MassVoter.com← Fairhaven Select BoardFairhaven Select Board · 2025–2026 Board · Regular meeting
April 27, 2026
21 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
Mr. DaSilva addressed the Board. The Board asked clarifying questions about the application, zoning, address
Keep the hearing open and continue the Public Hearing to May 11, 2026 at 6:30pm
To keep the hearing open and continue the Public Hearing to May 11, 2026 at 6:30pm
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to keep the hearing open and continue the Public Hearing to May 11, 2026 at 6:30pm. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed (4-0-1) Mr. Silvia recused.” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Town. Brief discussion ensued with some on the Board in support of the event and some concerned about the
Approve leasing a portion of the Rogers School to hold a “Summer Art Museum- Rogers School” from June 12, 2026 to August 9, 2026. Further, prior to allowing entrance into the Rogers School to stage the art event, all imp
To approve leasing a portion of the Rogers School to hold a “Summer Art Museum- Rogers School” from June 12, 2026 to August 9, 2026. Further, prior to allowing entrance into the Rogers School to stage the art event, all improvements must be made to the satisfaction of Town staff, a lease prepared by Town Counsel is signed by both parties and a certificate of insurance naming the Town of Fairhaven be provided. Lastly, the Select Board authorizes the Town Administrator to sign the lease on behalf of the Select Board
Yes: Mello, MurphyNo: Romano, Saunders, Silvia
From the minutes
“Motion: Ms. Mello motioned to approve leasing a portion of the Rogers School to hold a “Summer Art Museum- Rogers School” from June 12, 2026 to August 9, 2026. Further, prior to allowing entrance into the Rogers School to stage the art event, all improvements must be made to the satisfaction of Town staff, a lease prepared by Town Counsel is signed by both parties and a certificate of insurance naming the Town of Fairhaven be provided. Lastly, the Select Board authorizes the Town Administrator to sign the lease on behalf of the Select Board, Mr. Murphy seconded. The motion failed (2-3-0) Mr. Saunders, Mr. Romano and Mr. Silvia opposed.” (Motion: Mello, second: Murphy)
Mr. DaSilva addressed the Board. The Board asked clarifying questions about the application, zoning, address
Appoint Joan Kilroe, a registered Democrat, to the Board of Registrars of Voters for a term expiring May, 2029
To appoint Joan Kilroe, a registered Democrat, to the Board of Registrars of Voters for a term expiring May, 2029
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to appoint Joan Kilroe, a registered Democrat, to the Board of Registrars of Voters for a term expiring May, 2029. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve a Special One-Day All Alcohol License for Discover Fairhaven at the Harbor of Courage event on May 16, 2026 with a rain date of May 17, 2026
To approve a Special One-Day All Alcohol License for Discover Fairhaven at the Harbor of Courage event on May 16, 2026 with a rain date of May 17, 2026
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve a Special One-Day All Alcohol License for Discover Fairhaven at the Harbor of Courage event on May 16, 2026 with a rain date of May 17, 2026. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve a Special One-Day All Alcohol License for Soul Flower Yoga at the Annual Full Bloom Festival on June 28, 2026
To approve a Special One-Day All Alcohol License for Soul Flower Yoga at the Annual Full Bloom Festival on June 28, 2026
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve a Special One-Day All Alcohol License for Soul Flower Yoga at the Annual Full Bloom Festival on June 28, 2026, Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve the usc of Town Hall and Temporary Street Closure on June 27, 2026 as requested contingent upon any conditions required by Police, Fire and Public Works
To approve the usc of Town Hall and Temporary Street Closure on June 27, 2026 as requested contingent upon any conditions required by Police, Fire and Public Works
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the usc of Town Hall and Temporary Street Closure on June 27, 2026 as requested contingent upon any conditions required by Police, Fire and Public Works. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve the use of the Rogers School parking lot for vendor parking for the Home Coming Fair on June 27, 2026
To approve the use of the Rogers School parking lot for vendor parking for the Home Coming Fair on June 27, 2026
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the use of the Rogers School parking lot for vendor parking for the Home Coming Fair on June 27, 2026. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve the use of the Town Hall grounds for the annual Concerts Under the Stars events scheduled on five conseculive Thursdays starting July 9, 2026 through August 6, 2026 from 6-9pm
To approve the use of the Town Hall grounds for the annual Concerts Under the Stars events scheduled on five conseculive Thursdays starting July 9, 2026 through August 6, 2026 from 6-9pm
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the use of the Town Hall grounds for the annual Concerts Under the Stars events scheduled on five conseculive Thursdays starting July 9, 2026 through August 6, 2026 from 6-9pm. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve the event request for the Tour de Créme Bike Ride on May 31, 2026 as requesicd contingent upon any conditions required by Police, Fire and Public Works
To approve the event request for the Tour de Créme Bike Ride on May 31, 2026 as requesicd contingent upon any conditions required by Police, Fire and Public Works
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the event request for the Tour de Créme Bike Ride on May 31, 2026 as requesicd contingent upon any conditions required by Police, Fire and Public Works. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Table item D1 to May 26, 2026
To table item D1 to May 26, 2026
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to table item D1 to May 26, 2026. Ms. Mello seconded. ‘The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Accept a deed from Rachel Beth Feldman, Persona! Representative of the Estate of Frieda Feldman, to property located on Washburn Avenue in Fairhaven (Parcel ID 27-334), which is to be held under the care, custody and con
To accept a deed from Rachel Beth Feldman, Persona! Representative of the Estate of Frieda Feldman, to property located on Washburn Avenue in Fairhaven (Parcel ID 27-334), which is to be held under the care, custody and control of the Conservation Commission for conservation purposes under the provisions of G.L. ¢.40, §8C
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to accept a deed from Rachel Beth Feldman, Persona! Representative of the Estate of Frieda Feldman, to property located on Washburn Avenue in Fairhaven (Parcel ID 27-334), which is to be held under the care, custody and control of the Conservation Commission for conservation purposes under the provisions of G.L. ¢.40, §8C. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve the flag/banner request for the month of July for Disability Pride Month
To approve the flag/banner request for the month of July for Disability Pride Month
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the flag/banner request for the month of July for Disability Pride Month. Ms. Mello seconded, The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve the use of two detail officers at the Town elections in May
To approve the use of two detail officers at the Town elections in May
Yes: Mello, SaundersNo: Murphy, Romano, Silvia
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the use of two detail officers at the Town elections in May. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion failed (2-3-0) Mr. Silvia, Mr. Romano and Mr. Murphy opposed.” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve the language of the ballot question to remove police officers and firefighters from civil service and to request that the Town Clerk place said question on the ballot for the June 9, 2026 clection
To approve the language of the ballot question to remove police officers and firefighters from civil service and to request that the Town Clerk place said question on the ballot for the June 9, 2026 clection
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the language of the ballot question to remove police officers and firefighters from civil service and to request that the Town Clerk place said question on the ballot for the June 9, 2026 clection. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Discussion on Possible Town Sponsored Amendments at Annual Town Meeting
Direct that the additional $90,000 FY27 General Fund budget funds be used in the following manner to the Fairhaven Schoo! Department
To direct that the additional $90,000 FY27 General Fund budget funds be used in the following manner to the Fairhaven Schoo! Department
Yes: Mello, RomanoNo: Murphy, Saunders, Silvia
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Romano motioned that the additional $90,000 FY27 General Fund budget funds be used in the following manner to the Fairhaven Schoo! Department. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion failed (2-3-0) Mr. Saunders, Mr. Murphy and Mr. Silvia opposed.” (Motion: Romano, second: Mello)
That the additional $90,000 FY27 General Fund budget be used in the following manner: $30,861 to Animal Control Wages, $24,700 to Animal Control Expenses and $34,439 to the Fairhaven School Department
To that the additional $90,000 FY27 General Fund budget be used in the following manner: $30,861 to Animal Control Wages, $24,700 to Animal Control Expenses and $34,439 to the Fairhaven School Department
Yes: Mello, Murphy, RomanoNo: Saunders, Silvia
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Romano motioned to that the additional $90,000 FY27 General Fund budget be used in the following manner: $30,861 to Animal Control Wages, $24,700 to Animal Control Expenses and $34,439 to the Fairhaven School Department. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed (3-2-0) Mr. Saunders and Mr. Silvia opposed.” (Motion: Romano, second: Mello)
Mr. DaSilva addressed the Board. The Board asked clarifying questions about the application, zoning, address
Support the revised language for Section 7(A)(11) in Article 24 of the Annual Town Meeting Warrant
To support the revised language for Section 7(A)(11) in Article 24 of the Annual Town Meeting Warrant.
Yes: Mello, Murphy, Saunders, SilviaNo: Romano
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to support the revised language for Section 7(A)(11) in Article 24 of the Annual Town Meeting Warrant.. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed (4-1-0) Mr. Romano opposed.” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Approve the FY27-FY31 Capital Improvement Plan
To approve the FY27-FY31 Capital Improvement Plan
Yes: Mello, Murphy, Romano, SaundersNo: Silvia
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the FY27-FY31 Capital Improvement Plan. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed (4-1-0) Mr. Silvia opposed.” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Accept the open session minutes of April 13 and 15, 2026 as presented
To accept the open session minutes of April 13 and 15, 2026 as presented
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to accept the open session minutes of April 13 and 15, 2026 as presented. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Accept the executive session minutes of April 13, 2026 as presented
To accept the executive session minutes of April 13, 2026 as presented
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to accept the executive session minutes of April 13, 2026 as presented. 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. Mr. Romano seconded. The motion passed (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Romano)
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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