ROCKPORT — Like a wandering pooch returning to the back porch after an extended absence, the issue of "dogs on beaches" is scheduled to come before Rockport officials again on Monday.
The Town Government and Bylaws Committee is scheduled to review a two-pronged measure request that asks for rule changes in advance of a possible warrant article for the fall Town Meeting.
The session is scheduled for Monday at 7 p.m. in the conference room of the Rockport Police Station.
Last spring, a petition surfaced that proposed changes that would have allowed dogs limited access to all public beaches during the summer tourist season.
If approved, the dogs would be allowed on beaches from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. year-round, as long as the dog was licensed and under voice command at all times.
The new language would also have required the owner to carry a leash for each dog brought onto the beach, and to be equipped with a bag with which to dispose of waste. However, the petition did not appear on the ballot of the spring Town Meeting; it wasn't worded correctly and didn't go through the proper process, said Town Administrator Linda Sanders at the time.
Now those seeking greater access for dogs have come up with a fresh petition asking for essentially the same measures, and it appears to have support.
A petition for the fall Town Meeting must have 200 signatures, said Barbara Dapolito, who chairs the Town Government and Bylaws Committee, and this petition has garnered that number, she stated.
She said the petition was organized by Patricia Francis, a Rockport resident who lives in the area of Long Beach, and the structure of the measure has been enhanced by a review by Sanders.
Dapolito's committee will listen to both sides of the question on Monday, and will make a recommendation at the Town Meeting.
Residents at Town Meeting will then decide whether to approve a new measure.
The petitioners' article contains two motions:
It "seeks to extend the beach time available for dogs including evening hours through the summer period currently proscribed and sets behavior conditions for this privilege."
The second motion, which will be presented only if the first motion is approved, "seeks to replace the penalties table in ... the town bylaws in order to double the fines for infractions of the animal control provision."
Dapolito said, "We expect residents on both sides of the issue to attend the meeting, and we will be listening to all the arguments."
In a separate matter, the committee will also consider a change in the regulations relating to the oversight of the town library. The library trustees want to expand the board from three members to five members.
Dyke Hendrickson can be reached at 978-283-7000, x3451, or at dhendrickson@gloucestertimes.com.
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