MassVoter.com← Fairhaven Select BoardFairhaven Select Board · 2026–2027 Board · Regular meeting
July 13, 2026
25 recorded votes, 7 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF)
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Your Fairhaven ballot: 14 quizzes, about a minute each.
Start my ballot →Attendance
Present: Andrew Romano, Natalie A. Mello, Andrew B. Saunders, Pam Kuechler, Richard F. Trapilo
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Department to General Government Salaries and Wages-Treasurer/Collector
Authorize a transfer in the amount of $34,000 from Community Services Salaries and Wages-Recreation Department to General Government Salaries and Wages- Treasurer/Collector
To authorize a transfer in the amount of $34,000 from Community Services Salaries and Wages-Recreation Department to General Government Salaries and Wages- Treasurer/Collector
The minutes give the count (4-0-0) but not how each member voted.
From the minutes
“Motion: Ms. Kuechler motioned to authorize a transfer in the amount of $34,000 from Community Services Salaries and Wages-Recreation Department to General Government Salaries and Wages- Treasurer/Collector. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed unanimously (4-0-0).” (Motion: Kuechler, second: Mello)
Services Salaries and Wages-Recreation Department to General Government Salaries and Wages-
Authorize a transfer in the amount of $34,000 from Community Services Salaries and Wages-Recreation Department to General Government Salaries and Wages- Treasurer/Collector
To authorize a transfer in the amount of $34,000 from Community Services Salaries and Wages-Recreation Department to General Government Salaries and Wages- Treasurer/Collector
Joint vote with another board (8-0-0); individual Select Board votes are not shown.
From the minutes
“Motion: Ms. Millette motioned to authorize a transfer in the amount of $34,000 from Community Services Salaries and Wages-Recreation Department to General Government Salaries and Wages- Treasurer/Collector. Mr. Grindrod seconded. The motion passed unanimously (8-0-0).”
Mr. Romano announced an opening for the At-Large Finance Committee, applications will be accepted until
Take agenda items Cl and C2 out of order
To take agenda items Cl and C2 out of order
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to take agenda items Cl and C2 out of order. Ms. Kuechler seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Accept the proclamation for Fire Lieutenant Brian Riggs as presented
To accept the proclamation for Fire Lieutenant Brian Riggs as presented
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to accept the proclamation for Fire Lieutenant Brian Riggs as presented. Ms. Kuechier seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Appoint Dawn Quirk as Town Planner with a start date of Monday, July 20, 2026
To appoint Dawn Quirk as Town Planner with a start date of Monday, July 20, 2026
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to appoint Dawn Quirk as Town Planner with a start date of Monday, July 20, 2026. Ms. Kuechler seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Allow Mr. Carr an additional two minutes
To allow Mr. Carr an additional two minutes
Yes: Kuechler, Saunders, TrapiloNo: Mello, Romano
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to allow Mr. Carr an additional two minutes. Mr. Trapilo seconded. The motion passed (3-2-0) Mr. Romano and Ms. Mello opposed.” (Motion: Saunders, second: Trapilo)
Approve the Special All Alcohol License for and annual feast of Our Lady of Angels on September 5, 2026 from 5:00pm-12:00am, September 6, 2026 from 12:00pm-12:00am and September 7, 2026 from 12:00-10:00pm
To approve the Special All Alcohol License for and annual feast of Our Lady of Angels on September 5, 2026 from 5:00pm-12:00am, September 6, 2026 from 12:00pm-12:00am and September 7, 2026 from 12:00-10:00pm
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the Special All Alcohol License for and annual feast of Our Lady of Angels on September 5, 2026 from 5:00pm-12:00am, September 6, 2026 from 12:00pm-12:00am and September 7, 2026 from 12:00-10:00pm. Ms. Kuechler seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Adopt the security plan for the annual feast sponsored by Our Lady of Angels as presented by Lt. Swain on July 9, 2026
To adopt the security plan for the annual feast sponsored by Our Lady of Angels as presented by Lt. Swain on July 9, 2026
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to adopt the security plan for the annual feast sponsored by Our Lady of Angels as presented by Lt. Swain on July 9, 2026. Ms. Kuechler seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Discussion continued about whether there would be consultants, the budget for the committee and legal counsel
Amend the motion on the floor (to appoint Robert Espindola) and motioned to expand the committee to six members
To amend the motion on the floor (to appoint Robert Espindola) and motioned to expand the committee to six members
Yes: Saunders, TrapiloNo: Kuechler, Mello, Romano
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Trapilo motioned to amend the motion on the floor (to appoint Robert Espindola) and motioned to expand the committee to six members. Mr. Saunders seconded. The motion failed (2-3-0) Ms. Kuechler, Mr, Romano and Ms. Mello opposed.” (Motion: Trapilo, second: Saunders)
Amend the committee membership to seven members
To amend the committee membership to seven members
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Trapilo motioned to amend the committee membership to seven members. Mr. Saunders seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Trapilo, second: Saunders)
Mr. Romano announced an opening for the At-Large Finance Committee, applications will be accepted until
Appoint Cathy Melanson, Brendalee Smith, Robert Espindola, Lilia Cabral- Bernard, Robert Grindrod and Morgan Dawicki to the Special Bylaw Review Committee for a term to end June, 2027
To appoint Cathy Melanson, Brendalee Smith, Robert Espindola, Lilia Cabral- Bernard, Robert Grindrod and Morgan Dawicki to the Special Bylaw Review Committee for a term to end June, 2027
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to appoint Cathy Melanson, Brendalee Smith, Robert Espindola, Lilia Cabral- Bernard, Robert Grindrod and Morgan Dawicki to the Special Bylaw Review Committee for a term to end June, 2027. Ms. Kuechler seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
The Board reviewed a memo about membership and terms for Cultural Councils (Attachment C), Ms. Barr was in
Appoint the four applicants through September 30, 2026 as outlined on the agenda
To appoint the four applicants through September 30, 2026 as outlined on the agenda
From the minutes
“Motion: Ms. Mello motioned to appoint the four applicants through September 30, 2026 as outlined on the agenda. Ms. Kuechler seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Mello, second: Kuechler)
Mr. Romano announced an opening for the At-Large Finance Committee, applications will be accepted until
Appoint Denise Barr to the Belonging Committee for a term expiring September 30, 2026
To appoint Denise Barr to the Belonging Committee for a term expiring September 30, 2026
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to appoint Denise Barr to the Belonging Committee for a term expiring September 30, 2026. Ms. Kuechler seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Appoint Keith Silvia to the Economic Development Committee for a term expiring September 30, 2026
To appoint Keith Silvia to the Economic Development Committee for a term expiring September 30, 2026
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to appoint Keith Silvia to the Economic Development Committee for a term expiring September 30, 2026. Mr. Trapilo seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Trapilo)
Appoint Lilia Cabral-Bernard to the Millicent Library Board of Trustees for a term expiring September 30, 2026
To appoint Lilia Cabral-Bernard to the Millicent Library Board of Trustees for a term expiring September 30, 2026
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to appoint Lilia Cabral-Bernard to the Millicent Library Board of Trustees for a term expiring September 30, 2026. Ms. Kuechler seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Enter Executive Session Pursuant to G.I. c. 30A, § 21(a)(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel, Fire Chief Todd Correia
To enter Executive Session Pursuant to G.I. c. 30A, § 21(a)(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel, Fire Chief Todd Correia and return to open session
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to enter Executive Session Pursuant to G.I. c. 30A, § 21(a)(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel, Fire Chief Todd Correia and return to open session. Ms. Kuechler seconded. Roll Call Vote, Mr. Saunders, Ms. Kuechler, Ms. Mello, Mr. Trapilo and Mr. Romano all in favor. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Department to General Government Salaries and Wages-Treasurer/Collector
Approve a cost-of-living adjustment of 2% (1% effective July 1, 2026 and 1% effective January 1, 2027) in FY27
To approve a cost-of-living adjustment of 2% (1% effective July 1, 2026 and 1% effective January 1, 2027) in FY27
Yes: Kuechler, Mello, TrapiloNo: Romano, Saunders
From the minutes
“Motion: Ms. Kuechler motioned to approve a cost-of-living adjustment of 2% (1% effective July 1, 2026 and 1% effective January 1, 2027) in FY27. Ms. Mello seconded. The motion passed (3-2-0) Mr. Saunders and Mr. Romano opposed.” (Motion: Kuechler, second: Mello)
Mr. Romano announced an opening for the At-Large Finance Committee, applications will be accepted until
Allow the ATWG to continue meeting and a representative to be present at the July 27, 2026 meeting to discuss a working charge
To allow the ATWG to continue meeting and a representative to be present at the July 27, 2026 meeting to discuss a working charge
Yes: Kuechler, Romano, Saunders, TrapiloNo: Mello
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to allow the ATWG to continue meeting and a representative to be present at the July 27, 2026 meeting to discuss a working charge. Ms. Kuechler seconded. ‘The motion passed (4-1-0) Ms. Mello opposed.” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Appoint Rick Trapilo as Select Board liaison to the Atlas Tack Working Group
To appoint Rick Trapilo as Select Board liaison to the Atlas Tack Working Group
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to appoint Rick Trapilo as Select Board liaison to the Atlas Tack Working Group. Ms. Kuechler seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Take item E4 out of order
To take item E4 out of order
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to take item E4 out of order. Ms. Kuechler seconded. ‘The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Rescind the vote taken by the Select Board at their June 15, 2026 meeting authorizing the Town Administrator to expend up to $50,000 for legal, design, engineering and appraisal services for the existing Police/Fire buil
To rescind the vote taken by the Select Board at their June 15, 2026 meeting authorizing the Town Administrator to expend up to $50,000 for legal, design, engineering and appraisal services for the existing Police/Fire building and the vacant building located at 4 Plaza Way
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to rescind the vote taken by the Select Board at their June 15, 2026 meeting authorizing the Town Administrator to expend up to $50,000 for legal, design, engineering and appraisal services for the existing Police/Fire building and the vacant building located at 4 Plaza Way. Ms. Kuechler seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Discussion continued with the Board in support of joint meetings with the Finance Committee, School Committee
Establish a Budget Working Group consisting of nine members (seven voting, two non-voting liaisons) to work with the Town Administrator to identify and present cost-saving opportunities to the Select Board for potential
To establish a Budget Working Group consisting of nine members (seven voting, two non-voting liaisons) to work with the Town Administrator to identify and present cost-saving opportunities to the Select Board for potential implementation
Yes: Kuechler, Mello, Saunders, TrapiloNo: Romano
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr, Saunders motioned to establish a Budget Working Group consisting of nine members (seven voting, two non-voting liaisons) to work with the Town Administrator to identify and present cost-saving opportunities to the Select Board for potential implementation. Ms. Kuechler seconded. The motion passed (4-1-0) Mr. Romano opposed.” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Mr. Romano announced an opening for the At-Large Finance Committee, applications will be accepted until
Accept the open session minutes of June 22 and July 6, 2026 as presented
To accept the open session minutes of June 22 and July 6, 2026 as presented
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to accept the open session minutes of June 22 and July 6, 2026 as presented. Ms. Kuechler seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Accept the executive session minutes of July 6, 2026 as presented
To accept the executive session minutes of July 6, 2026 as presented
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to accept the executive session minutes of July 6, 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.
How to read these pagesWhere the votes come from, how we check them against the official minutes, what isn't included yet, and how to report a mistake.About city pages →