May 18 Select Board Meeting
Despite strong opinions regarding proposed changes to regulations governing resident usage of public lands and parks, amended ordinances are set to be voted on at the June Town Meeting. Multiple residents spoke in opposition to the revisions. Much of the argument centered on how the rules punished the majority of dog owners, who were responsible citizens. However, speakers in support of the changes shared accounts that were the basis of the new restrictions. The Select Board considered these points, and the “Animal Control Ordinance” and “Regulations for the use of Parks and Recreation Areas Ordinance” were amended to incorporate compromise proposals from Sandy Green and Elizabeth Jacobson to modify usage hours.
Regarding leash restrictions, select board adopted language that expanded proposed allowable off leash times to include dawn (or 6 am, whichever is earlier) until 9 am daily. The remainder of the proposed changes remained and would restrict days, after these times, that owners could exercise animals off leash at Chandler Brook Preserve and Old Town House Park. Ann Lang (Parks and Recreation Committee) emphasized the proposed changes represented a balance between competing priorities and citizen concerns, in addition to making the ordinance enforceable. The amendment is provisional and could be revisited if necessary. Lang encouraged residents t…stating the Parks and Recreation Committee welcomed all community input.
Similarly, the “Use of Parks and Recreation Areas Ordinance” proposed changes were amended to be in line with “Animal Control Ordinance” regarding revised allowable times for unleashed animals. Park open hours were amended to be dawn (or 5 am, whichever is earlier). Scott Kerr gave rational for initially setting park closing at dusk - to deter inappropriate behavior. After consideration, closing was updated to 9 pm, rather than dusk, to accommodate winter activities like Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, as the sun sets earlier during winter months. These changes would encourage more physical activity and allow reasonable access to parks. In town parks where hunting is permitted, state regulations regarding access times would apply and supersede ordinance.
Both proposed ordinances were approved and signed following adjournment of the Select Board meeting. They will appear on the June 7 special town meeting warrant.
“Roadway Ordinance” discussion included letter from Ryan Barnes. Points presented are under administrative review and could be considered for amendment at a future date. Current draft of amended “Roadway Ordinance” was approved.
Recording of the full meeting is posted to https://www.townhallstreams.com for residents who were not able to attend and did not watch live proceedings.