One item at the meeting was the board’s approval to purchase land on Bulk Road, designated as a habitat for the eastern box turtle and home to three rare wetland plant species. This area falls within the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program’s priority habitat, requiring careful consideration of environmental impacts. According to regulations, for every acre of disturbance, 1.5 acres must be protected. The board was informed that any disturbance beyond 10 acres would trigger the Massachusetts Environmental Protection Act review process, involving further environmental assessments.

The board discussed development limitations, as the land’s zoning restricts coverage to 30% of the residential district, which includes buildings and impervious areas. A public water supply well was considered necessary, adding complexity due to its required protective radius, which could further limit the land’s usability. Concerns about the permitting process were expressed, with estimates suggesting it could take a year to complete, aligning with town project timelines. Financial considerations were also discussed, highlighting the potential to receive reimbursement for land costs, estimated at $200,000 if a library construction grant is pursued.

Adjacent parcels owned by the same family are under Chapter Land designation, giving the town first right of refusal if they go on sale. This could present future expansion opportunities, although the town acknowledged limited control over the family’s decisions. The board expressed cautious optimism regarding the land acquisition, balancing public access needs against regulatory restrictions.

In a separate discussion, the board approved a proposal to host the Vietnam Veterans Moving Wall in Freetown in 2026. The event aims to honor veterans and involve community participation, with funding discussions highlighting a $25,000 donation account and a $3,000 deposit required for securing the wall’s placement. The board approved financing the event through the motorcycle donation budget, emphasizing collaboration with local organizations like the VFW for successful execution.

The board then addressed a net metering agreement with New Leaf Energy, allowing the town to purchase electricity from a solar farm in Rochester. The agreement would provide a 12% credit on future electric bills, with no significant downsides identified. A concern was raised about estimating electricity needs, with suggestions to cap purchases at 80% of current usage to avoid costs for excess electricity at full rates. The board approved the agreement, seeing it as a beneficial step towards sustainable energy use.

Another topic discussed was proposed sidewalk reconstruction on North Main Street. Engineering services were estimated at $49,120 for design and oversight. The board noted minimal community support for the project at a previous special town meeting and debated whether to proceed with the expenditure. Concerns about pedestrian safety on South Main Street were raised, with obstructions making sidewalks difficult to navigate. The board decided to postpone the project for further discussion.

The meeting also included approval for declaring various surplus items, such as exterior doors and tailgates, to be put on MUN bid. Donation acceptance for a holiday home decorating contest was approved, along with ambulance abatements for October 2025, totaling $122,584. The board discussed replacing an old oil tank at Fire Station One through Scots Oil Inc. for $5,000, which was approved, and an agreement with Stark Architects for a feasibility study of Freetown Beach’s master plan, also passed without opposition.

The board reviewed a service agreement with Spre Technologies for IT services for fire and police departments, confirming no changes from previous agreements, and approved a proposal for a new trailer at the transfer station from Modules Corporation, which included delivery and setup at no extra charge.

As the meeting continued, snowplow service applications for the winter season were approved, and the Parks Commission discussed completing a pickleball and basketball court at Hathaway Park. The board authorized the town administrator to sign necessary agreements, and a discussion ensued over color choices for the new court. Ultimately, bright red for the perimeter and bright blue for the internal area, with white lines, were chosen.