The primary focus of the meeting was the deliberation over a dog owned by Mr. Tabor, which had been involved in two attacks on another resident’s dog. The incidents were thoroughly examined, with testimonies from the animal control officer, dog walker, and affected residents. The dog, which had been identified as a tan and white hound weighing between 50 to 60 pounds, had attacked Mr. Wheeler’s dog, Harley, on two separate occasions. The first attack occurred on June 19, 2024, and the second on June 24, 2024.

Animal control officer Jacob Genon provided detailed accounts of the incidents, noting that the prong collar used to restrain the dog had broken, allowing it to escape and attack. Genon emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “two bites in less than a week is a very bad situation.” He assured the board that while the dog exhibited aggression towards other dogs, it had not shown aggression toward humans.

Mr. Wheeler recounted the traumatic experiences, describing the attacks as “horrific” and expressing his fear of dogs as a result. He presented photographs of his injuries and stressed his concern for the safety of his dog and himself, stating, “I don’t want that dog coming down my door again.”

Mr. Tabor, the dog’s owner, explained his actions following the incidents, including hiring a new dog walker and planning to license the dog. He acknowledged the challenges in managing the dog’s behavior and expressed a desire to find a resolution that would ensure neighborhood peace.

The board discussed various measures to mitigate the risk posed by the dog. Ultimately, they proposed a motion to declare the dog a nuisance and sought recommendations from the animal control officer. The recommended measures included implementing a triple restraint system, securing a six-foot fence around the yard, and requiring the dog to be muzzled when off the owner’s property. The motion received unanimous support, and a follow-up review was scheduled for six months later to assess the effectiveness of these measures.

In addition to this primary topic, the board addressed adjustments to the Fiscal Year 2025 trash and recycling fee schedule. The cost of trash disposal was set to rise from $105 to $110 per ton, necessitating an increase in the annual fee for residents using the curbside trash and recycling program from $400 to $440. The recycling sticker fee would remain unchanged at $75, while the fee for mobile home park residents would increase from $75 to $100. The chair emphasized that these adjustments were necessary to maintain the financial viability of the program, comparing it to a small business that must rely on its revenue to cover operational costs.

The board also considered a Farmland of Local Importance analysis presented by the Old Colony Planning Council, which aimed to support local farmers by designating certain farmlands as important for USDA funding opportunities.

Additionally, the board reviewed contracts with CMAC Landscaping for accessibility improvements mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at various town facilities. Both contracts, totaling over $300,000, were approved unanimously. These improvements were deemed necessary to ensure accessibility for all residents, regardless of the future use of the facilities.

Concerns about the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) were also discussed, particularly regarding attendance and quorum issues. The board sent a letter to ZBA members to confirm their commitment and discussed potential changes to meeting schedules to improve participation.

Lastly, updates were provided on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) action plan and grant applications for energy efficiency studies and emergency management equipment. The board emphasized the importance of public education and involvement in upcoming zoning changes and town meetings.