By Beth David, Editor
At its meeting on 6/20/23, the Fairhaven Select Board filled vacancies on the Conservation Commission, resulting in four new members being appointed to the seven-member board, and one incumbent member not getting reappointed. Eight people applied to be on the commission.
The ConCom has experienced some turmoil lately with chairperson Geoffrey Haworth and member Gary Lavalette both resigning last month; a rash of complaints resulting in several discussions at SB meetings, and several executive sessions.
Conservation agent Bruce Webb told the board that things have been going well with the ConCom. He said there had been some issues because of some ConCom members’ interactions with the public and staff. He said it was not his goal to “single out individuals,” but to get the most effective and efficient department possible.
Town Administrator Angie Lopes Ellison told the board that as the agent, Mr. Webb provides the knowledge to board members so they can perform their duties. It is more about “finding that fit” as opposed to knowledge, she said.
The board heard from most of the people who applied to be on the board. Amy DeSalvatore was the only one up for reappointment.
She told the board it takes about three years to learn about the position.
“It’s a serious commitment,” she said.
Jay Simmons, who had been on the board for about 15 years, including chair for nine years, told the board he felt he could bring some stability to the commission and “keep the noise to a minimum.”
In the end, the board appointed Mr. Simmons, Anthony Couto, Ronnie Medina, and Andrew Saunders.
SB member Bob Espindola motioned for Ms. DeSalvatore to be appointed, but the motion was not seconded.
In another matter, Ms. Ellison told the board that all the lifeguards had quit. She said they had been promised a rate that the town can not pay because the Proposition 2 1/2 override vote failed.
She said “these are the types of services” they were talking about losing if the override failed. She said the town may have to close the town beach if it can not find lifeguards. She is trying to shift money around, she said, but it is “robbing Peter to pay Paul.”
“We are going to start seeing the implications of this budget shortfall,” said Ms. Ellison, adding it is her job to make sure the services are provided for, but next year it will really be felt.
Mr. Espindola said he thought the parking fees were supposed to support the beach. Ms. Ellison said the parking fees go into the general fund.
Mr. Espindola insisted the fees are supposed to cover the cost of running the beach.
Ms. Ellison reiterated that the funds are not targeted. They go into the general fund, just as all local receipts/fees do, to support the entire municipal operation.
Mr. Espindola said it was a logical opportunity to change the fee structure.
SB member Stasia Powers noted that the Board of Public Works has jurisdiction over the beach and parking lot, and fees.
“The way I see it, the town is a business,” said SB Chairperson Leon Correy, and any revenue to the town is to support the town.
He said when you buy a pair of sneakers, it does not only support the manufacturer, but everyone in between.
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