Two English mastiffs (a male weighing 210 pounds and a female weighing 110 pounds) owned by Denis Seguin were the subject of a dog hearing after four separate complaints were filed. All of the complainants reported instances in which Seguin’s mastiffs raced at them when they were walking their own dogs in the vicinity of Seguin’s property. While none of the complainants reported personal injuries from the dogs, all of them described the mastiffs as aggressive toward their dogs. One complainant reported torn clothing, and one reported injuries to their own dog requiring veterinary care.
    Seguin acknowledged the incidents, apologized for them, and told selectmen he has taken steps to prevent future occurrences, among them allowing the dogs outside only when they are restrained by a leash and pinch collar. Selectmen voted to require that Seguin’s dogs be confined to his property and the conservation land which abuts his property, and to also require that the dogs be leashed at all times when they are outside of Seguin’s house.
    In other dog matters, Town Administrator Rich LaCamera reported that the overdue dog license list once believed to number approximately 300 dogs has now been reduced to approximately 40 dogs. LaCamera also reported that the attorney for the Delk family is working on wording for an agreement that would allow the Delk’s dogs, which had previously been ordered to be removed from Rochester, to remain in the town. The agreement will require that the dogs be confined to kennel runs when outside the house, and if being transported beyond the house for reasons such as veterinary care, be muzzled during transport.
    Timothy Higgins, representing the Connet Woods subdivision, updated selectmen on progress with the creation of an agreed upon open space for the 560-acre subdivision. Approximately 400 acres will be set aside as open space, with approximately 115 house lots being established on the remaining 160 acres.
    The open space will offer a protected habitat for box turtles but at the same time will continue to be open to current uses, including hunting, fishing, and trapping. Public access to the open space will be over roads passing through the Connet Woods development. The Massachusetts Farm Bureau will have ownership of the land. At the request of Higgins selectmen approved and signed a conservation restriction for the open space.
    A tax classification hearing scheduled for Nov. 17 was continued until Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the request of assessor Jana Cavanaugh. Cavanaugh indicated more time was needed to gather information.
    Selectmen authorized short-term borrowing by the town treasurer in the amount of $750,000 at a rate of 2.52 percent. Conversion to a new billing system has delayed the sending of tax bills thus necessitating the short-term loan.
    Selectmen cancelled the liquor license held by Town Pizza because the restaurant has closed. If Town Pizza does not transfer the license within 60 days the license will be forfeited.
PMA Consultants has been approved as project manager for the Rochester Memorial School renovation/expansion project.
    LaCamera reported that a $43,200 grant has been awarded for the Dexter Lane Recreational Area Improvement Project, which includes a playground and basketball court. With the grant and $22,000 in funds raised by parents combined there will be no need for funding from the town to complete the project.
    Members are still needed for the town’s recently formed agricultural commission. Not all members of the commission are required to be actively working in agriculture. Those with only an interest in agriculture may also apply for membership. Once fully formed, the commission will be able to help the town qualify for agricultural grants. Those interested in joining the commission should contact the Board of Selectmen.
Annual tree lighting will be Monday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m.