Boards seek way around hiring freeze

Members of the Board of Health and Planning Board met with the Board of Selectmen on Monday, March 24, to request permission to hire part-time position during the town’s hiring freeze.

The selectmen suggested hiring from within the departments, but refused the hiring of a short-term employee, citing a strict adherence to the hiring freeze during the town’s “dire circumstances.”

“These are not normal times,” said Town Administrator Joseph Fernandes. “I don’t know if I have to stand on my head to make people understand, but we cannot function the way we are.”

The Board of Selectmen expect Plainville residents to vote on a Proposition 2 ½ override in mid-June; but with the current financial situation, they could not see any benefits to hiring short-term employees, including a Planning Board position that would accrue $4,000 over several months.

“How do you tell people that will be voting for an override that we couldn’t cut $4,000?” said Fernandes.

The Board held a hearing concerning a repeatedly unleashed and hostile dog. Several residents came forward testifying to attacks by Davin Freitas’ pit-bull, Roxie. The pit-bull was cited in several attacks against other dogs and elicits an aggressive attitude toward people. On several occasions, the owner was fined for failing to adhere to leash laws.

“There is no effort put in restraining this dog properly,” said Dr. Elizabeth Maloney, a veterinarian. Maloney witnessed an attack on her terrier by Freitas’dog, describing the violent and irresponsibly-reared Roxie as a “loaded machine gun.”

“In my professional opinion, this dog needs to be euthanized,” said Maloney.

Roxie was also accused of an attack on another of her owner’s dogs, a black lab that was put down due to the severity of the attack.

Plainville Animal Control Officer Sue Thibedeau recommended euthanasia for Freitas’ pit-bull, considering the continued irresponsibility of the owner and the proximity of children in the neighborhood. The Board of Selectmen approved a 10-day appeal period for the dog’s owner.

More in Plainville news:

-the candidates for Plainville town clerk will meet for Candidates Night on Tuesday, April 1, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Senior Center.

-the Board of Selectmen is reconsidering polling locations and parking arrangements for upcoming elections, particularly the Presidential Election in November.

-a representative from Rec Room Central, an organization that runs charity poker leagues and events, met with the board to discuss a possible purchase of the property vacated by Fast Break Billiards on Messenger Street. A hearing has been planned to further discuss the matter at the March 31, selectmen meeting.