Board of Selectmen Meeting 8/3/26

The Freetown Board of Selectmen convened on August 3, 2026, opening at 5:30 p.m. and immediately entering executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategies, litigation regarding Town of Freetown v. Weaver, and executive session minutes. Returning to open session, the Board approved past meeting minutes and adopted the September 1, 2026 state primary warrant presented by Town Clerk Cheryl Estrella, delegating election police officer assignments jointly to Estrella and Police Chief Scott Rose. Selectman Jared Zager was designated to lead intermunicipal agreement (IMA) negotiations for water expansion with Fall River, New Bedford, and Lakeville. The Board also called a Special Town Meeting for November 9, 2026, at Apponequet Regional High School, approving the meeting timeline and opening the warrant submission period running through September 8, 2026.

A significant discussion occurred regarding a proposal from Bruce Wilbur and the Freetown Memorial Park Association to relocate the World War I monument from Assonet Four Corners to Veterans Park on Chase Road. Historical Commission representative Mary Elizabeth Recentes Brown expressed reservations due to its historical placement, local significance, and National Register status, noting the stone sits on protected Article 97 open space. The Board agreed to explore feasibility, potential replicas, and community support without taking an immediate vote. Administrative matters included appointing Carlos Lopes to the Superintendent's Strategic Planning Group, approving change orders for the Freetown Elementary School fence ($5,970) and Fire Station 2 paving ($17,876.77 to Pecket/Hotmix Asphalt Co.), approving a public administration internship ($20/hour) and a per diem procurement assistant position (up to $50/hour, capped at $1,000 per RFP), and approving various municipal personnel appointments and rescissions.

During public input, resident Robert Weaver and his sister Joanne Wilson voiced severe complaints against Building Commissioner Carl, alleging harassment, unlawful property entry, and retaliatory citations regarding signage and vacant property registrations. The Board agreed to refer the legal questions surrounding property entry authority and bylaws to Town Counsel and seek dismissal of the sign violation citation. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 p.m.

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