The Dresden Board of Selectmen tackled a growing traffic hazard on the corner of Route 27 and Route 197 in Dresden, with the draft of a local ordinance to limit parking there.

A pileup of parked cars on the southbound lane due to clientèle for a nearby restaurant generated a discussion of the problem. Members decided to invite the restaurant owners to the next meeting Monday, Nov. 3 in hopes of finalizing the matter appropriately by enacting an ordinance.

“Citizens have brought this concern to us,” Chairman Phil Johnston said.

Selectmen contacted the Maine Dept. of Transportation (DOT) recently for advice on what to do about the issue and have since received a recommendation.

The board tentatively determined the fees for violation of the ordinance would amount to a fine of not more than $100 nor less than $25.

“We did this for the town of Richmond,” said Selectman Allan Moeller, who is also a Richmond public works employee.

At the regularly scheduled meeting, Johnston informed the board about an email from David Allen of the DOT showing an aerial view of the location, including the small town lot immediately on the corner.

In the email, Allen recommended no parking on Route 27 on the southbound lane for 215 feet to the north and 215 feet to the south, Johnston said.

“That gives municipal officers authority to regulate parking there,” Johnston said.

The board plans to use a board-initiated ordinance as its legal means of taking care of what has become dangerous for motorists traveling through the Village area and even for the town office.

Town Administrative Assistant Trudy Foss said it has been very difficult for her and others entering and leaving the town office parking area at times.

The board would give a seven-day notice for the implementation of the ordinance, drafted from a Maine Municipal Association sample ordinance, once enacted.

The draft of the parking ordinance states the purpose: “The ordinance is designed to protect public health and welfare by regulating the parking of motor vehicles on certain public ways. Unrestricted parking on public ways creates traffic hazards and is dangerous to pedestrians and motorists…”

Specifically the ordinance will affect the southbound lane of Route 27 (Gardiner Road) within sight-lines of Route 27 and Route197 (Middle Road) as determined by the DOT. The board plans to erect signs notifying motorists of the parking ban in the affected area.

The draft selectmen reviewed Monday contains a provision that a person charged with violating the ordinance may waive court action by payment of a $15 fee within seven days following notice of the violation.

The draft also cites exceptions to the ordinance in the prohibited area, such as mechanical problems or breakdowns, emergency situations and maintenance, construction, repair or installation of utilities by any state or municipal agency or utility company.

The town has also been struggling with the problem of speeding through the Village area of the rural community on Route 27.

It has attempted to ameliorate the problem by having the state set the speed through the thickly settled area at 35 miles per hour, but that has had limited results, according to past board discussions.

In other business, Moeller reported on progress of roadwork throughout the town, including the current project to use riprap rock on Alexander Road, where washouts often occur. He said the town has finished work on McFadden and continues work on Blinn Hill.

Moeller also brought the matter of a need for a pavement apron on Ludwick Road, and mentioned the need also for a similar fix on Hunter Road and Oxbow Road.

In a discussion about the cost for such projects, Moeller said he would like to get the best price. He said he should be able to obtain material for $86 per ton and a total cost of about $6,500 or so for all three locations.

Selectman Gerald Lilly made a motion for the selectmen to approve, if the cost will be in the vicinity of $6,500.

The board also discussed the most recent status of the town’s project to sell tax acquired properties; and to deal with current delinquency in order to avoid delays in town takeover of various properties.

Foss suggested enlisting attoruney Eliot Field to deal with a particular property and liens on various properties after Moeller advised that Foss requires some help in dealing with liens and delinquencies.

“The paperwork is there. It’s just a matter of going through it,” Foss said.

In other action, the board decided to hold a public hearing at 5:45 p.m. concerning rescheduling for General Assistance before its next regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, Nov. 3 at Pownalborough Hall.

The board will hold a workshop next Monday, Oct. 27 at the town office. The board announced closure of the town office on Tuesday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day and on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27 and 28 in observance of Thanksgiving.