and taxes paid for Courtyard Restaurant, 270 Huttleston Avenue
Yes: Mello, Murphy, Romano, SilviaAbstained: Saunders
From the minutes
“Motion: Ms. Mello motioned to approve the liquor license contingent on inspections and taxes paid for Courtyard Restaurant, 270 Huttleston Avenue. Mr. Romano seconded. The motion passed (4-0-1) Mr. Saunders abstained.” (Motion: Mello, second: Romano)
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Approve the pouring license contingent on inspections and taxes paid for Fairhaven Meadows LLC/Nasketucket Bay Vineyard, 237 New Boston Road
To approve the pouring license contingent on inspections and taxes paid for Fairhaven Meadows LLC/Nasketucket Bay Vineyard, 237 New Boston Road
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the pouring license contingent on inspections and taxes paid for Fairhaven Meadows LLC/Nasketucket Bay Vineyard, 237 New Boston Road. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve the Car Dealer licenses contingent on inspections and taxes paid for the businesses listed as numbers 1 - 13 under Car Dealer Licenses (Attachment C)
To approve the Car Dealer licenses contingent on inspections and taxes paid for the businesses listed as numbers 1 - 13 under Car Dealer Licenses (Attachment C)
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the Car Dealer licenses contingent on inspections and taxes paid for the businesses listed as numbers 1 - 13 under Car Dealer Licenses (Attachment C). Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve the Car Repair licenses contingent on inspections and taxes paid for the businesses listed as numbers 1 and 3 - 13 under Car Repair Licenses (Attachment C)
To approve the Car Repair licenses contingent on inspections and taxes paid for the businesses listed as numbers 1 and 3 - 13 under Car Repair Licenses (Attachment C)
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the Car Repair licenses contingent on inspections and taxes paid for the businesses listed as numbers 1 and 3 - 13 under Car Repair Licenses (Attachment C). Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Liquor Licenses
Approve the Car Repair licenses contingent on inspections and taxes paid for A-1 Crane Company, 86-88 Middle Street
To approve the Car Repair licenses contingent on inspections and taxes paid for A-1 Crane Company, 86-88 Middle Street
Yes: Mello, Murphy, Romano, SilviaAbstained: Saunders
From the minutes
“Motion: Ms. Mello motioned to approve the Car Repair licenses contingent on inspections and taxes paid for A-1 Crane Company, 86-88 Middle Street. Mr. Romano seconded. The motion passed (4-0-1) Mr. Saunders abstained.” (Motion: Mello, second: Romano)
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Approve the Common Victualler licenses contingent on inspections and taxes paid for the businesses listed as numbers | - 38 under Common Victualler Licenses (Attachment C)
To approve the Common Victualler licenses contingent on inspections and taxes paid for the businesses listed as numbers | - 38 under Common Victualler Licenses (Attachment C)
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the Common Victualler licenses contingent on inspections and taxes paid for the businesses listed as numbers | - 38 under Common Victualler Licenses (Attachment C). Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve the Lodging House license contingent on inspections and taxes paid for Kopper Kettle Guest House, 41 Huttleston Avenue and Delano Homestead Bed & Breakfast, 39 Walnut Street
To approve the Lodging House license contingent on inspections and taxes paid for Kopper Kettle Guest House, 41 Huttleston Avenue and Delano Homestead Bed & Breakfast, 39 Walnut Street
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the Lodging House license contingent on inspections and taxes paid for Kopper Kettle Guest House, 41 Huttleston Avenue and Delano Homestead Bed & Breakfast, 39 Walnut Street. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve the Private Livery license for Elite Transportation, | Deerfield Lane
To approve the Private Livery license for Elite Transportation, | Deerfield Lane
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the Private Livery license for Elite Transportation, | Deerfield Lane. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Accept the Open Session minutes of December 1, 2025 as amended with the spelling of “Tasca”
To accept the Open Session minutes of December 1, 2025 as amended with the spelling of “Tasca”
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to accept the Open Session minutes of December 1, 2025 as amended with the spelling of “Tasca”. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Accept the Executive Session minutes of December |, 2025
To accept the Executive Session minutes of December |, 2025
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to accept the Executive Session minutes of December |, 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)
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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