Freetown approves crane purchase and two Apex water agreements to improve operations

At its June 1 meeting the Freetown Board of Selectmen approved a request‑for‑quotes award for a small crane intended to assist water and sewer operations, and separately approved two agreements with Apex Companies to improve the town’s water system documentation and discharge practices.

On the equipment purchase, the chair reported a packet quote of $16,630 for a small crane used to lift manhole covers and related equipment; the board voted to award the request for quotes and authorized typical administrative sign‑off for related documents.

The board also approved contract amendment number one to the Freetown Water Asset Management Plan with Apex Companies. The amendment expands the scope of work to digitalize additional shut‑off valves and create 'tie cards' for services not yet mapped so field crews can locate shut‑offs and valves via tablet in the field.

Separately, the board approved an Apex agreement to design 'bleeder pits'—controlled discharge points where water can be safely blown off to manage flow and keep THM (trihalomethane) levels low—rather than allowing uncontrolled hydrant blow‑offs. The town provided that there are about four existing blow‑off locations and the Apex design will accommodate proper discharge.

The motions passed; staff were directed to finalize procurement paperwork and to proceed with the mapping and design work under the Apex agreements.

Next steps: finalize crane procurement and coordinate with the water department on timing for asset mapping and the bleeder pit design and installation.