Temple Select Board votes to stop plowing beyond Lockwood property, directs counsel to seek turnaround easement

The Temple Select Board voted Jan. 27 to direct the road agent to cease plowing Perkins Lane beyond the property line of Camilla Lockwood’s residence and to ask town counsel to pursue a turnaround easement with Lockwood’s attorney. The motion, made by Ken Caisse and seconded by Bill Ezell, passed unanimously.

The board described the measure as a response to access and liability issues at the end of Perkins Lane. In explaining the motion at the meeting, Caisse moved “to direct the road agent to cease all plowing on Perkins lane beyond the property line of Camilla Lockwood’s property, and to direct counsel to work with her attorney to attempt to secure a turn around easement near that boundary line.” After discussion, Ezell seconded and all were in favor.

Camilla Lockwood had raised concerns earlier in the meeting about not receiving full plowing service during the last storm. Board members noted that legal counsel is involved in matters where public crews would otherwise need to enter private property. The motion instructs the road agent to stop plowing past the private boundary and directs counsel to attempt to secure an easement, a legal mechanism that would allow a public turnaround while recognizing property rights.

The board did not set a timeline for counsel’s work during the meeting. The item was discussed as Old Business and will remain on future agendas as staff and counsel pursue the easement option and any required follow-up with the road agent.