OFF THE WIRE
http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110519/NEWS/105190353/-1/NEWSMAP Police continue efforts to squelch motorcycle noise
By William Eaton yccs@seacoastonline.com May 19, 2011 2:00 AM KENNEBUNK — Motorcycle noise reduction was the main point discussed during a Board of Selectmen meeting May 12.
Police Chief Bob MacKenzie spoke in detail about how the Kennebunk Police Department has been working toward reducing the number of motorcycles that pass through town with loud mufflers. He spoke about how the department will again have police checkpoints during the summer to inspect and check not only motorcycles, but also cars with loud muffles, and give warnings and citations to motorists.
Mackenzie also spoke about other ways of reducing the amount of noise from motorcycles by sending out fliers and brochures to educate people about excessive vehicle noise. Police officers from his department also have been trained and educated about how to identify and handle motorcycles that have illegal mufflers.
Resident Claire Unsinn, who has long been an advocate of cracking down on the noise, spoke about her concern that some cycles are using illegal mufflers that don't meet inspection standards.
"I think they know that they're doing wrong," she said. "This is what they live for. They live to make their bikes louder and they know it's wrong."
She said charity rides can disrupt the traffic flow through downtown. Unsinn said she wished that when local bars such as Bentley's Saloon have events, they would request those involved have legal equipment on their bikes.
Selectmen Deb Beal and Bob Higgins agreed that although motorcycle noise is a problem, they can't force people to do anything, especially establishments outside of Kennebunk.
"We hear you, bikes aren't going away, no one is," said Selectman John Kotsonis.
MacKenzie said he would continue to observe the issue and work toward changing it.
Unsinn thanked MacKenzie for the department's work.
"The Kennebunk Police have done a lot more than most communities, and it sounds like you are going to continue to do more and I appreciate it," she said.
In other board news, James Nadeau retired from his position as Kennebunk-Kennebunkport Harbormaster. Nadeau had worked as the harbormaster for 11 years and will be replaced by Raymond Billings as interim harbormaster until June 30, when the other town positions expire.
Tibbetts also announced that the Main Street work to repave and reline the road is planned to be completed by Memorial Day.
