The Boothbay selectmen directed Town Manager Dan Bryer to officially notify the state Department of Transportation about the board’s desire to negotiate a Business Partnership Initiative deal. The selectmen voted 3-0 May 25 to direct him to begin negotiations.

The BPI is an agreement between the state, municipality and a private group to fund a local transportation project. The DOT and Southport businessman Paul Coulombe have expressed interest in financing the construction of a roundabout near the Boothbay Common and town office.

The selectmen have held three joint informational hearings in conjunction with the DOT regarding the proposed Route 27 roundabout.

The selectmen’s decision allows the DOT to consider the project and potentially reserve up to $1 million for the $3.3 million project. But the selectmen cautioned residents it doesn’t lock them into anything.

“All this does is secure the $1 million. If the voters say no in November then it’s over and we’re not locked into anything,” Selectman Steve Lewis said.

The selectmen also entered into an agreement for an independent third party to review the DOT’s Route 27 Traffic Study.  The selectmen requested bids from five firms recommended by the DOT, but only received one. Tylin International of Falmouth submitted a $1,500 bid.

The selectmen agreed to accept the lone bid and not wait to see if other bidders submitted proposals.

“I think $1,500 is dang reasonable. The other firms understood the bids were due tonight and didn’t submit any,” said Lewis.

During previous joint informational sessions held by the selectmen and DOT, residents requested an independent review of the DOT’s Route 27 Traffic study indicating a roundabout was the best mechanism for regulating traffic and improving safety.

In other action, the selectmen approved a conditional agreement with a Saco antique dealer to use the Boothbay Common. Goosefare Antiques has held shows in the Boothbay region since 1974. The selectmen tabled the vendor’s request last month after receiving a complaint that Goosefare charges a $5 admission fee. The antique show will be held this summer if the dealer donates a portion of gate receipts to a local non-profit group or pays a user fee.

Selectman Dale Harmon believed the town needed to adjust its policy for commercial ventures using the Common.

“Renting the Boothbay Common is dirt cheap, you can rent it for next to nothing,” he said. “The town charges a $100 refundable fee to all users. If the grounds are cleaned after the event, the town refunds the $100. So last year, they (Goosefare) used it for nothing.”

Goosefare Antiques owners John and Elizabeth Desimone attended the meeting at the selectmen’s request. They agreed to the conditions. The couple told the board they’ve considered partnering with the Boothbay Fire Department and the Boothbay Region Community Center.

Goosefare Antiques sponsors shows all over the region, according to the owners. The Desimones charge local vendors a fee for displaying their antiques. The Desimones also charge visitors an admission fee. 

The Desimones are responsible for advertising and setting up the shows. John Desimone said the admission fees defray expenses in hosting the event. In other communities, Goosefare usually donates a portion of gate receipts to a local non-profit group that serves as their partner.

“We would love to get involved with the community center or some other group. It would help link us to the community. We have no problem donating a portion of the gate to a local group,” said John Desimone.

The vendor’s local sponsors typically assist by placing posters advertising the show around the community.

“They (local partners) can be as involved as they like. The donation depends upon how much they become involved,” he said.

Bryer and the Desimones will negotiate the fee structure for the upcoming event. Harmon wants a fee structure fair to both the business and taxpayers.

“I want to be reasonable, but last year they got the entire Common for free because we returned the deposit,” Harmon said. “I don’t think that’s right, but I want to find a balance, too.”

In other action, the selectmen tabled appointing a chairman and vice-chairman for the next year. Only three selectmen — Harmon, Lewis, and Doug Burnham — were present. The trio want to elect the chairman and vice chairman when all five members are present.

The selectmen also voted 3-0 to renew Kimberly Swan’s innkeepers license for the Smuggler’s Cove Inn, Inc. located at 727 Ocean Point Road in East Boothbay.

The board will meet next at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 8 in the municipal building.