By Nathan Duke
Staff Writer

The proposed rail trail that will run from Goffstown Village to the Manchester line may have some park-like rest areas, like this one near the intersection of Henry Bridge Road and Route 114. (Courtesy Illustration)

The Goffstown Rails-to-Trails Committee has worked out its proposed ordinance, which outlines the rules and regulations for the area.

The rail trail, which runs between Manchester and Goffstown Village, was acquired by the town through deeds of the state and Guilford Transportation just over a year ago.

The committee is made up of representatives from several town departments, including the police and fire departments, public works and parks and recreation. Selectman Barbara Griffin drafted the ordinance and Bill Gordon, vice president of Friends of the Greenway and Rails-to-Trails Committee member, presented the material to the selectmen at their Monday, June 6, meeting.

The selectman expressed their approval of the ordinance.

“The ordinance makes (the area) an attractive, safe recreational area for everyone,” said Gossett McRae, chairman of the board of selectmen.

The proposed ordinance outlines different activities that will be allowed on the rail trail property, such as walking, biking and cross country skiing. People will also be allowed to walk pets on leashes no longer than 6 feet.

It also lists a number of prohibited activities, including littering, the use of motorized vehicles on the property, roll- erblading and skateboarding, discharge of firearms and possession of alcohol or controlled substances on the premises.

The selectmen also discussed an e-mail that pertained to the trails from resident Wayne Perreault, who requested that the ordinance allow mobility assistance vehicles for persons with disabilities on the trail.

In the letter, Perreault said electric-powered wheelchairs, Ibot mobility systems, electric powered scooters and electric powered Segways should be several of the vehicles allowed on the property.

Selectman Robert Wheeler said such a request will be taken into consideration, but the use of the trail is currently in the development stages.

"I think there needs to be some recognition where we are in this process," he said. "This ordinance is in the beginning stages and will be revised significantly. Things will be authorized later when we get to that point of development. Much of this discussion is premature."

McRae said the current focus for the rail trail is to protect the environment. At the selectmen's meeting, Friends of the Greenway President Lowell Von Ruden displayed a picture he took of tires that had been dumped on the trail.

"This is grossly inappropriate use of the trail," said McRae. "There is some sense of urgency to get a sign up to notice people that (the trail) is not a vacant strip of land."

State law requires two public hearings for the trail. The second will be held on Monday, June 20. The selectmen are required to vote on the ordinance within 14 days of the second hearing.

They decided to meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday, June 30, to vote.

New solid waste fees
Also discussed at the meeting were two new proposed solid waste fees.

The first proposed fee would charge residents for the disposal of obsolete electronic devices. CRTs (cathode ray tubes) that measured 13 inches or less would result in a $5 charge, while CRTs that measured more than 13 inches would result in a $15 charge. Computer monitors and TV screens are examples of CRTs.

The second proposed fee applies to household hazardous waste. The first 20 gallons, or 100 pounds, per year from one household that is delivered to the town's transfer station will not be charged. However, any amount above 20 gallons, or 100 pounds, will be charged $1 per pound.

"This is a much more reasonable rate than paying a private vendor to dispose of our waste," said Fred Plett, chairman of the town's solid waste commission.