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Date: 8/2/2023
MONSON — The most recent Select Board meeting from June 25 covered a variety of topics. The meeting began with public comments regarding the use of Veterans Field with many members of the community coming out to make their voices heard.
The public was asked by Select Board Chair Patricia A. Oney to determine if the field should be used primarily for event or athletic use.
“I don’t believe this field should be used just for recreation. Either have events on it or let it go back to nature and put trails on it,” said Ken Bailey, who was speaking on behalf of the Monson Food Truck Committee and as a private citizen. Many others agreed with this statement. Oney mentioned the addition of a riverwalk way and many residents agreed with this idea.
Due to the high water levels that exist on the field, some residents were concerned about certain events being held during storms. Summerfest, the food truck festival, and many more events would be held on Veterans Field. Multiple other residents suggested having events half on the field and half on the street to avoid ruining the fields, but other residents rose concerns regarding safety.
“We need a place to have these events,” said local resident Valerie Beaudin. “The people in town have spoken loud and clear by attending these events.”
“I want a splash park there because I think all the kids would enjoy it,” said one young resident, Kaylin Grace.
Many others suggested a bandstand or pavilion be put on the field to act as a rain cover for certain events. The main concern is that large vehicles mixed with heavy rain will make the field harder to maintain.
“Trucks could be parked in the lot on the asphalt and the field could be accessible for foot traffic, as long as we keep in mind that the police department is right there,” suggested board member John Morrell.
“Further plans for the field will be put on another agenda,” Oney said.
After this public discussion and comments were concluded, a dog hearing for residents at 53 High St. began.
The hearing began with a statement from the complainant, Crystal Palmere.
“My daughter, Maggie, was attacked by a dog that was released on our property on Feb. 3,” said Palmere.
The dog, Kota Bear who is a great Pyrenees, bit Maggie, 9, three times on her arm. Maggie sustained minor injuries but did not require a hospital visit. Palmeri mentioned how school children walk by the dogs weekly and wishes that protocols be put in place so that the dogs will not get the opportunity to attack again.
John Hurley, the owner of Kota Bear, gave his statement next.
“It was the coldest night of the year. I went to take him in from his pen, which he has never gotten out of before,” began Hurley. “When we got to [Palmere’s] property, I told her that he was being aggressive and not to approach him.”
Hurley continued, stating that Kota Bear continued to run into a neighboring field where Palmere attempted to lure him back with a treat and dog whistle. Hurley was attempting to capture Kota Bear through his property when the dog attacked. Hurley was not a witness to the attack and stated that Kota Bear has never bitten before. Members on the board and Hurley suggested taking Kota to a place to get trained somewhere that specializes in that breed.
Oney raised a motion to the Select Board that Kota Bear was dangerous, it passed with all in favor. Dogs deemed dangerous can not be rehomed.
“It can be confined to the premises. Whenever removed from the premise, it must be muzzled and restrained,” said Oney. Morrell agreed and suggested that using the standard three-foot leash rule and making Kota Bear his own pen may be a viable solution. Board member Peter Warren suggested that Hurley fence off his property.
A motion was made that would have required Kota Bear to be fixed, remain in an enclosure at all times and Hurley to have a $100,000 insurance policy in case of a similar interaction. No one seconded the motion.
Oney made a motion that Kota Bear be euthanized. Oney and Morrell voted in favor while Warren opposed. The motion passed and the euthanization will be scheduled in the next two weeks Kota Bear was scheduled be surrendered to animal control by that weekend.