The most notable item on the agenda was a dangerous dog hearing concerning a dog named Maple, who resided on Watford Street. The hearing was conducted under Massachusetts General Laws chapter 140, section 157, to determine if Maple posed a danger to the community. Robert Rafferty, a resident, raised the complaint, voicing concerns about the safety of his children, as Maple allegedly entered his property multiple times, nearly causing harm. Rafferty highlighted incidents where his daughter was almost knocked over, stating his primary concern was ensuring his children’s safety while they played outside. He urged the board to take corrective actions, emphasizing the potential for future injuries.

Maple’s owner, Susan, defended the dog by clarifying that Maple had never bitten anyone and attributed the incidents to a malfunctioning invisible fence. She described Maple as friendly yet excitable around children and presented documentation indicating their decision to surrender Maple to the MSPCA. Susan assured that the MSPCA would be informed of Maple’s history to ensure a suitable rehoming process. The hearing revealed the complexities of the situation, with board members deliberating on the best course of action. Some members acknowledged the lack of aggressive behavior in Maple, while others emphasized the necessity of securing the dog’s environment, advocating for a physical fence.

The board ultimately decided to take no immediate action, opting to monitor the situation and requiring documentation from the owner confirming the surrender.

In another discussion, the board addressed the potential for retail marijuana sales in the town. The conversation exhibited hesitance to take a definitive stance on legalization, with some members suggesting that the community should decide through a town meeting vote. The moral implications of legalizing marijuana were also debated, with concerns about its impact on local youth and education funding. Ultimately, the board leaned towards allowing the market and community to determine the future of marijuana sales in Dunstable.

Contract discussions also formed a part of the meeting. The board examined the ambulance service contract with Trinity Ambulance, highlighting response time concerns. The proposed contract offered a one-year term with two additional one-year options.

The board also discussed the Route 113 Complete Streets redesign project, which received a $475,000 grant. The selection process for the engineering firm was thorough, resulting in GPI being awarded the contract to proceed with the project within the allocated budget. Additionally, the contract with Umbrella Technologies for IT management services was approved unanimously.

As the meeting drew to a close, the board entered an executive session to address cybersecurity strategy and planning, alongside reviewing executive session minutes.