STARKSBORO — Dogs, rabies, and roads topped the agenda at the Sept. 6 Starksboro selectboard meeting.
Selectman Tony Porter reported that Starksboro is actively looking for a new animal control officer to replace Wayne Marcelle, who has held the position for several years.
Porter described the position as one having some compensation, but largely an element of public service. Porter said the animal control officer works on an as-needed basis. In most weeks, there are no incidents. In a busy week, there might be a couple of incidents requiring response, said Porter.
Porter also said the selectboard discussed the number of unlicensed dogs in Starksboro, estimated at around 50 out of 450 dogs. The selectboard’s concern is rabies, and owners must be able to present a valid certificate that their animal is vaccinated. Registering a dog provides proof that the animal has been vaccinated. Dogs can be registered at the town office.
The selectboard has been asked to consider a request to extend electricity up a Class Four road to provide power to a sugarhouse. Porter said the selectboard reached no decision at the meeting and will gather more information. Issues include providing electricity in an area zoned for forest and conservation and providing electricity on a road that is typically not plowed or maintained in the winter.
The selectboard raised concerns about preserving the zoning in the area and about how safety vehicles could access the structure in winter, especially, if there were a fire.