Hello, all:
This update is in response to numerous inquiries about the French Road vicious dog incident on Sunday. The Select Board will hold an emergency "vicious dog hearing" at 5 PM tomorrow in Town Hall on this matter. (Please see agenda, below.)
According to those who delivered the hearing notice to the dog owner in person today, the dogs are still present at the French Road address and they were not leashed. Therefore, please do not walk or bike on French Road, especially near the Government Hill intersection, until this matter is resolved.
Sarah Merriman
Town Clerk/Select Board Assistant
MIDDLESEX SELECT BOARD
SPECIAL MEETING
5:00 PM Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Middlesex Town Hall and via Zoom*
5 Church Street
Middlesex, Vermont 05602
(802) 223-5915
VICIOUS DOG HEARING
AGENDA & RULES OF PROCEDURE
5:00 PM Call to Order, welcoming guests, explaining rules of procedure as follows:
a) Notice of hearing is read.
b) All present are reminded that this hearing is mandated by state law [20 V.S.A. § 3546]. This hearing will be conducted in an orderly manner and all statements must be directed to the Chair.
c) The complainant is asked if he has any questions about the hearing.
d) Disclosure of conflicts of interest by Select Board members.
e) Complainant and/or his representative and all others providing evidence must take the following oath: I hereby solemnly swear (or affirm) that the evidence I give in the cause under consideration shall be the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
f) Accept written information from complainant presented to Select Board
g) Complainant presents oral testimony.
h) Select Board members are invited to ask complainant questions.
i) Owner of dogs alleged to be involved in the attack – or the owner's representative(s) – is/are invited to respond to the evidence presented.
j) Select Board members are invited to ask the owners questions.
k) Members of the public are invited to present any relevant information regarding the complaint.
l) Select Board members are invited to ask more questions or make comments.
m) Final comments and/or questions from complainant and dog(s) owners or their representatives and members of the Select Board.
n) Upon motion and majority approval, the Chair (or Vice Chair) shall either adjourn the hearing to a time and date certain (to obtain additional evidence) or close the proceedings by stating this is the final public hearing on the matter.
o) Select Board may now conduct public deliberations OR vote to enter deliberative session in which case the written decision of the Select Board setting forth its findings of facts, conclusion of law and order for the domestic pet will be rendered in writing to the owner of the dog(s) sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, within 10 days.
p) Adjournment
*ZOOM INSTRUCTIONS
To attend this meeting via Zoom, go to:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7393380675
Meeting ID: 739 338 0675
One tap mobile OR 1-301-715-8592
Nov 24, 2024, 6 to 7 PM
Selectboard Meeting Nov. 25Nov 25, 2024, 6 to 8:45 PM
Northfield Select Board Regular MeetingNov 26, 2024, 7 to 9:30 PM