2022-02-08 Town Forest Committee Minutes

Home Browse Search

Town of Reading Meeting Minutes TOWNECLERK READING, MA, ic 2022 APR 13 AM 9 12 Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Town Forest Committee Date: 2022-02-08 Time: 7 PM Building: Location: Address: Purpose: Town Forest Management Session: Attendees: Members - Present: Thomas Gardiner, Kurt Habel, Jeff Lamson, Susan Bowe, Brian Scouten, Nancy Docktor, Tim Kirwan, Bill Sullivan Members - Not Present: Others Present: Jane Kinsella DPW; Jacqueline McCarthy Sel. Bd.; Lt. Christopher Jones RPD; Martha Moore ConCom, Meghan Bowe, Mike McCaffey Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Bill Sullivan Topics of Discussion: Meeting was held by video conference due to the COVID pandemic. • Discussed how to address large groups of unleashed dogs not controlled by dog walkers that have resulted in numerous complaints and at least one bite. Some commercial dog walkers bring 6 to 8 unleashed dogs into the TF. Discussed how to limit the number of dogs off leash to three per walker. Will need to change the current bylaw that does not limit the number of dogs off leash. Lt. Jones of RPD said that this limit could be enforced if the bylaw is changed. The Town's part- time animal control officer can perform random patrols to educate the public. Signage would help. RPD will also respond to a complaint once the bylaw is changed. Lynnfield is the only other local town that allows dogs to be off leash in their Town Forest. TFC can draft the proposed bylaw change for submission to the Bylaw Committee, Town Council and Town Meeting. • Sel. Bd. Member McCarthy discussed the possible use of ARPA funds in the TF. An advisory committee will recommend uses and the Sel. Bd will decide. • Forward Enterprises will mobilize soon for the Phase 2 cutting. • TF Appreciation Day on 4/30/22 will include nature walks and a scavenger hunt. • The Trails work day will repair boardwalks and other trail improvements. • Mike McCaffey discussed the dramatic increase in the number of dogs in the TF and how many owners allow their dogs to run up ahead and approach runners, cyclists and walkers in the TF. He recommended public education and enforcement of the requirement for voice control. TF Dog Etiquette calls for restraining dogs when approaching others. • The 1/18/22 TFC meeting minutes were approved with some edits. • Next Meeting: scheduled for 3/15/22 at 7:00 pm Page 1 1