COHASSET - August 25, 2026 - Facing an impending deadline, the Cohasset Select Board voted unanimously to instruct the town manager to notify Flock Safety that the town will not allow its automated license plate reader contract to automatically renew, opening a 30-day window to renegotiate terms or explore alternative public safety surveillance vendors.
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In an unscheduled discussion prompted by a tight 30-day contractual notice window expiring September 27, Chair David Farrag alerted board members that Cohasset’s existing agreement with Flock Safety would automatically renew for another two years if notice was not served immediately.
Chair Farrag raised procedural and legal concerns under Chapter 30B, the Commonwealth’s Uniform Procurement Act, noting that aggregate annual multi-year leases across the town’s four cameras total roughly $12,000 per year ($6,000 per pair). Farrag pointed out that contracts featuring automatic renewal clauses can create statutory conflicts and prevent municipalities from seeking competitive pricing or necessary adjustments.
Select Board member Ellen Maher questioned the public safety and contractual impacts of walking away or altering camera locations, noting two units operate along Route 3A, one at Beechwood and Doane Street, and another at Nichols Road and Atlantic Avenue. Maher emphasized that while neighborhood placements draw scrutiny, highway cameras have proven investigative value. Board member Gregory Watts reiterated the importance of public safety, underscoring deference to the Police Chief, whose correspondence noted the technology helped solve 12 local crimes in the past year, including motor vehicle thefts and a sexual assault.
“If you put them on notice, you can negotiate within it and then you could renew it because we have to cure the defect no matter what.” [01:39:21] — David Farrag, Chair
Board member William Ashton crafted the final motion directing the Town Manager to terminate the existing agreement with the express intent to renegotiate. Board members emphasized to the public that terminating the contract does not eliminate automated license plate readers from Cohasset, but ensures procurement compliance and gives the town leverage.
