Highlights from the Canton Board of Selectmen: Animal Control and Reservoir Pond Updates

The Canton is now part of the Canton Police Department. The Canton Board of Selectmen approved the merger last week.

Town Administrator said the town has been looking at merging the two departments for several months. The move makes sense and is similar to the way other communities handle their Animal Control Department, he noted.

Canton Police Chief Ken Berkowitz and shared their praise for the move.

"It's really a natural partnership that's already there," Berkowitz said.

The Canton Police Department has worked closely with Animal Control over the years, the chief said.

Especially with the new Animal Control Officer's law enforcement background, the chief said he is "excited about the chance to merge the two departments."

There is no cost to the town with the merger, he noted.

Friel, BOS Chairman John Connolly and the police chief all expressed the wish to eventually move the Animal Shelter to the grounds of the police department down the road.

The merger is "really a win-win," Berkowitz said. The Canton Police Department is getting "another fully-trained officer out on the streets," he said of Branca.

Branca said she is excited to work with the chief and the CPD. "It's wonderful," she said of the merger. "I'd love to do it."

In other news, residents can expect construction to start at the Reservoir Pond Dam in mid to late April, according to Selectman Gerald Salvatori. The owners, Canton Development Properties, are using local contractors to do the construction and make necessary repairs, he said.

The Canton Board of Selectmen are meeting again tonight at 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall.