00:00The board unanimously approved contracts for IT support and ambulance billing services for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2025. The IT support contract was awarded to MetroP, the sole respondent to the request for proposals, at a rate of $140 per hour. For ambulance billing services, Coastal Medical Billing was chosen over Comstar Ambulance Billing Services, with the former offering a more competitive rate of 3%.

41:03A significant portion of the meeting centered on the fire department’s budget and staffing challenges. The department faces increasing demands, particularly due to the MBTA station’s impact on emergency response needs. Concerns were raised about the department’s current staffing levels, which have not increased since 2017, despite a rise in emergency calls. The fire chief highlighted that 85-90% of their calls are EMS-related, with frequent simultaneous calls necessitating additional personnel.

The board also reviewed a detailed staffing study comparing Freetown’s fire department with similar-sized communities, revealing that many comparable departments maintain higher staffing levels. Despite anticipated retirements, the chief expressed confidence in the department’s ability to manage its budget sustainably, though projected increases in costs, particularly in the school budget, could pose challenges.

11:44Budgetary discussions extended to other town departments, with the board considering various appropriation requests. For instance, a $175,000 appropriation was proposed for maintenance projects at the Freetown Elementary School, including a feasibility study for a new boiler and water filtration system upgrades. Additionally, the board deliberated reallocating funds for the Council on Aging’s parking lot improvements and contributing $500,000 to the Freetown Elementary School stabilization fund to prepare for future expenses.

The board also addressed capital requests, such as a $50,000 proposal for a new salt shed design for the highway department and a $100,000 appropriation for park repairs, with a focus on electrification at the town beach. Moreover, an $82,000 request for a new town vehicle for the Water and Sewer Commission was noted as being sourced from the water and sewer revolving fund.

22:27In personnel matters, the board appointed members to various commissions, including Nancy Dery to the sered commission, Donna Ashley to the Agricultural Commission, and Craig Cabraw to the Scholarship Committee.

Further discussions included the impacts of the new train service on emergency services and potential societal implications, such as the emergence of a homeless encampment near the train station. These concerns underscore the broader community challenges posed by the new service and the increased demand on emergency services.

01:29:11The board also tackled the issue of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and anticipated a report on permit applications by April 24. The potential increase in workload prompted discussions about hiring additional inspection personnel, though no immediate need was identified.

01:55:29A significant part of the meeting was devoted to utility-related issues, with a public hearing addressing Verizon New England Inc. and Nstar Electric Company’s request to install new poles on Chase Road. Residents expressed concerns about the installation’s impact on their properties, highlighting a lack of clear information and notification regarding the project.

30:14In the realm of financial contributions, the fire department reported a return of $625,733 to the town’s coffers for fiscal year 2024, alongside an anticipated Medicare cost reimbursement of $114,356. This financial contribution was characterized as substantial, emphasizing the department’s fiscal responsibility.

02:21:29Lastly, the board reviewed and discussed several articles for the upcoming annual town meeting, including a proposed $100,000 tax abatement for veterans, a $460,000 land purchase from the stabilization fund, and an $18,450 allocation for active shooter training for police and fire services. These proposals reflect the board’s ongoing efforts to address community needs while managing financial constraints.