Selectboard tables Deerhill Road striping while town confirms state responsibility and cost

Brentwood Selectboard members on Oct. 11 discussed a resident complaint about unclear stop-line markings on Deerhill Road and voted to table action until Highway Supervisor Wayne checks state responsibility and obtains cost estimates.

The matter matters for driver safety: board members said stop lines make intersections more visible at night and reduce “creeping” into intersections.

A resident reported that drivers are unsure where to stop and asked for striping at one intersection of Deerhill Road. Wayne said he contacted Aaron Ruby from Exeter Lines, who has the equipment and paperwork to paint stop lines and striping, but Wayne did not yet have a firm cost. “My concern now is it's up to you guys if you want us to do it. Because once we start that 1, we're gonna get more,” Wayne said, noting that completing one location may lead to additional requests.

Board members discussed whether the state is responsible for striping at intersections that come out onto a state road and whether the town should bid the work publicly. One member said other towns — Fremont and Sandown — have painted stop lines and that “it’s definitely a safety enhancement.” The board asked Wayne to inventory through streets and identify locations needing stop lines and to get a price from contractors.

A motion was made to table the item until Wayne brings back the cost estimate and jurisdiction clarity; the board voted in favor of tabling the request.

Wayne said he will confirm with the contractor whether the state or town is responsible for striping at the intersection in question and will report back with a price and an inventory of roads that may need striping, at which point the board may decide whether to bid the work out or include it in next year’s budget.