Financials & Expenditures

The Board ratified the emergency decision to take down the burnt-out property at 42 Water Street. The town will place a lien on the property for costs incurred for demolition and asbestos testing.

The Board voted to approve the agreement with J. Best Construction LLC for the fire hydrant repair and replacement project.

A contract worth $61,163 was awarded to Pawtucket Hot Mix Asphalt, Inc. for fire station two paving improvements, including the removal of existing asphalt, using funds approved at a prior Town Meeting.

The Board approved an agreement with C.H. Lopes Construction, Inc. for Fiscal Year 2027 winter sand at a cost of $27 per ton delivered to the Freetown barn. This price is significantly higher than in previous years.

A reserve fund transfer request from the fire department for $72,000 for pumper truck repairs was acknowledged. This request awaits approval from the Finance Committee.

The Board approved the Conservation Commission’s purchase of land at Zero Richmond Road (Map 207, Lot 111) for $110,000, using their existing funds. This acquisition is intended to protect land behind the town dump.

The Fiscal Year 2027 Omnibus Budget, tweaked with minor changes resulting in an $18,000 increase in total spending, will be reviewed by the Finance Committee. The Board will vote on the final budget at a future meeting.

The Town Administrator presented a tax impact summary for a home valued at $531,500, detailing existing debt exclusions (Police Department, Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School) and proposed impacts for a new COA/Library/Community Building. She noted the Police Department debt exclusion is slated to drop off, and new borrowing for the COA/Library project might be delayed one or two years due to grant funding and existing savings, reducing immediate tax burdens.

Zoning & Planning

The Board approved the donation of a portion of the Elijah Pierce woodlot (Map 208, Lot 1) for conservation land.

For the upcoming Town Meeting, the warrant includes two new articles related to Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS):

• Article 13 proposes adding BESS to the town’s bylaws.
• New Article 14 will add BESS to the zoning use chart, specifying where such systems are permitted.

New Article 15 was added to the warrant to include positions for a Water Superintendent and Assistant Water Superintendent within the town’s employment structure.

Resident Action & Public Hearings

The Council on Aging will close on June 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM for staff to assist seniors on a visit to the Historical Society.

The Board voted to place “No Parking 6 PM to 6 AM” signs on the west side of Ridge Hill Road and Campanile Drive to address trucks parking on sidewalks and overnight. Police will be instructed to enforce all parking laws.

The Board voted to open the annual and special town meeting warrants for the upcoming Town Meeting on June 1, 2026. The Tree Warden’s hourly salary (Mo) was increased from $25 to $27 per hour.

The Town Administrator clarified Article 6 of the warrant, stating that a $17,500,000 borrowing amount for the school budget is required by bond counsel, even with a $9,876,945 grant, as a protective measure against grant funding changes. The actual borrowing is expected to be lower. A typo in a grant amount was noted, which will be corrected.

A short Zoom meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 11, 2026, at 9:00 AM, to review and finalize the omnibus budget and warrant, if any further changes are needed.

The Board voted to adopt the warrant for the June 8, 2026, special town election. Absentee and early vote by mail ballots are being processed, with over 320 applications already received.

The Hidden News

A resident and Chuck (Highway Surveyor) raised concerns about the deteriorating roadway sections near MBTA railroad tracks on Route 79 (Forge Road and Beechwood). They cited recurrent issues with potholes and depressions, suggesting poor initial installation or design flaws and a lack of proper drainage solutions. The Board voted to send a letter to the MBTA and “Miss Fox” to address the problem comprehensively.

The Board discussed concerns about trucks parking on sidewalks and overnight on Ridge Hill Road and Campanile Drive. Residents noted vehicles are often unattended for days or weeks, creating safety and aesthetic problems. One resident highlighted that parking on sidewalks is already a violation.

The Board discussed future plans for the Summer Concert Series. Tina and Luann are interested in managing it with support staff. The logistical challenge of compensating staff who hold other town positions, potentially as special municipal employees or with stipends, was noted by the Town Administrator, as technical rules prohibit employees from having two town jobs. The Board will move forward with the series, with logistics to be addressed.

Discussion occurred regarding Selectmen’s engagement on social media. The Town Administrator advised against individual comments to avoid Open Meeting Law violations and public records request complications, citing a previous quote of $5,000 per year for a social media archiving service. A resident suggested turning off comments entirely on the official town page and directing questions to direct official contact methods, to mitigate liability and the spread of misinformation. The Board tabled the item for further research, including consultation with town counsel and other towns.