Woolwich selectmen heard Monday night that better signage was needed on Nequasset Road to alert motorists to Woolwich Central School.

In response to a complaint of speeding motorists, the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Department recently placed a mobile sign on the road warning motorists to slow down. But Middle Road resident Fred Kahrl said the sign is facing away from Route 1, where most of the traffic comes from.

Kahrl said the other signs alerting motorists to a school zone were “tragically deficient.” Most other communities have reduced speed limits, flashing lights or painted pavement in school zones, he said.

Road Commissioner Jack Shaw said the complaint of speeding motorists came from a resident on the road and not school officials. The posted speed limit in front of the school is 15 mph when children are present.

Fire Chief Mike Demers felt flashing lights would help and wondered why none had ever been installed. “They really do slow the traffic down,” he said.

Selectman Jason Shaw said the best course of action would be to discuss the matter with school officials and hear their thoughts. The school is part of Regional School Unit 1.

 Solar proposal

Selectmen’s Chairman David King said ReVision Energy had completed its proposal to install a solar array on the roof of Nequasset Meetinghouse.

Under the solar power purchase agreement, ReVision Energy would construct a 14.85-kilowatt solar array generating an estimated 17,931 kilowatt-hours per year, lowering the town’s electric bill. The array would be on the side of the roof facing George Wright Road.

King said there would be  no upfront costs to the town. The proposal states, “ReVision will finance, build, own and operate the solar array for a contract term of six to 20 years, with an option for two 5-year extensions.” The town could also opt to purchase the array after seven years.

If selectmen agree the solar project is worth pursuing, an article will be placed on the warrant of the April annual town meeting for voters to decide. King gave copies of the proposal to the other selectmen and asked them to read it over. Copies will also be available at the town office.

Selectman Allison Hepler said she’d like to have a representative of ReVision Energy attend a future select board meeting.  

In other business discussed Monday night, the Maine Department of Transportation has notified the town office the rumble strip will be added to the centerline of Route 1 this week. MDOT agreed to add this when the highway was repaved this past summer. The strip serves to alert motorists when they cross the centerline.

The road commissioner said paving will be completed shortly on the Walker Road and Murphy’s Corner Road. Code Enforcement Officer Bruce Engert said he’d recently issued a building permit for a new $500,000 home off George Wright Road. And Demers noted the ongoing drought has left three of town’s fire ponds dry.

The town office will be closed Monday, Oct. 10 for Columbus Day. The fire department will hold its annual open house Wednesday, Oct. 19 from 5 to 8 p.m.