By Mary Macedo, Neighb News Correspondent
At its meeting on Monday, 11/13, the Fairhaven Board of Public Works discussed the idea of a BMX park, and hired for Water System Maintenance Craftsman/Meter repairman.
First the board met with BRW Properties president and BPW board member Brian Wotton about a driveway waiver for 107 Dogwood Street. Mr. Wotton sat on the other side of the table front of the BPW to ask for the driveway waiver.
He explained that the waiver is for a second driveway opening that will connect to the other driveway. He said he was also asking for waiver for a shell apron.
Board member Robert “Hoppy” Hobson said that adding more driveway space will allow more cars to be off the street, which is a good thing. Both waivers passed unanimously.
In another matter the board met with Mike Rotondo to discuss the possibility of constructing a BMX track in town.
Mr. Rotondo told the board that the track would be something different for the kids. The track would be small, somewhere around 125 feet long by 100 feet wide. Mr. Rotondo showed some pictures to the board of what the track could look like. They showed a track made of dirt with turns and bumps for the bikers to jump over.
“This is just the loose planning stage,” Mr. Rotondo told the board.
Mr. Rotondo explained that he had no specific place in mind for where the BMX track could be located and would love the BPW’s help in recommending one.
“I think kids would love it,” BPW Chairperson Mike Ristuccia said.
Mr. Wotton told the board that Mr. Rotondo was meeting with the board to discuss forming a committee for the BMX track to discuss possible locations, as well as work on the planning of the track. Mr. Wotton explained that Mr. Rotondo was not asking for money for the project; he and other volunteers will be doing everything on their own. Mr. Wotton also said that Mr. Rotondo is just looking for guidance on locations, forming a committee, and the possibility of using some extra dirt/ fill that the town has lying around.
“I’m for it,” Mr. Wotton said. “I’m willing to help with the committee and be a representative from the board.”
“I am all for this type of thing,” Mr. Ristuccia said. “I just want to make sure it is done the right way.”
Mr. Ristuccia asked about maintenance of the track.
Mr. Rotondo said that the committee, as well as riders and volunteers would help maintain the track. He said if the town would want to help that would be great but if not the committee will take full responsibility of maintaining the track.
Mr. Ristuccia explained that the next step was to get the committee together, talk with Mr. Wotton about being a representative on the committee, finalize the location of the track and start planning the construction.
In other business, the board interviewed Bill Farrell for Water System Maintenance Craftsman/ Meter Repairman.
Mr. Farrell explained that he has been working for the town for the past 13 years and has worked in the Water Department for the last 12 years. He said he has been covering the job of Water System Maintenance Craftsman and is familiar with the requirements and duties of the job.
Mr. Wotton said that Mr. Farrell is a great asset to the Water Department. Mr. Hobson agreed and said that Mr. Farrell’s experience was a huge asset and that he thought they should start him at the top step for payment.
Mr. Hobson also said that the town does not pay BPW workers enough which is why it is so hard to find people to work for the town.
The members of the board agreed, but Administrative Assistant, Kathy Tripp informed them that pay rates are a personnel board issue.
The BPW voted unanimously to hire Mr. Farrell. •••
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