Lakeville Council Approves Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace and Vehicle Use Policies

The Lakeville Select Board made significant strides towards enhancing workplace safety and vehicle use policies during their recent meeting on August 19, 2025. The board unanimously adopted a new drug and alcohol-free workplace policy, which is set to take effect immediately. This policy aims to ensure a safe working environment for all employees, with the implementation of electronic signatures to streamline compliance tracking.

In addition to the workplace policy, the board discussed updates to the vehicle use policy. Key changes include clarifying which municipal employees are permitted to take vehicles home and under what conditions. Only the police chief and fire chief will have the authority for personal use of municipal vehicles, while other employees, including those in animal control and the Department of Public Works (DPW), will have restrictions based on their on-call status.

A notable addition to the vehicle use policy prohibits all employees, except for police and animal control officers, from carrying firearms in municipal vehicles. This decision aligns with Massachusetts laws regarding firearms on public property, ensuring that only authorized personnel can carry weapons while on duty.

The board also emphasized the importance of clear communication regarding these policy changes, ensuring that all affected employees are informed and understand the new guidelines. As the policies are rolled out, the board anticipates a smoother implementation process, enhancing both safety and accountability within the town's operations.