Board of Selectmen Meeting 8/25/26

The Freetown Board of Selectmen met on August 25, 2026, to conduct a regular business meeting covering municipal regulations, regional developments, contracts, and committee appointments. The board held an extensive discussion on drafting formalized mooring and anchoring regulations with Somerset Harbormaster Mr. Ganam, who has been assisting the town, and heard concerns from residents Richard and Carolyn Moore regarding channel navigation and waterfront rights. Town Planner Nancy Durfee presented updates on state-mandated clean energy permitting through the Department of Energy Resources, as well as recent legislative changes to Massachusetts Chapter 40A zoning laws affecting variances and housing density. The board also reviewed a proposed 167-acre gravel removal project at 30 Howland Road in neighboring Lakeville, deciding to submit written comments voicing concerns over heavy truck traffic through the Four Corners intersection and proximity to regional schools.

The board took formal action on multiple procurement and municipal maintenance contracts. Approved items included leasing a 2026 Dodge Durango police cruiser from All American Investment Group LLC, awarding a $136,000 contract to Iron Horse Structures for a highway salt shed kit, and awarding $162,448 to Daniel's Asphalt Services Inc. for paving the salt barn access. PJ Keating Company was awarded a $575,625 contract for milling and paving Keene Road and various other streets. For municipal facilities, the board authorized change orders for the Freetown Elementary School roof recoating project, allocated $5,975 for fascia repair to Tyler Building Construction, approved $5,900 for an upgraded aluminum gate from GA Fence, and voted to fund the remaining $3,860 fence balance from the school repair article. The board also ratified the purchase and sale agreement for tax-title property at 12 Alexander Drive for $290,000, tied to a plan to seek town meeting approval to repair the private road drainage.

Additional business included approving an annual PFAS groundwater monitoring agreement at the Howland Road Landfill for $80,400, approving a $5 per hour rate increase for winter 2026–2027 snowplow drivers, and approving the installation of a coated chain-link fence around the Hathaway Park pickleball and basketball courts. Following an inquiry from resident Mariah Tarantino during an impromptu public input period, the board clarified that discussions on automated license plate readers (Flock cameras) have been postponed to 2027. The board also restructured the Council on Aging and Library Community Building Committee to 13 members, approved appointments to the committee, approved the annual list of election workers, extended the boat ramp manager's appointment, and received a report from Town Administrator Deborah Pettey.

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