Freetown Selectmen Address Safety at Hazardous Intersection
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
05/20/2024
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Recording Published:
05/21/2024
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Duration:
62 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Bristol County
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Towns:
Freetown
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent meeting of the Freetown Board of Selectmen, the most significant item discussed was the hazardous conditions at the Bry, Gurney, and Chase Road intersections, where local high school students presented a case for the addition of stop signs to create a four-way stop. The students, having conducted a survey among residents, emphasized the dangers posed by speeding vehicles and the potential for accidents. The board’s response to the presentation was one of commendation for the students’ efforts and a keen interest in the procedural next steps, which include reviewing incident reports, collaborating with relevant departments, and possibly conducting an engineering study.
Following the students’ presentation, the board considered other traffic and safety measures. The board showed unanimous support for reaching out to the Southeast Regional Planning Department to assist with this matter. Another item on the agenda was the unanimous approval of a license for a swap meet and radio control truck show at Patches Hill Farm.
The meeting also saw the unanimous approval of digital Equity implementation funding agreements between the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative and the town, emphasizing the importance of internet access for all residents. In the realm of municipal services, the board voted in favor of a contract with Netr Spect LLC for IT support services, contingent on funding from the town meeting. Additionally, the necessity of conducting annual driver verification checks for employees driving town vehicles was unanimously recognized, with potential implications for union contracts discussed.
The Board of Health’s scanning project, aimed at digitizing records, was another focal point, with the board approving the quote from Inception Technology Inc, with one member abstaining from the vote. The board also unanimously supported a letter of endorsement for the Massachusetts Council on Aging FY2 Grant to aid transportation for the Freetown Council on Aging.
The infrastructure of Freetown was also a point of discussion, with unanimous approval for FY2 roadway material bids essential for maintenance and construction. The board addressed the need for additional engineering work on pump stations and intersection issues by approving the use of up to $60,000 in Bristol County operon supplementing contracts for sewer engineering.
A major concern that emerged was the lack of historical records for the area’s roadways, complicating the potential construction of a roundabout. Despite this setback, the board approved a contract for sewer engineering. Other unanimous decisions included ambulance abatements and write-offs, refusal of the first right of refusal for a property on Flag Swamp Road, a Library Grant application, and a master service agreement for fiber installation, with authorization for the Town Administrator to sign the necessary documents.
The meeting also dealt with multiple appointments, including that of a public records clerk and a human resource director. A temporary closure of Long Pond Landing boat ramp for repaving was announced, with the board discussing the agreement between the state and the town.
A debate ensued over the representation of the town at a hearing with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission concerning a violation at the Mason Road Food Mart. The board concluded with the decision to appoint the Town Administrator as the town’s representative at the hearing.
Deborah L. Pettey
City Council Officials:
Trevor Matthews, Jared Zager, Carlos Lopes
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
05/20/2024
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Recording Published:
05/21/2024
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Duration:
62 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Bristol County
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Towns:
Freetown
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