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Town of Reading <br />Meeting Minutes <br />Board - Committee - Commission - Council: <br />Town Forest Committee <br />I•FSi:IE'irY#IIrI3K3 <br />Building: Reading Town Hall <br />Address: 16 Lowell Street <br />Purpose: Town Forest Management <br />Attendees: Members - Present: <br />REGEIlvCDTOWN CLERKE'= ,D^NG, kIA. IR <br />2122 JUL 12 AH 3 40 <br />Time: 7 PM <br />Location: Selectmen Meeting Room <br />Session: <br />Tim Kirwan, Kurt Habel, Bill Hughes, Bill Sullivan, Nancy Docktor, Tom <br />Gardiner <br />Members - Not Present: <br />Jeff Lamson <br />Others Present: <br />Laura Gemme, Town Clerk; see attached attendee list; Remote: ]ane <br />Kinsela, DPW; Martha Moore and Chuck Tirone, Conservation; <br />Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Nancy Docktor <br />Topics of Discussion: <br />Meeting was held in-person and by video conference <br />Continued discussion of the proposed Bylaw change that would limit the number of off -leash <br />dogs per handler in the Town Forest (TF). The purpose of this proposed Bylaw change is to <br />address complaints from residents about large groups of off -leash dogs in the TF, and to <br />enhance public safety. <br />Summary of the presentation given on the proposed amendment to the Reading Bylaws 8.8 <br />Animal Control: <br />o The proposed Bylaw change was developed to enhance safety for visitors to the <br />Town Forest after numerous complaints regarding large groups of off -leash dogs in <br />the TF, and reports by one commercial dog walker of daily conflicts with people in <br />the Town Forest. <br />o A review of animal control bylaws of communities around Reading found the vast <br />majority do not allow dogs off leash in public places, including town forests. <br />o The change includes a more detailed definition of "effective voice control". <br />o The Bylaw change would specify a limit of no more than two off -leash dogs per <br />handler in the Town Forest. <br />o The TF is a multi -use resource for the people of Reading to enjoy nature, mountain <br />biking, bird watching, dog walking, cross-country skiing, and group use activities. <br />o Reading Animal Control Officer's opinion is there should be "no more than 2 dogs off <br />leash per person" in the Town Forest. <br />The Conservation Commission asked that Conservation land not be included in the Bylaw <br />change. <br />A public comment session was held where members of the public had an opportunity to <br />state their opinion on the proposed change. A list of speakers is attached. <br />• Summary of public comments: <br />Page 1 1 <br />