By Mary Chasse, Neighb News Correspondent
At its meeting on Tuesday 8/23 the Fairhaven Board of Public Works hired a new Highway Superintendent and another position for that department.
The board first met with Daniel Wieghmink who was interviewing for Highway Department Heavy Motor Equipment Operator.
BPW Superintendent Vinnie Furtado said that he and Highway Superintendent John Charbonneau interviewed Mr. Wieghmink and they recommended hiring him for the position.
Mr. Wieghmink told the board he is a hard worker and longtime resident of Fairhaven. He said he had experience and worked for New Bedford. Mr. Wieghmink said he likes to be told what to do and get it done.
BPW Vice Chairperson Robert “Hoppy” Hobson explained to Mr. Wieghmink that the job was not just a truck driver; the job includes a lot of labor work. Mr. Hobson also asked Mr. Wieghmink if he was going to need the town health insurance.
Mr. Wieghmink said no and that his wife carries the insurance.
Mr. Hobson explained that the health insurance in town is very expensive and deters a lot of people from working for Fairhaven.
The board voted unanimously to hire Mr. Wieghmink on the highest step allowed.
In another matter the board met in executive session to discuss the candidates for the Highway Superintendent position. They reconvened in open session to announce their decision.
Mr. Hobson said that both candidates were so good that he would hire either of them. BPW Chairperson Brian Wotton agreed and said both candidates were fantastic.
The board voted unanimously to offer Joshua Crabb the Highway Superintendent position, pending contract negotiations.
The board would not reveal the names of other candidates they interviewed, but in a followup interview, Mr. Furtado said they had 15 applicants and narrowed it to four finalists, two internal and two external.
Mr. Crabb lives in Wareham and works for an engineering group in Quincy. Mr. Furtado said he comes with a lot of project management experience.
Current Highway Superintendent John Charbonneau has announced his retirement, but is staying on until a replacement is found.
In another matter Mr. Furtado explained to the board that the BMX track engineering plan got rejected by Chapter 90. He said the state has asked them to re-do the engineering plan and go back again for approval.
Michael Rotundo, one of the volunteers behind the BMX track,thanked Mr. Furtado and the board for all the support and hard work with the project.
In another matter Mr. Hobson asked for updates on the recycling center. Mr. Furtado said the landfill is going to require a cleanup before the recycling center can be moved there and the cleanup is going to be expensive.
He said State Rep. William Straus was able to get $250,000 towards the recycling center. Mr. Furtado is also hoping they can get a grant for the project as well.
The board also welcomed new board member Travis Rapoza who is taking previous member Cameron Durant’s seat. Mr. Wotton said it was great having Mr. Rapoza.
Mr. Rapoza made a suggestion to partner with Fairhaven High School to get student volunteers who need volunteer hours/community service to help out with park or beach cleanups or any town project that might need volunteers. He offered to do the work and facilitate the idea.
Mr. Furtado said that was a great idea and they could look into it.
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