MassVoter.com← Fairhaven Select BoardFairhaven Select Board · 2026–2027 Board · Regular meeting
June 22, 2026
24 recorded votes, 2 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF)
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Present: Andrew Romano, Natalie A. Mello, Andrew B. Saunders, Pam Kuechler, Richard F. Trapilo
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Reorganization of Sclect Board
Nominate Andrew Romano as Select Board Chair
To nominate Andrew Romano as Select Board Chair
From the minutes
“Motion: Ms. Mello motioned to nominate Andrew Romano as Select Board Chair. Mr. Saunders seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Mello, second: Saunders)
Nominate Rick Trapilo as Select Board Vice Chair
To nominate Rick Trapilo as Select Board Vice Chair
Yes: Saunders, TrapiloNo: Kuechler, Mello, Romano
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to nominate Rick Trapilo as Select Board Vice Chair. Mr. Trapilo seconded. The motion failed (2-3-0) Mr. Romano, Ms. Mello and Ms. Kuechler opposed.” (Motion: Saunders, second: Trapilo)
Nominate Natalie Mello as Select Board Vice Chair
To nominate Natalie Mello as Select Board Vice Chair
Yes: Kuechler, Mello, Romano, SaundersAbstained: Trapilo
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Romano motioned to nominate Natalie Mello as Select Board Vice Chair. Ms. Kuechler seconded. The motion passed (4-0-1) Mr. Trapilo abstained.” (Motion: Romano, second: Kuechler)
Nominate Pam Kuechler as Select Board Clerk
To nominate Pam Kuechler as Select Board Clerk
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Romano motioned to nominate Pam Kuechler as Select Board Clerk. Mr. Saunders seconded. ‘The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Romano, second: Saunders)
Accept the adoption of Select Board Protocols as amended
To accept the adoption of Select Board Protocols as amended
From the minutes
“Motion: Ms. Mello motioned to accept the adoption of Select Board Protocols as amended. Mr. Trapilo seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Mello, second: Trapilo)
Discussion ensued about new Board members not having knowledge of the process and suggesting the Board
Extend current appointments to September 14, 2026
To extend current appointments to September 14, 2026
From the minutes
“Motion: Ms. Kuechler motioned to extend current appointments to September 14, 2026. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Kuechler, second: Mello)
Reorganization of Sclect Board
Appoint John Loughnane to the Livable Streets Committee for a term to end September, 2026
To appoint John Loughnane to the Livable Streets Committee for a term to end September, 2026
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to appoint John Loughnane to the Livable Streets Committee for a term to end September, 2026. Ms. Kuechler seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Issue a proclamation for the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act being signed into law in 1990 as presented
To issue a proclamation for the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act being signed into law in 1990 as presented
Yes: Kuechler, Mello, Romano, Saunders, Trapilo
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to issue a proclamation for the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act being signed into law in 1990 as presented. Ms. Kuechler seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0) Mr. Romano recused himself.” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Approve the event request from the North Fairhaven Improvement Association for the use of a portion of Adams Street on July 19, 2026 as presented
To approve the event request from the North Fairhaven Improvement Association for the use of a portion of Adams Street on July 19, 2026 as presented
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the event request from the North Fairhaven Improvement Association for the use of a portion of Adams Street on July 19, 2026 as presented, Ms. Kuechler seconded. The motion passed (4-0-1) Mr. Romano recused.” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Approve the event request from the North Fairhaven Improvement Association for the use of a portion of Adams Street on December 4, 2026 as presented
To approve the event request from the North Fairhaven Improvement Association for the use of a portion of Adams Street on December 4, 2026 as presented
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the event request from the North Fairhaven Improvement Association for the use of a portion of Adams Street on December 4, 2026 as presented. Ms. Kuechler seconded. The motion passed (4-0-1) Mr. Romano recused.” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Approve the request by the Historical Commission and Society to use the Academy Building for a summer art exhibit in the Academy Building on June 27, July 11, July 18 and July 25, 2026 with the applicable custodian fee a
To approve the request by the Historical Commission and Society to use the Academy Building for a summer art exhibit in the Academy Building on June 27, July 11, July 18 and July 25, 2026 with the applicable custodian fee as presented
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the request by the Historical Commission and Society to use the Academy Building for a summer art exhibit in the Academy Building on June 27, July 11, July 18 and July 25, 2026 with the applicable custodian fee as presented. Ms. Kuechler seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5- 0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Establish a Special Bylaw Review Committee as outlined with five members, applications to be received by July 8, 2026
To establish a Special Bylaw Review Committee as outlined with five members, applications to be received by July 8, 2026
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to establish a Special Bylaw Review Committee as outlined with five members, applications to be received by July 8, 2026. Ms. Kuechler seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Appoint Natalie Mello as Select Board Representative for SRTA (Southeastern Regional Transit Authority)
To appoint Natalie Mello as Select Board Representative for SRTA (Southeastern Regional Transit Authority)
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to appoint Natalie Mello as Select Board Representative for SRTA (Southeastern Regional Transit Authority). Ms. Kuechler seconded, The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Appoint Rick Trapilo as Select Board Representative for SRPEDD (Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District)
To appoint Rick Trapilo as Select Board Representative for SRPEDD (Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District)
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to appoint Rick Trapilo as Select Board Representative for SRPEDD (Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District). Ms. Kuechler seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Appoint Rick Trapilo as Select Board Representative for SMMPO (Southeastern Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization)
To appoint Rick Trapilo as Select Board Representative for SMMPO (Southeastern Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization)
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to appoint Rick Trapilo as Select Board Representative for SMMPO (Southeastern Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization). Ms. Kuechler seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Appoint Andrew Romano as Select Board liaison to the Belonging Committee, Cable Advisory Committee, Fair Housing Coordinator, the Dog Park Study Committee, the Millicent Library and the Sustainability
To appoint Andrew Romano as Select Board liaison to the Belonging Committee, Cable Advisory Committee, Fair Housing Coordinator, the Dog Park Study Committee, the Millicent Library and the Sustainability
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to appoint Andrew Romano as Select Board liaison to the Belonging Committee, Cable Advisory Committee, Fair Housing Coordinator, the Dog Park Study Committee, the Millicent Library and the Sustainability. Ms. Kuechler seconded, The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Committee, Cable Advisory Committee, Fair Housing Coordinator, the Dog Park Study Committee, the Millicent
Appoint Andrew Saunders as Select Board liaison to the Lagoa Friendship Pact Committee, the Livable Streets Committee, the Marine Resources Committee and the Sister City Committee
To appoint Andrew Saunders as Select Board liaison to the Lagoa Friendship Pact Committee, the Livable Streets Committee, the Marine Resources Committee and the Sister City Committee
From the minutes
“Motion: Ms, Kuechler motioned to appoint Andrew Saunders as Select Board liaison to the Lagoa Friendship Pact Committee, the Livable Streets Committee, the Marine Resources Committee and the Sister City Committee. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Kuechler, second: Mello)
Reorganization of Sclect Board
Appoint Natalie Melio as Select Board liaison to the Bristol County Advisory Committee, Buzzards Bay Water Quality Working Group, Commission on Disability, Historical Commission and the Public Safety Complex Committee
To appoint Natalie Melio as Select Board liaison to the Bristol County Advisory Committee, Buzzards Bay Water Quality Working Group, Commission on Disability, Historical Commission and the Public Safety Complex Committee
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to appoint Natalie Melio as Select Board liaison to the Bristol County Advisory Committee, Buzzards Bay Water Quality Working Group, Commission on Disability, Historical Commission and the Public Safety Complex Committee. Ms. Kuechler seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Appoint Pam Kuechler as Select Board liaison to the Economic Development Committee and the Rogers Reuse Committee
To appoint Pam Kuechler as Select Board liaison to the Economic Development Committee and the Rogers Reuse Committee
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to appoint Pam Kuechler as Select Board liaison to the Economic Development Committee and the Rogers Reuse Committee. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Mello)
Appoint Rick Trapilo as Select Board liaison to the Harbormaster Renewal Plan Committee
To appoint Rick Trapilo as Select Board liaison to the Harbormaster Renewal Plan Committee
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to appoint Rick Trapilo as Select Board liaison to the Harbormaster Renewal Plan Committee. Ms. Kuechler seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Table the discussion on establishing a budget working group to the July 13, 2026 meeting
To table the discussion on establishing a budget working group to the July 13, 2026 meeting
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to table the discussion on establishing a budget working group to the July 13, 2026 meeting. Ms. Kuechler seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Table item D7 to a future date to be determined by the Town Administrator unless requested by Select Board member Rick Trapilo
To table item D7 to a future date to be determined by the Town Administrator unless requested by Select Board member Rick Trapilo
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to table item D7 to a future date to be determined by the Town Administrator unless requested by Select Board member Rick Trapilo. Ms. Kuechler seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Accept the open session minutes of June 15, 2026 as presented
To accept the open session minutes of June 15, 2026 as presented
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to accept the open session minutes of June 15, 2026 as presented. Ms. Kuechler seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
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. Kuechler seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
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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