Board of Selectmen Meeting 10/19/26

The Freetown Board of Selectmen convened on October 19, 2026, to address key municipal business, including capital improvement projects, personnel appointments, and preparation for the upcoming November 9, 2026, Special Town Meeting. The board heard a detailed presentation from school district representatives regarding the Freetown Elementary School boiler replacement project. After discussing heating system failures and efficiency concerns, the board voted unanimously to approve a phased scope of work totaling $1,195,000, which includes boiler replacement, roof-mounted air handling units, and oil pump replacements.

The board conducted an in-depth review and finalization of the Special Town Meeting warrant, opening the warrant and adjusting several articles before officially closing it. Key warrant articles reviewed and approved include funding for a new fire command vehicle ($100,000), a highway truck ($325,000), matching funds for a $1,000,000 EPA water line extension grant ($250,000), economic development planning grant supplements ($25,000), OPEB contributions ($250,000), school maintenance stabilization ($500,000), capital stabilization ($1,000,000), and zoning amendments for data center overlay districts and contractor bays. The board also approved sending informational postcard mailers through KLA Printing for $883 plus postage.

Additional business included awarding a $249,000 contract to Iron Horse Structures for the highway department's new salt shed, approving the 2027 weights and measures state contract, approving calendar year 2027 retiree health insurance rate adjustments, and engaging the UMass Collins Center to review and modernize human resources policies and bylaws. Police Chief Rose presented candidate Rui Martins Jr., whom the board approved for a conditional offer of employment as a full-time probationary patrolman at Step 3. The board also accepted donations supporting the Council on Aging and approved several appointments to town boards and committees.

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