MassVoter.com← Fairhaven Select BoardFairhaven Select Board · 2025–2026 Board · Regular meeting
February 9, 2026
10 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
EXECUTIVE SESSION — Planning Board joint with the Select Board
Enter Executive Session 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, and G.L. c. 4, s. 7(26), to review the minutes of Executive Sessions of the Planning Board d
To enter Executive Session 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, and G.L. c. 4, s. 7(26), to review the minutes of Executive Sessions of the Planning Board dated 6/14/2022, 12/13/2022, 2/19/2025, 9/9/2025, 10/14/2025, 10/28/2025, 11/18/2025 and 12/16/2025 in response to a request for release and discuss whether to waive attorney-client privilege AND not to return to open session
Joint vote with another board (6-0-0); individual Select Board votes are not shown.
From the minutes
“Motion: Ms. Simmons motioned to enter Executive Session 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, and G.L. c. 4, s. 7(26), to review the minutes of Executive Sessions of the Planning Board dated 6/14/2022, 12/13/2022, 2/19/2025, 9/9/2025, 10/14/2025, 10/28/2025, 11/18/2025 and 12/16/2025 in response to a request for release and discuss whether to waive attorney-client privilege AND not to return to open session. Mr. Grant seconded. Roll Call Vote. Ms. Fidalgo, Ms. Simmons, Mr. daSilva, Mr. Carr, Mr. Grant and Mr. Lewis all in favor. The motion passed unanimously (6-0-0).”
EXECUTIVE SESSION — with the Planning Board
Enter Executive Session 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, and G.L. c. 4, s. 7(26), to review the minutes of Executive Sessions of the Planning Board d
To enter Executive Session 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, and G.L. c. 4, s. 7(26), to review the minutes of Executive Sessions of the Planning Board dated 6/14/2022, 12/13/2022, 2/19/2025, 9/9/2025, 10/14/2025, 10/28/2025, 11/18/2025 and 12/16/2025 in response to a request for release and discuss whether to waive attorney-client privilege 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)(7) To comply with, or act under the authority of, G.L. c. 30A, s. 22, and G.L. c. 4, s. 7(26), to review the minutes of Executive Sessions of the Planning Board dated 6/14/2022, 12/13/2022, 2/19/2025, 9/9/2025, 10/14/2025, 10/28/2025, 11/18/2025 and 12/16/2025 in response to a request for release and discuss whether to waive attorney-client privilege 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)
Approve amendments to the Town of Fairhaven Personnel Policy as presented
To approve amendments to the Town of Fairhaven Personnel Policy as presented
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve amendments to the Town of Fairhaven Personnel Policy as presented. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve the West Island 5k Run/Walk, contingent upon police, fire and emergency management coordination, and the no-fee use of Hoppy’s Landing for parking during the West Island 5k Run/Walk on April 26, 2026
To approve the West Island 5k Run/Walk, contingent upon police, fire and emergency management coordination, and the no-fee use of Hoppy’s Landing for parking during the West Island 5k Run/Walk on April 26, 2026
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the West Island 5k Run/Walk, contingent upon police, fire and emergency management coordination, and the no-fee use of Hoppy’s Landing for parking during the West Island 5k Run/Walk on April 26, 2026. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
The Board reviewed the application for a Special One-Day Beer and Wine License from the Buzzards Bay
Approve the Special One-Day Beer and Wine License on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 7:00-11:00am for the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s 33rd Annual Buzzards Bay Swim at Fort Phoenix
To approve the Special One-Day Beer and Wine License on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 7:00-11:00am for the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s 33rd Annual Buzzards Bay Swim at Fort Phoenix
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr, Saunders motioned to approve the Special One-Day Beer and Wine License on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 7:00-11:00am for the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s 33rd Annual Buzzards Bay Swim at Fort Phoenix. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
EXECUTIVE SESSION — with the Planning Board
Appoint Suzanne Bellanger to the Belonging Committee for a term through May, 2026
To appoint Suzanne Bellanger to the Belonging Committee for a term through May, 2026
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 appoint Suzanne Bellanger to the Belonging Committee for a term through May, 2026. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed.” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Appoint Cathy Melanson as an Associate Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term through May, 2026
To appoint Cathy Melanson as an Associate Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term through May, 2026
Yes: Murphy, Saunders, SilviaNo: Mello, Romano
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to appoint Cathy Melanson as an Associate Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term through May, 2026. Mr. Silvia seconded. The motion passed (3-2-0) Ms. Mello and Mr. Romano opposed.” (Motion: Saunders, second: Silvia)
Appoint Bob Espindola to the Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee
To appoint Bob Espindola to the Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to appoint Bob Espindola to the Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee. 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 Executive Session Pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(3) To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating positio
To enter Executive Session Pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(3) To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or 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 NOT to return to open session
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to enter Executive Session Pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(3) To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or 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 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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