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Hampden PD seen as example for new Plympton police station

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The Plympton Public Safety Building Committee met Wednesday, Feb. 8, starting with Daniel Palotta from P-3 in Norwell discussing his and Police Chief Patrick Dillon’s visit to the Hampden Police Station, which was built about six months ago.

The Hampden station is roughly 7,000 square feet in size. Palotta said, “We asked if we could bring the chief to see a police station that was smaller than we had considered to be utopia for Plympton yet served a similar police population.” Palotta continued that Chief Dillon was impressed with the Hampden station.

According to the Finance Committee, Plympton cannot afford to go over $3 million for the cost of the police station. Palotta expressed that it would be better to go below this.

Hamden paid $3 million for their police station, but Hamden had a 911 dispatch center on site. Since Plympton regionalizes their emergency dispatch to the Regional Old Colony Communication Center in Duxbury, this won’t be necessary and should cut costs. Palotta says it may cut cost in space, but will certainly cut costs in terms of IT.

Palotta had a designer draw up something similar to the Hampden Police Station for the committee to look over. He said that with all this in mind, coming in on budget is possible, but they’ll have to build the station on flat land and there will probably have to be less parking.

As far as flat spots go, it was determined by P-3 that the most practical and cost efficient spot would be between the baseball field and the back of the town hall. The committee admitted this spot was never considered ideal, especially from a traffic perspective.

Board of Health Chairman Art Morin says, “In talking with the highway surveyor, I see a problem with the way we have it now and people coming in and out of the town hall and the police department coming around if they have an emergency.” The proposed location seems as though it would make the problem worse.

However, creating new entrance ways would add to the cost of the police station. Palotta says he can’t promise the budget with that. He further added that Hamden’s site was on flat land with a wide entrance.

Chief Dillon said that the parking lot has been a hazard in all of his 15 years with the Plympton Police Department. “We have lights and sirens to warn people. Do I like it? No. Can we live with it? Yes, We need a new building.”

Palotta told the committee that this was significant progress getting the cost down to the $3 million. He says, “Dighton’s police station costs $4.5 million and is not much bigger than this.”

One thing to note is that Hampden’s police station did not include any sprinkler systems. The committee was under the impression that this was mandated because the cells are considered residential. At the Nov. 30, 2016 meeting, the committee tried discussing ways to cut cost on the sprinkler system by potentially using one tank for both the police and fire station.

Hampden however does not keep anyone arrested overnight. This was a way to get around the sprinkler requirement because the station was not deemed residential. According to P-3, the building inspector would also have to agree with this assessment.

The issues will continue to be discussed at the next meeting on Wednesday Feb. 22.

Halifax FD launches Fire Cadet Program

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Halifax Fire Chief Jason Viveiros is asking all Silver Lake High School students interested in fire science to sign up for the Halifax Fire Department’s Fire Cadet Program.

The program is designed for students who would like to learn more about an exciting career in firefighting and emergency medical services.  Applications are available at the Halifax Fire Station or at the Silver Lake Regional High School Guidance Office.

Beginning March 1, the curriculum, broken down into nine two-hour weekly classes, will cover firefighter safety, personal protective equipment, 911 and emergency communications, Firefighter Level 1 program, first responder, EMS; fire department organization and structure, hazardous material awareness, search and rescue, strategy and tactics of firefighting, fire streams, hose and hydrants, fire extinguisher use and selection, extrication and rescue, public education and code enforcement.   And at the end of their training, they even get to burn down a building and fight the fire!

Firefighter/Paramedic Jordan Hill will lead the workshops, as he did last year.  Hill told the Express that the program started several years ago and is a good opportunity for high school students to see what a career in firefighting can offer.

Contact Chief Viveiros with any questions, at 781-293-1751 or email [email protected]

Selectmen say dog is a nuisance “nuisance” dog.

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On Monday, February 13, 2017, the Plympton Board of Selectmen held an abbreviated meeting in order to hold a dog hearing.

Jane Schultz, a resident of Plympton walked her dog on what Schultz described as their typical route on Ring Road. Schultz says, “We walked to the transfer station and back (home).” Her chocolate lab was on a leash.

Then, a Staffordshire, not leashed, approached Schultz and her dog. Schultz said that at first, she had no concern about the dog coming over. The dog then attacked her chocolate lab, biting its neck.

At the selectmen’s meeting Jan. 30, Schultz told the board that the Staffordshire was only about 40 pounds compared to her chocolate lab’s 80 pounds, however she described the dog when attacking as “strong, vicious, and muscular.”

Schultz told the board at the hearing that it was very difficult to get the Staffordshire separated from her dog. She later found blood on her dog’s coller and called the Kingston Animal Hospital, where she spent about $200 in medical bills.

Caitlin Chapel, the owner of the Staffordshire, also attended the dog hearing and was extremely apologetic. She said that she usually has work at 5 a.m. and lets the dog out in the morning. That morning, she didn’t have to be in until 8.

Chapel says that her dog, Ruby, has social issues with other dogs, but gets along great with people. She also says Ruby sleeps with her 4 year old daughter every night.

Ruby was behind on shots and Chapel took full responsibility for that. Chapel plansto take her dog for her shots the day after the hearing.

After the incident, Animal Control Officer Frank Bush immediately  enforced a 14 day restraining order on the Staffordshire which retrains the dog to the house unless on a leash.

After hearing both sides, selectmen had to decide if they would declare Ruby a nuisance dog or a dangerous dog.

Bush explained that, “If a dog is deemed to be a dangerous dog, the dog must be muzzled on a leash when off the property.” This leash cannot exceed 3 feet in length. The dog would also need to be in a designated pen when outside on the property.

Chapel strongly contended that a muzzle would not solve the problem and had worries about her dog’s social issues getting worse if confined to a pen. She asks if an electric fence would work.

Bush explained that the law doesn’t allow for an electric fence here. He says, “There’s been cases of dogs getting through.

The Board of Selectmen though didn’t want to take these measures just yet. Selectman Chair Colleen Thompson says, “I’m more inclined to declare the dog a nuisance dog rather than dangerous.”

With a dangerous designation, a muzzle is required by law. Animal Control Officer Bush said, “With a nuisance dog, that’s at the discretion of the board.”

The Board of Selectman unanimously decided to declare Chapel’s dog Ruby a nuisance dog rather than a dangerous dog. They ordered Ruby be permanently restrained and must be on a leash at all times outside.

Chapel thanked the board for their decision. She says she plans to get Ruby training for its social issues and offered to pay Schultz’s dog’s medical bills. Schultz turned down the offer, though, and said she’d rather the money go to Ruby’s training.

Fireworks Committee has two new members

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The Halifax Board of Selectmen met Tuesday Feb. 14, 2017. The board spent the Valentine’s Day evening appointing two new members to the Halifax Fireworks Committee. Selectman Chairman Troy Garron asked Colleen, “How much experience do you have with fireworks? Did you light any when you were younger?”

The questions were casual and conversational. Fiumara laughed and said, “No, just a sparkler.”

Colleen Fiumara is new to Halifax. “We just purchased a home here, and we have two young children who are going to grow up here now.” Fiumara added that she wants to get involved with the town and thinks this is a great way to do so.

Deborah Hogan’s story is much different. She has been a resident of Halifax for the past 23 years. Her children grew up going to the Halifax Fireworks every Fourth of July.

She says, “I’ve loved taking my kids (to the fireworks) growing up. I’ve always loved it and feel like supporting it now on the other end, I have time to do this.”

Selectmen voted unanimously to appoint both Fiumara and Hogan to the Fireworks Committee. Letters will be sent confirming the appointments and they will be sworn in at the Town Clerk’s office in the coming days.

Selectmen also dealt with some issues currently on the agenda, including the flashing traffic light at the intersection of Routes 106 and 36.

According to Selectmen Chairman Garron, there have been several complaints about trees blocking vision for drivers at the intersection. Town Administrator Charlie Seelig and Selectmen Clerk Kim Roy clarified that the main vision problem is when someone is going South on Route 36 toward Route 106.

Selectmen vice-chairman Thomas Millias added, “The biggest problem is coming up to 106; you can’t see.” He also added that the treed area looks to be private property.

Town Administrator Charlie Seelig and selectmen decided to have the Traffic Safety Committee take a look at the tree line at the intersection and then proceed after receiving their recommendation.

Once again, Animal Control Officer Noreen Callahan attended a dog hearing which had been scheduled for Tuesday night, however, the owner of the offending dog did not come to the hearing.

Animal Control Officer Callahan explained the reported incident. She says, “It appears a dog from 134 Holmes Street escaped from a faulty fence. The dog allegedly followed another dog either biting or scratching the dog in the hindquarters.” She also added that the veterinarian could not determine if the injury was a bite or scratch.

The attacked dog’s owner incurred $300 in veterinary fees and wants the other party to pay the fee. The Board of Selectman agreed to send a strong letter of recommendation urging the dog’s owner to pay for the medical expenses of the attacked dog.

Selectman  Kim Roy said (to the attacked dog’s owner) “Call if the dog gets loose again.” The letter being sent out will also say that there will be strong consequences if an incident were to happen again. Since the incident, the landlord of the Holmes Street property replaced and secured the faulty fence.

Another decision the board made was based around the 2020 census. The federal government wants to have the principal contact for the town’s census declared. For now, Halifax will continue to use Selectman Clerk Kim Roy as their principal contact.

The next Halifax selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for Feb. 28.

Lakers honor legends in Hall of Fame ceremony

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On Saturday, Jan. 31, they were forever enshrined in Laker history.

At Halifax Country Club, Silver Lake High School officially inducted their most recent Hall of Fame class, consisting of seven players, one coach and a team. There was close to a 40-year gap in age range between the oldest and youngest inductees, a sign the Lakers put their best effort into honoring their best athletes from a wide variety of sports. It might also be worth noting many of the athletes were multi-sport athletes, leading the Lakers to victory in as many as three seasons per year.

The 1968 football team was the lone team induction. They went 8-1, winning an Old Colony League title, making them among the best football teams in Laker history.

Longtime track and cross country coach Arnie Kaupp was honored for his service to Silver Lake. Now a volunteer coach for the girls team, the former math teacher amassed 208 wins in his head coaching career.

Kate O’Donnell, who graduated in 2006 and starred for the softball team, was the youngest inductee. The five-year letter winner and infielder hit .450 her senior year and went on to play at Stony Brook, where she started 51 games as a senior.

Deb Glockner, whose maiden name is Marvuglio, was inducted for her contributions in three sports. The 1975 graduate was a leader on two teams that had major team achievements: the 1974 field hockey team, that won the District Two championship and the 1975 softball team that won an Old Colony League title.

Although he passed away in 1985, Richard Moylan (1983) will never be forgotten at Silver Lake. A star running back for the football team who set the record for rushing yards, he also shined in track, with a program-best javelin throw.

Thomas Bouchard (1978), Scott McKee (1983), Joe Noonan (1985) and Phillip Caruso (2001) were among the more specialized athletes inducted.

Bouchard shined on the basketball court while hockey was McKee’s calling. Both led their respective teams to a pair of Old Colony League titles.

A track runner, Noonan had the best 100-yard dash time in the OCL his junior and senior years.

Soccer is where Caruso shined. He led the Lakers to a Division 1 State Championship on the pitch.

31 graduate from the Mass. Firefighting Academy’s Chief Fire Officer Management Training Program

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Jennifer Mieth

Public information Officer

Special to the Express

On Thursday, Feb. 2, 31 fire service leaders from across Massachusetts graduated from the 23rd offering of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s Chief Fire Officer Management Training Program.

This fourteen-week program was developed in accordance with National Fire Protection Association Standards for chief fire officers, and is delivered jointly by the Edward J. Collins, Jr. Center for Public Management at the University of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. It is a comprehensive course providing training in the non-fire suppression aspects of managing fire departments.

State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey said, “These fire service leaders are committed to continually developing their management and leadership skills in order to provide the highest level of service to the communities they protect.”

The 31 graduates serve the following fire departments: Andover, Barnstable, Burlington, Cambridge, Concord, Dartmouth District #1, Foxborough, Gloucester, Halifax, Harwich, Hingham, Leicester, Lynn, Marshfield, North Andover, Northbridge, Orleans, Oxford, Plainville, Revere, Sandwich, Tewksbury, Waltham, Westborough, Westfield, Weston and Worcester.

The curriculum covers a spectrum of topics considered essential for effective public sector management. It includes human resource management, ethics, executive leadership and legal issues, governmental and organization structures, information management, customer-focused strategic planning, budgets and public finance, community awareness and public relations, and labor relations.

The Chief Fire Officer Management Training Program expects to help fire officers improve their ability to lead and manage personnel and the department, to provide skills to understand employees’ needs and problems, to promote personal productivity, to increase the capacity to manage both human and technical resources, and to increase inter-agency cooperation.

Participants are required to write a formal applied research paper that identifies a current problem or challenge faced by their organization and proposes a viable solution. The officers must then present their proposal to a panel of municipal officials for their consideration.

The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, a division of the Department of Fire Services, offers this program, tuition-free.

 

Progress on Police Station at Public Safety Building Committee Meeting

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The Plympton Public Safety Building Committee met on Wednesday, January 25, 2017. Daniel Pallota from P-3 in Norwell, met with the committee to discuss a new blueprint for the police station.

The plan presented was for a 6,475 square foot building with a 1,825 sq. ft.  basement. However, the committee seems to be dropping the idea for a basement entirely. To put it in perspective, the current police station is about 2,000 square feet.

As far as material goes, Palotta and the committee talked about how the station might be suited for panelized construction. According to Palotta, the panels are made in New Bedford with workers making $11 per hour. This would save the town money if they were to do this as opposed to a stick-built building that would require a carpenter.

Palotta also indicated that this is a pretty typical way to go about construction in other parts of the country. He says, “Down South (anywhere below New Jersey), virtually all town houses are panelized.

Board member Nancy Butler asked Palotta if the panels are still customizable. Daniel Pallotta said that they are customizable.

This however did not rule out stick built as the specifications and uniqueness of a police station may still make stick built, the more practical option. One thing that did seem to be agreed upon the initial $2 million estimate was never a realistic number.

Palotta reiterated that and though cost is still an issue, Palotta says he thinks he can get the cost of the police station much closer to their original estimate. This was one of the reasons the basement is becoming less likely.

Daniel Palotta also mentioned that the town of Dighton had to go back to town meeting to get an additional $2 million in funds. Cost don’t look like they’ll increase by that large an amount.

Selectwoman, Chair and Public Safety Building Committee Chair Colleen Thompson voiced pleasure with the progress the committee made at the Board of Selectmen’s meeting on January 30, 2017. She says, “I believe we’re moving along well.”

Selectwoman Thompson also said that Police Chief Patrick Dillon went out to visit the police station in Hampden, Massachusetts. At the last meeting on Jan. 4, Chief Dillon said, “Hampden, MA dropped three different mod plans and came in budget with a non-mod.

Colleen Thompson mentioned this and said that Hamden paid $3 million for their non-modular building. The Hampden Police station is 7,000 square feet.

The Public Safety Building Committee is working to get the estimated figure for Plympton’s police station. Nancy Butler says, “We need to have the figures by the end of March.”

Daniel Palotta also wanted to meet with Selectmen Clerk John Traynor to run through some of the numbers.

Another issue the committee is still addressing is exact location. Nancy Butler says, “If we’re moving the police station closer to the town hall, what’s happening with parking?” The parking lot already has some issues with car accidents especially with the baseball field in the spring.

The next meeting for the Public Building Safety Committee will take place on Wednesday, February 8, 2017.

Special Town Meeting March 7 : HES roof, bylaw changes, SL sale of land top warrant

By

Charlie Seelig

Special to the Express

The Town of Halifax will hold a special town meeting on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room in the Halifax Elementary School.

The warrant includes the following articles: two articles authorizing borrowing for repairs to the Elementary School, one for $7,262,124 for work on the roof, windows, doors, siding, and trees, the other for $687,876 for work on the fire suppression system and security system.

The other articles include a change in the zoning by-law regarding commercial indoor or outdoor amusements, two concerning a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) for a solar farm on Summit Street, a non-binding article concerning the possible sale of land by the Silver Lake Regional School District to the Town of Kingston for a police station in Kingston, a proposed change, dealing with pay while serving in the military, in the contract with firefighters, and acceptance of a State statute regarding the opening of Town departments on Saturday.

A copy of the warrant is available at http://www.town.halifax.ma.us/Pages/HalifaxMA_Bcomm/Selectmen/townmeetings/20170307stm-warrant.pdf.

In connection with the two proposed articles concerning repairs to the Elementary School, the Town will hold a public presentation concerning the project on Wednesday, February 15 at 7pm in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Elementary School.

Approval of the two appropriations for the school project is contingent upon approval of debt exclusions for this project. The debt exclusions will be on the ballot at a special town election on Saturday, March 11 from 10am to 6pm at the Halifax Elementary School Gym.

If approved, the Town will receive approximately $3,472,607 from the Massachusetts School Building Authority to help fund the project. The remaining amount, $4,477,393 would be paid through a 20-year bond. The cost of the bond would increase the tax rate by $0.4946 and the additional taxes on a median value house would be $147.25. These amounts would decrease in subsequent years. At the end of the 20-year bond, these amounts would no longer be included in the tax rate.

These repairs have been proposed because of the age of these parts of the school. The roof was last replaced when the last addition was constructed back in 1993-1994. The windows and doors that will be replaced are either older than that or can be significantly improved with modern models. A tour of the outside of the siding will show significant decay. The trees in the courtyard need to be removed as part of the work on the roof. The fire suppression system is leaking in a number of places. The security system needs to be updated to meet the standards set in the other school buildings in the district.

The Town Meeting is scheduled for next month so that if the school repair project is approved, the work can begin this summer. If the Town waited until May to approve the project, then the work would have to wait until the summer of 2018.

ownmeetings/20170307stm-warrant.pdf

In connection with the two proposed articles concerning repairs to the

Elementary School, the Town will hold a public presentation concerning

the project on Wednesday, February 15 at 7pm in the Multi-Purpose Room

of the Elementary School.

Approval of the two appropriations for the school project is contingent

upon approval of debt exclusions for this project. The debt exclusions

will be on the ballot at a special town election on Saturday, March 11

from 10am to 6pm at the Halifax Elementary School Gym.

If approved, the Town will receive approximately $3,472,607 from the

Massachusetts School Building Authority to help fund the project. The

remaining amount, $4,477,393 would be paid through a 20-year bond. The

cost of the bond would increase the tax rate by $0.4946 and the

additional taxes on a median value house would be $147.25. These amounts

would decrease in subsequent years. At the end of the 20-year bond,

these amounts would no longer be included in the tax rate.

These repairs have been proposed because of the age of these parts of

the school. The roof was last replaced when the last addition was

constructed back in 1993-1994. The windows and doors that will be

replaced are either older than that or can be significantly improved

with modern models. A tour of the outside of the siding will show

significant decay. The trees in the courtyard need to be removed as part

of the work on the roof. The fire suppression system is leaking in a

number of places. The security system needs to be updated to meet the

standards set in the other school buildings in the district.

The Town Meeting is scheduled for next month so that if the school

repair project is approved, the work can begin this summer. If the Town

waited until May to approve the project, then the work would have to

wait until the summer of 2018.

Lakers Boys’ Hoops top W-H

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When a team has multiple players who can shoot well, odds are they are going to enjoy some success throughout the season.

Last Friday night that was the case for the Silver Lake Regional High boys’ basketball team. Strong shooting and a complete effort for the entirety of the contest propelled them to a 64-54 win over Whitman-Hanson. With the win, the Lakers improved to 7-5 on the season.

“This was a good team effort,’’ Lakers head coach Sean Donovan said. “This was the first 32-minute effort we have had all season. We were able to score the ball and defensively our bigs did a good job of collapsing down when their guards went to the basket. Just a huge win for us.’’

The first quarter went well for the Lakers, even if it was a low-scoring effort. They outscored the Panthers, 8-5.  It got more intense in the second quarter, however, when the Lakers put up 18 points, giving them a 26-21 lead at the half. Late in it, they went on an 11-3 run to finish the half. Joe McDonald gave the Lakers a strong effort, scoring eight of those 11 points.

McDonald dropped a team best 16 points for the Lakers. Rob Ventola added 14 points and Joel Gerstenberg gave their team 13 more.

“Rob Ventola scored in bulk tonight,’’ Donovan said. “When he gets going, he’s one of the best shooters around.’’

While their defense allowed the Panthers to come back in the contest, the Lakers hit back-to-back three-pointers to make it 35-28 midway through the third quarter.

Early in the fourth quarter, the Panthers found some momentum and made it a 53-40 fans. While the Panthers went on a 9-2 run late, some late success from the free throw line allowed the Lakers to seal the win.

Assistant Assessor: salaried or hourly?

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The Plympton Board of Selectmen met Monday, Jan. 30, and much of the meeting was spent discussing the ongoing issues with reporting hours for the Assistant Assessor position.

Members of the Wage and Personnel Board and the Board of Assessors attended and debated the merits of whether or not Principal Assessor Deborah Stuart should be paid as an hourly or salaried position. Currently, Stuart is paid a salary.

Barbara Gomez, Town Accountant, expressed concern that Stuart’s personal payroll reporting is not compliant with town and state protocol. She says that the Principal Assessor’s hours haven’t been reported on the payroll since June 30, 2016.

Deborah Stuart is a state retiree. Gomez said, “Chapter 32 Section 91 (M.G.L.) says a state retiree cannot work more than 960 hours per year.” The Board of Assessors wants the Principal Assessor position to be paid hourly rather than as a salary because it avoids this problem.

Assessors Chairman Ethan Stiles attended and asked for the position to stay as salaried. He believes it makes sense for certain jobs to be paid on an hourly basis, such as an attorney, as he himself would, but contends there’s a certain expectation with other positions. Stiles says, “When we’re dealing with department heads and supervisors and other persons with substantial discretion and authority, at that point salary is important. The way these people are paid is important.”

The Board of Selectmen were generally in agreement with the Wage and Personnel Board. Selectman John Traynor said, “I don’t understand why you wouldn’t just do it hourly; it would clear the whole thing up.”

Overall, the Board believed going to hourly makes staying compliant with the hour requirement much easier. The Wage and Personnel Board also believes this was the best way to make sure Stuart is getting properly paid for the hours she works.”

The issue is still not officially resolved. The position looks like it will switch to hourly, with all members of the Board of Selectmen in favor. This may not be resolved before the annual town meeting.

There was also an update on the paramedic shortage and the possibility of Plympton losing their advanced life support license. The Board of Selectmen is taking the issue seriously. Selectman Traynor said, “The town doesn’t deserve to fall to basic (life support).”

Options are being explored including the fact that Halifax and Carver have reached out to potentially offer assistance. This option is in the exploratory stage though and is not imminent. The Board is working with the Finance Committee as well as Wage and Personnel to find the most practical option to ensure Plympton’s ambulance services do not drop to basic life support.

The Board also addressed safety concerns over the wooden bridge at Winnetuxet Road. Highway Surveyor Jim Mulcahy said that the bridge is in need of repairs with two columns underneath needing replacement.

Currently, there are temporary bracings and a weight limit on the bridge in order for it to be safe. Mulcahy proposed putting up a temporary no trucks sign for the time being.

Board Chairwoman Colleen Thompson asked for some clarification. She asks, “When you say truck you mean large, commercial trucks, not a pickup truck?” Mulcahy clarified that that was what he was referring to. He also said there are alternative routes for trucks to take. The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to put up the temporary signs.

Selectmen also announced that the Town House panic buttons will be fully installed soon. They said that Police Chief Patrick Dillon said they should be fully installed throughout the building in about three weeks. The police department is also working on getting the library coverage as well.

Jane, a resident of the town attended the Board of Selectmen’s meeting where the Board heard of her dog being attacked. A 40 pound Staffordshire attacked her 70 pound Chocolate Lab.

The owner said that although there was a significant weight difference, the Staffordshire was strong, aggressive, vicious, and very muscular for its size. The attacking dog was unleashed and at first came over in a friendly manner before attacking her dog’s throat.

Currently, that Staffordshire is under a 14 day restraining order, which means the dog cannot leave the owner’s house, or a fenced in yard unless on a leash. The Board of Selectmen will hold an investigative hearing at the Selectmen’s meeting on February 13, 2017.

The Board will next meet Monday, Feb. 6.