The Stoughton Select Board moved to shore up town infrastructure and environmental standing on Tuesday, authorizing more than $1.1 million in bonds and loans while narrowly upholding a controversial Dangerous Dog designation. The financial package includes a $400,000 sewer bond, a $330,500 interest-free loan from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), and $400,000 for a community septic program aimed at providing relief to local homeowners.

Treasurer Ms. Newt detailed the favorable terms for the town, noting that Oppenheimer and Company secured the sewer bond with a 3.74% interest rate. Regarding the septic program, she explained that the $400,000 Community Septic Program loan will be lent to Stoughton homeowners for septic issues at a 2% interest rate over 20 years. This funding follows previous efforts to modernize town utilities and reduce the direct financial burden on residents through grants. Motion Made by J. Mokrisky to adopt the votes for the issuance of bonds and loan agreements as prepared by bond counsel. Motion Passed 5-0.

The meeting’s most contentious hour centered on a remand hearing for a dog named Chase, previously designated as dangerous following a June incident. Attorney Jeremy Cohen, representing the dog’s owners, urged the board to downgrade the label to nuisance, which would allow the board to mandate training. Cohen argued the dog was provoked when a young girl jumped from a tree, stating, The dog was startled by a young girl jumping out of a tree and sensed an imminent attack. This was a provocation. He noted the Lee family had already spent nearly $18,000 on fencing to secure the animal.

However, the victim's mother, Mrs. DeMoss, presented a harrowing account of the ongoing neighborhood fear. My nine-year-old has been chased multiple times, she told the board, adding that she has seen the dog unmuzzled behind what she described as inadequate makeshift crates and boards. She cautioned the board that Chase has begun to view our daughter as prey and is hunting her.

Board members were sharply divided on whether the dog’s reaction was grossly disproportionate under the law. Member Joseph Mokrisky expressed skepticism of the defense's narrative, stating, I have no doubt in my mind that the evidence showed the dog's aggression to a nine-year-old girl. I'm not into dog psychology or prey modes. Member Louis Gitto agreed with the severity of the incident, noting, I'm not willing to change the decision on the dangerous versus nuisance dog. We saw the dog bites and the bandaging.

Member Scott Carrara took issue with the suggestion that the board required expert testimony to understand the situation. I grew up on a farm for almost 30 years and I saw how animals act. I don't need a degree to draw an opinion, Carrara said. Chair Stephen Cavey ultimately leaned toward upholding the original finding, noting he had a hard time seeing the bite as anything other than disproportionate. Motion Made by S. Cavey to uphold the previous finding that the dog, Chase, be deemed a dangerous dog. Motion Passed 3-2 (S. Cavey, D. Roberts, S. Carrara in favor; J. Mokrisky and L. Gitto opposed). The board followed this with a unanimous vote to require the owners to secure their fencing to the board's satisfaction. Motion Passed 5-0.

Shifting to environmental initiatives, the board threw its weight behind the Energy and Sustainability Committee’s bid for Climate Leader Community status. Chair of the committee Dave Billow reminded the board that Stoughton has secured over $1.2 million in Green Community grants since 2015. Green Communities Coordinator Lisa Sullivan explained that the new designation opens the door to a $1 million accelerator grant for decarbonization. There are five criteria to become a climate leader, including a decarbonization roadmap, a zero-emission vehicle first policy, and adopting the specialized opt-in code at Town Meeting, Sullivan said.

Member Gitto questioned if the program could address more immediate needs, asking, Does your proposal go as far as assessing lighting in the Great Hall or downtown? It's always so dark. Sullivan clarified that while Climate Leaders focuses on fossil fuel reduction, the funding remains flexible for building improvements. Chair Cavey spoke in favor of the pursuit, saying, Everything about this makes a lot of sense. We are already doing much of the work. It helps the town save money in the long run and addresses the damage we leave behind for future generations. Motion Made by D. Roberts to support the Energy and Sustainability Committee in pursuing the Climate Leader Community designation and technical assistance grants. Motion Passed 5-0.

During public comment, resident Chet Collins raised concerns about the absence of a Veterans Day parade this year. Member Mokrisky explained the hiatus was specific to 2025 to focus resources on a major Purple Heart community event. This year it is only because of the attendance of the Purple Heart event. They're expecting a lot more people, speakers, and a Purple Heart recipient. It's just for this year, Mokrisky said. Chair Cavey promised to coordinate further with the Veterans Affairs Office, noting, If there are enough people who disagree, we can always change it in the future.

The board also welcomed Christopher Ricardo, an Eagle Scout candidate from Troop 516, who attended to fulfill requirements for his Citizenship in the Community merit badge. I'm here to learn about local government... and become more in touch, Ricardo told the board. Member Mokrisky joked that he had the candidate chained down to the chair so he wouldn't run away after witnessing the complexities of municipal governance. Finally, the board approved a letter of support for the BAT-Avon-Stoughton Community Transit Grant, following public testimony from a resident who praised the Dial-a-BAT service for its accessibility and late-hour schedule. Motion Made by L. Gitto to approve the consent agenda as presented. Motion Passed 5-0.