POLAND — Selectmen want a traffic light at the five-corner intersection where Route 26 meets Route 11 near the Mechanic Falls town line.
Selectman Larry Moreau noted at Tuesday’s meeting that past efforts to convince Maine Department of Transportation officials that a traffic light is warranted have failed for reasons he can’t quite imagine, but that recently he had seen markings on the pavement near the top of Pigeon Hill, where the Oxford casino is under construction, that indicate there’s a traffic light being planned for that location.
“If you’re having a light at the casino, then tell me why you wouldn’t have one at five corners,” Moreau said.
Selectmen agreed with Moreau that the intersection is dangerous and that the idea of a traffic light has the overwhelming support of townspeople in Poland and Mechanic Falls.
“The folks at DOT apparently decided that there aren’t enough accidents,” Town Manager Rosemary Kulow said.
Selectmen figured that perhaps the time was right to ask the DOT to reconsider the decision, given that plans for redoing the last mile of Route 26 in Poland are now being prepared — and the casino is expected to open within the year.
Kulow said she would write the necessary letter, and invite Mechanic Falls officials to join in the effort.
After a public hearing that drew no negative comments, selectmen voted to recommend that townspeople adopt the proposed Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) ordinance at the next town meeting. The ordinance makes it possible for residents to apply for low-interest loans to make energy efficiency improvements.
Selectmen also agreed to join the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments, if invited.
Two weeks ago AVCOG Executive Director Bob Thompson told selectmen that he would ask his governing board to consider admitting Poland midway through the membership year, prorating dues, if town officials want to join.
Kulow told the board that the $4,280 required for dues was available.
Selectman Steve Robinson said the town ought to avail itself of all possible opportunities to improve its ability to compete economically.
Selectmen also approved hiring Nicholas Adams, of Naples, as the town’s new code enforcement officer/building inspector/plumbing inspector.
Selectmen took no action to address the request from RSU 16 officials that the town of Poland name two members of the town Budget Committee to assist school officials in preparing next year’s school budget.
Selectmen agreed that input from the town Budget Committee was most desirable, but were unsure whether they or the Budget Committee itself should do the appointing.
Board chairman Erland Torrey, noting that the appointment would entail a major time commitment, suggested that Kulow contact all Budget Committee members to explain the situation.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
