Board of Health — September 22, 2026

The Fairhaven Board of Health met on September 23, 2026, to conduct regular municipal business. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the board unanimously approved the meeting minutes from August 26, 2026. Board Chair Barbara Axton read the Health Agent report on behalf of David Flaherty, highlighting a COVID-19 positivity rate of 4.26%, ongoing mosquito surveillance indicating moderate risk for West Nile virus, rising childhood illnesses, upcoming health conferences, and available public health supplies and homebound vaccinations. The board subsequently appointed Mark Gallant as the town's new tobacco compliance officer through the Southeastern Massachusetts Public Health Alliance.

The board reviewed and approved revised subdivision plans for 4 Little Street (also referenced as Earl Street) with a 2-0 vote, with Brian Menzies abstaining as he attended remotely and could not view the plans. Department of Public Works Director Vinnie Furtado joined via Zoom to provide an update on the wastewater treatment plant, addressing recent odor and noise complaints resulting from construction work, carbon filter installation, and an accidental gate breach on September 4. The board agreed to coordinate an on-site tour and potentially hold their next meeting at the BPW facility.

Additional discussions included revisions to the board's health complaint tracking form, wind turbine decommissioning and safety timelines, and local kratom regulations. Speaker Ms. Romney and member of the public Shannon addressed the board regarding state and federal classification of synthetic versus natural kratom products. The board decided to consult Town Counsel Attorney White regarding proposed e-code language before finalizing an amendment reflecting state Schedule I classifications. The meeting adjourned following a unanimous vote, with the next meeting scheduled for October 7, 2026.

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