All >> [music] >> right, ladies and gentlemen, uh, it being 5:33 p.m. and a quorum being present, I'd like to call the Freetown Board of Select Meeting for 6:15, 2026 to order. This meeting will be recorded and posted on the town's YouTube channel. And before we begin, is there
anybody else at today's meeting recording? All right, I see nobody. All right, we're not going into executive session, so we can move on. And uh let's kick off by standing up if you could and uh facing our flag and doing our pledge of allegiance. All right. I pledge allegiance to the
flag of the United States of America to to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. All right. No matter how many times you do it, I always think I'm going to mess it up. [laughter]
Only 40 years in the making, right? [snorts] All right. Let's begin with item agenda number one. We're going to discuss and vote whe to approve the open session meetings from 518 2026, 527 2026, and 61 2026.
>> All right. I reviewed them. Uh they look great. Um I like the new minutes setup. Um new software >> with the new software. They look fantastic. Nice and clean. >> Um you gentlemen have any questions, concerns, comments? >> You literally took that right out of my mouth. It looks so much cleaner.
>> I love it. Not that they were bad, but >> Yeah. No, they they were great before, but now they're just easy to follow along. >> So, I love them. >> All right. I motion to approve the open session minutes from 518 2026, 527 2026, and 61, sorry, 52726, and 61 2026.
>> I'll make the motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I. >> All right. Moving along. Discussion and item number two, discussion vote. We have to approve the application for the event at Patches Hill Farm on 627 through 628 2026. Welcome back. If you
could state your name and um >> Sure. Jake Lang from National Farm, Jake. My wife and I are looking to host our fourth annual RC event at the farm. We do basically a car show for radio controls that we know. Town is welcome.
It's free for spectators and for kids under 10. Uh it's just a collection of hobby enthusiasts that come together a couple times a year. Uh we we have people come from all over the country for this and this year we actually have some friends coming from out of the country. So we have some friends
visiting from the Czech Republic, from Brazil and uh Canada as well. >> There you go. >> We're we're hoping to have another fun and exciting weekend. >> Fantastic. Looks like you guys are having a kind of got bigger this year, right? 150 to 200 attendees and looks like you have a food truck coming and everything else.
>> Yep. We've got Annie's Ice Cream again, our one of our local favorites from here in town coming. And then we have uh George's Grill uh coming in for another food truck. >> Awesome. Now, is there a clear winner from year to year or is it pretty mixed up? >> So, the the the car show actually has
several different categories. So, um for every year it's different. We we switch the categories around and stuff to keep things interesting. So, we never know what somebody's going to come up with. It's all about creativity and and uh artistic uh you know, outlets. >> That's fantastic. We every every time this comes up every year, we always want
to know more and more about it, right? So maybe we should enter a a select and be a little different. >> That's it. Bring it. Yep. >> Well, thank you for being here, for explaining it to us. Um I I think this is a great event. I'm happy to uh push this forward. >> Yeah. No, it's gone off without uh any
issues over the past years and we have everything signed off. So >> yeah, everything looks good. >> Excellent. >> Thank you. >> All right. Well, Jake, uh I entertain the motion to approve your application for the event at Patches Hill Farm from 627 through 628 2026. Excellent. Thank you. Make that motion.
>> Second. >> All in favor? I >> I >> Hey, have fun out there. Good luck. >> All right. Uh discussion number three. Uh discussion vote where to approve the hawkers and pedals license and requested use of parking at band stand for from Joe's ice cream truck from July 3rd and
4th for for this 2026. We're assuming you're the individual. >> Hey, gentlemen. >> All right. How you doing, sir? >> Good. I'm doing well. Um so um uh the band stand now that's in the center of town right at the full cornis >> correct as you come come off the bridge
it's the band stands to your right right next to grandpas and the animal hospital. >> Okay so >> that's the area in question. >> Okay so um about 10 years ago I had uh I have a mo mobile ice cream truck and um
I was parked um at Hathaway Park. Um it was uh I'm not sure if if you're familiar with the park. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. So, um I understand that, you know, ultimately I'd like to be an actual the the actual event. I don't know how far I can get into that, but I
was um I was trying to get into the event. I I went put the application through the town. I I applied actually this time in May, in the middle of May, and um I was told that there was already an ice cream man that was that attends
there every year from he comes out of New Bedford. Um and um you know, I live in town. I have a house right in Slyidge Road. Um it's with my parents. It's it's in the process of being mine. Um and um
I put the application in first. I I'm looking to be in the Fourth of July event. I grew up here all my life. Um and and when I was there 10 years ago, they had me park next like when you can pull into the park, there's that there's
that concrete and then they had the circle with the event. I was parked there one year after I put the application in. Um and I understand that that's the a good spot at, you know, at the four corners. Um, but I'm looking to
be more closer like involved in the event and then um you know I maybe the parade and stuff for the next day. But >> looks like you did the right things, right? So let's let's kind of go through it real quickly and and kind of give you the information so you're ready for next year. >> All right. Um so you put your
application in. Looks like board of health did all their things, right? Um and then you also reached out to our prey committee, right? You Mr. Gregory got back to you, right, regarding uh Koolix coming in. So over the years uh in one of the things we do today we have slept in of the night. They get a vote
on given permission and authority to the parade and fireworks committee to run halfway park as needed because of all the vendors that they have in place. So typically what we have is all the vendors are nonprofits around town like the Lions Club, uh firefighters, things like that. Okay. So and Koolix usually goes there. They're in a private
driveway somewhere next to the park. They're not even at the park anymore. So that park that the concrete pad that you're talking about, we now block that off, right? and we create the entire street for water street for handicap parking. That way you're not trying to leave at the end of the night and then you have 10,000 people trying to leave with you.
>> Okay? >> Right. So in fact go to the band stand, you're going to catch all that traffic on the way out. >> People are going to be bottlenecked right to you. They can't not not see you. So keep that in mind. Right. Yeah. Um so for next year I think I think this year you're going to be all right as far
as being at the band area. Um for next year um again do the same thing. Get in there early. I would say around January to come talk to the committee, right? The pregnant fireworks committee where we again we have the same vendors come by every single year. Lions club, firefighters, right? Over the libraries,
Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts. So very small community in a sense, right? Cuz they've been there year after. So we kind of not reward them, but you know, almost like, hey, you you you take care of us, we take care of you cuz you're part of the family in a sense. >> Okay. >> But being a resident at Freetown, I I don't think they they want to say no.
It's just only you need is one ice cream truck since Kulix is already there. Um and again we're not going to be bringing in any additional vehicles there. Right. So that's where the back and forth goes. Right. So next year I think start off in January, February, you'll be sitting here with the committee in this in this
room and we'll kind of go through it. Um there I I don't think they charge anything for Koolix to be there other than your pedals license. But for this year obviously it's already months months already advanced, right? we already knew who was going to be there January, February time frame. So,
having come in May, a little late to the party, but we'll have you on the list. Um, I'm on that prayer committee myself. I run the parade. Um, you if you do want to be in the parade this year, you I'm the guy to talk to. Um, you you still have availability if you want to join the parade and join the festivities and
be able to go up and down the road with us. >> That's no problem. >> The the fourth itself, actually, sorry, the third itself, the fireworks itself, that one's already in place. We've had to have those in place for a while. That way we know who's going to be there and not. Right. So, we want to make sure there's people there in advance for
potentially 10,000 people if not more. >> Right. So, um but again, I think you're going to be just fine being at the band stand. Uh all those roads will be closed from Water Street on. Right. So, at at Main Street in Water Street, no one's going to be coming through there. So, everyone's going to come is going to
walk right by you. And then when they leave it, literally you get smacked right in the face by 10,000 people. So be ready. >> Okay. I'm sorry. So at the band stand now, exactly where like where parking at the band stand. So they got the the um
the what's that called? Carousel, the gazebo. >> Well, at the gazebo there, you have a handful of parking spots right there. Okay. Um maybe even have it's even worth having conversation with grandpas, right? They own the part the property there or the animal the animal clinic that's there. Maybe you can use their
areas as well. The only thing we can give you permission for is I believe four or five parking spots in front of the gazebo. >> Okay. So, I'm sorry. U early. First come, first serve. >> Okay. So, I will be there early. So, just just to uh just so I could just uh
get my spot. So, that you right in front of the um I'm sorry, too. I'm taking so long. Um so, there's like five parking spots in front of the gazebo. It's like, um, so could could I kind of just kind of like have that spot right there? First come, first serve, like I said.
So, if there's already people parking there, I it's a public parking area. I can't not I can't tell them to not park there. So, if you get there and there's only one parking spot, hopefully your backup skills are fant fantastic. >> And I was going to say to to reiterate off of what he's saying, I would try and
get there early and be an outside parking spot because if you're in an inside parking spot, it's going to be that much harder to get people to your window, >> right? I believe to the leftand side is handicapped. The one I think it's the lefth hand side is handicapped. I'm trying to remember off top of my head. So you'd want to be parked over to the
right hand side so that way your windows facing out to the availability of people. So it might be worth you going by there and looking at it. So you know cuz we're to his point we can do something about those parking spots. I wouldn't even feel comfortable taking the truck and turning it sideways
because then that was >> you're taking up several parking spots and parking's at a premium because there's not much parking around there and there's 10,000 people >> to selecting Lopes Point coming flooding the area. So people are walking from you know a mile plus away. So >> yeah,
>> the best way to look at it is if you go there the way so you know you're in the right spot. There's a white fence, a picket fence, right? Two strand. If you're in front of the white fence, you're in the right area. >> Okay. >> Right. Again, there's handicap [clears throat] spots that are I think close, you're right, I think closest to the animal clinic and then the other
spots are closest to uh Grampy's, but I but I do know Grampy's fills up that parking lot with with people. So, one, have a conversation with them if you want. Right. I again, I can only control that parking lot. I only control those limited parking spots in front of that white picket fence. >> Okay.
>> So, um I don't know what your day looks like, but if you get there first, you're you're you're golden. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Thank you. >> Oh, you're welcome, sir. And again, we already have you on the list for next year. So next year when this comes around, we'll make sure to contact you as well for the parade fireworks committee. >> And I would actually think that's a really good spot because people still
think that grandpa's place used to sell ice cream. They don't anymore, >> right? >> So they used to have a thing back there and I think people like still go back there looking for ice cream. So, if you're right there, >> Yeah. >> It's I think that's a really >> I know I know being in there while
everybody's waiting for the fireworks is the golden hour and when everybody's leaving, I mean, I'm still going to make some good sales, but a lot of people are going to want to just go. >> I would think coming in though too because people park all through the park. >> You're going to be you're going to be fine. all that. >> This year we're the fireworks committee
is going to be the fireworks show itself, not to give too much away, is going to be a little longer than usual >> based on the 250 years of America, right? So, you're going to have people show up. >> Okay. >> We expecting 10,000 plus people like we do every year. >> Cool. >> All right. So, even if you got a
percentage of that, you're doing good. >> That's right. [laughter] >> So, I think you're going to be in good shape next year. Like, like I said, you're on our list of people to contact and then again, uh the chair will reach out to you and then we'll have that discussion then. And it's the same thing for
a parade, right? The parking there at the same time. You know, you're going to get people aren't going to be walking up and down as much, but there'll be people in that area. You might be able to drive some people off of that. So, >> okay. >> Yeah. To me, the parade might be your biggest hiccup to park there because
that's where the band stand, that's where the the microphones, the speakers, the award-winning is going to be taking place as people get off the bridge. I announce first place goes to whoever, right? Um, and it's all happens right there in town square. So, I almost
guarantee you people shot showing up there around 6:00 a.m. >> Okay. >> To park there. >> Oh, I see. >> So, it might be again that's where talking to grandpies might come in handy. >> Okay. >> Right. Because if you park in their parking lot, that may work out for you versus >> them tell you to get out.
>> Right. So, >> you might have an issue with it cuz they're going to want to sell ice cream and stuff out of their store. So I'm on. >> Yeah. But they don't they only have that little thing now. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Grand grandpa's place >> for fireworks. I think you're going to be golden. The parade itself. That's going to be uh it's going to be tough. It's going to be a rough one as far as
parking and you won't be able to drive up and down the road obviously cuz we got to close the roads off. Yeah. Right. I have about 60 vehicles and parade floats. Hundreds of cars. Thousands of kids walking through my parade offray I should say. So I'm not going to have you going up and down streets, right? Because you won't have any room. I'm
going to try doing it with the golf cart to make sure I can control the braid, but even then it gets tough. >> Okay. >> So, um for the for the fourth itself, it might be halfway park would be a place for you to be actually. Right.
>> Right. >> Because fourth the 4th of July just a parade. Haway Park is open. So, in fact, I think that's where you should be is that's where everybody stops at the parade. So you'll have thousands of kids, hundreds of vehicles because you have a lot of car clubs stopping right there to
do your thing. So >> cool. So yeah, I'm I'm going to do that. I'm also locked in for the the concert series is the three concerts. >> Three concerts coming up. Fantastic. Well, you're looking good, Joe. I appreciate that. >> Yeah. >> All right. Well, thank you. >> You're welcome. >> All right. Um I think we got enough information on that, folks. Right.
Absolutely. >> All right. Uh, I entertain the motion to approve the Hawin pedals license and requested use of the Banstead parking lot with heads up notice by by yourself and then of course on the the 3rd Hathaway Park for the 3rd and 4th of July 2026.
>> Motion made >> second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Good luck. Report back to us how you did. We I'm I'm very curious of how you're going to do. >> Thank you very much. >> You're welcome, sir. Enjoy your day. Happy 4th. >> Thank you. >> All right. Uh number four, discussion and vote on awarding the Freetown Elementary School fence project. All
right. So for those that have been following along, um a couple years back, uh working with the superintendent and myself and one of the senators or Senator Rodri and as well as the PTO, we all decided that the FES needed an updated fence for their back area where
the preschoolers were. Uh as a board, we decided that we would expand that and fix all fencing needs. While we're fixing one, we might as well fix the others. So, we want to update the parking lot for the playground, right? As well as the fence area between the playground and the the main entrance to
the school so that children wouldn't leave the playground and then somehow wander into the parking lot during traffic and whatnot. So, it'll be more secure area and all the bids came in. So, that said, we per state law, we bid best value for the town, u which is
always usually the the lowest bid, which is saves us on tax dollars. So, we did get uh 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 nine different bids uh with the lowest bid coming in with Southeast Fence Company Incorporated at $24,19.
The next one up would would be Straight Line Fencing at 25,272. And then coming in if there was a first, second, third place in this case would be GA Fence Company Incorporated at 29,700. Um and and then the highest one was at
49,652. So to do what's best for the town and following state law, we awarded to the best value, which in this case again, $24,19 to Southeast Fence Company Incorporated.
Yeah. All right. And there this will. So that being said, I entertain the motion to approve an the award for the Fre Elementary School project, defense project to Southeast Fence Company for the tune of $24,190.
>> I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> All right. For the purpose of the meeting, we're going to table five, six, uh, item agendas 5, six, and seven. Uh but we could discuss five um if warranted just to because the the budget
sorry the contract is not yet complete. Uh but we already know who's going to who it's going to be for. So we can make the motion to have our town administrator to sign the contract once it's complete. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah. You guys okay with that? >> Yeah. >> All right. That being said, I entertain
the motion to approve the agreement between the town of Freetown and Southeast Fence Company for the tune of $24,19 once the contract is complete. >> Um, I would make that motion, but do we
say something about having Deb having >> correct? I should say the time Debbie Petty. Well, all right. Thank you, uh, Select Zer. >> Yep. >> All right. So I motion to approve the [snorts] agreement between the town of Freetown and the awardee for the amount
of $24,19 to Southeast Fence Company and have our tower administrator Debbie Petty sign the contract once once it's ready to be completed. >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you, Debbie. [laughter]
And as discussed on the table five, six and seven as we are not ready for those agreements to discuss today and we'll put that to uh a future meeting. That said, we'll continue on with agenda number eight. Discussion vote where to approve the amended agreement and change order number one between the town of
Freetown and Justee Construction for the fire hydrant replacement project. This is um a project that the the water department's been working on and I think apparent what happened is when they went to replace a fire hydrant, it didn't
need to be replaced. It needed to be repaired. So, um they just repaired that one. And this contract, if you notice, is actually a reduction. It's actually a reduction from the original contract. And I do think they added another repair to it, but overall, it's less money than
what we originally had. Correct. It went from $28,1461 to $27,000100 even. We'll take the savings. Absolutely. >> Absolutely. >> All right. Thank you, Debbie, for that
information. Um, any concerns, questions? >> Good money. >> Yeah. Part hard part of doing business. >> All right. I take the motion to approve the amended agreement and change order number one between the town of Freetown and Jbusd construction for the hydrant repair replacement project for the tune
of $27,100. >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I I >> All right. Number item agenda number nine discussion vote whe to accept donation for support for the council of aging from Susan Simo in the sum of $50.
All right. That's always good to have people in offer their own hardearned money and give it to the council of aging for their good work that they do over there. >> Yeah. And I'll I'll bring [snorts] up that we've seen this name a lot. >> Correct. >> She's she's given donation several
times. So, thank you. Really appreciate it. It means a lot. >> Oh, we definitely appreciate Susan. Absolutely. I know the council agent appreciates it as well. So, thank you so much. All right. I entertain a motion to accept donation for support of the council of
aging from Susan Simone in the sum of $50. >> Make that motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I I again. Thank you, Susan. Fantastic. All right. Item agenda 10. Discussion and vote whether to declare the following items as surplus and authorized disposal at the transfer station. A. One metal desk from the
payroll office at town hall as it's in poor condition. B. Uh wooden is it two or one or number two? >> It's two. two wooden office desks. You got that highway barn which also in poor condition. >> Yeah.
>> Stuff we we buy, you use it for 30, 40 years, throw it out, right? [laughter] >> We get our money's worth on, >> right? We definitely squeeze the life out of those two those three items. So, thank you for bringing it to our attention and I entertain a motion to
declare those items listed as A and B in this agenda item 10 um and authorize disposal for the transfer station. I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I I. >> All right. Item 11, discussion of vote on declaring 5,000 yards of asphalt
grindings that are at the highway barn as surplus and to be sold through procurment. >> Yeah, we have more coming. So, >> that we replace the grindings go back to the highway. But, as you know, we're trying to get a new assault shed and we need the space. So, they have to go.
They're worth something. So, I have to work on the procurement. But first they have to be declar declared by the selectman as uh surplus. >> So will we do that as one lump sum? Say in order for someone to come and get it, do they have to take all 5,000 yards or we going to break it up?
>> I I'm going to probably do one lump sum. I >> Okay, good. No, because then there's the insurance. Oh, we're going to load it. So, okay, that was going to be my next question. >> So, I need someone to have like to come in specific dates and take take it, right? not just be
>> cuz we can't store it, right? So, I don't want to be selling it off dribbs and drafts and >> two yards at a time. >> Yeah. No, >> I mean that's what I worried about was not that small, but having someone come take a,000 yards, someone else come take 5,000 yards and then >> give them private contract 60 days it
has to be removed or something like that. So, they might come >> 500 yards at a time, but 60 days to remove the pile. I'll talk to Chuck in terms of what time line he needs for the salt shed that we're working on. >> Mhm. >> The good news is we'll have more grindings after those are gone.
>> We'll put the shed in and more grinders will come our way. >> All right. I entertain the motion to declare the 5,000 yards of asphalt grindings that are at the highway barn as surplus and to be sold through procurement. >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> I. >> All right. Discussion item number 12.
discussion to vote whether to approve the road opening permit for water access to Hadley Heights from Forge Investments. All right. So, as people know, Hadley Heights is the property that is to the left of the former Asa Den, right? Um,
so it is now, I believe, three houses, right? Or to be sold off as three homes. Um, they're looking at opening up the road so that they can get water to their properties. You know, I I understand that. I get it.
So my only question right and I checking it now one we just freshly paved that road so breaks my heart when we have to pave it fix it and making make sure it matches and looks good right so that's one of my concerns my second concern is
will it be done prior to 4th of July reason being is I I don't want a big open area with 10,000 people in the dark watching fireworks >> they do it does have the completion date at 6:30. >> Yeah, >> it's tight. >> I think it's going to be done this week.
>> Okay. >> Just waiting for this approval. It and it and it there's a lot of people involved, but I do believe I spoke with um Paul Ruins from the water department and I think it's scheduled for this week. So, it should be it should be done if it's approved tonight.
>> Have we gotten Chuck's stamp of approval on what's going to happen? >> He was the first one I talked to because I wanted to make I was concerned about cutting into the new road. Yeah, he's not concerned about it. >> Okay. As long as he's not concerned. >> It's only about 2 ft into the road. >> So, they'll have to patch it.
>> Yeah. My biggest concern is the big open area. >> So, it's it's I'm sorry. It's just like the one that was just done on South Main Street. It's really not far into the road then. So, it's not it's not as big of a deal as I was thinking. So, >> Okay. >> Okay. Perfect. As long as you've had the conversations, I feel comfortable with that.
>> But if anything changes, just keep us up to up to date on there. >> All right. All right. I entertain a motion to approve the road opening permit for water access to Hadley Heights from Forge Investments. >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> All right. 13. Discuss and approve the
inter departmental request from the highway department to move $3,000 from highway salary to highway overtime due to use of unexpected overtime. So, you know, it's one of those problems that good problems to have, right? You have all these millings everywhere. That means our our our folks are working
fixing the roads. Um, but unfortunately they do it right. Sometimes they stay extra time. So moving money around, especially within the department, makes sense. The money's there for that purpose, but this is just more of a check the box to make sure that it's
it's approved by us. We're aware, >> right? Any questions, concerns? Right. Straight forward >> department. It's easy. >> Yep. So, I entertain a motion to approve the enter the departmental request from the highway department to move $3,000 from the highway salary to highway
overtime due to the use of unexpected overtime. >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> All right. Selecting Cavalo. >> All right. So, item 14, discuss and vote whether to allow Isabelle Ferrer to
carry over one week of unused vacation time in the fiscal year 2027. And we have an email that says, "Hi, I would like to request a carryover of 28 hours of my vacation time into the next
fiscal year due to how busy our department is right now." >> Uh, yeah, there's a couple things, too. the they're only allowed by union contract to take one week in the month of June and she's on vacation this week and throughout the year she just hasn't been able she I mean I think she gets
four weeks so she's taken other time but she wasn't able to get this last week in so she's a long-term employee >> we we we've told people in the past right that they were kind it was use it or lose it right that's the way that it was in the contract but we've also allowed other
people to do this >> we discourage the carryover right because it's an unfunded mandate and then of course if you can't take it this year now you get an extra week to take next year that I run into this I just give up the time at this point >> yes >> but this is not habitual for this employee I will tell you um this is the
one I think the only time the request has come so >> so normally if if you don't take it do you get you get paid for it right you get no >> you lose you just lose your vacation time >> you lose >> oh okay I thought that was just sick time but yeah I didn't know that >> yeah so we
>> we have people losing sick vacation time yearly. >> I think they're pretty good. I mean, I lose vacation time. Lynn and I lose vacation time, but I think most of the the union employees take their vacation time. >> Okay. Yeah. But but does happen from time to time, right? Um like she says
here, you know, you look at all the grants we put out there, a lot of it goes through that department. >> Okay. >> Right. So, is it kind of our fault that they're busy? Sure. Well, the town's busy, they're busy. So >> the what what one of the things that we did last time with this was we said we
just capped it and said that make sure that they have she has to use this say fifth week based on what Debbiey's saying next year so that way it's not going to be >> oh yeah we're not going to keep doing it every year. Yeah. >> Like I'm all for people taking their vacation time and they earned it. Take
it. Please take it. But there are times that things like this happen and then a request comes in. Right. Do we want this happen every year? No. We we definitely discourage it. Right. And we want you to use your time at the appropriate times because again you go from four weeks to 5 weeks, 6 weeks, we don't want to create that mess for us. Well, not mess.
I hate to say mess, not a mess. We love you guys. All right. But it creates a like she said unfunded mandate. It turns into somewhat of a nightmare. Um kind of get that all [snorts] >> Well, if it becomes habit, people would save it and retire six months early, >> right? >> Good. That's a good example. Yeah.
>> But I it seems like, you know, case by case scenario. So uh >> yeah, it is >> seems pretty legit reason right here. >> This is this is an easy one. >> Yeah. >> So I will uh entertain a motion to uh
approve the request for Isabelle uh Ferrer to carry over 28 hours of her vacation time until next fiscal year. >> I'll make that motion. I second. >> All in favor? I >> I. >> All right.
All right. Next up, we got uh 15 discussion vote whether to approve the following appointments. Uh A is for Joshua Simmons as a truck driver for the highway department. Effective 7126.
Uh as you know, he's already I believe he's a laborer now at the highway department. >> [snorts] >> Then B. David uh Tibido as data acquisition acquisition infrastructure. >> You know what I [laughter] meant?
>> Yeah. >> Infrastructure [gasps] uh maintenance 2 effective 71 2026. That's just two of them. >> Yeah. So, um I'll enter a motion to
um approve both A and B. >> I'll make that motion. I second it. >> All in favor? >> I I >> All right. [snorts] And one more thing, >> we can pass over 16. I haven't redone the contract. Just so you are aware, it's only to take her her personal
residence address out of the contract because they are publicly posted now and she doesn't want her home address. So, there's no um there will be no change in monetary benefits or anything like that to the contract. It's just to take the the the
mailing notice address out and I'll replace it with as on file. Um I just haven't to type it. You know, Lann to keep >> so you can pass over because I don't have it but just so you there's everybody understands there's no contextual change to the contract.
>> Okay. >> So, I have that. So, what I think we we might want to do signatures while we let everybody in the room and let them get settled. >> Yep. Uh, invite them all in. So, uh, past that time for 6 p.m., we'll do signatures and then, uh, get everybody situated and comfortable. All right.
Let the stars begin. That's it. It's best time of the year. >> You want me to go back in there? >> Thank you, Deb. Get my stuff out of her. >> Yeah. What's up? How you doing? Nice to see you over here.
>> Yeah, I'm good. Yeah. >> Yeah. Hey, sir. >> How you been? >> When was the last time you slept? Was it Maine? Was it? >> No. >> Was it you saw you with your family? We were walking around. >> We looked, huh? >> That was a while ago.
>> It was. >> You still going up there? >> Um, >> I haven't been back to Man in a while. I got the motor home camp beach. It seems to be about one month. >> Yeah. Quick, right? >> My camper's just about gone. >> The kids don't want to camp anymore. So,
>> yeah, it is. I agree. >> Well, hello. >> Hey guys. What's up, Brley? What's up, buddy? You got to rip it out. >> There you go. >> This is Olivia. How you doing today?
>> I got a boring thing. Give me a sec. >> Signed, >> but guess what? >> You got the selected today. No cursing. >> Yeah, no. No, you guys are doing okay.
>> Just finishing up signatures. >> I started to have good handwriting. It's >> okay. >> We're excited for you guys to be up here. >> Meeting of the year. >> Mhm. >> Actually, I didn't. >> We'll start that later.
>> Couple more. >> All right. How you doing? How you doing? Nice to meet you. Thank you. >> [laughter] >> Now we got five new bosses. >> Your name on the >> Make sure you tell her what to do.
>> That's right. >> Listen, you guys have some you have choices to make today. >> Don't worry, we're here to help you in case you have any questions. You know, we're still learning as well. So, >> I thought we were going home. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Well, they have to do some approvals first. You guys have a busy schedule. Look, I have
>> Oh, we were going home. They were taking over. two, three, four, five, six things you have to decide today. >> You guys can say no, you guys can say yes. All right, >> but how about we start off like this. Um, tonight we have four winners from the Freetown Elementary School, right?
And if you want to keep your microphones close, they're on. All right, we have four amazing winners. If you can just say hello. We have Branley. All right, we have Nora, we have Olivia, and Gabriella. Say hi, everybody. >> Hi. >> Hi. All right. So, they're here today
because they're our selectman of the night. So, congrats. All right. So, as our selectman, you have to make some decisions. But before we start with the decisions, would you guys like to read your essays so that the whole world can hear what
you have to say? >> All right, Nora, you want to start start it off for us? >> Well, I am proud of my community by Nora Broen. I'm proud of my community because my dad works for the Freetown Fire Department. He helps people when they
need him with other fire other firefighters who are on shift. We are very close with them like family and help each other. When the Fourth of July parade happens, I'm able to go in the fire engine and throw candy out the
window to the kids around town who are watching the parade. Another reason because we live in the area that is so beautiful. We are surrounded by nature and wildlife. I see on most days foxes, different birds, deer, rabbits, and
sometimes turtles all in my own neighborhood. We also have the Freetown State Forest that I have hiked on a lot with my family and when we had our dog. There are all different trails that are
there, some with even little bridges that are fun to walk on. We help keep these places clean by picking up trash on Earth Day. Freetown has a great elementary school with great teachers that want you to do your best and have fun while you are
learning. They plan exciting field trips and other school activities every year for the kids. We even get to go to Annie's for ice cream in third grade. Our town is small, but we are all connected with I
will usually find someone I know at my brother's base baseball games and [snorts] another of any of the playgrounds around town, the Fourth of July fireworks, or even in my own neighborhood. These are just some of the many reasons why I am
proud to live in Freetown. her eyes. >> Great. Great essay, Norah. Fantastic. All right, Mr. Brantley, >> you're up. >> Hello. My name is Brentley Brown and I am very proud to grow up in Free Freetown, Massachusetts. One reason I am
proud to live in Freetown is because this where my family is from. When I was a baby, I lived in the same house that my mom grew up in. My papy grew up in it, too. We all live across the street from my papappy and next door to my auntie, so I get to see them all every
day. I am so lucky to always have my family around. Another reason I am proud to live in Freetown is it's very safe. If I am scared, my mom says, "Don't be scared. We live in a very safe neighborhood. Our neighborhood is always looking out for one another, and I feel safe knowing the police and fire
department are always so close." Another reason I am proud to live in Freetown is the great school. My teacher, Miss D, is a really good teacher. If we need help with anything, she helps us and explains everything in a way we can will understand. Our principal, Mr. Ward, is
really great, too. He makes all the fun activities and the fun days like hat day, pajama day, movie day, electronic day, and a lot of other stuff. Also, at school, I have made a bunch of friends who are really nice. I am happy. I am
happy I get to go to a school with so many great friends and teachers. The last reason I am proud to live in Freetown is because there's always something to do. We have Long Pond, a bunch of roads and bikes for scootering and skateboard. We skateboarding. We all
we can also go on walks in the nature and like the Freetown State Forest. The historic and fun things to [clears throat] do is me makes Freetown so fun. Thank you. >> Good job, Brandon. >> You're telling me you get to wear your
pajamas and bring your electronics to school? >> I'm missing out. Where's Mr. Ward? >> He's back there. >> I like I like your style, Mr. Ward. >> All right, >> we should do that here. >> Right, Olivia.
I am proud of my community by Olivia Rogers. I am proud of my community because Freetown is a really special place. There are lots of fun places to explore outside like the Freetown State Forest and lots
of cool history. And it gets and it is a great place to live and grow up. But the thing that makes me the proudest of Freetown is the people who live here. The people in our town are kind, helpful, and care about each other. I'm
proud of the teachers in our town because they do so much for us students. They make learning fun with projects and special spirit days like rhyme without reason day. Teachers are always kind and patient and they encourage us to do our
best even when something feels hard. They also stay after school and come in early to run clubs like art club, chorus, publishing club, and kindness ambassadors. So students can try new things and make new friends. Our
teachers are kind and make coming to school so fun. I'm also part of the people who volunteer their time to plan fun events for our town. Families can spend time together at the Strawberry Festival, concerts, movie nights,
fireworks, and the Fourth of July parade. The parade is one of my favorite events because kids can join in, too, like Girl Scouts and kids who play football and baseball. I also like that students can be part of the parade
through the essay contest and drawing contest. Volunteers work very hard to make these events special for everyone. Mrs. Gregory helps with make the Fourth of July t-shirts because she wants to do fun things for the school in town. I
love watching the fireworks go boom boom in the sky because it is so fun. I'm also proud of the police officers and firefighters who work hard every day to keep our families safe. They also they help people during emergencies and are
always there when someone needs help. Their jobs can be scary and dangerous because they risk a lot to protect others. Some firefighters even stay overnight at the station, so they are ready to help at any time. I'm very proud of the veterans in our town, too.
They served our country bravely in wars like World War I and World War II. This past November with Mrs. Laru in the kindness ambassadors. We spent an afternoon with veterans, learning about the American flag, seeing old pictures and hearing stories about their
experiences serving our country. It taught us about courage, respect, and kindness. And it helped me understand how important it is to thank veterans for all that they have done for us. All of these people are what make my community special. They work together
and help others and show kids like me how to be kind, caring, and also to help others. These are just some of the reasons why I'm proud of my community of Freetown. >> Wow, that's amazing. Linda, you guys get to wear pajamas and go meet
veterans. This is a good school. All right, who do we have next? Let's see. It's Gabriella. Why I am proud of my community by Gabriella. I am proud of my community for many reasons. Although we are a
smaller community, we have lots of history. Our town is one of the oldest towns in the United States. Established in 1683. We have many historical places like Profile Rock, the Freetown State Forest,
and the Historical Society. Our select men help take care of the community. The school and PTO work hard to help us learn and have fun. The police officers and firefighters keep us safe. This is
why I love my community and I am proud to be a Freetown Fox. >> Well, it's clear to see why you you four were selected as a selector of the night. So now the hard part. We have to make decisions. All right. So you guys ready? All right. So this is how it
works. I will read it off, right? We'll start with number 18. I'll have to make a motion or entertain a motion. Then you we can discuss it if you like. We can say yes or no. And then we'll take it from there. Okay? So if I say entertain a motion, then you folks, all four of you will say I'll make that motion,
right? And then we'll go then the rest of us will help you guys out. All right? Because it's a little confusing at times. All right? So, so we did 18 already, which was all the contest winners to read their essays. So, good job doing that. You guys did an amazing job. But let's talk about number
19. We discuss and vote whether to close the town hall, the library, the council on aging, the highway department, and the transfer station for the 4th of July holiday. So, what do you think? Should we let
them go home that day so they can spend time with their family and maybe throw a party and enjoy the holidays or should they work all day? >> No, >> let them go. >> Good decision. So you you all agree. We should all stay home. Okay. All right.
So I entertain the motion to close the town hall, the library, council on aging, highway department, and it transfer station for the 4th of July holiday. So, we're all going to say motion made. >> Motion made. >> Ready? >> Ready. >> One, two, three.
>> Motion made. [laughter] >> Right. You got to say it out loud so that the camera and everybody here can hear it so that way it's it's official. All right. So, good job on that. All right. Um, motion's been made. Um, >> now we all need to say someone needs to say second. Do you want to say second?
>> Uh, sure. >> Second. >> Second. >> All right. Okay. So, Gabriella seconds the motion. So, now I say all in favor and we all say I. So, all in favor? >> I. >> I. >> Well, it's official. You guys should shut down the whole town. [laughter]
>> Except for police and fire. So, good job. All right. All right. All right. So, now we do we have to do this a few more times, right? So, you guys have a lot of decisions to make. Okay. All right. So, next one is to discuss and vote whether to prove the hawkers and pedals license, which is
just a permit that the town gives out to people that want to come out and sell things like balloons, ice cream, things like that. Okay, so it's called the Hawkers and Pedals license for the fourth for the 3rd of July fireworks and free town for Nico's novelty. All right,
so this one's to give somebody Nico's novelty the ability to sell balloons, toys, sparklers, things like that. What do you think? You guys want to have fun on the 3rd of July? Wait a minute. I thought you did for the fireworks. You sure you could have time for all the different balloons?
>> Yeah, you guys will be all right. >> Okay. So, >> always time. >> So, what do you So, we think should we say yes to this? >> Yeah. >> Yes. You you okay with it? All right. [snorts] All right. Well, here we go again. I'll say I'll entertain the motion to approve the hawkers and pedals license for the 3rd of July fireworks in
the Freetown for Nico's novelty. If you want to agree with it, you say, "I make that motion or motion made." Whatever you want. What do you think? >> You guys want to do it again? Count. >> Motion made. I got a motion made. >> Motion made. >> She second. >> She second. All right. >> Got it. All right. I think this is a go.
All right. All in favor? >> All right. >> Hey, so next. So now when you see this individual probably at the four corners selling things like toys and and lightsabers, you can tell them I did that. All right. So, it's pretty cool.
All right. [snorts] 21. All right. A few more to go. Okay. Discussion to vote whether to grant exclusive access to Haway Park for the 4th July parade and fireworks on July 3rd and 4th, 2026. So, what this means is so we have a parading committee like you you brought up Miss
Gregory, right? Miss Gregory is the chairwoman of our parade committee, right? And what we do over the years, we shut down the park where the fireworks are, right, for the fireworks display so we can have time to set up all the booths, all the food, the turtle races. Have you guys done the turtle races
before? Oh, you're missing out. Definitely go check out the turtle races. Again, you can tell if you say yes that it's my fault you're here. >> All right. >> So, and then we also close up fourth July. Fourth of July for the parade. I heard you might be in the parade with me. You guys hear that yet?
>> Yeah. You might have a special ride. >> I don't know yet. All right. So, you you want to join us at the parade first. >> Okay. We'll be sure you guys get there. Okay. So, you guys know you are part of our parade this year if you want to be part of it. Okay. All right. So, what do
you think? Should we shut down? Should we give access to the prey committee to be able to run the fireworks as well as run the parade for the 3rd or 4th of July? You guys like that idea? Yeah. All right. Let's do it again. Right. So, here I go. I entertain a motion to grant exclusive access to
Haway Park for the 4th July parade in fireworks on July 34th, 2026. All right. Can I get a motion from somebody? >> I want to say motion made. >> Oh, motion made by Brley here. Can I get a second? >> Motion made. >> Motion made by Nora as well. Can I get a second?
>> She Oh, I got another one from Olivia. >> Oh, I got another one. All right. They really want this to happen. >> All right. All right. Can I get a second? >> Say second. >> Can I get a second from somebody? Say second. Second. I second. >> Second. Second. All right.
>> All right. Hey, so you know the microphone catches everything. So you're fine. All right. All right. All in favor? >> I >> I >> Oh, it's official. Listen, this year's Fourth of July fireworks is going to be bigger than ever because it's 250 years. We're not parade. It's going to be the
next morning at 10:00. Look forward to seeing you guys there. All right. All right. That's all your fault that we're doing it because of you. >> We have to do signatures. They have to sign right >> the um the license granted to Nikos. >> That's right.
>> So I will start with signatures on that. >> So Nora, you're going to sign your name right here. >> So part of saying yes to things on camera. Now you have to put your signature on there in case someone doesn't see the camera or doesn't see the video. They but they look at your signature or your handwriting. Doesn't
have to be you can scribble it on, right? And then so that way anybody asks questions like who approved this, >> they go back to that piece of paper saying well Olivia did right there. >> And here she is signing piece of paper. >> All right. >> On camera. >> So So every time you make a motion
certain things. Oh, of course. Thank you. >> All right. There you go. You got the pen. So find your name and sign right above it. Ball below it. >> Right above it. >> Who are you? >> Yep. >> Oh yes. So, you know, you stay on record
for life. >> So, so when you're as old as us someday, you guys can go look back say, "Hey, my first official duty for the town of Freetown was when I was in third grade." I said, "Oh, >> their signature is better than mine for the record." >> It is true. >> If you look at our signatures, they look
like scribbles. >> It's true. >> All right. So, this goes to town clerk and she makes it official. >> That's very good. Heck, you're a part of
free town history for life. Is that pretty cool? >> Thank you. >> All right. Do we have another one? Is that the only signature? All right. >> Signatures on that, >> guys. >> All right. Well, it's two more to go. Okay. We're almost there. I know. I know. Then we have some stuff for you.
>> Got one. >> All right. So 22 is discussion to vote to close South Main Street and Water Street for the Fourth of July parade on July 4th, 2026. So what we're talking about here is so think about it. If you're in a parade, and I'm in the parade and the fire and the police are
in the parade, there's a lot of people on that road, right? Now, have you ever watched the parade from the side? Maybe caught some candy, a lot of stuff going on, right? It makes sense to close the road down, right? So we start at Camp Drive, right? And we go all the way down
to Haway Park where the fireworks are. Should be nobody on the street except for floats and kids, right? Good idea. Safety first, right? All right. So, guess what? We have to shut down the entire street. It's going to be a lot of traffic that day, right? It's all your fault. All right. [laughter]
All right. You guys ready for that? You you okay with that? It's a good It's a good idea, right? Yeah. I agree with you, Brandley. All right. I entertain the motion to close South Main Street and Water Street for the 4th of July parade on July 4th, 2026. >> All right. If you if you like that idea, I need a second.
>> Motion made. >> Motion made. [laughter] >> He's ready to go. He wants that candy. I need a second now. >> Second. >> Oh, now you a second. All right. All in favor? >> I >> I All right. You did it again. You guys shut down the entire road. All right.
All right. And last but not least. All right. because you guys are s such great selection for the night and you've already made your first official signature. All right, we have some things that the board of selectman and the town administrator in the in the town of Freetown want to give you guys. All right, so we don't just give out
these to anybody. So our first one is going to be to Nora. There you go, Nora. Check it out. Make sure you show the world what you have there. We're going to present to all of them a certificate slept in the night which you can hang up on your wall for life. All right, is the
official town seal and this is for Olivia, right? And I'll read I'll read Gabriella's. Then I'll give her give Gabriel's hers, right? And it states that it's a certificate of appointment to our four appointees today. We the selein of the town of Freetown by virtue
of the authority in us vested by the laws of the Commonwealth do hereby appoint you selecting of the night on this day June 15th 2026 give them at the Freetown Massachusetts on this 15th day of June 2026 you go Gabel before you put
them away I'm sure they're all going to want to see it so hold them up hold them up show the world there you go >> and those are yours those guys yours for life Oh, they look great on the wall or on the on the table, right? And that's
not it. We'll also take some photos. But guess what? If you guys open up these boxes, check these boxes out. Go ahead. Got go ahead, pick them up and feel free to open them up. >> Okay. >> Yeah. So, Fourth July, what does that mean? A lot of sun out there, right? >> Water. >> Yeah. You got to make sure you stay
hydrated. >> So, we gave you your very own >> the town sealer. >> Town seal. Exactly. So as a as select the night, you folks, you select control the town seal. Do you know that? So town seal is controlled by the selectman. And because you're a selectman today, you're
authorized to use it. That cool. >> All right. Now, do you mind if you all take photos with you guys? Is that okay? All right. And then after that, moms and dads and and friends can all take photos with you as well. Okay. >> All right. All right. So LOL, take some
photos. You want to get tight or or >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Get a little tight. All right. And if you want, bring it in. If you want, you can show off your certificate cuz the world wants to see it. By the way, you're you're officially now on YouTube.
All right. So, our board of selecting meetings are all recorded on YouTube. So, everyone's going to see who you are. So, say hello. >> Chad. Get in there. >> Yeah. Get in there, Chad. I don't bite. Come in, Debbie. >> All right. >> Just going to push Nora over so she can get in there. >> You can come close. You can sit right there. Let me You get close enough.
>> All right. >> Yeah. Doesn't matter. >> Gabrielle right next Gabrielle. >> Come on down. >> Cool stuff. >> All right. >> Kids here. >> All right. You want to show me so they have it as well?
>> If you want, you can bend it backwards. It won't won't hurt it. >> There you go. Here you go. Let me get all your face. All right. Cool. Gabriel is ready to go. Brley, you're good to go. So is Nora. All right. Smiles around, everybody. All right, now that let us us get out of
the way. If you folks who want to take some time, take some photos with the town free town behind us or come grab them. We have some refreshments in the back and some snacks. >> I just need one signature before you return. >> Before we go. All right. Is it them? Was it us?
>> Plastic in the water. He just >> All right. There you go. >> All right. >> Was that cool? >> You guys did a great job reading those essays. >> This one. >> You guys nervous? >> I think this one, >> you guys. Huh? >> This is the second time I've read it ever since I wrote it.
>> You did a great job. >> You did a great job. >> Oh, wait. This one. See what time it is. All right. It is 6. You guys did a good job. >> 7 6:30. >> You guys You guys went You guys flew by
now. All right. Well, he's still signing. Once he's done signing, we can shut this We can shut this down and adjourn and go have some snacks. >> What is inside of here? >> Nothing good. It's just a straw. [laughter] >> But there's plenty of water.
>> All right. [laughter] You got to show them the Got to show the blade. Boom. >> My goodness. >> Good job, buddy. You did a good job. All right. I need one more. >> One more. >> Thank you. >> All right. >> Thank you.
>> You're very welcome. Well, we got one more thing we have to do, okay? Because we're still live in the meeting. So, now we got to shut it down and adjourn for the day. Adjourning means we are done with the meeting and we can go enjoy some time. Good idea. >> Officially, >> it being 6:31 p.m., I hereby call the
free town bar selection meeting >> is officially over. >> Officially over. That's right, Brley. >> I I entertain a motion to adjourn. >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I All right, [laughter] we're done, everybody. All right, good
job. Good job. Pretty cool, huh? [music]