Fairhaven, Massachusetts Development News
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Select Board 6/22/26
Published: Jun 22, 2026
North Fairhaven Improvement Association Granted Use of Adam Street for Two Events
The board approved a request from the North Fairhaven Improvement Association for the use of a portion of Adam Street for a music night at Benoit Square on July 19th, 2026. They also approved their request for support to seek state approval through Mass DOT for a holiday lighting event on Adam Street at Benoit Square on December 4th, 2026. Both requests were passed 4-0-0.
Select Board Reorganizes, Addresses Appointment Process Concerns, and Adopts Meeting Protocols
The Select Board reorganized for the upcoming year, electing Andrew Romano as Chair, Natalie Mellow as Vice Chair, and Pam Keitschler as Clerk. They also reviewed and adopted Select Board protocols, with a minor amendment to protocol number eight regarding libelous comments. The board discussed the process for public comments during meetings, ultimately deciding to maintain the current practice of allowing comments during public comment periods unless at the discretion of the chair. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the appointment and reappointment process for town boards and committees. Concerns were raised about the lack of transparency in reappointments, with members feeling they were voting blindly without sufficient information on candidates' participation and backgrounds. The board agreed to postpone further action on reappointments to allow for a clearer protocol to be developed, potentially involving re-applications for all positions to ensure greater participation and better-suited candidates. They also discussed changes to how many committees individuals can serve on, aligning with town meeting directives. The board voted to extend current appointments until September 2026 to allow time for this new process. The appointment of John LaHane to the Livable Streets Committee was approved. The board also issued a proclamation recognizing the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Several other committee liaison assignments were made, and the board discussed the process for these appointments. A discussion on funding the tourism department through donations was tabled after extensive debate, with concerns raised about legality, management, and the role of volunteers versus paid employees.
Town Faces Potential Multi-Million Dollar Deficit; Special Budget Committee Proposed
The board discussed the town's financial situation following the failure of a Proposition 2.5 override vote. Councilmember Chipillo proposed establishing a special committee to review the town's structure, explore new revenue opportunities, and identify cost-saving measures for the Fiscal Year 28 budget. Ms. Carrero and Mr. Hickey are working on a financial forecast potentially showing deficits of $3-4 million. The committee would be data-driven, comprised of volunteers with financial and municipal experience, and would report to the Town Administrator. Board members raised concerns about the committee's scope, potential duplication of efforts with existing committees like the Finance Committee, and the need for transparency in sharing documents. Ultimately, the board decided to table the discussion to their July 13th meeting to allow for further financial quantification and a clearer proposal, emphasizing the need for macro-level, long-term solutions. There was also discussion on potential state grants for regionalization efforts and utilizing resources from organizations like the Mass Municipal Association for advocacy. The Town Administrator also provided updates on supplemental budget funding received for sidewalk improvements and winter storm costs, and the process for reviewing tax-title properties. A discussion on the Public Safety Building Commission's RFP process was also deferred to the next meeting due to financial considerations.
Decision on Making Rogers School Bell Mobile Postponed Due to Insurance Concerns
The Historical Commission requested the Select Board's opinion on making the Rogers School Bell mobile for use in parades and town events. A subcommittee explored logistics, determining the bell is in good condition and currently stored at the DPW. Concerns were raised about insurance coverage for the bell, especially regarding transportation by volunteers versus town employees, and the value of the bell for insurance purposes. The board decided to postpone a decision until clearer answers regarding insurance coverage and liability are obtained. The Historical Commission subcommittee will continue to work on developing protocols for the bell's use and storage.
Special Committee to Review Town Bylaws Established; Regional Authority Representatives Appointed
The Select Board voted to establish a special bylaw review committee composed of five members. The committee's charge is to review existing bylaws and ensure conformity with the recently adopted town charter. Applications for the committee will be accepted until July 8th, 2026, with the committee expected to complete its work until the review is finished. The board encouraged members of the previous charter commission to apply, while also seeking fresh perspectives. The board also discussed the town's financial situation and the need for a budget working group, ultimately tabling the discussion to gather more financial data. Additionally, the board addressed the town's representative assignments for various regional authorities, appointing Ms. Mellow to the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) and Mr. Chapillo to SERPED and SMMPO. They also reviewed liaison assignments to various boards and committees, with members retaining or taking on new roles. The Millicent Library Board of Trustees appointment was clarified, noting a vacancy due to a member's election as president of the Board of Trustees.
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