The most significant topic of the meeting was the proposal to establish a Parks and Recreation Commission. A representative from the Open Space and Recreational Advisory Committee presented their case for creating a dedicated body to manage parks and facilitate community engagement. They argued that a larger, focused commission, similar to the existing Board of Health, would allow for better management of park-related issues and expedite the implementation of the town’s open space plan, which has been in development for four years.

The representative highlighted the fragmentation of responsibilities among various town departments as a current obstacle. While the highway department maintains park facilities, the oversight and coordination of these efforts are split, leading to inefficiencies. They stated, “A lot of our functionality in our town is being split amongst multiple places,” suggesting that a unified commission could address these issues more effectively.

There was a discussion about the financial implications of expanding the commission. Members of the Board of Selectmen acknowledged the proactive efforts of the advisory committee but raised concerns about budget constraints and how a new commission would operate alongside existing departments. They mentioned the need to consider additional funding sources, particularly since the Community Preservation Act (CPA) had been voted down twice in Freetown. The advisory committee noted that towns with successful park commissions typically have separate funding mechanisms, like the CPA, which allows them to manage their parks effectively.

Concerns were also expressed regarding the authority of the proposed commission in relation to existing town governance structures. It was pointed out that “nobody has the authority to sign contracts except for the selectmen,” indicating that any new commission would still be subject to the oversight of the Board of Selectmen. The discussion concluded with a recognition of the complexities involved in restructuring the park management framework and the necessity for further research and community input before moving forward with the proposal.

In addition to the parks commission discussion, the board addressed several other community-related topics. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the upcoming primary election scheduled for the Friday before Labor Day. The Town Clerk provided detailed information about voting procedures, emphasizing the importance of early voting and the deadlines for mail-in ballots. Voters were informed that all voting would take place at Freetown Elementary School, with clear instructions on the color-coded ballots for different parties to ensure a smooth process.

The board also considered a donation account proposal to facilitate community programs. The existing revolving fund could not accept donations, and the creation of a new account aimed to streamline the process for receiving funds. This proposal was approved without dissent, allowing for more efficient management of community donations.

Another notable discussion involved a $100,000 donation from Robert Dean for the refurbishment of Porter Pasture. The funds are intended for designing and permitting the refurbishment of the area, which holds historical significance for the town. The board highlighted the importance of maintaining Porter Pasture’s natural beauty and enhancing its usability for passive recreation. The donation was accepted unanimously.

The meeting also addressed personnel matters, including a proposal to increase vacation time for town employees. The board discussed the importance of offering competitive benefits to attract and retain staff. The proposal aimed to offer three weeks of vacation after three years of service, instead of five, reflecting trends in neighboring towns. This adjustment is to be brought forward for a vote at a future town meeting.

Additionally, the board approved the addition of an Outreach Worker position to the Council of Aging, funded by a $10,000 grant. The role is intended to assist the elderly population with various forms of aid and ensure they receive the support they need. The Outreach Worker will be compensated at a rate of $28 per hour, with the position funded through June 30, 2025.

The board also discussed hiring a town planner or land use administrator to manage ongoing projects and grants, emphasizing the need for experienced personnel to handle the workload. The financial implications of these new hires were considered, with a focus on ensuring competitive salaries to attract qualified candidates. The motion to post both positions received unanimous backing from the board members.