Stonington — The committee designed to come up with a plan for the property being used an unofficial dog park at the Town Dock has chosen First Selectman Rob Simmons as its chairman and former First Selectman Donald Maranell as vice chairman.

The two men were elected when the Sewer Treatment Expansion Parcel committee met for the first time last week.

The committee has staked out an ambitious schedule, planning to meet twice a month through the end of March and submitting a list of recommendations to the Board of Selectmen by April 1.

“It is my hope – in fact, my expectation – that we can get over some of the past rhetoric and acrimony to address the problem in a manner that reflects the serious nature of the problem. I love this town and I am proud to live here. I would like to think we can solve our problems outside of the courts in a fair and civil manner,” Simmons told committee members when they met last week. “Finally, we have a lot to do in a short period of time. I feel we have appointed good people – in fact, the best people – to address the situation. Time will tell whether we succeed or fail. But I ask all members of this committee to work together for the best result we can achieve under the circumstances.”

The mission given to the committee includes determining the suitability of the site for a dog park, and if it is suitable the committee should come up with proposed rules, improvements and enforcement. If it is not suitable, the committee should consider another location in town.

Laura Ann Gabrysch and Frank Mastrapasqua, who own a Front Street home that borders the park, have sued the town, alleging it has been operating an “illegal dog park,” that it has not received any permits or zoning approvals for the park, that it poses a danger to the public and is a nuisance. They had agreed to put on hold their lawsuit if the town formed a committee but were then displeased with the charge given to members and how they were chosen.