Webster Board of Selectmen continue with dangerous dog issue

By Thomas D’Agostino
Patriot Correspondent

WEBSTER -  The Webster Board of Selectmen met once more with the Hazards in regard to a previous dangerous dog hearing. The Hazards failed to appear before the board during the scheduled March 5 hearing, and had not complied with the measures requested by the board.

Amy Hazard appeared before the board on Monday, March 18, stating that the dog was no longer in their possession but presently staying elsewhere. Selectman Mark Dowgiewicz asked Hazard if the dog was still in town and her reply was, “It doesn’t matter.”

Selectman Dowgiewicz replied, “Of course, it does. If he attacks in one section of town or if he attacks in another section of town, we should know where he is.”

The board requested Animal Control Officer Michelle LaFleche to find out where the dog is, and if not in Webster, notify the town’s Animal Control Officer of the situation. “I think we owe a duty to the Animal Control Officer of that town to give them just a head’s up so they can monitor the situation and make sure the dog is in an appropriate setting where this won’t happen again. I think it’s a courtesy that we should extend,” LaFleche said.

Hazard, refused to give any more details other than the dog was in Oxford. “This was an accident. I did not intend for the cord to break, it was an accident, OK?” Hazard stated. 

LaFleche also noted that the incident was an unprovoked bite. The board gave Hazard an opportunity to tell Officer LaFleche in privacy, where the dog is being kept. When LaFleche came before the board a second time, it was noted that Hazard would still not disclose the exact location of the dog.

Selectman Robert Miller made a motion to seize the dog immediately if it should be returned to Webster before the allotted time given to the Hazards to comply with the regulations set forth in the previous hearings.

In other business, Nicholas Gregory came before the board requesting a Class II and III license to store and sell vehicles on his premises at 53 Cudworth Road. Zoning is not a problem but the board tabled the matter pending a workable site plan for the property in regard to parking, fire lanes, signs, and other safety issues.

Webster Superintendent of Schools Dr. Barbara Malkas and Assistant Superintendent Ted Avlas addressed the board in regard to a Statement of Interest for Bartlett Junior/Senior High School. The Massachusetts School Board Authority requires a Statement of Interest letter be submitted addressing any deficiencies and repairs that may be needed to schools for possible grant funding. The letter is the first process of the requests for funding.

According to Avlas, the Park Ave. School took two years to get on the list of possible funding. Once on the list it took three years to get approval and will take about three years to complete construction. That is a total of eight years. Avlas feels the Bartlett School will take even longer to go from Statement of Interest to completion of the necessary repairs the

This could meet approval in two to three years but only applies to those specific items. The board voted to send the Statement of Interest right away.

The opening of the Special and Annual Town Meeting Warrant for May was read at the meeting as well. Citizen’s petitions must be received by Tuesday April 16.

As of Tuesday, March 19, at 8 a.m., Beach/Compost stickers are available. The compost facility opens on April 1.

Appointments were made to the Master Plan Steering Committee and Sub-Committee. Christian Latham was appointed to the Recreation Committee.

Waterfront Mary’s seasonal liquor license was renewed pending the approval of the Massachusetts ABCC.

The Annual Easter Egg Hunt will take place Saturday, March 30, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Webster Memorial Beach.