Mattapoisett Select Board — June 23, 2026

The Mattapoisett Select Board met on June 23, 2026, convening first for a statutory public hearing regarding a dangerous dog complaint brought against a Rottweiler named Theo, owned by the Abruzzetti family. The incident in question occurred at Washburn Park in Marion in February 2026 involving another dog named Moonface. Animal Control Officer Luke Mello provided testimony regarding Theo's calm demeanor, and Theo's owner presented extensive documentation, veterinary assessments, and witness statements. Several community members testified that Moonface had a documented history of aggression toward other dogs while Theo was gentle. The complainant failed to attend the hearing. Concluding that the legal statutory burden to designate Theo as a dangerous dog was not met and that the dog had acted in self-defense, the board voted unanimously to dismiss the complaint.

Following the hearing, the board addressed numerous routine business and licensing matters. They approved meeting minutes from May and June 2026, approved a common victualler's license for Sweet Art Boutique Bakery at 81 County Road, granted a temporary trailer permit to Gregory and Patricia Bartlett for parcel 5A-229.0, and approved a pledge of collateral against the all-alcohol license for Shipyard In-Group LLC to Bay Coast Bank. The board also reviewed and unanimously approved three town administrative policies: an amended employee reimbursement policy incorporating IRS mileage rates and revised meal per diems, a town vehicle use policy, and a policy governing injuries sustained by non-employees on town property.

In other business, the Historical Commission presented the newly published third edition of the Mattapoisett booklet. The board set July 28, 2026, as the date for an upcoming goals work session, highlighting future discussions on an affordable housing trust and town policies. For board appointments, Nicole Lynch was appointed representative and Jordan Collier alternate to the Plymouth County Advisory Board, while Thomas Kearns, Mark Mooney, and Andrew Lynch were appointed as fence viewers. Discussion regarding the Holy Ghost Reuse Committee was deferred to a future work session. The meeting concluded with announcements about the Old Colony regional school vote results, summer town band concerts, and America 250th celebration events.

AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Watch the video to verify.