Selectboard Meeting: November 12, 2025

Attendance

Karen Cruise (KC), Robert Cumming (RC), Philip Gott (PG), Sherry Patch (SP)

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 3:00 PM.

Public Hearing Dangerous/Nuisance Dog

A Public Hearing was held on a complaint filed by Elaine Hall of 203 Hubbardston Road who alleged that on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, dogs (Octavia and Winston) owned by Aubrey Steadman of 79 Wheeler Road attacked and bit her dog (Sophie) who sustained several bites to the chest and shoulders.

KC read the hearing notice.  Town Clerk Alissa Horsung swore  in those attending that will be providing testimony.

Mrs. Hall stated that on Tuesday, October 21^st, she was out walking her dog who was on a leash at the time.  When she approached the Steadman home two dogs attacked her dog.  Mrs. Hall stated that she was also knocked on the ground while trying to protect her dog and sustained an injury to her thumb.  Mrs. Hall said she is not sure which dog did the biting as it happened so quickly.  The ambulance arrived and the dog was put in the ambulance with her husband.  Mrs. Hall did seek medical attention for her injuries and received a tetanus shot and antibiotics as treatment. Mrs. Hall stated that it was a beautiful day and that she was walking her dog who was on a leash and that the attack was unprovoked.

Animal Control Officer Jennifer Ford advised that she did not witness the attack but was advised by Detective Doyle and the paramedic on scene when she arrived. ACO Ford advised that there are no prior records of complaints about the dogs and that both dogs were quarantined.  Both dogs are licensed and one dog’s rabies vax had lapsed.

Aubrey Steadman advised that she was not home at the time of the incident.  Douglas Steadman advised that he has a shelter dog that is a runner.  Mr. Steadman advised that the incident wouldn’t have happened if there wasn’t any yelling or screaming.  Mr. Steadman stated that in his opinion they overreacted.  Mr. Steadman advised that he did offer to pay the vet bills and that he is in the process of putting up a fence.  Mr. Steadman stated that the dogs are not dangerous but they are “love bugs”.  Mr. Steadman presented letters from neighbors attesting to the friendliness of the dogs and photos.

Town Counsel Yael Magen advised that only testimony under oath should be allowed, but told Mr. Steadman he should provide any and all evidence he wishes.

Mr. Steadman stated that he doesn’t know which dog bit Mrs. Hall.

Mike Ivas, 392 Ball Hill Road read a statement regarding an incident this past winter when both dogs approached him snarling and showing their teeth.  Mr. Ivas stated that the dogs were stalking him.  Mr. Ivas stated the Doug Steadman flew out of the house and put both dogs in a headlock and screamed at him stated that he must have been in the yard or on the property.  Mr. Ivas stated that he no longer walks on Wheeler Road.

Colleen Manzello of 18 Bigelow Road advised that she used to walk her dog from Bigelow Road to Blood Road and that about this time last year both dogs came running at her and her sister. Ms. Manzello stated that her sister waved a stick at them and told them to get back in their yard.  Ms. Manzello stated that she has not walked by this house since.

Ann Neuburg of 22 Bigelow Road advised that she walks by the house frequently and that the dogs run out to be petted and are always charming.

RC asked about the dogs behavior during quarantine.  Jennifer Ford advised that dogs were quarantined to their own home per Mass General Law.

Mr. Hall stated that the dogs are vicious and he had to prey the jaws off of his dog.  Elaine Hall stated that it was vicious attack and that if she would have been by herself her dog probably would have been killed.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Steadman and Mr. and Mrs. Hall had several opportunities to speak in the hearing.

KC moved to close the evidentiary hearing.  RC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

Town Counsel Yael Magen advised the board of the definition of nuisance and dangerous dogs and the remedies for both as outlined in the MGL. KC stated that it seems like dogs are dangerous not nuisance dogs.  RC noted that the attack was unprovoked and that the owners have taken some steps.  PG stated that he is not sure if nuisance or dangerous.  PG stated that he is concerned about the stigma if deemed dangerous but would want a robust remedy.  RC noted that the dogs left their property and bit the Hall’s dog.

KC moved to declare the two dogs dangerous.  RC 2^nd.  Voted 2-1 (PG).  Jennifer Ford outlined the remedies pursuant to MGL. KC moved to order the following remedies within 30 days (12/12/2025):

• The dogs shall be securely and humanely restrained, each dog with an individual leash or tethering device having a minimum tensile strength of 300 lbs. and not exceeding 3 feet in length.
• The dog/s shall be humanely “confined” on and off premise. Confined shall mean securely confined indoors or confined outdoors in a securely enclosed and locked pen. The pen shall be a fence not less than 4 feet in height. The inside vestibule area of the home shall be double gated. The home must be secured by December 12, 2025.  The Owner must remain outside with the dog/s at all times until the home is safely secured.
• The Owner shall provide proof of insurance in an amount not less than $100,000.
• The Owner will ensure that the dogs are up to date with vaccines and licenses.

The board voted to approve these remedies 3-0

KC move to close the hearing.  RC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

Approval of Minutes

KC moved to approve the minutes of 10/22/2025 as amended. RC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

KC moved to approve the minutes of 10/29/2025 as amended.  RC 2^nd. Voted 3-0.

KC moved to approve the minutes of 11/6/2025 as amended.  RC 2^nd  Voted 2-0-1 PG abstained. PG did not attend the 11/6/2025 meeting.

Approval of Treasury Report FY 26 Warrant #09

KC moved to approve the Treasury Report for FY 26 Warrant #9 as follows:

Payroll:                                   $176,060.27

Accounts Payable:               $123,341.17

Light Department:                $142,717.54

Total:                                      $442,188.98

RC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

Public Comment

None

New Business

Appointments

• KC Moved to appoint Devon Gove, Highway Dept Truck Driver/Laborer. RC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.
• Joseph Cecchi, Full-Time Police Officer. No action was taken on this appointment.

Review and Discuss Draft Minutes Policy

No action was taken on this matter.  The board will discuss at their next meeting.

Holiday Meeting Schedule

The board set the following holiday meeting date schedule: 12/4, 12/17 and 1/7/2026.  All meetings will be held at 3PM in the Town Hall Annex and virtually.

Annual Building Inspection Fees

KC moved to approve an increase in the Annual Building Inspection Fee from $40 to $100. RC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.  SP advised that the annual inspection is for places that hold large gatherings and liquor pouring (on-premise licenses).  The Building Inspector and Fire Inspector jointly conduct the inspections.

Sale of Cemetery Lot

KC moved to approve of the sale of lot to Kevin Toupin, 35 Hubbardston Rd. One body lot in Woodlawn Cemetery 1986 Addition Right Section known as:  Lot: 16B Space C.  RC 2^nd.  Voted 3-0.

Discussion Open Space Committee. Trails and Website

Rick Gardner, Chair of the Open Space Committee, met with the board to discuss the Open Space Committee web page transition to the new website.  KC noted that there is a lot of Princeton Hikes trail information that is intermingled with Land Trust information that doesn’t belong on the town website. KC also advised that there are a lot of pictures that are a big weight on the site. Rick Gardner gave an overview of the Open Space Committee.  Rick advised that in Princeton there is much more emphasis on promoting and building trails.  Rick noted that there is a lot of overlap with the Parks & Recreation Committee which was not very active when the Opens Space & Recreation Plan was put together.  Rick stated that the Open Space Committee agrees that it is time to cut back and they discuss how to do that.  They would like to continue to have some documents available on the website.  KC stated that the documents will have to be accessible.  Rick stated that he will do that.

Caolo & Bieniek Contract Amendments

• KC moved to approve Contract Amendment #1 Caolo & Bieniek for $21,200. For Furniture Fixtures and Equipment Design Services. RC 2^nd. Voted 2-1(RC)
• KC moved to approve Contract Amendment #2 Caolo & Bieniek not-to-exceed $25,000 for services related to PFAS water handling for the new Public Safety Building. RC 2^nd. Voted 3-0.

Executive Session

KC moved to enter into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares. Ervin vs. Town of Princeton Litigation

and;

To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel.- Police Chief Contract Renewal

KC announced that the board will not reconvene in open session

RC 2^nd.  The following roll call vote was recorded:  RC: aye; PG: aye; KC aye.  Voted 3-0.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 4:38 PM.

Submitted by

Sherry Patch