June 4, 2018

“MINUTES Selectman Giroux, seconded by Selectman Rosa, made a motion to accept the minutes of April 27, 2018. It was voted: 3 -In Favor 0 - Opposed 2 - Abstentions (Selectmen Deslaurier and Simolaris) Chairman Conway stated that on page 5 of the May 7" minutes on page 5 under Report of the Substance Abuse Prevention Committee to have the vate amended to 5 - In Favor and 0- Opposed..” (Motion: Giroux, second: Rosa)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

“Selectman Rosa stated he does agree with some of the changes, but feels that others could be made better with mutual discussion Selectman Rosa made a motion that the Board of Selectmen create a subcommittee with two {2} members of the Board of Selectmen appointed by the Chairman, two (2) members of the Dog Park Committee appointed by that Committee, and a representative of the Recreation Department to review the Rules and Regulations and report back to their respective Boards with subsequent recommendations. Chairman Conway asked to table the motion until this discussion is completed. Mr. Reid stated he would like to expedite this process as they so close to going out to bid. Selectman Giroux stated he is familiar with the Chelmsford Dog Park. The Billerica Dog Park rules and regulations are very similar to Chelmsford and Wilmington. He stated his assumpticn is that the Committee had reviewed what other communities had done. Diana Logue stated the process for the rules and regulations. She stated the goal was to have the rules readable, and for people to pay attention to them. Selectman Giroux stated he supported the proposed changes and did not think the process needed to be delayed. Selectman Giroux inquired about snow removal. Mr. Reid stated that if people wanted to use it they could. Discussion ensured about what other communities due in the winter. Selectman Destlaurier stated that he did not think that there needs to be nor does he endorse another committee in light of the 9 years of work that has already been done. He feels the work is complete. Chairman Conway commented that she likes the format for the rules and regulations. Selectman Simolaris commented that he fully agrees with Selectman Deslaurier. He further stated he likes rule of 2 dogs per owner as opposed to 3 dogs per owner. He stated that he feels that the proposed rules are more stringent than the current rules and will endorse them as they are written tonight. Selectman Rosa stated he was in agreement with making the rules simpler and better. He suggested that when more people discuss matters you get a better overall product. Selectman Rosa cited a question that people may or may not know; i.e. what does dawn to dusk mean? Ms. Hansen stated that the opening and closing hours of the park is part of a by-law for the Town; one hour prior to sunrise and one hour after sunset. Selectman Rosa stated that the hours of dawn to dusk is an arbitrary statement unless you are familiar with the by-law. Selectman Rosa cited other reasons why he thinks a subcommittee is important; i.e., vaccinations, ages of children, phone number for Animal Control. Diana Logue stated that the Committee decided to have the cut off age be 16 without supervision because most at that age have their driver's license. Ms. Hansen stated they planned to have contact information for Animal Control will be on a separate sign. Selectman Simolaris, seconded Selectman Rosa's motion, It was voted: 1 - Favor 4 - Opposed (Selectmen Conway, Deslaurier, Giroux and Simolaris).” (Motion: Rosa)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

“Selectman Giroux, seconded by Selectman Deslaurier made a motion that the Board of Selectmen amend the MOA to remove the restriction for "Billerica Dogs Only" It was voted: 4--In Favor 1 ~ Opposed (Selectman Rosa).” (Motion: Giroux, second: Deslaurier)

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)