KINGFIELD — Selectmen on Monday started their first meeting of the new fiscal year with concerns about public safety.

With the July 4th holiday weekend approaching, Selectman Merv Wilson noted that, although the town does allow fireworks, strict state regulations apply. Throughout the year, consumer fireworks may be used between the hours of 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. Exceptions include July 4, Dec. 31 and the weekends immediately before and after those two dates, when hours extend to 12:30 a.m. the following day.

Fireworks may only be used on one’s own property or the property of a person who given has given consent. Fireworks can’t be possessed by or furnished to anyone younger than 21. Those who violate this law can be charged with committing a civil violation and may be fined up $500, plus court costs. Additional information is available at the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Selectmen discussed another critical safety issue: excessive speed on several streets with 25 mph limits. Town officials have heard complaints about high speeds on High and Curve streets, and on Route 142, especially near the Kingfield Elementary School.

“High Street traffic is traveling way too fast and going over the speed limit,” one audience member said. “There are little kids on these streets.”

Some of those densely populated side streets appear to be used as a bypass for those traveling from Route 27 to Salem Township. Board Chairman Heather Moody has asked Franklin County Sheriff Scott Nichols Sr. for reinforced monitoring of the most heavily abused routes.

Selectmen also sent a thank-you to the anonymous benefactor who repaired and repainted a “Welcome to Kingfield” sign at the entrance to town.

“I noticed it was taken down, and then it was put back up freshly painted and looking nice,” Selectman Wade Browne said.

Selectmen confirmed the appointment of Cally Brown to the Planning Board. Brown will replace Chuck Twitchell. Michelle Beedy was appointed to the Board of Appeals, replacing Terry Coffin. Moody will continue to serve as chairman of the Board of Selectmen, and Mervin Wilson will continue as vice chairman.

Selectmen agreed with resident Fulton Ryan’s request to prohibit alcohol consumption on a proposed Recreation Department bus charter to a Sea Dogs baseball game.

“I’m definitely against any drinking on the bus going down or coming back,” he said. “What they do at the ballpark is their business.”

Selectmen agreed, saying that if the bus riders were attending a Recreation Board event, they would have to follow their rules.

In other news, selectmen have scheduled a 6 p. m. public hearing Monday, July 8, for a Doors Bistro liquor license. The restaurant has not announced an opening date, but the liquor license application hearing is a municipal requirement.