Boothbay selectmen on May 10 announced a significant change in the roundabout construction project. Chairman Dale Harmon reported at the board meeting, a planned summer break on the Route 27 redevelopment project won’t begin Memorial Day weekend. Instead, the break would likely begin by mid-June, Harmon said. 

The change is due to contractual language in agreements with project contractor Sargent Construction of Stillwater and the Business Partnership Initiative with the Maine Department of Transportation and local businessman Paul Coulombe. The selectmen made a summer construction recess between Memorial and Labor days a major selling point of the proposal. In November, residents approved the BPI with the understanding construction wouldn’t impact an already jammed intersection filled with summer residents and tourists.

But Harmon reported the work would likely extend a couple more weeks, ending as early as June 12 and late as June 15. He explained the contractor’s bid was predicated on the June 26 deadline. Sargent needs to widen the road and construct a drainage system prior to a summer break.

Town officials believed a typo resulted in wrong language being inserted into legal documents governing the proposal. According to town officials, the summer recess should have begun May 26, the Friday preceding Memorial Day weekend. But both agreements have a Monday, June 26 deadline for the summer break.

“The June 26 date doesn’t make any sense. I don’t know how it got in there,” Harmon said. “ I think it was a fat finger resulting in a typo. Instead of typing 5/26, they typed 6/26,” Harmon said.

The BPI and Sargent’s construction bid were reviewed by Town Manager Dan Bryer, selectmen and the town’s attorney prior to adoption. No one raised concerns about the later summer recess date in the language. Bryer assumed responsibility for the error.

“I feel sole responsibility for this lies with my office,” Bryer said. “I think the problem was the building contracts went out before the BPI was finalized.”

Harmon disagreed. He believed the mistake was a group effort. “The documents didn’t reflect our understanding and nobody picked it up.”

As Sargent nears the summer recess, town officials are planning on notifying motorists of traffic detours to avoid Route 27. They are also planning on notifying residents about major construction work being done in May and June on the town website and in the Boothbay Register.

In other action, selectmen heard a Boothbay Region Land Trust proposal to build a pavilion on the Cross River Preserve. Executive Director Nick Ullo explained how the organization planned to build a 24 x 48-foot pavilion with an attached 24-foot x 12-foot building. Ullo said the project was still in the conceptual design phase.

“We (BRLT trustees) see this a great project for the region,” Ullo said. “It’s a gateway to the region and also would be a great place for a picnic. The building would also have information about businesses and a wayfinding map.”

The BRLT is looking for a partnership with the town to construct and maintain the building. Ullo estimated the complex would cost $90,000 and $120,000 with public restrooms. 

The BRLT acquired the preserve in 2014. Boothbay residents approved the transfer at the annual town meeting. The agreement between Boothbay and BRLT requires construction of a 1,500-square foot building. Ullo described the proposal as a good thing for both the land trust and the town. “We see this as an opportunity to provide resources to the region and strengthen our relationship with the town. This is something that can be used by the community and those visiting the region.”

The selectmen also welcomed two new members. This was the first meeting for Selectmen Kristina Ford and Mike Tomacelli. The board elected Chuck Cunningham chairman. He succeeds Harmon who served the previous two years as chairman. Selectman Steve Lewis was elected vice-chairman.

The board will meet next at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 24 in the municipal room.