FARMINGTON – All three articles on the special town meeting warrant passed within 15 minutes with little discussion.
A handful of unanimous voters gave KNK Properties, LLC a permanent easement across a parking lot on Exchange Street so a larger water main can be connected for the installation of a sprinkler system in the former Masonic building on Main Street. The new owners of the building need to install a sprinkler system in order to meet building safety codes.
In a second, land swap article, the deed to a small lot near Temple Stream off the Wilton Road was given to Kevin and Judy Vining in exchange for a lot they are giving the town for the site of the new pump station to be constructed.
Voters approved amending the town’s sign ordinance to include the traffic island at High Street and Farmington Falls Road. Political campaign signs are already prohibited in two traffic islands at the Falls Road and Main Street and at the West Farmington traffic island.
Selectman Dennis Pike, who is also the county sheriff running unopposed for re-election, said it was a traffic safety issue when multiple signs are posted at major intersections.
“Motorists are unable to see because of large signs,” Pike said.
State Sen. Walter Gooley, who is running for re-election, said he removed his large sign after he realized it was a traffic hazard.
Resident Fred O. Smith offered the idea of limiting the traffic islands to one sign for each candidate. And, he added, that “no sign should be larger than Sheriff Pike’s.” A few more residents agreed the signs were a problem.
“This is truly a problem statewide. It’s the idea that the more signs I have, the better chance I have at being elected,” Gooley said. “It should be minimized.”
Residents voted unanimously to prohibit campaign signs at the traffic island at High Street and Farmington Falls Road, effective Nov. 12, 2008.
