Good evening everyone. Welcome to the Freetown Board of Select Meeting. With it being 6 p.m. and having a quorum present, I will call the meeting to order. Please note that this meeting is being recorded and will be available on our town's YouTube page. Uh before I
start, is anyone else recording this meeting? No. All right. Um, so the first thing I'm going to do is ask everyone to stand for the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. >> All right. Uh so the first thing that I would like to do is um thank the Tuesday
club for hosting the annual strawberry festival down at the four corners this past weekend. Um should come as no surprise that it was another very successful event and uh we really like to thank them for that. So congratulations to you all and thank you for the hard work.
Uh I'm going to go into item agenda number one which is um police department sergeant promotions and pinning ceremony. um administration of the oath of office and pinning of Sergeant Patrick R. Lee and Douglas B. The board will
recognize these offices achievement and commitment to public service. Um so at this time I will ask uh Chief Rose to come forward please. Good evening, uh, members of the board, town administrator, elected appointed officials, members of the Freetown Police Department, family members,
friends, and residents of the community. Thank you for providing us with this opportunity this evening to recognize and celebrate the promotions of two outstanding members of the Freetown Police Department, Sergeant Pat Lee and Sergeant Doug Promotional
ceremonies are among the most meaningful events we participate in as a police department. They provide us with an opportunity not only to recognize professional achievement, but also to reflect on the dedication, sacrifice, and commitment that are required to earn
the privilege of leadership within our profession. The rank of sergeant is often described as the backbone of the police department and for good reason. Sergeants are the first line supervisors and leaders. They serve as mentors,
trainers, problem solvers, decision makers, and examples for officers under their command. They are responsible not only for the operations of a shift, but also maintaining the profession, professionalism, accountability, and
culture of the organization. The transition from police officer to sergeant represents much more than change in rank insignia. It represents a trans transition from individual performance to organizational leadership. It requires a commitment to
supporting others, making difficult decisions, accepting greater responsibility, and leading by example every single day. The promotional process within the Freetown Police Department is designated to identify individuals who possess not only knowledge and experience necessary to
perform the duties of a sergeant but also the character, judgment and leadership qualities that our community and department expect. Our process is comp comprehensive and competitive. The process requires extensive
preparation, dedication, and willingness to challenge oneself professionally. This evening, we recognize two officers who successfully navigated this process and demonstrated that process the qualities necessary to lead. Sergeant
Pat Lee has distinguished himself throughout his career throughout professionalism, dedication to service, and strong commitment to the mission of this department. He has consist consistently demonstrated sound judgment, reliability, and a willingness
to take on additional responsibilities. His peers and supervisors alike recognize his work ethic, his leadership abilities, and his commitment to serving the residents of Freetown. Likewise, Sergeant Doug Mudin has established himself as a respected and
dedicated member of the department. Through his experience, professionalism, and commitment to excellence, he has earned the respect of his fellow officers and supervisors. He has consistently demonstrated the leadership qualities that temperament necessary to effectively supervise
others and help move this organization forward. To both of you, our newly promoted sergeants, I want to emphasize that tonight is not the end of a your journey. It is the beginning of a new chapter. The badge of stripes represent the trust that this
department, this community, and your fellow officers have placed in you. Leadership is not exercised through an an authority alone. It's earned through integrity, humility, accountability, and service to others.
I also want to take a moment to recognize the families who are here with us this evening. In law enforcement, promotions are never achieved by the officer alone. Behind every successful police officer is a is a support system that often
sacrifices just as much as the officer does. The long hours, missed holidays, interrupted family events, last night calls, and the stresses that accompany the profession are shared by the spouses, children, parents, and loved
ones. To the spouses and families of Sergeant Lee and Sergeant Munan, I want to extend my sincere gratitude. Thank you for your support, your patience, and your understanding. Thank you for your sharing of your husbands with this profession. Haley and Jess. I can't say
I can't stress that enough. Uh become a part of the family here at the Freetown Police Department. Your support has played a critical role in helping them reach this milestone and this achievement belongs to you as well. On behalf of the Freetown Police
Department, I want to congratulate both Sergeant Sergeant Lee and Sergeant Munchin on this well earned achievement. I have every confidence that both of you will serve the department, your fellow officers and the residents of the Freetown with honor, integrity, and
professionalism. And congratulations to both of you. Congratulations to your family. And thank you for the board of selectmen and our community for continued support of the men and women of the Freon Police Department. And again, thank you very much. >> Please step forward up here, please.
>> Chief, you might want to have them come in the middle of here. >> Sure. If you can stand right in front of uh the board and face the crowd. >> I'm sorry. the uh the the family members that are pinning the officers. Can you please step forward and stand be beside your
spouse? Sergeants, I'm going to have you raise your right hand. We have a lengthy um oath this evening because it is a special appointment. So bear with me. At the end, I'll have you repeat after me. Do you Patrick Arley and Douglas R
Munchen solemnly swear and affirm that you will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon you as police sergeants for the town of Freetown according to the best of your abilities and understanding in good faith. So help you God. >> Thank you. >> Do you Patrick Lee and Douglas
promise to uphold the Constitution of the United States, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the bylaws of the town of Freetown? Do you promise to impart your professional standards of quality and integrity so that your conduct shall be
above reproach and merit public confidence in the position of police sergeant of the town of Freetown? >> Do you promise to always have the courage to hold yourself and others accountable for your actions? I promise. Do you promise to put
yourself before yourself personal courage whenever called upon and you are committed to duty and to the rights of others? >> Do you promise to never betray your badge, your character, or the public's trust? Do you promise to serve with
integrity, honor, loyalty, and excellence at all times? I >> do. >> Do you promise to serve and protect the town of Freetown and its citizens? >> Yeah. I'm going to have you repeat after repeat your names. I repeat your names.
>> I >> promise to keep this oath >> today, tomorrow, and always. >> Today, tomorrow, and always >> and hereby accept the position >> and hereby accept the position >> of police sergeant >> of police sergeant >> for the town of Freetown.
>> for the town of Freetown. >> Congratulations, gentlemen. I'll be the first to congratulate you as police sergeants. All right, family members. If you're ready for the task, if you want to get in front of your loved one, find that badge and please pin it proudly on your
huskiness. Mrs. Go back. Sorry, technical difficulty. >> Very nice. >> Follow people stand. Look at all the cameras out there. Take some pictures. >> Um, I would just like to say something
on behalf of the board. I promise to be short and sweet. Um, on behalf of the board of selectment, I would like to rec uh congratulate Sergeant Lee and Sergeant Munchin and thank them for their dedications and commitment to the Freetown Police Department. Congratulations, gentlemen.
>> You guys like to take pictures with your families real quick before we continue? Congratulations, sir. >> Thank you. Appreciate you. >> Congratulations, Sergeant. >> You're supposed to bring the cupcakes, please. >> Congratulations.
>> Supposed to bring the cupcakes. >> Congratulations. Congratulations. >> Zero. >> Chief, is there any more pictures or anything else that you want to take before we start the meeting over again? >> I think we can go outside and uh be more
formal with the families and stuff and let you guys continue. Okay, that's okay. Would you like a photo opportunity yourselves? It's up to you. >> We'll take a photo with them. >> We can take a photo. >> Just a quick photo >> one more time. >> Sorry. And then we'll let you guys go so we can uh
>> Well, you'll sneak back there with the uh the selective. >> Yeah. >> You stay the select person center. cheap. >> I don't want to be next to
what you got to do. >> We're going to take a step that >> a little further. >> You know what? Just get out of >> there. Oh, is that funny? >> Who's that? What do you see?
>> Thank you, gentlemen. >> Well, congratulations, guys. >> Congratulations again. >> Thank you, Chief. >> Very well. >> Congratulations. >> Just give them a second to uh let them exit the room.
Very nice. >> Oh, look at this guy hiding back there. >> Awesome. You're on set. Thank you. All right. So, um I'm going to take things a little bit out of order because I know um Mr. Cabraw doesn't want to sit here for the whole entire meeting to go
through everything. So, um I'm actually going to go to agenda item number 24 and then go back to the beginning. Um, so agenda item number four, discussion and vote as whether to whether or not to approve the license agreement between
the town of Freetown and Freetown Regional Food Pantry at 227 Chase Road. Um, so uh the the Freetown Regional Food Pantry obviously doing a lot of good for the town has uh come forward and asked
us to uh extend out the um length of the license. Um this is due in part to um some movements they want to make on the property. So um so they asked if we could do it. So Mr. Brawl. I'm not sure
if there's any >> if um yes, it's basically uh Senator Mike Rogers is helping us with a grant and uh he stepped in because I didn't think that we would end up getting it and he stepped in and cuz they uh and said
that, you know, we really need it. So, I mean, I'm hoping I'm going to get it. So, they opened it back up for us and said that that they had all my information. The only thing that needed it was uh something to say that I have at least a 5year lease to do the improvements. So for whatever
improvements I'm going to do and I have to have it in by July 1st. So that's why uh I came in and u so that's pretty much it. That's to improve the property again. Y >> is to um uh put in a freezer cooler so
that now that you know as everybody knows we get broccoli and any kind of produce we get we're limited to what we can do cuz so I have to call it town hall tell everybody come get whatever you want and the rest of the pig farmers this will this will give us the opportunity to store it so that we can
pass it out to people over you we know a week or two. Yeah. I mean, as much as we love the pig farmers, this this wasn't given to us for that reason, right? So, um, so, you know, obviously, thank you to them. Uh, do you have any questions? >> No, but I I we might have an issue cuz
my wife and I are board members of the food pantry. >> So, I got to recuse myself from voting. >> Okay, >> that's an issue. We can't call a vote because we don't have selectman lopes.
So I don't have a quorum to vote on this because Chad can't vote on it. Um I'm not sure what we can do. >> We can't do anything. Um as far as a a vote goes, I can
>> we can we call something that in good faith that if that I don't know. I'm just trying to think of something. It's Monday. So, Tuesday, tomorrow, I can schedule a Zoom meeting to get something um um a Zoom meeting for maybe Thursday.
>> Yeah. >> And get something done >> by July 1st. I have to They opened it back up for me and they had all my stuff and they said, "You have to have that in by July 1st." That's why I did this. >> Yeah. >> Thoughts, concerns, or anything?
that you can think of. Cheryl, sorry to put you on the spot. I >> filed for an extension. No, >> they reopened Mike Rogers. Get them to reopen it for us. >> If I can get Carlos on the phone. >> Yeah. You'd have to take up this matter all over again or repeat the whole
thing. But if you can get them >> Yeah. >> But then um >> then redo the vote again. >> Ratify the vote. >> Ratify the vote down the road. But I know at least if we can do this now so that we can at least have something >> then I should have the lease agreement
on file. >> I just change the date. I'll get it from that. Yeah. >> Yeah. No, >> like there's got to be some sort of way. I mean, this is >> I missed it in the agenda or I would
have made sure Cowles was here and told you guys that prior, but >> I mean, we can we can um wait to hear from him if you want to go over the minutes and whatnot. And if he responds, we'll we'll circle back. >> All right. So, we're just going to we're
going to put that on hold for a moment. No, hopefully just that just a moment. Uh agenda item number two, discussion vote whether to approve the open session meeting minutes from June 15th, 2026. I reviewed them. Everything looked fine. >> I as well. >> All right. So, pretty straightforward.
So, with that, I entertain a motion to approve the open session meeting minutes from June 15, 2026. >> I will make that motion. >> I will second it. All those in favor? I >> I >> agenda item number three discussion vote whether to approve the weekly warrant uh
weekly warrants uh for FY271 through 28 u procedural in nature it's weekly warrants and we just approve them. >> So um obviously no issues with that we've seen them all already. So questions concerns
>> no sir. All right. So, with that, I entertain a motion to approve the weekly warrants for FY27. >> I'll make that motion. >> I will second it. All those in favor? >> I >> I uh agenda item number four, discussion vote whether to approve the agreement between the town of Freetown and Sper
Technologies for Police Department IT services. >> I did look at that. >> So, um >> this is just their what they use for maintenance for the >> PC. So, um just general contract for it
for the all the IT services for the PD and fire department. Um so, I mean it's when I looked through it before seems straightforward. I don't have any issues with this. >> Yeah.
>> All right. So um with that I obtain a motion to approve the agreement between the town of Freetown and Sper Technologies for for police department IT services. >> I will make that motion. >> I will second it. All those in favor >> I >> I
for one second. Uh this item agenda number five, discussion and vote whether to approve the agreement between the town of Freetown and Sper Technologies for Fire Department IT services. So a lot like the last one. It's just separated out. This one is for the fire department. Um
and everything looks fine there too. >> It does. >> All right. So with that, I entertain a motion to approve the agreement between the town of Freetown and Sper Technologies for Fire Department IT services. >> I'll make that motion. >> I will second it. All those in favor? >> I >> I
agenda item number six, discussion and vote uh to approve wages for the bylaw employees as included in the approved FY2027 omnibus. So this is just procedural in nature. Um it's already been >> approved by the town's people. So really
I mean although we can discuss it I mean it's all straightforward because it's already been approved by the town's people. So are you good? >> I'm good. >> All right. So would that entertain a motion to approve the wages for bylaw employees as uh included in the approved
FY2027 omnibus? >> I'll make that motion. >> I will second it. All those in favor? >> I >> I. Agenda item number seven, discussion and vote on whether to allow flock safety to install license plate readers, LPRs,
cameras in Freetown in the area of High Street, Bell Rock Road, and Copa Cut Road on behalf of the city of Fall River. So, these cameras have kind of been popping up everywhere, right? And um they're designed to do just that, to
read all the license plates that that go by. Um, city of Fall River has approached us and asked us to to install them. Um, so it's, you know, because it's in within our town's limits. >> Yeah. >> It has to be approached like >> Yep. The only thing I didn't know is our
police uh going to have access to those >> I believe. So, yes, >> they will. >> It might be through the through the city of Fall River, but um they they will get access to it. Was my understanding. >> All right. mine too, but I just don't see that.
>> So, >> any other input or anything coming from your background? Any >> No. So, I think it's a great idea. It's it's a very good law enforcement tool, especially in that area. Um,
yeah. So, no, I I think it's a great idea. I think maybe from here hopefully we can expand in the future >> with those. But yes, it's it's a good tool for law enforcement. >> It doesn't really >> infringe on anyone's
>> Yeah. Ask >> I've had a lot I had a lot of concerns um with them because I was reading about them and it's like a private company, right? But they but it's >> based on what I'm being told is that >> there's
I was worried about the constitutionality of it all. Yep. So, I've asked people from, we'll say, different police departments around um and they've all assured me that, you know, it's the same thing as you having a Ring camera on your house and someone
walking by or someone standing out in front of your house and taking pictures of your house. Um because it's out in the public, there's really there's >> no expect expectation of privacy out in public. Yeah, >> most of your law enforcement technology stuff usually are private companies that
usually just deal with law enforcement. >> Mhm. >> Um but yeah, they don't like these things don't issue tickets or anything like that. >> And they do loop through it's only information that's held on a shortterm basis. So I say short term, but based on
what I'm being told is it's about a two week process as to which it'll be held. After that, the the information is is wiped clean basically. >> Um, and >> it's actually quicker than like just say a police officer is behind you and runs your license plate. It's kind of the same idea here. That actually holds it a
little bit longer in those. So, that that would be less. >> Yeah. So, um, and the other part cuz like I said, you know, I have a hard time going against our police department. Um, so, but I I was questioning the constitutionality of it. So that's why I I asked people and who
better to ask than police officers, right? So um so that's kind of where all this came from. And the other part that I'm I've kind of talked myself into is I do feel like that this is an area that's >> uh not highly traveled. Um and I think
it's a good >> stepping stone for him, I guess, if we're going to have to put them in and around or we decide to put them in and around. Um, you know, I think that this will be the the good idea of how the town's people feel about it, right? We're we're elected by the town's people
to to act on their behalf. So, I feel like if they are not happy with this, then that gives us that direction going forward that, you know, they don't want them everywhere or if they're not bothered by them and then, you know. >> Yeah. So, these things, they have them now and I I know state police has them. some of the biggest cities, they put
them right on cruises now >> and they'll drive through the road and they'll pick up cars around mostly what they're for. And I can see by being in this area, >> they're going to they're looking for pick up stolen cars.
>> So ping to a center or you know, >> you know, pick up stolen cars, people with warrant stuff like that. So, it's not it's not detecting if you're speeding or tracking your moves or anything unless you're in a stolen car or have a warrant or something of that
nature. >> Mhm. So, yeah. So, I I guess I've I've kind of been talked into it truthfully. Yeah. Um >> so, all right. So, guess we got that one out. So, um, with that, I entertain a
motion to allow Flock Safety to install, uh, license plate readers, LPRs, cameras in Freetown in the area of High Street, Bell Rock Road, and Copa Cut Road on behalf of the city of Fall River. >> I'll make that motion.
>> I will second it. All those in favor? Hi. >> Hi. >> That was a good one for people to talk me into because I didn't think I was going to be talking in that direction. >> Yeah, >> it's a good They're good. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Um, so agenda item number eight,
discussion and vote uh to approve the change order in the amount of $10,530 for JH Landscape Construction, Inc. for additional work completed at the COA parking lot and amends the contract
accordingly. Um, this is all the upgrades that were done at the given and um I don't remember what was actually do you remember what was what was done Debbie that caused >> there was a bunch of different little
things done. So there was some grading issues around the ramp to the pod that needed to be changed. There was um temporary striping in the winter time because without the stripes it was very confusing. Um there was just a lot of
little things that I I've reviewed it. It wasn't one big thing. It was just a bunch of um like thousand dollars here and there. >> I've reviewed it. The engineer reviewed it. Um everything's good. Let me see if I can find some here. I have some paperwork here. Um
these are most of the train scary huh >> me that does that >> you know adding a swale doing some drainage there was some materials that were not good when they were digging up the parking lot so they had to bring in some extra uh gravel
>> um >> and there was I guess some big boulders they had to excavate that they weren't expecting so the this is the list of this is where the change order came from. >> Yeah. So yeah, probably a dozen or so different items that um you can see on
here and you know, she just named off a couple of the big ones. >> Um you know, I guess to that point is there's things that are going to happen that kind of are unforeseen. So I didn't know if it was just like one big thing or or not. So >> no, >> but I will say the parking lot looks
great. So >> yeah, I think it's it's you know >> Oh yeah, >> a welcome >> chain over there. And I know that the people over at the food pantry were happy with it. >> Yeah. And it doesn't >> right up into their parking lot. So,
>> well, it's it's beneficial not only for the COA and the food pantry, but when there's big events at the ball fields, there's a lot of extra parking, which doesn't interfere generally with the ongoings of the COA because those are usually weekend events, right? So, or if you have anything big at the school,
it's really not a far walk, right? So, it's it's just beneficial overall for the town to have parking and a decent parking area there. >> Agreed. All right. So, um any other questions, concerns? No. >> Yes, sir.
>> All right. So, with that, I obtain a motion to approve the change order in the amount of $10,530 for JH Landscaping Construction, Inc. for additional work completed at the COA parking lot and amend the contract accordingly. I'll make that motion.
>> I will second it. All those in favor? >> I >> I. Agenda item number nine, discussion and vote on whether the town will retain or sell the property reference as map 240 lot 066 taken for non-payment of taxes.
Um so this is um you know it's always brought before us before we decide to sell it off. And um I don't see any reason to keep it. Uh-huh. Deb, you haven't heard anything from anyone as to reasons to keep it, right?
>> Nope. I put it out to the department heads. I think I believe it's a landlocked piece of property. Not I mean, it's only assessed at 14,600. So, there's not a lot of value to it. Um, there's no reason to really retain it that I can see. But as you know, as
you're aware, this is the new uh rules that we have to follow for land taking, for tax taking stuff that we have to make a decision whether we're going to keep it or sell it, and then we have to have it assessed and then put on the market. Um, this particular piece of property is probably only valuable to
one of the abunders. >> Mhm. >> Um, so so that's it. I did put it out to all the department heads. >> Perfect. Yeah, we're we're not in the business of retaining land, right? So um so if the then department heads don't have any use for it then um I I can't
see any reason to keep it. Right. >> So all right. So with that I entertain a motion um to sell the property referenced as map 240 lot 066 taken for non-payment of taxes. >> I'll make that motion. >> I will second it. All those in favor?
>> I >> I uh agenda item number 10, discussion and vote on signing the updated fire contract, fire union contract. Um so this was just some amendments, right, to the current contract.
There was nothing really sustainable to it. >> I am trying so Alice is unable to join us by phone. So, what I'm trying to do in my scurry is um set up a a virtual meeting for Wednesday night. I have to
post uh 48 hours in advance via Zoom. So, that's what I'm trying to do is create a Zoom meeting for Wednesday night at 700 p.m. to try to accomplish this cuz that's July 1st. So, that's what I'm I'm scaring to do, but I have to get it and I have to get it to show before the So, if I seem like I'm not
paying attention, it's I'm multitasking. Um, >> so you need it before July 1st or >> You saw the email the from the lady, right? I sent it to you. Didn't I forward it to you? >> Yeah, I I don't know. I know that whatever it said, that's why I hurried up and >> amended the agenda to get it on there
because I had just gotten it Friday. >> Um, yeah. I mean, hopefully that that can work then. Hopefully >> be the meeting will be at night. >> Yeah. >> Have to have it. Yeah, cuz we have to have 48 hours. So, it has to it'll have to be like 7:00 at night on
on the uh the 1st. >> Give me a call tomorrow. Give me a call tomorrow. I'm probably not going to be in first thing in the morning, but call me uh call me. I'll answer the phone. >> Okay, no problem. >> Thank you, sir.
>> Sorry, Craig. I union contract is been already ratified. It's it's nothing new on there. Um it was taking the MOAs and putting them into one union contract. You already voted on this a few weeks ago, but apparently I had the wrong document in the packet. So >> this is just that of the correcting
that. So >> yeah. Yeah. >> Formality discussed in formality. Exactly. So uh with that I attain a motion >> actually. Um, I guess I obtain a motion to approve the
updated fire union contract. >> I'll make that motion. >> I will second it. All those in favor? >> I >> I. And item number 11, discussion and vote on approval of quote from clear gov for budget software. Um, so this is some
some new software that will be very kind of very valuable to to Devon team. um you know I don't know so I'm just trying to get >> it'll be digital software as opposed to what we do now you saw the manual dig digital books that we give you um the
bigger books with 14,000 sheets of manual written papers on them um and if you this year I didn't give you the sheets of changes I did them on a spreadsheet but years in the past we cross numbers out and we make 12 or 13
copies pass them all around you have to put them in your books, it gets very clunky, very messy. And knock on wood, we have not made errors, but it leaves a lot of room for errors. Um, if if we forget to update or we don't get one of
the updated forms to somebody, it's just a lot of processing that the budget has to go through. So, I've really wanted budget software for a few years. Um, we've we've looked at some in the past and this is this one. We've looked at this one and I didn't like it.
apparently the first time, but this is a lot of updates to it. Matt and I both looked at it and Matt said he could work with it. Um, so I'm anxious to get going on this. It's about a $15,000 annual fee and then the setup fee is $8,500 and we
do have the funding for that. So, um, and our presentation of our budget will be much neater. I know this year um there was some requests to put the budget sheets up on the um the monitors, but they're messy. I mean, they're
handwritten by the department head. So, sometimes they're they're not really >> and they're small and tough to read because of that because of the way that they're constructed. And then I also think about accountability of numbers, right? Going forward and trajectory and looking at
the numbers and saying, you know, how much has been used in the past, right? This will give you a better it's going to help you budget out going forward to say how much money should actually be allocated right based on >> and I think it's going to be good for a good tool to share with the public which
is difficult to do now with a a budget book. Um so I just um you like I said this is really something I've been wanting to do and mainly I will tell you it's the fear of that error. >> Mhm. >> We know a few years ago the school forgot to add a million dollar budget into their budget. Right. then it's easy
to do when you're dealing with a lot of numbers and a lot of sheets. So, um, luckily we haven't done that, but I I'm just trying to set us up for a much easier transition, cleaner. Um, all the transactions between departments and
myself and Matt will be they'll be trailed, right? So, you can see um it will automatically update the system. We won't have to make 12 copies. Make sure Matt gets one. Make sure Matt puts it in. Make sure Patty gets hers. Everybody gets their. So, I'm excited about this
actually. >> And and budget season tends to be one of the most stressful points of your year, right? And if this can help ease any of that burden, then a little bit um more of a reason to have it, >> right? That's why we kind of want to get it done now so that it's set up for because it's going to take time to set
it up. >> So, we're slow. We'll set it up and then we'll get it done. Especially this year, I've got all the unions to negotiate. >> So, it's a fun year. >> Oh, yeah. Um any questions, concerns? No. No, sir. >> All right. >> Sounds fantastic.
>> Yeah. No way. >> It's helping move us forward in the right direction. >> So, with that, I entertain a motion to uh uh to approve the quote from Clear Gov for the budget software. >> I'll make that motion.
>> I will second it. All those in favor? >> I >> I All right. So, I got a couple of acknowledgements here. So, this does not require a vote. It's just acknowledgements. Um, acknowledg item number 12, acknowledge reserve fund
transfer to acco in the amount of $2,500 due to paying for unexpected animal boarding in Lakeville. Agenda item number 13, acknowledge the reserve fund transfers to the fire department in the amount of $33,000 into fire additional gross OT as a
result of unexpected back-to-back winter storms. Um and then agenda item number 14, discussion and approval of interdep department interdep departmental transfer from EMA supplies account in
the amount of $8,000 to additional gross overtime account due to additional storm coverage. Um so this one the way we have it set up do I need to call out a vote on that one Deb because we have discussion and approval.
>> Yes. Anything that's an energy department transfer, you have to approve. Okay. >> The reserve funds you just acknowledged. >> Gotcha. That one I did not remember. So, thank you. Um, any questions or concerns for that transfer? No. All right. So, with that,
I entertain a motion to approve the interdep department transfer from EMA supplies account in the amount of $8,000 to additional gross overtime account due to the additional storm coverage. I'll make that motion. >> I will second it. All those in favor? >> I
>> I. Agenda item number 15, discussion and approve interdep departmental transfer from the trans for the treasurer for $35 from health insurance to life insurance to cover a shortfall. >> This one's a tough one. >> It's a tough one. It's a big one,
but that's the way it's going to be done. Doesn't matter how big or how small. So, so with that, I entertain a motion to approve uh the interdep departmental transfer from the treasurer uh for $35 from health insurance to life
insurance to cover a shortfall. >> I'll make that motion. >> I will second it. All those in favor? I >> I >> agenda item number 16, discussion and approval interdep departmental transfer for the water and so water and sewer department in the amount of $100,000
from the water purchasing account to the sewer purchasing account to cover unexpected sewer cost due to a surge in use. Um it is what it is, right? So you there's a surge in use and um you know we we make money back on that. So
>> yeah, I would just say the only thing is the last couple that we've been doing, just so people know, it's just it's money that's already there, which is one line to the next line. >> Yeah. You know, it's just Yeah. >> Absolutely. >> So it's not like any additional monies into the budgets. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And that's, you know, that this
one in the case of this one, you know, we we're collecting receipts on on this stuff. So this, you know, $100,000 is a large number, but you know, you're collecting money back on it. >> But good call. Oh, thank you. >> Uh, all right. So, with that, I
entertain a motion to approve the interdep departmental transfer from the water and sewer department in the amount of $100,000 from the water purchasing account to the sewer purchasing account for coverage of unexpected sewer cost due to a surge in use.
>> I'll make that motion. >> I will second it. All those in favor? I >> I agenda item number 17 discussion and vote whether to approve the uh proposal from Riverhawk Environmental for municipal site usability and permit ready design services for the town of
Freetown's proposed municipal complex. Um so uh obviously very exciting got the the land across the street from the elementary school. Um, and really then the the one of the first steps has to be is getting it permit ready, right? Um,
there's, you know, obviously there's some challenges with that land. Um, with some of it being wetlands, some of it having endangered species on it there. There's a lot of different things that, you know, can change the outcome of that
land. So having Riverhawk involved, making sure that we do everything that we need to do and uh they're ready is going to be instrumental and unfortunately none of it is ever fast. >> So it's so we want to get this rolling
as fast as possible. Um so uh you know we we got the they were the ones who came out and did the initial investigation with us on on this property. Um, so they're already familiar with the site. >> Okay. >> So, so that's, you know, we we kind of
had them involved and asked them to bring forward to us what what the next stages were to get piece ready to build. Um, and this is what they're proposing to us. So, this was obviously already all approved by the town as far as, you know, money. >> Yep.
>> Um, so it's it's not a small amount of money, but it it needs to be done. Um, I'm just trying to get to >> I think it's Are you getting to the money amount? >> Yeah. >> 214. >> I think that's what it was. Yeah. I think you're right. >> I got it right. Yeah. If you want.
>> Thank you. Oh, yeah. Yep. So, the the total proposal amount is $214,495. Um, so once again, like I said, it's not it it sounds like a lot of money, but it's a lot of work. >> It's not for for that. >> Yeah. Um, so so yes. So that's um this
the next step to get this thing rolling. So uh any questions or concerns? >> No sir. >> All right. So with that I entertain a motion to approve the proposal from Riverhawk uh environmental for municipal site
feasibility and permit ready design services for the town of Freetown's proposed municipal complex. >> I'll make that motion. >> I will second it. All those in favor? I >> I >> uh agenda item number 18, discussion, vote on insurance binder for the FY27
insurance policies with USI. So this is procedural in effect as well. A USI is our insurance carrier. The cost for the insurance for the year is about $228,000. Um and that's just to approve it. so I
can go forward in buying coverage which is due July 1st. So that's all. >> Absolutely. >> I guess we better get moving on that one pretty quick, huh? >> And you know, um I gave you the list of the insuranceances and everything in there. I did increase some of the coverages because they hadn't really
been looked at in many years >> and you know the cost of public buildings to replace them is pretty ex it's really high. It's a lot different than our residential building because of the OPM and the uh prevailing wage laws and procurement laws. So, I did um
increase some of the values on on the properties to make sure um that we're covered appropriately. The town hall was one that was probably at a million dollars. I think I pushed it to almost $5 million. It's 5,000t building. >> Be tough to even get close to that for
that year. >> Yeah. Yeah. public buildings are about $1,100 a square foot to replace at this point. So, I tried to gauge it with that. And we're not 100% there with all the buildings, but I figure each year we'll kind of creep them up. So, but they're a lot closer than what they were. Other than that, we reduce cyber
security insurance down to a million dollars because the um it is so backed up um with the cloud and redundantly backed up. He he's like the the cost to if we were hit with um any kind of an
attack wouldn't be that extensive >> because it would just be you know maybe getting a new hard drive and bringing in the downloading all of the information. So it wouldn't cost more than a million. We had $2 million of coverage and it's extremely expensive. It was $15,000 for
$2 million of coverage. I reduced it to 1 million which is still $10,000. >> So um and that's about it. Those are the changes for the current year. We did add a little bit of coverage for the um injured on duties, which are our, you
know, police and fire officers for very like literally $400 a year. I got them more coverage um if in case anything should happen. It was so inconsequential of a cost that I thought it was worthwhile to >> $400.
>> Yeah. And they have maximum coverage. I reviewed all of that this year extensively with with the Chiefs. um and and myself. So that's really it. I just like I said, it's a lot of money. Um I can't stand for myself. So it's just so you're aware of the cost of our
insurance. >> Yeah. No, and I appreciate that. And it sounds like, you know, based on everything you just said, you went through everything with a fine tooth comb. And I do appreciate that because every every dollar matters. So >> I went through the buildings. I will tell you Land does all the vehicles cuz that's its own
kind of little problem there like in terms of the number in the vehicle. So yeah, we've gone through it pretty well. >> Thank you. Yeah. >> Questions, concerns for you? >> Go. Yes, sir. >> All right. So with that, I uh I
entertain a motion uh to approve the insurance binder for FY27 insurance policies with USI. >> I'll make that motion. >> I will second it. All those in favor? >> I >> I agenda item number 19, discussion and
vote on rescending the award of the fees uh fence project to Southeast Fence. So this is um the upgrade of the fence around Elementary. Um they were kind of unresponsive with some of the
information that was requested. So unfortunately we had to res the >> resend it. So, um, and and and move on. So, because we want to get the project done, obviously now's the time of year we want to get it done while the kids aren't in school and stuff, too. So,
>> um, sorry. So, >> what was the It wasn't much difference either, wasn't it? >> No, >> it was like >> that one. They were so close. >> No, there was the um, so when we put it out to bid, there was an addendum. So, in order to be responsive, you have to
acknowledge the addendum, which did not happen. So the lowest bid I don't I didn't bring the bid tab. The lowest bid they were around 25. The next one was around 26. Again also not responsive. But this one was 29. >> Okay. >> 297 for GA. >> Still not that bad. And once again count
town voted on this. We had money >> public procurement laws. >> Yes. >> Um so yeah so is what it is. We'll move on. So we get the project done. That's what matters the most. Uh so with that I
entertain a motion um to resend the award of the fees fence project to Southeast Fence. >> I'll make that motion. >> I will second it. All those in favor? >> I >> I agenda item number 20 discussion vote to award the fees fence project to GA
fence. So um as Deb just said, you know, the the top two biders were unresponsive. So now it goes to the to number three, which doesn't sound like it was that much money difference. So, um I'm with that I entertain a motion to
award the fees fence project to GA fence. >> I'll make that motion. >> I will second it. All those in favor? >> I >> I. Agenda item number 21 discussion vote on whether to approve the agreement between the town of Freetown and GA Fence. Um this is just a signing of the
H haven't signed the agreement on that and it's all there. It's straightforward. Um, questions, concerns? No. >> No, sir. >> All right. So, with that, I entertain a motion to approve the agreement between the town of Freetown and GA Fence. >> I'll make that motion.
>> I second it. All those in favor? >> I >> I. Agenda item number 22. Discussion. Vote on awarding the bid uh for Simmons Street and portions of Dainer Lee Drive uh and West Hudworth A Millings and
Resurface Project. So, um, this is, um, next phase of codes that he wants to redo, resurface, um, gets the money. It >> Sorry, I don't know if you have this in your packet. They were these two were unresponsive as well. So, there's that.
Sorry. I apologize for that. >> No worries. >> So, these two top two were unresponsive, you're saying. So, then Yeah. Okay. So, the the top two biders were actually unresponsive. So, um, we have to go to, uh, number three, which really isn't
that isn't off by much. >> Nope. >> Um, which would be Pucket Hot Mix and Asphalt Inc. coming in at 94,700. >> Um, that's the lowest bidder out of the responsive ones. So, um,
um, so yeah. So, >> you're good with that? >> Yeah, I'm good with this. Yeah. All right. So, with that being said, I entertain a motion to award um
sorry, thank you for that. Award um the pavement and res milling and resurfacing projects for Simmons Street and portions of Dana Lee Drive and West Cudworth A to Pucket Hot Mix Asphalt. >> I'll make that motion.
>> I will second it. All those in favor? I >> I agenda item number 23 discussion and vote whether to approve the agreement between the town of Freetown and Pucket Hot Mix Hot Mix Asphalt Inc. for Simmons Street and portions of Dana Lee Drive
and West Cudworth. I have millings and resurfacing project uh and approved the town administrator to sign. So, uh, this is the actual just agreement >> contract >> and then that way we can also have Deb sign it. So, we don't have to be there
for it. >> Oh, I actually put the agreement and you it's actually here. I did I was able to get it completed. I must have put that in before. I thought I was going to be able to get the contract done, but the contract is done and you can sign it. The board of selectman can sign it. >> Perfect. All right. So, with that, I'm
actually going to remove that that end part. So um with that I entertain a motion to approve the agreement between the town of Freetown and Pucket Hotmix Asphalt inc for Simmons Street and portions of Dana Lee Drive and West Cudworth A and resurfacing project.
>> I'll make that motion. >> I will second it. All those in favor? >> I >> I agenda item number 24. We already did kind of so >> my turn. >> I'm passing on to you. >> All right. So we have discussion and vote whether to approve the agreement
between the town of Freetown and Corey Cubic Cubic uh for a single lump sum holiday payout for 7126 to 123126.
So actually >> this is this is um part of their union negotiations that they can were contractually obligated to allowing them to take a look >> money instead of >> Yeah. instead of the holiday pay. >> Yes. Okay. >> So that's how it was when I was there
too I believe. So >> and this is just an agreement that if they leave they'll have to pay it back. Pay it back. Oh. >> If he leaves before that. Okay. I was wondering why we needed the agreement but that makes sense now. Yeah. >> All right. So, any questions?
>> No, sir. >> All right. So, I will hit a motion to approve the agreement between the town of Freetown and Corey Kubek for a single lump sum holiday payout for 7126 to 123126.
>> I will make that motion. >> I will second it. All in favor? >> I >> I Okay. 26. discussion discussion and vote to resend the appointment of Steven
Williams as a truck driver effective 61526. As you may know, this is our third time trying to get a truck driver to fill this position. We've had a problem now with all three of them. And I believe we're either reposting it
or we're giving >> um we we we have reposted the position. We we haven't had anybody apply for the truck driver. I mean, you know, >> I think our pay scale is a little bit low. Um, but we do have an applicant for the heavy equipment operator position,
which we've I scheduled an interview. Yeah. >> Yeah. Thursday, right? Yep. >> Well, I mean, I think it was it was just brought up recently that, you know, some of these unions will be renegotiating and, you know, I mean, it's this is a clear sign that maybe we need to do something with this position. And I'm
not saying in general and giving everyone a huge jump, but maybe something with this position if if we can't effectively get people in the position, it's not not doing us any good. So >> yeah, puts a strain on the highway department to possibly have turnover and not be able to
>> Yeah. >> get anything. >> I thought we were doing good. I believe we had like we had a bunch of interviews and didn't pan out. So >> yeah, it's sad. With that said, um I
would send a motion to vote to resend the appointment of Steven Williams as a truck driver effective 61526. >> I will make that motion. >> I'll second that. All in favor? >> I >> I
All right. And then 27 is discussion and approval of amendment uh I'm sorry, amended contract for town treasurer. So this is what I discussed with you guys last time, but I didn't have the contract done. So it's done today, but
it is just to take her personal address out of the contract and I put in on file. >> Okay. >> Um because it is a public document and it's public facing. So it's just it's just that's exactly all that the only change I made in the contract.
>> Okay. >> Doesn't change payment terms or anything like that. So and you have the contract in your signature folder which I have over here. Absolutely. So, is it I guess is that other people have that same issue?
>> Um I I think you know mine is public. They're all public, right? So, they're all public all of their home addresses are public. So, going forward the contracts will have on file. >> Okay, good. No, I guess that's why I'm asking, right? So, going forward, we don't have this issue because this is a solid bring up. I don't you know, so
>> Right. Um so, that will be something that we change with anybody's contract moving forward. There's only a handful of us that have contracts, but um you know, me being born and raised in Freetown, most people know where to find me anyway. >> Uh but our employees are not all from
this town, and some of them, you know, just don't want their home address put it put out there publicly as that. >> Yeah. >> And I can respect that. So, I just said I would change it. >> As can I?
And there's nothing stating that they have to have their address available, right? >> And when the part of the condor says where to send notices, it just says their home address. So I just put as on file, right? Because like the you know, just like your payroll information, your social security, all of that. It's on
file, but we don't make it public. >> Yeah. >> So it's just it'll just be as on file with that department. So we'll always have somebody's address when we need it. >> Yeah. Just I know like when we do the town books, I know when when I worked for the police department, they took all of our addresses out of them, you know,
for obvious reasons. But >> I don't think those are public anymore. You'd have to public. >> You'd have to ask Cheryl. She left, but she's I think >> we had them in the cruises. I know that. And all the >> Yeah. >> police I mean, they knew where to find me, too. But all of our address was were out of there. So I
I mean I would entertain a motion to uh approve the amended contract for the town treasurer. >> I will make that motion. >> I'll second it. All in favor? >> I >> I >> All right. We're just going to uh do some signatures here quickly.
>> All right. I'm going to just start handing them down. Here you go. This is carved. Is this just me? >> Nope. Send that down. Sure. >> This one has all three of you.
>> You want to do this one on the same line? >> Just do it. Just do it below. >> This is for the technical collection. >> This is for um the contract amendment. This is for for just approving the
appointments that you've already made. >> This one is the redot contract. I'm just going to have you sign down here and then you take care of that. Not that's just my signature. SP just one signature. This is the
pass that one side already, but it's this is the amended contour. Oops. This one I thought it signed on the line. I'm sorry. >> This is the union contract. >> These are the inter departmental
trans. >> Yep. We are down there. Just sign along the road. This one has somewhere. >> Haven't managed to click signature yet. >> Yeah, just wait. It'll happen. I promise. cubic agreement.
This is the one >> way. I apologize. >> Just sign just right here and I'll change that. That's the budget software. >> So, this one's just mainly >> Yeah, these are the warrants for the
bills, payroll bills. There's four of them actually. Your typical This is the Simmons Street contract for milling to put on
some everybody's sign that That's it. That's all I have to say. Yes. >> Good. >> All right. Um, so I'm now going um make a motion to go into executive session and not return
into open session. We will be going into executive session for the following reason. Mass general law uh chapter 30A section 21 A3 to discuss strategy with respect to litigation. If an open meeting may have detrimental effect on
the litigation position of the public body. Uh, and the chair, if the chair so declares, and I do, building commissioner versus Barrows. So, with that, I entertain a motion to go into executive session and not return into uh open session for the following
reason. >> I'll make that motion. >> I will second it. All those in favor? >> I >> I >> roll call. Selectman Zer. >> Yes. >> Selectman Cabal. >> I. We are now in executive session.