MassVoter.com← Fairhaven Select BoardFairhaven Select Board · 2025–2026 Board · Regular meeting
March 9, 2026
14 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 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 (Atlas Tack) and 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 (Atlas Tack) and to return to Open Session. Ms. Mello seconded. Roll Call] Vote. Mr. Saunders, Ms. Mello, Mr. Murphy and Mr. Silvia in favor. The motion passed unanimously (4-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Adopt the proposed Building Department Fees as presented
To adopt the proposed Building Department Fees as presented
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to adopt the proposed Building Department Fees as presented. Ms. Mello seconded. Roll Call Vote. Mr. Saunders, Ms. Mello, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Silvia and Mr. Romano in favor. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Adopt the proposed Building Department Fees effective no earlier than April 1, 2026
To adopt the proposed Building Department Fees effective no earlier than April 1, 2026
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to adopt the proposed Building Department Fees effective no earlier than April 1, 2026, Ms. Mello seconded. Roll Call Vote. Mr. Saunders, Ms. Mello, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Silvia and Mr. Romano in favor, The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Take action/discussion item D2 out of order
To take action/discussion item D2 out of order
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to take action/discussion item D2 out of order. Ms. Mello seconded. Roll Call Vote. Mr. Saunders, Ms. Mello, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Silvia and Mr. Romano in favor. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Ratify the Successor Agreement between the Town of Fairhaven and the New England Police Benevolent Association (NEPBA), Local 64
To ratify the Successor Agreement between the Town of Fairhaven and the New England Police Benevolent Association (NEPBA), Local 64
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to ratify the Successor Agreement between the Town of Fairhaven and the New England Police Benevolent Association (NEPBA), Local 64. Ms. Mcllo seconded. Roll Call Vote. Mr. Saunders, Ms. Mello, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Silvia and Mr. Romano in favor, The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Appoint Don Collasius to the Capital Planning Committee, open space representative for a term through May, 2029
To appoint Don Collasius to the Capital Planning Committee, open space representative for a term through May, 2029
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to appoint Don Collasius to the Capital Planning Committee, open space representative for a term through May, 2029. Ms. Mello seconded. Rol! Call Vote. Mr. Saunders, Ms, Mello, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Silvia and Mr. Romano in favor. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve the use of public roads in Fairhaven and placement of signs for the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s 20th Annual Watershed Ride on Sunday, October 4, 2026 contingent upon the approval of Police, Fire, Building and Public
To approve the use of public roads in Fairhaven and placement of signs for the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s 20th Annual Watershed Ride on Sunday, October 4, 2026 contingent upon the approval of Police, Fire, Building and Public Works
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the use of public roads in Fairhaven and placement of signs for the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s 20th Annual Watershed Ride on Sunday, October 4, 2026 contingent upon the approval of Police, Fire, Building and Public Works. Ms. Mello seconded. Roll Call Vote. Mr. Saunders, Ms. Mello, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Silvia and Mr. Romano in favor. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
The temporary closure of a portion of the bike path on a portion of South Street that abuts the Atlas Tack property. Individuals using the bike path will be diverted onto South Street at the beginning of the bike path cl
To the temporary closure of a portion of the bike path on a portion of South Street that abuts the Atlas Tack property. Individuals using the bike path will be diverted onto South Street at the beginning of the bike path closure and will reenter the bike path at the end of the portion closed. In addition, while a section of the bike path is closed, South Street will be closed to all vehicular traffic
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to the temporary closure of a portion of the bike path on a portion of South Street that abuts the Atlas Tack property. Individuals using the bike path will be diverted onto South Street at the beginning of the bike path closure and will reenter the bike path at the end of the portion closed. In addition, while a section of the bike path is closed, South Street will be closed to all vehicular traffic. Ms. Mello seconded. Roll Call Vote. Mr. Saunders, Ms. Mello, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Silvia and Mr. Romano in favor. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve the pledge of collateral for their Al) Alcohol License from Bitter Wallace, Inc. d/b/a The Bitter End to Bay Coast Bank as presented
To approve the pledge of collateral for their Al) Alcohol License from Bitter Wallace, Inc. d/b/a The Bitter End to Bay Coast Bank as presented
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the pledge of collateral for their Al) Alcohol License from Bitter Wallace, Inc. d/b/a The Bitter End to Bay Coast Bank as presented. Ms, Mello seconded. Roll Call Vote. Mr. Saunders, Ms. Mello, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Silvia and Mr. Romano in favor. The motion passed unanimously (5-0- 0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Amend Town Hall hours as presented
To amend Town Hall hours as presented
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to amend Town Hall hours as presented. Ms, Mello seconded. The Board asked to clarify the effective date of the change, brief discussion ensued and the consensus was to make the change effective Monday, March 23, 2026. Motion: Mr. Saunders amended his motion to amend Town Hall hours as presented effective Monday, March 23, 2026. Ms. Mello amended her second. Roll Call Vote. Mr. Saunders, Ms. Mello, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Silvia and Mr. Romano in favor. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Waive Select Board compensation for FY27 and recommend the Finance Committee not include the stipend amount in the FY27 budget
To waive Select Board compensation for FY27 and recommend the Finance Committee not include the stipend amount in the FY27 budget
Yes: Mello, Saunders, SilviaNo: RomanoAbstained: Murphy
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to waive Select Board compensation for FY27 and recommend the Finance Committee not include the stipend amount in the FY27 budget. Mr. Silvia seconded. Roll Call Vote. Mr. Saunders in favor, Ms. Mello in favor, Mr. Murphy abstained, Mr. Silvia in favor and Mr, Romano opposed. The motion passed (3-1-1) Mr. Murphy abstained and Mr. Romano opposed.” (Motion: Saunders, second: Silvia)
Accept the open session minutes of February 22 and February 23, 2026, 2026 as presented
To accept the open session minutes of February 22 and February 23, 2026, 2026 as presented
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to accept the open session minutes of February 22 and February 23, 2026, 2026 as presented. Ms. Mello seconded. Roll Call Vote. Mr. Saunders, Ms. Mello, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Silvia and Mr. Romano in favor. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
CORRESPONDENCE
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. Roll Call Vote. Mr. Saunders, Ms. Mello, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Silvia and Mr. Romano in favor. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Enter into Executive Session Pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, s. 21{a)(2) to discuss results of complaints regarding the constructive approval of the Timothy/Hiller Subdivision under the Former Land Use & Planning Director. And
To enter into Executive Session Pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, s. 21{a)(2) to discuss results of complaints regarding the constructive approval of the Timothy/Hiller Subdivision under the Former Land Use & Planning Director. 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, s. 21{a)(2) to discuss results of complaints regarding the constructive approval of the Timothy/Hiller Subdivision under the Former Land Use & Planning Director. And not to return to Open Session. Ms. Mello seconded. Roll Call Vote. Mr. Saunders, Ms. Mello, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Silvia and Mr. Romano 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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