Plympton Selectmen Sniff Out Dog Park Solutions, Test New Meeting Times

Board considers dedicated dog area, pilots 2 p.m. meetings to boost public engagement

PLYMPTON, MA - May 20 - The Plympton Board of Selectmen is in search of solutions to ongoing dog-walking issues while also testing new meeting times, aiming to increase public participation in town affairs.

During their May 20 meeting, the board discussed creating a dedicated dog park in response to persistent concerns about canines in public spaces, particularly the cemetery where dogs are currently prohibited.

Highway Department Director Rob Firlotte reported a recent dust-up with a resident walking dogs in the cemetery. "I went up to talk to her, you know, explain to her that we had... discussed how the dogs are not allowed in the cemetery, and that's rule number seven on the board," Firlotte said.

Elizabeth, a 79-year-old resident, barked back at the lack of options for dog walking in town. "I'm more interested in the here and now," she said. "Where do we go?"

Board Chair John Traynor acknowledged the need for action, stating, "We owe the town a solution to the issue of dogs walking."

The board is exploring several options, including:

1. Considering Harry Jason Park as an alternative for dog walking

2. Investigating potential locations for a dedicated dog park

3. Exploring funding options, including a Petco grant program

4. Potentially reaching out to State Rep. Kathy LaNatra for assistance

Town Administrator Liz Dennehy will fetch information on town-owned parcels and research regulations for Harry Jason Park. She has also signed up for a municipal account with the Petco grant program to sniff out donation possibilities.

In a separate move, the board agreed to trial 2 p.m. meeting times in July and August, at the request of newly elected Selectman Dana Smith. The change aims to accommodate different schedules and potentially increase participation.

However, some board members were barking up concerns about the impact on public participation and transparency. Board member Mark Russo expressed hesitation, saying, "I'm willing to give it a try. I'm really hesitant on this... I'm also wanna be incredibly careful that the personality of this board includes bending over backward for transparency."

The board agreed to evaluate the effectiveness of the new meeting time after the trial period, with the understanding that they would return to 5:30 p.m. meetings in September if issues arise.

To address low voter turnout and engagement, Smith suggested improving communication about town positions and boards through social media. "I think if we had a better explanation of it, and it doesn't have to be a pedantic thing... You pick one and you kind of focus on that. And that's what these people have done," she said.

The board's next meetings are scheduled for June 3 and June 17, both at 5:30 p.m. The 2 p.m. meeting times will begin in July.

As the board works to address these issues, Traynor emphasized the importance of finding solutions that work for the entire community. "We need to start getting into, let's find a solution that makes sense for the town," he said.