00:00The meeting also covered various other agenda items, with the board handling several personnel appointments and logistical preparations for upcoming events. One personnel change was the reappointment of Natia Francesca Fana as a senior cleric for the Fire Department, part of the fiscal year 2026 reappointment list, which the board approved without delving into details. Additionally, the board approved a promotion within the police department, noting the individual’s long-standing service and ongoing educational pursuits.

31:49Logistical preparations were a focal point of the meeting, particularly concerning the Fourth of July celebrations. The board unanimously approved the closure of town facilities, including the town hall, library, and council on aging, for the holiday, acknowledging the necessity of a day off for employees. They also authorized the closure of South Main Street and Water Street for the Fourth of July parade to ensure public safety. Furthermore, they granted exclusive access to Hathaway Park for the fireworks committee.

35:06Vendor operations during the holiday events were also addressed, with the board approving a hawker and peddler’s license for Nico’s Novelty to sell items like balloons and candy during the parade and fireworks. The board stressed the importance of vendors being licensed to operate in town during such events.

08:26The board also tackled infrastructure agreements, approving a contract with All States Construction for chip sealing various roads in fiscal year 2026. The pricing presented was $3.90 per square yard for single chips and $6.95 for double chip seal, with the board raising no concerns before passing the motion unanimously.

11:52In response to a recent severe accident, the board approved an $11,000 agreement with Merrill Engineers and Land Surveyors for professional land survey services at the four corners. This move aims to ensure that previously spent engineering funds are not wasted and to address safety concerns in the area.

13:30Further, the board authorized the town administrator to negotiate a contract with Johnson Roberts Associates, Inc. for design services for the Council on Aging library building. This decision followed the Seaway Library Committee’s recommendation, with the board expressing enthusiasm for the project.

20:12The meeting also included a notable community engagement moment as third graders from Freetown Elementary School attended due to their success in an essay contest. Each student read their essay aloud, sharing themes of pride in Freetown’s history, natural beauty, and community spirit. The board commended the students for their public speaking skills and bravery, acknowledging the significance of such skills in overcoming common fears.

30:26Additionally, the board reflected on the Strawberry Festival organized by the Tuesday Club, celebrating its 35th event this year. Board members shared personal experiences and statistics from the festival, such as the consumption of 300 pounds of strawberries and 500 hot dogs. The Tuesday Club, with a history dating back to 1893, was congratulated for its successful event.