ACAB Meeting Minutes
Animal Control Advisory Board (ACAB)
Sterling Police Department, 135 Leominster Road
Sterling, MA 01564
Meeting Minutes – June 12, 2023
Chairwoman Terry Sadler called the meeting to order at 6:40 PM.
Roll Call:Terry Sadler, Edith McNamara, Cindy Miller, Jill Mongeau Gaines, Anne Marie Catalano, Kelly Jones (Animal Control Officer)*, Emma Massa (Animal Inspector)*, Marion Larson (Recording Secretary)*
*- Not Board Members
Absent: Armstrong, Simonds
Other Attendees: No other attendees.
Chairwoman Sadler noted there was no May meeting due to scheduling conflicts.
ACCEPTANCE OF MEETING MINUTES
Chairwoman Sadler called for review and approval of meeting minutes from April 26 meeting. Minor amendments made from members. Motion to accept minutes as amended made by McNamara, seconded by Gaines-Mongeau. Passed with Catalano abstaining.
OLD BUSINESS:
Jablonsky, School Street – ZBA denied Special Permit for kennel on May 9. There is a court hearing with the Clinton Clerk Magistrate which has been continued to June in relating to the number of dogs at this residence. Four dogs have been registered but there are still more than 4 dogs at the house. Jablonsky’s have made a complaint that the town is not complying with the federal HUD housing law, citing discrimination against people with disabilities.
Charrette, Primrose Lane –A criminal complaint was issued but dismissed in court. Four additional citations issued and a new court complaint was issued regarding loose dog and with failure to appear, a warrant has been issued.
Bylaw Changes were approved at Town Meeting in May.
Rota Farm, Chace Hill Rd – No update at this time as ACO has not visited with owner. Plans to do so in the next few weeks.
Vintage Meadows, Flanagan Hill Rd – After investigations and interviews, a hearing to issue complaint/warrants with the court magistrate in Clinton is scheduled for June 15 with 16 counts regarding animal cruelty and witness intimidation.
Bowne, Riverview Road – No update at this time.
Member Swearing In – To occur on June 22 at Butterick Building with Town Clerk (follows June 21 Select Board’s approval of appointments). If members cannot make this date, they can make arrangements with town clerk to be sworn in independently.
NEW BUSINESS:
Dog Licensing Deadline Change Inquiry: Sadler reported an inquiry from Town Clerk asking if ACAB would consider a date change for dog licensing, perhaps later in spring. Sadler noted to ACAB members that any change would require a change in bylaw. Discussion ensued resulted in a motion made by Catalano and seconded by McNamara that the ACAB consider changing dog licensing date. Further discussion regarding the motion followed. A vote on the motion passed unanimously.
ACO Reports:
Dog licensing – Year to date indicates 1, 278 licensed dogs
300 known unlicensed dogs
2 pending court cases
Domestic and Wildlife Reports –
April: 30 calls on domestic animals, 6 wildlife calls
Motion to accept April reports made by Catalano, seconded by Miller. Unanimously passed.
May: 25 calls on domestic animals, 6 wildlife calls
Motion to accept May reports made by Catalano, seconded by Miller. Unanimously passed.
Other ACO Updates – Fall Rabies Clinic dates need to be set. VCA is still interested in participating. Board members indicated Oct 28 as preferred date, possibly Oct 14. Jones will contact VCA.
Jones will be instructing two courses: Assistance Animal Training and Handling Animals to members of MEMA a Cdart in Fitchburg later this month.
Next Meeting Date: The next ACAB meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at 6:30 PM at the Sterling Police Department meeting room.
Adjourn: Miller made a motion to adjourn, McNamara seconded the motion. All voted in favor. Meeting adjourned at 8:14 PM.
Submitted by Marion Larson, Recording Secretary