By Mary Macedo, Neighb News Correspondent
At its meeting on Monday, 11/4, the Fairhaven Board of Public Works discussed grease build up from the Pasta House restaurant, and signage at Livesey Park.
Superintendent Vincent Furtado explained to the board that the owner of the Pasta House could not make it to the meeting and would attend the 11/18 meeting.
Mr. Furtado told the board that four years ago the department started requiring new restaurants to install external grease traps; older restaurants that had internal grease traps could be exempted, but only if the internal grease traps were working sufficiently and the restaurant had no grease build ups.
When the grease builds up at an establishment it overflows into the wastewater system, congeals in the pipes, narrowing the opening and causing backups. The property owner is responsible for clearing the private lines, but the town has to clear the public pipes.
When it happens at the Pasta House, the town has to block the corner of Alden Road and Bridge Street to clear the lines.
BPW Chairperson Brian Wotton said the Pasta House was remodeled a few years ago and added new internal grease traps, but there is still grease build up.
Mr. Furtado explained that even with the new internal grease trap and other grease eliminating techniques the restaurant still has had build up. He said the town inspects the traps the every Friday, and although it has gotten better, the Pasta House still has a problem.
After a brief discussion about the history of the restaurant’s grease issue the board tabled the subject until the next meeting, when the owner can be present.
In another matter the board met with Jarrod Lussier, who is a Fairhaven resident and the Academy Administrator at the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School.
Mr. Lussier offered to have students from the school make a sign for Livesey Park. He said the sign will say “Welcome to Livesey Park” with the town seal on it.
Mr. Furtado said the new sign will be near the new parking lot.
Mr. Lussier explained that the sign will be made by the welding students at the GNB voc-tech. It will be 15 feet high and 45 feet wide. The school applied for a local cultural council grant for $1500, which might cover the entire cost of the sign.
Mr. Furtado explained that the BPW will cover any cost not covered by the grant.
Board members agreed that the students’ making the sign was a perfect idea. The board voted unanimously to allow the students to make the sign.
Board member Robert Hobson asked Mr. Lussier why the vocational school does not have a marine or fishing program to promote and educate students on the vocation/ career of being a fisherman. He said that the New Bedford and Fairhaven harbors are the best around and are in need of fishermen.
Mr. Lussier was happy to inform the board that the school is planning for the new vocation of Marine Technology starting Fall 2020 and the school is in talks about starting an Aviation program for Fall 2021.
In another matter the board discussed an incentivized water sampling locations program. Mr. Furtado explained that the town will need water tested in different areas and residents who volunteer to have their water tested will be given cash back off their water and sewer bill for helping out the town.
The board discussed giving $20 two times per year for residents who volunteer to have their water tested. The motion passed unanimously.
The board also briefly discussed an issue regarding the tennis courts at Cushman Park.
Mr. Furtado informed the board that there have been complaints about rogue baseball, softballs, and tennis balls being found in neighboring yards. He said neighbors want the tennis courts to be moved.
Mr. Wotton said the whole thing is ridiculous. The tennis courts are brand new and look great, he said.
He also noted that there is a 15 foot fence surrounding the courts so no balls should be getting out.
Board member Cameron Durant also explained that the baseball field is quite far from the area so he is unsure how it is possible that baseballs and softballs end up that far away.
Mr. Furtado said that the he is looking into the issue.
The board also approved a waiver for a driveway at 37 Nelson Ave. Mr. Wotton explained that he will be the contractor; therefore he recused himself and moved to the other side of the table to address the board. He said his customer
is just looking to remove the grass and retention wall and add stone to the area in front of the driveway, which will make the driveway larger.
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