HOULTON, Maine — Town councilors will consider ideas regarding how to handle the use of metal detectors on municipal property.
The issue is that individuals who use metal detectors can leave holes in their wake if they dig for items they have found with the detectors, and do not fill in the divots, creating tripping hazards.
The discussion came up during the town manager comments portion of the meeting on Tuesday evening.
Town Manager Marian Anderson asked councilors to consider their own thoughts on metal detectors on municipal property and to ask the public about it, as well as to ask people who use metal detectors.
She noted that the town has had an increase in calls from people who have wanted to do metal detecting.
Anderson researched what other towns allow, and said that cities like Old Orchard Beach allowed it most everywhere except on historic sites.
“Do you want to prohibit it on town property, or do you want to allow it with conditions?,” she asked.
She noted that some towns ask users to stop in at the Parks and Recreation Department and get a permit so that officials know where they are if there is any damage.
“It seems like a little thing, but we should have a policy,” Anderson said on Tuesday.
