Temple is not sold on adopting Complete Streets policies for its roads and walkways.

The town created a group to study proposals for how it might reconfigure its infrastructure as suggested by the Southwest Region Planning Commission. At Tuesday’s Select Board meeting, a range of opinions were offered in response to suggestions from the SWRPC. 

Complete Streets is a nationwide program that is part of the Smart Growth America Coalition. It is offering grants of up to $100,000 to communities that adopt its policies designed to make transportation by means other than vehicles easier and safer. Temple’s Complete Streets Safety Task Force began meeting in March. Select Board chair Bill Ezell, who was also on the task force, said that applying for a grant would mean considering the construction of more traffic-monitoring devices in town

At the June 17 meeting of the task force, “SWRPC staff member Henry Underwood explained that the implementation project list will help the town organize and refine efforts surrounding opportunities for safety improvements,” according to the meeting’s minutes.

“Flashing speed limit signs cost thousands and thousands of dollars,” Ezell said Tuesday. “We’re not doing that.”

Ezell also called most of the SWRPC’s suggestions “ridiculous.”

“Bike lanes?” Ezell said. “Much of it is inappropriate for Temple.”

“I don’t see accidents out here,” said Peggy Cournoyer of the The Temple Store, referring to the town center.

Ezell said the town doesn’t have a speeding problem, as police usually don’t pursue drivers unless they are going 10 mph or more over the speed limit.

Resident Lori Sherburne disagreed with Ezell. She said her daily walks with dogs cause her to be concerned for their safety.

“I witness it every day,” she said. 

“The state says we don’t have a problem,” said Ezell. “They monitored our traffic for several days last summer.”

West Road resident Walter Sherbune saw things differently. 

“We have a front-row seat. There are some really reckless drivers out there. I’m amazed that there haven’t been accidents,” he said.

Resident Nick Rowe expressed skepticism about any more consideration of pursuing a Complete Streets grant.

“Even if we’re going to consider this and not do it, it still involves a load of documentation,” he said. “It’s more government.”

Select Board member Ken Caisse offered examples of anonymous responses to town efforts to manage traffic.

“There’s been a portable speed monitor placed on West Road.,” Caisse said. “A couple of times it’s been pushed into the bushes.” 

No action was taken on adopting the Complete Street policies for the town. 

“We’ll get back to them and tell them we’re not there,” said Ezell. 

Library finances tight

Library Trustee Chair Gretchen Whitcomb said that recent maintenance expenses have strained the library’s resources. 

“We paid $2,000 to have a fence painted this year and haven’t been reimbursed for it,” Whitcomb said. She also referenced the library’s share of repair costs to a town well of over $350. 

“We’re currently using an old mailbox as a book drop,” she said. “”It damages books. A genuine book drop costs $4,000.”