By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

CASCO — One ordinance that will not take the usual trip to town meeting is a proposal governing posted weights on roads.

State law waived the town meeting process for this ordinance, which would allow towns to fine drivers whose vehicles exceed the posted weight limit, according to Casco Town Manager Anthony “Tony” Ward.

“In past, you used to have to go town meeting to adopt an ordinance. They [the state] granted a waiver. It’s one of the few ordinances that can be done at the administrative level,” he said.

Also, it would allow the town to fine violators between $200 and $2,500, he said.

On Tuesday, the Casco Board of Selectmen adopted the ordinance, which will provide the town with the power to enforcement the ordinance. The board voted, 5-0, to approve the ordinance.

“Right now, this law mirrors state law,” Ward said.

On Jan. 17, Ward brought up the topic during the Casco Board of Selectmen meeting. He told the board this would be the first reading, and the ordinance could be approved at the next meeting in February.  

“In 2017, the legislature changed and recommends that towns have ordinances related to posting the roads. During that time, if you read the law, it said towns may,  not shall. Towns may post roads,” he said.

To make the language stronger, the word “may” was changed to the word “shall.” 

Both Maine Municipal Association (MMA) and the Maine Department of Transportation  (MDOT) recommend that we have an ordinance that gives us the authority to post the roads.

“This would allow us to post roads for weight restrictions during the spring-time, to post roads to keep trucks off them. It gives an enforcement action. Before, without proof, state police would not enforce it. This way, they can do that. It gives the select board the ability to do an ordinance violation if we had problems with a truck driver,” Ward said.

Selectman Eugene Connolly asked how this proposed ordinance would be enforced.

“The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) could enforce our ordinance. It could be up to [Casco Public Works Road Foreman] Mike Genest to see it and get the information.

“Then, as we discussed, the fines could between to $200 to $2,500. CCSO could write a violation. CCSO could do a civil action through writing a ticket,” Ward said.