MassVoter.com← Fairhaven Select BoardFairhaven Select Board · 2026–2027 Board · Regular meeting
August 24, 2026
16 recorded votes, 1 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
Mr. Romano asked for a motion to table until the end of the meeting or until Chief Correia or Dogan arrive to
Table this item until the end of the meeting or Chief Correia or Chief Dorgan arrive
To table this item until the end of the meeting or Chief Correia or Chief Dorgan arrive
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to table this item until the end of the meeting or Chief Correia or Chief Dorgan arrive. Ms. Kuechler seconded. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Saunders, Ms. Kuechler, Mr. Trapilo, Ms. Mello and Mr. Romano in favor. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Direct that the Board approve the sale of the Town’s $7,970,000 General Obligation Municipal Purpose Loan of 2026 Bonds of the Town dated September 2, 2026, to the winning bidder, Raymond James & Associates, Inc. at the
To direct that the Board approve the sale of the Town’s $7,970,000 General Obligation Municipal Purpose Loan of 2026 Bonds of the Town dated September 2, 2026, to the winning bidder, Raymond James & Associates, Inc. at the price of $8,104,887.16 and (ii) $3,200,000 4.00 percent General Obligation Bond Anticipation Notes dated September 2, 2026 to the winning bidder, Truist Securities, Inc., at the price of the par amount of the notes plus a premium of $40,320.00, all as set forth in the vote drafted by bond counsel and before the Board in writing
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned that the Board approve the sale of the Town’s $7,970,000 General Obligation Municipal Purpose Loan of 2026 Bonds of the Town dated September 2, 2026, to the winning bidder, Raymond James & Associates, Inc. at the price of $8,104,887.16 and (ii) $3,200,000 4.00 percent General Obligation Bond Anticipation Notes dated September 2, 2026 to the winning bidder, Truist Securities, Inc., at the price of the par amount of the notes plus a premium of $40,320.00, all as set forth in the vote drafted by bond counsel and before the Board in writing. Ms. Kuechler seconded. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Saunders, Ms. Kuechler, Mr. Trapilo, Ms. Mello and Mr. Romano in favor, The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Approve the Podkowa 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, October 4, 2026 as presented with conditions or requirements of Police, Fire and Public Works
To approve the Podkowa 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, October 4, 2026 as presented with conditions or requirements of Police, Fire and Public Works
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the Podkowa 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, October 4, 2026 as presented with conditions or requirements of Police, Fire and Public Works. Mr. Trapilo seconded. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Saunders, Ms. Kuechler, Mr. Trapilo, Ms. Mello in favor and Mr. Romano recused. The motion passed (4-0-1) Mr. Romano recused.” (Motion: Saunders, second: Trapilo)
Approve the application for a new Class II] Auto Repair/Auto Body License for Stealth Collision Inc. d/b/a Artistic Auto Body and Stealth Auto Center located at 98-99 Middle Street for 2 retail autos
To approve the application for a new Class II] Auto Repair/Auto Body License for Stealth Collision Inc. d/b/a Artistic Auto Body and Stealth Auto Center located at 98-99 Middle Street for 2 retail autos
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the application for a new Class II] Auto Repair/Auto Body License for Stealth Collision Inc. d/b/a Artistic Auto Body and Stealth Auto Center located at 98-99 Middle Street for 2 retail autos. Ms. Kuechler seconded. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Saunders, Ms. Kuechler, Ms. Mello and Mr, Romano in favor, Mr. Trapilo recused, The motion passed (4-0-1) Mr. Trapilo recused.” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Approve the Town Administrator to expend up to $50,000 as approved under Article 5 of the November 19, 2025 Special Town Meeting for legal expenses related to a Request for Qualifications
To approve the Town Administrator to expend up to $50,000 as approved under Article 5 of the November 19, 2025 Special Town Meeting for legal expenses related to a Request for Qualifications
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the Town Administrator to expend up to $50,000 as approved under Article 5 of the November 19, 2025 Special Town Meeting for legal expenses related to a Request for Qualifications. Ms. Kuechler seconded. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Saunders, Ms. Kuechler, Mr. Trapilo, Ms. Mello and Mr. Romano in favor. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Approve the request for the use of the Town Hall auditorium on September 9, 2026 as presented with any conditions or requirements from the Facilities Manager
To approve the request for the use of the Town Hall auditorium on September 9, 2026 as presented with any conditions or requirements from the Facilities Manager
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the request for the use of the Town Hall auditorium on September 9, 2026 as presented with any conditions or requirements from the Facilities Manager. Ms. Kuechler seconded. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Saunders, Ms. Kuechler, Mr. Trapilo, Ms. Mello and Mr. Romano in favor. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Appoint Hailey Hemingway as a
To appoint Hailey Hemingway as a
Yes: Kuechler, Mello, SaundersNo: Romano, Trapilo
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to appoint Hailey Hemingway as a. Ms. Kuechler seconded. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Saunders, Ms. Kuechler and Ms. Mello in favor; Mr. Trapilo and Mr. Romano opposed. The motion passed (3-2-0) Mr. Trapilo and Mr. Romano opposed.” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Appoint Kevin Gallagher to the Budget Working Group under category four, retired police, fire, EMS, public safety professional
To appoint Kevin Gallagher to the Budget Working Group under category four, retired police, fire, EMS, public safety professional
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to appoint Kevin Gallagher to the Budget Working Group under category four, retired police, fire, EMS, public safety professional. Ms. Kuechler seconded. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Saunders, Ms. Kuechler, Mr. Trapilo, Ms. Mello and Mr. Romano in favor. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Change the deadline under Special Bylaw Review Committee to “open until filled”
To change the deadline under Special Bylaw Review Committee to “open until filled”
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to change the deadline under Special Bylaw Review Committee to “open until filled”. Ms. Kuechler seconded. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Saunders, Ms. Kuechler, Mr. Trapilo, Ms. Mello and Mr, Romano in favor. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Approve the Request for Proposals (RFP): Legal Services, General and Labor and authorize the Town Administrator to advertise the approved RFP
To approve the Request for Proposals (RFP): Legal Services, General and Labor and authorize the Town Administrator to advertise the approved RFP
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the Request for Proposals (RFP): Legal Services, General and Labor and authorize the Town Administrator to advertise the approved RFP. Ms. Kuechler seconded. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Saunders, Ms. Kuechler, Mr. Trapilo, Ms. Mello and Mr. Romano in favor. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Have the Select Board authorize the Finance Director to send a letter signed by the Chair of the Select Board requesting the State’s Financial Management Resource Bureau develop a five- year financial plan
To have the Select Board authorize the Finance Director to send a letter signed by the Chair of the Select Board requesting the State’s Financial Management Resource Bureau develop a five- year financial plan
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to have the Select Board authorize the Finance Director to send a letter signed by the Chair of the Select Board requesting the State’s Financial Management Resource Bureau develop a five- year financial plan. Ms. Kuechler seconded. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Saunders, Ms. Kuechler, Mr. Trapilo, Ms. Mello and Mr. Romano in favor. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Approve the FY27 Town Administrator goals as amended
To approve the FY27 Town Administrator goals as amended
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to approve the FY27 Town Administrator goals as amended. Ms. Kuechler seconded. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Saunders, Ms. Kuechler, Mr. Trapilo, Ms. Mello and Mr. Romano in favor. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Declare the items listed as surplus as presented, minus the Ford SUV, and to send to Public Works for the Town Auction on Sept. 19, 2026
To declare the items listed as surplus as presented, minus the Ford SUV, and to send to Public Works for the Town Auction on Sept. 19, 2026
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to declare the items listed as surplus as presented, minus the Ford SUV, and to send to Public Works for the Town Auction on Sept. 19, 2026. Ms. Kuechler seconded. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Saunders, Ms. Kuechler, Mr. Trapilo, Ms. Mello and Mr. Romano in favor. The motion passed unanimously (5- 0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Accept the Open Session minutes of July 27, 2026 and August 10, 2026
To accept the Open Session minutes of July 27, 2026 and August 10, 2026
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to accept the Open Session minutes of July 27, 2026 and August 10, 2026. Ms. Kuechler seconded. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Saunders, Ms. Kuechler, Mr. Trapilo, Ms. Mello and Mr. Romano in favor. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Accept the Executive Session minutes of August 10, 2026
To accept the Executive Session minutes of August 10, 2026
From the minutes
“Motion: Mr. Saunders motioned to accept the Executive Session minutes of August 10, 2026. Ms. Kuechler seconded. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Saunders, Ms. Kuechler, Mr. Trapilo, Ms. Mello and Mr. Romano in favor. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).” (Motion: Saunders, second: Kuechler)
Enter executive session pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(1) To discuss the reputation, character, physical condition or mental health, rather than professional competence, of an individual, or to discuss the discipline o
To enter executive session pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(1) To discuss the reputation, character, physical condition or mental health, rather than professional competence, of an individual, or to discuss the discipline or dismissal of, or complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual. (Conservation Commission Chair) 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)(1) To discuss the reputation, character, physical condition or mental health, rather than professional competence, of an individual, or to discuss the discipline or dismissal of, or complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual. (Conservation Commission Chair) AND not to return to open session. Ms. Kuechler seconded. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Saunders, Ms. Kuechler, Mr. Trapilo, Ms. Mello and Mr. Romano in favor. 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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