By Beth David, Editor
At its meeting on 3/24/25, the Fairhaven Select Board issued a proclamation to M.O. L.I.F.E. (Murphy and Others Living Interdependently for Future Endeavors) commemorating its 30th anniversary. The organization, which was founded and is still run by SB member Charles Murphy, provides support services to people with disabilities so they can engage in the full range of life experiences.
SB Chairperson, Stasia Powers, read the proclamation, which reads in part, “the values of dignity, respect, and empowerment guide the mission of M.O. L.I.F.E., creating a positive impact on individuals, families, and the broader Fairhaven community.”
The board also recognized the two people who will receive this year’s Katie Brienzo Personal Achievement Award from M.O. L.I.F.E.: Manny Rivera-Ramirez and Melissa Dineen.
The board also heard a presentation from Resource Lighting & Energy, with a proposal to install Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations at a variety of locations around town.
Jon Scavone told the board that the company will use grant money from the Mass. EV Incentive Program to install the charging stations at nine or 10 places in town.
The charging stations would not be free to use, as the town ones are, so it would generate revenue for the town.
The board discussed the different places that the charging stations could go, including the schools, Senior/Rec Center, and parks.
The board did not vote, but instead suggested that Mr. Scavone meet with the department heads so they can decide if the charging stations make sense for their departments, and where the best locations would be for their respective areas.
Interim Town Administrator, George Samia, suggested that Mr. Scavone attend a department head meeting.
In another matter, the board voted on their recommendations for Town Meeting articles.
The board did not grant approval for an all alcoholic beverages license for the Full Bloom Festival set for June 29. No one was there to speak for the project, and the board had questions. They will address it again at a future meeting.
The board also did not approve a conservation restriction requested by the Buzzards Bay Coalition for a property off Camel Street. SB member Keith Silvia said that fellow board member Andrew Saunders, who was not in attendance, had questions about the property that had not been answered.
Allen Decker of the BBC said he was unaware of any information that he had not provided. He will get the information to the board and they will take up the matter at another meeting.
The 3/24 meeting was the last regular meeting for Ms. Powers who did not seek re-election. The board will meet on election night for the results, and Ms. Powers said she wanted that night to be about the election, so she read a statement about her tenure in public service.
Ms. Powers thanked the voters of Fairhaven for allowing her to serve the town for the past 18 years, 14 years on the school committee, and almost four on the Select Board.
“I am especially proud to have been only the second woman to serve on the Select Board and the first to hold the position of Chair,” said Ms. Powers, adding she looked forward to the time when a majority female SB is “not a milestone, but the norm.”
She said she has always tried to act with integrity, preparation, and thoughtfulness.
“I have always approached decisions with the best interests of the entire town in mind,” she said adding leadership is not always easy and difficult decisions are sometimes required. “I stand by each one, knowing they were made with the town’s well-being at heart.”
She said her proudest moment was her work on the town’s financial policies, a task that also improved capital planning.
She urged her fellow board members to pick a new TA who will support town staff with respect.
Ms. Powers also left the board with some words of wisdom, telling them they should lead with courage and purpose, and reminding them that they are the highest elected officials in town.
Always act in the best interest of the entire town, “not just the few voices who are frequent callers or close acquaintances.”
And remember that the School Department is an integral part of town; they are shaping the “next generation of responsible Fairhaven citizens.”
She said they should trust in the collective wisdom of the board: “you guys have experience.”
She also thanked her family, and noted that the past year has been “challenging.”
“But I believe we will emerge from this stronger.”
The meeting is available on demand at FairhavenTV.com
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