Freetown Select Board awards $24,109 school fence contract to Southeast Fence Company

FREETOWN — June 15, 2026 — Freetown Select Board approved a $24,109 school fence contract and a full slate of July 4th permits at its June 15 meeting. The board unanimously awarded the Freetown Elementary School fence project to Southeast Fence Company Incorporated, the lowest of nine bids, with Town Administrator Debbie Petty authorized to sign once the contract is finalized; the safety project, developed with the school superintendent, the PTO, and state Senator Rodericks, addresses playground and parking-lot fencing concerns. The board also approved Hawkers and Peddlers Licenses for Joe's Ice Cream Truck and Nico's Novelty for the July 3 fireworks and July 4 parade, granted exclusive access to Hathaway Park for the parade and fireworks committee on July 3 and 4, and voted to close South Main Street and Water Street for the parade — all in anticipation of a crowd the board projected at "10,000 plus" for a fireworks show extended to mark the nation's 250th anniversary. An amended contract with J-Bustee Construction for fire hydrant work was approved at $27,100, down from $28,146.01 after one hydrant needed repair rather than full replacement. Four Freetown Elementary essay-contest winners — Brantley Brown, Nora Brogan, Olivia Rodericks, and Gabriella — were sworn in as Selectmen of the Night, cast votes on the holiday items, signed an official vendor license, and received certificates bearing the town seal.