Board: Town's dog kennel decrepit
Toolbox
By SANDI SWITZER Herald Correspondent - Published: September 1, 2008
CLARENDON — Town officials tackled a number of issues during an hour-long Select Board meeting held during the waning weeks of summer.
On Aug. 25, board members discussed the status of the town's dog kennel to be used by the animal control officer whenever necessary.
"The thing is in horrible shape," Select Board chairman Michael Klopchin said.
Fellow board members agreed the town should seek estimates for repairs to make the unit suitable as a temporary animal shelter in all kinds of weather conditions.
Officials recently spent more than two hours at a workshop reviewing and amending a draft ordinance for the control of nuisance domestic animals.
The board's action came in response to complaints from Pine Rock Lane residents that the owners of a small home on the street were hoarding cats.
Neighbors have estimated as many as 60 felines were living in a house belonging to the Generess family. A family member rejected those claims and set the number at around 30 cats.
Health and safety issues, property damage and nuisance claims are among neighbors' concerns.
The town has decided to use Mendon's animal control ordinance as a guide with some amendments. The board is expected to further review the document at an upcoming meeting.
In other business, board members discussed the use of the Clarendon Community Center by the local elementary school as an after-school day care.
Selectman George Ambrose indicated the center's Board of Directors expressed concerns regarding the potential consequences of state inspections.
Ambrose indicated the board questioned whether a failed inspection related to sewer or other issues could have ramifications for public use of the popular hall.
Klopchin said the town had documentation the historic structure was renovated to state specifications several years ago.
Board members agreed state inspections should not proceed until a local engineer could assess the situation.
The Select Board in other action authorized attorney Chris Corsones to represent the town at property tax sales in September and offer minimum bids to recoup overdue payments.
Town Treasurer Rebecca Mandolare cautioned the town could be responsible for additional expenses if no one bids on the five mobile homes to be sold. She noted those costs could include dismantling the structures.
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