By Beth David, Editor
The Fairhaven Select Board held and emergency meeting on Sunday, 2/22/26, to discuss storm preparation in anticipation of the blizzard. The board also held its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, 2/23, but tabled most items. The board held both meetings remotely.
At Sunday’s meeting the board declared a state of emergency. Fire Chief Todd Correia said the designation allows them to circumvent certain procurement procedures for hiring outside contractors for storm related costs, such as tree removal. It also allows the town to apply for disaster funds.
At the Monday meeting, the board approved the appointment of a Treasurer/Collector and officially set the local election for 6/9/26. The board also received storm updates.
The board approved Wendy Cochrane to be offered the job of Treasurer/Collector. The Town Administrator makes the appointment with the approval of the board. Assistant TA, Anne Carreiro, introduced Ms. Cochrane to the board, as TA Keith Hickey was not able to join due to technical difficulties.
Ms. Cochrane has 26 years of experience in related municipal roles, including Treasurer/Collector in Norton, and Collector in Berkley,
The board also received an update from Chief Correia on the storm. He said his department was “stranded” for part of the day, preventing them from making any calls.
He said they were not able to get to the shelter at the middle school, so they set up a “make-shift” shelter at the fire station.
He said they had volunteers who worked overnight and some go stranded in their vehicles.
“I still have one EMA (Emergency Management Agency) volunteer still stranded on the causeway in his personal vehicle that we’re trying to get out to him,” said Chief Correia. “But right now West Island is completely unapproachable at this point.” (See story on page 3).
Both meetings are available on demand at www.FairhavenTV.comc•••
Click here to download the 2/26/26 issue: 02-26-26 Blizzard
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