Date:  August 8, 2005
Time:  7:00 pm
Place:  Town Office
Present: Selectmen Jerry Greene, Daniel Donovan, III and David Glines and Recording Secretary Peggy Arn

Chairman Greene called the Public Hearing to Order at 7:00 pm.  The following persons were in attendance:

Stuart Draper
Bill Keefe
Randy Dunn
Charles McGettigan
Judy Gross
Police Chief Hautanen

Each person was given a list of proposed Stop and Yield Signs and a list of signs in existence for clarification only.  Chairman Greene asked for comments, suggestions or questions from the attendees.

Ms. Gross asked the Board to consider a sign be put up on McGettigan warning of dangerous intersection at McGettigan Road and Isaac Frye Highway.  Her request was based on the visibility from the stop sign at McGettigan Road.

Mr. Draper asked how many accidents have taken place on the roads where new stop signs are being considered and if it would not be wise to put up yield signs.  Clarification of the difference between stop and yield were discussed.  A stop sign requires a complete stop with yield sign requiring only a caution slow and not a complete stop.  It was suggested that stop signs be placed at both ends of Pleasant Street.  The placement of stop signs was discussed because of the lack of areas where they could be put.  One example would be Maple Street to Main Street.  Mr. Dunn asked if it was known why so many stop signs were necessary.  Mr. Glines stated that they are being considered for safety reasons and have been recommended by the Police Department and Selectmen.

Mr. Greene then opened the discussion to the proposed ordinances.  The first ordinance being speed limits.  This ordinance proposes to establish a thirty (30) miles per hour, except as other wise posted.  This would allow for some roads to have the speed limit reduced.  This is proposed as a result of increased volume of traffic due to more homes being built, which means more children.  Mr. Keefe stated that he felt the present limit of 35 miles per hour was a good speed and that most people would agree.  It was suggested that most people travel over the posted speed limit and would continue to do so irregardless of the posted speed limit.  It was agreed that roads that would have a 25 miles speed limit should be posted as such.

U-turns were then discussed.  The proposed ordinance would prohibit U-turns on any Wilton roads or streets.  U-turns would be permitted at western end of Main Street for the purpose of reversing direction in order to travel east on Main Street and at the eastern end of Main Street by the Post Office.  Mr. McGettigan stated that he could not see why U-turns would not be allowed on other streets.  The general feeling was that this ordinance should pertain only to the two ends of Main Street.

The next proposed ordinance was pertaining to the restriction of commercial vehicles from traveling on Main Street as “through” commercial vehicle traffic.  General discussion ensued as to what the definition of “commercial” vehicle would be.  The basis for the definition of this ordinance would be as described in NH RSA 259:212-2.
It was suggested that the weight should be 26,000 lbs. and that it be driven by a person with a CDL.  It was noted that there has been a substantial increase in large trucks going through town and that they have become a danger to pedestrians.  Chief Hautanen would contact the State DOT to post the “No through Commercial Vehicles” to be posted at the town lines.  It was noted that this only applies to through traffic and not those vehicles making deliveries on Main Street.

The list of streets where parking is prohibited was discussed.  The only suggestion being noted is that names of buildings should be changed to an address.

Bill Keefe was concerned with the amount of $15 for a parking ticket.  He felt that it is an excessive amount and that larger towns do not charge that much.

The proposed Noise Ordinance was discussed.  The question of how the town would measure noise was discussed.  Chief Hautanen stated that there would not be any type of machine used, such as a decimal meter, but that common sense would be used.

Chairman Greene informed all present that their comments would be considered when they vote on the proposed stop signs and ordinances.

The hearing was adjourned on a motion at 8:15 pm.

Respectfully submitted;
 

Peggy Arn, Recording Secretary