The April 26 Boothbay Selectmen’s meeting was a long-serving selectman’s last one as a board member. Douglas Burnham served multiple three-year terms in the 1970s and 1980s and for the past six years. His term expires on May 1 and he’s not seeking another.

Burnham’s fellow board members thanked him for his years of service as a selectman and 17 years as a Community School District trustee.

“You’ve certainly done your community service,” said Chairman Dale Harmon. “I’m truly sad to see you go. I didn’t think I’d ever say that, but it’s truly been an honor serving with you.”

Selectman Steve Lewis also expressed gratitude to Burnham for his public service. “Long before I became a selectman, I enjoyed winding you up. I will miss doing that now that you are leaving. You brought a lot to the table,” Lewis said.

In Burnham’s final year, he served as vice-chairman. He sat beside Selectman Chuck Cunningham. “You and I have had many animated discussions over the years. I think the board enjoyed them so much they moved you next to me,” Cunningham said.

Burnham, 77, also enjoyed the past six years working with the current board members. “It’s been an honor serving on this board. Everybody has been great,” he said.

In other action, selectmen discussed the current Route 27 Redevelopment Project which recently began. Town Manager Dan Bryer reported the municipal office has received surprisingly few complaints about the one-lane traffic.

Other places have received complaints, Cunningham said. “Steve (Lewis) and I have chimed in a few times responding to the current situation.”

Town officials expect the traffic situation to become saturated in May. Construction updates will be posted on the municipal website indicating future traffic delays. But town officials assure residents, the project won’t impact traffic between Memorial and Labor days.

“It was specifically written into the BPI (business partnership initiative) agreement. There will be no work on Route 27 during that time. Work would then start on the new Corey Lane. There will be plenty for them to do,” Cunningham said.

The selectmen also authorized a new truck for the public works department. The town solicited five bids, but only received one. The town is purchasing a Dodge Ram Truck 5500 4 x 4. Hight Chrysler Dodge Jeep of Madison submitted a $47,669 bid and accepted a trade-in for the town’s 2008 GMC truck. The trade-in is for $18,100 reducing the final price to $29,599. The board wants Bryer to negotiate an extended warranty prior to purchase.

Selectmen voted unanimously to spend up to $35,000 for the truck and extended warranty.

The selectmen will meet next at 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 10 in the municipal room.