Acushnet: Board of Selectmen Sept. 2, 2026

The Acushnet Board of Selectmen met on September 2, 2026, to conduct public hearings, make appointments, and address community concerns. The board opened two public hearings: first approving a Class 2 motor vehicle license for Katie Pereira doing business as Main Street Auto Sales LLC at 625 Main Street (allowing 12 vehicles outside and three inside), and subsequently rescinding a prior license for the same location under Adriano Vicente. The second public hearing resulted in unanimous approval for a stock transfer and change of officers for New England Farms, Inc., making Donald P. Higgins Jr. the 100% shareholder and sole officer after buying out Thomas Proud. Meeting minutes from August 5 (as amended regarding a water abatement), August 12, and August 19, 2026, were also approved.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on Flock Safety license plate reader cameras. Selectman Ryan Rosendis outlined severe concerns regarding Fourth Amendment and privacy implications, unfavorable terms in the 5-year memorandum of understanding (such as a 90-day cancellation requirement for the town versus 30 days for Flock and a $100 liability limitation), and data sharing across municipalities. Acushnet Police Chief Cowper and Detective Sergeant Jeremy Faunce explained that while the single camera on Main and South Main streets has been an effective investigative tool funded through forfeiture funds, access within the department was tightly restricted. Following public testimony from residents urging full removal, the board voted unanimously to immediately terminate the MOU and discontinue access to the Flock system, and subsequently voted to place the physical removal and legal review of the camera on the next meeting's agenda.

In administrative actions, the board accepted the resignation of John Delassid from the Historical Commission due to relocation. The board approved annual appointments, including Jennifer Grant as Treasurer Collector/Tax Title Custodian, Tanya Trevis as Assistant Treasurer Collector, Jamie Velasquez as Assistant Town Accountant, Tom Curry as Building Commissioner/ADA Coordinator, and Tom Olkowski to the Council on Aging Board of Directors. The board also authorized the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts to use Town Hall grounds and the parking lot for a yard sale on September 12, 2026. The meeting concluded with announcements thanking town departments and volunteers for the success of the 17th annual Cruise Night.

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