Alan Ingram
Express correspondent
Halifax will hold a special town meeting on Dec. 16 to address MBTA Communities zoning requirements and other zoning changes. The Select Board set the date during its Aug. 27 meeting, citing the need to comply with state regulations by year’s end.
Town Administrator Cody Haddad outlined a timeline leading up to the December meeting. The planning board is expected to hold a public hearing on proposed zoning changes around Oct. 18, with the special town meeting warrant closing on Nov. 4.
“We would have liked to have had this done earlier…we were able to send it back to the state for kind of a preliminary approval,” said Select Board Chair John Bruno. “We sent it to them and said, well, do you see any problems?”
Haddad noted the state took 97 days to respond with only minor changes required.
“It’s unfortunate we have to wait until practically the 11th hour to hold the special town meeting, but it was beyond our control to do that,” Bruno added. “It also has to be done. We do have to make a vote.”
The town must comply with MBTA Communities zoning regulations by Dec. 31 to remain compliant with the law and remain eligible for many state grants.
Board member Jonathan Selig stated, “Am I psyched that it’s in December? No. But I feel better that we didn’t try to push this through any faster than we can because you really can’t. You have to follow what we need to follow.”
The board plans to review all zoning articles and make recommendations to the planning board at its Sept. 10 meeting. They will also vote to open the special town meeting warrant, set to close on Nov. 4.
A public workshop on MBTA zoning with the Old Colony Planning Council and state delegates is planned for the week of Oct. 8.
The board agreed to mail out the warrant to all residents to ensure widespread awareness of the proposed changes.
“Where you say this is a lot of moving parts, I’m a fan of actually sending it out to folks in advance,” Selig said.
The special town meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Dec. 16, with Dec. 17 set as a backup date in case of inclement weather or lack of quorum.
Haddad also presented a comprehensive update on the town’s goals, highlighting numerous accomplishments.
“I think what you see is we have done a lot in the town in the past year,” Haddad said. “This is a testament to you guys on the board, but really the staff here. You don’t accomplish these things without a really good team in place.”
Key achievements included securing a $75,000 grant for online permitting services, combining part-time positions to create more efficient full-time roles, and adopting a code of conduct for elected and appointed officials.
Selig reacted, “I am floored at how much we’ve done in a year, and kudos to you, Cody, and kudos to the board, and kudos to people here at town hall.”
The board will now focus on developing new goals for the upcoming year. Haddad emphasized the importance of aligning future objectives with the board’s vision for the town.
“This is a good opportunity for us to reflect and pivot,” Haddad said. “As the chief policy makers of the town, the direction that you want to see go in the next year, several years, right? Because this isn’t a yearly document.”
The board approved an agreement with National Grid to install four level 3 electric vehicle charging stations near HOPS Playground. The $296,000 project will be fully funded by National Grid and its partners, with no cost to the town.
Level 3 chargers are “fast chargers”, with charging time measured in minutes instead of hours. The board praised Energy Manager Kathy Stanley for her work on a number of energy initiatives, including these chargers.
The board also addressed the recent elevation of Halifax to high risk for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Aerial spraying is set to begin in the town, with residents advised to check the Board of Health website for precautions.
“Bob Valery, our health agent, does an excellent job of keeping that updated,” Haddad said.
The Board also met the night before, Aug. 26, with a single focus, interviewing representatives from two law firms as potential new town counsel, exploring options to enhance legal services for the municipality.
They met with attorneys from Clifford & Kenny and Mead, Talerman & Costa to discuss their approaches to municipal law, experience, and fee structures.
Both firms emphasized their expertise in land use and zoning issues, which Select Board Chair John Bruno identified as a primary concern for Halifax.
“Our bigger issue is probably zoning and land use, some general government stuff, making sure that our town meeting runs efficiently,” Bruno said.
The board expressed interest in training programs for volunteer board members, particularly in technical areas like conservation and zoning.
Jay Talerman of Mead, Talerman & Costa highlighted their firm’s commitment to education, stating, “We do all of that. Now, sometimes it doesn’t require curriculum as much as it does like a let’s get around the table and talk about it kind of thing.”
John Clifford of Clifford & Kenny emphasized their firm’s responsiveness and accessibility, noting, “If there’s something serious going on, and it doesn’t happen that often, but when there’s a crisis going on, it’s mainly Jamie and I, we’ll get calls from all the board members on a regular basis, and that includes nights and weekends.”
Both firms discussed their approaches to town meeting preparation and attendance, with representatives from each firm assuring the board they would prioritize Halifax’s annual meeting.
The Select Board is expected to make a decision on new town counsel soon, with board members indicating they would check references before finalizing their choice. Town counsel contract was one of the stated reasons for an executive session at the start of the August 27 meeting.
Plympton BOS allows removal of large pine tree
The Plympton Board of Selectmen met on Monday, Aug. 26.
Selectmen Chair John Traynor said they had a request for town-owned tree removal in the area of 292 Main St. The resident of the property, Willie Hannigan, spoke saying there was approximately a 15-20 ft. strip of property between his land and Young’s Convenience Store which contains a large pine which he described as roughly 110 ft. high. “It stands alone. It has no peers… it sways greatly, we did have a tree next to it come down and miss my mother’s bedroom by about 15 ft. and there are three bedrooms right in that possible path where it could come down. I believe Young has talked to the town about this before… it worries me to see this tree and what could happen,” Hannigan said.
Hannigan also said that he would be having septic work done soon and that he was told that the work could undermine the roots of the tree making it more susceptible to coming down. He noted that the town couldn’t pay for taking it down, but that he was just looking for their blessing. The Selectmen voted unanimously to allow Hannigan to remove the tree at his expense.
Town Administrator Elizabeth Dennehy spoke regarding the required taking of two small pieces of property for the Winnetuxet Rd. bridge project. Selectmen Chair John Traynor confirmed that the owners of the land were fine with it. “It’s a part of the Mass DOT process since we are getting State funding for this project,” Dennehy said. Selectman Mark Russo said, “My only comment is I wish they weren’t doing the whole project; many of us spoke against it but I guess it’s going ahead. In terms of this specific agenda item and motion, I’m fine with it.” Traynor read that $400 would be paid in damages to the owners.
Dennehy provided some Town Administrator updates. She said she was working to close out the grant cycle for the Community Compact Program. “I’m going to be surveying some of the Boards and Committees and Departments to figure out what a next application might look like.” She said that she believed that there may currently be some technology funding available that could be used for something like updating the town website.
She said that she met with the Fire Department to address some flooding that occurred in a back room there. She said there was some discussion about the Highway Department potentially building a ditch with some stone to try to curb the flow into the building. “We need to do something in the immediate to deal with that… even if we put in a new Fire Station, if we’re going to repurpose that building at some point; we need to protect the asset and stop the water,” she explained.
Dennehy told the Selectmen that Police Officer Caitlyn Mullaney is resigning from the Department. Traynor said, “she was well-liked by the kids for sure.” “Absolutely,” Dennehy said.
The Selectmen went into Executive Session. A lawyer present told them that they needed to read the case names that were to be discussed in that session. These included Pierre Coll v. Plympton Conservation Commission, Henry J. O’Hearn, III v. Plympton, Plympton v. Ruth Ann Hatch and Jenifer Rogers, and Kenneth Thompson et al. v. Plympton Conservation Commission.
The Selectmen ended with their usual raves. Russo said, “My rave is for the summer report that we got from Town Counsels; I thought they had all the detail in there but were coherent and logical and really laid out the cases in a way that a laymen can understand, and I appreciate that.”
Traynor said, “First I want to acknowledge the passing of Jacqueline Freitas. A really unique person – I like Jackie a lot. She had no fear of telling you exactly where she stood on an issue; she was very much for the town – did a lot of work.” He applauded her work as a driver for the Council on Aging.
Traynor also praised Recreation for getting lights on the field. Finally, he gave a rave for the Council on Aging barbeque hosted by the Upland Club.
How we voted in Tuesday’s primary
The first Tuesday in September marks the State Primary Election for state and some federal positions. Sept. 3 saw towns throughout Massachusetts cast ballots. Though turnout was predictably low, 17.53 percent in Plympton, and few contests on the ballot, 443 people came out to mark their choices.
PLYMPTON
Plympton’s populace put Democrats Sen. Elizabeth Warren, uncontested, on the November ballot with 195; Rep. Bill Keating with 197 votes; Joseph C. Ferreira got 182 votes for Councillor; Dylan Fernandes won 188 votes for Senator in General Court; Representative in General Court: Kathleen R. LaNatra – 191; Clerk of Courts: Robert Creedon- 196; Register of Deeds: John R. Buckley, Jr. – 187. The only contest on the Democratic ballot was for County Commissioner, where the best two out of three will advance to the November Election: Scott Vecchi – 117, Rhonda, Nyman – 106 and Greg Hanley – 104.
The Republican ballot had two contests: Senator in Congress: John Deaton – 152, Robert Antonellis – 47, and Ian Cain – 18; Senator in General Court: Mathew J Muratore got 119, Kari MacRae – 92, Dan Sullivan -178 votes for Representative in Congress, and Eric J. Meschino won 188 votes for Representative in General Court. The two positions of County Commissioner saw Jared Valanzola win 128 votes and Anthony O’Brien Sr 133 votes. Clerk of Courts and Register of Deeds had no candidates.
The Libertarian Party had a ballot but no candidates. There were two Libertarian ballots in Plympton.
KINGSTON
There were 4,058 ballots drawn in Kingston, 2310 Democrats, 1740 Republicans, and 8 Libertarians.
Democratic ballot
Senator in Congress: Elizabeth Warren – 1069
Representative in Congress: Bill Keating – 1092
Councillor First District: Joseph C. Ferreira – 1012
Senator in General Court Dylan Fernandes – 1023
Representative in General Court: Kathleen R LaNatra – 1084
Clerk of Courts: Robert Creedon Jr – 1015
Register of Deeds: John R. Buckley, Jr. – 1040
County Commissioners, choose two: G. M. Hanley -609, R.L. Nyman – 648, S.M. Vecchi – 535; Write-ins – 114
Republican ballot
Senator in Congress: R. Antonellis – 195, I. Cain – 84, J. Deaton – 563, and 4 write-ins.
Representative in Congress: D. Sullivan – 751, Write-ins 26
Senator in General Court: K. MacRae – 302, M. Muratore – 542
Representative in General Court: Eric J. Meschino – 702
County Commissioners, choose two: Jared L. Valanzola – 486, Anthony T. O’Brien, Sr. – 490, Write-ins 6
There were no candidates put forward for the positions of Councillor, Clerk of Courts, or Register of Deeds.
Libertarian ballot
There were 8 Libertarian ballots voted, with no candidates printed on the ballot. For any write-ins to be counted, there would need to be at least five of the same person to be counted as other than miscellaneous.
HALIFAX
Democratic ballot
There were 562 Democratic ballots taken in Halifax.
Senator in Congress: Elizabeth Warren – 512, Others – 10
Representative in Congress: Bill Keating – 563, Others – 1
Senator in General Court: Michael Brady – 503, Others -1
Representative in General Court: Kathleen R LaNatra – 265, Rebecca W. Coletta – 246
Register of Deeds: John R. Buckley, Jr. – 503
County Commissioners, choose two: Gregory M. Hanley – 319, Rhonda L. Nyman 292, Scott M. Vecchi, 201
Councillor: Tamisha L. Civil – 128, Muriel Elaine Kramer – 61, Sean Murphy – 278, David S. Reservitz, 39
Clerk of Courts: Robert S. Creedon Jr -491, Others – 1
Republican ballot
There were 550 Republican ballots taken in Halifax.
Senator in Congress: Rovert J Antonellis – 123, Ian Cain – 63, John Deaton – 358
Representative in Congress: Dan Sullivan – 474, Others – 2
Senator in General Court: No candidate. Others – 82
Representative in General Court: Jane L Cournan – 93, Kenneth P Sweezey – 165, Eric J. Meschino – 230
Register of Deeds: No candidate
County Commissioner: Jared L Valanzola – 488, Anthony T. O’Brien, Sr. – 347, Others – 1
Councillor: Francis T. Crimmins, Jr. – 455, Others – 3
Clerk of Courts: No Candidate. Others – 39.
LIBERTARIAN
There were 9 Libertarian ballots drawn. There were no candidates printed on the ballot and no write-ins to total five or more to be counted as other than miscellaneous.
Republican State Senate hopefuls debate over taxes, immigration
Alan Ingram
Express correspondent
Republican State Senate candidates Kari MacRae and Mathew J. Muratore faced off in a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Plymouth area Thursday night, highlighting their differing approaches to key issues facing the district.
The candidates are vying for the Republican nomination in the Sept. 3 primary for the Plymouth and Barnstable District seat. The district includes Kingston, Pembroke, Plymouth and Plympton in Plymouth County. MacRae positioned herself as a political outsider focused on citizen involvement. “Well, my qualifications are simply I’m a citizen. I’m a citizen of the Commonwealth. I am passionate about making sure that everybody has opportunities. I’m on the school committee in the town of Bourne. I’ve served now two terms and was re-elected. And I think it’s important that everybody gets involved with local politics,” MacRae said, emphasizing her passion for ensuring opportunities for all.
Muratore touted his experience in government and the private sector. “I’ve been serving as a state legislator for ten years now. I think that coupled with my business experience as a small business owner, my community involvement, involved in all sorts of different community organizations such as the Economic Foundation, the Rotary Club, etc., plus,being a father of six daughters gives you a lot of life experience. And so, I think that’s what makes you the most qualified for this,” Muratore said. Both candidates identified affordability and the migrant crisis as top issues facing the district.”We have an affordability issue in this state,” Muratore said. “We are recently ranked as the number one place to live in Massachusetts. But one of the most expensive places to live.” MacRae agreed, linking affordability challenges to immigration: “Immigration, illegal immigration, is taking a lot of resources from our citizens. That is a big problem.” The candidates diverged on tax policy. MacRae advocated for eliminating the sales tax entirely, arguing for fiscal responsibility in state spending. “I say we should get rid of the sales tax and make sure that they’re being more fiscally responsible with the tax dollars that they’re taking from us up on Beacon Hill,” she said. Muratore supported more targeted tax cuts, including reducing the sales tax to 5% andproviding incentives for small businesses. He expressed concern about wealthy residentsleaving the state due to high taxes.
On housing affordability, MacRae emphasized prioritizing citizens, veterans, and seniors for housing resources. “We need to make sure that we are prioritizing the citizens, prioritizing the veterans, and prioritizing senior citizens,” she said.
Muratore focused on the need to increase housing supply, stating Massachusetts is about 200,000 units behind in housing. He supported the recent $5.4 billion housing bond bill to create incentives for housing development. The candidates also differed in their approach to working within the legislature. MacRae argued for electing more Republicans to push back against the Democratic majority. “I think the biggest thing that we need to do is we need to get more Republicans and Independents elected,” she said. Muratore emphasized his ability to work across the aisle, stating, “The more you actually can work with people, whether it’s in your own party or on the other side, you’re able to, you know, affect change.”
Both candidates expressed support for increasing transparency in the legislature, with MacRae promising to always disclose her votes and reasoning to constituents.
The primary election is scheduled for Sept. 3, with the winner advancing to face Dylan Fernandes, running unopposed in the Democratic Primary, in November.
Mosquito spraying to prevent EEE
Aerial and truck-mounted spraying to control mosquitoes began Tuesday of this week, as communities in Plymouth County continued to register in the moderate to high risk levels for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or EEE, according to information from the Massachusetts Dept. of Agricultural Resources.
Three towns in Plymouth County are at the critical level, according to a risk map from Mass.gov -Arbovirus. The five stages of risk are Remote, Low, Moderate, High, and Critical. Plympton, Halifax, and Kingston are all rated at Moderate risk, meaning that some mosquitoes sampled in these towns have been found to carry the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus. High risk would mean that animals have been found to be infected with the EEE virus, and a Critical designation means a human has been infected. Middleborough, Carver, and Plymouth have all been designated as High, as of Tuesday, Aug. 27. Four towns in southern Worcester County have been deemed Critical, due to a human case of EEE in Uxbridge.
The Plymouth County Mosquito Control project initiated aerial spraying in towns deemed Critical, beginning Tuesday, weather permitting. It will continue its truck-mounted spraying program, including spraying yards by request throughout Plymouth County. To see a list of the street-by-street itinerary for each town, go to https://www.plymouthmosquito.org/spray-routes-for-adult-mosquito-control.html. The spray routes will be posted at 3 p.m. for the following day. They list only the streets they expect to be on and not exact addresses. PCMCP honors all pesticide exclusion requests.
Residents can call up to eight times per season to be sprayed barring any spray restrictions in the area. The spray used will kill the mosquitoes in the area at the time that they spray and is not a preventative. Residents must make a request each time they have a mosquito problem, including name, address, phone number and email address. A confirmation email stating that PCMCP will come the requested property the next morning and a confirmation email on the day that spraying was done. Spray request phone calls are answered Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at PCMCP phone: (781) 585-5450 and Fax: (781) 582-1276.
Pesticide applications are made via an ultra-low volume sprayer that is on the back of a pickup truck. Typically spraying is done from the street and can travel up to 300 feet. Weather permitting, the sprayers are operating from 2 a.m. to ½ hour before sunrise each weekday.
There is no cure for the EEE virus and the best treatment is prevention, according to the Mass. Dept. of Public Health.
Kingston appoints Lisa Eriksson new Veterans’ Agent
The Kingston Board of Selectmen met on Monday, Aug. 19. Chair Eric Crone said that there was a retirement and a resignation for the two administrative assistant positions within the Veterans’ Department. As a result, the Selectmen would be appointing a Veterans’ Agent. He noted that the position was advertised and interviews held. Town Administrator Keith Hickey said that they looked at a few options including a joint position with a neighboring community. He continued saying, “We also found out… that the Veteran’s Administration had added a certification that was necessary for Veteran’s Agent to submit reimbursements to the VA. Our two former admins did not have the background to do that… you’ve got to be a Veteran’s Agent and not just an admin.”
Hickey said that they were making a recommendation to appoint Lisa Eriksson to the position as a Grade 5, Step 4 paygrade. He noted that it was $1,772.00 more than what they have in the fiscal year budget for 2025. He did say however, that due to the retirements the money was there. “I think she’s a great candidate; she worked in the Veteran’s office in the town of Carver… and she is a veteran,” Hickey told the Selectmen. The Selectmen voted unanimously to appoint her. It was said that there were no plans to replace the administrative assistant role.
Crone also said that they would be looking to appoint someone to the position of public safety dispatcher. Kingston Police Chief Brian Holmes introduced Andrew Burke, who he said is an undergraduate at Curry College. Holmes said he was vetted by a Committee which included himself and dispatch. He further stated that he was chosen from a pool of 50 applicants. The Selectmen unanimously voted to appoint him.
Holmes also addressed the request to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to pay for items for the Department that he called “needs” not “wants.” Among the items needed was a portable breath test and body worn cameras. The Selectmen voted unanimously to approve the use of ARPA funds no greater than $28,756.00 to purchase the necessary equipment.
Hickey said that he watched the August 13 Water Commissioners’ meeting where they discussed the proposed funding request for a new well. The Water Commissioners plan to bring an article to the fall town meeting to fund the design portion of the new well, but not the actual building of the well. Hickey said he would like to see them reconsider the decision to hold off asking for funding for the building of the well until the spring. Hickey said, “There’s current property owners that need water that can’t get it, there are other property owners that are looking to either develop or redevelop their property but can’t. We just passed this past spring an accessory dwelling unit bylaw that if a person has an accessory dwelling unit and they want to bring it forward, if it’s a new unit they can’t connect to water. There are some real financial challenges that not being able to connect to water brings.”
The town and school department staff met to establish a school zone for the Silver Lake campus. He said that they would have a recommendation on it at the next Board of Selectmen’s meeting. Hickey said that in conjunction with the Streets, Trees, and Parks, The Superintendent’s Office, The Planning Department, and the Police Department, they have come up with a plan that they believe will meet all State requirements. An engineering firm is going over the plans to make sure it is feasible. Hickey said in addition to signage for the schools, he included a design for a “welcome to Kingston” sign. “The Planning Board supports the designs you see in front of you this evening,” he told the Selectmen. Hickey said the project would be ongoing for a few years as funding sources, such as CPC grants, become available. He said they would be looking to get approval from the Board of Selectmen in the near future.
Hickey also provided a personnel update. A van driver for the Council on Aging has resigned. Additionally, the School Committee would be interviewing candidates for the vacancy on the Kingston School Committee.
Hickey said that the Conservation Agent and himself plan to meet with Brockton’s mayor to discuss Brockton’s withdrawal of water from Silver Lake. “Brockton is withdrawing far greater water than they are supposed to be. Silver Lake is down about 2 feet.” He continued, “The concern that some of the Conservation people have in town is that the fish won’t be able to swim to the ocean this fall because the water levels won’t be high enough so we would like to at least have a conversation to try to address at least the issue Kingston is having.”
He noted that DEP had been reached out to, but called them “hesitant” to enforce the existing agreement.
Halifax dog cited as nuisance
A public hearing was held during the Aug. 13 Halifax Board of Selectmen’s meeting to determine whether a dog is a nuisance or dangerous dog. The hearing stemmed from a complaint regarding a dog owned by Tabor McSherry.
Halifax’s Animal Control Officer (ACO) testified first. He said that the victim, Robert Wheeler, had a dog run up to him and his dog in his backyard. The offending dog started a fight with the victim’s dog. The dog was taken for a 10-day quarantine.
The ACO said, “from there, I figured the situation was solved and hopefully this wouldn’t happen again. Five days later, on June 24… I got another call… as I was pulling up to the scene I saw two officers… speaking with a female who was the dog walker of Tabor’s dog… I went over to talk to the victim, Mr. Wheeler… I then went and talked to the dog walker.” He continued, “I talked with Tabor on the phone once again and tried to explain to him how two bites in less than a week is a very bad situation to be in.”
The dog reportedly got loose when one of the prongs on it’s collar broke off allowing the dog to get free. The dog was described as a tan and white mixed hound approximately 50-60 lbs. He is also described as being “fairly muscular” and “lean.” Selectmen Chair John Bruno asked the ACO what his impression of the dog was upon handling him. “I could tell that he was dog aggressive… was looking to initiate the fight with the dog… but when I had custody of him he didn’t seem aggressive to me at all, seemed very good on the leash with me… overall was very good with people; didn’t seem aggressive to any of the officers on scene.”
Wheeler described the incidents as a “horrific attack” and said that the dog tried to rip his dog’s face off. He further stated that he no longer likes any dogs and is very fearful of them now. He said that the nurse at the Minute Clinic he went to told him he should go to the hospital due to injuries sustained to his arm.
Wheeler called the dog “vicious” and said it came directly into his living room. Selectman Jonathan Selig asked if he felt the injuries he sustained were from breaking up the fight between the dogs or the dog attacking him primarily. He said, “Either way, I still got bit.” He went on to say that he now stands in his doorway daily worrying if the dog is coming.
Town Counsel showed Wheeler a picture and asked him if it was an accurate photograph of what his arm looked like following the attack. He confirmed that it was.
McSherry, who has had the dog since February, testified next. “On the day of the first incident the dog was with the dog walker and had brought the dog into the backyard – it is a fenced-in back yard… she forgot to latch the gate which is how the dog initially escaped… so my dog went straight down the street and attacked his dog from what I heard. I wasn’t informed about the incident until about 8 o’clock that night,” McSherry said. He explained that on the day of the second incident, he picked up the prong collar from the Police Station. He also stated that he had hired a new dog walker. “Unbeknownst to me… that collar was broken so as soon as he went out the door that collar came right off of him and he took off down the street and attacked that same dog again,” McSherry said. Asked what type of dog he is, McSherry said he was a rescue but he believed he is a pointer. Bruno asked if he was licensed and was told he was not.
Bruno also asked McSherry if he has taken any steps to stop this type of event from happening again. McSherry responded that they have a new protocol now including wearing a harness and using a double-ended leash that latches to both the collar and harness. Selig asked if there were any other incidents regarding the dog and he said that an unleashed dog ran up to his dog and bit him in the face. He cited that since then, the dog has been apprehensive toward other dogs. Town Counsel confirmed that the only people who walk the dogs are McSherry and the new dog walker. Town Counsel also confirmed that the dog is typically friendly toward people, including children.
The current dog walker who was involved with the second incident also testified. She said that the dog was very comfortable with her despite it only being the second time she had met the dog. She said that the collar broke allowing the dog to get free and take off and eventually into Wheeler’s open door. She said that in addition to the double-end leash, she also keeps a leash wrapped around her waist. They asked her about her certifications and were told that she is a dog trainer. Selig said, “do you consider this dog to be reactive to all dogs?” She called him “more dog selective” meaning the dog can get along with some dogs but not others. She was asked in her opinion if the dog posed a risk and confirmed that she didn’t believe it did. Selig also asked her if she was bitten when separating the two dogs and she confirmed that she was.
The Animal Inspector, Brian Kling, spoke next explaining that he is the one who manages the quarantine which he said is strictly to vet for rabies. He said that the animal shelter, where the dog was staying, is akin to a prison for humans and noted that some dogs react poorly to being housed there. He said that it can cause them to be aggressive upon release, but he said he didn’t experience that.
The responding officer to the first incident also testified. He shared photographs he took when responding to the incident. He also shared that Wheeler was in fact bleeding.
Bruno explained they have three options. One, decide that the complaints should be dismissed. The other two options were to determine whether the dog was a nuisance dog or a dangerous dog. According to Bruno, nuisance refers to “activity which arises from unreasonable, unwarranted, or unlawful use by a person injuring the right of another and producing material annoyance, inconvenience, and discomfort.” Town Counsel said that deeming a dog a “nuisance” allows the Board to make a number of determinations regarding actions that must be taken. Deeming a dog a dangerous dog, on the other hand, limits which actions can be taken with the most extreme being that it is put down. Demanding that the dog be kept confined to a structure also falls under the dangerous category. “Nuisance you have a wide range of discretion,” Town Counsel explained.
Town Counsel said that the court would ask that the Selectmen “apply common sense.” Bruno said that his definition of a dangerous dog would be one that can’t live in society without extreme measures taken, up to and including euthanasia. Bruno said, “I think that this particular dog sounds to me that it needs some additional socialization and training.” He further said that he would like to declare the dog a nuisance dog with certain conditions that go along with that, most of which he said are already in place since the incident. Selig agreed with Bruno’s assessment. Selectman Thomas Pratt, however said that he believed the dog should be treated as a dangerous dog due to the two incidents happening in quick succession.
Bruno made a motion that they declare the dog a nuisance dog. Selig seconded it. Bruno and Selig voted in favor of the motion while Pratt voted against it. Majority won and the dog was declared a nuisance.
The ACO said that regarding conditions, he would recommend the double leashing and possibly the waist leash as well. He also said that a muzzle may want to be considered. “I think confining this dog to the property is a little extreme, especially for the type of breed that this is… it needs to be walked… get that exercise,” he said. He also recommended dog-on-dog training to remedy aggression toward some dogs. Kling also spoke again saying he recommended a minimum of a 6 ft. fence in the yard as well as having a backup dog walker that knows the requirements and how to handle the dog.
Bruno said, as part of the order, he would like a written plan for additional training for the dog. He also advocated for the triple leashing as well as a muzzle for a determined amount of time. Selig said his three things were the triple restraint, the 6 ft. fence, and a plan for a trained professional backup dog walker. He said he didn’t see a reason for a muzzle. Kling said, “muzzling the dog while the dog is out in public is a good short-term answer.”
The Selectmen voted to declare the dog a nuisance dog who has to be triple-restrained when off the property, including a muzzle. Secondly, the yard must be enclosed entirely by a secure 6-ft. fence, at a minimum. Thirdly, a written training plan must be submitted by the Selectmen’s next meeting. The dog must also be licensed in the town.
Leading reproductive rights organizations endorse Dylan Fernandes for state senate
Cite Fernandes as only candidate to support the Roe Act protecting women’s reproductive rights
Planned Parenthood of Massachusetts and Reproductive Equity Now have both endorsed Representative Dylan Fernandes in his campaign for State Senate. These endorsements highlight Fernandes’ steadfast advocacy for reproductive rights and healthcare access, reinforcing his dedication to protecting reproductive freedoms across the state and citing the fact that he is the only true pro-choice candidate in the race.
“I am the only candidate running who supported the Roe Act protecting a woman’s right to choose and I will always support women and families across our district,” said Fernandes. “Women of the Plymouth and Barnstable District won’t go back. I am proud to be the pro reproductive freedom candidate and have the support of Planned Parenthood and Reproductive Equity Now.
Dominique Lee, President of the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts (PPAF), emphasized the importance of Fernandes’ candidacy: “Right now, patients here and around the country are counting on Massachusetts to make abortion, contraception, and LGBTQ+ health care as accessible as possible, especially in the face of a possible federal Administration hell-bent on eliminating access to this care. That’s why we must elect lawmakers that are bold, effective, unapologetic champions for reproductive freedom in every district. As Senator, Dylan will prioritize advancing reproductive health equity in Massachusetts, dismantling barriers to care, and ensuring safe, legal abortion is accessible to all. The stakes have never been higher in the fight for reproductive rights and health care access, and the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund is proud to endorse and fight alongside Dylan.”
Throughout his tenure in the State House, Fernandes has championed numerous bills to safeguard reproductive rights and expand access to healthcare services. He is the only candidate to vote in favor of the ROE Act protecting women’s right to choose in Massachusetts. His Republican opponents have a zero rating on reproductive rights from Planned Parenthood and Reproductive Equity Now. Fernandes’ legislative record includes advocating for protections for reproductive healthcare, promoting gender-affirming care, and working to eliminate healthcare disparities.
Fernandes currently serves as Vice Chair of the Committee on the Environment and Natural Resources and holds positions on the Committees on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy, and on Global Warming and Climate Change.
Marshfield Fair now in 157th season
The Marshfield Fair, the premier event for Plymouth County 4-H members and young people from across New England, offers open youth participation for kids ages 5-19 exhibiting livestock shows, equine events, dog shows and numerous agricultural opportunities.
Young people play an active role participating at the fair, including offering demonstrations, interacting with fairgoers, care and maintenance of the barns, and fair planning.
Youngsters learn valuable life skills through raising and showing animals including responsibility for others, public speaking, leadership, and community service. 4-H members and others also gain experience in animal science, local agriculture and volunteer experience.
The Marshfield Agricultural and Horticultural Society presents many awards for excellence in scholarship, livestock, agriculture, and country craftsmanship.
Among these is the Cave Canem Challenge Cup, honoring longtime Plympton resident Rita LaPointe, volunteer leader, teacher, and friend of 4-H young people. It is awarded to the Junior or Senior 4-H dog exhibitor who earns the highest total combined score in both Marshfield Fair Dog Shows.
The Marshfield Fair runs through Sunday, August 25.
ConCom hears flooding concerns
The Halifax Conservation Commission met on Tuesday, August 13. Chair Alan Dias was joined by Co-chair Kathy Evans and member Edward Lane.
A public hearing was held for a stormwater management permit at 265 Monponsett St. The request was filed in May by JDE Civil Inc. on behalf of the applicant Thorndike Development. Thorndike Development plans to build a 3-story, 30-unit 55+ senior housing facility. The building is set to be built beside the new senior center which will be gifted to the town by Thorndike. New pickleball courts, a pool, a pool house, and associated parking garages are also included.
President and principal engineer at JDE Civil, Gregory Driscoll, gave a presentation on their plans. He said that all other necessary boards and commissions had reviewed the plans and provided comment. Pat Brennan of PGB Engineering said he reviewed the plan for both the Conservation Commission for the stormwater management and the Planning Board for the site plan review. He said that all his original comments have since been addressed by JDE Civil.
Several members of the public were concerned with the project resulting in flooding for them after efforts were already taken on their behalf to remediate existing flooding. An abutter asked if she could expect flooding after installing her own French drain and was ensured there wouldn’t be any.
Joseph Tonello, who owns 284 Monponsett St. (Shelby Plaza), asked how many bedrooms there would be in the planned building. He explained that the amount of water going into the building and subsequently returned to the draining ditches was determined not by bathrooms but bedrooms. He was told there would be 24 one-bedroom units with the rest being two bedroom.
Patricia Sullivan said that Halifax Meadows did a big water diversion project a few years ago. As a resident there she was looking for assurance that this project wouldn’t cause a problem to resurface. Driscoll said that no problems should reoccur and added that the plans were in accordance with DEP regulations and the Water Protection Act. Still another resident asked if the new project would be raising elevations. Driscoll said, “we are raising some portions of the site.”
Dias asked for an explanation of some of the basics of stormwater for the sake of the public. Driscoll explained, “a detention basin would be a basin that just holds the water; it doesn’t allow any water to recharge into the ground… an infiltration basin… is designed for water to infiltrate to the bottom and recharge the groundwater table.” Brennan added, “the main thing is that you cannot increase post development runoff off site; the other thing is that you are supposed to kind of mirror what happens today with what goes into the ground now – you basically have to put the same amount back into the ground in post development… obviously when you pave a site you’re blocking it from going into the ground so you have to put these artificial… either they’re open air basins or sub surface infiltration basins. That’s the mechanism to get that water back into the ground.”
Dias told Driscoll that he didn’t feel that the plan was complete enough to close the hearing. “In my conversations with the Health Department, there were still some issues to be resolved,” Dias said. He suggested that they continue the hearing. Following Dias saying he believed the Conservation Commission was the final town board to give approval, Amy L. Troup spoke saying that the Planning Board had not yet approved the site plan. The Conservation Commission voted to continue the hearing to August 27.
They also held a hearing for a stormwater management permit for the proposed project at 266 Monponsett St., across the street from the previous one discussed. Brennan spoke saying that while the previous project retained approximately 75,000 cubic ft. this project is retaining around 8,000 cubic ft. Dias confirmed that the Fire Chief asked for specific changes that were included in the plan.
Tonello asked what the elevations are “today” on the property “before you start filling stuff.” He was told 73 ft. “My system though is 5 ft. above the parking lot; I just had it replaced and there is no way there’s only 3 ft. from the top of my system to the existing property there right now,” Tonello said. He continued, “I stand on your property, my septic system is over my head – I’m a lot taller than 3 ft.” He noted that his system cost $180,000. Tonello added, “I’m not here to stop this, I’m here to make sure it doesn’t impact me.” Dias said that sometimes the elevations can be off a foot because the computers don’t “take a shot every 25 ft.” Dias asked Brennan if he was comfortable with the plan. Brennan said, “all proposed impervious surfaces on site will discharge to those infiltration systems.”
Dias asked Driscoll how they planned to address the number of trucks that it will take to complete the plan. Dias said that he estimated that it would take over 700 trucks to fill the site and another 300 for the development. Dias also said he had spoken to the Police Chief and there were concerns. “We can’t have half a dozen trucks backed up… that’s going to cause a major problem at that intersection,” Dias told Driscoll. He did note that the issue was likely outside the purview of the Conservation Commission.
Brennan said that they had submitted a plan from the traffic engineer that showed solar operated blinking yellow lights at the crosswalk and advanced warning signs saying that there is a crosswalk ahead. “They’ve committed to installing that infrastructure to make that a safer cross there,” Brennan said. The Commission voted to continue the hearing to August 27.
The Commission also interviewed Paul Doucette to fill an opening on the Commission. They voted unanimously to send a letter to the Selectmen informing them of their recommendation to appoint Doucette.
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