By Beth David, Editor
At its meeting on 7/18/22, the Fairhaven Select Board received a couple of staffing updates: one starting and one gone.
Town Administrator Angie Lopes Ellison told the board that Building Commissioner Chris Carmichael tendered his resignation last week and she accepted it. Ms. Ellison said his duties are being covered by inspectors who have worked for the town before. She said she will be advertising for his replacement.
“It’s a great opportunity,” said Ms. Ellison, encouraging any qualified members of the public to apply. “And we are building a strong team.”
Ms. Ellison also announced that she has hired Cameron Durant as the new Human Resources Director.
In addition to being a certified Human Resources Manager, Mr. Durant is a member of the Fairhaven Board of Public Works. He also ran for Select Board in the recall election in 2021 and again for a seat on the expanded board this year, but did not win in either race.
“If you asked me six months ago what side of the table I would be on, I didn’t think it would run this way, but I’m very pleased and happy to say that it did,” Mr. Durant told the board.
“That side pays more,” said SB member Leon Correy, to much laughter.
“So thank you very much,” said Mr. Durant. “I’m really excited. I promise to hit the ground running.”
The board voted unanimously to approve the appointment.
“Welcome,” said SB Chairperson Stasia Powers. “We’re really happy you are joining the team. It’s a new era in our town and we’re so happy you choose to be part of it.”
The board also appointed Patrick Carr to the Zoning Board of Appeals as an associate member. MJ Carvalho and Denyce Wicht also asked to be appointed.
With a little confusion on whether it should be a motion or a nomination, the board opted for a motion, with SB member Keith Silvia nominating Patrick Carr. SB member Bob Espindola said he would’ve nominated Ms. Carvalho. And SB member Charles Murphy said he wanted diversity on that board.
Mr. Correy said he would support Mr. Carr because he had tried two other times to be on the board.
So it came down to Ms. Powers casting the deciding vote for Mr. Carr.
The board did ask Mr. Carr about his previous problems with building inspectors and the ZBA as he tried to make changes at his property on Middle Street. He has appealed decisions by the board and appeared before the SB on at least on occasion due to the conflit. He told the board those issues had been resolved.
Mr. Murphy said he would change his vote because he believed an appointment should be unanimous to show support. Mr. Espindola, however, said he had done that once and it was a mistake.
The board also held a public hearing to grant a wine and beer license to SouthCoast Pickleball, which is located on David Drown Boulevard in the former Carousel skating rink space. The new venture will have seven indoor pickleball courts. Mr. Correy disclosed that he is an abutter.
Owner Adam Rogers told the board that the plan is simply to continue to create the “social atmosphere that pickleball has become.”
He said it will not be a bar. At any given time there will be 28 people playing and as many as that waiting to play. Theywant to create an atmosphere of camaraderie where people can enjoy themselves.
Newton Edwards, who lives across the street and is on the Harbor Mist condo association, addressed the board with concerns about noise and late hours.
“We’re a little nervous,” said Mr. Edwards, adding that if they reopen the mini golf and big lights start going up, it will affect the residents of Harbor Mist.
Mr. Rogers said the business will close at 9 p.m., and that is what they will submit to the alcohol control commission. He is hoping to open in a few weeks.
In another matter, Ms. Ellison told the board that Eversource announced a “significant” rate increase that would result in about $15 more per month for residents.
The board encouraged residents to join the town’s municipal aggregate plan, which joins about 25 other municipalities to negotiate rates with electric companies, and has resulted in savings for ratepayers since the program started.
Residents should visit masscea. com to sign up.
The board also set November 15, as the date for the fall Special Town Meeting.
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