Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAboutAnimal Control 2019-11-04 ORLEANS TON CLERK e' % 0 '19 DEC 17 10:50AM Animal Control and Regulation Task Force Meeting Minutes-November 4,2019 Call to Order by Jamie Demas 5:31 Members in attendance:Jamie Demas,David Abel,Jessica Brown, Karl Oakes,Patty Platten,Jennifer Seyboth,and Bob Sinclair.Nate Sears, Orleans Natural Resources manager and Meff Runyon (BOS Liaison) also attended. Minutes of October 212019 were approved without edits. Bill Wibel spoke during Public Comment. He shared his views about harmony between people and dogs at Kent's Point. John Jannell,Orleans Conservation Administrator,presented an open space inventory for consideration.A map of open spaces in Orleans was provided for future reference and decision making.Mr.Jannell suggested that our committee focus on town land as potential dog park space. He also provided a memorandum about laws for use of conservation land,including MGL 48c. One conclusion we reached was that no dog parks are permitted on conservation land.There were parcels on the map that were yellow/tan in color and those areas could have a dog park. He also clarified that when signs state that unrestrained dogs are not permitted the word"unrestrained" refers to dogs that are out of control.Dogs that are in control are not required to be leashed.The meaning of"unrestrained"is defined by Town bylaws. There was more discussion about Kent's Point and Bill Wibel said that the majority of people there are extraordinarily responsible.He also mentioned that the neighbors assess that there is an increase in use of the paved road,Keziah's Lane.They note that many people do not use Frost Fish Lane,which is unpaved and maintained by the Town of Orleans DPW. Bob Sinclair noted that according to state law,a private road does not mean that the public can't go on it. There was discussion about the different areas in town and the rules about dogs on these properties.Jamie Demas clarified that Orleans Conservation Trust properties allow dogs on leash with the exception of Whites Lane. There was discussion about the topic of a dog park.Jamie Demas said that we would assess if there is any demand among residents.Karl Oakes presented a list of nine questions that could help when creating a questionnaire.He also raised an ethical question about seeking grant funds if survey respondents were not advised of past statements by Selectmen indicating their desire to restrict off-leash activity to a dog park.Jamie Demas said that the Task Force would not support a dog park if it meant other places would be closed to dogs. For future agendas,Jamie Demas will ask Mike O'Conner to speak about birds.Karl Oakes will ask Stacey from the American Kennel Club to speak with the Task Force about dangerous dog ordinances.Jessica Brown will ask a dog trainer she knows to come speak.Bob Sinclair asked that we determine the objectives of what we plan to accomplish. The meeting adjourned at 7:15pm.