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Date: 11/16/2022
HAMPDEN – Animal Control Officer Shelley Sears came before the Hampden Board of Selectmen about a dog issue for the second time in two weeks.
At the Nov. 14 meeting, Sears told the board that two huskies belonging to Larry Williams on Raymond Drive have escaped their fenced yard at least five times since May. The dogs have been seen on Wilbraham Road and as far away as Stony Hill Road. Sears reported that a resident witnessed one of the dogs hit by a vehicle, but Williams claimed it was not his dog. Williams did not appear at the hearing.
“We probably should put them on notice,” said Chair John Flynn. The board stated it would draft a letter stating that the dogs must be chained when in the yard if Sears cannot certify that the fence is in proper condition. Flynn told Sears to hand deliver it or send it by certified mail.
Cindy Galivotti met with the board to discuss the property at 530 Glendale Rd. The land is classified as open space under Chapter 61B of the Massachusetts General Laws until October 2023. At that time, Galivotti asked the board to execute their right of first refusal and buy the land for open space purposes. Buying the land, which she said was purchased last year for $255,000, is “in the town’s best interest,” because the wooded area minimizes erosion, preserves wildlife and is a cold-water fishery.
Flynn explained that the town rarely executes its right of first refusal because the amount of buildable land is limited, and potential property taxes are in the town’s interest. He suggested the town could buy the portion of the property that is not buildable.
Board of Selectmen member Donald Davenport noted the owner would need to file a notice of intent if her planned to take the land out of the open space classification. Flynn said the board would follow the situation.
Town Administrator Bob Markel said he is planning to discuss joining forces with other area towns to pool the money they receive from the class action opioid settlement so the money can go further in mitigating damage done by the narcotics.
Hampden will receive a $14,000 rebate from Action Ambulance. The contract with the ambulance service allows for a rebate to the town provided there are a certain number of calls in a year.
Markel encouraged residents to visit https://arcg.is/14vyGW0, a website that explains the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program, from which Hampden and East Longmeadow received a $385,000 grant to identify potential vulnerabilities to climate-related issues, such as drought, flooding and other extreme weather. The website provides information on climate change and how residents can voice their opinions in the planning process.
Flynn announced that the town was looking for a resident veteran to serve on the veteran’s district board. While a member of the Board of Selectmen could serve, he said he would rather the position be filled by a veteran.
Davenport proposed the town take advantage of its ample hiking trails with a “Hike Hampden” weekend highlighting local home businesses in town.
“I think you might be on to something,” Board of Selectmen member Craig Rivest agreed and said it was a good way to promote the town and its businesses.