Town of Fairhaven

The agenda addendum included several key items for discussion and potential action. Announcements covered the extension of Open Meeting Law regulations for remote participation until June 30, 2027, and new protocols for recorded meetings. The Board planned to interview candidates for a School Committee vacancy (Donna McKenna, Krystal Lunn) and consider an appointment. An Executive Session was scheduled to discuss strategy regarding litigation (NEPD v. Town of Fairhaven) and the purchase/value of real property (Rogers School property). A Public Hearing was scheduled for three concurrent transactions related to the transfer, location change, and pledge of an All-Alcohol License concerning Gamache Restaurant/Courtyard Restaurant and Sail House Tavern, LLC. Discussions were planned regarding traffic impact from the Route 18/Interstate 195 Interchange Project, establishing a Veteran Membership Category at the Recreation Center, and appointing a candidate to the Marine Resources Committee. Further discussion items included the Atlas Tack Working Group (ATWG) meetings, including public attendance and whether to formally establish it as a committee and waive live broadcast requirements, and the ratification of Collective Bargaining Agreements for the Highway and Clerical units. The Board also addressed an Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Patrick Higgins, with a motion to delegate the response to counsel. The Town Administrator's report noted updates on the Fall Town Meeting warrant, progress on the Adams Street school zone, and the start of the final phase of the Hedge Street CDBG project, alongside staff resignations in the Assessor and Land Use/Planning departments.

The agenda for the meeting included an Executive Session to review the minutes of the March 17, 2025 Executive Session and discuss privileged legal opinions regarding an Open Meeting Law Determination from November 18, 2025. Two Public Hearings were scheduled: one for an application for a Farmers Distillery Pouring License Permit by Fairhaven Meadows, LLC DBA Nasketucket Bay Vineyard, and another for a license to operate a Car Dealer and Car Repair Business by TAG Fairhaven Holdings, LLC DBA Tasca Hyundai Fairhaven. The board planned to consider appointments to the Dog Park Study Committee, Historical Commission, and Sustainability Committee. Action and discussion items included reviewing and potentially voting on the 2026 Select Board meeting schedule and considering a policy for agenda submission deadlines. The meeting was scheduled to accept minutes from previous sessions and amend the Open Session minutes from September 30, 2025.

The meeting was conducted remotely consistent with Governor Baker's Executive Order due to the COVID-19 State of Emergency. Key actions taken included approving the use of electronic signatures, and re-approving the Amended Order of Conditions for Torrington Road, Map 29B, Lot 171, and the Order of Conditions for 6 Emerson Avenue. A Certificate of Compliance was issued for 185 Ebony Street (SE 023-1254, CON 023-134). The commission reviewed new Notices of Intent, including one for 130 Ebony Street, which was approved after a public hearing where the Chair recused himself. Several other Notices of Intent were continued to later dates. Regarding a violation at 44 Torrington Road, the Commission voted to notify the property owner that the restoration plan must be approved and the outstanding fine paid by April 27, 2020, or further action would be taken. The next scheduled meetings are April 27, 2020, and May 4, 2020.

The proceedings involved the consideration and motions for various Articles from the Town Warrant. Key discussions and actions focused on adopting motions for the Measurer of Wood and Bark, Town Report, and Bills of Prior Year. Significant attention was given to the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Town Operating Budgets, including proposed appropriations for General Government, Public Safety, Education (Fairhaven Public Schools, New Bedford Regional Technical HS, Bristol County Agricultural HS), Public Works, Health and Environment, Community Services, Non-Departmental expenses, and Debt Service. Enterprise fund budgets for Water, Sewer, Town Cable, and School Cable were also addressed. Capital plans for the General Fund and Water Enterprise Fund were reviewed, including appropriations for water main replacement. Furthermore, motions were addressed regarding FY25 Fund Adjustments, amending Article 9A-19 from the Annual Town Meeting of May 4, 2024, creating and funding a Public Safety Complex Stabilization Fund, rescinding unissued borrowing for the Leroy L. Wood Elementary School, and amending bylaws related to Zoning (creating the Fairhaven Smart Growth Overlay District), Solid Waste, and procedures for electing Town Officials. Several citizen petitions were also listed.

The committee meeting included discussions regarding efforts to distribute lawn signs and the editing of a video for the upcoming Town Meeting. Key agenda items discussed out of order included Town Meeting Articles 34 and 35, with a decision reached concerning the provision of a detailed two-page financial summary prepared by Lewis-Young, which will be made available electronically rather than distributed beforehand to avoid confusion. The committee also discussed next steps post-Town Meeting, focusing on the Mass Broadband Institute (MBI) funds and the Community Compact Cabinet (CCC) Grant related to the Fairhaven Housing Authority facilities. Management of the CCC grant was discussed, along with the timeline for expending grant funds (due September 30th, 2023). The need to review potential grant eligibility with MBI and the potential for utilizing Regional Planning Authorities for grant administration were noted. Technical aspects of new fiber distribution were reviewed, and it was noted that planning for ARPA fund spending would occur after the Town Meeting.