DIXFIELD — The Board of Selectmen was asked Monday to do something about recreational vehicles riding along a section Route 142 and creating a hazard for motorists.
At the Dec. 9 selectmen meeting, resident Freemont Tibbetts gave selectmen copies of a video showing the danger of the practice.
On Friday, police Chief Richard Pickett said town ordinance prohibits ATVs and dirt bikes registered as ATVs from riding along Main Street from the Mexico town line to the Canton Point Road intersection, and along Weld Street from Main Street to Averill Hill Road.
“A few months back, we had to shut down one of the designated ATV access routes due to a litigation between the two landowners whose land the trail passed through,” Pickett said. “I can understand that people are likely used to using the side of the road on Route 142, but the ATV access route is back up. We want people to know to use that.”
Pickett said that while it was already illegal for recreational vehicles to ride on that particular section of road, he would be increasing the number of patrols in the area.
Tibbetts, however, told selectmen he didn’t think it was good enough.
“You shouldn’t be saying, ‘We’re going to pinch you if you ride there,’” Tibbetts said. “You should be doing something to let people know that they can’t ride there. I just don’t want to see somebody lose a life because a car didn’t see them coming around that corner.”
Selectman Scott Belskis suggested to Tibbetts that the snowmobile club and the ATV club get together and look into organizing a petition for a sign to be erected.
Selectman Hart Daley said the Maine Department of Transportation is responsible for approving signs posted on state highways.
While no decision was reached, Tibbetts said he would look into the possibility of having a sign posted warning those on Route 142 that there is an ATV crossing.
In other business, the board heard an update on the Public Works Department from newly appointed director Calvin Beaumier.
Chairman Mac Gill congratulated Beaumier on completing his first week on the job.
“You had a lot to work with and you did good,” Gill said, referring to the snowstorm that swept across the state on Saturday night and Sunday morning.
“It was a doozy of a weekend to start off with,” Beaumier replied. “It’s just trial by fire, I guess.”
mdaigle@sunjournal.com
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- Dixfield Public Works Director Calvin Beaumier speaks to the Board of Selectmen on Monday evening about his first week on the job.
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