Pepperell Selectmen Authorize Kennel Enforcement, Approve Entertainment License and Appointments

PEPPERELL — July 15, 2013 — Pepperell selectmen authorized enforcement action against an unlicensed kennel, approved a downtown restaurant's entertainment license, and received a stark fiscal briefing at their July 15 meeting. Town Administrator John Moak warned the board that Pepperell's structural deficit stands at approximately $250,000 and could grow to $450,000 if a 20 percent cut in unrestricted state aid materializes, with the town's North Middlesex Regional School District assessment coming in at $472,000 — roughly $150,000 to $170,000 above projections because of a disputed target-share formula. Animal Control Officer Alicia Flagg testified that homeowner Bonnie Blanchett has operated an unlicensed kennel with roughly 12 dogs at 82 Heald Street for years without responding to two letters or returning calls; the board unanimously authorized Moak to pursue a cease and desist order and potential court action. The board also unanimously approved an entertainment license for Dolce Wood-Fired Italian Grill at 105 Main Street for acoustic music Thursday through Saturday, appointed Diana Homoleski as senior center volunteer coordinator and Melissa Hippler as full-time police dispatcher, and confirmed Selectwoman Michelle Gallagher as the board's representative to the Personnel Board.