DIXFIELD — Townspeople might again have a chance to act on a proposed curfew for anyone under age 18 following a presentation made by police Chief Richard Pickett to selectmen Monday night.

A similar proposal was voted down about three years ago.

The proposal, as it stands, outlines the hours a child would be allowed on the streets according to his or her age. It also calls for more responsibility on the part of the parent or guardian, including possible fines of up to $100 and jail time.

As proposed, children younger than 11 must be off the streets between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. For those 12 or 13 years old, 9:30 p.m. would be the deadline; for those 14 to 18, the curfew would go into effect at 10 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, the times could be one hour later for each age group.

The proposal also calls for parental financial responsibility for court costs and for possible educational programs for both children and parents.

Pickett said the frequency of vandalism, such as a recent spate of eggs thrown at homes and cars, has increased.

“Parental responsibility must be worked on,” he said.

The curfew, if adopted, would apply to all youths, whether or not they live in Dixfield.

The board decided to delay action on the proposal until each member has a chance to review the proposed eight-page ordinance. Board action is expected at the Aug. 9 meeting so that all the deadlines can be met prior to the November election.

In other police-related news Monday night, Pickett said his department received a $1,500 state grant for extra patrolling for underage drinking. He said the department now has a tool that can detect whether an underage person has been drinking.

The department has also received a state grant for $2,210 to help replace equipment.

In another matter, the 30 or so bicycles that have been acquired by the police department during the past few years will be sold via a silent auction during the town’s annual Outdoor Market on Aug. 15. Many were stolen or abandoned and have been stored at the department.

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