MINOT – Armed with the results of the latest sound study that declares Hemond’s Moto-X track in violation of the town’s noise ordinance, aggrieved neighbors Monday night demanded that selectmen close the bike track down.

“Our expert believes it would be very, very difficult for the Hemonds to meet the required noise levels,” said Christopher Nelson.

Town ordinance sets a 55-decibel limit for noise at property lines in the area where the Hemonds have their track.

The sound study, conducted by Stephen Ambrose during this past Sunday’s races, found noise levels in the driveway of a neighboring Woodman Hill Road property owner that ranged from 56 to 67 decibels.

Concluding his report, Ambrose wrote, “The town has clear and compelling evidence that the Hemond’s Moto-X activity is not in compliance with the town’s noise limits. Moto-X practice and event activity should not be permitted to continue.” Pressed to take action, Selectman Dean Campbell noted that the Hemonds met with the Planning Board earlier this month to discuss the results of Ambrose’s July 9 sound study which had results similar to the Aug. 17 study. At its August meeting, the Planning Board told the Hemonds to report back in November with a solution to the noise problem.

“The Planning Board gave them time to come up with a plan. The Hemonds ought to be given a chance to bring their operation into compliance,” Campbell said.

Stating they didn’t want to wait until the racing season was over, several of the more than a dozen track critics demanded immediate action.

“We’re suffering. We made big investments in our properties. We can’t walk away. We were here before the track was. It’s unfortunate the Hemonds have invested a whole lot of money, but so have we,” said Ed Cormier.

Board Chairman George “Buster” Downing said the board would seek legal counsel and respond to the neighbors’ request at its Sept. 2 meeting.

Updating selectmen on a few troublesome situations, Code Enforcement Officer Ken Pratt told selectmen that he had issued third citations, with $200 fines, for the Michael Hill, Todd Ross and Bryer cases.

Pratt also said that letters will be going out to some property owners who appear to have excessive numbers of inoperable automobiles parked in their yards.

Road Manager Arlan Saunders told selectmen that the Jackson Hill Road project will proceed as planned, but in the spring. Saunders also relayed MDOT representative Brian Mitchell’s request that selectmen sign an agreement indicating the town’s willingness to pay its share of the project.

Downing noted that the town’s $23,000 share is about what it would cost to pave the section of road in question and the board had no problems with the request; but in signing the agreement, did stipulate that town meeting voters would have to give final approval.

Selectman Eda Tripp advised the board that tax bills will be late going out this year. Tripp explained that, customarily, the board sets the year’s tax rate in August, but this year efforts to complete a townwide property revaluation have delayed the process.

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