Orrington manager warns of snow removal problems

ORRINGTON – Snow removal issues topped the list of discussion items at Monday’s selectmen’s meeting.

“We’ve been having a lot of problems with snow removal [because of] people parking in the roadway,” Town Manager Dexter Johnson said Tuesday. “We have an ordinance prohibiting parking on the roads when [work crews are] removing snow.

“We’re also having an awful problem with people plowing snow across the road,” which is against state law, he said.

There have been several reports of residents and businesses pushing snow out of their driveways and across the street, which can cause ice ruts and other hazards on the road, Johnson said.

The town manager also warned travelers to exercise caution near the railroad crossing, known as Pierce’s Crossing, where “deplorable conditions” have created some large potholes.

Several reports of minor vehicle damage and close calls in the area have been reported to town hall. The state Department of Transportation has been contacted, Johnson said.

Two future snowplow turnarounds also were discussed at the meeting.

“On the Dam Road, we’re looking at constructing a turnaround at the end, which was owned by Eastern Fine [Paper Co.] and is now owned by Lincoln Pulp and Paper [Co.],” Johnson said. “They’ve basically given us the OK to build a turnaround there. We’re also working on one with Arctic Station Road.”

The town is working to resolve questions about who owns the Arctic Station land before moving forward.

During the meeting, the board also:

. Renewed junkyard-automobile graveyard permits for J&J Auto Salvage, Stewart’s Wrecker Service, Ellen Robichaud and Donald Simpson.

. Heard an update about the possibility of the town using water hookup rebates to offset the debt service of a newly installed sewer line that several Route 15 residents are paying.

. Set a Feb. 9 meeting with the school board to discuss the budget.

. Reviewed more policies in the policy manual and reaffirmed the town’s investment policy and a policy that prohibits the use of engine brakes, commonly known as Jake Brakes, within the town. The board also rescinded an old culvert policy that is covered in another policy.