Freetown Select Board Adopts ADA Plan, Approves Solar Deal, Settles Police Dog Dispute

FREETOWN — August 21, 2023 — Freetown Select Board adopts ADA transition plan, eyes $250,000 accessibility grant, and resolves police dog dispute. The board voted unanimously Monday to formally adopt a comprehensive Americans with Disabilities Act self-evaluation and transition plan prepared by consultants from the Institute for Human Centered Design, which found noncompliant ramps, restrooms, service counters, and outdoor facilities at Town Hall, parks, and other town-owned sites. Planning and Land Use Administrator Victoria Alfaro immediately won board approval to apply for an ADA implementation grant capped at $250,000, with applications targeting Town Hall, the Council on Aging, and the police station on Memorial Drive due September 15. The board also signed a letter of intent with Select Energy Development LLC for rooftop solar at the police station and settled a weeks-long dispute over retiring K-9 Coda by striking an attorney-fee clause from the dog's transfer agreement, allowing Sergeant Thomas Long to take ownership. Town Clerk Cheryl Estrella and General Code representative Zachary Dumont presented a codification proposal for Freetown's general and zoning bylaws at an estimated initial cost of under $10,000, with no vote taken.