A resident raised issues regarding the town’s dog park, describing an incident involving two unleashed, mixed-breed dogs that approached them while walking their own leashed dog. The resident highlighted the underutilization of the dog park and the perceived entitlement of some dog owners to let their pets run free. They requested the installation of signs to better enforce leash laws, underscoring the need for controlled environments for dogs that require space, such as those in rehabilitation or recovering from surgery.

Responding to these concerns, a board member acknowledged three reported dog incidents over the past year, prompting a broader discussion about the effectiveness of signage compared to the potential revision of the leash law itself. The board recognized mixed opinions within the community and highlighted the necessity for further public hearings and discussions to gather more feedback. A board member shared their experiences with off-leash dogs, expressing frustration about the lack of control some owners have over their pets, which resonated with the resident’s concerns.

The board agreed to revisit the proposed bylaw concerning leash laws, considering the feedback from the community. There was a consensus on the importance of addressing this issue comprehensively to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all residents and their pets.

Shifting focus, the board delved into the topic of regionalization, exploring the possibilities of combining school services with neighboring towns. A discussion emerged regarding the importance of community engagement and collaboration with the school and finance committees. It was proposed to invite these committees to a meeting on the 21st to discuss potential pathways forward in more detail.

One participant expressed skepticism about appointing a committee to explore regionalization prematurely, emphasizing the need for a clear understanding of the process before proceeding. The board acknowledged that regionalization would require extensive community conversations, with initial steps involving a year of discussions followed by securing votes at town meetings and transitioning if the community supports the initiative.

The board recognized the need for expert input and proposed having a representative from the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools provide a presentation to ensure informed discussions. This approach aims to facilitate effective decision-making regarding the future of the school and potential regionalization, avoiding inconclusive meetings.

In addition to these primary topics, the board addressed various contracts related to food trailers and rides, discussing the potential for extending the current contract with Finelli for 2026 and exploring bids for a three-year contract covering 2027 to 2029. The necessity to roll over the existing contract was highlighted as a straightforward solution, allowing time to draft comprehensive bids for future contracts.

The meeting also touched upon the status of the Gorge Pond dam and the scheduled Notice of Intent, which would impose management conditions to ensure regulatory compliance. The board discussed the implications of this meeting and the need for ongoing oversight.

Additionally, the board introduced the communications committee, dedicated to informing citizens about town government and developing public communication strategies. This committee, consisting of seven voting members, will be responsible for tasks such as creating a quarterly newsletter and hosting events like a candidates night.

Concluding the meeting, the board addressed the West Street building committee’s ongoing projects and budget concerns. A request was made for monthly updates to keep the community informed. It was reported that the committee was revising plans to remain within a four million dollar budget, with expectations to go out to bid in October, contingent upon deadlines and budget constraints.