The meeting commenced with a detailed presentation on the town’s first Hazard Mitigation Plan. Craig Pereira explained that the plan, which is important for securing state and federal funding, aims to mitigate risks associated with natural hazards like flooding, winter storms, and hurricanes. This comprehensive plan, developed over multiple meetings with a local Hazard Mitigation Committee, includes representatives from various municipal departments.

The plan’s mission is to preserve community quality of life and property values while reducing losses from natural hazards. The committee identified five overarching goals, such as protecting public health and safety and minimizing climate change impacts. The process involves assessing risks, establishing goals, identifying projects and actions, and maintaining the plan.

Pereira highlighted the economic vulnerability analysis that overlaid hazard scenarios with parcel data to assess potential impacts. Freetown currently has 74 flood insurance policies, covering over $1.19 million. The town identified two repetitive loss properties with significant flood damage. The mitigation strategy includes actions categorized into planning, property protection, natural resource protection, structural projects, emergency services, and public education. Each action was prioritized based on social, technical, administrative, political, legal, economic, and environmental factors, and a simplified cost-benefit analysis was conducted to rank them.

The plan is designed to be a practical document used by the town. Pereira concluded with the 2024 mitigation strategy, detailing specific action items linked to sources from previous planning efforts. The committee’s comprehensive approach aims to foster resilience against future natural hazards.

Following this, the Board discussed the town’s approach to addressing vector-borne diseases, particularly those related to ticks and mosquitoes, as well as tree pests and diseases. This initiative aims to enhance public education and resource allocation. Leveraging the Massachusetts Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) plan was emphasized, as MVP funding is generally more flexible than federal grants. The town plans to prioritize MVP applications before considering federal options.

The meeting also focused on critical facilities within FEMA flood zones, including the town hall and fire station. Actions proposed included safeguarding public drinking water supplies and utilizing diverse communication platforms to notify the public about water use restrictions. Wildlife habitat preservation and the development and updating of forestry management plans were also discussed.

Structural projects, such as repairs and improvements at the town salt barn to minimize runoff into private drinking water wells, were highlighted. Specific actions included repaving the yard and installing drainage systems. Emergency services improvements included enhancing communication practices and developing training for a Citizen’s Emergency Response Team (CERT) composed of local volunteers.

The acquisition of a new transit van for the town was approved, with a total cost of $78,354, largely funded by grants. The van will have a medium height roof, allowing it to fit in typical parking spaces and addressing previous issues faced by drivers. The van features a ramp for wheelchair access, which was noted positively.

The Board moved to upgrade the camera systems at the transfer station to improve safety and security. The current cameras were deemed outdated and insufficient, creating blind spots. This, along with other routine administrative matters, was approved unanimously.

The meeting also addressed private dam owners’ responsibilities regarding compliance with inspection reports and emergency action plans. It was suggested to send letters to remind owners of their obligations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining documentation for accountability.

Public safety during the upcoming 2024 elections was another topic. The Board agreed on the necessity of having two police officers at each polling site to ensure safety. The Board also discussed the construction of a second door for accessibility at a polling location, with hopes that the work would be finished by the start of the school year.

The Council on Aging requested to use FY 23 formula grant monies to purchase a new printer and support the Tuesday lunch program. The Board approved this, noting the success of the lunch program, which served nearly a thousand meals.

Leasing two Dodge Durango police cruisers was discussed due to the wear and tear on existing vehicles. The decision was made with consideration for the safety of officers and the town’s geographical challenges.

The use of Bristol County ARPA funds for a grant to map existing infrastructure and the purchase of a fire truck was also approved. This aims to address aging water lines and improve the town’s understanding of its infrastructure.

The meeting concluded with the authorization for the Town Administrator to utilize available Bristol County and federal ARPA funds at her discretion. This measure is intended to expedite the funding allocation process, given the approaching deadlines.