SOUTH SALEM, N.Y. - “Fur babies” might be accorded the same status as people in today’s world, but the public still has reservations about pets in public places. That was evident at the July 13 meeting of the Lewisboro Town Board. The board approved a permit allowing local dog trainer Martha Goodman to use Onatru Farm Park, contingent upon the review and acceptance of her insurance coverage.
The resolution approving the request by the South Salem-based dog trainer passed with the support of four board members, while Councilman Rich Sklarin abstained, citing concerns about the town’s liability. Several residents also raised concerns during the two public comment sessions, suggesting the arrangement creates a double standard when residents are generally required to keep dogs leashed in public.
“I'm all for controlling your dogs,” said Goodman, who has been a professional trainer for more than 30 years. “That doesn't always mean a leash, but it usually does. Not many people train their dogs to the level a leash is not needed. I've been using Onatru for 31 years; I've been permitted to be there for the last 10. I’m here because the town wanted to tighten up our agreement and raise the fee that I pay … and that's fine.”
Goodman said she usually works one-on-one with a customer and his or her dog. While the training is conducted in a step-by-step manner, it is individualized for both the person and the dog. Training can take months, she explained. Not all people and dogs reach the point where they qualify, but if they pass a variety of tests, she begins off-leash training.
“When I'm there training the dog and the person is with me, we're not interacting with anyone else at the park,” Goodman said, noting that she prefers to conduct training in areas away from other people and pets.
Sklarin said his chief concern was the liability aspect of the permit.
“Civil law has changed in New York for a dog-bite situation,” he said. “You can sue based on negligence as well as strict liability. In 2025, New York's highest court changed that.”
Accordingly, Sklarin suggested the board first clarify the type of policy carried by Goodman for her business and the level of coverage it provides.
“I know firsthand that particular types of dogs might be excluded,” he noted. “And we have to take a look and see that there's proper coverage for any activities going on, as well as that the town is what they call an additional named insured under that policy... so you're covered and we're covered.”
Town Attorney Greg Folchetti noted that the Town Board typically approves such agreements before the insurance policy is reviewed by his office. Goodman’s coverage is currently in the renewal process, making it possible the policy will remain the same as last year’s. That policy has already been renewed, he added.
“In all the time that you've come to Onatru, have you had any issues where there's been conflict?” asked Deputy Supervisor Mary Shah.
“No,” Goodman replied.
Sklarin advocated tabling the motion until a subsequent meeting, giving the board time to examine Goodman’s policy and other aspects of the agreement before making a decision.
“God forbid this happens once, and I've been involved in things when it does,” he said. “This is a matter of safety… it's worth taking two weeks to make sure we've got our I's dotted and T's crossed.”
A resolution allowing students at St. Luke’s School in New Canaan to park in the Vista parking lot also prompted considerable discussion. The measure, which passed unanimously, allows up to 28 students to park in the 40-space lot. Shah noted that the agreement provides the parking on a nonexclusive basis, meaning students would not be guaranteed a space.
“That means if everybody else has filled up the lot—with Vista shoppers or the folks who are using the park—then they can't park,” Shah said.
Sklarin noted that town parking areas close at dusk, meaning students participating in after-school activities theoretically could not leave vehicles there after dark. The board agreed to amend the language by setting a specific time limit for nighttime activities while prohibiting overnight parking.
During public comment, Barbara Mangione of Goldens Bridge said she had reservations about the dog-training agreement. Mangione, who volunteered at an animal shelter for nearly 15 years, said experience had taught her that even well-trained dogs can be unpredictable.
“As someone who had that kind of exposure to dogs, there is no way you can predict a dog's behavior when they are off leash,” she said. “There's got to be an alternative to that.”
“I have been in the middle of dog fights at a shelter. I have been bitten,” she continued. “I have received stitches. So, the reality is, you can have the most well-trained dog and there still can be an issue. You really need to think about putting something in that contract that these dogs cannot be off leash.”
Vista resident Simone O’Connor said she appreciated Sklarin’s perspective.
“We have the benefit of him being an attorney, and he deals with insurance,” she said. “He was trying to impart some knowledge to protect the applicant and our town about the change of law that could potentially put the town in a bad situation.”
Two attendees also suggested strengthening the rules in the St. Luke’s parking agreement.
“There are days when there's quite a bit of erratic driving occurring [among student drivers],” said Jennifer Cipriano of Vista. “There should be some sort of supervision or monitoring of what's going on there. We've had customers that have had damage. We play traffic cop just about every day.”
Michelle Smith, owner of The Farmer’s Grind, agreed with Cipriano and suggested designating specific parking spaces for students.
“I've had people leave notes on cars that say, ‘Sorry, call my mom,’ after it's been damaged,” she said. “You really need to make sure that this is in check for the town.”
Among other business, the board approved:
A resolution approving a host of bids for Highway Department supplies.
The appointment of Sarah Tschorn as deputy receiver of taxes, effective June 22, 2026.
The appointment of John Zoppo to the town’s Conservation Advisory Council, filling the remainder of Robert Cohn’s term, which expires Dec. 31.
The appointment of Paul Black as an associate member of the Veterans Advisory Committee for a term expiring Dec. 31, 2026.
A resolution approving an agreement with the TextMyGov app, which provides local bulletins, and authorizing Town Comptroller Annie Burnham to sign it.
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