By Beth David, Editor
The Fairhaven Selectboard approved a liquor license transfer, and received updates on grant money and other funds, at its meeting on 9/23/19.
The board also heard from Police Chief Michael Myers and other members of the Police Department leadership announcing the certification of the department by the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (see page 7 for related story).
Chief Myers explained that the process took seven years, and is still just a step on the way to accreditation. He said it took a long time and a lot of hard work, and credited Lt. Kevin Kobza with working “extremely hard” on the process.
Lt. Kobza said it was a “department-wide initiative,” that could not be completed without support from the top. He said the department met 159 standards to meet the certification, and has 98 to go to for accreditation.
Town Administrator Mark Rees said the department was being “proactive,” not just avoiding problems, and that they were bringing the entire town “into the modern age.”
Selectboard Chairperson Charles Murphy said the recent changes at the department made it stronger. He thanked them all for their work, and said he was not only proud as a town, but that the family was very proud, reminding everyone that he and Lt. Kobza are cousins.
The board also approved a liquor license/package store transfer for Emma Jean’s to Stephen Ward, who currently runs a food service organization on the Cape.
Attorney Andrew Upton told the board that the company has an experienced manager to run the liquor store at the location on Huttleston Avenue. He said they look forward to hosting wine tastings and other community events.
The new owners are buying the building along with the license and plan on extensive renovations to the property.
Board member Bob Espindola noted to the new owners that the liquor license is tied to the address.
Cathy Melanson, who currently owns the property told the board that she was very happy to have Mr. Ward as a buyer.
“I couldn’t find a better person than Mr. Ward to sell it to,” said Ms. Melanson. “I feel very comfortable selling my place to Mr. Ward.”
There was no other public comment and the board approved the transfer unanimously, 2–0. Board member Daniel Freitas was absent.
Mr. Rees informed the board that the town’s preliminary free-cash figure as of July 1, 2019, is more than $6 million: $4,393,392 for the general fund; $1493,516 in the water enterprise fund; and $1,196,392 in the sewer enterprise fund.
Mr. Rees also told the board that the town received a $174,535 Green Communities grant to fund energy management systems, lighting other improvements at the Senior Center/Rec Center, Fairhaven High School and Hastings Middle School.
The town also received a CDBG grant of $577,000 to continue the Hedge Street project.
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