By Beth David, Editor
At the first meeting of the Fairhaven Select Board after the 4/1/24 election, members chose Stasia Powers as Chair, Charlie Murphy as Vice Chair, and new member Andrew Saunders as Clerk.
The board held a public hearing on the floating upweller system (FLUPSY) proposed by Blue Stream Shellfish that had been originally scheduled for 3/11, but had to be rescheduled because it was not properly listed on the agenda as a public hearing.
Residents of West Island turned out in force to oppose the project, although a couple of residents spoke to support the company.
The Marine Resources Committee (MRC) approved the new proposed location, which is in the mooring field near Jacob’s Neck, on the north side of Goulart Memorial Drive, just west of West Island Marina.
Blue Stream co-owner Dale Leavitt told the board he was hoping to place the FLUPSY in that spot to grow oysters from a smaller size than he is able to grow at the aquaculture farm he has in Nasketucket Bay. The 2 millimeter seed will stay in the FLUPSY until they are 15–20 mm, then they will be moved to the farm as part of the regular farming operation.
He said the location has enough water, even at low tide, and will protect the upweller from the winds. It will be in the water for the summer season.
The system uses solar panels for power and requires daily visits to remove any algae or other obstructions to the screens. He said they have to pay close attention to it or the tiny oysters will die. The operation also has to be approved by the Department of Marine Fisheries.
West Island resident Bill Yukna handed out printed material to the board members. He said the site that Dr. Leavitt runs, which is across the street adjacent to Hoppy’s Landing on Goulart Memorial Drive, is littered with commercial material, and is actually worse than it has been in years. Mr. Yukna said a hurricane could push the materials into water.
Mr. Yukna said Town Beach is a “magnificent site” and “this is what everyone passes as they see what we have to offer.”
He suggested that Dr. Leavitt put the upweller on land on his existing commercial property.
Other residents echoed the sentiment that Jack’s Cove is beautiful and the FLUPSY is a commercial structure the size of a small garage that would be unsightly, possibly hinder navigation, and cause a distraction to drivers.
Attorney Matthew Thomas, representing two properties on Goulart Memorial Drive*, also handed out some printed material, and cleared up some legal questions from the meeting in February.
Mr. Thomas said Jack’s Cove is a “natural resource,” where people can go to watch the fireworks and see the boats moored.
It is a natural setting, he said, “in a place and time when we don’t have a lot of natural settings.”
WI resident Linda Ferreira spoke in favor of the project, saying that drivers would only see the FLUPSY for 15 to 20 seconds.
Mr. Thomas pointed out that highway officials are very careful where they place signs at ramps because even a 10 seconds can cause a distraction.
WI resident Steve Moulton pointed out that not only drivers will see the FLUPSY. Many people walk and ride bicycles on the road; and people kayak in the cove.
Before the hearing was finished, SB member Charles Murphy said he would not support the FLUPSY. He said he supported aquaculture, but they had to take into account the placement in Jack’s Cove.
“And West Island is a gem,” said Mr. Murphy. “It’s precious.”
In the end, no one on the board made a motion, so the project will not move forward.
Junior Deputy Tree Wardens are sworn in at the Fairhaven Select Board meeting on 4/8/24, with Fairhaven Tree Warden Don Collasius leading the oath, L-R: Hazel Fidalgo, Aemon Martinho, Harrison Camara, Daisy Baumann, Samuel Logan, Leyla Smith, Lena Gardner (Ella Andersen also completed her certification, but is not pictured). Photo courtesy of Laura Gardner.
In another matter, Tree Warden Don Collasius presented several youngsters to the board for swearing in as Junior Deputy Tree Wardens.**
Eight children completed the certification that was held in collaboration with the Millicent Library. Seven of the children attended the SB meeting to be sworn in and receive their certificates: Hazel Fidalgo, Aemon Martinho, Harrison Camara, Daisy Baumann, Samuel Logan, Leyla Smith, Lena Gardner. Ella Andersen also completed her certification.
Mr. Collasius told the board he had the idea of getting kids involved with trees. He said Town Administrator Angie Lopes Ellison agreed it was a great idea. He teamed up with the Youth Services Librarian at the Millicent Library, Allie Thiel, to make it happen.
Mr. Collasius noted that the Tree Warden can appoint deputy tree wardens, so now we have Junior Deputy Tree Wardens.
He said the will plant trees in a couple of weeks.
The children then raised their hands and repeated the pledge to protect, plant and care for trees.
They also received certificates.
“That was a fine first event for us,” said SB Chairperson Stasia Powers.
In another matter, the two remaining members of the Board of Assessors, Pam Davis and Ronnie Manzone, both resigned. A third member, Ellis Withington, resigned in February, and it was discussed at the 2/26/24 meeting.
The board voted to appoint Jane Bettencourt to the Board of Assessors. Ms. Bettencourt works part time in the Veterans Services Office. She worked in the Assessor’s office in a variety of roles for 20 years.
She told the board that when principle assessor Joanne Correia reached out to ask if she would be interested, Ms. Bettencourt said she would be “thrilled” to be on the board.
The SB voted unanimously to appoint her to fill the term ending in May of 2025.
*Editor Beth David has a beneficial interest in a property represented by Mr. Thomas.
**Updated to include picture on 4/12/24.
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