By Mary Chasse, Neighb News Correspondent
At its meeting on Tuesday 4/26 the Fairhaven Board of Public Works interviewed for a position for the Water Department, and discussed filming locations for the movie “Finest Kind.” The board also discussed a mattress pickup and approved of a new driveway contractor.
The board first interviewed Daniel Snell for the Water System Maintenance Craftsman and Meter Repairman position. BPW Superintendent Vinnie Furtado said Mr. Snell is highly recommended for the job and it would be a good promotion for him. Mr. Snell covers for that job frequently whenever that employee is out. He knows how to do the job.
Vice-Chairperson Robert “Hoppy” Hobson agreed and said Mr. Snell is a good guy for the position.
The board voted unanimously to hire Mr. Snell for the position.
In another matter the board met with Victoria Virtue who is working on the filming of the new movie “Finest Kind” that has been filming in Fairhaven and New Bedford over the last few weeks.
Ms. Virtue said she was there to ask the board if the crew cab use Fort Phoenix for filming on Wednesday May 25th and then the following day for cleanup.
Board member Cameron Durant asked when actor Tommy Lee Jones would be in the area.
Ms. Virtue said the actor has not been in the area yet and he will only be in the area for ten days because he has such a busy schedule. Ms. Virtue said she is very excited to work with Tommy Lee Jones.
Ms. Virtue explained that the movie is about two brother, one in law school, the other a fishing boat captain; and the brothers want to spend one last summer out on the fishing boat together.
Ms. Virtue said they have permission to use the parking lots near Fort Phoenix for three days, but they will only need to film at Fort Phoenix for about four hours and then the crew will come back the following morning to clean everything up.
The whole board agreed that they were excited to see the movie filming in town and loved seeing the beauty of the town being used for a movie.
The board voted unanimously to approve the request.
In another matter the board met with Mark Young from Elite Paving to be approved as a new driveway contractor.
Mr. Furtado and BPW Chairperson Brian Wotton explained to the board that Mr. Young has had some complaints from a few customers and has some outstanding fines that he still needs to pay.
Mr. Wotton said he needed a better understanding as to why Mr. Young has had these issues before allowing him to become a contractor in town.
Mr. Young said he is a third generation paver and has been doing paving since he was six years old. He has been getting asked recently to do work in Fairhaven.
Mr. Young explained that he does 700 to 800 driveways a year and he is bound to get a few complaints here and there, but he said he does good work. Whatever the complaint or issue he will try and make it right.
Mr. Wotton said he was willing to approve of Mr. Young being a contractor in town if he proves himself, and that the board could approve him on a probationary period of six months to a year, and very job Mr. Young does has to be inspected.
Mr. Wotton explained that before Mr. Young does work for anyone he must get a permit and pay for the application before each job.
The board voted unanimously to approve Elite Paving with a probationary period of one year.
In another matter the board discussed a new means for mattress pickups. Mr. Furtado said there is a new company called HandUp US LLC that will pickup good condition mattresses from your home for $40. Mr. Furtado said if the mattress is very dirty/been outside and is not in good condition they charge $75.
Mr. Furtado said the company is working with ABC Disposal and with the City of New Bedford. He explained that the company recycles the mattresses. Residents can still use ABC Disposal for pickup but it costs $100. Residents can also take mattresses to the BPW for $40, but they must make an appointment.
Mr. Furtado said signing a contract with HandUp will just give residents another option.
The board voted unanimously to sign a contract with HandUp US LLC.
Mr. Hobson informed the board that landscaping needs to be done at Hoppy’s Landing, and the Marine Resources Committee does not have the money or resources to get it done. He asked if BPW could send crew there to cut the grass.
Mr. Wotton agreed and said everywhere in town needs to be cut and landscaped, and the town just cut the budget. He said everyone has established the budgets for the upcoming year, and now the budgets have been cut. Now the BPW does not have enough money for everything.
Mr. Furtado said supplies needing to be purchased also cost more now, so it hurts the budget even more. He noted it is happening everywhere.
Mr. Wotton said the BPW will do their best to get everything cut and landscaped including Hoppy’s Landing.
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