The council meeting began with a focus on the 250th anniversary of Fair Haven. Susan Sorenson, representing the anniversary committee, presented a detailed update on planned events. The committee, with the council’s support, has been active in organizing initiatives such as the installation of new banners along River Road, which celebrate both the anniversary and American patriotism. These efforts are in collaboration with the beautification committee.

One of the key highlights of the celebration plans is the planting of a Liberty Tree, a project undertaken with the Sons of the American Revolution. A monument to accompany the tree is slated for installation in the spring. An inaugural lecture titled “Tales of the Peninsula: 1880 to 1930” will also be hosted at the community center, featuring speaker Chris Runner, who will delve into Fair Haven’s history, including notable sites like the chapels and the Marter Estate.

In addition to educational events, the committee announced a Liberty Cocktail Party fundraiser at the Molly Pitcher on February 20th. This event, encouraging attendees to don red, white, and blue, aims to unite the community in a celebratory atmosphere, with music provided by the band Gravy Drain. Another community-engaging event, the Patriots Tea Party, is scheduled for April 17th, offering activities such as revolutionary bingo and ancestry assistance.

Amid these discussions, Fair Haven Day plans were also a focal point. Scheduled for June 13th, the event will start an hour later than usual, at 5 PM. The day will feature a performance by the band “The Cliffs,” made possible through a generous donation. The council member leading this discussion emphasized incorporating a nostalgic “old county fair” atmosphere, with activities including giant musical chairs, sack races, and food offerings. Traditional attractions like bouncy houses and a beer tent will also return.

Fundraising efforts were highlighted as important to supporting Fair Haven Day’s activities, decorations, and themes, particularly with rising costs. The council has decided to merge the July 4th fireworks with Fair Haven Day, optimizing resources for a more unified celebration. Additional fundraising activities, such as the sale of themed merchandise and discounted items at the cocktail and tea parties, were also discussed.

The meeting continued with the introduction of an ordinance to create a deputy municipal tax collector position. This move aims to reduce costs from over $30,000 to approximately $15,000 by managing tax collection in-house, utilizing existing staff. The ordinance was passed unanimously.

Another notable topic was the approval of mosquito spraying measures, which garnered public interest. A council member clarified that the county’s request for spraying was due to Fair Haven being identified as a significant mosquito breeding area. The council emphasized the importance of pre-notification to residents, using platforms like Nixle, to minimize inconvenience and address community concerns. The spraying is intended as a precautionary measure, primarily for public health threats such as potential West Nile virus outbreaks.

The meeting also touched upon various community events and initiatives. Additionally, a Shade Tree U talk and the annual “Love Where You Live Day” were confirmed, further engaging residents in community development and conservation efforts.