FAIRFIELD — The Fairfield Town Council reviewed proposed updates Wednesday to the town’s all‑terrain vehicle ordinance and voted to hire two officers for the Police Department.
Much of the meeting’s discussion centered on changes to regulations governing all-terrain and utility task vehicle use on public roads. The ordinance designates approved routes in Fairfield and sets operating rules intended to promote public safety and comply with Maine law.
Under the annually reviewed ordinance, ATVs and UTVs would be allowed only on designated routes. Operators must stay on the paved portion of the road, travel single file, yield to other traffic and keep headlights on at all times. Riders younger than 16 must complete approved ATV safety training and ride with an adult.
Town councilors debated the proposed ATV speed limit for public roads, offering differing views on how to balance safety with practical use.
Councilor Kevin Kitchin noted that the ordinance does not address ATV speeds on public roads. He said he drafted language to add a speed section and submitted it to the town manager and police chief for review. Kitchin said his proposal would raise the limit to 45 mph from 25 mph, arguing that slower speeds could actually increase risk for ATV operators.
He added that the local ATV club recommended a range of 40 to 45 mph, or the posted speed limit, and that members generally supported the change. Kitchin acknowledged, however, that Chief Thomas Gould of the Fairfield Police Department supports keeping the limit at 25 mph.
While acknowledging that some residents support higher speeds, Gould noted that ATVs are designed primarily for off‑road use and said higher speeds increase the risk of rollovers and crashes. He also emphasized that many operators are minors and said a lower limit would be easier to enforce and safer for the public.
Councilors ultimately moved to amend the proposal to set the ATV speed limit at 35 mph or the posted speed limit on a roadway, whichever is lower. The amendment passed, and the ordinance was approved as amended.
In other matters, the council voted to hire Chloe Harmon and Ronnie Blodgett as Fairfield police officers.
Harmon, a criminal justice student at Thomas College, received one of the highest interview scores among recent applicants. She is now in field training and is scheduled to begin attending the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in January 2027.
Blodgett, a former detective sergeant with the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office, brings more than 13 years of law enforcement experience. He previously served with the Skowhegan Police Department.
The next regular meeting of the Fairfield Town Council is set for Wednesday, June 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Fairfield Community Center at 61 Water St. The meeting is scheduled to be broadcast live on Crossroads-TV.
