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Resident warns of safety, procurement and ADA gaps in proposed pool work
Summary
At the public comment period, Margaret French (Freetown Finance) urged caution on the proposed pool project, citing differing estimates, compliance with 105 CMR 435.8 (main drains), Chapter 149 procurement and prevailing‑wage rules, and long‑standing ADA issues including a broken chairlift.
Margaret French, who identified herself as part of Freetown finance, used public comment at the Feb. 4 meeting to list safety, procurement, and accessibility concerns about a proposed pool project.
French said two contractor estimates presented to the district were vastly different in scope — one a full renovation to modern safety and ADA standards, the other a minimal approach — and warned that the shorter timeline did not allow for required safety work. She quoted state code, stating: "State law, 105 CMR 435.8 requires at least 2 main drains at least 3 feet apart for every pump that's in the pool. We only have 1." French also asked how procurement rules and prevailing‑wage requirements (Chapter 149) and the requirement for sealed bids would apply to the project if the district owns the facility.
French raised concerns about ADA access, noting the chairlift has been broken since 2019 and that the pool deck and locker rooms do not appear ADA compliant. She also asked how insurance, utilities, and resident programming would be handled if a third party were to lease or operate the pool.
The committee received the comments; staff and subcommittee members said the pool subcommittee has further meetings scheduled and will review additional details and vendor answers at its next public meeting.
