After seeing too many traffic accident near misses at the intersection of Route 1 and Eddy Road, Edgecomb resident Skip White brought selectmen a suggestion Feb. 24.

As White described it, the problem is caused by motorists on Route 1 north attempting to drive around the car in front turning right onto Eddy Road. If a car on Eddy Road is turning right onto Route 1 north at the same time, the passing car on Route 1 may not see it and hit or come close to hitting the car entering Route 1.

White offered a suggested fix: Place vertical posts along the yellow line on Route 1 for about 100 feet after the Wiscasset bridge to remind drivers not to pass a car turning right onto Eddy Road. Robert Betz of Maine Department of Transportation told the board White’s suggestion for the posts was “spot on.”

Selectman Jack Sarmanian asked if MDOT would consider it. Betz responded, “Absolutely.” Betz advised town officials the posts are seasonal and would only be in place between May and October, so that the state could plow Route 1 during winter months. Betz advised Fire Chief Roy Potter the poles are temporary and can come out easily should they create a problem for emergency vehicles.

Selectmen agreed to submit a formal request for the poles to MDOT. Betz said MDOT would check to see if it has the needed materials.

At Potter’s request, representatives of Central Maine Cost Recovery briefed selectmen about its services which bill insurance companies for the fire department’s response to motor vehicle accidents. David Hewins, owner and Bill Wentworth of CMCR spoke. CMCR’s services are being used by 39 fire departments in Maine, according to the company’s website. As Hewins explained, CMCR works with the town to create an ordinance that permits the fire department to bill insurance companies. When a motor vehicle accident occurs, the company sends a bill to the “at fault” insurance company on behalf of the fire department. CMCR works with the department to set up a schedule of costs involved in the department’s response.

CMCR then receives the payments, retains 20% for its fee and provides the department with the balance. Hewins said the average fee for an accident is between $800 and $1,200, depending on the age of the department’s equipment and the number of people responding. Hewins said the company is in the process of adding ambulance billing.

Potter said the service is a good opportunity to charge insurance companies and “get back some of the expense for the town.” Selectmen agreed to table the discussion until a future meeting.

Residents Deb Eaton and Forrest Carver of Edgecomb Historical Society asked selectmen for $2,500 from the Hammond Fund for a fundraiser for an EHS building. Selectman Mike Smith said he would discuss the request with budget committee members.

The next selectmen’s meeting is at 6 p.m. Monday, March 9. It will be followed by a town-wide discussion of the proposed  2020-21 budget.