TURNER — The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously Monday night to ask the Maine Department of Transportation to monitor the speed of traffic on Fish Street.

 

Tom Pelletier, who resides on the street, asked selectmen to post a 25-mph limit.

 

There are no speed limits posted now.

 

Pelletier said he other residents are concerned for neighbors who walk their dogs, jog, and skate-ski, and for children who live and play in the neighborhood. He said people regularly drive 55 mph or faster. He also said he and his wife, Irene, own horses and high-speed traffic is a problem.

 

While Maine’s business district speed limit is 25 mph, unless otherwise posted, other public roads have a blanket speed limit of 45 mph, unless otherwise posted.

 

Board Chairman Kurt Schaub said the MDOT has sole authority to set speed limits.

 

“They will look at factors such as the number of driveways, the number of houses, the road characteristics,” he said.  

 

One of the criteria they use in determining speed limit is the average speed people drive on the road, he said, adding that the DOT will “send someone out there with a radar gun to see how people are currently using the road.” 

 

Selectman Kevin Nichols will contact the state.

 

In another matter, Ben Redstone of 37 Church St. asked the board to consider having a large tree removed from his property. Last week a large branch fell on the road and damaged a neighbor’s fence, he said. 

 

Schaub cited Maine Municipal Association guidelines and said the town would only be responsible for removing the tree if it was considered a hazard to people using the road. 

 

“It seems to me that the remaining branches are leaning toward the house, and not likely to be a danger to the road,” Schaub said.

 

The board delayed making a final decision until Central Maine Power is consulted and estimates for tree removal are obtained.

 

In other business, the board announced that bids for roadside brush clearing will be accepted at the Town Office until 11 a.m. Aug. 17. Bids to replace the culvert on Little Wilson Pond Road are due by 10 a.m. Aug. 2.