Having already upped the amount the town can fine pet owners who don't pick up their dog's droppings, the council at its October 13 meeting added language about access to recreational locations if excessive excrement continues to be a problem.

The council gave the first of two necessary approvals amending "Chapter 14-Parks and Recreation, Article III. Parks and Recreation Areas, Sec. 14-49.-Use of facilities generally."

The change adopted last week was as follows: "To protect the public's health and safety, the Town reserves the right to limit or restrict access for dogs at any Town-owned park or field facility."

"This is coming up primarily because poop," Council President Joseph DePasquale said in explaining the amended language. "Unfortunately, we're trying to be as dog friendly as possible, but we have dog owners who are really disrespecting parks and playgrounds and using them as dog parks. And it's really gross, really, really gross."

DePasquale said while some might find the situation a bit funny, it was actual a serious subject. The shear amount of dung is having a deleterious effect on residents who frequent the recreational areas.

"We're not talking about one little thing that was found," I know it's giggle worthy, but if anyone is seeing any of the people that are doing this in the same exact spots, please don't confront them. Call the police. And we will take care of it."

The fine associated with not picking up dog excrement was only recently increased to $50. In supporting the motion on the item, Councilman Louis Rego said signage with the updated fine figure should be installed at parks and playgrounds.

Added DePasquale, "And we may be putting up signs saying, 'no dogs' as well as the fine," if the situation persists. 


Driving details
The council also attempted to take up the first reading of a new addition to an existing ordinance, "Chapter 12. Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Article II- Operation of Vehicles; Sec. 12-30. - Obedience to stop signs, Sec. 12-31- Designated fines."

It was recently discovered the existing ordinance did not specific language detailing stopping infractions. What's being added, Section 12-30, is as follows: "Every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop sign shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. In the event there is no crosswalk, the driver shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering the intersection, except when directed to proceed by a police officer or traffic control signal."

On the section about designated fines, the amount of each transgression will remain the same for the time being, while another infraction is expected to be added; that for blocking an intersection with a $50 fine. The addition came at the behest of Rego.

The designated fines for violations are listed as follows: Stop sign $35, Traffic signal $35, One-way street $35, Left turn prohibited $35.

"So I spoke to the chief (Warren Police Chief Roy Borges) about this on these four different items. I also spoke about one other one that wasn't in there, and he agreed that something we should consider, and that's blocking an intersection," Rego said. "We've all been in town where people block an intersection. And that should be a violation. He agreed that we should probably add on that."

Council Vice President Keri Cronin asked why the other fine schedule would remain at $35, but the new one would be $50. Rego explained the police department had already purchased new violation books for its officers with the current values. It would be imprudent to buy another whole new set.

However, officers do have the ability to amend the tickets in the field. Rego suggested that for traffic signals, one way streets, and blocking the intersection, those fines be $50 and keep stop signs and left turns at $35.

Town Solicitor Anthony DeSisto told the council in his opinion, the proposed ordinance needed to have language about blocking an intersection matching how it is defined by the state.

That initiative required the first reading to be continued to the council's next meeting in November, which members agreed to do.

Boating matters
A third amendment to an ordinance taken up by the council for the first time was a proposed change to "Chapter 32-Zoning, Article XXVIII, Rural Business Zone District, Sec. 32-166, permitted uses."

New to be included in the permitted use schedule is that for "Boat and Trailer Storage Accessory to Boat Repair, Service and Manufacturing."


The council took up a suggestion by DeSisto to approve a motion setting up a second hearing and the required public hearing for its next meeting, while also forwarding the change to the planning board for its consideration at its October forum. The board would then send its recommendation on the topic to the council in time for the latter's November session.