Acushnet: Board of Selectmen Oct. 28, 2026

The Acushnet Board of Selectmen met on October 28, 2026, to address a major restructuring of the Acushnet Police Department, municipal appointments, infrastructure projects, and neighborhood traffic regulations. The board accepted the retirement of Sergeant John Bellerino after more than 31 years of service, effective January 1, 2027, as well as the resignations of Patrol Officers Adrien Florence and Nathan Turgeon, both leaving to join the Massachusetts State Police. To address departmental staffing and succession planning, Police Chief Christopher Copher and Chairman Gaspar presented a restructuring plan. Following civil service lists, the board promoted Courtney Soares to sergeant, making her the first female sergeant in town history, and promoted Derek Cathcart to sergeant. The board also made town history by establishing the role of Deputy Police Chief, appointing Detective Sergeant Jeremy Fontes to the position pending successful contract negotiations.

Following a brief executive session on collective bargaining, the board approved several municipal appointments, including Patricia Pellar as Zoning Board of Appeals Clerk, Alyssa Picariello as Conservation Agent, and Kelly Hinckley, Nancy Teixeira, and Michelle Fortin as election workers. The board also received an informational presentation from a representative of i3 Broadband regarding their plans to construct private fiber-optic internet infrastructure across the town in partnership with T-Mobile/T-Fiber.

In business matters, the selectmen approved a land use licensing agreement allowing local Boy Scouts to use town-owned property at Quaker Mills for outdoor camping and activities, subject to conservation review and a 10:00 p.m. campfire curfew. Addressing neighborhood traffic concerns, the board voted to lower the speed limit on Morse's Lane to 25 mph and post 30 mph speed limit signs on Keene Road. The board also awarded a $46,000 contract to Bro Roofing to repair damaged roofs on Town Hall and the Parting Ways building, and approved DPW Director Dan Menard to pave County Street using remaining paving funds.

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