Freetown board authorizes town administrator to execute Crapo Hill refuse contract after counsel review

The Freetown Board of Selectmen on June 1 authorized the town administrator to execute the municipality’s annual refuse contract with the Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District (Crapo Hill), subject to review of newly inserted indemnification language by town counsel.

The chair said the contract, which expires June 30, will be renewed but that legal counsel must review new indemnification clauses before final signature. "They just added an indemnification clause ... I didn't have time to really digest it, so before you sign it, if there's any issues, I'll bring it back before the board," the chair said.

Board members noted the town has used Crapo Hill for years and that the relationship has generally met the town’s needs, but they also acknowledged uncertainty about future landfill capacity and rising disposal costs. Selectmen said the one‑year, rolling approach reflects limited space at the regional facility and a need to monitor future availability.

The board voted to authorize the town administrator to execute the contract on behalf of the town, with the condition that town counsel review the indemnification language and any issues be returned to the board for further action.

Next steps: town counsel will review the contract language; if counsel identifies concerns, the matter will return to the board before the town signs the renewal.