Bethany Board of Selectmen June 14, 2011

With Orange out of the picture, Bethany is finalizing plans to address its animal control needs. According to First Selectman Derrylyn Gorski, Woodbridge, which has turned over animal control to their police department, is working on a new budget to present to Bethany as a more affordable alternative than the previous one. Kim McClure Brinton, DVM, along with Animal Control Officer Karen Lombardi, both spoke at last night’s meeting.

According to Brinton, who is one of the veterinarians used by WAC (Woodbridge Animal Control) formerly known as DAC (District Animal Control), there is far more to the job than simply catching loose dogs.

“Just last week we had three cases of dogs biting dogs,” Brinton said. “It was in Woodbridge, but we have that happen in Bethany, as well.”

According to Lombardi, WAC does a lot of work to keep goodwill between neighbors where animals are concerned, including situations with barking or chronic roaming dogs.

“We try to remedy a situation before it escalates,” Lombardi said. “We also do a lot of wildlife calls. Right now we have a trap set up in a Bethany garage to try and catch a family of raccoons that’s taken up residence.”

Lombardi said they also address cruelty cases. “Some cases ride the line,” she said,  “and we’re often visiting twice a week checking on things.”

Brinton, who has worked with animal control for many years, said the level of organization has improved greatly since Lombardi and Animal Control Officer Paul Neidmann started working together at the shelter.

“We see animals less than we did before,” Brinton said. “We’ve been working together to make it work better.”

While Gorski and the other board members acknowledged this feedback, in the end, the decision will rest on finances. Now that Orange is turning over their animal control needs to Milford, Bethany’s percentage of the WAC budget would increase from 19 percent to 38 percent, which is far greater than what is approved for the budget.

“Woodbridge has to literally throw out all of this out and start over,” Groski said.

In other Board of Selectmen Business:

• The Bethany Board of Finance is recommending the appointment of a Long Range Planning Committee to put together an in-depth financial outlook for the town. The BOS discussed possible members, with BOF member Steve Squinto as their first appointment. The plan is to find members from various areas of town government including the school and public works.
• Derrylyn Groski appointed Jerome E. Ryan to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Gorski said Ryan has contributed many hours helping to maintain the grounds at Veteran’s Memorial Park including weed whacking around the lake, which has helped keep the Canada geese population in check.
• Saint Peter’s Church in Cheshire is asking for a fee waiver for use of the airport grounds for their annual show in September. The board offered the organization approval upon the condition they find a Bethany sponsor.