October 18, 2005
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at 5:30 P.M. in the Sharon Town Offices with Chair David I. Grasfield and Selectmen William A. Heitin and Walter Joe Roach and Benjamin E. Puritz, Town Administrator.
The meeting was called to order at 5:40 P.M.
Continued Dog Hearing - 5 Prince Way
The Hearing was open as continued from October 6, 2005.
Selectman Heitin recused himself and left the room.
In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chair Grasfield swore in all those that anticipated speaking on this issue.
The Board heard from Diane Malcolmson, Animal Control Officer, re numerous complaints and citations issued regarding two dogs owned by Joanne Rogers at 5 Prince Way due to continued violation of the Town of Sharon Leash Law.
Ms. Malcolmson related conversations that she had with Ms. Rogers earlier this day where she made payments at the Stoughton District Court on the citations and her willingness to comply with recommendations that would be made this evening. She stated recommendations would include the erection of a new fence that would allow no chance for escape. Ms. Malcolmson reported that Ms. Rogers paid $250 of the total $450 due on 10 citations. Items discussed included:
packet of information provided by Ms. Malcolmson;
recommendation to place a permanent restraint on the two dogs with action to remove dogs from Town if violated;
Ms. Rogers agrees to add an electric fence around whole property;
Ms. Rogers contends that her dogs are “harmless;”
Ms. Malcolmson’s request that Ms. Rogers stay in touch with her during fence construction;
dogs to be picked up if found lose and removed from home;
Ms. Rogers feels it is a “drastic” approach;
testimony of Mr. Abe Heitin;
Ms. Rogers’ opinion that it was sometimes a case of another dog mistaken for her dog;
under the restraining order, a dog picked up will be held for up to 14 days or until another hearing;
Mr. Abe Heitin’s plea to get along as neighbors , does not want to see dogs removed, wants to be able to enjoy his garden without threats from dogs; and,
notification of restraint to other neighbors.
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield ) Voted unanimously (2-0 Heitin recused) that the Rogers erect a fence subject to approval of the Animal Control Officer; to determine that 30 days is reasonable expectation for the completion of subject fence; and, that if the dogs are off the property, the Animal Control Officer would pick up the dog/dogs and hold in quarantine until another Hearing.
The Hearing was declared closed at 6:25 P.M.
Other Business
Chair Grasfield announced fundraiser for hurricane victims to be held at Saphire Manor with tickets available through Phyllis Bernstein at 781-784-8888.
Standing Building Committee Meeting tonight on the Renovations to the Community Center Building at the Sharon High School Library at 7:00 P.M.
Open House at Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical School from 1 - 5 P.M. on Saturday, October 22.
Pre Town Meeting on Tuesday, November 8 at 8:00 P.M. in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room.
Open Warrant Meeting on Monday, November 7.
Funding available from the Office for Commonwealth Development to support transit-oriented development.
Transportation Improvement Program from MPO - funding to reduce single-occupancy vehicle travel.
Letter from James J. Hager, Superintendent, Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical School re site for Chapter 70 Reform hearings, 4:30 p.m., October 20, 2005.
Selectman Heitin returned to the room at 6:35 P.M.
Adjourn
VOTED: (Roach/Heitin) Voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting.
The Board adjourned at 6:35 P.M.
Heitin, aye; Roach, aye; Grasfield, aye.
Oct. 18 Bill & David
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