By Mary Macedo, Neighb News Correspondent
At its meeting on Monday, 6/7, the Fairhaven Board of Public Works hired a Sewer Treatment Operator. The board also introduced the new Sewer Superintendent, and changed the time period that residents can leave their trash bins out on the street.
BPW Superintendent Vinnie Furtado first introduced the new Rene Robillard, who said he has been an employee for the town for 34 years and has worked under previous Sewer Superintendent Linda Schick for 20 years.
Mr. Robillard said he just wanted to say “Hi,” introduce himself, and thank the board. He invited the board members to visit the Sewer Department and their projects anytime.
BPW Chairperson Brian Wotton said he wished Mr. Robillard all the success. Board member Cameron Durant told Mr. Robillard to reach out to the board anytime if he needs anything.
In another matter the board interviews David Mello for the Sewer Treatment Plant Operator position.
Mr. Furtado and Mr. Robillard said recommended Mr. Mello for the position. Mr. Furtado said Mr. Mello has only worked for the department for a little over two years, but he has learned quickly and has already earned is Grade 6 license.
Board member Marcus Ferro said he trusted Mr. Furtado and Mr. Robillard’s recommendation. Board member Frank Coelho agreed.
Vice-Chairperson Robert “Hoppy” Hobson said he was very impressed with Mr. Mello for educating himself and getting his licenses so quickly. Mr. Wotton said he was also impressed.
The board voted unanimously to hire Mr. Mello.
The board also revisited their discussion from a previous meeting in regards to an abatement for Derek Camara of Sebec Street.
Mr. Wotton explained that there was pretty much no way that they could give an abatement for a leaky toilet. He said it was unfortunate, but an unknown leak can cost a lot more money than people think.
Mr. Furtado explained that when the new water meters are installed residents will know they have a leak almost immediately. The issues residents have with unknown leaks will come to an end once the new meters are installed.
Mr. Durant said he felt bad for Mr. Camara, but there really is nothing the board can do.
The board voted unanimously to deny the motion.
In another matter Mr. Wotton informed the board that there have been a lot of complaints from residents on Facebook about the time frame trash bins can be left on the street.
Mr. Furtado said the board agreed to allowing trash bins to be on the street from 5 p.m. the day before trash day until 5 p.m. on trash day, which is 24 hours.
Mr. Wotton said he felt like that was too short of a time frame and a lot of residents on Facebook were saying the same thing. Mr. Wotton suggested allowing trash bins to be out on the street for 48 hours.
Mr. Durant and Mr. Coelho said that sometimes their trash and recycling does not even get picked up until about 5 or 6 p.m.
The board voted unanimously to allow trash bins to be on the street for 48 hours, from 5 p.m. the day before trash day until 5 p.m. the day after trash day.
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