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Home My WebLink About2023-06-13 Town Forest Committee MinutesTown of Reading Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Town Forest Committee I•FSi:IE'irY#IIrI3K3 Building: Reading Town Hall Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: Town Forest Management Attendees: Members - Present: REGEIlvCDTOWN CLERKE'= ,D^NG, kIA. IR 2122 JUL 12 AH 3 40 Time: 7 PM Location: Selectmen Meeting Room Session: Tim Kirwan, Kurt Habel, Bill Hughes, Bill Sullivan, Nancy Docktor, Tom Gardiner Members - Not Present: Jeff Lamson Others Present: Laura Gemme, Town Clerk; see attached attendee list; Remote: ]ane Kinsela, DPW; Martha Moore and Chuck Tirone, Conservation; Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Nancy Docktor Topics of Discussion: Meeting was held in-person and by video conference Continued discussion of the proposed Bylaw change that would limit the number of off -leash dogs per handler in the Town Forest (TF). The purpose of this proposed Bylaw change is to address complaints from residents about large groups of off -leash dogs in the TF, and to enhance public safety. Summary of the presentation given on the proposed amendment to the Reading Bylaws 8.8 Animal Control: o The proposed Bylaw change was developed to enhance safety for visitors to the Town Forest after numerous complaints regarding large groups of off -leash dogs in the TF, and reports by one commercial dog walker of daily conflicts with people in the Town Forest. o A review of animal control bylaws of communities around Reading found the vast majority do not allow dogs off leash in public places, including town forests. o The change includes a more detailed definition of "effective voice control". o The Bylaw change would specify a limit of no more than two off -leash dogs per handler in the Town Forest. o The TF is a multi -use resource for the people of Reading to enjoy nature, mountain biking, bird watching, dog walking, cross-country skiing, and group use activities. o Reading Animal Control Officer's opinion is there should be "no more than 2 dogs off leash per person" in the Town Forest. The Conservation Commission asked that Conservation land not be included in the Bylaw change. A public comment session was held where members of the public had an opportunity to state their opinion on the proposed change. A list of speakers is attached. • Summary of public comments: Page 1 1 Town of Reading Meeting Minutes o Numerous residents expressed their support of their commercial dog walking company, and voiced objection to the Bylaw change. Two owners of commercial dog walking companies said they would not be able to do business in the Reading Town Forest N the Bylaw is approved. One questioned the qualifications of Reading's Animal Control Officer. o Several speakers stated that problems with people walking with one or two dogs are more common than problems with the commercial dog walkers. o One resident said the requirement that dogs stay within sight of the owner and the requirement for immediate recall are too restrictive. o Several Reading residents voiced support of the Bylaw change citing safety concerns, threats to wildlife from uncontrolled dogs, and past problematic encounters with large groups of dogs. One Reading resident reported that he was bit by a dog being walked by two commercial dog walkers with 8 to 10 off -leash dogs. o Several speakers recommended that a compromise be developed where some trails are designated as off -leash and others where leashes are required; or designating certain hours of the day or days of the week when groups of dogs can be walked off - leash. DCR's Fells Reservation Sheepfold Meadow was cited as an example of this mixed-use approach. o Licensing of commercial dog walkers was suggested. Discussion by the Committee followed. o Members cited concerns around safety in the Town Forest. The Town Forest was created for all the residents of Reading as a muti-use resource. It is not a dog park. o Members agreed to insert "aggressively" in the definition of Effective Voice Control as follows: "Dogs must not be allowed to jump on, aggressively bark at..." o Members agreed to accept the recommendation of Reading's Animal Control Officer that the number of off -leash dogs be limited to two per handler. The proposed Bylaw change was revised to reflect comments from the Reading Police Department. o The proposed change will not impact most residents as most residents do not walk more than two dogs off leash. o All visitors to the Town Forest should feel safe when there. o The Committee reviewed and discussed other options previously explored and suggested during public comment, such as licensing for commercial dog walkers, and limiting areas or days of Town Forest use for dog walkers. Cost around implementation of a license program was the main reason licensing was previously rejected. The Town does not currently have a budget for park rangers as DCR does. The Committee voted unanimously to approve the attached Bylaw change language that defines "effective voice control" and limits the number of off -leash dogs to two per handler. It must go to the Bylaw Committee before going to the November Town Meeting for approval. Page 1 2 Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Jeanne Sullivan Steve Whalen Aviana Fiore Sophie Ellis-Esty Rick Esty Kerry McAuley Liza Webster Doug Malone Carolyn Johnson Narcissa Lyons Samantha Bullock Brian Hackett Linda Snow Dockser Mark Dockser Karen Gately Herrick Kim Honetschlager Will Finch Meri Kimball Janet Ehl Steven Cool Cynthia Cool Angela Binda Niloo Hennings Town Forest Committee June 13, 2023 Attendee List Page 1 3 Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Reading Town Hall Richard Esty Aviana Fiore Sophie Ellis-Esty Kim Honetschlager Carolyn Johnson Will Finch Samantha Bullock Steve Whalen Kerry McAuley Liza Webster Narcissa Lyons Men Kimball Mark Dockser Zoom Speakers Cayla Lesher Laura Rossetti PeterAbdu Paige Burbank Sylvia Clary Valerie Sachetta Eric Burbank Andy Lam Letters from Residents Angela Binda David Williams Steven Cool Robin Pollock Town Forest Committee June 13, 2023 Public Comment Speakers Proposed Changes to the Reading General Bylaws Page 1 4 Town of Reading �. Meeting Minutes?� e F 1r E o - s � Devoe Article— Expand and clarify the definition of Effective Voice Control of an animal To we if the Town will vote to amend Section 8.8.1.3 Effective Voice Control as follows: Effective Voice Control An animal shall be deemed to be "under effective voice control' if it is within the handler's sight, refrains from aggressive behavior, and the handler is carrying a leash. Dogs must not be allowed to jump on, aggressively bark at or approach anyone without their consent, and must come immediately when called. Any dog that behaves in a manner that a reasonable person would believe poses an unjustified imminent threat of physical injury to a person or to another dog is exhibiting nuisance or dangerous behavior as defined by Mass. General Laws c. 140 Section 136A and is not under effective voice control. Article _: Control of off -leash dogs in the Town Forest To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 8.8.3.2 of the General Bylaws by (1) inserting a new Section 8.8.3.2.3, as follows: Town Forest The maximum number of off -leash dogs shall not exceed two per handler in the Town Forest. Any dog that does not remain under effective voice control or exhibits nuisance or dangerous behavior as defined in Section 8.8.1.3 must be placed on a leash or removed from the off -leash area immediately. Dog waste must be removed in accordance with Section 8.8.3.3. Dogs must be leashed when enlenng or exiting an off -leash area. Visitors who do not abide by these rules may be subject to eviction from the Town Forest and/or receive a fine under Bylaw Section 8.8 Animal Control as follows: First Offense: $50 Second Offense: $100 Additional Offenses: $300 Enforcing Person: Animal Control Officer and (2) Renumbering the remaining section accordingly; or take any other action with respect thereto. 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