By Beth David, Editor
The Fairhaven Select Board announced at its meeting on Monday, 10/28/24, that they had negotiated a “mutually acceptable separation” agreement with Town Administrator, Angie Lopes Ellison.
Rumors have abounded in town that the board had voted not to renew Ms. Ellison’s contract some weeks ago, but because all the negotiations took place in Executive Session, which is not open to the public, the rumors were largely speculation with little detail. However, even the most casual observer could see that something was happening as the item was on the agenda for the last several meetings, with Labor Counsel John Clifford of Clifford and Kenny suddenly becoming a familiar face at Town Hall.
Ms. Ellison’s contract is up in April, but apparently the push to get her out sooner was strong enough for the town to come to an agreement that reportedly includes hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to confidential sources.
The terms of the agreement are not public, and it is unclear when they will become public.
In a short statement at the end of the SB meeting, and after the board had met with Ms. Ellison in Executive Session that night, Ms. Powers said: “Ms. Ellison and the Select Board have negotiated the terms of a mutually acceptable separation.
“The Select Board thanks Ms. Ellison for her dedicated service and contributions to the town of Fairhaven.
“Ms. Ellison extends her thanks to the Select Board and the citizens of Fairhaven for the opportunity to serve the town.”
After the meeting neither Ms. Ellison nor Ms. Powers would provide further comment to the Neighb News.
According to town hall employees, Ms. Ellison met with department heads on Tuesday and said she was on “administrative leave,” and Assistant Town Administrator of Finance/Town Accountant Anne Carreiro would fill in. Ms. Ellison also went to each department to say goodbye, according to sources in the building.
In another matter, public works superintendent Vinnie Furtado updated the board on the work being done at the water treatment plant in Mattapoisett. The town is part of the Mattapoisett River Valley Water District which also includes Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester.
The plant is being upgraded this year with a $7.3 million project that will replace equipment, most notably the filters. Mr. Furtado said the filters use an obsolete technology and replacements are no longer available.
Meanwhile, the town continues the water flushing program, which can result in discolored water for residents.
Mr. Furtado has recorded a video with information on the upgrades. It is available through a link on the town’s website at https://www. fairhaven-ma.gov/home/news/water-treatment-facility
In another matter, SB member Andrew Saunders informed the board that he needed to resign from his appointment to the Harbormaster Plan Steering Committee.
Mr. Saunders said he believed a conflict of interest will eventually arise due to his part ownership in the Foss Marine Terminal. The board appointed Stasia Powers to be on that committee.
In other business, the board closed the hearing on the relocation of 16 poles on Sconticut Neck Road and approved the project.
The board also presented a proclamation recognizing Irene Ingles, who turned 102 on 10/22, and wishing her “heartfelt congratulations and best wishes.”
“The Town recognizes and celebrates your remarkable milestone,” reads the proclamation. “May your day be filled with joy and surrounded by loved ones as you reflect on over a century of memories.”
Fairhaven resident Bob McConnell accepted the proclamation on behalf of Ms. Ingles.
Ms. Powers also addressed a procedural issue with the board that arose at the last meeting. She said the item on the agenda for board member items/committee liaison reports is intended for board members to communicate with each other about their committees. She said public comment will be relegated to the public comment item on the agenda and individuals will be held to the two minute rule. If someone needs additional time, the board can consider it.
The issue arose because at the 10/15/24 meeting, SB member Keith Silvia asked for his time to be used by two people who did not want to be limited to the two minutes. Ms. Powers allowed the comments at that meeting.
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