Standing, Sandy Ecklund addresses the Kiantone Town Board and community residents Thursday, regarding speeding and safety issues on various county and state roads within the town’s limits. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee

KIANTONE – Town residents raised a cautionary flag with Town Board members this month.

Because the board lacked an official quorum, no actions could be taken at the meeting. However, members did hear complaints regarding unchecked and dangerous speeding along Peck Settlement Road, and other roads within the town.

“I’m going to die,” said Sandy Ecklund, a Kiantone resident. “People drive on the road like they’re at a racetrack or speedway. The posted speed limit is 45 miles per hour, and as soon as drivers see that sign, they speed up, going 75 to 80 plus miles an hour. It’s dangerous, and there’s blind spots all along the road.”

Marge David, also a Kiantone resident, said that if you live on these roads and want a pet animal, one should get a cat – it’s too dangerous to even walk on the roads by oneself, let alone with an animal.

“People like to walk their dogs, but it’s just too dangerous,” she said. “So, get a cat. You don’t have to walk them, but they’d probably get hit by these idiots who think they’re racecar drivers; I like to take walks down to the creek. I’ve lived here since 1977, I’m 81, and I’m an old fart now, but I don’t want to die taking a walk.”

Beyond the speeding complaints, some residents voiced other concerns which included environmental issues.

“There is trash and litter all along Route 380,” said Ecklund. “I see trucks barreling down the road with debris falling out of them.”

David highlighted even more disturbing actions by drivers she’s witnessed in support of Ecklund’s issues she raised regarding safe motor vehicle operations.

“I watched a person on a motorcycle, who must have been going 80 or so miles per hour, use one hand to drive his bike, and his other hand, to use his cell phone – at the same time. I think he was texting.”

However, because of the lack of a quorum, town officials could only hear complaints voiced, but are willing to start the process of getting the county and the state to look at changing speeding laws within the town.

“We need a quorum to pass a resolution to the county, who can then work with the state to conduct a study to make changes to the speeding laws,” said Kiantone Town Board member Tim Kolstee. “That’s the first step to get this moving.”

The next scheduled meeting is set for Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. at the town hall located at 1521 Peck Settlement Road.