By Mary Macedo, Neighb News Correspondent
At its meeting on Monday, 10/16 the Fairhaven Board of Public Works interviewed candidates for Sewer System Maintenance Craftsman (SSMC) and Sewer System Maintenance Man (SSMM).
The board first met with Nicholas Parker who was interviewing for the SSMC job. Mr. Parker said he has been working in a wastewater treatment position since last December. He said he just received his grade three license and is currently working toward his grade four.
Board member Robert “Hoppy” Hobson said they need to hire more employees who have grade four and five licenses. He also suggested that they give new employees a time limit on getting their licenses such as within six months to a year.
Mr. Parker explained that he fully intends to continue to upgrade his licenses.
“It shows he’s moving in the right direction,” board member Brian Wotton said.
Sewer Department Superintendent, Linda Schick said that Mr. Parker took BPW Superintendent Vinny Furtado’s beginner class and has been studying on his own time and has already signed up for the intermediate class.
“I like this young man a lot,” BPW Chairperson Michael Ristuccia said. “The department should have more like him.”
Mr. Ristuccia said Mr. Parker is a diligent, hard worker who has really been working towards getting his licenses.
Mr. Ristuccia made a motion to hire Mr. Parker for the SSMC position with the stipulation that he continue to work towards getting his grade four and five licenses, with any assistance needed by Mr. Furtado or Ms. Schick.
The motion passed unanimously.
The board then met with Ryan Robillard to interview him for the SSMM position.
Mr. Robillard told the board he had been working as a temp for the Fairhaven Sewer Department for the last seven months and would like a permanent position.
Ms. Schick confirmed that Mr. Robillard has been working with them since March and she encouraged him to apply for the position because he was already doing the job and doing it well.
Mr. Hobson asked if the job was advertised.
Ms. Schick said the job was offered to people in the department first and it was posted on the website.
Mr. Furtado said that the position does not require a specific license.
Ms. Schick explained that Mr. Robillard wants to advance within the department and has been taking classes such as the basic math class, basic wastewater class and has plans to go for his grade three license.
A motion was made to hire Mr. Robillard with the same stipulation as Mr. Parker, that he continue to take classes to upgrade his licenses.
The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Hobson addressed both Mr. Robillard and Mr. Parker saying: “I am only trying to motivate you.”
In another matter, Mr. Hobson updated the BPW on the happenings on the Marine Resources Committee. He told the board that the committee has been getting a ton of emails about a certain person in town who received a special spot at Union Wharf. Mr. Hobson said there is a list for spots at the wharf and this person jumped the list.
Mr. Hobson said he could not give names, but the issue seems to be controversial. He said at the next Marine Resources meeting the issue will come to a head.
In another matter, Mr. Hobson said residents on Capeview and Diamond streets have been asking when their streets will be getting paved.
Mr. Furtado said Capeview should be done very soon, but Diamond Street will not be getting done until March or April.
In another matter, Mr. Wotton wanted to formally thank Water Department Superintendent Edward Fortin for his 44 years of service to the town, as he retired last week.
“The next person will have very big shoes to fill,” Mr. Wotton said.
“We should name the water tower after him,” Mr. Hobson joked. “Him and his father together have probably done 100 years.”
Mr. Furtado said they are already seeking applicants to fill the position.
Mr. Furtado reminded residents that the town will be picking up leaves during the first four weeks of November starting Monday 11/6. The leaf pick up will be the day after garbage pickup day.
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