ABOUT TOWN: Stoughton's Town Meeting Ends; Members OK New Police Cruisers, Changes to Dog Bylaws

TOWN MEETING ENDS: Well, it took seven nights, but Stoughton's Annual Town Meeting concluded before the first period ended in the Game 6 Stanley Cup match on Monday, June 24, which unfortunately ended up being a loss for the Bruins and a Cup-clinching win for Chicago.

Town Moderator Howard Hansen gaveled the opening of session #7 at 7:28 p.m., and about 70 minutes later, the nineteen remaining articles had been voted on, and Selectman and Precinct 2 Town Meeting Representative Cynthia Walsh made the motion to dissolve Town Meeting. 

Support for New Police Cruisers

The 90 Town Meeting members present unanimously voted to support two requests by Stoughton Police Chief Paul Shastany.

Members supported a $184,200 article for the purchase of three cruisers and an SUV. The vehicles are driven 24 hours a day, and TM supports yearly replacement of part of the police department's fleet.

Members also supported a $16,000 article to replace the carpeting at the Stoughton Police station. 

Changes to Town's Dog Bylaws

A long and detailed article from Stoughton Animal Control Officer Michael Gormaley passed on a voice vote.

Gormaley said that the modification of Chapter 78 of the Stoughton bylaws was intended to "reinforce the law to match with the State."

If you have a messy animal don't worry. The law, in part, reads, "No person shall lead or drive any horse, goat, swine or neat animal upon any sidewalk so as to interfere with the convenient use of the same by pedestrians," and "No person shall own or keep in the Town any dog which by biting, excessive barking, howling, or in any other manner, disturbs the quiet of the public."

It also details the methods of seizure, impounding, muzzling, confinement, and fees.

Basically, three changes to the bylaws were approved.

The first, is the replacing of "Dog Officer" with "Animal Control Officer" when the position is mentioned in the bylaws.

Secondly, and most importantly, the elimination of Section 11 of the law, which was a muzzling requirement for any American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, or Bull Terrier.

Under new state law, no blanket condemnation of certain breeds is allowed, thus the need to update the town law. (Their feelings may be hurt, and hopefully, they're "neat.") 

And, finally, the fine for a dog running at large was increased from $50 to $60. The fines for any other violations remain at $50.  

Funding for Future Town Building Projects

Town Meeting supported the creation by the Board of Selectmen of a Capital Reserve for Future Building Projects Stabilization Fund.

Initially, $1,251,792 was inserted in the fund. It will be used as "seed money" for any future town building projects.

In the coming years there could be projects to construct a library renovation, new fire station or public safety facility, and one or more school buildings. Town officials stressed that this fund would not pay for these projects in full, but is a start in saving some money to be able to pay for some of the costs.  

To utilize the funds, 2/3 of Town Meeting members will need to approve the transfer.

Additionally, $294.02 was deposited into the town's Stabilization Fund. (That one will really impress Moody's!)

Collective Bargaining 

Selectman Chairman John Anzivino spoke for the seven articles for funding of collective bargaining.

He dismissed articles for Collective Bargaining for Superior Police Officers Local 400 and Library Staff Local 4928. Both of those unions had already reached agreement with the town, and their contract funds were included in the FY 2014 town budget.

Anzivino also made motions to "postpone indefinitely" collective bargaining funds for Town Hall Employees Association, Stoughton Professional/Administration Union, Police Patrolman's Association, Local 1512 Firefighters, and Public Works Association.

None of those unions have settled with the town. If, and when they do come to agreement, a Special Town Meeting will need to be called to transfer the funds to pay for the contracts, or it will be done at the next annual Town Meeting.

Odds & Ends

Three articles recommended by the Town Code Publication Committee were necessary, but not too exciting. However, since Town Moderator Howard Hansen chairs the Town Code Publications Committee, Precinct 2 Town Meeting member and Deputy Moderator Bob Mullen took the gavel for the passing of the three articles, which concerned publication of town codes, and zoning by-law re-codification and re-captioning. 

Town Meeting voted 95-5 to update the zoning by-laws by changing the flood hazard, wetlands, and watershed districts to comply with state and federal regulations.

Building Commissioner Tom McGrath said "the town is playing catch up. We needed to revise our flood maps and update the flood hazard, wetlands and watershed for the DCR. Town Counsel Brian Riley negotiated the necessary wording with DCR attorneys. In this way, residents can be covered by flood hazard insurance." 

Articles on granting seniors tax breaks, proposed by Town Meeting members Ed DeFelice and Peter Ventresco were withdrawn by DeFelice. "Peter had knee surgery and we weren't able to prepare for Town Meeting," he explained. 

QUOTE OF THE NIGHT: From DeFelice to Hansen: "Mr. Moderator, through you, to you." 

GET WELL WISHES: to Town Assessor Joseph Gibbons, who broke his hip playing soccer with his son.

CONDOLENCES: to Town Meeting member Arnold Smith on the loss of his beloved wife of 55 years, Dolores. Funeral Service is 7 p.m. on June 26 at Sheehan Funeral Home. Wake is 5-7 p.m. that night. 

A Fond Farewell 

On a personal note, this was my last Town Meeting after over two decades in Precinct 2, three as Chairman. I also served the full nine year term on the Finance Committee, three as Vice Chair. I will miss sitting at Town Meeting, and having a voice in the process. Though I am moving living quarters, I'll still be covering the events in my adopted hometown of Stoughton.

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