Town of Merrimack, NH Chapter 181 Traffic and Special Event Management

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Council of the Town of Merrimack 6-7-2012;[1] amended in its entirety 8-27-2020. Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.]

[1] Editor's Note: This ordinance was adopted as Ch. 185 but was renumbered to maintain the alphabetical organization of the Code.

§ 181-1 Purpose.

The Merrimack Town Council recognizes that certain planned special events conducted within the Town of Merrimack may, from time to time, require action by the Town Council to manage the traffic, parking and pedestrian circulation associated with such events to ensure the safety/convenience of the participants, residents and businesses of the Town of Merrimack. Accordingly, and in response to specific traffic and safety concerns created by such special events, the Town Council may vote to enact a traffic and special event management plan as provided for herein.

§ 181-2 Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

SPECIAL EVENT

Any planned occurrence which, in the opinion of the Police Chief and Town Manager, causes or may cause an adverse effect upon public safety and welfare such that adoption of a traffic and special event management plan is warranted.

§ 181-3 General provisions.

A. In the event the Town Manager, in consultation with the Police Chief, Fire Chief and Director of Public Works, concludes that an upcoming special event is likely to create traffic and/or safety concerns, the Town Manager shall bring forth a traffic and special event management plan to the Town Council for consideration and approval at any single regular or special meeting. The proposed traffic and special event management plan shall include the duration of the plan and a description of any of the following proposed requirements, restrictions or actions:

(1) Roads subject to closure or local traffic only.

(2) Restrictions on parking along Town roads.

(3) Required traffic, event or pedestrian police or security details.

(4) Designation of overflow parking to off-site or alternative locations.

(5) Limitations on pedestrian circulation to certain routes or locations.

(6) Location and type of any postings, signalization or signage required.

(7) Such other actions or restrictions as deemed appropriate and necessary.

B. Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent, restrict or abrogate the authority of the Town of Merrimack, or any department thereof, to take any action as may be otherwise permitted or required by local, state or federal law, land use approval or any specific development agreement.

§ 181-4 Emergency exceptions.

After consultation and when deemed necessary by the Police Chief, Fire Chief, Director of Public Works, and the Town Manager, whether during emergency conditions or otherwise, shall temporarily allow for specific traffic, parking and pedestrian exceptions until such time the Town Council may be afforded an opportunity to vote on a traffic and special event management plan if applicable.

§ 181-5 Violations and penalties.

A. The penalties for violation of any restrictions or conditions imposed by this chapter or by the associated traffic and special event management plans are as follows:

(1) Parking violations: $75.

(2) Unlawful use of closed roads: $100.

(3) Unlawful use of road closed to local traffic only: $100.

(4) Pedestrian violations: $25.

B. The Merrimack Police Department shall have primary authority to enforce violations of this chapter and any traffic and special event management plans adopted pursuant hereto.